Decision

13 to 14 July 2023: Joint minutes of the second UK-Andean Trade and Sustainable Development Sub-Committee

Updated 6 September 2024

This page relates to a meeting that took place on 13 and 14 July 2023, during the 2022 to 2024 Sunak Conservative government, and was published later.

The United Kingdom and the Andean countries, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, held the second meeting of the Sub-Committee on Trade and Sustainable Development on July 13 and 14, 2023 by video conference.

1. Greetings and opening remarks

The hosts, Ecuador, welcomed the delegations of Peru, Colombia and the United Kingdom to the second sub-committee meeting on Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) and wished them a successful meeting.

2. Approval of agenda

The Parties adopted the agenda (Annex A).

3. Trade and environment

The Parties shared an update on the implementation and relevant legislation regarding environmental aspects of the TSD chapter of the Trade Agreement.

Ecuador made a presentation noting that its main policy for reducing emissions throughout the country is called REDD+ Policy. They also presented Ecuador’s main environmental and water data. The generalities of the Technical Norm for Offsets (NTC) were presented, indicating its purpose, scope of application and main actors.

Ecuador also presented its National Forestry and Wildlife Control System and the components of its implementation strategy, as well as its National System of Protected Areas, which seeks to benefit 5.45 million people through the conservation of 8 nautical miles of the coastal profile.

Another initiative is the Amazon biocorridor, which involves coordinated work with indigenous nationalities, with the aim of creating a management model for 2030, where nature contributes to the prosperity of society.

Colombia indicated that the Partnership for Sustainable Growth is its flagship program, which was signed in 2019 and renewed at the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in 2022.

The Partnership seeks to combat deforestation, accelerate energy transition and sustainable infrastructure development, and halt and reverse biodiversity loss by promoting bioeconomy.

Colombia also presented its National Circular Economy Strategy, which allows the development of a more sustainable economy, and mentioned the National Table for the Harnessing of Residual Biomass with some advances such as the updating of the organic waste management stock in the country and the identification of green businesses associated with the management of residual biomass.

They also presented other work areas of the circular economy strategy in relation to industrial materials, consumer products and the RESPEL 2022-2030 policy, environmental management of container and packaging waste and measures for the treatment of construction materials.

Colombia mentioned its Deforestation Containment Plan, which seeks to reduce deforestation by 20% and reach 28 forestry and biodiversity development centres. This objective has been worked on with the support of international allies and is pursued through: social agreements, environmental agenda for peace, institutional strengthening, criminal investigation and public force.

Peru presented the priority lines of intervention of the Ministry of the Environment (MINAM) during 2023, in the following strategic axes:

• climate change
• productive conservation of biodiversity, forests and coastal marine ecosystems
• agrobiodiversity and food security
• sustainable use of the territory and recovery of ecosystems
• circular economy
• comprehensive solid waste management
• sustainable investments
• empathy and environmental governance
• protection of environmental defenders

Regarding climate change, it was highlighted that Peru has been carrying out actions that will contribute to the fulfillment of its nationally determined contributions by 2030. For example, it was noted that the National Strategy on Climate Change is being updated with a vision to 2050. It was highlighted that there is a National Registry of Climate Change Mitigation Projects (Renami).

In relation to the productive conservation of biodiversity, MINAM indicated that the implementation of the remuneration mechanism for agrobiodiversity conservation services are being strengthened and that eco and bio businesses have been promoted and strengthened. Both the consumption of native biodiversity products and the establishment of the Mar Tropical de Grau National Reserve are being promoted, among other actions.

Peru highlighted the progress made so far in the circular economy and noted that the process of preparing the National Circular Economy Roadmap has begun. This instrument will establish the country’s vision, objectives and concrete actions, which will accelerate the transition towards a circular economy, reinforce synergies between public and private actors, and articulate sectoral roadmaps and other national, regional and local instruments linked to the circular economy.

The United Kingdom first presented on the progress made in implementing its Hydrogen Strategy, which includes raised ambition for low-carbon hydrogen production. It noted recent thinking on a range of possible production routes, including green and blue hydrogen, and nuclear-enabled and biomass-related technologies.

Relevant data on their production were presented, and they indicated that their goal is a thriving hydrogen economy. The United Kingdom stated that they had made significant progress in their decarbonization strategy, stating that their waste must be treated in an efficient manner aligned with their Resources and Waste strategy. They also discussed their performance in monitoring the progress towards a circular economy as it relates to resource flows in domestic and international value chains. They are exploring how industrial symbiosis can support this.

4. Trade and labour

The Parties provided updates on the implementation, and amendments, to their legislation related to the labour aspects of the Trade and Sustainable Development chapter of the Trade Agreement.

Ecuador presented their recent progress in labour matters and the current situation for the monitoring and control of compliance with their Labour Law. This included a discussion on the objectives of the Ministry of Labour which are related to the fundamental provisions of the Trade Agreement.

The updates presented by Ecuador also covered the status of the ratification of the Fundamental Conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the actions undertaken for the implementation of Convention 190 (Violence and Harassment).

Ecuador outlined the results and actions planned in relation to programmes and strategies to strengthen and promote employment, highlighting “Fortalece Empleo”, “Emprende EC” and “Compromiso por el Empleo”. Finally, Ecuador addressed the main advances and actions for the eradication of child labour, the protection of freedom of association and labour inspections, which are based on the Ministerial Agreement (MDT-2016-0303).

Colombia presented the main advances and modifications to its labour legislation, including those related to International Standards and Fundamental Conventions of the ILO. Colombia outlined the progress related to the observations of the Committee of Experts on the application of the conventions and the reforms carried out to overcome the gaps identified by the ILO in terms of freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining. Likewise, Colombia informed regarding the progress on the inspection, surveillance and control area.

Colombia also presented the modifications made through Law 2088 of 2021, which regulates working at home and explained about the major developments in the work on digital delivery technology platforms. Similarly, Colombia presented the objectives and the status of their Pension Reform, which is currently in the Colombian Congress. Finally, the Party addressed the actions to protect the minimum wage, which were established through the Agreement of the Permanent Commission for the Coordination of Wage and Labor Policies in 2022.

Peru made its presentation around the main advances in labour matters. The country highlighted the current status of the ratification of Fundamental Conventions of the ILO, Law No. 31572 (Telework Law) and its corresponding Regulation of Law, Law No. 31600 (Family Allowance Law) for the benefit of workers with children with severe disabilities and the modification of the regulations, for the granting of the compulsory insurance “Seguro vida ley”, for the benefit of more than 2.9 million workers.

Additionally, Peru presented the advances in relation to the promotion of national dialogue through the 3 different levels of dialogue managed by the National Council for Labour and Employment Promotion (CNTPE). Likewise, the country addressed the structure, operation and objectives of the National Council for Safety and Health at Work (CONSSAT), which is a space for tripartite dialogue that is attached to the Labour and Employment Promotion sector. Finally, the Party presented the sectorial actions to promote formal work, which include the “Formaliza Perú” Integrated Centers.

The United Kingdom presented on progress that has been made regarding labour matters. This included an update on the UK’s status of the Fundamental and Governance Conventions of the ILO. Similarly, the United Kingdom presented on the actions taken to enhance workers’ rights and to increase labour market participation to facilitate an inclusive workforce, including increases to the National Living Wage and several Private Members’ Bills in relation to unpaid carers, additional paid leave for new parents, easier access to flexible working and giving all workers a right to request a more predictable working pattern.

The United Kingdom also presented on its approach to protecting workers within the gig economy. In this regard, the United Kingdom presented on recent reforms carried out to protect workers and promote compliance with the obligations and rights of employers and employees.

Additionally, it was noted that the regulations for the gig economy have maintained a focus on employment status: employee, worker and self-employed, and that new employment status guidance was published to provide additional clarity for businesses, individuals and other groups such as those in the gig economy.

All Parties were thanked for the presentations and accepted to share their slides from the presentations via correspondence.

5. Cooperation

Ecuador presented the projects on circular economy that it has carried out in cooperation with international organisations, with the aim of strengthening its regulatory framework, institutional capacities and management mechanisms. Similarly, the Party mentioned the initiative on the “Mercado Ecuador Circular” exchange and highlighted that it is working on a National Circular Economy Strategy, which has been formulated through participatory and territorial processes.

Regarding labour issues, Ecuador presented its Violet Economy Law, which aims to eradicate gender-based violence and harassment. Ecuador mentioned that, with this Law, companies with more than 50 female workers are forced to execute and present a violence prevention plan, for which the Party requested cooperation in the execution and management of these prevention plans and the dissemination of these prevention mechanisms in all types of companies.

Colombia explained the international cooperation it is receiving, especially through the launch of the Regional Chapter of United for Wildlife to build awareness among different groups, support the relevant legislation and promote technology and development.

In addition, Colombia outlined the National PROBIO Bioeconomy and Green Business program, as well as its work on environmental social control. Finally, Colombia expressed interest in cooperating with the United Kingdom on environmental issues and the exchange of experiences in environmental social control processes.

Colombia outlined that, in terms of labour issues, it maintains an interest in taking action to ratify Fundamental Conventions 155 and 187 on Occupational Safety and Health of the ILO, for which it requires cooperation to strengthen occupational health in the informal sector and strengthen the prevention of risks in the handling of dangerous substances.

Likewise, the Party addressed its needs in terms of strengthening social dialogue and union organisation. Finally, the Party noted its interest in implementing measures to increase the rate of formal employment, through initiatives related to the eradication of forced labour and child labour.

Peru appreciated the cooperation the United Kingdom provides bilaterally through the traditional mechanisms that exist besides this Trade Agreement on environmental matters (especially on climate change). Likewise, it was highlighted that it would be important to develop specific cooperation activities linked to trade and the environment, within the framework of the implementation of the Trade and Sustainable Development Title of this Trade Agreement and hoped such activities could be taken forward ahead of the next sub-committee.

In this regard, Peru proposed the United Kingdom could provide information regarding specific cooperation activities that could be developed within the framework of the Trade and Sustainable Development Title, and to continue coordinating with respective parties within the framework of the next sub-committee.

The United Kingdom outlined the areas of policy interest. In labour matters, the Party outlined the focus of work on cooperation activities for the protection of freedom of association and collective bargaining rights, eradication of forced and child labour, elimination of workplace discrimination, and safety and health at work.

Likewise, regarding environmental issues, the United Kingdom highlighted its interest in the elimination of barriers to trade on goods and services, reforestation, sustainable fishing, biodiversity and circular economy. Finally, the United Kingdom noted its interest in sharing experiences on the progress the United Kingdom has made in the gig economy.

6. Other issues

Raised by the United Kingdom

Rules of procedure (RoP) – discussion and approval of Joint Committee RoP

The United Kingdom proposed that the Sub-Committee on Trade and Sustainable Development adopt the same Rules of Procedure, mutatis mutandis, that have been approved and will be adopted by decision of the Trade Committee of the Trade Agreement, on 19 July 2023.

Colombia and Ecuador accepted with the proposal. For its part, Peru mentioned that it needs more information and will send its position by correspondence.

Civil Society Dialogue – discussion and approval of event proposal amended Civil Society Dialogue procedures document revision

The United Kingdom proposed draft civil society dialogue meeting procedures and indicated that the purpose of this amendment is to provide greater clarity to the rules on the handling of these open dialogues with the public. Peru mentioned that it had reviewed the document and comments will be sent, Colombia and Ecuador also mentioned that they would send their observations by correspondence.

Raised by Ecuador

Information regarding the Advisory Group of UK

Ecuador asked the United Kingdom to present their experience regarding the strengthening of social dialogue and their general experience with their Advisory Group, due to the importance of this mechanism for the Trade Agreement. The United Kingdom explained that their Advisory Group is an independent group formed of 12 member organisations, each with up to 6 representatives. The UK holds monthly meetings with the group’s Chair and bi-annual meetings with all members and representatives from the Department for Business and Trade.  

Colombia inquired about the actions taken to ensure the independence and operation of the Advisory Group. The United Kingdom explained that whilst it has supported the group to establish effective ways of working, the group operates independently and agrees its own priorities.

Peru indicated that Article 281 of the Trade Agreement referring to National Mechanisms (both in labour and environmental matters) is implemented through existing mechanisms.

Finally, the United Kingdom requested to know about the operation of the Internal Consultative Councils of Colombia and Ecuador.

Colombia stated that its Internal Consultative Council is made up of 9 members from 3 different sectors: employers, workers and NGOs, and that it holds meetings with the government at least once a year. Ecuador committed to submit the corresponding information after the sub-committee.

TSD Group of Experts – review and approval of list of candidates

Ecuador referred to Article 284 (group of experts) of the chapter on Trade and Sustainable Development, which establishes the Parties shall submit to the Trade Committee a list of at least 15 persons with expertise on the issue covered by this Title and of which 5 must be non-nationals of any of the Parties and serve as chairs of the group of experts.

The Parties mentioned that they could do a due diligence of all the CVs of the submitted candidates and make up the list of the group of experts. Peru committed to send its list of experts with their corresponding CVs the following week to the TSD Sub-Committee.

The Parties will maintain the dialogue on this matter by correspondence and will tentatively meet during the first week of August 2023.

7. Closing remarks

Ecuador, Colombia, Peru and the United Kingdom were thanked for the productive discussion and presentations made on labour and environmental issues in relation to trade, as well as for the commitments made to continue working on the implementation of the Trade and Sustainable Development chapter of the Trade Agreement. Finally, the Parties expressed their enthusiasm for carrying out the first Dialogue with Civil Society.

8. Dialogue with Civil Society

The First Dialogue with Civil Society included the participation of representatives of civil society and the trade, labour and environmental authorities of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and the United Kingdom. The actors made their interventions on the concerns, challenges and advances in labour matters and later on environmental issues.

The dialogue was a space for constructive exchange and allowed the identification of concerns and opportunities in the implementation of the Chapter on Trade and Sustainable Development. The Dialogue with Civil Society was a space to identify public-private synergies in undertaking a more sustainable development.

Annex A : agenda of the second UK-Andean TSD Sub-Committee

Agenda (Day 1 - July 13, 2023) – TSD Policy Discussion

1. Greetings and opening remarks
2. Approval of agenda
3. Trade and Environment
4. Trade and Labour
5. Closing remarks

Agenda (Day 2 – July 14, 2023) – TSD other issues discussion

1. Greetings
2. Cooperation discussion
3. Other issues
4. Joint Declaration revision
5. Closing remarks

Agenda (Day 3 – July 18, 2023) – Civil Society Dialogue

1. Civil Society Dialogue