17 June 2022: Summary of discussion of the first UK-Andean Countries Market Access Sub-Committee
Updated 22 January 2024
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Summary of discussion of the first United Kingdom-Andean Countries Market Access Sub-Committee
UK hosted virtually, 17 June 2022.
1. Introduction and opening remarks
The UK, Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia introduced their delegations to the Market Access Sub-Committee and expressed their desire for a constructive relationship moving forward.
2. Agreement on rule of procedure
The Rules of Procedure were adopted for this meeting of the Market Access Sub-committee.
3. Andean presentation on banana tariffs
Ecuador and Peru outlined the difficulties their banana industries were facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. They also shared initial ideas on the process of the review clause within the UK-Andean Agreement. The UK thanked the Andean countries for their presentation and for sharing their initial reflections on the review clause process.
The Andean countries have requested the UK, according to the deadlines established by the Agreement, carry out a technical study before 2024. Ecuador committed to propose a roadmap to carry out this study with the other Andean countries and send it to the UK to begin joint work on the matter. The UK agreed and awaits the Andean countries’ proposal.
4. UK update on Pisco tax
The UK noted that it would be submitting written question to Peru on how Peru’s Pisco tax complied with the National Treatment rules at the WTO.
5. Any other business (AOB)
There were no AOBs.
6. Conclusion
The UK thanked all parties for a constructive meeting.
7. Agreed next steps and actions
- Ecuador had agreed to send the UK their version of a roadmap to July 2024 and internally coordinate with the Andean countries.
- On Pisco Tax, the UK stated that it would be submitting written questions to Peru.
- The UK agreed to take away reflections on the banana tariff review and come up with ways to move forward on this.