CPFTA. Both sides agreed that this Working Group would have first face-to-face meeting in January 2015 in Beijing. The group would mutually agree on the frequency of the meetings and present their recommendations in the next meeting of CPFTA. On the basis of the information shared, it is expected that the above online system can be launched in 2016.
On matters of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS)/Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) and Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), both sides agreed that SPS and TBT Committees which had already been referred under Articles 34 and 41 of CPFTA might be made functional. It was further agreed that both sides would exchange the names of focal persons and relevant departments by the end of January 2015 and a SPS and TBT Committee meeting might be held before the next CPFTA meeting. Chinese side also agreed to consider Pakistani exporters’ concerns regarding the inspection and quarantine process of Rapeseed Meal and Canola Seed based on Pakistan’s cooperation.
It was noticed that the trade figures quoted by both sides differed greatly. Both sides agreed that a study might be conducted respectively to find out the reasons for this discrepancy and the outcome of the study would be shared by the end of January 2015.
In evaluating the first phase of CPFTA, both sides raised concerns regarding insufficient utilisation of concession, influence to local industry as a result of concession and misuse of certificate of origin which could be addressed in the second phase.
Based on the understanding that the Tariff Reduction Modalities (TRMs) of the second phase of CPFTA will be independent of the first phase TRM, both sides offered their respective TRM schedule. It was agreed that offers would be discussed further in the next meeting of the CPFTA negotiations scheduled to be held at the end of March 2015 in Beijing. Both sides agreed to try their level best to narrow down the gap between both TRMs. Both sides also agreed to further analyse these offers including the trigger mechanism for special safeguard measures and give their recommendations by mid-February 2015.It was agreed to establish a Working Group on trade in services and investment, which would meet with the next CPFTA meeting, scheduled to be held at the end of March 2015.