However, during specific FTZ topic discussion there was no agreement about tariff elimination programmes to benefit goods shipped from FTZs. “Some delegations believed merchandise produced in an FTZ meeting origin requirements should qualify, but others disagreed. It was suggested such merchandise should enjoy preferential tariff treatment if consistent with WTO standards,” said Rafael Ramirez, executive director of the Comite de Zona Francas de las Americas (Customs-Free Zones of the Americas Committee).

Mr Ramirez argued that the worst possible situation could be found in the new third draft agreement presented by FTAA-ALCA secretariat last November (see www.ftaa-alca.org/FTAADraft03/ Index_e.asp). He urged zones to “get together to avoid this hazardous position against FTZs in America that will endanger 2.2 million employees, 13,500 companies and $170bn in exports”.