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WQ.497/2019
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS
BY THE CONNÉTABLE OF ST. MARTIN
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 12th NOVEMBER 2019
Question
Will the Minister outline what legislative changes, if any, will need to be adopted by the States Assembly in preparation for the potential extension of the territorial scope of the U.K.'s membership of the World Trade Organisation (W.T.O.) to Jersey and provide a timetable for when any such legislative changes will be brought to the Assembly for debate; and will the Minister also advise whether it is envisaged that extension of the territorial scope would require Jersey to contribute to the W.T.O. budget and, if so, whether the minimum contribution of 0.015% would apply or whether a higher contribution rate would be required?
Answer
The formal notification sent by the UK Foreign Secretary confirms that the extension of the Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization to Jersey will take effect on the date that the United Kingdom exits the European Union, or else at the end of a transition period which is agreed between the UK and EU.
Ensuring the extension of UK membership of WTO before Brexit occurs means that Jersey may enjoy the benefits of international trade rules in the areas of goods, services and intellectual property alongside other WTO members, including EU Member States. This result represents the conclusion of a political and diplomatic process that has been an objective of the Government of Jersey for over 20 years.
With regard to legislative changes, none are required for extension. There is no WTO budget contribution required from Jersey.
The Ministry for External Relations is currently concluding the "Let's Talk Trade" public consultation to seek local views and evidence on the shape of Jersey's future international trade policy, and the opportunities presented under WTO membership are explored as part of this exercise.