Antigua & Barbuda remains optimistic following the hearing by the Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization (WTO) which concluded in Geneva on Tuesday.
The hearing was to deal with an appeal by the US against the findings of the WTO panel, which ruled in favour of Antigua & Barbuda in the Internet gaming case.
Finance Minister Dr. Errol Cort, on Monday, presented a 21-page document to the Appellate Body outlining Antigua & Barbuda's case.
Dr. Cort in reiterating his country's position in the Internet gaming dispute stressed that, "We believe that any resolution to this dispute will see our two countries developing a scheme reasonably acceptable to both of us that allows Antiguan operators fair competitive access to consumers in the US."
Dr. Cort also pointed out to the Appellate Body that "Antigua believes the WTO dispute resolution procedures to be about resolving trade disputes."
The appeal hearing began on Monday with opening statements from the US and Antigua & Barbuda which was delivered by the Finance and Economy Minister Dr. Errol Cort.
Opening statements were also presented by some of the third party participants to include the European Community, Japan and Mexico.
Following the opening statements, the Appellate Body proceeded to ask the teams from Antigua & Barbuda and the US a series of questions which continued into Tuesday.
According to Dr. Cort, most of the questions centred around the countries' interpretation of the GATS rules particularly Articles 14 & 16.
The panel has reserved ruling and will issue a written decision within 45 days.
The country's Finance Minister said if the Panel ruled in favour of Antigua & Barbuda it would set legal precedence in a number of areas as it pertains to the future of Internet Gaming worldwide.
source : Antigua Sun
