1.52. The representative of Chinese Taipei said her delegation welcomed the circulation of the draft composite text as well as the revised version of the joint proposal as announced by Canada. While the initial reaction had been to recognize the achievement of the draft composite text - the first of its kind since the Round started almost ten years ago - as a positive sign for the negotiations, upon a closer look his delegation remained concerned with the numerous brackets throughout the text and the differing views still held by Members. She said that, although it could be pragmatic to display all the differing views in the first drafting phase, her delegation had particular concerns with regard to the issue of mandate.
1.53. As other joint proposal co-sponsors had done, Chinese Taipei wished to reiterate that, first, the scope of the mandate given to this negotiating group by Article 23.4 of TRIPS Agreement was to establish a multilateral system of notification and registration of GIs for wines and spirits. In this regard, her delegation appreciated the Chair's cover page with a clear heading. Second, Article 23.4 referred to GIs "eligible for protection in those members participating in this system", which meant that Members were free to choose to participate in the system on a purely voluntary basis. Lastly, the consequences of registration were meant to facilitate, not to increase, the protection of GIs for wines and spirits. The domestic examiner was obliged to consult the database before making any decision, but the importance of the information obtained from the database could be assessed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with domestic laws. The mandate spoke for itself very clearly with respect to scope, voluntary participation and the obligation to consult the database.
1.54. While the first phase of drafting work had been completed, a lot of work remained to be done. The issue of submitting the text by the Easter deadline was paramount, and the way in which Members would take this next step would be crucial. Her delegation appreciated the methodology currently applied in the drafting work. It continued to support the Member-driven and bottom-up approach, and recognized that the small group meetings were useful and efficient for producing a single text. However, it would like to stress that the results of the small group discussions had to feed into the multilateral process, so that the principles of full participation, inclusiveness and transparency would be respected throughout the process. Her delegation stood ready to work with Members and play a constructive role in the crucial next stage.
