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Trade & Environment

Effects of Trade Liberalization on Agriculture with Special Focus on Products where Methyl Bromide is Used

The study was part of the Promoting and Monitoring Synergy Between Trade and environment project funded by the United Nations Environment Programme UNEP and managed by the United Nations Development Programme UNDP. The main objective of this study was to determine the impact of environmental measures taken in Lebanon concerning methyl bromide use on Lebanon trade as well as the impact of this trade on the Lebanese environment once methyl bromide is phased out.

The study specifically assessed the environmental and socio-economic impacts of methyl bromide and its suggested alternatives as well as their economic and financial feasibilities, and proposed a policy to succeed with the phasing out of methyl bromide.

Impacts of Environmental Regulations on Trade and Competitiveness: A Screening Analysis of the Textile Industry in Syria- Phase II 

The aim of the study was to conduct through a rapid assessment, a screening analysis about the textile industry in Syria and the sensitivity of its production and competitiveness to cost changes induced by domestic and foreign environmental regulations.The final output of the study was a report with supporting data showing the findings. The latter was presented in an in-country roundtable discussion.

Free Trade and the Environment in Syria: Case Study on the Vegetables and Fruits

The aim of the project was to identify the impacts on the environment resulting from the expected changes in Syria's export pattern of vegetables and fruits in light of each of the following free trade areas:

  • The Euro-Mediterranean Free Trade Area
  • The Arab Free Trade Area

The project results will enable policy makers to develop corresponding legislation for reservation of the environment

    The Implication of the WTO Trade and Environment Committee Recommendations and Issues under Negotiations on Trade in the ESCWA Member Countries: the Textile Industry Syria

    The aim of the study was to come up with recommendations and to briefly assess the possible impacts of the WTO's environmental regulations on the Syrian textile industry.
    • The study did focus briefly on the relevant items in the CTE's work program and examine their implications in terms of policy, rules and commitments in member states
    • Expected impacts were examined relative to the textile industry in Syria. The Textile sector was selected due to its importance in the overall Syrian export industry
    • The challenges and opportunities were defined in the light of the country's efforts to implement sustainable development policies and to cope with its international obligations
    • Sets of recommendations were elaborated for national stakeholders in the light of their adherence to WTO

    The Implication of the WTO Trade and Environment Committee Recommendations and Issues under Negotiations on Trade in the ESCWA Member Countries: the Agro-food Industry in Lebanon.

    The aim of the study was to come up with recommendations and to briefly assess the possible impacts of WTO's environmental regulations on the Lebanese Agro-food industry

    • The study did focus briefly on the relevant items in the CTE's work program and examine their implications in terms of policy, rules and commitments in member states
    • Expected impacts were examined relative to the Agro-food industry in Lebanon. The Agro-food sector was selected due to its importance in the overall Lebanese export industry
    • The challenges and opportunities were defined in the light of the country's efforts to implement sustainable development policies and to cope with its international obligations
    • Sets of recommendations were elaborated for national stakeholders in the light of their adherence to WTO

    Free - Trade and the Environment in Lebanon: Case Study on the Chemicals and Agro- Food Industries

    The aim of the project was to identify the impacts on the environment resulting from the expected changes in Lebanon's export pattern of chemical and agro-food products in light of each of the following free trade areas:
    • The Euro-Mediterranean Free Trade Area
    • The Arab Free Trade Area
    • The Free Trade Agreement between Lebanon and Syria

    The project results were disseminated to the Syndicate of Lebanon Agro-Food Industry during a workshop on the Environmental Performance of the Lebanese Agro-Food Industry. The project allowed policy makers to develop corresponding legislation for preservation of the environment.

    Trade and Environment in the Free Trade Zone in the Mediterranean: Defining Objectives, Activities Over a Clear Work Plan

    The aim of the project was to set final objectives, prepare a work-plan and cost estimate of a detailed study on free trade between the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership countries or members and its impact on the environmental issues in light of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership and GATT agreement. The following tasks were conducted:

    • Analysis of existing data on trade and environment in the Mediterranean region
    • Development and evaluation of questionnaires sent to the involved countries and partners
    • Setting final objectives, work-plan and cost of detailed study