CARTIF national experts advance protocol negotiations

National experts from nine CAREC countries met virtually on 8–9 September to advance negotiations on draft protocols under the CAREC Advanced Regional Trade Integration Framework. 

On 8 September, the Working Group on Trade in Services Cooperation began the first round of negotiations on draft Protocol IV. Participants discussed uncontested articles and technical matters before considering substantive issues where views differed and new proposals were introduced. 

On 9 September, the Working Group on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and Technical Barriers to Trade began the first round of negotiations on draft Protocols II and III and reviewed progress to date. Participants discussed technical and drafting issues, then considered substantive matters where members held different positions. 

The meetings identified areas of convergence, outstanding issues, and next steps for the protocols. Both working groups will meet again online in October to continue discussions before the Chief Negotiators’ Meeting in Manila on 6 November.