Eighth Trade Policy Coordinating Committee Meeting

Delegates from the eight CAREC participating countries discussed

• a draft Trade Policy Strategic Action Plan, which envisages vigorous pursuit of World Trade Organization (WTO) accession negotiations;
• elimination of remaining quantitative restrictions on exports and imports;
• reduction and simplification of trade taxes; and
• capacity-building activities to facilitate WTO accession.

Delegations were briefed on the topic of aid for trade and a related Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)-WTO monitoring mechanism. The meeting also examined possible areas of further work on border trade issues, and the TPCC’s future work program. Outcomes of the meeting were included in a TPCC report to the Senior Officials’ Meeting on 24-25 April 2008.