Cooperation Framework between the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development of Canada and the African Union Commission establishing the Trade Policy Dialogue

This Cooperation Framework (hereinafter referred to as “Framework”) is signed between the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development of Canada (hereinafter referred to as “DFATD”), and the African Union Commission (hereinafter referred to as “AUC”), hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Participants”.

The Participants,

RECALLING their discussions on enhancing cooperation on bilateral, regional and multilateral trade policy issues of mutual interest;

HAVE REACHED the following understanding:

1. Objectives

• The purpose of this Framework is to enhance cooperation between the Participants in the trade policy sector, with the objective to:
  • Support inclusive economic growth for the benefit of all by reinforcing the global open rules-based international trade and investment environment; and
  • Lay a common foundation for trade policy engagement between the Participants through future bilateral and multilateral trade policy initiatives.

2. Expected outcomes, roles and activities

• Institutionalization of the Trade Policy Dialogue
  • The Participants decide to establish an ongoing Trade Policy Dialogue.
  • The Participants intend to convene sessions of the Trade Policy Dialogue on an approximately annual basis.
  • Unless the Participants jointly decide otherwise, the Trade Policy Dialogue will be hosted alternatively in Canada and in Ethiopia, or another African Union Member State, with virtual engagement as appropriate to facilitate breadth of participation.
  • The Trade Policy Dialogue will constitute working-level exchanges between senior trade policy officials from both Participants.
  • The Trade Policy Dialogue will be chaired at the ministerial or vice-ministerial level, or by a delegate, as appropriate.
  • In advance of each session of the Trade Policy Dialogue, the Participants will decide jointly on an agenda and the trade policy topics of discussion.
• Intersessional Engagement
  • Unless the Participants jointly decide otherwise, no later than six (6) months following each Trade Policy Dialogue, the Participants intend to hold at least one intersessional meeting between senior trade policy officials to follow-up on discussions on trade policy topics of mutual interest.
  • These intersessional meetings could include, inter alia, presentations, discussions with key stakeholders, institutions and/or experts (such as, but not limited to: the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, Regional Economic Communities and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa), and sharing of best practices and expertise.
  • Senior trade policy officials from both Participants will report on progress made during intersessional meetings at the sessions of the Trade Policy Dialogue.
• Trade Policy Topics of Mutual Interest
  • The Participants will continue and deepen discussions on trade policy topics of mutual interest that were held at the first session of the Trade Policy Dialogue, in May 2023 in Ottawa, Canada.
  • These trade policy topics of mutual interest include digital trade, inclusive trade, African Union E-Commerce Strategy, Africa’s trade priorities and the rest of the world, World Trade Organization negotiations on agriculture to support food security, and World Trade Organization reform.
  • Other trade policy topics of mutual interest will also be considered, both for intersessional meetings and for future sessions of the Trade Policy Dialogue.
  • These could include, for example: trade in services, trade and development, trade and the environment, trade and labour, government procurement, investment, good regulatory practices, intellectual property, and food security.

3. Points of contact for the participants

• The Participants designate as their respective points of contact:
  • For DFATD:
    Trade Negotiations Bureau (TCD) (or its successor)
    111 Sussex Drive
    Ottawa, Ontario  K1N 1J1
    Canada
  • For AUC:
    Chairperson or Designate
• A Participant may modify its designated point of contact by signalling its intention in writing to the other Participant.

4. Difference of interpretation and application

The Participants will resolve any difference regarding the interpretation or application of this Framework by amicable consultations.

5. Working language between the participants

For the purposes of this Framework, the working language between the Participants will be English or French.

6. Legal status

This Framework is not legally binding.

7. Final dispositions

• This Framework will come into effect upon its last signature by the Participants and will remain valid unless terminated by either Participant.
• The Participants may amend this Framework at any time upon their mutual written consent and will endeavour to do so periodically to ensure that it remains up to date with respect to the Participants’ trade policy interests and joint activities.
• Either Participant may terminate this Framework by giving to the other Participant thirty (30) days’ written notice of its intent to terminate.

Signed, in duplicate, at Ottawa, this 17 day of May 2023, in the English and French languages, each version being equally valid.