14/ WTO delivers first edition of SPS In-depth Virtual Course

8 OCTOBER 2021

Twenty-three participants from across the world took part in the first edition of the “SPS In-depth Virtual Course”, a new advanced-level technical assistance activity. Organized by the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) section of the WTO Agriculture and Commodities Division, with the collaboration of the Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation, the course took place virtually from 20 September to 8 October 2021

The new course is a comprehensive capacity building activity aimed at equipping government officials from developing members and observers with knowledge on various aspects of implementing the SPS Agreement and on topical SPS issues to facilitate their effective participation in the SPS Committee. The course, delivered in English, was held over three weeks with sessions of 1.5-2 hours. The activity targeted officials holding direct responsibilities in the SPS area with an advanced level of understanding of the WTO, and the principles of the SPS Agreement.

Sessions dealt with the SPS Agreement and its linkages with the Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement (TBT) and the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Sessions also covered the function and role of the SPS Committee, including discussions on current SPS issues, national SPS coordination mechanisms and relevant work of the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF). Other topics included transparency, the SPS Agreement and the work of Codex Alimentarius, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and ways to address SPS-related trade issues.

The course incorporated a variety of formats, such as presentations, interview-style discussions, break-out groups, participant-led debates and a simulation of the SPS Committee meeting. Participants also undertook several intersessional assignments aimed at deepening their understanding of the implementation of the SPS Agreement in their respective countries. In addition, participants shared their national experiences and challenges on various SPS topics throughout the course.

Overall, participants achieved an advanced level of understanding of the SPS Agreement and functioning of the SPS Committee. With this enhanced knowledge, it is expected that participants will be able to effectively engage in the work of the Committee, and meaningfully contribute to the fulfilment of the Committee’s role as the international forum to facilitate dialogue on SPS measures, and to resolve specific trade concerns.

Speakers in the course included WTO Secretariat staff, representatives from Codex, OIE and IPPC, current and former SPS Committee Chairpersons, Geneva-based delegates and other SPS experts. WTO Deputy Director-General Jean-Marie Paugam addressed the participants in the closing ceremony to encourage them to build on and put into practice the lessons learnt and knowledge gained in the course.

Participants were also invited to coordinate with their respective missions their possible participation in the SPS Committee meeting in November, as well as the upcoming Thematic Session on the Procedure to Monitor the Process of International Harmonization.

Overall, participants showed a high level of engagement in the course.

List of participants

Source: wto.org

 

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