In accordance with numeral 14 of the Buenos Aires Ministerial Declaration and taking into account the recommendations of the Consultative Group on Smaller Economies, the Trade Negotiations Committee adopted the following guidelines or directives for the treatment of differences in the levels of development and size of the economies. This list is not exhaustive and does not preclude the adoption of other guidelines or directives by the TNC. The measures agreed upon to address the differences in the levels of development and size of the economies shall be consistent with the objectives and principles of the FTAA, which are set forth in Annex I of the San Jose Ministerial Declaration, and shall:

1. Provide a flexible framework that accommodates the characteristics and needs of each one of the countries participating in the FTAA negotiations.
2. Be transparent, simple and easily applicable, while recognizing the degree of heterogeneity among the FTAA economies.
3. Be determined by each of the Negotiating Groups. Nevertheless, when this treatment refers to topics which are crosscutting or not confined to one Negotiating Group, it should be determined by the TNC or other entities designated by the TNC.
4. Be determined on the basis of case by case analysis (according to sectors, topics and country/countries).
5. Include transitional measures, which could be supported by technical cooperation programs.
6. Take into account existing market access conditions among the countries of the Hemisphere.
7. Consider longer periods for compliance with obligations.

COMPLEMENTARY SUPPORTING MEASURES.

The measures to address the treatment of the differences in the levels of development and size of the economies should be accompanied by a program of complementary supporting measures, which could include:

1. A Hemispheric Cooperation Program, for the purpose of which the Consultative Group on Smaller Economies is instructed to draft a proposal to the TNC based on contributions from the Negotiating Groups.

2. Technical assistance and training during negotiations and the implementation process.