TD/55 page 6

elapsed to consider the feasibility of a further international negotiation to

reduce tariffs on an m.f.n. basis. If they do so and the negotiations were

successful, an element of degressivity would automatically be introduced into the

arrangements for developing countries.

Depth of Cuts

The improved access for developing countries may take the form of duty-free

treatment or substantial reductions below m.f.n. rates.

G.

Safeguards and Adjustments

Any scheme of special tariff treatment must inevitably include some safeguard or adjustment arrangements to avoid the risks of dislocation of industry and labour.

Or

Safeguards may be either related to the possibility of withdrawal or modification of special tariff treatment when imports of particular products reach certain limits (defined in advance by reference to domestic production, consumption or imports): they can be related to determination by the developed country concerned of the causing or the threat of injury from such imports.

These questions call for examination with a view to agreement among developed countries. It will be for the countries according special tariff treatment to ensure that safeguards and adjustments are applied in a manner consonant with the principle of equitable sharing of improved access and taking account of the effects of the arrangements on the exports of third countries.

H.

Preferences received by some developing countries in the markets of some developed countries

It is recognized that many countries would see as an important objective of the new arrangements a movement in the direction of equality of treatment for the exports of all developing countries in developed country markets. At the same time, developing countries presently receiving preferences in some such markets would expect the arrangements to provide them with increased export opportunities to compensate for their sharing of their present advantages.

I. Action by Countries with Centrally-Planned Economies

Both in order to maximize benefits for the developing countries and to provide for equitable distribution of appropriate measures among developed countries, the grant of special tariff treatment by developed countries with market economies should be matched by arrangements by countries with centrally-planned economies which would similarly increase the opportunities for the export to them of products from developing countries.

?

Share This Page