“At this particular time in the life of the WTO, this fresh contribution is a sign of France's renewed confidence in the multilateral trading system and its supervisory organization,?stated Philippe Gros, the Permanent Delegate of France to the WTO. “It reflects France's desire to help those of its development partners interested in acquiring in-depth knowledge and understanding of the multilateral trade agreements, in particular the SPS Agreement, given the significance of its provisions in trade terms.?br>
“I should like to thank France for its contribution,?said WTO Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi. “The technical assistance provided by the WTO is crucial to its developing country Members and should help them not only to participate fully in the negotiations currently under way, but also to continue to implement the existing agreements.?

The SPS Agreement requires WTO Members to base their sanitary and phytosanitary measures on scientifically justified requirements. Trade in agricultural products is of particular importance to most developing countries and an appropriate understanding of the SPS Agreement is essential.