1. SADC Services Negotiations Recent Developments
Mauritius National Consultation
Workshop on SADC Services Negotiation
Port Louis, 16th July, 2012
Prepared by:
Viola S. Nanyaro
SADC Secretariat
Gaborone, BOTSWANA

2. Introduction Started in 2000 by developing a Protocol
The “Draft Protocol on Trade in Services” was adopted by Ministers of Trade in July 2009
Adoption by Council and signature by HoD/S to follow after clearance by MoJ/AGs
Nov CMT decided that:
TNF Services should commence negotiations on liberalization commitment at its next meeting and;
Request MOJ to expeditiously clear the Draft Protocol for Signature by Summit

3. Introduction Cont. MoJ considered the Protocol in June, 2012
CoSO in April, 2012 amended the Draft Protocol to reflect the decision by CMT in Nov. 2011
Divergence was on the provisions for amendment of the Protocol ( art. 26 adoption of Annexes without ratification?)
From the divergence it was agreed that……..
TNF Services convened in April, 2012
Developed a roadmap for the first round of negotiations

4. 1st Round of Negotiation
Objective :
Each Member State will provide better treatment to SADC MS in each priority sector than is provided in their GATS schedule
No new restrictions to be introduced during the negotiations (“standstill”)
Plus: GATS Article V
Substantial sectoral coverage (~ 6 sectors)
And elimination of substantially all discrimination (~better than GATS commitments sufficient(?))

5. Timelines: 1st Round of Negotiations
First phase: requests and offers
Sector focus in the first phase:
Communication Services
Financial Services
Transport Services
Tourism Services
Beginning of Negotiations
Requests in at least 2 sectors
Requests in at least 2 sectors
Offers in at least 2 sectors
Offers in at least 2 sectors
April 2012
end August 2012
end November 2012
end March 2013
end June 2013

6. Timeline 1st Round of Neg. (ctd.)
Energy-related and Construction Services
Requests: end August 2013
Offers: End November 2013
Additional Elements:
Capacity building in the MS
Sector Studies (market analysis in all MS)
Sector Fora (bringing regional stakeholders together)
Transport ~ September 2012
Communication ~ October 2012