The follow-up session of the Advanced SPS Course concluded in Geneva on June 14, 2024. The event featured presentations where participants shared their action plan objectives, achievements, and lessons learned from implementation. Group discussions led by WTO SPS experts and coaches addressed mitigating implementation challenges, the role of the WTO SPS Committee, specific trade concerns, and SPS disputes. These activities allowed participants to reflect on strategies to maintain positive results and strengthen their understanding of the SPS Agreement and related transparency tools.
Among the initial results showcased during the session was a presentation by Paz Benavidez from the Philippines. Benavidez reported issuing new guidelines for regulatory impact assessments and establishing a Regulatory Clearinghouse System. "This move," she said, "is expected to significantly improve the coherence and transparency of SPS measures in the Philippines."
Anielka Morales Miranda from Nicaragua highlighted the practical benefits of this stocktaking exercise. She noted that it helped her secure support and resources for her action plan: “I will now complete my action plan by adding a transparency workshop, using the network we have created and sharing experiences with other regions to increase stakeholder commitment and engagement.”
Abiola Tijani from Nigeria emphasized the importance of addressing transparency issues related to SPS draft regulations on food safety: “The next step for me is to ensure the sustainability of the lessons learned, build on the enormous knowledge gained from training, and network with various SPS experts and colleagues who participated in the programme.”
Abdulhamid Al-Riyami from Oman stated: “Participating in this session was a great opportunity from which I have gained further insights, including tools and skills needed to implement a feasible action plan that can address our current challenges in implementing SPS Agreement provisions.”