Trade and Environment Negotiations in the WTO/CTE: Asian Developing Countries' Perspectives

Abstract

For developing countries, aid cannot replace trade. Mutually supportive trade and environmental policies should contribute to the realization of sustainable development. The purpose of this study is to identify the negotiating position of selected Asian developing countries in the Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE) of the WTO. This study reviews their submissions and suggestions for the CTE with regard to its mandate on trade and environment. In addition, using key trade statistics, it explores the relationship between negotiating positions and structural change of international trade in Asian countries. While the CTE has brought about no specific results concerning its mandate, negotiating positions of developing countries are sharply changing. In particular, Asian developing countries now participate proactively in the CTE negotiations. This study shows the diversity of views held by Asian countries on trade and environment. In some cases, their views are opposed to each other. It can also be observed that the negotiating positions of each Asian country at the CTE are closely related to their own trade structure. In accordance with national patterns of trade structure, NIEs countries, China, and India have their own distinct negotiating positions whereas ASEAN countries have not taken the same stance in the CTE negotiations. Each member of ASEAN presents separate views depending on the nature of the issue.