Joint Canadian-Palestinian Framework for Economic Cooperation and Trade Between Canada and the Palestine Liberation Organization on Behalf of the Palestinian Authority

• The Government of Canada and the Palestine Liberation Organization, on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, (hereafter referred to as the Parties);
• Recalling United Nations Security Council resolutions 242 and 338;
• Taking note of the Protocol on Economic Relations between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization signed on April 29, 1994, the Protocol on Further Transfer of Powers and Responsibilities between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization signed on August 27, 1995 and the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement on the West Bank and Gaza Strip signed on September 28, 1995, ("the Protocols and the Interim Agreement");
• Desiring to strengthen the ties of friendship and understanding between them by further developing their commercial and economic relations;
• Recognizing that economic development is essential to peace and stability;
• Recalling the General Memorandum of Understanding on Development Cooperation signed by the Parties on June 9, 1998;
• Considering the commitment of both Parties to free trade;
• Resolving to undertake new and sustained efforts to develop a distinctive and dynamic economic and commercial relationship to their common benefit;
• Attaching particular importance to expanding relations and promoting cooperation between their respective private sectors;

Have come to the following understandings:

1. In order to encourage and expand trade relations, the Palestine Liberation Organization, on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, in accordance with its responsibilities and obligations under the Protocols and the Interim Agreement, and Canada will:

• a. commit themselves to facilitate enhanced market access on a reciprocal basis,
  in a manner which is consistent with the Canadian regulations, as amended, which
  are listed in the attached Annex 1;
• b. continue discussions at an early date based on written proposals to improve
  bilateral trade relations, including possible market access concessions additional
  to those set out in the above mentioned regulations, the identification and
  reduction of non-tariff barriers and cooperation on product standards; and
• c. cooperate in obtaining information related to customs requirements, including
  any verification visits deemed necessary to maintain the preferential tariff
  treatment accorded to any particular importation.

2. In order to facilitate economic development and cooperation, the Parties will:

• a. promote a programme of economic development in the West Bank and Gaza Strip,
  focusing on economic and technical cooperation which would support and encourage
  the growth and sustainability of emerging industries;
• b. identify opportunities for technical assistance and cooperation in the area
  of trade, including customs procedures and practices;
• c. consult on means to encourage and protect investment;
• d. encourage the development of cooperation in science and technology in areas
  of common interest, especially those relevant to economic development;
• e. consult on means to increase and improve cooperation in areas of mutual interest;
• f. coordinate efforts to increase awareness of the opportunities for expanded
  trade between Canada and the West Bank and Gaza Strip and promote the activities
  of their respective private sectors; and
• g. encourage greater cooperation between Canadian and Palestinian business
  communities, associations and institutions.

3. The Parties will consult on any matter arising under this Framework.

4. In the event of a major change, recognized by Canada, in the status of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the Parties will enter into discussions on a new arrangement on economic cooperation and free trade, and the present Framework will remain in effect pending the outcome of such discussions.

5. This Framework will take effect on the date of signature and will remain in effect for an indefinite period. At the request of either Party, this Framework may be revised by the written concurrence of both Parties. Either Party may terminate this Framework at any time on six months notice to the other Party.

Done in duplicate at Ramallah, on the 27th day of February, 1999 in English and French, each language version being equally valid:

For and on behalf of the Palestine Liberation Organization for the benefit of the Palestinian Authority
Maher Masri, Minister of Economy and Trade

For and on behalf of the Government of Canada
Hon. Sergio Marchi, Minister for International Trade

Annex 1: Statutory Instruments 1997

Statutes, Orders and Regulations (SOR/97)

SOR/97-60 - Order specifying limits(tariff rate quota) on the annual aggregate quantity of goods of tariff item No.0603.10.11 (roses)

SOR/97-61 - Regulations prescribing a territory for the purposes of the definition of the Customs Tariff (goods originating in the West Bank or Gaza Strip are considered originating and entitled to preferential tariff treatment)

SOR/97-62 - Regulations defining certain expressions for the purposes of the Customs Tariff

SOR/97-63 - Rules of origin regulations

SOR/97-64 - Tariff preference regulations

SOR/97-65 - Rules of origin for casual goods regulations

SOR/97-68 - Proof of origin of imported goods regulations, amendment

SOR/97-69 - Refund of duties regulations, amendment

SOR/97-70 - Imported goods records regulations, amendment

SOR/97-72 - Advance rulings regulations

SOR/97-73 - Certification of origin regulations

SOR/97-74 - as amended by SOR/98-47 - Tariff item Nos.9971.00.00 and 9992.00.00 (accounting regulations)

SOR/97-75 - Verification of origin regulations

SOR/97-76 - as amended by SOR/97-351 and SOR/98-84 - Importation of goods exported for repair under warranty regulations (tariff item No. 9992.00.00)

SOR/97-77 - General import permit #193 - Roses