Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and MoCI Technical Team with US Director for Accession and the Head of the WTO Secretariat.jpg
Photo Credit:
|
WTO Accession Updates
The WTO Accession Negotiations of Liberia are on the threshold of conclusion. The negotiations were initiated in 2007 based on the application from the Government of Liberia. Upon the instruction of H.E. Madame Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President of Liberia, the negotiating team of the Liberian Government has used Liberia's accession negotiations, strategically, as an instrument for domestic reforms designed, inter alia, for post-conflict reconstruction and national reconciliation and to integrate Liberia into the global economy on the basis of the WTO core values of the market economy, good governance, transparency and the rule of law. As directed by President Johnson-Sirleaf, Liberia has met these objectives as set by the President. Full realization of the benefits shall be work in progress and shall entail a focused WTO Post-Accession Support Strategy for Liberia", upon membership.
Technically, at this stage, the draft Accession’s Package is being completed by Secretariat. Factually, several key points are to be noted:
-
Market Access: In keeping with Accession’s Roadmap, Liberia has concluded bilateral negotiations on its market access with Japan, Canada, EU, US, Thailand and Chinese Taipei.
-
Agriculture: Liberia has concluded its negotiations on Agriculture and members have accepted its Agriculture Supporting Tables.
-
Rules: The updated Draft Report of the Working Party has been completed and circulated with members.
-
Third Working Party Meeting: On July 24th the Liberian delegation participated in the Third Working Party Meeting and a technical team concluded the with technical working sessions after meeting to conclude any outstanding issues. Subsequently, a Technical Verification Meeting was held on July 28, 2015, on the consolidations of bilateral agreements, updated Draft Working Party Report and the Legislative Action Plan
-
Chair and Director’s Visit: Invitation letter extended to Working Party Chair and Director of Accession Division for visit week of August 25-28, for Stakeholder engagements with public and private sectors including meetings with Cabinet, Leadership of Legislature and Private Sector Stakeholders including various associations (LIBA, Chamber of Commerce, professional associations).
-
October 8, 2015 – 4th and Final Working Party Meeting: Conclusion of Liberia’s accession negotiations and adoption of the Draft Accession Package, ad referendum.
-
MC10 (Kenya) 15-18 December: Trade Ministers at Ministerial 10 (MC10) Conference in Nairobi shall consider Accession Package for formal approval. President invited to sign Liberia’s Accession Protocol with WTO Director General.