Jennifer Prescott, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Environment and Natural Resources, Office of the United States Trade Representative, Dr. Kerri-Ann Jones, Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Pablo Vieira Samper, Vice Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Luis Felipe Quintero, Director of Trade Relations, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism
This week, Assistant United States Trade Representative for Environment and Natural Resources Jennifer Prescott co-chaired the inaugural meetings of the United States - Colombia Environmental Affairs Council (EAC) and Environmental Cooperation Commission (ECC). The Council and Commission meetings are an important way for the U.S. and Colombia to exchange information about respective efforts to continue to implement the Environment Chapter of the TPA. The United States - Colombia Environmental Affairs Council reviewed several areas of progress under the TPA's environment chapter, including actions taken by the United States and Colombia to increase levels of environmental protection, ensure effective enforcement of environmental laws, and provide opportunities for public participation in environmental governance and the trade policy-setting processes. The Environmental Cooperation Commission (ECC) reviewed ongoing environmental cooperation activities and approved and signed the first U.S.-Colombia Environmental Cooperation Work Plan under the ECA, which provides a robust framework for advancing environmental cooperation in the coming years.
The meetings focused on progress to implement the environmental provisions of the United States- Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA), and culminated with a public session in which stakeholders had an opportunity to participate in a discussion with government officials about implementation of the TPA Environment Chapter, existing environmental cooperation programs, and plans for further cooperation.
For more information, please see the Joint Communique of the Environmental Affairs Council of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement and Environmental Cooperation Commision of the U.S.-Colombia Environmental Cooperation Agreement.
