2005 - OPEC

A second study, on Rules and Differential Treatment of the WTO and its Implications for OPEC
Countries: An Analytical Review, provided a comprehensive review of the ways specific demands
from developing countries were addressed in the multilateral trading system. This also analysed
the provisions dealing with these types of countries and linked this analysis to the position of
energy exporting countries. The report on The run-up to the WTO Sixth Ministerial Conference
was prepared for the coordination meeting for MCs held prior to this event, while the study on
Implications, Including for Development, of WTO Rules on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures
and Anti-Dumping, for Oil-Exporting Countries, commissioned to an outside consultant, primarily
addressed those issues of relevance to MCs’ pricing policies in the energy sector.
As in previous years, the Secretariat monitored and researched developments in the UNFCCC
negotiations and actively participated in the Subsidiary Bodies and COP meetings. A report
entitled Run-up to COP-11: Implementation Issues and Implications for OPEC was prepared for
the coordination meeting for MCs held prior to the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP-11)
in Montreal, Canada, while input was also prepared on the climate change issue in advance
of the 2005 G-8 Summit. Furthermore, the Secretariat presented OPEC’s views on environ-
mental issues at all major events during the year and continued distribution of the Quarterly
Environmental Newsletter.
Work in Data Services, such as statistical database updates, computer system maintenance,
user supports and services were ongoing to accommodate the needs of the RD and MCs.
Further emphasis was also placed on improving the quality of service, for example through
strengthening direct data communications with MCs, the installation of fault-tolerant systems,
proactive maintenance of the hardware and software systems and the expansion of an online
catalogue of library periodicals.
There was also enhancement in the quality and timeliness of data received from MCs. The
expanded coverage of statistical data areas was utilised to enhance reports and analyses in
the Secretariat. The positive outcome of these on-going efforts to enhance compilation of
data from MCs was reflected in the improved completeness and timeliness of responses to
the Annual Questionnaire. The Secretariat also continued its active stance in the discussions
on harmonisation of data definitions with international organisations, as well as with inter-
national experts.
The quality of the data is assured through careful analysis, comparison and validation that
utilises new software. Besides direct input data modules to the in-house models and cus-
tomised data services, delivery of key and up-to-date information to end-users is prepared
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