The 'Middle Pillar': Transparency and Surveillance of Subsidies in the SCM Committee-Reflections after the Global Economic Crisis

摘要

This article examines the issue of transparency and surveillance of subsidy programs in the Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM Committee) under the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM Agreement) of the World Trade Organization (WTO). It will review what has been done in the SCM Committee on the issue in light of the global economic crisis while referring to relevant progress in other rules areas. It will then analyze current practice relating to the issue under the SCM Agreement, indicating the remaining challenges including a poor record of notifications. This article will further provide certain reflections on and lessons to be drawn from the issue after a long debate during the global economic crisis. Finally, it will touch upon future prospects beyond the SCM Agreement.