Article 21.1: Definitions

For the purposes of this Chapter:

supply chain means a cross-border network of enterprises operating together as an integrated system to design, develop, produce, market, distribute, transport, and deliver products and services to customers.

Article 21.2: Activities and Contact Points on Competitiveness and Business Facilitation

1. The Parties recognise that, in order to enhance the domestic, regional and global competitiveness of their economies, and to promote economic integration and development within the free trade area, their business environments must be responsive to market developments.

2. Each Party shall designate and notify a contact point on Competitiveness and Business Facilitation to facilitate communications between the Parties on any matter covered by this Chapter.

3. The contact points shall facilitate:

1. discussion of effective approaches and develop information sharing activities to support efforts to establish a competitive environment that is conducive to the establishment of businesses, facilitates trade and investment between the Parties, and promotes economic integration and development within the free trade area;
2. exploration of ways to take advantage of the trade and investment opportunities that this Agreement creates;
3. identification and discussion of measures affecting, as well as best practices and experiences relevant to, the development and strengthening of supply chains;
4. provision of advice and recommendations to the Joint Commission on ways to further enhance the competitiveness of the Parties' economies, including recommendations identifying ways to promote the development and strengthening of supply chains, aimed at enhancing the participation especially of SMEs;
5. where appropriate, coordination of meetings between government representatives of each Party to address any matter covered by this Chapter; and
6. engagement in other activities as the Parties may decide.

3. The Parties may also seek advice from, and consider the work of, appropriate experts, such as international donor institutions, enterprises and non-governmental organisations.

Article 21.3: Non-Application of Dispute Settlement

Neither Party shall have recourse to dispute settlement under Chapter 27 (Dispute Settlement) for any matter arising under this Chapter.