Mission and Goals
The Committee for Trade Agreements (CTA) ensues from the Federation of Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Lebanon (FCCIAL) and includes representatives of the different economic sectors (industry, trade, services and agriculture) in Lebanon, in addition to representations from the civil society (NGOs namely). The Committee essentially aims at unifying the efforts of stakeholders in the private sector, regarding matters related to economic policies and trade agreements, and facing the concerned public sector institutions, as to bring about the relevant consolidated and agreed upon views, suggestions and positions. CTA’s mission and goals have at heart not only the preservation of, but also the promotion of the best interests of the country’s different productive sectors.
CTA’s Operational Mechanism
- CTA’s chairperson, and based on consultations with committee members, is empowered by the Federation’s board of members to undertake the necessary steps that best ensure the interests of the country’s private sector.
- Each Committee member is responsible for the follow-up of an assigned matter (subject).
- A team of experts from the Chamber of Beirut is assigned to provide the necessary technical backup and support to the CTA members. External expertise can be solicited in specific matters, following consultations with the Federation General Secretary.
- The Federation contributes to the travel expenses of CTA members in their missions undertaken within the scope of the Committee’s work.
CTA’s Activities
- Study and evaluate Lebanon’s trade agreement projects, such as: then Euro-Mediterranean trade agreement, the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP), adhesion to the WTO, the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA), and so on so forth.
- Prepare reports and present them to stakeholders from the different economic sectors on issues related to trade mainly, as to solicit their relevant opinions and views and accordingly, present public sector institutions with the needed feedback on certain issues.
- Prepare assessment reports on the progress of Lebanon’s trade negotiations, with special focus on their potential impact on the different productive sectors.
- Study and evaluate subjects and matters sent out by the Economic Organizations in Lebanon.
- Relay to public sector institutions a consolidated and unified position regarding trade negotiation issues.
- Relay to the concerned foreign entities the complaints and dissent of private sector stakeholders in the case of a breach or disrespect of the terms of a trade agreement.
- Elaborate suggestions aiming at enhancing the implementation of trade agreements and also at incorporating amendments in case there is need to do so.