Energy Charter Treaty

32 1. Access to and development of energy resources Considering that efficient development of energy resources is a sine qua non for attaining the objectives of the Charter, the signatories undertake to facilitate access to and development of resources by the interested operators. To this end, they will ensure that rules on the exploration, development and acquisition of resources are publicly available and transparent; they recognise the need to formulate such rules wherever this has not yet been done and to take all necessary measures to coordinate their actions in this area. With a view to facilitating the development and diversification of resources, the signatories undertake to avoid imposing discriminatory rules on operators, notably rules governing the ownership of resources, internal operation of companies and taxation. 2. Access to Markets The signatories will strongly promote access to local and international markets for energy products for the implementation of the objectives of the Charter. Such access to markets should take account of the need to facilitate the operation of market forces, and promote competition. 3. Liberalisation of trade in energy In order to develop and diversify trade in energy, the signatories undertake progressively to remove the barriers to such trade with each other in energy products, equipment and services in a manner consistent with the provisions of GATT, its related instruments, and nuclear non-proliferation obligations and undertakings. The signatories recognise that transit of energy products through their territories is essential for the liberalisation of trade in energy products. Transit should take place in economic and environmentally sound conditions. They stress the importance of the development of commercial international energy transmission networks and their interconnection, with particular reference to electricity and natural gas and with recognition of the relevance of long-term commercial commitments. To this end, they will ensure the compatibility of technical specifications governing