Considerations on COM(2014)80 - Authorisation of the opening of negotiations with Gabon according to Article XXVIII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994

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dossier COM(2014)80 - Authorisation of the opening of negotiations with Gabon according to Article XXVIII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and ...
document COM(2014)80 EN
date February 18, 2014
 
(1)       On 3 October 2013, Gabon notified the World Trade Organisation Members of its intention to modify certain concessions in its WTO Schedule XL VII related to around 2159 products in accordance with the procedures of Article XXVIII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 and to enter into negotiations and/or consultations with the appropriate WTO Members pursuant to Article XXVIII of that Agreement.

(2)       Since Gabon justifies its request by referring to its obligation to align to the Common External Tariff of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa, the EU considers that Gabon's proposal for its schedule modification falls also under Article XXIV:6 of the GATT 1994, and that Article XXVIII of the GATT 1994 applies in conjunction with Article XXIV:6 of the GATT 1994.

(3)       Negotiations should be opened and conducted with Gabon under Article XXVIII/Article XXIV:6 of the GATT with a view to reaching agreement on any appropriate compensatory adjustments resulting from the modification of the concessions.