TNAG-0629-FCO40-777-Effect-of-GATT-Multi-Fibre-Arrangement-on-Hong-Kong-negotiat-1988 — Page 146

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15. Discussions among participants on the MFA which followed these introductory statements, covered the entire range of topics put down on the agenda, namely: Implementation of the Arrangement, Review of Recent Discussions in the Textiles Committee; Consideration of Proposals Relating to the Renewal of the Arrangement; and Action towards the Maximisation of Benefits to Developing Countries from the Arrangement. For facility of debate and for focusing attention on specific and concrete issues, the following aspects of the Arrangement were referred to during the discussions, among others:-

i)

ii)

iii)

iv)

v)

vi)

vii)

viii)

Objectives and purposes of the MFA;

Concepts of market disruption, cumulative market disruption, 'import penetration' and 'intensive import penetration' 'minimum viable production' etc., canvassed by developed countries, including suggested globalisation of import quotas;

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Base/reference periods and growth rates under Annex B ;

Interpretation and operation of Article 12 of the Arrangement;

Invocation of Article XIX and other GATT provisions outside the Arrangement;

Special and differential treatment for developing countries under Article 6;

Composition and functions of the TSB; and

Negotiating techniques in bilateral and multilateral negotiations and strategy for developing countries.

Consequent on the itemisation of issues such as these, the discussions took on the character of an exchange of information, experience and views, accompanied by continuous dialogue among all participants, in place of mere statements and propositions. They were greatly facilitated by a series of contributions in the form of written papers, mainly by members of the Hong Kong Delegation (listed below) which had been circulated before the commencement of the Seminar and which were introduced by the authors at appropriate stages of the debate: -

(1)

"A personal view of some of the changes proposed for the

By Mr. L.W.R. Mills of the Hong Kong

"Some techniques which the developing Government.

Arrangement regarding International Trade in Textiles (the MFA)".

(2)

countries might adopt in textile

negotiations under the Arrangement

regarding International Trade in

Textiles (the MFA)".

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