WTO New Round of Negotiations Research Series on Environmental and Trade Issues (A Series of Seven Volumes): Environmental Measures and Market Access

Author: Shen Xiaoyue
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-02-01
Features: Joining the WTO has also had a significant impact on China's environmental situation. This impact is direct and short-term, but more importantly, it is indirect and long-term. It presents both a rare historical opportunity for structural adjustment and, in some aspects, increases environmental pressure. One of the important tasks before our environmental protection departments is: how to improve China's economic structure through adjusting trade policies, thereby maximizing the positive environmental impact of the WTO on China and minimizing its negative impact. Based on a review of the basic progress of WTO trade and environment negotiations, this series explores the principles and positions China should adopt in participating in the new round of negotiations to address trade and environment issues. It proactively conducts preliminary research on key topics such as the relationship between WTO multilateral trade rules and multilateral environmental agreements, eliminating tariffs and non-tariff barriers in trade in environmental goods and services, the impact of environmental measures on market access, trade and environment issues in the negotiation of the Intellectual Property Agreement, and the issue of eco-labeling in trade and environment negotiations. This research provides decision-making references for China to formulate and adjust domestic environmental policies and trade policies. At the same time, it also plays a very important positive role in helping China participate more effectively in WTO trade and environment negotiations. The publication of this series will inject new vitality into the study of trade and environment issues in the new round of WTO negotiations and fill the gaps in China's research on trade and environment issues. This not only promotes in-depth research on trade and environment issues in China's new round of WTO negotiations but also has important theoretical and practical significance for China to actively participate in the new round of trade and environment negotiations, embrace the opportunities and challenges after joining the WTO, and promote the coordinated development of trade and environment in China and globally.