Washington, DC - Representatives from the governments of the United States and Peru met April 13 - 17 in Peru to continue discussions on the Forest Sector (Logging) Annex to the Environment Chapter of the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA). The U.S. delegation, led by USTR, held meetings with entities responsible for implementing the PTPA's commitments under the Annex, which included the Ministries of Trade, Environment, and Agriculture; OSINFOR (the supervisory entity for forestry and wildlife); and representatives from Regional governments. In addition, both the U.S. and Peru delegations held their first-ever joint open forum with civil society, including the private sector and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to discuss progress made to date and address concerns related to the implementation process.
USTR continues to work closely with the Government of Peru to ensure that the environmental obligations under the PTPA are successfully implemented in a transparent manner. Both delegations agreed on the importance of maintaining active engagement with civil society. The United States looks forward to hosting the next meeting between civil society and government officials from both countries in Washington, D.C. in June.
BACKGROUND
The U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA) entered into force on February 1, 2009. The Agreement is the first free trade agreement in force that incorporates the enhanced environmental provisions set out in the May 10, 2007, Bipartisan Agreement on Trade. Over the past several months, Peru has undertaken unprecedented changes to its legal and regulatory regimes to implement its environmental obligations under the Agreement. As provided in the Forest Sector Annex, Peru has 18 months from entry into force to fully implement its obligations under that Annex. In accordance with a commitment made by the two countries earlier this year, the Sub-Committee on Forest Sector Governance, established under the Forest Sector Annex, will meet within the first six months after entry into force to discuss matters relating to the implementation of the Annex.
