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Diplomatic Meeting

Negotiating a Trade Agreement

Delegations from two countries enter a detailed negotiation session to discuss terms, tariffs, and regulations for a new bilateral trade agreement, encountering some points of contention.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Chief Negotiator A (Male)
Good morning, Ambassador Lee. We appreciate you making the time for this critical session. Let's delve into the specifics of the agricultural tariffs.
2
Chief Negotiator B (Female)
Good morning, Mr. Davis. Indeed. Our primary concern remains the proposed 15% tariff on our specialty crops. It would significantly impact our farmers.
3
Chief Negotiator A (Male)
We understand your concerns, Ambassador, but this tariff is crucial for protecting our emerging domestic industries. Perhaps we could explore a phased reduction over five years?
4
Chief Negotiator B (Female)
A phased reduction is certainly a point for discussion, but five years seems rather extended. Would two to three years be more feasible, coupled with some non-tariff concessions on your side?
5
Chief Negotiator A (Male)
That's an interesting counter-proposal. What sort of non-tariff concessions do you have in mind, Ambassador? We're open to exploring options that demonstrate mutual benefit.
6
Chief Negotiator B (Female)
Specifically, we'd like to see streamlined customs procedures for our manufactured goods and mutual recognition of certain product certifications. This would significantly reduce trade barriers.
7
Chief Negotiator A (Male)
Streamlining customs is something we can certainly work towards. Mutual recognition of certifications, however, requires further internal review due to our regulatory frameworks. It's a complex area.
8
Chief Negotiator B (Female)
We understand the complexities. Perhaps a commitment to initiate a working group dedicated to harmonizing those standards within the first year of the agreement's implementation? That might bridge the gap.
9
Chief Negotiator A (Male)
A working group dedicated to harmonization. That's a constructive approach, Ambassador. Let me consult with my team on that specific timeframe and the agricultural tariff reduction. We're making progress.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

appreciate

To feel grateful for something or someone; in negotiations, use it to politely thank others, like 'We appreciate your effort.'

delve into

To examine or discuss something in detail; useful in meetings to suggest going deeper into a topic, e.g., 'Let's delve into the details.'

tariff

A tax imposed on imported or exported goods; common in trade talks, like 'The tariff on crops is 15%.'

concern

A feeling of worry or interest about a problem; in diplomacy, express it as 'Our main concern is the impact on farmers.'

crucial

Very important or essential; use it to emphasize importance, such as 'This is crucial for our industries.'

concessions

Something given up or allowed in negotiations to reach an agreement; practical in bargaining, e.g., 'We need concessions on tariffs.'

streamlined

Made simpler and more efficient; often used for processes, like 'streamlined customs procedures' to reduce delays.

harmonizing

Making different things consistent or in agreement; in trade, it means aligning standards, e.g., 'harmonizing certifications.'

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

We appreciate you making the time for this critical session.

This polite opening shows gratitude and sets a positive tone; use it at the start of meetings. 'Appreciate' is followed by a gerund ('making') for actions.

Let's delve into the specifics of the agricultural tariffs.

Suggests starting a detailed discussion; 'delve into' is an idiomatic phrase for in-depth exploration, useful in professional talks to move forward.

Our primary concern remains the proposed 15% tariff on our specialty crops.

Expresses a key issue clearly; 'primary concern' highlights the main worry, and 'remains' shows it hasn't changed—great for stating positions in negotiations.

We understand your concerns, but this tariff is crucial for protecting our emerging domestic industries.

Acknowledges the other side while defending your view; uses 'but' for contrast, common in diplomatic language to balance empathy and firmness.

Perhaps we could explore a phased reduction over five years?

Proposes a compromise politely with 'perhaps' and a question; 'explore' means to consider options, and 'phased reduction' describes gradual change—ideal for suggesting alternatives.

That's an interesting counter-proposal. What sort of non-tariff concessions do you have in mind?

Responds positively to an offer and asks for details; 'counter-proposal' is a negotiation term for a response idea, helping to keep dialogue open and collaborative.

We're making progress.

Ends positively by noting advancement; simple present continuous tense shows ongoing improvement, useful to encourage and conclude sessions on a hopeful note.