The Relationship of WTO Law and Regional Trade Agreements in Dispute Settlement: From Fragmentation to Coherence
The Relationship of WTO Law and Regional Trade Agreements in Dispute Settlement: From Fragmentation to Coherence

Author: Malebakeng Agnes Forere

Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.

Published: 2015-10-12

Total Pages: 437

ISBN-13: 9041162763

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It is becoming increasingly evident that traditional sovereignty is simply out of date. Instead, what we might call 'cooperative' sovereignty – which focuses on communication and interaction – is more responsive to the realities of interdependent economies in the twenty-first century. Nowhere is this more salient than in the area of dispute resolution, especially as labour, intellectual property, and the environment can no longer be evaded in trade negotiations. This ground-breaking book suggests that it is this shift in perspective that has given rise to the proliferation of Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) and the inevitable overlaps and tensions between their provisions and those of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The author examines this phenomenon in great detail, and offers viable recommendations to restore coherence in the global trading system without upsetting the rights and obligations of WTO Member States. Because the WTO and RTAs must be viewed as layers of one system and must therefore have a relationship that extends to dispute settlement, such principles of subsidiarity as autonomy, mutual assistance, and flexibility are key to a successful institutional relationship between the WTO and RTAs. From this theoretical springboard, the author proceeds to analyse the following issues and more: – the relationship between WTO and RTAs based on Article XXIV of GATT; - the extent to which WTO panels can apply RTA law; - the extent to which the WTO panels can hear RTA claims; - opportunity for RTA Members to secure preliminary rulings and advisory opinions from the WTO; - recognition by WTO panels of the results of litigation or arbitration that took place at the RTA level; - opportunity for RTA Members to appeal RTA dispute settlement decisions to the WTO; and - clarification of WTO rules designed to enable RTA activities (or intervene if necessary). Major cases decided at the WTO and RTA levels that manifest conflict between RTAs and the WTO are fully analysed. Confronting directly the stagnation in negotiating and concluding new trade agreements at the multilateral level and the fragmentation of the international trade law system, this important book shows clearly how the institutional relationship between the WTO and RTAs can be restructured with a view to establishing mutual recognition of the judgments of both. In a nutshell, the book calls for reconfiguration of WTO Dispute Settlement Body to perform functions of World Trade Court that is capable of hearing disputes arising between WTO Members, RTA Members and Non-WTO Members. It will prove invaluable to all involved in the negotiation and implementation of trade agreements at every level.

Fragmentation of International Trade Law Reassessed
Fragmentation of International Trade Law Reassessed

Author: Patrick Wasilczyk

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2023-12-21

Total Pages: 370

ISBN-13: 303140601X

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This book provides innovative and empirically based insights into the ongoing debate on the fragmentation of international trade law. It offers the reader a much-needed doctrinal overview of the different approaches to the issue of fragmentation and reveals their inherent methodological advantages and limitations. On this basis, the book then approaches the issue of fragmentation from an empirical standpoint by applying a novel dataset on Preferential Trade Agreements’ Dispute Settlement Mechanisms (PTA-DSMs), which have been used to adjudicate general exception clauses within the context of the individual PTA Members’ obligation to liberalize trade in goods. Although the results remain limited to the single issue of PTA-DSM adjudication for liberalization of trade in goods, they are indicative of key misconceptions regarding the fragmentation of ITL. As the findings confirm, the PTA-DSMs assessed have ultimately come to equivalent decisions, taking into consideration their overall use, the nature of the legal commitments embedded in the respective PTAs, and the economic wellbeing of the respective PTA partners. The book reveals the influence of specific PTA-DSMs on other PTA-DSMs and thereby paves the way for legal unification, rather than fragmentation.

Law and Diplomacy in the Management of EU–Asia Trade and Investment Relations
Law and Diplomacy in the Management of EU–Asia Trade and Investment Relations

Author: Chien-Huei Wu

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2019-11-22

Total Pages: 271

ISBN-13: 0429867565

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This volume fills a gap in the literature regarding questions around the interactive dynamics between law and diplomacy on international trade and investment. It brings together lawyers and political scientists from Europe and Asia in an interdisciplinary effort at tracing the respective roles of law and diplomacy in the relations of the European Union (EU) with its trade and investment partners in Asia. Focusing on trade and investment relations with Asia, the EU presents a particularly interesting case as it has been a strong proponent of a rules-based international economic order for years and a frequent user of the formal procedures established in international treaties in case of disputes. At the same time, it has kept diplomatically active to adjust dispute management and international agreements to the needs and demands of the partners involved. Furthermore, not only is this region of crucial importance due to the presence of both vigorous emerging economies, like China, India and Vietnam, and more established partners, like Japan, EU-Asia relations also present a broad set of economic disputes and recent negotiation efforts analyzed in the contributions to this volume. This book will be of key interest to scholars and students of international trade/economic law, EU politics, EU external relations (law), international relations, diplomacy and more broadly to international relations and Asian studies.

Trade and Environment Governance at the World Trade Organization Committee on Trade and Environment
Trade and Environment Governance at the World Trade Organization Committee on Trade and Environment

Author: Manuel Teehankee

Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.

Published: 2020-06-11

Total Pages: 463

ISBN-13: 9403522046

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In the opinion of many, the most crucial issue confronting the world today lies in achieving a sustainable nexus among global trade, economic development, and the environment. This book, written by a prominent diplomat with extensive direct experience in this field, presents a much-needed critical perspective on the conflict of norms among the three policy regimes, focusing on the dilemma of reconciling approaches regarding harmonized global governance and a more diverse community-based approach. It is the first and only in-depth treatment to systematically study a series of deliberations in the World Trade Organization’s Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE), highlighting perspectives taken by both developed and developing economies. The book demonstrates that the CTE’s contributions to the evolving trade and environment policy framework have been, contrary to popular perception, both substantial and relevant. In his review of how the particular characteristics of twenty key work outputs of the CTE impact current practice in trade and environment policy discussions, the author discusses such key issues and topics as the following: a singular harmonized global governance framework versus the centrifugal force of community-based, localized or regional solutions that emphasize diversity and multifaceted institution building; drawbacks and continuing relevance of the CTE Work Agenda; issues related to carbon, intellectual property rights, and services; market access for environmental goods; requirements for environmental purposes relating to products, including standards and technical regulations, packaging, labeling, and recycling; and ways forward for combining global regimes with local solutions in an environmental context. Given the urgent need for making economic policies more coherent with sustainability and environmental goals, and for overcoming the ongoing stalemate between developed and developing countries on this matter, this book is sure to be warmly welcomed by policy makers and negotiators in the areas of both trade and environment, as well as by academics, theorists, and experts in the field of global governance interested in formulating practical approaches to trade and environment governance and minimizing potential policy conflicts.

Innovation in Africa
Innovation in Africa

Author: Fernando dos Santos

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2024-01-18

Total Pages: 273

ISBN-13: 0192671685

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Technology is key to the development of nations yet is not freely or easily accessible. This book aims to contribute to the debate about empowering Africa to play a more meaningful role in the global innovation system. It emphasizes the important role of technology transfer in assisting Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Africa to expand their technological capabilities. The book surveys IP and innovation policies in Africa's past and present, providing theoretical, policy, and legal frameworks, as well as specific measures that will help African LDCs. It proposes solutions to overcome challenges currently posed by inefficiencies in the flow of technologies to LDCs and by the fragmentation of the international legal framework that regulates technology transfer. Notably, the book proposes maximal implementation of the TRIPS Agreement provisions related to technology transfer and recommends the adoption of a uniform international legal instrument under the framework of the WTO to be designated as the Agreement on Trade-Related Issues of Technology Transfer and Innovation (TRITTI). The book advocates for proactivity from African LDCs and urges them to cultivate environments that attract and enable technology transfer into their respective states. This will facilitate technological learning, accelerate absorption and adaptation fit to an African context, and will catapult African LDCs down the road of innovation.

Export Control Law and Regulations Handbook
Export Control Law and Regulations Handbook

Author: Yann Aubin

Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.

Published: 2016-05-15

Total Pages: 637

ISBN-13: 904115468X

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The importance of export control laws and regulations in international trade continues to grow, not only because of the increase in world trade and technology dispersion, but also due to concerns surrounding national and regional stability and the risk of terrorism. Accordingly, familiarity with export control laws and regulations around the world has become extremely important for those involved in the international trade of dual-use or military goods, technology, and services. In this preeminent handbook, now in its third edition, two experienced professionals have gathered contributions from expert practitioners and academics. The third edition adds three new country chapters (Brazil, Israel, and Sweden) and a new separate chapter on sanctions and embargoes. In addition to chapters on the international regime in general, the book provides a practical overview of the export/import control regimes covering defence and dual-use goods and services in fourteen key jurisdictions. Country reports each follow the same structure for easy comparison. Issues and topics covered include the following and much more: • import/export legal and regulatory requirements for controlled goods and services; • sanctions for breach of such requirements (civil, administrative, or criminal); • licence application processes; • arms, dual-use and other products embargo (including chemical and biological materials and technology); and • enforcement measures. The Handbook also makes available, through an online application, all important standard export control–related forms, templates, and other related documents, all of which readers can use to draft their own documents. The Handbook is invaluable to any professional (such as lawyers, compliance key players, procurement, logistics, finance and customs practitioners) working in relation to an organisation with a need to know the specific requirements to be followed for the efficient - and legally compliant - import or export of controlled military or dual-use goods, technologies or services.

The WTO and the New Generation EU FTA Dispute Settlement Mechanisms
The WTO and the New Generation EU FTA Dispute Settlement Mechanisms

Author: Cornelia Furculiță

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2021-09-10

Total Pages: 371

ISBN-13: 3030831183

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This book explores interactions between the new generation EU FTA and the WTO dispute settlement mechanisms, adopting an innovative, comprehensive approach. It investigates how the mechanisms potentially could and actually do compete, conflict, and cooperate, focusing not only on the potential negative consequences of fragmentation, but also on how synergies could be enhanced. Thus, unlike the existing literature, which chiefly focuses on conflicting interactions, it considers positive and negative interactions alike. Moreover, the book explores the topic in light of the most recent changes in and challenges to the international trade law regime. Particular attention is paid to how the multilateral and bilateral mechanisms studied interact with regard to the current WTO dispute settlement crisis and the EU-backed multi-party interim appeal arbitration arrangement. Thus, the book provides up-to-date answers to compelling questions. It also examines in detail the new generation EU FTA dispute settlement mechanisms, an aspect which has not been the subject of thorough research to date.The book pursues an interdisciplinary approach, combining legal methodology, international relations and political science theories with interviews. Given its scope, the book will appeal to researchers and scholars whose work involves international trade law issues. However, it will also be of interest to general international law academics, as it touches upon such issues as fragmentation, forum shopping, and general rules of interpretation. Furthermore, by analysing and presenting proposals with regard to the new generation EU FTAs, it will also be pertinent to the work of EU policymakers and researchers studying EU trade law.

The Customs Valuation Agreement
The Customs Valuation Agreement

Author: Mark K. Neville

Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.

Published: 2023-03-09

Total Pages: 360

ISBN-13: 9403531460

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Global Trade Law Series, Volume 58 Customs valuation is a key element in the corpus of international trade law. Despite the facts that the /WTO Valuation Agreement 1994 remains unchanged in all material respects and that it has been adopted by virtually every trading nation on the planet, there are fissures in the system preventing consensus on many contentious questions. This extremely knowledgeable analysis by a world-renowned specialist lawyer in the field—by concentrating on diverging views on the nature of the central feature of the Agreement, the definition of the price actually paid or payable (PAPP)—provides the most extensive study available of the origins and architecture of the Valuation Agreement and its intersection with transfer pricing norms. Among much else, the author fully explains differing views on such questions as the following: criteria governing royalties and license fees; acceptability of the First Sale for Export doctrine; role of transport charges in valuing dutiable assists; status of interest payments on deferred payments; valuation of carrier media bearing software for data processing equipment; inclusion or exclusion of transport charges in the PAPP; status of the WTO’s moratorium on electronic transmissions; status of payments of money for tools and other materials used in producing the imported goods; and status of international instruments of traffic. The author expertly assesses interpretations of the Valuation Agreement as presented in the instruments of the World Customs Organization and in the administrative and judicial fora of the United States, Canada, and the European Union. This matchless book takes a giant step toward “real-world” consensus on the daunting questions of custom valuation. Customs and international tax professionals, as well as academic scholars, will come away from its in-depth coverage with an enhanced ability to discern the logic inherent in the Valuation Agreement, a greater awareness of current trends and their origins in authoritative customs valuation bodies, and improved confidence when approaching customs valuation questions.

International Economic Dispute Settlement
International Economic Dispute Settlement

Author: Manfred Elsig

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2021-07-22

Total Pages: 520

ISBN-13: 1108967124

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The post-Cold War era has seen an unprecedented move towards more legalization in international cooperation and a growth of third-party dispute settlement systems. WTO panels, the Appellate Body and investor-state dispute settlement cases have received increasing attention beyond the core trade and investment constituencies within governments. Scrutiny by business, civil society, academia, and trade and investment experts has been on the rise. This book asks whether we observe a transformation or a demise of existing institutions and mechanisms to adjudicate disputes over trade or investment. It makes a contribution to the question in which direction international economic dispute settlement is heading in times of change, uncertainty and increasing economic nationalism. In order to do so, it brings together chapters written by leading researchers and experts in law and political science to address the challenges of settling disputes in the global economy and to sketch possible scenarios ahead of us.

Regional Trade Agreements and the Multilateral Trading System
Regional Trade Agreements and the Multilateral Trading System

Author: Rohini Acharya

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2016-09-22

Total Pages: 753

ISBN-13: 1107161649

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This volume contains a collection of studies examining trade-related issues negotiated in regional trade agreements (RTAs) and how RTAs are related to the WTO's rules. While previous work has focused on subsets of RTAs, these studies are based on what is probably the largest dataset used to date, and highlight key issues that have been negotiated in all RTAs notified to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). New rules within RTAs are compared to rules agreed upon by WTO members. The extent of their divergences and the potential implications for parties to RTAs, as well as for WTO members that are not parties to RTAs, are examined. This volume makes an important contribution to the current debate on the role of the WTO in regulating international trade and how WTO rules relate to new rules being developed by RTAs.