Indeed, in the Committee's opinion, Parliament should exercise its oversight role more substantively in this regard by taking a more active role during the preparation phase of the trade negotiations. This allows Parliament the opportunity to deliberate on the relevant trade issues and give a broad mandate for the Minister to negotiate from and so strengthen South Africa's position. The Committee agreed that measures should be developed that allows Parliament sufficient time to apply its mind to the proposed trade agreement so that changes may be effected, if necessary, to assist in achieving the country's strategic objectives.