As the world continues to wrestle with the Delta variant infection spikes, epidemiologists warn that Covid-19 is unlikely to be the last zoonotic pandemic we face. In fact, as humans continue to encroach on natural habitats, we should anticipate an increased frequency of new zoonotic diseases, each with the potential to evolve into global pandemics.

Our approach to trade agreements likewise needs to evolve in order to reflect this unfortunate new public health reality.

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for the Asia Pacific (UNESCAP) is trying to improve our understanding of how this new landscape should be addressed in trade agreements. UNESCAP is coordinating development of a handbook on model Regional Trade Agreement (RTA) provisions in times of crisis and pandemics. The guide is chockfull of practical suggestions and options for trade negotiators to follow. [1]

While we are still assessing the fallout from the pandemic and weighing measures to mitigate its consequences, it’s already clear that our approach to trade agreements needs to change in three important ways:

Time to toughen transparency requirements

The WTO and most regional or bilateral free trade agreements contain provisions, if not entire chapters, on transparency. Although the precise stipulations vary from agreement to agreement, the basic idea is for trade partners to provide their counterparts with notifications and detailed information related to new or amended regulations or laws that could affect trade. This allows companies and individuals to plan accordingly and avoid disruptions to the smooth flow of products and services across borders.

Unfortunately, these provisions are too often treated as “window dressing” – something which looks good on paper and signals virtuous intentions but has little practical impact. Compliance with transparency requirements, both in the WTO and RTAs, is frequently flouted and he consequences for non-compliance are scant. We can no longer afford to take this slipshod approach. During pandemics, a lack of transparency can literally be the difference between life and death.