The fifth meeting of the Negotiating Group on Market Access took place in Miami from August 2 through 6, 1999. Delegates from the following countries participated therein: Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Under the agenda adopted for the meeting, the Group considered the issues related to the Hemispheric Data Base, the methods, modalities and timetables for the elimination of tariffs, other measures that affect the applied tariff, and the issue of special regimes. In addition, the Group discussed various proposals and issues related to non-tariff measures and safeguards.

During the meeting, the Group continued its discussion and made important progress in identifying the elements that may be included in the FTAA chapters on Rules of Origin, Customs Procedures and Technical Barriers to Trade.

In accordance with its Work Program, the Group discussed and prepared a draft version of the Report that will be presented to the Trade Negotiations Committee (TNC) for its remission to the Toronto Ministerial Conference, that will take place this November.

The next meeting of the Negotiating Group on Market Access will be held in Miami, Florida, on September 22-24, 1999.

Attached to this communiqué is the agenda of the meeting.

FTAA - NEGOTIATING GROUP ON MARKET ACCESS

AGENDA

1. Tariffs
2. Non-Tariff Measures
3. Safeguards
4. Rules of Origin
5. Customs Procedures
6. Technical Barriers to Trade
7. Draft NGMA Report to the TNC
8. Other Business