The Group does not have written operating procedures and rules. In general
the host country assumes the chair in meetings held in their own country
with this procedure operating for both public and private sector. Decision-making
is by consensus.
Meetings are held over two or three days and feature both joint and separate
sessions of the government and industry sectors. Meetings generally commence
with a joint government and industry session at which participants share
information on matters such as market developments, and international
trade discussions. This information sharing, which is generally very free
and open, provides a basis for all discussions of the group.
Following the joint session, the standard practice is for the two groups to then move into separate sessions. Agenda items for the separate sessions are not necessarily the same in the two groups, but may be similar.
The second day commences with separate sessions, and concludes with a joint session for reporting back. For the industry sector group this has often taken the form of statements agreed by the private sector during their discussions and which they formally notify to the government sector. The industry sector statements often generate agenda items and discussions at subsequent meetings of the government sector.
Government report back has often been in the form of agreement to produce various papers prior to the next meeting of the group. In Sonoma the government sector agreed to the issue of a press statement in respect of progress with the mutual acceptance agreement on oenological practices.
During the meeting in Mendoza, Argentina in March of 1999, the WWTG agreed upon objectives and the function of the group.
OBJECTIVES
1. To examine, discuss and create opportunities for opening all wine markets to allow a free movement of goods by eliminating obstacles to trade, whereby members:
a. Agree that differences in wine-making practices should not be a barrier
to
trade.
b. Agree that all trade distorting subsidies should be eliminated, not
just
production subsidies.
c. Agree to a reduction of tariffs as a means to develop the wine market.
2. To elicit and exchange views on international wine trade through the implementation of cooperation, communication and understanding among the members in the form of information sharing.
3. Create opportunities to further joint objectives through meetings, conferences or negotiations.
IMPLEMENTATION TECHNIQUES
1. Regular sharing of information that is international trade related. Refer to the above description of information sharing for further detail.
2. Participate in meetings to encourage government recommendations and actions that will further the objectives of the group. Whenever possible, coordinate meeting schedules with trade shows or other relevant events to minimize travel.
3. Facilitate interfaces between the World Wine Trade Group and governments as a means of achieving open wine markets.
4. Utilize existing international organizations to achieve objectives. The World Wine Trade Group will develop advanced positions for presentations at meetings when feasible. These organisations may include OIV, WTO, FIVS, FAO, WIPO, WCO, WHO, Codex, OECD and regional groups such as APEC, and FTAA.
5. Reaffirm the role of the WTO and its agreements including TRIPS, TBT, and SPS.
6. Maintain relations and cooperation with the Comité Vins of the European Union.
7. Ensure that the World Wine Trade Group remains flexible and avoids
becoming
focused on single issues.
8. The World Wine Trade Group should always attempt to achieve consensus, rather than seek a majority opinion.