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Source: Photo by Joao Vitor Marcilio on Unsplash
Paul Baker from the Africa Trade Foundation, along with Zahraa Beeharry and Pallavi Bajaj, contributed to the Commonwealth Secretariat's recent publication titled Sustainable Production and Trade: Perspectives from the Commonwealth.
Their chapter "Examining Sustainability Provisions in Commonwealth Free Trade Agreements" provides a comprehensive analysis of the integration of sustainability dimensions within Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) involving at least one Commonwealth member country. By studying the different dimensions of sustainability covered in these agreements, such as environmental protection, labour rights, human rights, SME support, and responsible business practices, the chapter contributes to a deeper understanding of how trade policies can be harnessed to achieve broader sustainable development goals.
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is the first FTA involving Commonwealth member countries to include sustainability dimensions beyond environmental and labour issues. The CPTPP also addresses SMEs and responsible business practices in separate chapters. In addition, the CPTPP provisions related to labour and environment have stronger commitments and enforcement mechanisms compared to some other agreements. This agreement serves as an example of how trade agreements can incorporate a broader range of sustainability considerations.
Figure 1: TSD provisions in selected FTAs with at least one Commonwealth member, 2010–2022
Source: Commonwealth Secretariat (2023)
Further analysis reveals distinct trends within North-South and South-South FTAs. North-South agreements, involving developed and developing countries, demonstrate a growing recognition of the importance of sustainable development cooperation, reflecting a commitment to collaborative efforts for inclusive economic growth. On the other hand, South-South agreements, involving developing countries, show a comparatively limited coverage of sustainability provisions.
Their analysis also underscores the importance of incorporating sustainability provisions in trade agreements as a means to promote economic growth while safeguarding environmental and social considerations. Some of the benefits of including sustainability provisions in FTAs include:
Promoting Sustainable Development
Raising Awareness and Ensuring Environmental Protection
Improving Labour Rights and Guaranteeing Fair Working Conditions
Improved Social Inclusivity Related to Human Rights and Gender Issues
Enhanced Market Access and Reputation
While the integration of sustainability dimensions in FTAs is a positive trend, the effectiveness of these provisions relies on factors such as enforcement mechanisms, institutional frameworks, and the commitment of the involved parties.
Ultimately, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between trade agreements and sustainability, advocating for continued efforts to harmonize economic growth with environmental and social well-being.
To delve deeper into the subject and gain a more comprehensive understanding, access the complete publication on the Commonwealth Secretariat's website here.
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