5. A regional body contemplated in Article 13.13 of this Protocol may approach the appropriate sub-sectoral committee through the SATCC-TU to obtain consultative membership. 6. A sub-sectoral committee shall duly consider an application for consultative status by a regional body and may grant or refuse such application on the basis contemplated in paragraph 7. 7. Consultative membership may be granted to a regional body a) having the authority to represent its members; and b) with a regional membership, which may include members outside the Region. 8. A consultative member contemplated in paragraph 7 shall be encouraged to a) adopt a constitution; b) establish headquarters and appoint an executive officer; and c) provide a contact point to facilitate communication and liaison. 9. A consultative member shall be represented by one member: Provided that it may increase its membership of a sub-sectoral committee if justified by circumstances and subject to the prior approval of that sub-sectoral committee. 10. A consultative member shall participate in meetings of the sub-sectoral committees in a non- voting capacity in order to a) create an opportunity for a mutual exchange of views on issues of regional importance; b) provide meetings with inputs in respect of their areas of activity; c) be informed on progress with the implementation of this Protocol: d) report on progress with implementation of this Protocol within their areas of responsibility; e) generally report on their activities and be informed of the activities of sub-sectoral committees; and f) contribute towards the process of monitoring implementation. 11. Sub-sectoral committees may invite individual technical experts to participate in meetings for a specific purpose. 12. Meetings of committees shall be structured to facilitate a) discussions between all members with a view to formulating joint recommendations to the Committee of Senior Officials; and