(a) promoting contacts between economic operators, encouraging joint investments and joint ventures and information networks through existing horizontal programmes;
(b) facilitating access to channels of finance, providing information and stimulating innovation.
(c) facilitating technological transfer
(d) identification and studying of marketing channels
Article 22. Co-operation on Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development
The Parties agree to promote mutual co-operation in the agriculture, forestry and rural development sectors with a view to promoting diversification, environmentally sound practices and sustainable economic and social development and food security. To this end the Parties shall examine:
(a) measures aimed at enhancing the quality of agricultural products, capacity building, technology transfers, measures for producer associations and supporting trade promotion activities;
(b) environmental health, animal and plant health measures and other related aspects, taking
Account of the legislation in force for both Parties and their respective international obligations resulting notably from World Trade Organisation and multilateral environmental agreement rules;
(c) measures relating to sustainable economic and social development of rural territories, including environmentally sound practices, forestry, research, access to land, sustainable rural development and food security;
(d) measures relating to preservation and promotion of traditional activities based on the specific identities of rural populations and communities, such as exchange of experiences and partnerships, development of joint ventures and co-operation networks between local agents or economic operators.
Article 23. Fisheries and Aquaculture Co-operation
The Parties agree to develop economic and technical co-operation in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, especially in aspects such as the sustainable exploitation, management and conservation of fisheries resources, including environmental impact assessment. Co-operation should also include areas such as the processing industry and facilitation of trade. Co-operation in the fisheries sector could lead to the conclusion of bilateral fisheries agreements between the Parties or between the European Community and one or more Member countries of the Andean Community and/or to the conclusion of multilateral fisheries agreements between the Parties.
Article 24. Co-operation on Mining
The Parties agree that co-operation in the field of mining, taking into account aspects of environmental conservation, shall focus principally on the following:
(a) promoting the participation of enterprises from both Parties in the sustainable exploration and exploitation of minerals, as well as in their use, in accordance with the legislation of both Parties;
(b) promoting exchanges of information, experience and technology relating to mining exploration and exploitation;
(c) promoting exchanges of experts and performing joint research to increase opportunities for technological development;
(d) developing measures to promote investment in this field;
(e) developing measures to ensure environmental integrity and corporate environmental responsibility in this sector.
Article 25. Energy Co-operation
1. The Parties agree that their joint objective will be to foster co-operation in the field of energy, including consolidating economic relations in key sectors such as hydroelectricity, oil and gas, renewable energy, energy saving technology, rural electrification and regional integration of energy markets, taking into consideration that the Andean countries are already implementing electricity interconnection projects.
2. Co-operation may include, in particular, the following:
(a) energy policy issues, including inter-connected infrastructures of regional importance, improvement and diversification of supply and improvement of access to energy markets, including facilitation of transit, transmission and distribution;
(b) management and training for the energy sector and transfer of technology and know-how;
(c) promotion of energy saving, energy efficiency, renewable energy and studying of the environmental impact of energy production and consumption;
(d) co-operation initiatives between undertakings in this sector.
Article 26. Transport Co-operation
1. The Parties agree that co-operation in this field shall focus on restructuring and modernising transport and related infrastructure systems, improving the movement of passengers and goods and providing better access to urban, air, maritime, inland waterways, rail and road transport markets by refining the management of transport from the operational and administrative points of view and by promoting high operating standards.
2. Co-operation may include the following:
(a) exchanges of information on the Parties policies, especially regarding urban transport and the interconnection and interoperability of multimodal transport networks and other issues of mutual interest;
(b) the management of inland waterways, roads, railways, ports and airports, including appropriate co-operation between the relevant authorities;
(c) co-operation projects for transfer of European technology in the Global Navigation Satellite System and urban public transport centres;
(d) improvement of safety and pollution prevention standards including co-operation in the appropriate international fora aiming to ensure better enforcement of international standards.
Article 27. Co-operation on Information Society, Information Technology and Telecommunications
1. The Parties agree that information technology and communications are key sectors in a modern society and are of vital importance to economic and social development and the smooth transition to the information society. Co-operation in this field shall contribute to the reduction of the digital divide and aim to provide equitable access to information technologies especially in less developed areas.
2. Co-operation in this area shall aim to promote:
(a) dialogue on all aspects of information society;
(b) dialogue on regulatory and policy aspects of information technology and communications, including standards;
(c) exchanges of information on standards conformity assessment and type-approval;
(d) dissemination of new information and communications technologies and exchanges of information on new technological breakthroughs;
(e) joint research projects on information and communications technologies and pilot projects in the fields of information society applications;
(f) interconnection and interoperability of telematic networks and services;
(g) reciprocal access to databases with due regard for national and international copyright legislation;
(h) exchanges and training of specialists;
(i) computerisation of public administration.
Article 28. Audio-visual Co-operation
The Parties agree to promote co-operation in the audio-visual sector and in the media sector in general, through joint initiatives in training as well as audio-visual development, production and distribution activities. Co-operation shall take place in accordance with the relevant national copyright provisions and international agreements.
Article 29. Co-operation on Tourism
The Parties agree that co-operation in this field shall aim to:
(a) establish best practices in order to ensure balanced and sustainable development of tourism in the Andean region;
(b) improve the quality of the services offered to visitors;
(c) raise public awareness of the economic and social importance of tourism for the Andean regions development;
(d) promote and develop ecotourism;
(e) promote the adoption of common policies on tourism in the framework of the Andean Community.
Article 30. Co-operation between Financial Institutions
The Parties agree to foster, according to their needs and within the framework of their respective programmes and legislation, co-operation between national and regional financial institutions.
Article 31. Co-operation In the Field of Investment Promotion
1. The Parties agree to promote, within the scope of their respective competencies, an attractive and stable reciprocal investment climate.
2. Co-operation shall include in particular:
(a) encouraging and developing mechanisms for the exchange and dissemination of information on investment legislation and opportunities;
(b) developing a legal framework favourable to investment on both sides, where appropriate, through the conclusion of bilateral agreements promoting and protecting investment and preventing double taxation, between the Member States of both Parties;
(c) developing uniform and simplified administrative procedures;
(d) developing joint venture mechanisms.
Article 32. Macroeconomic Dialogue
1. The Parties agree that co-operation shall aim to promote the exchange of information on respective macroeconomic trends and policies, as well as the sharing of experiences in the co-ordination of macroeconomic policies in the context of a common market.
2. The Parties shall also aim to deepen the dialogue between their authorities on macroeconomic matters, including in areas such as monetary policy, fiscal policy, public finance, external debt and macroeconomic stabilisation.
Article 33. Statistics Co-operation
1. The Parties agree that the main objective shall be to align statistical methods and programmes, thus enabling the Parties to use each others statistics on trade in goods and services and, more generally, any field covered by this Agreement, for which statistics can be drawn up.
2. This co-operation could include, among others: technical exchanges between statistical institutes in the Andean Community and in European Union Member States and Eurostat; development of common methods of data collection, analysis and interpretation; and organisation of seminars, working groups or statistical training programmes.
Article 34. Co-operation on Consumer Protection
1. The Parties agree that co-operation in this field shall be geared to making consumer protection schemes in both Parties compatible.
2. It may involve, to the extent possible:
(a) increasing the compatibility of consumer legislation in order to avoid barriers to trade while ensuring a high level of consumer protection;
(b) establishing and developing systems of mutual information exchange, such as rapid alert systems, for food and feed, with risk for public and animal health;
(c) enhancing capacities for the implementation of sanitary and phytosanitary measures to facilitate market access as well as ensuring an appropriate level of health protection on a transparent, non discriminatory and predictable basis;
(d) encouraging co-operation and exchange of information among consumer associations;
(e) supporting the "Andean Working Group on the Participation of Civil Society for the Defence of Consumer Rights".
Article 35. Co-operation on Data Protection
1. The Parties agree to promote a high level of protection in the processing of personal data and other data, in line with the highest international standards.
2. The Parties also agree to co-operate on the protection of personal data in order to improve the level of protection and to work towards the elimination of obstacles to the free movement of personal data between
The Parties, created by insufficient protection of such data.
Article 36. Scientific and Technological Co-operation
1. The Parties agree that co-operation in science and technology shall be carried out in their mutual interest and in compliance with their policies, particularly as regards the rules for use of intellectual property resulting from research, and shall aim to:
(a) contribute to the development of science and technology in the Andean region;
(b) exchange scientific and technological information and experience at regional level, especially on the implementation of policies and programmes
(c) promote human resources development and an adequate institutional framework for research and development;
(d) foster relations between the Parties' scientific communities and promote the development of joint scientific and technological research projects;
(e) encourage the participation of the business sector in both Parties in scientific and technological co-operation, in particular the promotion of innovation;
(f) promote innovation and technology transfer between the Parties, including e-government and cleaner technologies
2. The involvement of higher-education institutions, research centres and productive sectors, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, shall be encouraged on both sides.
3. Promote scientific and technological co-operation between universities, research institutions and productive sectors of both regions, including granting of scholarships, student and high level specialist exchanges.
4. The parties also agree to promote Andean participation in Community technological and development programmes in accordance with Community provisions governing the participation of legal entities from third countries.
Article 37. Co-operation on Education and Training
1. The Parties agree that co-operation in this field shall aim to determine how to improve access to, the quality and the relevance of education and vocational training. To this end, access by young people, women and senior citizens to education, including technical courses, higher education and vocational training, shall receive special attention, as shall achieving the Millennium Development Goals in this context.
2. The Parties agree to co-operate more closely on education and vocational training and promote cooperation between universities and between businesses in order to develop the level of expertise of senior staff.
3. The Parties also agree to pay special attention to decentralised operations and horizontal programmes (ALFA, ALBAN), forging permanent links between specialised bodies in both Parties, which will encourage the pooling and exchange of experience and technical resources.
4 Co-operation in this field may also support the Action Plan for the Educational sector in the Andean Countries, which includes, among other programmes, harmonisation of the Andean educational systems,
Implementation of an information system on educational statistics and intercultural education.
Article 38. Environmental and Biodiversity Co-operation
1. The Parties agree that co-operation in this field shall promote the protection and conservation of the environment in pursuit of sustainable development. In this regard, the relationship between poverty and the environment and the environmental impact of economic activities are considered important. Co-operation should also promote the ratification of and support for the implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements and other international agreements in areas such as climate change, biodiversity, desertification and chemicals management.
2. Co-operation shall focus particularly on:
(a) preventing degradation of the environment;
(b) promoting the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources (including biodiversity, mountain ecosystems and genetic resources) taking into account the Regional Biodiversity Strategy for the Andean Tropic Region;
(c) exchanging information and experience on environmental legislation and on common environmental problems occurring in both Parties;
(d) strengthening environmental management in all sectors at all levels of government;
(e) promoting environmental education, creation of capacity and strengthening of citizens participation, and encouraging joint regional research programmes.
(f) protecting and nurturing traditional knowledge and practices related to the sustainable use of biodiversity resources.
Article 39. Co-operation In the Field of Natural Disasters
The Parties agree that co-operation in this field shall aim to reduce the vulnerability of the Andean region to natural disasters through strengthening regional planning and prevention capacities, harmonising the legal framework and improving institutional co-ordination.
Article 40. Cultural Co-operation and Preservation of Cultural Heritage
1. The Parties agree that co-operation in this sphere, cultural ties and contacts between cultural agents in both regions shall be expanded.
2. The objective shall be to promote cultural co-operation between the Parties, taking into account and favouring synergies with bilateral schemes of the Member States.
3. Co-operation shall take place in accordance with the relevant national copyright provisions and international agreements.
4. This co-operation may cover all cultural fields, including, among others, the following areas:
(a) translation of literary works;
(b) conservation, restoration and revitalisation of national heritage;
(c) cultural events, such as arts and handicrafts exhibitions, music, dance and theatre, as well as exchanges of artists and professionals in the cultural area;
(d) promotion of cultural diversity;
(e) youth exchanges;
(f) development of cultural industries;
(g) preservation of cultural heritage;
(h) prevent and combat the illicit trade of cultural heritage goods in conformity with international conventions signed by the Parties.
Article 41. Co-operation In the Field of Health
1. The Parties agree to co-operate in the health sector with the aim of supporting sectoral reforms that make health service delivery pro-poor and equitable as well in promoting fair financing mechanisms that improve access to health care for the poor.
2. The Parties agree that primary prevention also requires involving other sectors such as education and water and sanitation. In this regard, the Parties aim to strengthen and develop partnerships beyond the health sector to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, particularly in the fight against AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, consistent with relevant World Trade Organisation rules. Partnerships with organised civil society, NGOs and the private sector are also needed to address sexual and reproductive health and rights in a gender sensitive approach and to work with young people to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.
3. The Parties agree to co-operate on basic infrastructures, such as water supply and sewage systems.
Article 42. Social Co-operation
1. The Parties agree to co-operate in fostering the participation of the social partners in a dialogue on living and working conditions, social protection and integration into society.
2. Co-operation should contribute to the political, economic and social concertation processes directed towards fostering across-the-board development in the context of poverty reduction and employment creation strategies.
3. The Parties underline the importance of social development, which must go hand in hand with economic development and agree to give priority to promoting the fundamental principles and rights at work identified by the International Labour Organisations conventions, the so-called Core Labour Standards.
4. The Parties agree that co-operation in this field may take into account the implementation of an Andean Social Agenda, centred on two major pillars, the Common Andean Market and the development of mechanisms to bolster poverty reduction and regional cohesion.
5. The Parties may co-operate in any area of mutual interest in the above fields.
6. Measures shall be co-ordinated with those of the Member States and the relevant international organisations.
7. Where appropriate, and in accordance with their respective procedures, the Parties may conduct this dialogue in co-ordination with the Economic and Social Committee and its Andean counterpart,
Respectively.
Article 43. Participation of Organised Civil Society In Co-operation
1. The Parties recognise the role and potential contribution of organised civil society in the co-operation process and agree to promote effective dialogue with organised civil society and its effective participation.
2. Subject to the legal and administrative provisions of each Party, organised civil society may:
(a) participate in the policy-making process at country level, according to democratic principles;
(b) be informed of and participate in consultations on development and co-operation strategies and sectoral policies, particularly in areas concerning them, including all stages of the development process;
(c) receive financial resources, insofar as the internal rules of each Party so allow, and capacity building support in critical areas;
(d) participate in the implementation of co-operation programmes in the areas that concern them.
Article 44. Co-operation In the Field of Gender
The Parties agree that co-operation in this field shall help to strengthen policies and programmes aimed at ensuring, improving and expanding the equal participation of men and women in all sectors of political, economic, social and cultural life, including where necessary, through the adoption of positive measures in support of women. It shall also help to facilitate the access of women to all the resources needed to fully exercise their fundamental rights.
Article 45. Co-operation on Indigenous Peoples
1. The Parties agree that co-operation in this field shall contribute to the creation and development of partnerships with indigenous peoples in the context of promoting the goals of poverty eradication, sustainable management of natural resources, respect for human rights and democracy.
2. The Parties also agree to co-operate in promoting an adequate protection of traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities embodying traditional lifestyles relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, as well as fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of such knowledge.
3. In addition to taking systematic account of the situation of indigenous peoples at all levels of development co-operation, the Parties shall integrate the particular situation of indigenous peoples in the development of their policies and to strengthen the capacity of organisations representing indigenous peoples in order to increase the positive effects of development co-operation on indigenous groups.
4. Cooperation in this field may support indigenous representative organisations, such as the Working Group on the rights of indigenous people, which is a consultative entity within the Andean Integration System.