For the 2008/09 financial year, the Anti-Dumping and Subsidies Commission (ADSC) will continue to provide support for the work of the Jamaican delegation in Geneva, by review, discussion and written comments to the World Trade Organisation Negotiating Group on Rules.

According to a Ministry Paper tabled in the House of Representatives recently by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Karl Samuda, the ADSC is also planning to attend a number of rules negotiation meetings as this has been deemed "necessary for the most effective participation in the process."

"The Commission will write its recommendation and pursue with the possibility of bringing within its mandate, the systematic review of and evaluation of the impact of applied tariff changes when needed or requested," the Ministry Paper said.

The ADSC will also continue to pursue a programme to educate industries about its mandate; complete its current written review of the draft Bill for the Customs Duties (Dumping and Subsidies) Act by June 2008 and will follow this with a review of the regulations, the Safeguard Act and the Safeguard regulations.

For the 2007/08 financial year, five industries were examined by the Commission to determine potential grounds for complaints to be brought on their behalf. However, during the year, no complaint was filed with the Commission.

The Commission also placed emphasis on public education as standardised programmes were formulated for the Jamaican industry, while a compact disc with revised training materials, including power point presentations and explanatory papers, was developed to deliver training.

The ADSC aims to foster fair competition and equity in Jamaica's international trading environment by vigorous and efficient enforcement of Jamaica's trade remedies legislation; provide advice regarding international trade policy development and trade agreement negotiations; and also to promote public awareness of Jamaica's international trade remedies regime.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008 

KINGSTON (JIS)

Source: www.jis.gov.jm