National SpS Coordination Mechanisms - Standards and Trade ...

TABLE OF CONTENTS1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 12. MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF NATIONAL SPS COORDINATION MECHANISMS.................................. 32.1 Scope and functions .......................................................................................... 42.2 Composition...................................................................................................... 52.3 Structure and operation..................................................................................... 62.4 Communication................................................................................................. 82.5 Funding ............................................................................................................. 83. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND LESSONS LEARNED ........................................................ 103.1 Raise awareness on the importance of SPS capacity for trade andeconomic growth, and ensure high-level government buy-in ........................... 103.2 Clarify organizational mandates and roles in the SPS area, based on areview and update of legislation as appropriate ............................................... 113.3 Build on existing mechanisms and encourage the active engagement ofall the concerned SPS stakeholders .................................................................. 113.4 Establish effective communication strategies, and consider the creationof web-based networks and tools. ................................................................... 123.5 Take a pro-active approach to enhance sustainability ....................................... 133.6 Use national SPS committees to promote regional SPS coherence .................... 14ANNEXES .................................................................................................................................. 15 17iii