Successful launch of WTI’s co-operation with the Faculty of Agronomy (University of Buenos Aires)

The main topics of this inaugural event were multilateral and regional trade rules and instruments, including sanitary and phytosanitary rules, of interest to agri-food industries in the above-mentioned countries and in the light of recent developments. Christian Häberli, Senior Research Fellow (WTI/NCCR Trade Regulation) made three presentations of NCCR research results: (i) on the consequences of new developments in agricultural trade for the multilateral trading system, (ii) on the contribution of the latter to climate change negotiations and on the problems with WTO rules arising in the context of climate change mitigation and adaptation policies, and (iii) on the interaction between multilateral and regional trade agreements with respect to dispute settlement, for investments, intellectual property, and services trade. Based on a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between the WTI and the Argentinean Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock, this was the first time the WTI had been involved in a scientific exchange in this dynamic research and policy field. It is hoped that this co-operation will lead to further activities, including increased student participation in various training activities at the WTI.