The Government of Mexico, in conjunction with the OPCW, organised a subregional seminar for National Authorities on the implementation of Article VI of the CWC. The seminar took place in Mexico City, Mexico, from 25 to 27 August 2008.
Seventeen participants from the following eight States Parties attended the seminar: Belize, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama. The objective was to increase the national capacity of States Parties to comply with the obligations assumed under the CWC. The seminar addressed the following:
- the CWC and its status of implementation;
- import and export provisions;
- Article VI declarations requirements;
- Article VI industry verification;
- international cooperation and assistance activities; and
- implementation support programmes of the OPCW.
The seminar provided an opportunity for experience sharing on the implementation of Article VI requirements amongst the participants. During the seminar, table-top exercises were conducted to familiarise participants with the procedures for the identification of declarable Article VI activities and the inspections regime.
A two-day national course for members of the chemical industry was also held with more than 40 participants in attendance.