OIE implementation of the Doha declaration Jean Michel

OIE’ implementation of the Doha declaration Jean Michel Berges OIE, Chargé de mission FAO/ILRI Workshop on the impacts of SPS constraints Rome, 4 -6 May 2005 1

The OIE World Organisation for Animal Health an intergovernmental organisation Øoperating expenses are paid by member country contributions founded in 1924 – predates the UN 167 Member Countries headquarters in Paris 5 Regional Representations 2

The OIE’s objectives collect, analyse and disseminate veterinary information contribute expertise and encourage coordinated approach to disease outbreaks within its WTO mandate, safeguard world trade through animal health standards ensure transparency in global animal health situation improve veterinary services animal welfare and animal production food safety 3

OIE’s WTO mandate WTO SPS Agreement recognises OIE as a reference organisation for international standards (3 sisters) Øfor food safety - the Codex Alimentarius Commission Øfor animal health and zoonoses - the OIE Øfor plant health - the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) 4

Doha Ministerial Conference November 2001 in Doha, Qatar Negotiations: on WTO Agreement (among others) Agriculture 121 governments submitted proposals OIE, FAO, continuously and WHO participated 5

Doha declaration: regarding Agriculture, reconfirms: The long-term objective to establish a fair and market-oriented trading system Strengthening the rules and commitments by governments to support and protect agriculture Correct and prevent restrictions and distortions in world agricultural markets Integrate special and differential treatment for developing countries throughout the 6

Doha declaration outcomes: OIE, FAO, WHO, and the World Bank joined WTO in implementing Doha commitments Enabling developing countries to meet their needs, in particular market access and rural development Specifically by providing capacity building on the technical implementation of the requirements of the SPS Agreement 7

Establishment of the STDF Responding to the persistent demand by developing countries for substantial improvements in access to markets for their agricultural exports OIE, FAO, WHO, and WTO were joined by the World Bank in establishing the Standards and Trade Development Facility After its establishment, the World Bank committed $300, 000 per annum, for the first three years, to fund partner projects responding to these needs For the moment, bilateral donors are committed until $ 2, 000 8

Objectives of the STDF To explore new technical and financial mechanisms for coordination and resource mobilization To build alliances among standard setting organizations and the implementing and financing agencies To ensure the most effective use of technical and financial resources. 9

Financing by STDF The STDF is both a financing and a coordinating mechanism. Grant financing is available for partner organisations for the benefit of Member Countries Grant financing national private and public organizations in developing countries. Applications are particularly encouraged from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and other Low Income Countries. Transparency: Web Site and database (see WTO Web Site) 10

Objectives of the OIE in STDF Assist in the evaluation of Member Countries’ infrastructure weaknesses and needs regarding their ability to participate in the SPS process Develop capacity building strategies with the Member Countries and in accordance with the needs identified Assist Veterinary Services in submitting projects to their Ministries and eventually 11

Funded OIE projects through STDF Evaluation tool: OIE project in conjunction with IICA, developed an evaluation instrument for a joint private/ public sector evaluation of the current level of performance of their Veterinary Services Train the trainer: OIE project in conjunction with WTO to prepare a cadre of regional technical experts for providing continuous SPS training to OIE Delegates and Veterinary Services at the five OIE regions ALive: OIE survey in conjunction with WB and FAO on regional and international market access 12

Other OIE’ initiative Memorendum of Understanding with the WB to recognise the National Veterinary Services as a « Global Public Good » Specific capacity building activities of the five OIE Regional Representations Consolidation of ALive initiative with the MDTF Influence to duplicate ALive model for others Regions Take in considération of Doha déclaration in the 4 th stratégic plan of OIE 13

Interests for OIE Member Countries Veterinary Services are now key partners in WTO SPS discussions Links between public and private veterinarians are considered as priority Application for national investments in Veterinary Services will be considered in certain cases as priority public goods 14

World organisation for animal health 12 rue de Prony 75017 Paris, France Tel: 33 (0)1 44 15 18 88 – Fax: 33 (0)1 42 67 09 87 Email: oie@oie. int http: //www. oie. int 15