New Pakistan Communication on Special Products

Below is a link to a new communication by Pakistan on Special Products (SPs).

Modalities for the Selection and Treatment of Special Products, April 2007: http://www.tradeobservatory.org/library.cfm?refid=98075

The Pakistan communication attempts to "narrow the gaps" between the G33 negotiating position and other countries positions on Special Products, in particular Thailand's position on SPs. Pakistan annexes a narrower list of indicators than the G33 had proposed. Pakistan also proposes a second set of indicators which would be used to "avoid the risk of undermining food security, livelihood security and rural development either in the country designating the SPs or in another developing country."

Pakistan proposes to offer incentives to those developing countries who decide to limit the number of SPs.

On the treatment of SPs, Pakistan proposes:

• a two-thirds tariff cut compared to the normal tariff cut for developing countries;
• a tariff cap
• a longer implementation period
• expansion of tariff rate quotas
• SPs should NOT be eligible for the Special Safeguard Mechanism