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Trade Policy Review Body    
 
*In Original language only/ En langue originale seulement /En el idioma original solamente . 
THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES  
DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING* HELD ON 22 AND 24 MARCH 2022  
Delegations are invited to submit factual corrections, if any, on their own statement to the 
Secretariat ( Mrs Daniela Salas : danielamariana.salas@wto.org , or to  tprd@wto.org ) no later 
than 10 May 2022 . 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
 
ÉMIRATS ARABES UNIS  
PROJET DE COMPTE RENDU DE LA RÉUNION* TENUE LES 22 ET 24 MARS 2022  
Les délégations sont invitées à soumettre leurs éventuelles corrections factuelles concernant leurs 
propres déclarations au Secrétariat ( Mme Daniela Salas : danielamariana.salas@wto.org , ou 
tprd@wto.org ) le 10 mai 2022  au plus tard.  
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
 
EMIRATOS ÁRABES UNIDOS  
PROYECTO DE ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN* CELEBRADA LOS DÍAS 22 Y 24 DE MARZO DE 2022  
Las delegaciones pueden enviar a la Secretaría (Sr a. Daniela Salas : 
danielamariana.salas@wto.org , o tprd@wto.org ) a más tardar el 10 de mayo de 2022  las 
correcciones fácticas que deseen introducir en sus propias declaraciones.  
 
 
_______________  
 
  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES  
DRAFT  MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr Ángel Villalobos Rodríguez  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  3 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES  ..... 5 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ................  7 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  ................................ ................................ ..........................  9 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AND 
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  ................................ ................................ ...............................  51 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .........................  56 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies provided 
by the United Arab Emirates are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/423/Add.1 and will be available 
online at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.h tm. WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The fourth  Trade Policy Review of the United  Arab Emirates was held on 22 and 24  March  2022. 
The Chairperson, H.E. Mr  Ángel Villalobos Rodríguez (Mexico) welcomed the delegation of the 
United  Arab Emirates, head ed by H.E.  Dr Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Minister of State for 
Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises; H.E.  Juma  Mohammed  Al Kait, 
Assistant  Undersecretary for International Trade; H.E.  Ambassador  Ahmed  Abdulrahman  Al Jarman, 
Permanent Representat ive of the United  Arab Emirates to the WTO; the rest of the delegation; and 
the discussant, H.E. Mr  José Valencia (Ecuador).  
1.2.  The Chairperson was pleased that, in addition to physical presence, the meeting also benefited 
from the Interprefy online connectio n, allowing for a wider participation of the Membership, in 
particular of officials who could not make the journey from Abu  Dhabi given the current 
circumstances.  
1.3.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of TPRs and the main elements of procedures for the 
meeting. The report by the United  Arab Emirates is contained in document WT/TPR/G/423, and that 
of the WTO Secretariat in document WT/TPR/S/423.  
1.4.  Questions by the following delegations were submitted in writing before the deadline: Oman; 
Chile; Hong  Kong,  China; Singapore; Russian  Federation; Israel; Colombia; Canada; United  States; 
Switzerland; European  Union; Australia; China; New  Zealand; Brazil; Thailand; Philippines; 
United  Kingdom; and Republic of Korea. The following delegations submitted written questio ns after 
the deadline: India; Argentina; Indonesia; Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia; Ukraine; Kazakhstan; 
Malaysia; Turkey; and Iceland.  
1.5.  At the previous Trade Policy Review of the United  Arab Emirates in 2016, Members had praised 
the United  Arab Emirates for its s uccessful efforts to diversify its economy away from oil and gas, in 
line with the objectives set out in its Vision  2021 development strategy.  
1.6.  According to the Secretariat's report prepared for the current Review, between 2016 and 2019, 
real GDP growth in  the UAE ranged between 1.2% and 3.4%, and was mainly driven by the non -oil 
sector, which suggests that diversification efforts had continued to take hold during the period under 
review. The Chairperson also noted from the Government Report that currently the non -oil sector 
contributed more than 70% to GDP, and that new sectors such as the space industry and other 
high-tech industries were being developed as part of the country's strategy to transition from a 
hydrocarbon -based to a knowledge -based economy.  
1.7.  In 2020, GDP contracted by 6.1% due mainly to the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic. To 
stimulate the economy and mitigate the effects of the pandemic, the authorities applied fiscal and 
monetary measures, both at federal and emirate levels. As stated in th e Government report, the 
Central Bank projected total real GDP to grow by 2.4% in 2021, with non -oil GDP projected to 
increase by 3.8%. In 2022, the economy is expected to grow by 4.2%.  
1.8.  In the 2016 Review, Members had showed appreciation for several aspect s of the UAE trade 
policy, including its binding of all tariff lines and the application of the GCC common external tariff, 
with nearly all applied tariffs at either zero or 5%. However, some concerns were expressed at that 
time regarding import procedures  such as regulatory requirements for imports, border inspection 
procedures and clearance systems, as well as SPS, TBT and other import requirements.  
1.9.  Regarding import procedures, the current Secretariat report referred to initiatives such as the 
UAE Custom s Gateway project - intended to become a national single window, a new Approved 
Economic Operators scheme, and an advance rulings system that has been developed. In addition, 
the requirement to submit certificates of origin for non -preferential imports was  removed. These 
measures could have helped facilitate import procedures and lower clearance times and costs. On 
the other hand, as shown in the written submissions, Members had questions regarding the 
implementation of the UAE's commitments under the Trade  Facilitation Agreement, the application 
of certain SPS measures and technical regulations – including the certification of halal products, 
quality marks and labelling -, and other import requirements such as consularization of trade 
documents. Clarificatio ns had also sought regarding some applied tariffs that exceed bound rates, WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  the UAE's lists of restricted and prohibited imports, excise taxes on certain beverage products, and 
targeted export promotion schemes.  
1.10.   The importance of free zones in the developm ent of the UAE economy was acknowledged 
during the previous Review. On the other hand, concerns were raised about foreign ownership 
restrictions applied to onshore investment in all commercial activities, and the UAE was urged to 
relax these restrictions.  
1.11.   The Chairperson was encouraged to read from the Secretariat's report that during the period 
covered by the Review, in line with its strategy of enhancing its position as a regional investment 
hub, the UAE has implemented a major reform of its Commercial Co mpanies Law allowing foreign 
investors to own up to 100% of UAE companies, except in certain activities having a "strategic 
impact". Also, several Emirates had issued their own lists of activities where 100% foreign ownership 
is allowed. The Chairperson wa s sure that Members would be keen to know more details about these 
developments, including their implementation and the relationship of the Emirates' lists with the 
new regime established by the Commercial Companies Law.  
1.12.   Both the Secretariat and the Gover nment reports highlighted the UAE strategy of targeting 
specific sectors for inward FDI. The practical details of this strategy should be of interest to Members. 
In addition, some Members had enquired about plans to further liberalize FDI in sectors such a s 
financial services, air and maritime transport, ports, telecommunications, and medical services.  
1.13.   A survey of the advance written questions submitted for this Review indicated a wide range 
of topics of interest to Members regarding the UAE's trade and in vestment policies. Recurring issues 
related to agricultural support, aspects of the government procurement regime, exemptions from 
the Competition Law, the role of SOEs and government -related entities in the economy, as well as 
application procedures and e nforcement of intellectual property rights. Some of these topics were 
raised during the previous Review. New issues that elicited Members' interest in the current review 
included e -commerce, digital transformation and cybersecurity, the green economy, rene wable 
energies, and the transition to low -carbon industries, as well as gender balance issues.  
1.14.   In total, the UAE received 697  advance written questions from 28  delegations for the Review, 
out of which 488 were sent within the established deadline. Prior t o the meeting, the UAE provided 
written replies for over 50% of the questions and the Chairperson was looking forward to hearing 
the UAE's updates on these issues during the two -day meeting.  
1.15.   The meeting was a good opportunity for Members to discuss in grea ter detail issues of interest 
to them and of systemic importance to the multilateral trading system. It was also an opportune 
moment for the UAE to inform the Membership on the impact of COVID -19 on its economy and the 
measures taken in response. The Chair person was looking forward to a fruitful discussion.  
1.16.   The Chairperson closed his introductory remarks by wishing UAE a very successful 
fourth  Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 
(H.E.  DR AHMAD BELHOUL AL FALASI)  
2.1.  It is an honour and a privilege to address the World Trade Organization - Trade Policy Review 
Body. On behalf of the United  Arab Emirates Government, our leaders, and our people, I would like 
to express our sincere gratitude to the Trade  Policies Review Division in preparing its report and 
ensuring a successful review cycle. I would also like to thank WTO Members for taking interest in 
the UAE's report, as evidenced by the number of questions we have received.  
2.2.  For the UAE, the Trade Polic y Review is an invaluable opportunity to share and discuss the 
current state of our trade policies and practices with WTO Members. Our review comes at a time 
when the world is facing unprecedented challenges that are disrupting domestic and international 
supply chains, global economies, and the livelihoods of people around the world. The UAE is 
responding to these challenges by continuing to strengthen our economy and collaborating with 
governments and businesses to deliver a more prosperous and sustainable  future for global trade.  
2.3.  In 2020, the UAE's economy experienced a deep but temporary recession, with our economic 
growth have contracted by 6.1%. However, the UAE moved quickly to address the health and 
economic effects of the pandemic. Widespread testing  and containment measures helped limit the 
initial spread of the virus, while vaccination efforts have resulted in vaccination rates among the 
highest globally. Supporting the business continuity of the private sector was also a major priority 
for us when COVID -19 struck in 2020.  
2.4.  The total of economic stimulus released by the Government to alleviate the pandemic's 
economic impact exceeded USD  77 billion. This is clear sign of the importance of the country's 
leadership places on this sector. The UAE's stron g, decisive response to the recent health and 
economic crisis was aimed at protecting our people, our businesses, and our economy. We can now 
it say it paid off. Business confidence boomed and we saw a swift return of business activities, 
tourism, trade, a nd investment.  
2.5.  Subsequently, the year 2021 not only marked our return to business as usual but it also saw 
the UAE host the World Expo and celebrate its 50th anniversary as a nation. This resulted in the 
upward trend of economic activity, with the overall  GDP growth expected to reach 2.1% in 2021, 
driven by non -oil growth of 3.8%. And for 2022, we hope to raise it to more than 4.2%.  
2.6.  With such relentless efforts, the UAE managed to reverse the global downward trend in 
attracting FDI by registering a two -digit growth rate of 11.2% or USD  19.9 billion in 2020. And 
in 2021, we have witnessed the growth rate of 4% or USD  20.7 billion for FDI flows, and 14% or 
USD 171.6  billion for FDI Stock. Furthermore, the total value of the UAE's non -oil foreign trade in 
2021 amounted to nearly over USD  517 billion, reflecting a 27% growth compared to that of 2020 
and 11% compared to 2019. This brings us back to pre -COVID levels.  
2.7.  Looking ahead, our objective is to accelerate economic growth and double our economy 
by 2031 and the UAE has plans to invest USD  150 billion into the economy by 2030.  
2.8.  The UAE is continuing to refine and implement policies that will maximize competitiveness, 
increase international partnerships, and provide opportunities to facilitate trade and investme nt. 
Such reforms introduced since the country's last TPR, further enables our private sector to grow to 
strengthen non -oil growth, boost productivity, and attract foreign investment.  
2.9.  In this context, I would also like to draw your attention to the recentl y announced "Projects of 
the 50", which marked our nation's milestone 50th anniversary. These bold initiatives are aimed at 
further economic diversification and establishing the UAE as the ultimate global destination for 
innovators, inventors, and disrupto rs. 
2.10.   The UAE aims to be a global technology hub and a leader in technology adoption. Today, 
small -to-medium -sized enterprises are fundamental to our modern, knowledge -based economy. 
Through the National Programme for Small and Medium Enterprises, we aim to enable UAE 
entrepreneurs and SME owners to increase their contribution to the country's economic 
diversification efforts and growth. The SMEs today represent 94% of the total companies and 
institutions operating in the country and contribute more than 50% to the country's GDP.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  2.11.   As a country, we are regarded as the world's best place to start a new business, ranking first 
worldwide in the latest Global Entrepreneurship Index, outperforming major entrepreneurship 
economies.  
2.12.   With the UAE now expanding to be t he Entrepreneurial Nation and re -shaping the economy 
to be more start -up friendly, our nation's development cannot be complete without an opportunity 
for SMEs to expand and grow.  
2.13.   The UAE is progressively restructuring the legal and regulatory environment to align with 
global best practices in transparency, investment protection, fair competition, and competitiveness. 
The UAE has issued a number of laws and working on upgrading a number of key legislations, 
especially with regard to the development of the c ountry's economic infrastructure and investment 
environment.  
2.14.   The UAE firmly believes that free trade is a necessary condition for increased and sustainable 
competitiveness and productivity. Protectionism, in the form of high tariff barriers and technical 
barriers to trade, would only result in a stagnant and inefficient private sector.  
2.15.   What we have witnessed in the last two  years, was the increased unilateral trade protection 
measures, which has affected the flow of trade and the global value chains. This was also a factor 
that affected the principles of trade facilitation, which the WTO Members agreed to in 2013 Ministerial 
Conference in Bali.  
2.16.   The UAE, indeed, supports the WTO Reform process aiming at strengthening its functions and 
operations, as well as  reviving the multilateral trading system. Maintaining and strengthening the 
multilateral trading system under the WTO remains a fundamental basis of UAE's trade policy. On 
that regard, we consider all the forms of trade preferential arrangements, whether it is bilateral or 
regional free trade areas are complimentary to multilateral trading system and in compliance with 
its requirements.  
2.17.   The UAE is entering into a new phase of economic transformation aiming at establishing a 
new economic model whose key pi llars are enhancing digitalization by accelerating the 
fourth  Industrial Revolution; furthering the green and circular economy, increasing productivity, and 
fostering international economic partnerships.  
2.18.   In this forward -looking process, the UAE reiterates  its engagement with the WTO and 
acknowledges its role as global forum for trade policies of which the positive impact on the economic 
growth have already been demonstrated and asserted. The UAE intends to use this engagement as 
a reference and a motivatio n to improve and modernize its trade and investment strategies.  
2.19.   I very much look forward to listening to comments and suggestions from our distinguished 
discussant and all Member States. Thank you very much for your attention.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  
3.1.  Es un honor participar como ponente en el cuarto examen de política comercial de los 
Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos. Quiero en primer lugar dar una cordial bienvenida a Su Excelencia, el 
Dr. Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Ministro de Estado para el Emprendimiento y la Pequeña y Mediana 
Empresa, Jefe de la delegación de los EAU, así como a la delegación que le acompaña tanto aquí en 
Ginebra, como a través de conexión virtual. Un especial saludo a los distinguidos miembros de la 
Misión Permanente emiratí ante la OMC.  
3.2.  El proceso de examen de las políticas comerciales fue concebido en Marrakech como un 
mecanismo para promover una conversación abierta, fluida y constante, entre todos los Miembros, 
con respecto a la información periódica que proporciona a la OMC el Estado suje to al procedimiento.  
3.3.  Partidario como soy del multilateralismo y sus procesos, por más que en ocasiones tengan las 
limitaciones que toda institución humana tiene, creo que el examen de políticas comerciales aporta 
a la transparencia en las relaciones entre  los Estados, aporta al diálogo y al aprendizaje de 
experiencias, y a tener en cuenta perspectivas y explicaciones que fortalecen acuerdos existentes o 
permiten construir entendimientos cuanto hay legítimas posiciones que no coinciden.  
3.4.  En esta ocasión abordaremos temas que atañen a la implementación, durante los últimos 
seis años, de los acuerdos multilaterales de comercio suscritos por los EAU, así como de los acuerdos 
plurilaterales suscritos por ese país, si fuera del caso. Al hacerlo, debere mos tener presente, por 
una parte, cómo han evolucionado las cuestiones que se consideraron y discutieron en el 
tercer  examen, y, por otro lado, en qué medida el contexto internacional relevante ha interactuado 
con las políticas del Gobierno de los EAU.  
3.5.  El examen que empieza el día de hoy cubre una época crítica para todos los países del mundo. 
Los dos años anteriores vivimos no sólo una gran tragedia por la muerte de millones de personas, 
por los riesgos a la salud de centenas de millones de individuos más , sino por el impacto de la 
pandemia en muchos renglones de la vida humana. La economía de todas las naciones y los ámbitos 
de convivencia, desde la educación y la cultura hasta las actividades comerciales, se vieron 
negativamente alterados. Como trasfondo , han seguido vigentes para todos los desafíos globales 
del cambio climático, la contaminación, la pérdida de la biodiversidad y las metas de desarrollo 
sostenible.  
3.6.  Satisface constatar que ha continuado el crecimiento económico del PIB de EAU desde el últi mo 
examen, a excepción del año 2020. Los EAU sufrieron una fuerte contracción en su crecimiento 
en 2020, principalmente por el impacto de la COVID -19 en el comercio de la energía. Es una buena 
noticia que, en 2021, el crecimiento se haya reactivado al 2,2% , según cifras del Banco  Mundial y 
el Fondo  Monetario  Internacional, y sobre todo que se prevea la reanudación del crecimiento a 
niveles pre -COVID, a partir de 2022.  
3.7.  El retorno a la normalidad se constata también en otros indicadores que han sido expuestos  
en los informes del Gobierno de EAU y de la Secretaría, como por ejemplo las perspectivas de 
crecimiento del comercio exterior en distintos sectores de su economía, a precios constantes. Lo 
propio se puede decir del positivo incremento en la llegada de in versiones extranjeras directas al 
país, reportado en el Informe de la UNCTAD sobre Inversiones en el Mundo, que se cita el informe 
de EAU.  
3.8.  La recuperación del ritmo económico y comercial responde a políticas gubernamentales 
consistentes que se venían aplic ando desde antes y que lograron adaptarse con efectividad a la 
volatilidad y desequilibrios que trajo la pandemia, gracias a las medidas fiscales y monetarias 
implementadas por el Gobierno. Visto desde esta perspectiva, es una positiva manera de empezar 
con la aplicación de la estrategia de largo plazo Centenario  2071, prevista para culminar en cincuenta 
años más, cuando los EAU cumplan un siglo de ser una nación independiente.  
3.9.  El Centenario  2071 contiene la estrategia económica y social a largo plazo de lo s EAU, que 
busca la construcción progresiva de una economía que pase de sustentarse en la producción y 
exportación de hidrocarburos, a una economía con mayor diversificación, basada primordialmente 
en el conocimiento, la tecnología aplicada, la innovación y el emprendimiento.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  3.10.   Como trasfondo de esta meta estrategia, se aprecia el propósito de los EAU de acoplarse a 
un mundo que en las próximas décadas emigrará de una matriz energética basada en hidrocarburos, 
a una realidad de bajas emisiones de CO2, y que priorizará la producción y el consumo sustentables, 
incluida la circularidad de los procesos económicos. El Informe de la Secretaría ya registra que la 
capacidad de energía renovable en el país siguió aumentando durante el periodo examinado.  
3.11.   ¿Cómo funciona rán las iniciativas orientadas la economía digital, a la economía circular y a la 
economía verde que prevé Centenario  2071 en los próximos años? A los Estados Miembros de la 
OMC les interesa conocer la aplicación en la práctica de las estrategias a corto y  mediano plazo de 
los EAU, y su funcionamiento con respecto a la participación del país en el sistema multilateral de 
comercio.  
3.12.   No le corresponde al ponente emitir un criterio sobre las más de 600  preguntas que los 
Estados han presentado a EAU con ocasión  del cuarto  examen. El diálogo en este ejercicio se da 
entre el Estado examinado y los demás Miembros de la OMC. Sin embargo, me permito señalar que 
con respecto al tercer examen de política comercial se mantiene el interés para conversar con los 
EAU alred edor del funcionamiento de las zonas económicas libres, el régimen de inversiones y la 
participación de empresas estatales en la economía.  
3.13.   Con relación a las preguntas planteadas por la Membresía de la Organización, estoy seguro 
que este cuatro  examen de políticas comerciales permitirá establecer un diálogo fructífero y 
constructivo con los EAU sobre los regímenes de comercio, inversiones y servicios financieros así 
como sobre específicas políticas comerciales, inter alia, los procedimientos y requisitos a duaneros, 
las medidas que afectan a las importaciones más allá de los aranceles, los estándares y 
requerimientos técnicos para la importación, la sintonía entre los estándares sanitarios y 
fitosanitarios locales con los de carácter internacional, la dinámi ca de competición e información 
disponible sobre empresas estatales y en materia de compras públicas y propiedad intelectual.  
3.14.   Por su nexo con el comercio y por su dimensión social, hallo especialmente útil la 
consideración de temas como la integración de migrantes al sector laboral de EAU y lo concerniente 
a la participación de la mujer en la economía. Sobre esto último, encuentro muy pertinente 
información en los informes del Gobierno de los EAU y de la Secretaría, que se hacen eco de datos 
como el índice  del PNUD sobre igualdad de género, donde se destaca el sustantivo avance de los 
EAU en el ranking regional y mundial en la materia. En programas concretos, destacan iniciativas 
para el empoderamiento de mujeres en áreas de ingeniería y las finanzas, que b usca mayor 
representatividad de mujeres en esos sectores.  
3.15.   Como podemos apreciar, tenemos en estos dos  días un amplio e interesante programa de 
discusión, que según los procedimientos del mecanismo de exámenes de políticas comerciales se 
prolongará por el tiempo en que el Estado examinado analice y conteste por escrito algunas de las 
preguntas y planteamientos efectuados.  
3.16.   EAU ha avanzado con éxito y determinación en diversificar su economía y su comercio, en 
hacerlos cada vez menos dependientes de los hidro carburos, y en construir una estrategia a futuro 
que tome en cuenta los desafíos que la humanidad tiene que enfrentar: el desarrollo sostenible, la 
economía circular, las nuevas energías, el comercio e interconexión productiva de bienes y servicios, 
el inc remento del intercambio con un sentido de beneficios compartidos.  
3.17.   Auguro a los EAU y a su delegación una productiva interacción con los Estados Miembros de 
la OMC en el desarrollo de este cuarto  examen de política comercial.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  
OMAN  
4.1.  It is a great pleasure for the delegation of the Sultanate of Oman to participate in the 
fourth  Trade Policy Review of the United  Arab Emirates and wish to extend a warm welcome to the 
distinguished delegation of the United  Arab Emirates headed by H.E.  Dr Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, 
Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises.  
4.2.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank our brothers in the United  Arab Emirates and the 
World  Trade  Organization (WTO) Secretariat for their detailed and comprehensive Trade Policy 
Review reports. I also thank the discussant H.E.  Mr José Valencia, Ambassador and Permanent 
Representative of Ecuador to the WTO for his insightful remarks.  
4.3.   Oman fully associates itself with the statement by the delegation of the Kingdom of 
Saudi  Arabia on behalf of the Arab Group.  
4.4.  The Sultanate of Oman and the United  Arab Emirates enjoy a brotherly friendly relationship 
supported by shared membership within the GCC and Arab League.  
4.5.  The United  Arab Emirates is one of Oman's  main trading partners; the geographical proximity 
between both countries is one of the most prominent factors in the success of their trade, as well as 
the stable economic and political relations. The trade exchange between the two  countries reached 
USD 11.4 billion in 2020.  
4.6.  Oman congratulates the United  Arab Emirates on the positive economic development during 
the period under review, with adequate gross domestic product (GDP) growth and moderate inflation 
between 2016 and 2019, real GDP growth ranged be tween 1.2% and 3.4%, mainly led by the non -oil 
sector. The trade balance remained in surplus over the period under review.  
4.7.  We are glad to note that economic reforms continued throughout this period and focused on 
increasing efficiency and inclusiveness. M easures to improve efficiency included several steps on 
trade and investment facilitation. Such efforts resulted in improving the UAE's rankings in several 
world and regional indicators, including ease of doing business, financial competence, stability, an d 
attraction of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).  
4.8.   Oman commends the United  Arab Emirates on the steps taken since the last review guided by 
the Vision  2021 strategy which included: encouraging the diversification of the economy towards 
industries based on  knowledge and innovation, enhancing the competitiveness of small and 
medium -size enterprises (SMEs) and national entrepreneurship, creating an enabling environment 
for trade and investment, strengthening the competitiveness of the UAE in external markets and 
developing trade relations with other countries, and enhancing protection of consumer and 
intellectual property rights.  
4.9.   The United  Arab Emirates is strongly committed to the rules -based multilateral trading system 
and actively participates in the WTO negotiations.  
4.10.   In the end, I would like to thank H.E.  Mr Ahmed  Abdulrahman  Al Jarman, Ambassador and 
Permanent Representativ e of the United  Arab Emirates in Geneva. I thank also Mr  Abdelsalam 
Mohamed Al Ali, Director of the office of the United  Arab Emirates to the WTO, for the excellent 
cooperation between our two Missions here in Geneva for the sake of our mutual interests.  
4.11.   To conclude, the delegation of Oman wishes the delegation of the United  Arab Emirates a very 
successful fourth  Trade Policy Review.  
CHILE  
4.12.   Chile quisiera brindar un afectuoso saludo a la delegación de Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos (EAU), 
encabezada por el excelent ísimo Ministro de Estado para el Emprendimiento y la Pequeña y Mediana WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  Empresa, Dr.  Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, y a la Misión Permanente de los EAU ante la OMC, en especial 
a su Embajador Sr.  Ahmed  Abdulrahman  Al Jarman.  
4.13.   Asimismo, quisiéramos reconocer el trabajo realizado tanto por la Secretaría como por EAU 
en la elaboración de los respectivos informes. También quisiera felicitar por su labor como ponente 
al Embajador y amigo José  Valencia del Ecuador.  
4.14.    Los EAU es un Mi embro comprometido con el sistema multilateral de comercio basado en 
normas y que participa activamente en las negociaciones de la OMC. Muestra de esto, es la adopción 
del Protocolo relativo al Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del Comercio en abril de 2016, y el  Protocolo de 
enmienda al Acuerdo sobre ADPIC en enero de 2017. Asimismo, son parte del Acuerdo sobre 
Tecnología de la Información; y destaca su participación en las Iniciativas Conjuntas sobre Comercio 
Electrónico y Facilitación de Inversiones para el Des arrollo. Como coordinador de esta última, invito 
a los EAU a redoblar su participación para que todos los participantes puedan beneficiarse de la 
experiencia emiratí en la creación de un clima favorable a la inversión extranjera.  
4.15.   En el ámbito bilateral, qu isiéramos destacar que el 31 de mayo de 2021 se realizó la primera 
reunión de consultas políticas entre EAU y Chile, ocasión en la que se identificaron áreas de 
convergencia e interés común. Entre los temas abordados estuvo la constitución de un Task  Force , 
encargado de evaluar la posibilidad de negociar instrumentos en materias referidas a: seguridad 
alimentaria, energía y tecnología 5G, así como un diálogo en materia económico comercial con el 
objeto de fortalecer las relaciones bilaterales.  
4.16.   También cabe destacar también el Convenio para la Eliminación de la Doble Tributación y el 
Acuerdo de Cooperación y Asistencia Mutua en Materias Aduaneras, ambos de 2019. 
La Expo Dubái  2020 permitió mostrar a nuestro país en la región del Golfo, siendo una plataforma 
que visibilizó las oportunidades de cooperación en diversos temas entre ambos países. Agradecemos 
especialmente el apoyo de sus organizadores, el cual nos permitió tener una exitosa participación.  
4.17.   El presente examen de política comercial da cuenta de exitos os esfuerzos desplegados por los 
Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos para lidiar con el impacto de la COVID -19, particularmente en el sector de 
la construcción. Por otro lado, vemos con interés la implementación de su estrategia energética, 
dirigida a diversificar la m atriz energética, aumentando la capacidad de producción de energías 
renovables durante el período objeto de examen. Adicionalmente, destacamos los avances de EAU 
para constituirse en una economía de futuro, fortaleciendo su sector de tecnología de informac ión y 
economía digital, además de la adopción de conceptos de economía circular. Todo ello se ve 
reforzado con iniciativas públicas y privadas tendientes a fortalecer la participación de la mujer en 
el comercio, permitiéndoles escalar posiciones en diversa s mediciones sobre brecha de género, lo 
que ciertamente valoramos.  
4.18.   Para este ejercicio de examen de política comercial, Chile ha formulado preguntas en áreas 
como: servicios bancarios, telecomunicaciones, transporte y médicos, sobre pymes y balance de 
género, entre otros. Agradecemos las respuestas a dichas preguntas, así como el trabajo realizado 
por la delegación de EAU en Ginebra y en capital. Por último, deseamos a EAU un exitoso cuarto 
examen de política comercial.  
HONG  KONG,  CHINA  
4.19.   I would start by ext ending a warm welcome to the delegation of the United  Arab Emirates 
(UAE) led by Dr  Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and 
Medium Enterprises of the Ministry of Economy. I would also like to thank the discussant Ambas sador 
José Valencia of Ecuador for sharing with us his insights, and the Secretariat for preparing a 
comprehensive report for the review.  
4.20.   Hong Kong,  China and the UAE have been enjoying cordial bilateral trade relations. In 2021, 
UAE was our largest tradin g partner in the Middle  East, with total merchandise trade amounting to 
USD 12.8 billion, and an average annual growth of 4.1% from 2017 to 2021. Besides, in order to 
promote mutual investments, Hong  Kong,  China and the UAE signed an Investment Promotion a nd 
Protection Agreement in June  2019, which entered into force in March  2020.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  4.21.   With the generous support of the UAE, Hong  Kong,  China set up a new Economic and Trade 
Office in Dubai in October  2021, which is our first  external economic and trade office in t he 
Middle  East. This Office's mission is to promote and strengthen our bilateral economic, trade and 
cultural ties with the UAE, as well as with other member States of the Cooperation Council for the 
Arab States of the Gulf. It is a testimony of our unfors aken commitment to developing closer trade 
relations with the UAE.  
4.22.   Let me now highlight our observations on the trade policies of UAE.  
4.23.   On trade facilitation, we are pleased to note that the UAE has made improvements to its 
customs clearance system and inf ormation sharing mechanisms between border agencies, which 
have contributed to clearance of 96% of customs declarations in less than two  minutes. We are also 
glad to learn that the UAE's Authorized Economic Operators Scheme piloted in 2016 has since 
result ed in substantially shorter clearance times and lowered costs for participants covering all Gulf 
Cooperation Council members.  
4.24.   Nevertheless, while the UAE has committed to implementing nearly all provisions in the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement, we notice tha t certain transparency notifications have yet to be made. We 
would encourage the UAE to submit the notifications as soon as possible.  
4.25.   Regarding tariff, we are pleased to note that the UAE has bound all its tariff lines, and most 
of the applied tariff rates  are either at 5% or duty -free. That said, the applied tariffs of certain 
products such as goods containing alcohol exceed the bound tariffs by significant margins. We look 
forward to the UAE's continued efforts in enhancing its tariff regime.  
4.26.   Turning to a griculture, the agriculture sector of the UAE continues to be relatively protected, 
though its contribution to GDP was less than 1% in 2020. The applied MFN tariff for agricultural 
products increased from 5.5% in 2015 to 6.7% in 2021, which remained higher  than that of 
non-agricultural products at 4.7%.  
4.27.   On the other hand, we are pleased to note that the UAE all along supports more transparency 
in the use of export restrictions and has submitted up to date notifications on domestic support and 
export subsid ies. According to its notifications, the UAE did not provide any export subsidies during 
the review period and maintained only "green box" domestic support, mainly related to measures 
on pest and disease controls, and advisory services.  
4.28.   We are also glad to  note that the UAE is a co -sponsor of the joint statement on responding to 
the COVID -19 pandemic with open and predictable trade in agricultural and food products as well as 
the joint statement on agriculture export prohibitions or restrictions relating to  the World Food 
Programme.  
4.29.   Lastly, on services, we note that the services sector continued to be an important contributor 
to the UAE's GDP, accounting for 50% in 2020. However, foreign participation in certain sectors is 
still subject of restrictions. In t his regard, we would like to encourage the UAE to consider further 
liberalising its services trade regime for foreign investment, for instance, by allowing the 
establishment of subsidiaries of foreign banks, and reducing, if not removing, foreign equity 
limitations in various services sectors such as insurance and telecommunications.  
4.30.   Hong Kong,  China highly appreciates the constructive contributions of the UAE to the WTO 
and shares the UAE's commitment in maintaining a strong and effective multilateral trad ing system. 
I wish the UAE a successful and productive Trade Policy Review.  
SINGAPORE  
4.31.   Let me begin by welcoming the UAE delegation, led by Minister of State for Entrepreneurship 
and Small and Medium Enterprises Dr  Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, who are here with  us today in 
Geneva. Let me also express our appreciation to the UAE for its comprehensive Government report 
and statement. I also wish to congratulate Ambassador  Ángel  Villalobos, for assuming the 
chairmanship of the TPRB. I would also like to thank the d iscussant Ambassador  José Valencia as 
well as the Secretariat for their insightful reports and statements. Allow me to make three  points.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  4.32.   First, Singapore and the UAE enjoy strong, long -standing and multi -faceted relations. 
Economically, the UAE has consis tently been Singapore's largest trading partner in the Middle  East 
region. In 2021, our bilateral trade amounted to USD  16.3 billion, which represented a 73% 
year-on-year increase that surpassed even pre -pandemic levels. Despite the challenging global 
economic situation, two -way investment flows remained healthy. In 2020, the UAE's foreign direct 
investment in Singapore stood at USD  2.7 billion and Singapore's investment in the UAE amounted 
to USD  2 billion. Singapore and UAE companies have continued to inv est in a wide spectrum sectors 
ranging from energy to finance, food and beverages, to retail. Politically, both sides maintain strong 
and vibrant exchanges, notably through the Singapore -UAE Joint Commission and the 
Abu Dhabi -Singapore Joint Forum. These p latforms enable both sides to engage in strategic dialogue 
and explore deeper collaboration in new and emerging areas such as innovation, digital trade and 
the green economy.  
4.33.   Second, Singapore and the UAE have embraced digital transformation. UAE's national 
digitalisation initiatives, including its Fourth Industrial Revolution and National Cybersecurity 
Strategy, have helped to spur innovation and enhance its digital competitiveness. For instance, the 
Emirates Blockchain Strateg y 2021 aims to transform 50% of federal government transactions on 
to the blockchain platform, and this will result in USD  1.5 billion saved from expenditure on paper 
documents. As a result of the UAE's efforts in these areas, the UAE was ranked 10th in the World 
Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2021 issued by the World Competitiveness Centre (WCC) of the 
International Institute for Management Development (IMD). At the bilateral level, we are keen to 
actively participate in and contribute to these efforts to  help create tangible mutual benefits for our 
companies and consumers. Given the many similarities between the UAE and Singapore, and as 
both seek to diversify and develop our knowledge -based economy in science and technology, 
sustainability and digital ec onomy, there will be room for deeper collaboration. At the WTO, 
Singapore welcomes the UAE's participation in the Joint Statement Initiatives on E -Commerce and 
Investment Facilitation for Development. We look forward to working closely together with the UA E 
to strengthen the multilateral trading system and ensure that the WTO remains fit for purpose in 
the 21st century.  
4.34.   Third, Singapore looks forward to expanding our collaboration with the UAE to strengthen our 
trade and economic ties. We welcome initiativ es under the UAE's "Projects of the 50" to deepen 
trade linkages with its key trading partners, such as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership 
Agreements (CEPAs). These trade and investments agreements will help to forge new possibilities 
for collaboration  between the UAE and its trading partners. As Singapore and UAE expand our 
bilateral economic partnership, the FTA between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Singapore, 
which was signed in 2013, will continue to anchor the growing Singapore UAE economi c relations. 
We welcome UAE's efforts to develop a national single window systems for advance rulings on tariff 
classification, rules of origin and customs evaluation, which will boost trade flows between Singapore 
and the UAE. At the multilateral level, S ingapore would also like to encourage the UAE to become a 
partner to the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), given the importance of establishing 
open, fair and transparent conditions of competition in government procurement processes.  
4.35.   Finally, Singapo re looks forward to work with the UAE and its Mission led by Permanent 
Representative Mr  Ahmed  Abdulrahman  Al Jarman. I wish UAE every success for its fourth  TPR.  
RUSSIAN  FEDERATION  
4.36.   The Russian  Federation appreciates the opportunity to take part in the fo urth Trade Policy 
Review of the United  Arab Emirates and engage in a frank discussion on its trade policy. I would like 
to extend a warm welcome to the delegation of UAE, headed by H.E.  Dr Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, 
Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and  Small and Medium Enterprises. I also thank the 
Government and the WTO Secretariat for their comprehensive reports, as well as the discussant 
H.E. Mr José Valencia of Ecuador for his insightful remarks.  
4.37.   The Russian  Federation highly values the traditionall y friendly and multifaceted relations with 
the UAE that are guided by the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between our countries, signed 
in June  2018 in Moscow.  
4.38.   We are quite satisfied with the current state of bilateral trade and economic affairs. In 2 021 
the overall trade turnover between our countries has reached an all -time peak, surpassing WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  USD 5 billion mark. That is around an 80% increase in comparison to the previous year, making the 
UAE one of our top trade partners in the Middle  East. 
4.39.   Throughout  the years, bilateral cooperation has significantly advanced in a number of fields. 
Our countries are constructively engaging on the subject of energy pricing in OPEC+ and other 
formats. Investment cooperation is developing. Joint efforts are being underta ken against the spread 
of the COVID -19 pandemic. Collaboration with the UAE in the area of space exploration continues to 
be enhanced.  
4.40.   A number of Russian companies are strengthening their presence on the UAE market with 
around 40  representative offices cu rrently operational.  
4.41.   The Russian  Federation applauds the UAE's strong support of the rules -based multilateral 
trading system and its active participation in the WTO negotiations, as well as the Joint Statement 
Initiatives on E -Commerce and Investment Facil itation. We invite Abu  Dhabi to consider joining the 
other JSIs on supporting the MSMEs and on services domestic regulation. The Russian  Federation 
notes with satisfaction the UAE's efforts for facilitating the elaboration of a multilateral response to 
the COVID -19 pandemic. We commend the strong notifications record of UAE.  
4.42.   The Russian  Federation has submitted a number of written questions to the UAE, specifically 
on the issues of export support and promotion, standards and technical requirements, energy a nd 
technology sectors development, cooperation in the GCC format. We look forward to reviewing the 
answers from Abu  Dhabi.  
4.43.   In conclusion, I would like to wish the United  Arab Emirates a successful Trade Policy Review.  
ISRAEL  
4.44.   Israel would like to thank you, the discussant H.E.  Mr José Valencia (Ecuador), the 
United  Arab Emirates, and the Secretariat for the detailed reports. Israel also welcomes 
H.E. Dr Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium 
Enterprises, as t he head of delegation.  
4.45.   Israel warmly welcomes the United  Arab Emirates in this TPR. Since the signing of the 
Abraham Accords and the establishment of diplomatic relations on 15  September  2020, the ties 
between our countries have quickly developed.  
4.46.   In the year and a half that has passed since, we have seen a rapid expansion of bilateral 
trade, tourism, and economic cooperation. In addition, Israel and the United  Arab Emirates are 
advancing in the negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreemen t.   
4.47.   This close collaboration between the United  Arab Emirates and Israel creates new 
opportunities for peace, development, and economic growth from which other nations in the area 
could benefit as well.  
4.48.   Although we are still in the early stages of our tr ading relationship, we anticipate that bilateral 
trade between Israel and the United  Arab Emirates will continue to grow and diversify rapidly, further 
deepening our economic ties for the mutual benefit of our people.  
4.49.   During 2020, United  Arab Emirates' GD P contracted 6.1%, primarily due to COVID -19, but 
things bounced back in 2021, with real  GDP growth of around 2.1%. In addition, exports of 
non-hydrocarbons, which traditionally surpass exports of hydrocarbons, remained relatively stable 
in 2020 despite th e disruption of global trade. During the period in review, Israel also notes the 
United  Arab Emirates' net inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2020, which is likely to be 
further aided by the Government's unveiling of several policy plans during l ast year, to increase FDI 
outflows and exports to targeted markets.  
4.50.   Here at the WTO, we all benefit from the constructive and forthcoming approach of the 
United  Arab Emirates in all fronts, committees, and areas of discussion. Israel looks forward to WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  worki ng closely with the United  Arab Emirates across all matters. Our nations share many ideas 
regarding trade and participate together in several initiatives at the WTO.  
4.51.   During this exercise, Israel submitted questions to the United  Arab Emirates, and we look  
forward to reviewing the replies in due course. The areas of interest for Israel include investment, 
import measures more broadly, and import restrictions.  
4.52.   As we are nearing the long -delayed MC12, Israel looks forward to United  Arab Emirates' 
contributio ns and constructive role towards a successful Ministerial. Similarly, we look forward to 
strengthening our working relationship with H.E. Ambassador Mr  Ahmed  Abdulrahman  Al Jarman 
and the team at the United  Arab Emirates' Mission.  
4.53.   Israel wishes United Arab  Emirates a very successful TPR.  
COLOMBIA  
4.54.   Saludamos atentamente a la Delegación de los Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos, encabezada por 
S.E. Dr. Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Ministro de Estado para el Emprendimiento y la Pequeña y Mediana 
Empresa, del Ministerio de Econ omía, así como a S.E.  Juma  Mohammed  Al Kait Subsecretario para 
el Comercio Internacional y a su equipo, con quienes venimos trabajando en un acuerdo de 
Complementación Económica entre nuestros dos países. Es un gusto volver a contar con la 
participación de  delegaciones de capital en estos importantes ejercicios de transparencia.  
4.55.   Agradecemos el completo análisis y comentarios presentados por el ponente, Embajador 
José Valencia. Los pertinentes elementos expuestos, que han contribuido a enriquecer esta 
discusión. Igualmente reconocemos el dedicado trabajo de la Secretaría y las autoridades Emiratíes 
en la elaboración de los informes.  
4.56.   Los Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos, tienen una economía dinámica, con tasas de crecimiento 
estables, que ha sorteado adecuadamente los  retos que ha planteado la economía global en los 
últimos años, como la caída de los precios internacionales de ciertas materias primas como el 
petróleo, y las consecuencias de la pandemia sobre la producción, la demanda y el turismo.  
4.57.   Los principales indicadores macroeconómicos evidencian la importancia que sigue teniendo 
para los Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos los sectores de petróleo y gas, tanto en su producto interno bruto, 
como en los ingresos públicos y en las exportaciones. El país ha av anzado en la diversificación de 
su economía, registrando una participación ligeramente más alta de sectores como industrias 
manufactureras, el comercio al por mayor y los servicios.  
4.58.   Colombia comparte con los Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos el objetivo de diversifi cación de la 
economía y de las exportaciones así como la vocación hacia el libre comercio. En este contexto, 
encontramos de interés el régimen de zonas francas, las cuales tienen una importancia estratégica 
para la promoción de exportaciones no petroleras.  Dentro de este régimen, para Colombia resulta 
interesante conocer mayores detalles del régimen de incentivos y beneficios tributarios, aduaneros 
y en materia de licencias. Igualmente deseamos conocer mayores detalles sobre el funcionamiento 
de las zonas f rancas financieras, así como aquellas dedicadas a las industrias creativas y las 
relacionadas con la tecnología.  
4.59.   Igualmente, llamativos resultan el Plan Centenario 2071, enfocado en fortalecer la economía 
del conocimiento, fomentando la innovación y la pr oductividad, y la Estrategia Industrial orientada 
a aumentar la participación de la industria en el PIB total, priorizando ciertos sectores estratégicos 
que obtendrían beneficios por parte del Gobierno.  
4.60.   Destacamos los elementos presentados en ambos inform es sobre la consolidación y 
crecimiento del sector de servicios, que contribuye importantemente en el objetivo de diversificación, 
llegando a exportaciones de USD  90.300  millones en 2019. Si bien en el último año se registró una 
disminución por cuenta de l os efectos de la pandemia, las perspectivas de este rubro son 
prometedoras.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  4.61.   Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos se ha caracterizado por ser un miembro altamente comprometido con 
el sistema multilateral basado en reglas, y contribuye de manera positiva en el adecuado 
funcionamiento de la Organización. Su participación en diversas iniciativas conjuntas refleja su 
interés en que la OMC tenga un rol destacado en el desarrollo de nuevas reglas en sectores 
estratégicos.  
4.62.   Por otra parte, los documentos de la Secretaría y del Gobierno dan cuenta de la importancia 
que tiene el Consejo de Cooperación del Golfo en la formulación e implementación de políticas 
comerciales. Encontramos importante avanzar hacia una mayor transparencia y mayor claridad de 
las normas y políticas aplicab les, para facilitar los intercambios comerciales.  
4.63.   Sobre la política arancelaria, los informes dan cuenta de una estructura arancelaria sencilla, 
con pocas variaciones, sin crestas sectoriales ni contingentes. El arancel promedio aplicado es en 
general más bajo que los tipos consolidados, aunque llama la atención que los aranceles 
consolidados para productos agropecuarios son casi el doble que los aranceles para bienes no 
agrícolas. Además, se registran picos arancelarios importantes para los llamados 
"produ ctos especiales", para los que además los aranceles aplicados son superiores a los aranceles 
consolidados. Entendemos que los EAU han buscado diversificar su economía más allá de las 
actividades derivadas de la explotación petrolera y la política arancelar ia mencionada parece 
obedecer a este objetivo.  
4.64.   También llama la atención el rol preponderante que continúan teniendo las empresas de 
propiedad estatal en el conjunto de la economía y como parte de las iniciativas de diversificación. 
Las empresas estatales  tienen presencia en casi todos los sectores, aunque se reconocen avances 
en su gobernanza, transparencia y autonomía operativa.  
4.65.   En lo que se refiere a los procedimientos aduaneros y de comercio exterior, felicitamos los 
avances y acciones concretas adopt adas durante el periodo de examen, en particular relacionadas 
con la simplificación de trámites y la adopción de mecanismos electrónicos, como la presentación 
electrónica de Declaraciones de Aduana. También resultan positivos los avances en la 
implementaci ón de la Ventanilla Única Nacional y del programa de Operador Económico Autorizado. 
En estos temas esperamos poder trabajar conjuntamente apoyados en el Acuerdo de 
Complementación Económica.  
4.66.   En el área de transparencia, si bien reconocemos los avances reci entes para cumplir con las 
diferentes notificaciones, invitamos a presentar aquellas notificaciones pendientes, en especial 
aquellas relacionadas con las Licencias de Importación y acceso a los mercados.  
4.67.   El completo informe preparado por Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos, da cuenta de su compromiso con 
el sistema multilateral de comercio y presenta elementos de gran interés sobre la proyección futura 
de su economía. De particular relevancia son las secciones sobre economía circular y economía 
digital, que reflejan lo s retos y oportunidades del país, y dan cuenta de los esfuerzos y avances en 
la diversificación de la economía.  
4.68.   La sección dedicada a la inversión extranjera evidencia su atractivo como inversionista y las 
importantes reformas implementadas, también refle ja su respaldo a las discusiones estructuradas 
sobre facilitación de las inversiones. Igualmente, resaltamos la información presentada sobre las 
medidas adoptadas en respuesta a la pandemia por la COVID -19, elemento de transparencia que 
contribuye a las di scusiones que se adelantan en diferentes instancias en la Organización.  
4.69.   Colombia presentó preguntas sobre aspectos de interés en nuestra relación comercial como 
los niveles arancelarios; reglamentos técnicos; política de competencia; régimen impositivo; 
programas de apoyo al sector agrícola; regulación de los servicios de telecomunicaciones; y la 
integración comercial bajo la Unión Aduanera del Consejo de Cooperación del Golfo. Estamos atentos 
a las respuestas de las autoridades Emiratíes.  
4.70.   A nivel bilatera l, Colombia y los EAU tenemos una cordial relación diplomática desde 1976 y 
estrechos lazos de cooperación en diversos sectores, fortalecidos como resultado de la visita oficial 
del Presidente de Colombia en noviembre  de 2021. Los vínculos comerciales se h an afianzado 
progresivamente, y actualmente los dos países nos encontramos negociando un Acuerdo de WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  Complementación Económica, que abarcará disciplinas en bienes, servicios inversión, y compras 
públicas.  
4.71.   Destacamos los positivos resultados de la primera r onda de negociaciones realizada a inicios 
de marzo en Dubái, y esperamos avanzar y concluir las negociaciones en los próximos meses.  
4.72.   Actualmente, tenemos un comercio bilateral creciente, en el que las exportaciones 
colombianas de productos agropecuarios y  agroindustriales han aumentado progresivamente. 
Existen nuevas oportunidades en productos como frutas, alimentos, confecciones y manufacturas 
livianas. La pronta conclusión del acuerdo bilateral permitirá diversificar los intercambios 
comerciales, fomenta r la inversión y estimular la cooperación bilateral en áreas de interés común.  
4.73.   Finalizo deseándole a los Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos y a su delegación un exitoso cierre del 
proceso de examen de sus políticas comerciales. Extendemos un cordial reconocimiento a Su 
Excelencia Embajador Ahmed  Abdulrahman  Al Jarman, Representante Permanente de los 
Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos ante la OMC y a la Misión en Ginebra. Sea esta también la oportunidad para 
resaltar la excelente relación de trabajo y cooperación que caracteriza a  nuestras dos Misiones.  
CANADA  
4.74.   Canada joins other WTO Members in welcoming Minister Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi and the 
members of the delegation from United  Arab Emirates. We are pleased to participate in the 
fourth  Trade Policy Review of the UAE and thank th e Government of the UAE and the Secretariat for 
their reports.  
4.75.   Canada notes that the Russian  Federation is participating today. Canada strongly condemns 
the Russian  Federation's unjustifiable and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The Russian  Federation's 
attacks are causing widespread humanitarian consequences and resulting in the senseless deaths of 
innocent people. The international community must be seized of this issue. This is not just an attack 
on Ukraine, this is an attack on international law includin g the UN Charter as well as democracy, 
freedom, and human rights. More narrowly, in the WTO context, the Russian Federation's illegal 
actions also undermine the ability of a WTO Member – Ukraine - to fully participate in the work of 
this Institution. This is also unacceptable.  
4.76.   Turning back to the Trade Policy Review, we regret that we have not yet received answers to 
all questions Canada submitted prior to the deadline. Being able to discuss answers to questions is 
a central part of what makes trade policy  reviews useful, and we strongly encourage the UAE to 
provide timely responses to our questions.  
4.77.   More generally, I would like to congratulate the UAE on celebrating its Golden  Jubilee, the 
successful hosting of the postponed Expo  Dubai  2020 over recent months, and its continued efforts 
to diversify its economy and to facilitate and promote international trade and investment. The UAE's 
efforts to continue its transformation towards a highly productive, sustainable and competitive 
knowledge -based ec onomy reflect foresight in anticipating and planning for long -term challenges. 
Canada congratulates the UAE for its "Vision  2071" National Agenda, including specific strategies 
towards a green, circular and digital economy. Canada has submitted questions o n these subjects 
and looks forward to discussion.  
4.78.   Canada supports the UAE's openness to trade evidenced by its low tariffs, free -trade zones 
and ambitious free -trade -agreement agenda. We note the UAE's continued efforts to attract foreign 
investment and co mmend the UAE for the recent changes to the Commercial Companies Law that 
now allow for 100% foreign ownership of companies in the UAE in a larger number of industries. We 
are also pleased to note UAE reforms towards attracting and retaining highly skilled  foreign workers 
and foreign investment by extending residency visas. We also commend the UAE and all Gulf 
Cooperation Council members for efforts to reinforce collaboration and improve trade dynamics in 
the region. Canada will follow with interest the fur ther development of trade relations between the 
GCC and its international partners.  
4.79.   I also want to note the UAE's strong commitment to the WTO and active involvement, as well 
as the productive collaboration between Canada and the UAE at the WTO, notably on  the Joint 
Statement Initiatives on E -Commerce and Investment Facilitation for Development. Canada also WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  welcomes the UAE's support of the Buenos  Aires Declaration on Trade and Women's Economic 
Empowerment. Canada encourages the UAE to join the JSIs on MSME s and on services domestic 
regulation and to participate in the trade and environmental sustainability structured dialogue. 
Canada strongly supports the WTO Government Procurement Agreement and encourages the UAE 
to consider accession to it. Canada also en courages the UAE to submit any outstanding notifications 
such in the areas of customs valuation, import licensing and quantitative restrictions, and under the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation. Ensuring transparency is a very important part of being a WTO 
Member.  
4.80.   Canada and the UAE have a very positive bilateral trade and investment relationship, with 
common interests in many important sectors. And I am pleased to note that the UAE is the leading 
foreign direct investor in Canada from the Middle  East and Nort h Africa region. We look forwards to 
continuing to work with the UAE bilaterally and in the WTO.  
4.81.   In conclusion, best wishes to the United  Arab Emirates delegation for a productive Trade 
Policy Review.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.82.   Let me begin by stating the United  States fully supports the statement of Canada. We have 
made our position clear in document WTO/GC/244 the Joint Statement on aggression by the 
Russian  Federation against Ukraine with the support of Belarus. The United  States reiterates its 
support for Ukraine during this unimaginably difficult time. We pay tribute to the heroism of the 
Ukrainian people, their armed forces, and leaders.  
4.83.   Moving to the UAE Trade Policy Review, the United  States would like to welcome, Ministe r of 
State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises, Dr  Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi and the 
entire UAE delegation to today's Trade Policy Review.  
4.84.   The United  States and the UAE enjoy a constructive bilateral relationship, with cooperation 
spanning many important economic and security issues. In terms of trade, the value of US goods 
imports from the UAE in 2021 was USD  6 billion, with the top import categories in mineral fuels at 
USD 1.4 billion, aluminium at USD  1.4 billion, precious metal and stone  at USD  411 million, and 
machinery at USD  273 million. The United  States continues to support the UAE's efforts to diversify 
its economy away from reliance on trade in traditional commodities, and our Governments continue 
to explore various means of furthe r enhancing our trade relations.  
4.85.   The United  States has submitted a number of questions, and we look forward to reviewing 
the UAE's responses. Many of our questions reflect a desire to encourage the UAE to move forward 
expeditiously on its efforts to improv e the business environment.  
4.86.   For example, the United  States understands that the UAE and the other GCC member State 
Governments are currently considering revisions to the excise tax on beverages. We and other WTO 
Members have raised concerns in several fora  about the implementation of this tax. It is important 
that we are afforded the opportunity to consult on necessary revisions, including switching to a 
graduated tax based on total sugar content, exempting beverages with no added sugar and low 
caloric beve rages from the tax, and ensuring that there is no discrimination between energy drinks 
and other beverages currently covered that have similar amounts of sugar.  
4.87.   We remain particularly interested in the timeline to inform private industry, governments, 
and other interested parties about the study currently underway on a new excise tax model and the 
UAE's formal mechanism for consulting with interested parties regarding the excise tax, particularly 
in advance of any final decisions. We note differences among the GCC member State Governments 
in their implementation of the excise tax, and look forward to working with the UAE and other GCC 
member State Governments to ensure that any amendments to the Unified Excise Tax Treaty for 
the GCC address the issue of cons istent implementation.  
4.88.   In addition, we submitted questions to understand how the UAE has taken steps to eliminate 
consularization requirements that call for UAE Embassies or other entities to authenticate import 
documents for non -agricultural products. The  United States would welcome the UAE's participation 
in ongoing WTO initiatives, particularly in the area of trade facilitation, where a number of Members WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  are working to secure a decision on strengthening resiliency and preparedness through trade 
facilitat ion. The United  States hopes the UAE is considering joining as a co -sponsor to the proposal 
at the Committee on Trade Facilitation, Revisiting the Need for Global Action to Eliminate 
Consularization Requirements.  
4.89.   We also encourage the UAE to support the in itiative by 21  cosponsors for a General Council 
Decision to Enhance Transparency and Improve Compliance with Notification Requirements under 
WTO Agreements. This proposal is designed to improve support for Members facing difficulties in 
fulfilling their no tification obligations and we would welcome constructive input from the UAE.  
4.90.   We also raised detailed questions regarding the UAE's domestic consultation process for drafts 
of technical regulations; differences in labelling requirements for a range of produ cts among the 
individual Emirates; and the relationship between the UAE's SPS regulations and the existing criteria 
and guidelines of relevant international standard setting bodies.  
4.91.   Furthermore, the United  States submitted questions regarding government pr ocurement 
regulations and practices; clarifications on the laws and regulations for intellectual property; 
transparency and availability of financial information for all UAE government -related entities; and 
the financial activities of state -owned enterpris es  
4.92.   We also call on the UAE to no longer seek special and differential treatment in current and 
future WTO negotiations. As of 2019, UAE was the ninth  wealthiest economy in the world and was 
designated a "high income" economy by the World  Bank. UAE also ac counted for more than 1.5% 
of global merchandise trade. By taking this step, UAE would make an important contribution to 
reforming the WTO and maintaining it as a viable negotiating forum.  
4.93.   We look forward to reviewing the UAE's responses to our questions a nd wish them a very 
successful Trade Policy Review.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.94.   I would like to welcome the delegation of the United  Arab Emirates led by 
H.E. Dr Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium 
Enterprises and the te am. I would also like to thank the Government of the UAE and the WTO 
Secretariat for their reports, which form the basis of our discussion today. Furthermore, let me 
extend our appreciation to the discussant H.E.  Mr José Valencia (Ecuador) for his introduc tion of the 
main developments in the UAE's economy and trade policies since the country's last Trade Policy 
Review.  
4.95.   The EU would like to state that it condemns in the strongest possible terms 
Russian  Federation's unprovoked and unjustified military aggres sion in Ukraine, which grossly 
violates international law, undermines international security and stability and is inflicting 
unspeakable suffering on the Ukrainian population. The EU has called on the international community 
to demand from the Russian  Federation an immediate end to this aggression, the withdrawal of its 
military and the respect of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.  
4.96.   We welcome this occasion to engage in detailed discussion on the trade policy of the UAE, 
which has an impressive  and innovative track -record of economic development over the past 
decades.  
4.97.   The UAE is also a very important economic and trading partner for the EU and we look forward 
to further strengthening our co -operation on trade and investment from an already matur e and high 
level, which are underscored by the figures of our trade. In 2020, the value of bilateral trade reached 
almost EUR  35 billion and preliminary figures for 2021 indicate a further increase in EU -UAE trade 
of around EUR  1 billion. As to services, b ilateral trade in this sector was close to EUR  26 billion in 
2019 (last available data) and the bilateral stock of FDI in 2019 (last available data) exceeded the 
impressive amount of EUR  326 billion.  
4.98.   The EU has noted several developments since the previous  review, as highlighted in the 
reports from the Secretariat and the UAE. The EU would like to commend the UAE for the policy WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  reforms and efforts achieved through "Vision  2021 National Agenda". We welcome the legislative 
reforms especially the UAE removing ownership restrictions on foreign investment in many sectors 
and other reforms to encourage foreign investment. The EU is looking forward to further reforms as 
announced in the long -term strategy UAE Centennial  2071, aimed at modernising the economic 
environment.  
4.99.   The EU welcomes UAE's continued commitment to the multilateral trading system, its active 
participation in the WTO negotiations and the Joint Statement Initiatives on E -Commerce and 
Investment Facilitation. The EU also positively notes that the UA E has completed missing 
notifications under the Trade Facilitation Agreement. We hope that the UAE will consider initiating 
negotiations to join the Government Procurement Agreement soon, which would ensure open, fair, 
and transparent conditions of competi tion and on public procurement. In addition, we would 
encourage UAE to join the services domestic regulation initiative as well as the initiatives related to 
trade and sustainability.  
4.100.   We welcome UAE's commitment to achieving net zero emission targets by 2 050 - the UAE 
Net Zero Strategic Initiative. As one of the EU's top policy priorities under the Green  Deal, we are 
committed to working with international partners on this important agenda and support UAE's aim 
to underpin dynamic economic growth alongside  positive environmental impact. We continue to 
support the UAE's economic reforms and efforts to diversify its economy, including as part of the 
ongoing EU -GCC Economic Diversification Dialogue Project, which aims to further economic 
cooperation in a numbe r of key areas with the GCC as a region as well as with individual GCC 
countries, notably the UAE. As the largest internal market of the world, the EU encourages the UAE 
to further the ongoing economic integration and harmonization of rules and standards i n the GCC 
context and we are ready to continue sharing our best practices to this end.  
4.101.   There are some areas that the EU believes need attention to ensure swift resolution. The EU 
and several other WTO Members have repeatedly requested that the UAE explain the objective of 
the excise tax regulation and provide a science -based explanation of how the requirement achieves 
its objectives, in particular as regards ensuring no discrimination between energy drinks and other 
beverages that have similar amounts of su gar.  
4.102.   The EU has also raised questions on a few other areas under market access, including in 
relation to measures covered by the SPS and TBT Agreements. This concerns especially the Emirates 
Quality Mark, testing requirements for products like textiles an d halal requirements for meat. 
Similarly, the EU has asked clarifications on other priority areas like IPR. Additionally, and in 
particular in view of increased flow of assets from the Russian  Federation to the UAE following 
Russian  Federation's military a ggression, the EU strongly calls on the UAE to step up progress as 
regards enforcement in the field of anti -money laundering measures.  
4.103.   The UAE is a valued trading partner of the European  Union, we thank the UAE in advance 
for its efforts to respond to our  questions, and concerns and we will review the responses carefully. 
On behalf of the EU, I wish the UAE a successful fourth  Trade Policy Review.  
SWITZERLAND  
4.104.   I would like to start by extending a warm welcome to United  Arab Emirates' delegation led 
by the M inister of State H.E.  Dr Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi. I would also like to thank H.E.  Ambassador 
José Valencia (Ecuador) for his valuable observations as a discussant, and the Secretariat for its 
substantive contribution to this review.  
4.105.   It is a great pleasure for me to take the floor on this occasion. The UAE have always been a 
strong supporter of the open and rule based multilateral trading system through active participation 
in WTO -negotiations, the Joint Statement Initiatives (JSI) on E -Commerce and Investme nt 
Facilitation and the ITA -I. Regarding ITA, we would encourage the UAE to also participate in the ITA 
expansion. Furthermore, the United  Arab Emirates represent Switzerland's largest trading partner 
in the Middle  East and North  Africa (MENA) region and i ts 12th largest trading partner worldwide. To 
further deepen our trade and investment relations we concluded a free trade agreement, with the 
other EFTA and GCC members, in 2014.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  4.106.   As fossil fuels represent 30% of GDP and 41% of public revenues, the UAE are  particularly 
vulnerable to price fluctuations. To support the government's priority of economic diversification and 
the importance to transform the UAE into a knowledge -based economy, the UAE adopted the 
National Agenda Vision  2021 and the UAE Centenary  2071.  
4.107.   In addition, the UAE have implemented reforms to modernize the business environment, 
improve the rule of law and strengthen the IP protection in the areas of patents and trademarks. 
Aligning with the Energy Strategy launched in 2017, the UAE declared its intention to achieve a 
target of zero greenhouse -gas-emissions by 2050. We also positively note that the renewable energy 
capacity increased substantially.  
4.108.   Like all WTO Members, the UAE faced challenges due to the pandemic. The main sectors 
impacted by the pandemic include oil, tourism, and civil aircraft. This led many foreign workers, on 
which the UAE are highly dependent, to leave the UAE. Nevertheless, the UAE exports of 
non-hydrocarbons remained relatively stable throughout the crisis. Reg arding the business climate, 
we are concerned about the lengthy and costly resolution of commercial disputes, though the new 
Arbitration Law, effective since 2018, is intended to improve this issue.  
4.109.   Today's discussion is also an opportunity to raise some o f our concerns. Switzerland has 
submitted questions regarding fiscal policy, trade and investment, rules of origin, tariffs, excise tax, 
import and export restrictions, competition policy, and domestic support in agriculture.  
4.110.   Switzerland is particularly co ncerned about the excise tax on selected products such as 
beverages introduced in 2017 and the extension of this tax in December  2019 to additional products 
such as sweetened drinks. Since the introduction of this tax, Switzerland has expressed its concern s 
about the compatibility of this tax with national treatment, both bilaterally and in the WTO. 
Switzerland would therefore be interested in learning more about the current status of this selective 
tax reform and its request of harmonizing the tax rates fo r all sweetened beverages.  
4.111.   As mentioned, we have submitted some additional questions in writing and look forward to 
receiving clarification on these issues as well.  
4.112.   This concludes my remarks, and I wish the UAE constructive and fruitful exchanges in the 
context of this Trade Policy Review.  
AUSTRALIA  
4.113.   Australia welcomes the opportunity to participate in the United  Arab Emirates' fourth  Trade 
Policy Review. The UAE is an important partner for Australia at the WTO and a valued contributor to 
the multilateral tr ade regime.  
4.114.   Today's context – in particular, the unprovoked and unjustified Russian  Federation attack on 
Ukraine, which Australia condemns in the strongest possible terms, as well as the global economic 
recovery from the COVID -19 pandemic – highlights the need for our ongoing commitment to the 
international rules -based order, including the multilateral trade regime.  
4.115.   As we approach the WTO's 12th Ministerial  Conference, we look forward to continuing our 
close collaboration with the UAE to strengthen and support the global trade regime.  
4.116.   The UAE is Australia's largest trade and investment partner in the Middle  East with 
USD 6.8 billion in two -way tr ade in 2020 and it is our 19th largest export market globally for goods 
and services. In recognition of this important relationship, Australia and the UAE announced on 
17 March  2022 their intention to negotiate a bilateral comprehensive economic partnershi p 
agreement. An ambitious and commercially meaningful agreement will provide improved market 
access for goods and services, enhanced investment opportunities, offer further avenues for 
economic and technical cooperation, and underpin the existing vibrant t rade and economic 
relationship.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  4.117.   We acknowledge and welcome the UAE's participation across the WTO. We thank the UAE 
for its ongoing constructive participation in the e -commerce and investment facilitation for 
development Joint Statement Initiatives, highl ighting its commitment to rule -making.  
4.118.   We also welcome the UAE's recent decision in February to co -sponsor the trade and health 
initiative, which sent a positive signal about the important contribution that trade openness has 
made to the pandemic response.  We encourage the UAE to participate in all WTO negotiations 
including the services domestic regulation Joint Statement Initiative, which establishes disciplines to 
improve transparency and good practice in relation to services regulation.  
4.119.   In light of the UAE's investment in its agricultural sector and heavy reliance on imports for 
its domestic food security, we would welcome a greater contribution by the UAE to multilateral 
agriculture reform discussions, particularly in relation to domestic support and su stainability goals.  
4.120.   We recognize the UAE's commitment to transparency and the WTO notification process, 
which is an important element of the WTO's efforts to address global economic challenges. We 
encourage the UAE to submit outstanding transparency notifi cations as soon as possible.  
4.121.   Australia commends the UAE's legislative reforms to modernize its economic environment, 
resulting in improved ease of doing business, financial confidence and stability, and enhanced 
attraction of FDI. We acknowledge the concer ns raised by some analysts regarding the lengthy and 
costly resolution of commercial disputes. We encourage continued efforts to address concerns. 
Greater enforcement of contracts and resolution of insolvencies would make an important 
contribution to stren gthening the business environment.  
4.122.   Australia notes that since the UAE's last review in 2016, there have been no significant 
changes to the UAE's customs legislation. We will welcome new efforts to facilitate, simplify, and 
streamline procedures related to customs clearance, in particular harmonizing regulatory 
requirements for imported foods and coordinating border inspection and clearance systems for 
imports the Gulf Cooperation Council would lower cost for importers and, in turn, domestic 
consumers.  
4.123.   Austr alia commends the UAE's Centennial strategy and the sustained commitment to 
diversify its economy and undertake fiscal reform, moving away from oil and promoting the private 
sector. The UAE's seven Emirates have put in place a wide range of initiatives, la ws, and regulations 
to develop a more conducive environment to business and investment. We are pleased that the UAE 
has reshaped the Commercial Companies Law, including allowing foreign investors to own up to 
100% of most companies in the UAE, and this is a significant step to meeting its goals of attracting 
increased foreign investment and providing investors with greater certainty and transparency.  
4.124.   For this review, Australia has submitted a number of written questions. We look forward to 
studying the UAE' s responses to those questions. We thank the UAE for the manner in which it has 
meaningfully engaged with this Trade Policy Review and look forward to ongoing trade and 
investment cooperation with the UAE.  
CHINA  
4.125.   I'd like to extend my warm welcome to the de legation of the UAE led by H.E.  Dr Ahmad 
Belhoul  Al Falasi and appreciate the Government of the UAE for the preparation for this review. 
I would also like to express my gratitude to the discussant, H.E.  Mr José Valencia for his insightful 
remarks. Let me a lso thank the Secretariat for their invaluable contribution to the Review.  
4.126.   China would like to commend the UAE's efforts to implement its development strategy during 
the review period, including promoting economy diversification, developing international t rade 
relations, increasing foreign investment attractiveness, undertaking extensive legislative reforms, 
improving the efficiency of the judicial system, supporting the multilateral trading system, as well 
as effectively participating in regional integrati on processes.  
4.127.   The global economy was severely hit by the COVID -19 pandemic since 2020. Nevertheless, 
the UAE has responded rapidly and effectively to the pandemic while adopting various WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  macroeconomic policies to promote economic recovery. According to IMF analysts, the UAE's GDP 
growth has reached 2.2% in 2021 and will accelerate significantly in 2022.  
4.128.   China is delighted to note that the UAE constantly provides facilitation to increase investment 
in the technology sector and continues to make new achievemen ts during its transition to a 
knowledge -based economy. For example, thanks to the successful implementation of 5G related 
strategies, the UAE has become one of the Members where commercial 5G services were 
first launched and is expected to complete 5G cove rage of the territory by 2025. China also applauds 
the UAE's ambition to enable itself to become a leading hub for AI as well as an exporter of AI 
technology by adopting relevant strategy, including nominating the world's first  Minister of State for 
AI and  establishing the world's first graduate level university specialized in AI.  
4.129.   China appreciates the UAE's firm commitment to the rules -based multilateral trading system 
and its substantive contribution to the WTO by accepting the Trade Facilitation Agreemen t and the 
TRIPS Amendment. China also commends the UAE's active and constructive engagement in 
discussion on the WTO response to the COVID -19 pandemic and looks forward to extensive 
cooperation with the UAE under the framework of JSIs such as investment fa cilitation for 
development to achieve positive outcomes for MC12.  
4.130.   In addition to the WTO, China highly appreciates the UAE's irreplaceable role in the Belt and 
Road Initiative. Particularly, the China -UAE e -commerce cooperation mechanism launched in 2018 
has benefited both sides and also boosted the economic growth in the Belt and Road countries. 
Moreover, as co -sponsors of the Initiative for Belt and Road Partnership on COVID -19 Vaccines 
Cooperation, China and the UAE have carried out in depth cooperation in various fields such as 
vaccine clinical trials and vaccine production, serving as an example of working together to build a 
global community of health for all.  
4.131.   Recent years have seen a rapid growth in the bilateral trade between China and the UAE. 
China  has been the UAE's largest trading partner for eight consecutive years, and the UAE has been 
China's second  largest trading partner and largest export market among Arab countries for years. 
According to statistics on the Chinese side, the bilateral trade between China and the UAE still 
maintained a positive growth in 2020 despite the world trade fell sharply in 2020 caused by the 
COVID -19 pandemic. In 2021, our bilateral trade volume further reached USD  72.4 billion, up 46.8% 
year on year. The good perform ance of trade well reflected strong trade potential between China 
and the UAE, which we believe could be further unleashed by advancing China -GCC FTA negotiations 
and improving infrastructure connectivity.  
4.132.   In October  2021, the seventh meeting of China -UAE Joint Economic and Trade Commission 
was successfully held, which made comprehensive plans for the next phase of bilateral economic 
and trade cooperation. China is willing to work with the UAE to jointly implement the plans and 
promote bilateral e conomic and trade cooperation to a new level.  
4.133.   For this review, China has submitted the questions to the UAE, we appreciate the written 
response from the UAE and we will review them carefully.  
4.134.   Finally, I wish the UAE delegation every success in this TPR.  
NEW ZEALAND  
4.135.   New Zealand welcomes this opportunity to comment on the fourth  Trade Policy Review of 
the United  Arab Emirates. I would like to thank the Government of the United  Arab Emirates and 
the Secretariat for their work in preparing us for this review. L et me also welcome the delegation 
from the UAE, led by His Excellency, Minister Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi.  
4.136.   I would like to begin by commending the UAE's commitment to international rules and the 
multilateral rules -based trading system. With this in mind, we echo the comments made this morning 
by others who have denounced the Russian  Federation's invasion of Ukraine as a breach of 
international law. New  Zealand unequivocally condemns the unprovoked and unjustified attack by 
the Russian  Federation on Ukraine, w hich represents a clear violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and 
territorial integrity.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  4.137.   Returning to the review process, New  Zealand has an active interest in the UAE's trade and 
investment policies. We congratulate the UAE on its robust efforts to diversif y the economy and 
transition from a hydrocarbons -based economy to a knowledge -based economy. We also appreciate 
its efforts to support foreign investment through recent reforms and to promote trade through the 
pursuit of multilateral and bilateral trade ag reements. These efforts paid dividends globally as we all 
navigated the travel and supply chain challenges during the pandemic.  
4.138.   New Zealand also commends the UAE's efforts on climate change and to support 
technological innovation to advance the adoption o f renewable energy, including its support for 
renewable energy projects in the Pacific.  
4.139.   In conclusion, the reports by the United  Arab Emirates' Government and the Secretariat 
demonstrate a positive trajectory of economic reform, support for foreign direct  investment and 
private sector reforms. These efforts have resulted in positive trade and economic effects during the 
pandemic.  
4.140.   In conclusion, New  Zealand welcomes further work on these issues and the opportunity to 
build further on our positive bilateral  trading relationship. We wish the United  Arab Emirates well for 
this fourth  Trade Policy Review.  
BRAZIL  
4.141.   Brazil would like to thank the Government of the United  Arab Emirates for engaging in its 
fourth  Trade Policy Review and providing Members with an over view of the country's economic 
performance, trade policies and adherence to the multilateral trading system.  
4.142.   We would like to welcome the Emirati delegation, headed by H.E.  Dr Ahmad 
Belhoul  Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Me dium Enterprises, and 
extend greetings to its representatives in Geneva, led by H.E.  Mr Ahmed Abdulrahman Al Jarman.  
4.143.   We would also like to express our appreciation to the WTO Secretariat for its thorough and 
comprehensive report, as well as to you, Chair, and the discussant, Ambassador José  Valencia 
(Ecuador), for your contribution to a successful trade monitoring exercise.  
4.144.   Since its previous review in 2016, the UAE continued to promote its long -term strategy of 
development, which is now outlined in the UAE  Centennial  2071. Cognizant of the need to diversify 
its economy and lessen its dependency on the oil sector, the Emirati Government has consistently 
invested in modernizing its economy, attracting foreign investments, and enhancing the ease of 
doing busin ess in the UAE. A central part of this strategy involves the transformation of the UAE into 
a knowledge -based economy, by increasing productivity, enhancing the competitiveness of national 
companies, and investing in high technology sectors.  
4.145.   Overall, GDP g rowth has maintained a steady pace throughout the review period, ranging 
between 1.2% and 3.4%. Notwithstanding 2020's economic downturn, the economy has resumed 
its upward trend in 2021.  
4.146.   In the WTO, Brazil and the UAE are aligned in the efforts to reinvi gorate WTO's negotiating 
pillar. Both our countries are committed to promoting a rules -based multilateral trading system as 
a pathway to economic development and embrace the Joint Statement Initiatives on E -Commerce 
and Investment Facilitation.  
4.147.   Brazil and  the UAE trade and economic relations continue to grow in magnitude and 
importance. The Brazil UAE trade exchange in 2021 totalled USD  3.3 billion, an increase of 18.5% 
over the previous year. Last year, Brazilian exports to the UAE reached USD  2.32 billion, making it 
the main destination for Brazilian exports to Arab countries. Brazil, in turn, is the main destination 
for Emirati trade and investment in Latin America.  
4.148.   Brazil and the UAE have observed great complementarity in their economies, particularly in 
the agribusiness sector, as demonstrated by the list of Brazilian exports to the country. In 2021, 
this sector was responsible for 50.2% of Brazilian exports. Since 2019, there has been an increase WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  in other items, especially gold and ores (approximately  20%), followed by industrialized products 
(9.6%).  
4.149.   Besides trade, foreign investment in both directions has been a notable component of the 
economic relationship of our countries. The UAE serves as the regional headquarter for the 
Middle  East of innumerou s Brazilian companies (such as BRF, JBS, Embraer, Vale, WEG, Marcopolo 
and Tramontina), and several other Brazilian companies are beginning operations in the Emirati 
market. The UAE, through its sovereign wealth funds, has also been an important investor i n Brazil, 
operating mainly in the Brazilian financial market and infrastructure sector.  
4.150.   Brazilian authorities have shown great interest in the UAE's modernizing strategy, 
opportunities for foreign investors, the regulatory environment, and implementation o f 5G networks, 
cybersecurity policy, among other issues. We thank the Emirati Government in advance for providing 
clarifications to the several questions posed by Brazil.  
4.151.   After internal consultations with government agencies and the private sector, certain  aspects 
were identified as possible areas for improvement, such as the speed of analysis of sanitary 
certificates and transparency regarding the halal certification requirements. Clarifications from the 
Emirati authorities on these issues will be much app reciated as these might have an important role 
in facilitating the access of a wide range of Brazilian products to the Emirati market.  
4.152.   We wish the UAE a successful Trade Policy Review.  
THAILAND  
4.153.   At the outset, Thailand is delighted to participate in the fou rth Trade Policy Review of the 
United  Arab Emirates and would like to extend our warm welcome to the UAE delegation led by 
H.E. Dr Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium 
Enterprises, Ministry of Economy of the UAE. 
4.154.   We would also like to thank Ambassador José  Valencia of Ecuador, for his contribution as a 
discussant today, as well as the UAE Government and the WTO Secretariat for preparing the 
comprehensive reports.  
4.155.   Thailand and the UAE have enjoyed a long -cheris hed diplomatic tie for nearly 50  years, 
dating back to 1975. Since then, the two  countries have developed cooperation and advanced 
bilateral partnership in various sectors of common interest, and such amicable bonds have still grown 
stronger.  
4.156.   In June 2021, Thailand and the United  Arab Emirates virtually convened the second Joint 
Commission Meeting, demonstrating the sincere commitment to enhance the ties between the 
two countries despite the pandemic situation.  
4.157.   Thailand has high hopes that, once t he Joint Trade Committee (JTC) is successfully 
established in the near future, which currently the MOU of establishment is under the UAE's 
consideration, it will serve as a vital mechanism for both sides to meet on a regular basis to discuss 
various issues  aimed at stimulating trade and investment between the two  countries. This is 
particularly to explore potential for deepening the dynamic relationship through the development of 
the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Thailand and t he UAE.  
4.158.   On the trade front, the UAE is Thailand's largest trading partner in the Middle  East. Our 
bilateral trade value increased by 66.2% from 2020 to more than USD  12 billion in 2021. Trade 
between the two  countries is dominated by crude oil, automobiles  and parts, metal ores, wood and 
wood products, and precious stones and jewellery.  
4.159.   On the investment front, the UAE has continued to be a significant foreign investor in our 
country. In January of this year, the Abu  Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) announ ced a 
USD 104.8  million investment in five  tourist resort assets in Thailand. This is the ADFD's 
first investment in Thailand's tourism and hospitality sector, and we hope that it will be the first of 
many in the future.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  4.160.   We recognize the UAE's dynamic role  in supporting the multilateral trading system, 
particularly as an active participant in WTO negotiations and the Joint Statement Initiatives on 
E-Commerce and Investment Facilitation and recently make the best efforts to fulfil WTO obligations 
by submitti ng notifications in a variety of areas such as agriculture, GATS, rules of origin, and TRIPS.  
4.161.   Thailand appreciates the UAE's ongoing reform efforts, attempting to strengthen the 
country's position as a regional trade and investment hub, as embodied by the national legislative 
amendment and the long -established free zone regime, which allow 100% foreign ownership. 
However, the UAE should pursue a comprehensive and transparent approach to trade policy 
information and regulations, as well as consistency rules and regulations at the Emirates level, in 
order to improve and foster seamless trade relations with trading partners.  
4.162.   In this review, Thailand has submitted a number of questions on various areas of the UAE's 
trade and economic policy, and we thank the UAE  for responding to our questions and look forward 
to thoroughly reviewing them.  
4.163.   Finally, Thailand welcomes the UAE's participation in the WTO under the competent 
leadership of Ambassador Ahmed  Abdulrahman  Al Jarman, the UAE's Permanent Representative to 
the WTO. We wish the UAE delegation a successful Trade Policy Review and look forward to 
strengthening our partnership at all levels.  
PHILIPPINES  
4.164.   The Philippine delegation warmly welcomes and congratulates the delegation of the 
United  Arab Emirates led by H. E. Dr Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship 
and Small and Medium Enterprises, on their fourth  Trade Policy Review. We also thank 
H.E. Mr José Valencia, Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the WTO, for his insightful comments 
as discussant, and the WTO Secretariat for a comprehensive report.  
4.165.   The Philippines and the United  Arab Emirates (UAE) established diplomatic relations on 
19 August  1974. For more than four  decades, our two  countries have strengthened our mutually 
beneficial relations through bilateral agreements in the areas of trade, inv estment, labour, 
education, and sports, among others.  
4.166.   The UAE ranked as the Philippines' top trading partner in the Middle  East and the 23rd in the 
world with total trade amounting to UDS  705.86  million in 2020. Top Philippine exports to the UAE 
include b ananas, pineapples, storage units, and static converters. Major Philippine imports from the 
UAE are light petroleum oils, butanes, propane, petroleum oils, and generating sets with 
compression -ignition.  
4.167.   In terms of investments, the UAE ranked as the Philip pines' 17th top source of approved 
investments in 2019 valued at USD  13.2 million. To further promote investments between our 
two economies, an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) was signed in 
February  2022, which aims to promote and faci litate UAE investments to the Philippines in key 
sectors of interest such as agribusiness, energy efficiency technologies and renewable energy, 
infrastructure, IT -BPM, oil and gas, and tourism.  
4.168.   The Philippines and the UAE also signed the launching of the d iscussion for the 
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) at the sidelines of the Expo  Dubai  2020 
this year. The CEPA aims to strengthen trade, improve investment flows, remove trade barriers, and 
create new business opportunities between our t wo countries. It will build on the shared objectives 
being pursued under the IPPA and the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Economic 
and Technical Cooperation, which are both underway.  
4.169.   The MOU on Economic and Technical Cooperation provides for the establishment of a Joint 
Economic Commission which will facilitate the implementation of cooperation initiatives on trade and 
investment particularly in the areas of agribusiness, manufacturing, renewable energy, real estate 
development, logistics, tra nsportation, communication, tourism, technology, and innovation.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  4.170.   UAE ranks as the second  largest destination of overseas Filipinos in the Middle East. There 
are over 700,000  Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in UAE, the third largest group of foreign worker s 
in the UAE. Given our economic complementarities and the strong ties between our peoples, the 
bilateral agreements forged denote a commitment from both countries to work together to deepen 
cooperation and stimulate business initiatives on the basis of mu tual benefit.  
4.171.   The UAE is the second -largest economy of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) after the 
Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia. It has remarkably maintained a stable economic, political, and 
investor -friendly environment, and sustained its economic growth des pite recessions in the global 
economy, fluctuations in oil prices, and the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.172.   The Philippines notes UAE's long -term vision under the UAE Centennial  2071, which includes 
four main pillars: a future -focused government; excellent  education offerings; a diversified 
knowledge economy; and a more cohesive society. Its' current initiatives build upon the 
implementation of the National Agenda 2021 which was aimed to transform the UAE into a 
knowledge -based economy, by increasing produc tivity, enhancing the competitiveness of national 
companies, and investing in high -technology sectors.  
4.173.   The Philippines recognizes UAE's commitment to the rules -based multilateral trading system 
and active participation in the WTO negotiations. It particip ates in many of the Joint Statement 
Initiatives including on e -commerce and investment facilitation, emphasizing the development 
dimension should remain at the core of WTO rules. It actively supports a multilateral response to 
the COVID -19 pandemic by adhe ring to several joint statements in this regard, including the 
COVID -19 and the multilateral trading system; responding to the COVID -19 pandemic with open 
and predictable trade in agricultural and food products; agriculture export prohibition or restrictio ns 
relating to the world food programs; and the importance of MSMEs in the time of COVID -19. 
4.174.   The Philippines therefore commends the significant developments in UAE's economic policies, 
and we look forward to learning more about these policies through this trade policy review process. 
Our delegation has submitted advance written questions and we thank the UAE delegation for their 
prompt replies.  
4.175.   In closing, the Philippines looks forward to further enhancing the mutually beneficial 
economic relations with th e United  Arab Emirates in the bilateral, regional, and multilateral fora.  
UNITED  KINGDOM  
4.176.   On behalf of Her Majesty's Government, I am pleased to welcome the United  Arab Emirates 
delegation led by H.E.  Dr Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrep reneurship and Small 
and Medium Enterprises. I am also grateful to the Government of the UAE and to colleagues from 
the WTO Secretariat for their respective reports, and to the Chair and our discussant, 
H.E. Mr José Valencia, Ambassador of Ecuador, for fac ilitating this Trade Policy Review.  
4.177.   We cannot ignore the extraordinary situation in which this review takes place. The 
Secretariat reports notes that the global pandemic led to a decline in real GDP in the UAE, particularly 
in Dubai. The UAE Central Bank forecasts a return to GDP growth in 2021. The current turmoil in the 
global economy, resulting from Russian  Federation's illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, 
jeopardises the UAE's return to growth, as it disrupts global agricultural supply chains in  particular 
and undermines the principles of the multilateral trading system. We echo other Members who have 
spoken this morning, in our unequivocal condemnation of unprovoked and unjustified Russian 
aggression against Ukraine.  
4.178.   The United  Kingdom and the UAE enjoy a deep and historic relationship. Last week, 
Prime  Minister Boris  Johnson visited the UAE to discuss opportunities to increase our bilateral 
collaboration on energy security, defence and trade, building on the longstanding partnership 
between our  two countries. The ambitious Partnership for the Future agreed last  September will 
enable us to work closely together to tackle the shared global challenges that we face, promote 
prosperity and security for our citizens, tackle climate change, and expand the exchange of 
knowledge, skills and ideas.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  4.179.   The UAE is a major trading partner of the United  Kingdom, with total bilateral trade in goods 
and services standing at USD  16.2 billion in the year ending September  2021, thus making the UAE 
the United  Kingdom's  largest trading partner in the Middle  East. The United  Kingdom and the UAE 
also enjoy a healthy investment relationship. Last year we signed a Sovereign Investment 
Partnership, and the United  Kingdom is amongst the UAE's top investment destinations in Eur ope.  
4.180.   In November  2021, we held our seventh UK -UAE Ministerial Joint Economic Committee to 
boost trade and investment ties even further. This was held in the UK pavilion at Dubai  Expo and 
resulted in agreed cooperation in a range of priority trading sector s which ultimately will create more 
jobs and greater prosperity for both our countries. I would also like to congratulate the UAE on their 
very successful hosting of the Dubai  Expo.  
4.181.   The United  Kingdom anticipates a UK -GCC Free Trade Agreement will further strengthen 
what is already a strong bilateral trading relationship with the UAE.  
4.182.   The United  Kingdom would like to acknowledge the positive developments since the UAE's 
previous Trade Policy Review, highlighted in the reports from the Secretariat an d the UAE. These 
developments include the progress made in the liberalisation of services with the GCC, as well as 
legal and regulatory changes seeking to align the domestic economic environment with global best 
practices.  
4.183.   The United  Kingdom is the world' s second  largest exporter of services and services 
accounted for 45% of our bilateral trading relationship with UAE over the most recent period. This 
is an area we look forward to continuing to boost our collaboration with the UAE in, and as such a 
number of our questions relate to this area.  
4.184.   We note that a number of our advanced written questions remain unanswered, and we look 
forward to receiving replies in the immediate future. We submitted a number of questions pertaining 
to intellectual property, and we hope to work collaboratively with the UAE on future developments 
in this area. We welcome the announcement of a reduction in trademark fees relating to intellectual 
property and are keen to understand its implications for intellectual property protectio n.  
4.185.   The United  Kingdom would like to recognise the UAE's continued efforts to diversify its 
economy and transition away from hydrocarbon exports. In this context, we would also like to 
congratulate the UAE's recently announced Net  Zero by 2050 Strategic In itiative; and look forward 
to working collaboratively in this area in the lead up to COP28 in Dubai next year.  
4.186.   The United  Kingdom thanks our counterparts from the United  Arab Emirates for their 
continued engagement. We look forward to building on this mom entum and wish them a successful 
fourth  Trade Policy Review.  
REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.187.   Korea would like to extend warm welcome the delegation of the United  Arab Emirates, led 
by Honourable Minister Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi. I would like to thank the WTO Secretariat  and the 
delegation of UAE for their informative reports. My special appreciation is also extended to 
Ambassador  José Valencia of Ecuador for his contribution as a discussant.  
4.188.   Before I began, I wish to echo the previous speakers on the situation in Ukrain e. The Korean 
Government also strongly condemns Russian  Federation's armed invasion against Ukraine, which 
violates the principles of the UN Charter. The use of force leading to the loss of innocent lives cannot 
be justified under any circumstances. Ukrain e's sovereignty, territorial integrity and political 
independence must be respected.  
4.189.   Korea and the UAE have maintained and developed close relations since establishing their 
diplomatic ties in 1980. Both countries have enjoyed mutually complementary econo mic relations, 
with Korea importing crude oil, oil products, and raw aluminium from the UAE, and the UAE mainly 
purchasing vehicle parts and cars from Korea.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  4.190.   Based on the growing cooperation, in 2018, Korea and the UAE agreed to upgrade the 
bilateral rela tionship into a special strategic partnership. Furthermore, in 2021, the two  countries 
jointly announced to start negotiations on a bilateral trade deal targeting a broad expansion of 
economic ties. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) b etween the two will 
include deals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop green technology. We look forward 
to working closely with the UAE in the ongoing FTA negotiations and to reaching a comprehensive 
and high -level agreement in the near future.  
4.191.   Turning to the trade policies and practices of the UAE, Korea commends the 
United  Arab Emirates' sustained commitment to diversify its economy away from oil and gas. During 
the review period, the UAE's real GDP growth ranged between 1.2% and 3.4%, mainly led by the 
non-oil sectors; with strenuous efforts to prepare for a post -oil future, today, the UAE's non -oil 
sectors account for more than 70% of its GDP.  
4.192.   Korea welcomes the UAE's new long -term vision of UAE Centennial  2071, which aims to 
become a knowle dge-based economy, by increasing productivity, improving competitiveness of 
private sectors, and investing in high -tech sectors. Korea notes that as part of these initiatives, the 
UAE makes efforts to modernize the economic environment, and to remove FDI r estrictions in 
various sectors, by undertaking relevant legislative reforms, including the amendment of the 
Commercial Companies Law (CCL).  
4.193.   In particular, the revised CCL introduced reforms to open the onshore economy, by 
eliminating restrictions on foreig n ownership. However, restrictions for sectors of strategic interest 
still remain, about which Korea would like to learn more. Korea submitted written questions on this 
and will appreciate if the UAE provides clarifications on the positive or negative list s relating to 
sectors of strategic interest, its update frequency, and the specific differences between sectors of 
strategic interest and others.  
4.194.   Korea also commends the UAE's commitment to the rules -based multilateral trading system 
and its active partic ipation in WTO negotiations including JSI on E -Commerce and Investment 
Facilitation. Korea encourages the UAE to consider participating in other plurilateral initiatives such 
as MSMEs, TESSD or IDP. In particular, considering that the UAE will host the COP 28 in 2023, it is 
highly recommended for the UAE to show more ambitious climate leadership in the WTO.  
4.195.   Regarding government procurement, Korea would encourage the UAE to consider improving 
its relevant rules for participation of foreign companies: (i)  Under its current system, foreign 
suppliers may be required to partner with UAE nationals or to have a local service agent to be public 
tenders; (ii)  In addition to that, the UAE's recent expansion of In -Country Value (ICV) scheme could 
be a trade barrier for  foreign companies.  
4.196.   In conclusion, the reports by the UAE Government and the Secretariat show the positive 
economic trajectory of economic reform in the UAE. Again, we commend the UAE for its continued 
efforts to make the overall trading environment more open, transparent, and efficient. Thank you 
and we wish the UAE a successful fourth  Trade Policy Review.  
ARGENTINA  
4.197.   Quisiéramos asociarnos a los Miembros que han dado la bienvenida a la delegación de los 
Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos, encabezada por el Excmo. Dr. Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Ministro de Estado 
para el Emprendimiento y la Pequeña y Mediana Empresa.  
4.198.   Agradecemos, al mismo tiempo, los informes preparados por el Gobierno de los 
Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos y por la Secretaría, que nos han permitido profundizar nuestro conocimiento 
de las prácticas comerciales de este Miembro. Damos las gracias asimismo al Sr.  Embajador 
José Valencia de Ecuador por sus observaciones y comentarios.  
4.199.   Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos es un valorado socio comercial de la Argentina. El flujo comercial 
entre nuestros países ha sido tradicionalmente superavitario para la Argentina y ha estado 
concentrado en bienes agroalimentarios. De acuerdo con datos provisorios del año 2021, las 
exportaciones argentinas tuvieron un valor de USD  773,5  millones y las importaciones fueron 
USD 337,6  millones. A Emiratos exportamos principalmente combustibles miner ales, cereales y WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  alimentos para animales. Los Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos, a su vez, nos proveen de combustibles 
minerales, manufacturas de plástico y de vidrio.  
4.200.   El comercio bilateral se encuentra aún lejos de su potencial. Existen oportunidades para 
expandir y  diversificar el comercio, no solo para contribuir a la seguridad alimentaria de esta región 
sino también para aumentar el intercambio de bienes industriales y de alto valor agregado, por 
ejemplo, en el sector nuclear, de transición energética, aeroespacia l y satelital.  
4.201.   Queremos destacar la reunión de trabajo que, en ocasión de su visita a los 
Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos, el Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores argentino, Santiago  Cafiero, mantuvo 
con el Ministro de Asuntos Exteriores y Cooperación Internacional, A bdullah  bin Zayed  Al Nahyan, 
en la que se resaltó el excelente nivel de la relación bilateral y conversaron sobre los principales 
temas de la agenda bilateral, así como también posibilidades de inversión y cooperación entre 
nuestros países.  
4.202.   Asimismo, celeb ramos que hace pocos días tuvo lugar la segunda reunión de Comisión Mixta 
Económica, que será de suma utilidad para profundizar los lazos en sectores de interés mutuo, 
fortaleciendo la cooperación, estableciendo una alianza estratégica en materia energétic a y 
avanzando en el fortalecimiento de capacidades, transferencia y comercio de tecnología en diversas 
áreas como la transición energética, sector aeroespacial y satelital, biotecnología, aplicaciones de 
software, entre otras.  
4.203.   La Argentina también valora la oportunidad de participar en la Expo  2020 Dubái, y reconoce 
la exitosa organización y en particular el esfuerzo adicional que implica organizar un evento de esta 
magnitud en el marco de una pandemia. Agradecemos el apoyo recibido y la posibilidad de par ticipar 
en diversos eventos culturales y de difusión de nuestras capacidades tecnológicas, incluida la 
celebración del Día Argentino, el 15  de marzo; evento que contó con la presencia del Ministro de 
Relaciones Exteriores argentino, quien encabezó la celeb ración acompañado por el Ministro de la 
Tolerancia y la Convivencia, Nahyan  Bin Mubarak  Al Nahyan.  
4.204.   En cuanto a la situación económica de los Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos, la Argentina observa con 
beneplácito el crecimiento sostenido del PIB de EAU, y celebra los  esfuerzos llevados adelante por 
sus autoridades para diversificar su economía, reconociendo que las medidas para la estrategia de 
transformación digital han sido clave para la resiliencia de la economía de los 
Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos durante la pandemia de  COVID -19.  
4.205.   Son también destacables las medidas adoptadas por los Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos para hacer 
frente a los desequilibrios de la pandemia de COVID -19 y mantener la competitividad de su 
economía, así como garantizar el funcionamiento de sus operaciones  logísticas, de gran relevancia 
tratándose de un centro logístico central.  
4.206.   Por otra parte, resaltamos la importancia de los Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos como inversor a 
nivel mundial. Las inversiones emiratíes en la Argentina están presentes en el sector de logística y 
en turismo. Esperamos ampliar las inversiones a otros sectores potenciales como la producción de 
agro-alimentos, las energías limpias y la conectividad.  
4.207.    Finalmente, la Argentina ve con satisfacción los avances de EAU en pos de la igualdad de 
género y alentamos a seguir trabajando en este sentido.  
4.208.    La Argentina reconoce el compromiso de los Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos con el funcionamiento 
del sistema multilateral de comercio. Al igual que EAU reconocemos la importancia de revitalizar la 
OMC para que  pueda afrontar los desafíos presentes y futuros, atendiendo las necesidades y 
preocupaciones de todos sus Miembros.  
4.209.    En el marco de este examen de política comercial, hemos presentado a los 
Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos preguntas vinculadas a su estrategia espa cial, los acuerdos regionales, el 
funcionamiento del despacho de aduana y las licencias en zonas francas, y los aranceles y 
restricciones de importación de ciertos productos considerados especiales. Agradecemos de 
antemano las respuestas proporcionadas, la s cuales serán debidamente estudiadas por nuestras 
autoridades en Buenos  Aires.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  4.210.    Para concluir, quisiéramos reiterar nuestro reconocimiento por esta nueva oportunidad de 
intercambiar consideraciones sobre las prácticas comerciales de este Miembro. Deseamos  a la 
delegación de los Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos una exitosa conclusión de este ejercicio.  
INDIA  
4.211.   Let me begin by extending a warm welcome to the delegation of the United  Arab Emirates 
led by H.E.  Dr Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneur ship and Small and 
Medium Enterprises, in the Ministry of Economy. My delegation would further, like to commend the 
Government of UAE and the WTO Secretariat for the comprehensive reports prepared for the Review. 
We would also thank the discussant H.E.  Mr José Valencia (Ecuador) for his insightful remarks.  
4.212.   India and the UAE enjoy multi -dimensional strategic partnership with trade and investment 
ties and people to people connections being the two key pillars. The regular and high -level visits and 
exchanges among our leadership, the most recent being the visit of Honourable Prime  Minister of 
India to the UAE in August  2019, have laid a strong foundation for further expansion of our ties. 
These exchanges have catalysed our bilateral efforts to combat the COVID -19 pandemic and to 
advance the relations in the areas of healthcare and food security.  
4.213.   Growing bilateral economic and commercial relations have contributed to the stability and 
strength of our rapidly diversifying relationship. India -UAE trade, valued at  USD 180 million 
per annum in the 1970s, in recent years stands at nearly USD  60 billion making UAE, India's 
third largest trading partner for the year 2019 -20.  
4.214.   The UAE is the nineth  biggest investor in India in terms of FDI, with an overall investment 
estimated to be around USD  17 billion -USD 18 billion. There are immense opportunities to further 
enhance the level of bilateral trade and investments particularly given the fact that the business 
ecosystems in both countries share a great deal of synergies a nd complementarities. There is a 
strong commitment from both sides to further harness the potential in our trade and economic 
relationship. Both sides are committed to strengthening and diversifying cooperation in new areas 
like renewable energy, green hyd rogen, climate action, start -ups, up -skilling and fintech.  
4.215.   The India -UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed on 
18 February  2022 and is an example of this deepening engagement. Achieving this feat within 
three  months of commencin g the negotiations, and that too during a pandemic where physical 
meetings were difficult, sets a new benchmark in bilateral trade negotiations. The India UAE CEPA 
is the first  bilateral trade accord concluded by the UAE and India's first  bilateral trade a greement in 
the Middle  East and Northern  Africa Region. The agreement promises to provide significant benefits 
to the businesses in both  countries, including reduced tariffs and enhanced market access, while 
also breathing new energy into trading corridors  from Africa to Asia and laying the foundations for 
future growth. CEPA will usher in a new era of strategic cooperation between both countries. It will 
transform bilateral economic and investment ties, promote global trade liberalization, and drive 
econom ic growth in a post -COVID world. India has immensely contributed to the growth of UAE with 
participation of human workforce. CEPA will further enhance this participation with the UAE 
committing to provide 1.4  million work visas for highly skilled professio nals from India. As a result, 
India will become a premier source of skilled human capital to the UAE and the larger Gulf region in 
the coming years.  
4.216.   The UAE has shown immense resilience and commitment to development of its economy, 
which is reflected today  in the ongoing Dubai  Expo 2020, one of the largest events being undertaken 
in the backdrop of the pandemic. The open and liberal trade and investment regime, friendly 
business environment, world -class infrastructure, has enabled UAE to emerge as a leading  global 
investment and financial centre and a crucial trading gateway. We commend the UAE for concluding 
the implementation of its Vision  2021 National Agenda and welcome the launch of long -term 
development strategy, named the UAE Centennial  2071. Both str ategies have focussed on the 
transformation of the UAE into a knowledge -based economy, by increasing productivity, enhancing 
the competitiveness of national companies, and investing in high technology sectors. In this regard, 
it is worth noting the progres sive restructuring of its legal and regulatory environment to align with 
global best practices, especially the intellectual property and innovation ecosystem and promoting 
facilitative trade and investment. We wish the UAE every success in implementing its  
UAE Centennial  2071 strategy for achieving a balanced economic growth.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  4.217.   As part of this TPR exercise, my delegation had submitted several questions on various 
schemes, policies and measures of the UAE Government in areas like goods, services, intellectual 
property, energy sector, and trade facilitation. We thank UAE for their replies to these questions, 
which will be reviewed by our capital.  
4.218.   We welcome the commitment of the UAE to the multilateral trading system. Both  India and 
the UAE have shared interest  in a strong and effective multilateral trading system, and we look 
forward to working with the UAE towards achieving this shared objective. We remain committed to 
cooperate and partner with the UAE in further expanding and deepening of our trade and inves tment 
ties for mutual benefit. In closing, India wishes the delegation of the UAE a productive and successful 
Trade Policy Review.  
INDONESIA  
4.219.   First, Indonesia would like join Members to express our warm welcome to H.E.  Dr Ahmad 
Belhoul  Al Falasi, Minister o f State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises, and 
other members of the delegation to the Trade Policy Review of the United  Arab Emirates.  
4.220.   Indonesia would also like to convey our congratulation to my colleague Ambassador 
Ángel  Villalobos  Rodríguez on your election as the Chair of the Trade Policy Review Body, the 
discussant my colleague Ambassador José  Valencia for his insightful remark, and our appreciation 
to WTO Secretariat and the delegation of the UAE for their excellent preparation, in cluding through 
the comprehensive reports.  
4.221.   The United  Arab Emirates, as the second -largest economy in the Gulf Cooperation Council, 
is well connected to regional and worldwide markets due to its strategic location on the 
Arabian  Peninsula and its ports. Si nce the UAE economy remains reliant on the oil and gas sectors, 
the Government's top priorities are to diversify income sources, as well as to reinforce the country's 
position as a trade and investment hub.  
4.222.   During the review period, Indonesia noted that th e UAE completed its Vision  2021 National 
Agenda implementation and announced its long -term growth strategy, UAE  Centennial  2071. 
Both initiatives intended to boost productivity, boost national company competitiveness, and invest 
in high -tech areas. In orde r to modernize the economic environment, the UAE also reforms its 
legislation and removes ownership limitations on foreign investment in various areas.  
4.223.   Since its accession to the WTO, the UAE has been actively involved in WTO discussions, 
notably the Joint  Statement Initiatives on E -Commerce and Investment Facilitation, as well as 
supporting a global response to the COVID -19 pandemic. Moreover, the UAE has committed to 
implement nearly all provisions contained in the Agreement on Trade Facilitation upon the  
Agreement's entry into force in February  2017. According to the WTO  TFA database, the 
implementation commitments stood at 97.9% in June  2021.  
4.224.   With a total trade value of USD  2.9 billion in 2020 and USD  4 billion in 2021, the UAE 
placed  23rd for global exp ort destination and 17th for import source. Indonesia, in this regard, has 
built a close partnership with the UAE and now ranked  fifth in terms of UAE trade with ASEAN 
members. Animal or vegetable fats and oils, as well as electrical machinery, are the mos t commonly 
exported products from Indonesia to the UAE, while mineral fuels, iron and steel, and plastics are 
the most commonly imported products from the UAE to Indonesia. In terms of investment, Indonesia 
and the United  Arab Emirates signed Bilateral Inv estment Treaties in July  2019.  
4.225.   Indonesia has submitted a list of written questions about the digital economy, government 
procurement, women participation in the global economy, and the food and pharmaceuticals sectors. 
According to the Secretariat report, the UAE requires all ingredients, including food additives, the 
origin of any ingredients of animal origin, the country of origin, the producer's address, expiry dates, 
and storage conditions label should be in Arabic. We would want to know more about the other label 
that should meet the criterion, as well as the UAE's efforts to promote eco -friendly cosmetic products 
and their potential market.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  4.226.   Indonesia has requested further details on Law No.  8 of 2019, which stated that medical 
products may not be subje ct to price discounts. It would be helpful if the UAE Government could 
explain and describe specific price discounts it is referring to.  
4.227.   Indeed, women, including in MSMEs, continue to face barriers to participating in the global 
economy. In light of this, Indonesia welcomes the UAE's efforts to boost women's involvement in 
the economy, including through the promotion of gender equality legislation and the establishment 
of the Gender Balance Council in 2015.  
4.228.   Regarding the telecommunications sector, we see that the overall number of telecoms 
subscribers in the UAE has fallen throughout the review period. Indonesia is curious in learning about 
the various causes of the decrease, including UAE measures related to the satellite 
telecommunications, special telec ommunications, artificial intelligence, fifth  generation (5G), and its 
trend.  
4.229.   To conclude our remarks, Indonesia will continue to strengthen its cooperation and 
engagement with the UAE in the multilateral, regional, and bilateral fronts. Indonesia once aga in 
thanks the delegation of the UAE for their immense work for this review and finally, Indonesia wishes 
the UAE for a successful fourth  Trade Policy Review.  
THE KINGDOM  OF SAUDI  ARABIA  ON BEHALF  OF THE ARAB  GROUP  
4.230.   On behalf of the Arab Group, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to the distinguished 
delegation of the United  Arab Emirates headed by H.E.  Dr Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Minister of State 
for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises.  
4.231.   We wish to thank our brothers in United  Arab Emirates and the WTO Secretariat for their 
detailed and comprehensive Trade Policy Review reports. We also thank the discussant 
H.E. Mr José Valencia, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the WTO for his 
insightful remarks.  
4.232.   The Trade Polic y Review report of the Secretariat highlights that the United  Arab Emirates 
economy, like the rest of the world economies, has been facing the challenges caused by COVID -19 
pandemic which led to GDP contraction by 6.1% in 2020. However, due to adoption of some 
measures by the Government to mitigate the pandemic's impact on the economy, UAE real 
GDP growth is expected to reach 2.1% in 2021.  
4.233.   The Arab  Group and the GCC would like to commend UAE for launched its long -term 
development strategy, UAE  Centennial  2071, which aim to transform the UAE economy into a 
knowledge based one by increasing productivity, enhancing the competitiveness of national 
companies, and investing in high -technology sectors.  
4.234.   The UAE is to be commended for being committed to the rules -based multilateral trading 
system and its actively participations in the WTO negotiations, and for its long -established free zones 
regime as attracting foreign investment is an essential element of the UAE's strategy to diversify its 
economy and consolidate t he country's position as a regional trade and investment hub.  
4.235.   We congratulate UAE for establishing its new federal export credit agency in 2017, launching 
a 10-year strategy aiming to increase the industrial sector's contribution to GDP from AED  133 billion 
to AED  300 billion by 2031; and implementing several regulatory changes to its intellectual 
property  (IP) regime, and launching the UAE Energy Strategy  2050.  
4.236.   Before I conclude, I would like to say a few words on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia. 
Saudi Arabia and United  Arab Emirates are not only neighbours enjoying brotherly outstanding 
relations supported by shared memberships in the GCC, Arab  League, and OIC, but they are 
prominent trading partners. Trade exchange between the two  countries exceede d SAR  78 billion 
in 2020, which ranked them amongst each other's main trading partners. Moreover, Saudi -Emirati 
Coordination Council which was established in 2016 to consolidate the brotherly relations and to 
intensify bilateral cooperation through continu ous consultation and coordination in many fields 
between the two  countries and due to their desire remains very active in paving the way for closer WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  economic ties to strengthen trade cooperation and to enhance business opportunities between the 
two countrie s. 
4.237.   At the end, I would like to thank H.E.  Mr Ahmed  Abdulrahman  Al Jarman, Ambassador and 
Permanent Representative of the United  Arab Emirates to the WTO and his distinguished team for 
the excellent cooperation between our two  missions here in Geneva which serves our mutual 
interests.  
4.238.   To conclude, we wish our brothers in the United  Arab Emirates a very successful Trade Policy 
Review.  
UKRAINE  
4.239.   Ukraine would like to extend a very warm welcome to the delegation of the 
United  Arab Emirates, led by H.E.  Dr Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship 
and Small and Medium Enterprises. We appreciate the significant work of the Chair, the WTO 
Secretariat, discussant H.E.  Mr José Valencia, and the Government of the UAE to prepare to this 
review.  
4.240.   Ukraine commends the UAE's economic priorities and choice of a gradual and deliberate path 
of transformation towards a knowledge -based economy followed by investment into new 
technologies and more liberalized economic policies to enhance the competitiveness o f the country's 
business environment.  
4.241.   Our country attaches great importance to developing trade and economic cooperation with 
the United  Arab Emirates, both at the bilateral level as well as within the WTO.  
4.242.   In 2021, Ukrainian -UAE's trade in goods increase d by 23.2% compared to 2020, trade in 
services raised by 29.9% compared to the same period.  
4.243.   Analysis of bilateral trade and economic relations between Ukraine and the UAE 
demonstrates the availability of significant potential for further development of bi lateral economic 
and investment cooperation.  
4.244.   Ukraine actively participates in numerous international exhibitions being held in the UAE and 
interested in improving access to the United  Arab Emirates market of agricultural products and 
services, including fi nancial services.  
4.245.   We are convinced that regardless the disaster in Ukraine made by the Russian aggression 
and challenges, we can continue developing our trade and economic relationships.  
4.246.   The Russian  Federation continues to commit a blatant act of aggressi on against my country 
through its unprovoked and unjustified military invasion, an attack on the sovereignty and territorial 
integrity of Ukraine in a brutal violation of basic norms and principles of international law, as well as 
of the purpose and princi ples of this Organization.  
4.247.   We think that most delegations can agree that events of the past three  weeks have already 
intensified uncertainty in the world economy and financial system, and they will have further 
systemic consequences.  
4.248.   It is hard to forecast  disruptive effect of the Russian  Federation's aggression against Ukraine 
on economic activity and international trade, including our bilateral trade with the 
United  Arab Emirates. It has caused the rise in food and energy prices and negatively affected 
product supply chains. Nevertheless, we look forward to seeing the UAE's possible contribution in 
mitigation of trade and economic implications of the crisis and preventing the rise in commodity 
prices.  
4.249.   Ukraine wishes the delegation of the UAE very successfu l Trade Policy Review and look 
forward to further strengthening our bilateral relations and cooperation.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  KAZAKHSTAN  
4.250.   Kazakhstan warmly welcomes the delegation of the United  Arab Emirates led by 
H.E. Dr Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepre neurship and Small and Medium 
Enterprises. We express our gratitude to the Government of UAE for its informative report and 
statement. We also thank Ambassador José  Valencia (Ecuador) for his insightful comments as a 
discussant and the WTO Secretariat for its comprehensive report.  
4.251.   Kazakhstan enjoys fruitful strategic cooperation with UAE and attaches high importance to 
further deepening bilateral economic and trade relations. UAE is a key and second -largest trading 
partner of my country in the Middle  East.  
4.252.   In 2021, our bilateral merchandise trade volume increased almost by 50% despite all the 
disruptions caused by the COVID -19 pandemic and constituted USD  709 million. Kazakhstan ranks 
second in UAE's import among the CIS countries.  
4.253.   Aside from trade, the v olume of direct investment from UAE to Kazakhstan over the past 
15 years has exceeded USD  2.5 billion, while investment from Kazakhstan to the UAE reached over 
USD 1 billion. More than 350  enterprises with the UAE capital successfully operates in Kazakhsta n. 
We have an ambitious plan to implement joint investment projects worth USD  4 billion.  
4.254.   We commend the Government of UAE for implementing an ambitious reform agenda since 
its last review. Particularly we note our strong focus on UAE's Vision  2021 National  Agenda, which 
successfully concluded last  year. We also appreciate the launch of UAE's long -term development 
strategy "UAE  Centennial  2071" aimed at transforming the Emirates into a knowledge -based 
economy by increasing productivity, enhancing the competi tiveness of national companies and 
investing in high -technology sectors. As part of these initiatives, the UAE introduced measures to 
improve the rule of law, undertook extensive legislative reforms aimed at modernizing the economic 
environment, and remove d ownership restrictions on foreign investment in many sectors.  
4.255.   In this regard, we are pleased to see that UAE, in 2020, thanks to the introduced reforms, 
advanced 9  ranks to become 15th globally for attracting foreign direct investment according to the 
UNCTAD World Investment Report. The IMD World Competitiveness Center also ranked UAE 
favourably and in 2021 it came 10th, the highest position in the Middle  East and was ranked 
1st globall y in 4  indexes, one of them being "Cybersecurity".  
4.256.   We also applaud the ongoing Expo  2020 Dubai, successfully hosted by UAE. This global event 
represents a significant milestone for the Emirates as the country celebrated its Golden  Jubilee 
last year, markin g 50 years of progress and achievements. We believe that the Expo  2020 will 
provide enormous opportunities for uncovering creative solutions to some of the world's most 
pressing challenges, such as energy security, sustainable agriculture, food security, p andemics, and 
climate change.  
4.257.   We recognize the UAE's commitment to the rules -based multilateral trading system and 
constructive involvement in WTO work. Particularly we appreciate UAE's participation in major JSI 
negotiations on e -commerce, investment faci litation as well as its active support of a multilateral 
response to the COVID -19 pandemic and several joint statements in this regard. Keeping a good 
record in fulfilling its notification obligations is also commendable.  
4.258.   For this review, Kazakhstan has su bmitted several written questions. We look forward to 
receiving replies from UAE to our questions.  
4.259.   In conclusion, we would like to congratulate the delegation of UAE and the WTO Secretariat 
for the hard work and efforts that went into preparing for this TP R. We also like to express our 
appreciation to Ambassador Ahmed  Abdulrahman  Al Jarman and his team in Geneva. We wish the 
delegation of UAE every success for their fourth  Trade Policy Review.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  MALAYSIA  
4.260.   Malaysia is pleased to take part at the fourth  Trade Po licy Review of the UAE. We believed 
that this Review is important for the UAE, and we commend UAE's commitment in achieving its trade 
policy objectives.  
4.261.   We would like to extend a very warm welcome to H.E.  Dr Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Minister 
of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises and his delegation. We also thank 
the Secretariat for their effort in preparing comprehensive review reports, and the discussant, 
H.E. Mr José Valencia of Ecuador for his insightful comments.  
4.262.   Malaysia is pl eased to note that the UAE has concluded the implementation of its Vision  2021 
National Agenda and launched the UAE  Centennial  2071 as a long -term development strategy to 
transform the UAE into a knowledge -based economy by increasing productivity, enhancin g 
competitiveness of national companies, and investing in high technology sectors. This has improved 
the UAE's rankings, including ease of doing business, financial competence and stability, and in 
attracting FDI.  
4.263.   Malaysia has enjoyed a strong partnership with the UAE, particularly in the economic sphere. 
In 2021, among the West  Asian countries, UAE was Malaysia's largest trading partner, 
second  largest export destination and second  largest source of import. The total trade between 
Malaysia and the UAE in 2 021 increased by 7.9% to USD  5.38 billion, from USD  4.93 billion in 2020. 
In the same period, the total exports increased by 24.7% to USD  2.56 billion compared to 
USD 2.03 billion, while total imports decreased by 3.7% to USD  2.83 billion compared to 
USD 2.90 billion in 2020.  
4.264.   On investment, as of November  2021, 40  manufacturing projects worth USD  1.63 billion 
with Emirati participation were approved and these projects are expected to generate more than 
4,000  employment opportunities.  
4.265.   For this current review, Malaysia had submitted written questions on areas such as 
COVID -19 response, green policy and green investment, government procurement, MSMEs, and 
investment.  
4.266.   We would like to take this opportunity to thank the delegation of the UAE for responding  to 
our questions and we shall examine the responses with great interest.  
4.267.   We wish the delegation of the UAE a productive and successful fourth  Trade Policy Review.  
ICELAND  
4.268.   Before I turn to the TPR of the United  Arab Emirates, please allow me again to exp ress 
concerns regarding the ongoing attack on Ukraine. Iceland condemns, in the strongest possible 
terms, the brutal, unjustified, and unprovoked attack of the Russian Federation on Ukraine. Iceland 
reiterates its unwavering support for the sovereignty, in dependence, and territorial integrity of 
Ukraine, within its internationally recognised borders.  
4.269.   I will now turn to the Trade Policy Review of the UAE; it is with pleasure that Iceland 
welcomes the distinguished delegation of UAE to their fourth  Trade Pol icy Review. We also express 
appreciation to the WTO Secretariat and the UAE for the reports prepared, as well as to the 
discussant, for the excellent framing of the issues for our discussion today.  
4.270.   As a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the UAE  has a free trade agreement 
with the EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland). The Agreement has all the 
possibilities of serving our countries well, with coverage than includes trade in goods and services, 
government procurement and c ompetition.  
4.271.    Given the global challenges we are fronted with, it is important to keep in mind that it is a 
well-known fact that improving gender equality and empowering women, not only positively WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  contributes to economic growth, as we have so often highligh ted in this body, but it also contributes 
to sustainable peace and security in many concrete ways.  
4.272.   Iceland takes note of the measures taken by the UAE towards strengthen women's economic 
empowerment with the establishment of the Gender Balance Council in 2015, as well as other gender 
specific actions taken to improve gender equality. One example, and the most relevant for WTO, on 
how to achieve that is to apply targeted gender -based trade policies and programmes.  
4.273.   Improved data collection and gender -based a nalysis are important when it comes to 
developing gender -based trade policies. So is the sharing of best practices of respective experiences 
relating to those policies and programs.  
4.274.   In the spirit of supporting relevant data gathering in this field, Iceland  has submitted 
questions on the participation of women in the economy of the UAE. We welcome the replies as the 
answers will be useful in gathering best practices in the promotion of gender -equality within trade.  
4.275.   Finally, as one of the co -chairs of the Inf ormal Working Group on Trade and Gender, Iceland 
welcomes the UAE's support to the proposed Joint Ministerial Declaration on the advancement of 
gender equality and women's economic empowerment within trade.  
4.276.   Iceland appreciates the UAE's active engagement i n WTO and their continued support for 
the multilateral trading system. We wish the delegation of the UAE every success for their Trade 
Policy Review.  
MAURITIUS  
4.277.   We warmly welcome the high -level of delegation from the United  Arab Emirates led by 
H.E. Dr Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium 
Enterprises and congratulate the UAE for pursuing its fourth  Trade Policy Review.  
4.278.   Let me also take this opportunity to congratulate you, Ambassador 
Ángel  Villalobo s Rodríguez for your appointment as Chair of the TPRB. You may rely on the full 
support of our delegation during your tenure.  
4.279.   We thank the Secretariat for its report and Ambassador José  Valencia of Ecuador for the 
insightful perspectives provided as discus sant about the country's trade policy.  
4.280.   Let me start by commending the UAE for successfully hosting the Dubai  Expo an event that 
has brought together businesses and interested people from around the world. What else could best 
demonstrate the contribution o f the UAE authorities in promoting trade and investment, 
strengthening ties of friendship and brotherhood among peoples of the world? Mauritius is actively 
participating in this global event including through a Presidential delegation last week. We seize t his 
opportunity to thank the UAE authorities for the support and assistance extended to Mauritius in this 
regard and highlight that the Mauritius pavilion is situated next to the UAE pavilion.  
4.281.   Whilst many of our economies have been hard hit by the pandemic , the UAE authorities have 
been able to find the appropriate policy mix to counter the effects of the pandemic and put its 
economy back on a strong recovery path. The 27% growth of foreign trade and the improvement of 
its global ranking for attracting fore ign direct investment last  year bear testimony of the 
effectiveness of such policies and measures.  
4.282.   We congratulate the UAE for the successful implementation of the National  Agenda  2021 
that guided its trade and economic policies and contributed to increasi ng its FDI by 11.1% over the 
period 2017 -2020. We note that it also improved its standing on a number of economic indicators. 
The commitment of the UAE authorities to the continued socio -economic development of the country 
and their long -term vision of the  economy are clearly reflected in the new long -term plan – the 
"UAE Centennial  2071" and the strategic plan known as "Projects of the 50". We have no doubt that 
the vision of this strategic plan will be ably taken forward by the competent authorities. We a lso 
have no doubt that UAE's commitment to free trade will take the country to an even higher level of 
development.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  4.283.   Technology and digitalisation are the cornerstones of the fourth  Industrial Revolution. Being 
ranked 10th in the World Digital Competitivene ss Index, the UAE has clearly made a lot of progress 
in the ICT sector and in harnessing technology in support of the competitiveness of its economy. We 
are confident that the increased digitalisation of its services will further contribute to business and  
investment facilitation. We look to the UAE to assist other countries and in particular, the Small 
Island Developing States, to help them advance their digitalisation levels.  
4.284.   Mauritius is greatly impressed by the efforts of the UAE in ensuring a sustainab le future 
through the adoption of green policies and initiatives, namely the Emirates Sustainable Development 
Strategy. At a time when sustainability needs to be the focus of all our actions, the UAE authorities 
deserve our high appreciation for the range of policies and programs being implemented to this end. 
Such commitments are further reflected in UAE's announcement of its Net  Zero Initiative and its 
offer to host the COP28 in 2023.  
4.285.   We recognise the commitment of the UAE to the multilateral trading syst em and for actively 
contributing in advancing discussions on modernizing and strengthening the WTO. We are pleased 
to pursue our constructive engagement with the Ambassador of the UAE and his team in Geneva in 
this regard. Our delegation in Dubai is also a ctively involved with the competent authorities of the 
UAE. 
4.286.   Allow me, in particular to applaud the UAE authorities for the establishment of the Gender 
Balance Council and congratulate the country for its excellent global and regional rankings in the UN 
Gender Equality Index which, inter alia, reflects the important role of the women in socio -economic 
and political activities.  
4.287.   At the bilateral level, Mauritius and United  Arab Emirates share excellent relations. During 
the last 24  years, trade has increased b y around 20% yearly and in 2020 our imports from the UAE 
amounted to USD  520 million. To further strengthen our ties of friendship and deepen our relations, 
Mauritius opened a Consulate General in Dubai in May  2021.  
4.288.   The UAE has been consistent in its suppo rt to Mauritius for advancing projects. For instance, 
a grant to the tune of USD  21 million was extended for the construction of the New Eye Hospital and 
we have also benefited from a concessionary loan for the deployment of Solar Photovoltaic Kits in 
Mauritius under the IRENA/ADFD fifth lending cycle.  
4.289.   Mauritius is highly appreciative of such support and looks forward to strengthening our 
relations further both  bilaterally and at the multilateral level. With the coming into force of the 
AfCFTA, we feel that  a lot of opportunities will open up for UAE to develop its trade ties with Africa. 
Mauritius looks forward to working with the United  Arab Emirates in this direction.  
4.290.   We seize this opportunity to wish the UAE delegation a very successful Trade Policy Revi ew. 
TURKEY  
4.291.   Turkey extends a very warm welcome to the delegation of the United  Arab Emirates headed 
by H.E.  Dr Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium 
Enterprises.  
4.292.   We would like to thank the Secretariat and the G overnment of the UAE for their detailed 
reports as well as our discussant Ambassador José  Valencia of Ecuador for his insightful remarks.  
4.293.   As stated in the reports, the UAE is a regional hub for trade, logistics and tourism. The oil 
and gas sector accounts for around 30% of UAE's GDP. Between 2016 and 2019, real GDP growth 
ranged between 1.2% and 3.4%, mainly led by the non -oil sector.  
4.294.   However, in 2020, as a result of COVID -19 pandemic, the UAE's economy contracted by 
6.1%. There was a concrete sign of econo mic recovery in 2021, with the Central Bank of the UAE 
projected real GDP growth to reach 2.4%. And in 2022, the UAE forecasts a full recovery, with overall 
real GDP increasing by 3.8%.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  4.295.   We welcome UAE's long -term development strategy, namely "UAE  Centennia l 2071". With 
this strategy we believe, the UAE will transform its economy into a knowledge -based economy, by 
increasing productivity, enhancing competitiveness of national companies, investing in high 
technology sectors, and attracting investments.  
4.296.   Turke y values UAE's strong commitment to the multilateral trading system and the WTO. 
We welcome the ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement in 2016, approval of the Declaration 
on the Expansion of Trade in Information Technology and the Protocol Amend ing the 
TRIPS  Agreement in 2017.  
4.297.   We are also pleased with UAE's participation in Joint Statement Initiatives on E -Commerce 
and Investment Facilitation for Development.  
4.298.   We see in the UAE not just a brotherly country, but a strategic partner. Our countries a re 
both located at important geo -political and geo -economic junctures, serving as hubs to a wider 
geography.  
4.299.   We have deep -rooted historical, social and cultural relations with the UAE and all other Gulf 
countries.  
4.300.   We believe that stronger cooperation betw een our countries will not only benefit our 
respective nations but will also contribute to the peace, security, stability and prosperity of our 
region and beyond.  
4.301.   The UAE is a leading trading partner for Turkey with USD  5.4 billion exports and a trade 
volume of USD  7.9 billion. The projects completed in the UAE by Turkish companies add up to 
USD 13 billion. The UAE is also a major contributor to the investment environment in Turkey and 
leading Turkish companies.  
4.302.   The last official visit of President Erdoğan to the UAE in February  2022 was a historic event 
marking the new era in our relations; 13  agreements were signed in various areas extending from 
defence industry to land and maritime transportation and from health to high technology. We h ave 
also signed a Joint Declaration on the decision to start the negotiations of a Comprehensive Economic 
Partnership Agreement. This visit confirmed the determination on both sides to advance bilateral 
relations in all areas.  
4.303.   In concluding, we thank again the delegation of the UAE for the excellent preparation for 
this review and wish them a successful Trade Policy Review.  
JORDAN  
4.304.   First, we fully associate ourselves with the statement delivered by the 
Kingdom  of Saudi  Arabia on behalf of the Arab  Group . Jordan would also like to start by extending 
a warm welcome to the entire delegation of United  Arab Emirates led by 
H.E. Dr Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium 
Enterprises.  
4.305.   Our appreciation is also extende d to the discussant H.E.  Mr José Valencia, the Ambassador 
of Ecuador for the insightful and thorough remarks.  
4.306.   At the outset, my delegation commends the Government of United  Arab Emirates and the 
WTO Secretariat for the comprehensive reports. Both  reports p rovided a comprehensive picture of 
the main developments in United  Arab Emirates' economy and trade regime for the period under 
review and demonstrated that the economy of Emirates is heading towards a path of sustainability, 
which vividly caters for moder nizing and diversifying its economy and creates a more competitive, 
knowledge -based economy.  
4.307.   We should not forget to mention the measures adopted by the Government of the 
United  Arab Emirates, which places a profound significance on maintaining a welcoming  investment WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  environment and motivating the private sector including the successful holding of Expo  2020 Dubai 
from October  2021 to March  2022.  
4.308.   We congratulate United  Arab Emirates for their remarkable progress made in economy and 
trade in concluded of its Vision  2021 National Agenda and we commend the bold economic 
aspirations of the Government of United  Arab Emirates reflected in "UAE  Centennial  2071" 
enshrining the long term development strategy of diversifying the economy towards industries based 
on know ledge and innovation, creating an environment conducive to trade and investment, 
strengthening the competitiveness of the UAE in external markets, and developing international 
trade relations.  
4.309.   This has been translated in United  Arab Emirates' vital role in  responding to the COVID -19 
pandemic through keep its borders and connectivity channels open to facilitate the efficient flow of 
goods, its commitments to support the safe and efficient distribution of COVID -19 vaccines and 
essential goods as well.  
4.310.   We are deeply encouraged with these endeavours and we wish the Government of 
United  Arab Emirates further success in the implementation of the UAE  Centennial  2071 Strategy.  
4.311.   UAE membership in the WTO and its membership in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and 
the Great Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) together with its bilateral preferential agreements and FTAs 
signed with 50  countries, including Jordan, and the other FTAs that is negotiating prove the 
commitment to free trade policy and the multilateral trading syste m from which its economic sectors 
will benefit and prosper.  
4.312.   Furthermore, we commend United  Arab Emirates commitment towards its WTO obligations, 
and its constructive role in the efforts to strengthen the multilateral system.  
4.313.   On the bilateral side, the brot herly and historical relations that Jordan and 
United  Arab Emirates enjoy, are a symbol of a successful and fruitful partnership, the bilateral trade 
volume between our two  brotherly countries has witnessed a remarkable growth increased by 72% 
in 2021 comp aring to previous year to reach almost USD  1.7 billion with 5.5% of Jordan trade 
volume with the whole world, as both  countries acknowledge that trade is one of the main means of 
development that taps the potentials available in both  countries.  
4.314.   To conclude , Jordan congratulates the Emirates Government and the business society for 
their achievements and would like to wish the brotherly United  Arab Emirates more prosperity and 
a fruitful and successful Trade Policy Review and congratulates the Permanent Repre sentative of 
United  Arab Emirates in Geneva H.E.  Mr Ahmed  Abdulrahman  Al Jarman and his whole team for 
their very constructive role in preserving and consolidating the multilateral trading system.  
THE KINGDOM  OF BAHRAIN  
4.315.   The Kingdom of Bahrain is delighted to participate in the fourth  Trade Policy Review of the 
United  Arab Emirates, and would like to warmly welcome H.E.  Dr Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Minister 
of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises and H.E.  Mr Ahmed Abdulrahman 
Al Jarman,  Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the United  Arab Emirates and wish them 
and their delegation a very successful Review.  
4.316.   We would also like to thank the Government of the United  Arab Emirates, the Permanent 
Mission of the United  Arab Emirates in G eneva and the WTO Secretariat for their efforts in preparing 
the detailed reports. We also thank the discussant, H.E.  Mr José Valencia, Ambassador and 
Permanent Representative of Ecuador for his insightful remarks.  
4.317.   The United  Arab Emirates has always been an important partner of the Kingdom of Bahrain, 
sharing a strong and longstanding economic relationship. Despite the impact of the COVID -19 
pandemic on the global trade, the value of total bilateral trade with the UAE has continue to reach 
high levels; wit h the UAE raking as the third and our top importing countries at the value of 
USD 731 million and the third on our top exporting countries as a value of USD  828 million as of 
2021.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  4.318.   In addition, as members of the GCC we share a several common aspects of our  trade policy, 
such as a common external tariff, a shared trade remedies authority, a shared to free trade 
agreements with the other trading partners. On this regard, we would also like to highlight Bahrain's 
special relation shared with the UAE which has been bolstered and greatly taken care by the leaders 
of both nations. We have placed a greatly emphasis on the promotion and enhancement of the 
exchange and dynamic between the brotherly nations and coordination efforts relating to trade and 
investment.  
4.319.   We are therefore delighted to see all the positive transformations and economic growth 
mentioned in the report. This of course comes after the United  Arab Emirates made significant 
strides during the period under review.  
4.320.   We are pleased that the report highl ights the UAE's successful conclusion of its 
"National  Agenda  2021" which resulted in an improved standing across many economic indicators, 
as well as an increase in the value of foreign direct investment amounting to USD  19.9 billion in 
2020, reflecting a  growth of 11.1%.  
4.321.   Furthermore, it is worth commending that due to the UAE's concrete steps to build a 
stronger, more resilient economy which would accelerate global economic recovery from the 
COVID -19 pandemic, its economy is expected to grow by 4.2% in 2 022.  
4.322.   Looking forward, we view great interest and opportunity in investment in the 
United  Arab Emirates and its potential for attracting foreign direct investment to our region. As the 
report details, the UAE's National Agenda for Inward Foreign Direct Inv estment (FDI) aims to attract 
foreign direct investment through programs, policies and initiatives that align with the strategic 
visions of the UAE, including the UAE  Vision  2071 – a strategy which prioritizes investment in 
research, development and innova tion across promising sectors in the UAE.  
4.323.   I cannot conclude this statement without highlighting the United  Arab Emirate's role as a 
long standing and strong supporter of the WTO and the multilateral trading system with its consistent 
active and constructiv e participation in the multilateral discussions within the WTO.  
4.324.   Finally, we would like to thank once again the discussant for his remarks and active 
discussion and the UAE Government and WTO Secretariat for their tireless efforts in preparing the 
detailed reports, and wish our brothers in the United  Arab Emirates once again a very successful 
review.  
TUNISIE  
4.325.   Permettez -moi, tout d'abord, de souhaiter une chaleureuse bienvenue à 
S.E. Dr. Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Ministre d'État à l'entrepreneuriat et les petit es et moyennes 
entreprises des É.A.U. et à la délégation qui l'accompagne d'Abou  Dhabi et de Genève, et le féliciter 
pour l’effort de synthèse et d’analyse qu’il a entrepris pour nous brosser un tableau exhaustif de la 
situation économique et de la politiq ue commerciale de son pays.  
4.326.   Je remercie S.E.  l'Ambassadeur M.  José Valencia (Équateur) pour les remarques pertinentes 
qu’il a développées dans sa présentation et je félicite le Secrétariat pour le rapport complet qu'il 
nous a soumis à l'occasion de cet exa men. 
4.327.   Ma délégation tient, particulièrement, à féliciter l'Etat des É.A.U. pour les efforts 
considérables qu'il a déployés en vue de poursuivre sa politique de libéralisation et de diversification 
économique et commerciale au cours de la période d'examen, notamm ent, à travers son Programme 
national "Vision à l'horizon  2021", achevé l'année écoulée et le lancement en 2020, d'une stratégie 
de développement à long terme "le plan Centenaire  2071" centré sur la transformation des É.A.U. 
en une économie fondée sur le s avoir et l'innovation, visant l'accroissement de la productivité et 
l'amélioration de la compétitivité des entreprises émiraties et l'investissement dans les secteurs des 
technologies de pointe.  
4.328.   Les É.A.U., un pays ouvert sur le monde, a réussi, par aille urs, à instaurer un modèle 
économique flexible et durable, plus ouvert aux partenariats et aux marchés mondiaux.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  4.329.   En outre et grâce à l'hospitalité qui est sienne et l'accueil de nombreux évènements 
économiques et commerciaux majeurs, à l'instar de "Gulfoo d" et d'Expo  Dubaï, ce pays frère s'est 
converti, au fil des années, en une plate -forme de promotion des produits industriels innovants et 
un important portail d’accès aux marchés occidentaux.  
4.330.   De vastes réformes législatives visant le renforcement du proce ssus de modernisation et 
d'ouverture de l’économie émiratie, à travers la simplification des procédures et la suppression des 
restrictions à la participation en matière d'investissements étrangers dans de nombreux secteurs, à 
l'instar du régime de zones fr anches, où la participation étrangère est autorisée à hauteur de 100%, 
ont contribué à rendre l'environnement des affaires dans le pays propice au développement des 
investissements étrangers. C 'est ainsi que plusieurs études économiques spécialisées classe nt les 
É.A.U. parmi les pays les plus sûrs en matière d'investissement, disposant, entre autres, d'une des 
meilleures infrastructures numériques au monde.  
4.331.   A relever, en outre, l'efficacité du Programme national pour l'investissement étranger direct 
qui enc ourage les IDE dans des "secteurs prometteurs" liés à l'innovation, et se fixe des objectifs 
ambitieux pour renforcer la présence des principales entreprises émiraties à l'international.  
4.332.   Le rapport du Secrétariat souligne que, malgré un contexte économique  mondial et régional 
difficile en raison de la pandémie de la COVID -19, la baisse du prix du pétrole et le fléchissement 
des exportations émiraties de 36%, l'économie des É.A.U. s'est bien redressée en 2021, avec un 
taux de croissance du PIB estimée à 2,1% , dans les moyennes de la période d’examen avant la 
pandémie, grâce, notamment, aux mesures de relance budgétaire et monétaire prises par les 
autorités émiraties, mais, également, grâce à une économie résiliente qui a su, progressivement, se 
détacher de sa  dépendance des secteurs pétroliers et gaziers, qui contribuent à plus de 30% du PIB 
des É.A.U.  
4.333.   Participant activement aux négociations menées à l'OMC, les É.A.U. restent, par ailleurs, 
fermement attachés au système commercial multilatéral fondé sur des rè gles et convaincus de la 
dimension développement, comme pièce centrale des négociations menées à l'OMC.  
4.334.   Les relations privilégiées liant la Tunisie et les É.A.U., établies il y a plus de quatre décennies 
par les regrettés leaders, Habib  Bourguiba et Cheikh  Zayed  bin Sultan  Al Nahyan, continuent de se 
développer selon un élan dynamique et une coordination de haut niveau entre les autorités politiques 
et les instances de régulation des affaires.  
4.335.   Les relations de coopération bilatérale couvrent différents sect eurs allant de l'industrie et 
l'agriculture, à l'énergie et aux services, dans lesquels les É.A.U. ont été précurseurs pour la 
facilitation et le financement d'importants projets en Tunisie depuis les années  70. 
4.336.   Ce niveau de coopération a fait que les É.A. U. sont considérés, aujourd'hui, comme le 
premier partenaire commercial de la Tunisie au niveau des pays du Conseil de coopération du Golfe, 
et le premier client de la Tunisie au niveau des exportations dans les pays de la région avec 57% 
des exportations en 2021, et le deuxième  pays d'origine de nos importations du CCG, en raison 
notamment du degré de libéralisation et de flexibilité du marché émirati.  
4.337.   L'année 2021 a été marquée par une reprise dynamique des échanges commerciaux qui ont 
enregistrés une augmentation de 29%, atteignant une valeur équivalente à 225  millions  d'USD, avec 
notamment, une hausse des exportations tunisiennes de plus de 50%, surtout celles des produits 
agricoles, alimentaires et des pièces mécaniques et électriques . 
4.338.   Cette dynamique s'est poursuivie à l'entame de l'année 2022 avec la conclusion d'un projet 
d'implantation d'une importante centrale électrique au centre de la Tunisie, d'une valeur de 
100 millions  d'USD et plus récemment par la relance du Méga -projet "Tu nis Sport City" aux Berges 
du lac à Tunis, par le groupe émirati Bukhatir, un projet multidimensionnel offrant une panoplie de 
volets sportif, touristique et résidentiel dont l'achèvement est prévu à l'horizon 2031.  
4.339.   Nos deux pays, faudrait -il le souligner,  sont déterminés à renforcer et à consolider cette 
coopération traditionnelle dans tous les domaines, tels que le tourisme, l'agriculture et les nouvelles 
technologies.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  4.340.   Enfin, je ne puis conclure sans féliciter S.E. l'Ambassadeur Ahmed  Abdulrahman  Al Jarma n, 
ainsi que son équipe à Genève pour l'excellent travail qu'ils accomplissent à l'OMC et dans les autres 
organisations, et souhaiter aux É.A.U. frère tout le succès dans l’examen de sa politique 
commerciale.  
URUGUAY  
4.341.   Uruguay desea brindar la más cordial bi envenida a la delegación de los 
Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos, encabezada por Dr.  Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Ministro de Estado para el 
Emprendimiento y la Pequeña y Mediana Empresa, en oportunidad del cuarto  examen de sus 
políticas comerciales a quien agradecemos por su presentación. Asimismo, agradecemos a la 
Secretaría por su completo informe.  
4.342.   Nuestros países mantienen relaciones comerciales desde hace varias décadas en las cuales 
se destacan las exportaciones de equinos en pie a los Emiratos. Asimismo, aún queda  mucho camino 
para recorrer en el comercio de alimentos, entre los cuales se destacan los aceites de oliva, 
productos orgánicos, agua mineral, y por supuesto carnes.  
4.343.   Aprovechamos esta oportunidad para felicitarles por el desarrollo de una exitosa 
Expo Dubai 2020, en la cual tenemos un pabellón país, inaugurado por el señor Presidente 
Luis Lacalle  Pou, en el pasado mes de febrero. En esta instancia estamos trabajando duro para 
incrementar el comercio de productos agrícolas a los Emiratos, así como aumentar el flujo de 
inversiones productivas.  
4.344.   Los Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos y Uruguay coinciden en el gran valor atribuido a la OMC y la 
función central de la misma en el sistema multilateral de comercio basado en normas y compartimos 
la necesidad de asegurar que ésta  siga siendo relevante en el futuro y a la altura de las 
circunstancias.  
4.345.   El Representante Permanente de Uruguay, Embajador José  Luis Cancela, en tanto 
coordinador del Grupo de Trabajo Informal sobre las micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas, aplaude 
que este  ejercicio esté presidido por el Ministro a cargo de las mipymes y reconocemos los denodados 
esfuerzos del Gobierno Federal en apoyar a estas empresas en cada uno de los capítulos de su 
política comercial. Asimismo, destacamos el copatrocinio de los Emirat os a la Declaración Ministerial 
sobre mipymes - donde se refleja la importancia de fomentar la participación de las mipymes en el 
comercio internacional y como tema central en la agenda de la OMC. Invitamos a los 
Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos a unirse como Miembro  del Grupo de Mipymes de la OMC y así nutrir la 
agenda con sus buenas prácticas y contribuir a identificar medidas que pueden facilitar el acceso de 
las mipymes a los mercados internacionales.  
4.346.   Para finalizar, quisiéramos reiterar nuestra apreciación por e ste nuevo ejercicio de 
intercambio sobre las prácticas comerciales de los Emiratos, y esperamos seguir cooperando en 
todos los frentes: bilateral, regional y aquí en la OMC. Gracias y mis mejores deseos para un examen 
exitoso.  
YÉMEN  
4.347.   Ma délégation prend la parole pour souhaiter la bienvenue à 
S.E. Dr. Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Ministre d'Etat à l'entrepreneuriat et les petites et moyennes 
entreprises ainsi que à la délégation distinguée des Émirats  arabes  unis.  
4.348.   La République du Yémen félicite les É.A.U.  à l'occasion de l'examen de leurs politiques 
commerciales à l'OMC. Cette occasion coïncide avec la tenue de l'exposition universelle, Expo  2020, 
à Doubaï, et coïncide, également, avec la célébration des Émirats de leur Jubilé d'or en 2021, 
marquant, ainsi, 50  ans d'unité, de stabilité et de progrès.  
4.349.   Ma délégation tient, également, à féliciter S.E., M.  José Valencia, pour ses excellentes 
remarques.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  4.350.   Le Yémen s'aligne sur la déclaration faite par le Royaume  d'Arabie  saoudite au nom du 
Groupe arabe et félicite les  É.A.U.  d'avoir adopté une politique commerciale ouverte qui a abouti à 
un environnement économique et politique favorable aux investissements.  
4.351.   Les É.A.U.  ont mené à bien leur positionnement en tant que centre régional pour le 
commerce, la logistique et l e tourisme et en tant que centre mondial pour l'innovation, l'intelligence 
artificielle et l'entrepreneuriat  
4.352.   Les É.A.U.  ont mené à bien la "Vision  2021" et se sont lancés dans une vision globale à long 
terme "Le Centenaire des É.A.U.  2071" visant à devenir l’un des pays les plus prééminents dans le 
monde.  
4.353.   Depuis leur adhésion à l'OMC en avril  1996, Les É.A.U.  participent activement aux différentes 
activités ainsi qu'aux différents domaines des négociations commerciales multilatérales, notamment 
à l'initiative de déclaration conjointe sur le commerce électronique et la facilitation des 
investissements.  
4.354.   Le Yémen souhaite aux  Émirats  arabes  unis plein succès dans la réalisation de leurs 
objectifs, ainsi que dans l'examen de leurs politiques commerciales.  
ANGOLA  
4.355.   Angola would like to warmly congratulate the United  Arab Emirates on the public 
presentation and discussion of their fourth  Trade Policy Review.  
4.356.   We acknowledge an insightful document, reviewing with transparency the country's 
economy, financial system, trade, and commercial policies since its last TPR assessment in 2016. 
Angola regrets the negative impacts of the global pandemic crisis in the UAE's economy, in particular 
de reduction of the country's oil revenues, a critical compression also experienced by Angola, and 
significantly impacting on travel (aviation), tourism, and trade, causing the real GDP to contract  by 
5.9% in 2020. Still, the UAE successfully launched several policies to offset the COVID -19 pandemic 
crisis, resulting in real GDP growth of around 2.4% in 2021 and forecasts projecting additional 
growth of around 3.8% -4.2% for 2022.  
4.357.   We are particularl y impressed by the UAE's strategic economic reforms to support 
businesses, investment, and trade through the "Projects of the 50" initiatives, thus widening the 
country's ongoing diversification of key sectors like logistics and tourism, and transitioning to a 
digital and knowledge -based economy. Also, we see a long -term strategy firmly supported by wise 
policies to attract and retain high calibre human capital, along with more liberal economic policies 
to enhance the country's business environment in the c ontext of the ambitious program 
"UAE Centennial  2071".  
4.358.   It seems that at the core of these strategic projects, one can noticed the novel concept of a 
circular economy merging sustainable manufacturing, green infrastructure, sustainable 
transportation, and sustainable food production and consumption, which also constitutes global 
challenges towards a Global Green Economy. In this interesting context, Angola acknowledges the 
clear UAE commitment to global free and fair trade as an essential catalyst for the r ecovery of the 
global economy that is incompatible with any forms of protectionism.  
4.359.   Angola is also grateful for the report from the WTO Secretariat that provides a thorough 
review of the United  Arab Emirates' economic and trade evolution from 2016 to the p resent day, 
fully documented with appropriate data, statistics, and graphics. However, both the official UAE 
report and the Secretariat document clearly reflect the considerable lack of economic cooperation 
and the fragmentary trade with LDC and African co untries. It still is the case of Angola, although in 
our case, the two countries are firmly working to correct the situation and construct a prosperous 
trade engagement in the long run.  
4.360.   Allow me to remind everyone, that Angola and the United  Arab Emirates  are both Members 
of GATT since 1994 and joined the WTO in the same year of 1996. In 2015 the two  countries signed WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  the Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement, and the interaction between our two  countries 
has been growing fruitfully.  
4.361.   Last year, the v isit of President of the Republic of Angola, His  Excellency João  Lourenço, to 
the United  Arab Emirates served to boost a bilateral economic cooperation on trade, and 
investments, reaching an important bilateral agreement on mutual visa process simplificati on.  
4.362.   Both countries already share several cooperation agreements in air and road transports, 
agriculture, mining, energy and trade, including double taxation eradication and tax evasion. As a 
result of this renewed cooperation, in 2020 a tractor assembly f actory was opened in Luanda -Angola, 
which is already supporting the agricultural production sector, as well as factories for the assembly 
of mobile phones, computers, electronics accessories and other components.  
4.363.   Nonetheless, there is still a long way forw ard to implement between the UAE and Angola a 
novel economic and trade relationship, supported by the critical global challenges on e -commerce, 
digital economy, and sustainable economic growth able to face the challenges of climate change.  
4.364.   Consequently, w e would like the UAE public and private companies, entrepreneurs, and other 
economic agents, to invest more in Angola, to increase cooperation, namely on financial and bank 
services, technological and digital formation, thus contributing to the diversifica tion of Angola's 
economy.  
KYRGYZ  REPUBLIC  
4.365.   Kyrgyz  Republic is very pleased to take part in the fourth  Trade Policy Review of 
United  Arab Emirates and wishes to extend a very warm welcome to the delegation of UAE led by 
H.E. Dr Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Minis ter of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium 
Enterprises.  
4.366.   We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the WTO Secretariat and 
UAE Government for providing such a comprehensive report of the Trade Policies and practices of 
UAE. We would also like to thank the discussant, H.E.  Ambassador Jos é Valencia (Ecuador) for his 
insightful comments.  
4.367.   First, it is important to note that in such a short historical period, thanks to the far -sighted 
and wise policy of the country's leadersh ip, the United  Arab Emirates has demonstrated impressive 
progress, becoming one of the most developed countries in the world and the region. I would like to 
take this opportunity to express warm congratulations to the leadership of the United  Arab Emirates  
and the friendly Emirati people on the recent celebration of the 50th anniversary of the country's 
independence and successful organization of Expo  2020 in Dubai - an event of global importance. 
The delegation of Kyrgyz  Republic with a presence of our Pri me Minister were very impressed by its 
level of organisation which very much reflected its deliberate path towards digital economy.  
4.368.   We are very happy to see that during the review period which was marked by the recessions 
in the global economy, fluctuatio ns in oil prices, and the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic the UAE 
has sustained economic growth.  
4.369.   Kyrgyz  Republic also highly commends the "UAE  Centennial  2071" program underpinned by 
its development policy with four main pillars: a future focused governme nt; excellent education 
offerings; a diversified knowledge economy; and a more cohesive society.  
4.370.   The diplomatic relations between our countries were established on 1  August  1996. During 
this period, we managed to create favourable conditions for the stable  development of relations in 
all directions. As of today, the United  Arab Emirates is one of the main economic partners of 
Kyrgyz  Republic not only among the countries of the Persian Gulf, but throughout the entire region 
of the Middle  East and Africa.  
4.371.   Since the opening of the Embassy of the Kyrgyz  Republic in the UAE (2014), practical steps 
had been taken to develop and expand the horizons of economic cooperation by initiating tools and WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  foundations for such development, holding joint business forums, parti cipating in exhibitions and 
fairs, and attracting investments.  
4.372.   The Kyrgyz  Republic and the UAE have signed fundamental agreements aimed at developing 
economic cooperation, including agreements on the protection of investments, on the avoidance of 
double ta xation, on air traffic, and economic cooperation.  
4.373.   The volume of our mutual trade in the first  nine months of 2021 amounted to about 
USD 47 million and increased by more than four times compared to the same period in 2020.  
4.374.   Among the main export commodities  from Kyrgyz  Republic to UAE are gold items, and with 
regards to import - household goods and electronics. In the future we have great hopes for the 
export of our food products, including fresh and mineral water. As you know 40% of all water 
resources of C entral Asia are concentrated in Kyrgyz  Republic.  
4.375.   Kyrgyz  Republic is interested and ready to develop and strengthen relations with the UAE in 
all areas of bilateral cooperation. The most important and promising areas of bilateral trade and 
economic interact ion would be cooperation in trade, agriculture, logistics, energy, tourism, and 
aviation.  
4.376.   As you know, in September last year a delegation of UAE with the largest Emirati companies 
representing energy, tourism, agriculture and logistics sectors headed by the Minister of Energy and 
Infrastructure visited Kyrgyz  Republic. In the meeting the President of Kyrgyz  Republic it was stated 
that we are interested in joint implementation and development of investment projects in all sectors 
of economy. We believe tha t such B2B and B2G events can lay forward the progress in economic 
relations and commensurate with the immense trade and investment potential between our 
countries by creating links between our business associations.  
4.377.   Taking this opportunity, the Kyrgyz  Republic would like to thank the UAE for its active and 
constructive participation in multilateral discussions through the WTO and we wish a very successful 
Trade Policy Review to the delegation of UAE.  
JAPAN  
4.378.   At the outset, Japan shares the concern on the Russian  Federation's invasion. We would like 
to echo and add voice to the preceding colleagues' interventions, including the delegation of Ukraine. 
The recent invasion of Ukraine by the Russian  Federation is an attempt to unilaterally change the 
status quo by force. It is an act that undermines the very foundation of the international order. It 
constitutes a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. As such, it is 
unacceptable, and Japan condemn it in the strongest terms.  Japan stands with the people of Ukraine. 
We will help Ukraine people through providing humanitarian assistance as well as accepting Ukraine 
people who have evacuated from their home country.  
4.379.   Turning to the review process of the United  Arab Emirates, Japan  welcomes the delegation 
of the UAE, headed by H.E.  Dr Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and 
Small and Medium Enterprises. Japan would also like to thank the WTO Secretariat and the 
Government of the UAE, for their reports sub mitted for this review process, and the discussant, 
Ambassador José  Valencia of Ecuador, for his insightful remarks.  
4.380.   While we acknowledge that the COVID -19 pandemic has had adverse impacts on the UAE's 
economy, the UAE has been continuing to promote its ec onomy's growth by diversifying its industry.  
4.381.   Today, Japan would like to comment on three points.  
4.382.   First, we are pleased to say that economic relations between Japan and the UAE have been 
growing stronger since the last TPR. We have not only been maintainin g a bilateral relationship in 
the energy sector, but since April  2018, we have also been cooperating in a wide range of economic 
areas, including trade and industry under the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Initiative 
(CSPI)". In addition, we welcome the entry into force in August  2020 of the "Agreement between 
Japan and the UAE for the Promotion and Protection of Investment". Japan looks forward to further WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  promoting cooperation between our two  countries in 2022, noting that we are planning to sign the  
framework document for the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Initiative (CSPI)" this year, and 
that 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan 
and the UAE.  
4.383.   Second, as for engagement in the negotiations at  the WTO, we value the UAE's participation 
and contribution to the Joint Statement Initiatives (JSIs), namely those on Electronic Commerce and 
Investment Facilitation for Development. Japan believes that such negotiations by willing and 
committed Members a re critical for improving the WTO's rules negotiation function. We expect the 
UAE to show its commitment in the area of trade in services, especially on insurance services. We 
also encourage the UAE to improve the horizontal reservations on Mode  3, such as  discrimination in 
the tax regime between foreign and domestic companies and individuals.  
4.384.   Third, we acknowledge that the UAE will focus on creating a better business environment 
and promoting foreign investment following its achievements under its "Vision  2021". In this regard, 
Japan commends the UAE's work to provide incentives for foreign investments located in free zones. 
While the UAE has been advocating virtually zero corporate taxation, we are closely watching the 
potential impact of the corporate tax  that is scheduled to be introduced in 2023.  
4.385.   In conclusion, Japan appreciates the UAE's active participation in this TPR review today as 
well as in the WTO agenda as a whole. We wish the UAE delegation a very successful and fruitful 
Trade Policy Review.  
BANGLADESH  
4.386.   At the outset, the Bangladesh delegation welcomes H.E.  Dr Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, 
Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises, Ministry of Economy and 
Head of delegation for his introductory presentation at the fourth  Trade Policy Review of the 
United  Arab Emirates. Bangladesh delegation also thanks H.E.  Mr José Valencia, Ambassador and 
Permanent Representative of Ecuador for his insightful discussions. Our sincere appreciation also 
goes to the Government of UAE and the  WTO Secretariat for the comprehensive reports.  
4.387.   We have noted that the Government of UAE has focused on carrying out many structural 
reforms including ensuring inclusive growth during the review period. The fundamentals of the UAE 
economy remain strong, an d this has ensured macroeconomic stability. To transition from a 
hydrocarbon -based economy to a knowledge -based economy, the UAE has launched a number of 
strategic initiatives to achieve SDG based on applied sciences and advanced technologies and 
enhance i ts position as a global hub for innovation, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship. 
Remarkable achievements have been made over the past five  years, as embodied in the growth of 
the UAE's future -focused sectors. The UAE information and communication s technology sector 
witnessed a cumulative growth rate of 32% from 2014 to 2020, representing an average annual 
growth rate of 5%. Similarly, the education and professional sector, and the science and technology 
sector posted a cumulative growth of 75% and  12% respectively, achieving an average annual 
growth rate of 10% and 2% respectively. The manufacturing industries sector grew at an average 
annual rate of 3.4% over the same period. These sectors combined represented nearly 23% of the 
UAE's actual GDP in  2020.  
4.388.   We applaud the Government of the UAE for the various reform measures that it has adopted 
in its trade and investment related areas. The UAE is characterized by a stable economic, political 
and investor -friendly environment, and has sustained econom ic growth despite recessions in the 
global economy, fluctuations in oil prices, and the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic. To achieving 
its national economic goals, the UAE is working to formulate and develop effective pioneering 
strategies and economic init iatives based on international best practices and standards and a balance 
between present -day economic realities and the outlook for future prospects, whether at the State 
level or at regional and global levels.  
4.389.   As one of the most important trading and dev elopment partners, Bangladesh is delighted to 
note the great strides that the UAE has made in recent years. We enjoy excellent bilateral trade and 
economic relations. Our bilateral ties are further bolstered with the regular high -level visits from 
both sid es and in this regard, I like to mention our Honourable Prime  Minister Shekh  Hasina's on 
7-12 March  2022 UAE  visit. Bangladesh highly values its relationship with UAE which happens to be WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  one of its largest trading and development partner. The volume of tra de between the two  countries 
over the past year recorded a remarkable growth of more than 15%, with the bilateral trade 
amounting to USD  1.2 billion. The UAE is one of the key destinations for Bangladeshi skilled and 
semi-skilled workers and the UAE has re cruited around 2.37  million Bangladeshi workers.  
4.390.   To conclude, we wish the delegation of UAE a productive and successful TPR. My delegation 
will continue to work closely with the UAE delegation, led by H.E.  Mr Ahmed  Abdulrahman  Al Jarman, 
Ambassador and Per manent Representative to strengthen multilateral trading system as well as 
enhance our bilateral trade ties.  
MAROC  
4.391.   Nous remercions à la fois le gouvernement des É.A.U.  et le Secrétariat pour leurs rapports 
détaillés, ainsi que S.E.  M José Valencia, Ambassadeur Représentant Permanent de l' Équateur , pour 
ses commentaires en sa qualité de  présentateur  du débat.  
4.392.   De prime abord, le Maroc félicite le gouvernement émirati pour  son engagement dans le 
système commercial multilatéral depuis son adhésion à l'OMC, et pour la conduite de son quatrième 
examen de la politique commerciale, contribuant ainsi au respect des règles de l'OMC, notamment 
le principe de la transparence. Nous s aluons aussi son engagement actif dans les négociations de 
certains accords commerciaux bilatéraux et régionaux, compte tenu de leur contribution à un 
système commercial libre et ouvert.  
4.393.   Ma délégation souhaite féliciter les É.A.U.  pour la gestion des défis  exogènes auxquels ils 
ont dû faire face courant l'année  2020, en prenant les mesures nécessaires pour rétablir 
progressivement l'économie nationale, qui devrait croître de 2,1% en 2021.  
4.394.   Nous félicitons également les É.A.U. pour l'achèvement, avec succès, de la mise en œuvre 
du "Programme national à l'horizon 2021", qui visait à placer les Émirats parmi les dix premiers pays 
au monde sur la base d'indicateurs nationaux dans différents domaines tels que l'économie, 
l'éducation et la technologie ;  
4.395.   Nous examin ons également, avec beaucoup d'intérêt, la nouvelle vision mise en œuvre par 
les É.A.U. "Centenaire  2071 des É.A.U.", reposant sur quatre axes: une gouvernance tournée vers 
l’avenir; une éducation d’excellence; une économie du savoir diversifiée; et une pl us grande 
cohésion sociale.  
4.396.   Cette vision contribuerait certainement au rayonnement de ce pays frère, et par ricochet, 
renforcerait sa compétitivité et son attractivité économiques, eu égard aux projets novateurs 
envisagés à long terme, définissant la feuil le de route que les entités gouvernementales doivent 
mettre en œuvre, dans le cadre de la réalisation du plan du centenaire des É.A.U. 2071.  
4.397.   Le Maroc, qui accorde un intérêt particulier à la question environnementale, se réjouit de la 
décision des É.A.U. d e former le Conseil des É.A.U. sur l’économie circulaire, dans l'objectif de 
superviser les initiatives du pays en matière de durabilité et de collaboration du secteur privé, pour 
favoriser l'adoption de pratiques de consommation et de production propres.  
4.398.   Nous nous félicitons de ce choix et encourageons fortement les É.A.U. à poursuivre leurs 
efforts, tout en leur souhaitant plein succès pour son application.  
4.399.   Ma délégation souhaite féliciter les É.A.U. du choix de faire du libre -échange un moyen 
privilégi é du renforcement de la compétitivité et de la productivité sur le long terme, à travers le 
maintien d'un vaste réseau d'accords bilatéraux d'investissement et de conventions de non -double 
imposition, qu'ils continuent de développer pour encourager les par tenariats mondiaux stratégiques.  
4.400.   C'est dans cet esprit que s'inscrit l'Accord de libre -échange, conclu entre les É.A.U. et le 
Royaume du Maroc, qui a permis d'ouvrir de nouveaux horizons aux opérateurs économiques de nos 
deux pays, d'autant plus que nos é conomies respectives disposent de complémentarités et de 
potentialités non encore pleinement exploitées.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  4.401.   Le Maroc réitère sa volonté de promouvoir davantage le niveau de sa coopération avec les 
É.A.U., à la lumière de l'excellence de leurs relations bilatérales et du partenariat stratégique qui les 
lient, aussi bien sur le plan bilatéral que via le Conseil de  la Coopération du Golfe. Tous les domaines 
d'intérêt commun, en particulier ceux de nature économique et commerciale, sont à renforcer, en 
vue de raffermir les niveaux des échanges commerciaux et d'améliorer les opportunités 
d'investissement.  
4.402.   Avant de co nclure, qu'il me soit permis de féliciter les É.A.U. pour l'excellente organisation 
de l'Expo -2020, première exposition universelle organisée au Moyen -Orient, qui illustre bien le 
monde du 21ème siècle, dévoilant des merveilles architecturales et innovatio ns technologiques dans 
ses nombreux pavillons, représentant plus de 190  pays.  
4.403.   Enfin, le Royaume du Maroc souhaite au É.A.U. un fructueux examen de sa politique 
commerciale.  
NEPAL  
4.404.   First, my delegation wishes to congratulate you, Chair, and welcome to this r ole for the 
year 2022. You can count on Nepal's full support while discharging your responsibility through this 
assignment.  
4.405.   My delegation welcomes the delegation of the United  Arab Emirates led by H.E.  Dr Ahmad 
Belhoul  Al Falasi, Minister of State for Ent repreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises, and 
commends him for his insightful highlights of the Trade Policy Review of the UAE this morning.  
4.406.   I appreciate H.E.  Mr José Valencia, Ambassador of Ecuador for his comprehensive 
deliberation as discussant o f this review meeting.  
4.407.   My delegation congratulates the Government of UAE and the WTO Secretariat for valuable 
reports.  
4.408.   I commend the UAE for maintaining a stable economic, political and investor -friendly 
environment, and sustainable economic growth despi te recessions in the global economy, 
fluctuations in oil prices, and the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic during the review period.  
4.409.   The "UAE  Centennial  2071 Vision" of becoming one of the best countries in the world 
by 2071 as measured by several indexes is noteworthy.  
4.410.   My delegation takes good note of the fast recovery of trade and economy in 2021. 27% 
growth in foreign trade during t he first 10  months of 2021 is impressive.  
4.411.   I also appreciate the UAE Government for its plan and efforts in transforming its economy 
especially through digital economy, circular economy, green economy, and others.  
4.412.   My delegation commends the UAE for its fu ll commitment and continued support in rule 
based, predictable, transparent, fair and inclusive multilateral trading system through various 
means.  
4.413.   Reform initiatives taken during the review period especially in legal and institutional fronts 
in different dimensions are appreciated.  
4.414.   Improvement in legal and regulatory system in labour relation in private sector, reform in 
ensuring women's rights, supporting equal pay opportunities and simplifying previously complex 
practices between the employer and employ ee remained valuable.  
4.415.   Nepal sincerely appreciates the massive reforms carried out in the area of workers' rights 
and working environment through legislative and institutional reforms, supportive programs and 
others including protection of migrant workers.   WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  4.416.   Let me turn to the bilateral front, Nepal and the United  Arab Emirates have been enjoying 
friendly and cordial relation since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1977, and our 
friendship is based on mutual understanding and cooperation.  
4.417.   Various  bilateral mechanisms, and regular high -level visits have become further supportive 
in strengthening our friendly relation towards achieving mutual benefits.   
4.418.   People to people relations have grown steadily after the arrival of Nepali workers in the UAE. 
Nepal is one of the most important source countries of foreign labour for the UAE and the UAE has 
become one of the popular destinations among Nepali migrant workers.  
4.419.   Nepal and the UAE have tremendous potential for mutual cooperation in the domains of 
trade, tourism, investment, renewable energy, and human resources development, among others.  
4.420.   Based on the preliminary data, Nepal imported goods from the UAE worth of NPR  21.6 billion 
in the year 2020 while exported goods to the UAE only worth of NPR  278.5  million in the same year. 
This indicates a huge trade imbalance for Nepal and also provides further opportunity to work 
together especially focusing on reducing the huge trade gaps.  
4.421.   Both the countries have huge possibility of enhancing economic relation thr ough partnership 
mainly in production of organic agriculture products in Nepal and bringing to the UAE market, 
investment in manufacturing, tourism and infrastructure development in Nepal, among others, for 
mutual economic benefits.  
4.422.   Nepal looks forward to  strengthening its relationship with the UAE in a newer height in the 
days to come. My delegation wishes for a successful Trade Policy Review of the UAE.  
EGYPT   
4.423.   Egypt welcomes H.E.  Dr Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and 
Small and Medium Enterprises and the esteemed delegation from the UAE. We thank the UAE 
Government and the WTO Secretariat for their comprehensive reports, as well as H.E. Ambassador 
José Valencia of Ecuador for his insightful comments as discussant. We associ ate ourselves with the 
Statement delivered by the Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia on behalf of the Arab  Group.  
4.424.   Although the Emirati economy recorded a 6.1% contraction in 2020 due to the deep 
implications of the COVID -19 pandemic and decreasing global oil prices, it was able to respond 
swiftly with a series of effective macro -economic policies which helped bounce back the economy 
with gross projections of 2.1% in 2021 and anticipated full recovery of the economy throughout this 
year.  
4.425.   Egypt applauds the UAE for its  Centennial  2071 strategy, which aims to further transform 
the country into a knowledge -based economy mainly through economic diversification, 
competitiveness, innovation, and investment in high -technology sectors.  
4.426.   The Secretariat report cites several legislative reforms that the Emirati Government 
implemented to modernize their economic environment, particularly on the investment front, which 
have led to the improvement of the UAE's ranking in several global indicators including the 
World  Bank' s Ease of Doing Business report.  
4.427.   We highlight the UAE's strong commitment to the multilateral trading system including its 
regular submission of notifications and constructive participation in various discussions at the WTO. 
It is worth mentioning that the  average applied tariff rate in 2021 was 5% and more than 11% of 
its tariff lines are duty free.  
4.428.   In addition, the UAE has continued implementing several measures to facilitate customs 
procedures as well as regulatory changes in its intellectual property r egime during the period under 
review.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  4.429.   Egypt and the UAE share brotherly, historical, and well -established ties and our profound 
economic relations continue to flourish. Egypt and the UAE's trade relations go back several centuries 
in time and today the bil ateral trade ties are steadily expanding and are further strengthened by 
continuous interaction and mutual cooperation. The last visit of H.E.  President Abdelfatah  El-Sisi to 
the UAE underscored the everlasting strong bound between both nations.  
4.430.   According to the ITC Trade Map, bilateral trade increased in both directions during the period 
2016-2020 by over 40% to reach around USD  5 billion. Despite the COVID -19 pandemic, other 
sources show continued increasing trends, and oil trade surpassed USD  7.2 billion  by the end of last 
year. Both countries have assured to endeavour to expand trade relations and further promote 
interaction through the Pan -Arab Free Trade Agreement.  
4.431.   The UAE is one of Egypt's most important investors and developing partners. The volume o f 
UAE direct investments in Egypt alone exceeds USD  15 billion and spreads over many sectors 
including infrastructure, construction, in addition to information and +communications and 
technology. We invite the UAE to continue expanding its investment flows  to Egypt and make good 
use of increasing opportunities in various economic sectors in Egypt.  
4.432.   Finally, I conclude by wishing the UAE a successful and a productive Trade Policy Review 
and we wish for the UAE Mission in Geneva all success under the leadershi p of H.E.  Mr Ahmed 
Abdulrahman Al  Jarman, Permanent Representative of the UAE. I also take this opportunity to 
congratulate the UAE for the extraordinary preparation and organization of Expo  2020 Dubai.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNITED  ARAB  EMIRATES (H.E.  JUMA 
MOHAMMED AL KAIT) AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  
5.1.  On behalf of the Government of UAE, I would like to give special thanks to the Chair, the 
discussant and the Secretariat for their valuable contributions.  
5.2.  The United  Arab Emirates received 600  written questions – and I am pleased to confirm that 
they have all been answered and submitted to the Secretariat yesterday.  
5.3.  During the opening, Members reconfirmed UAE as one of their main trade and investment 
partner in the region. This is a testimony to t he UAE's contribution to the promotion of international 
trade, and its open trade policy.  
5.4.  As outlined by the Chair in the opening remarks, the UAE has undergone legislative and 
economic reforms since the last TPR. This is largely due to the feedback we rec eived at our third  TPR. 
We continue to use these review process to inform our trade policy.  
5.5.  Most of the concerns raised by WTO Members have already been addressed through written 
answers. I trust the Members have had the time to go through our replies. Ac cordingly, in my 
statement today, I will limit myself to broadly addressing the following concerns.  
5.6.  On excise tax on sweetened beverages drinks, a number of WTO Members raised concerns 
about the implementation of this tax – including switching to a graduat ed tax based on total sugar 
content, exempting beverages with no added sugar and low caloric beverages from the tax, and 
ensuring no discriminatory treatment between energy drinks and other beverages. The UAE will 
continue its efforts, both at the national  and at the GCC level, to ensure a non -discriminatory, fair 
and coherent excise tax regime.  
5.7.  With respect to the engagement of industry and interested parties in the review of the excise 
tax, I would like to clarify that UAE already consulted the private s ector and will keep the channels 
of communication open for comments and suggestions. I reassure you that UAE will duly take into 
account the comments and recommendations made by WTO Members in reforming the current 
excise tax.  
5.8.  Some WTO Members also raised  concerns regarding SPS and TBT related issues; I would like 
to confirm that UAE's SPS and TBT rules and practices are in line with the provisions of the WTO  SPS 
and TBT Agreements. The UAE confirms its full adherence to transparency provisions in the adop tion 
and implementation of these measures, and remains committed to being in conformity with its 
obligations at the WTO in this regard.  
5.9.  With regard to the outstanding notifications, such as in the areas of trade facilitation, market 
access and import licen sing, I hope that WTO Members understand that we have limited human 
resources in this area. Despite this restraint, UAE has been doing its best to make timely and full 
notifications in compliance with its WTO notification obligations bearing in mind the ov erall objective 
of improving the transparency of the trade policies. We will continuously strive to increase the level 
of compliance with the WTO notification requirements.  
5.10.   On SOEs, some WTO Members voiced their concerns over the financial activities of S OEs. 
I would like to clarify that the SOE's are managed to ensure that they operate efficiently, without 
the interference from the Government in its day -to-day operations. The SOE's are generally 
managed similarly to private enterprises and made accountabl e for their performance. In fact, the 
managerial decisions are based on objective and business criteria. Furthermore, the UAE's SOEs 
have invested and continues to invest internationally and positively contributing to our partner 
countries' economic growth .  
5.11.   We reiterate our constructive and forthcoming approach of our participation in strengthening 
the multilateral trading system. We have already co -sponsored Joint Statements on E -Commerce, 
Investment Facilitation for Development, the Declaration on Micro,  Small and Medium Sized 
Enterprises (MSMEs).  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  5.12.   We have taken note of the invitations made by some Members to support other Joint 
Statements related to Domestic Regulation in Services, as well as Trade and Sustainability – we are 
currently considering positi vely the perspective of joining.  
5.13.   We have also been encouraged by certain Members to enhance the liberalization of some 
sectors. The UAE would like to emphasize that it has already been engaged in this process, in line 
with its own policy objectives and the  next 50 -year projects. Depending on the future dynamics of 
the WTO in this area, the UAE may consider eventually coming up with proposals of liberalizing some 
sectors on a multilateral basis.  
5.14.   As we pointed out during the opening statement, the UAE is ent ering into a new phase of 
economic transformation aiming at establishing a new economic model based on the following pillars: 
Enhancing digitalization by accelerating the fourth Industrial Revolution; furthering the green and 
circular economy; increasing p roductivity; and fostering international economic partnerships.  
5.15.   And we continue to make significant strides in empowering women to maximize their potential 
and increase their contributions in the workforce. This comes from the UAE's fundamental belief tha t 
women and men are equal partners in society.  
5.16.   In closing, I would like to reiterate UAE's commitment to the TPR process, as it provides us 
with the opportunity to gain insightful views and recommendations on areas of improvement into 
our trade policy.  
5.17.   We will come to our next TPR review with a further enhanced, transparent, rules -based and 
forward -looking trade policy.  
5.18.   I would like to extend our deep appreciation for all the time and effort put into this process, 
and I look forward to our continued engagement with the WTO.  
PONENTE  
5.19.   Los Emiratos  Árabes  Unidos celebraron el año pasado el Jubileo de Oro, un motivo de orgullo 
para el país. La Expo  Dubái que terminará en pocos días más, marca esta conmemoración de una 
manera simbólica: reuniendo a países de todos los continentes bajo un mismo techo, el de la casa 
emiratí.  
5.20.   La exitosa Expo  Dubái representa ese hub que quieren ser los EAU, ese punto de contacto 
que llama y congrega al mundo, que se quiere conectar de manera creciente con otras nacion es a 
través del comercio, el progreso y la cooperación.  
5.21.   En las intervenciones de los Miembros que han participado en este examen de política 
comercial ha quedado de manifiesto el aprecio general por los logros de los EAU en el ámbito 
macroeconómico y finan ciero, en la diversificación productiva, y por la adopción de metas con 
proyección global, como las atinentes a energía, cambio climático y sostenibilidad.  
5.22.   Las presentaciones de los Estados Miembros de la OMC se han concentrado no sólo en 
cuestiones direct amente referidas al comercio, sino que han abarcado también los ámbitos de la 
producción de bienes y servicios, laborales, sociales, de la tecnología, ambientales, y de orden social, 
como asuntos laborales y migratorios. Estas conexiones efectuadas tienen una razón de ser, significa 
que los Miembros consideran evidente que son factores que influyen de manera concreta en el 
comercio o que el comercio influye en los mismos.  
5.23.   Para el ponente, dichas referencias reflejan que todos los Miembros de la OMC, el come rcio 
no es un campo técnico para ellos, sino que es un campo que no está aislado de otros aspectos de 
la vida social e internacional. Por el contrario, está integrado al tejido de los pueblos, a la vida de 
las naciones y está interrelacionado con otras exp resiones de la civilización y convivencia social.  
5.24.   No de otro modo se explica que en varias intervenciones se haya congratulado el compromiso 
de los EAU con alcanzar cero emisiones en 2050, o que Dubái sea la próxima sede de COP28, o la WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  sugerencia de que l os EAU se integren a los Debates Estructurados sobre Comercio y Medio 
Ambiente.  
5.25.   A propósito, ya que mi país, Ecuador, es uno de los coordinadores de la Iniciativa sobre 
Contaminación por Plásticos, aprovecho para decir que sería bienvenida la participació n de los EAU 
en dichas discusiones sobre un sector que comprende un 5% del comercio mundial y que, desde el 
sistema multilateral de comercio, busca aportar a la atención a una de las urgencias ambientales del 
planeta.  
5.26.   Volviendo al examen de políticas comer ciales, creo útil señalar que algunas delegaciones 
hicieron referencia al Consejo de Cooperación del Golfo, del cual es miembro los EAU, y a las 
conexiones de este hecho con las políticas comerciales analizadas. No obstante que el examen de 
política comerc ial se refiere a un específico país Miembro de la OMC, me pregunto si el mecanismo 
de examen de políticas comerciales con respecto a todos los Miembros no debiera incorporar a futuro 
un apartado específico para que el Estado examinado dé cuenta de su inter relación con acuerdos 
regionales o plurilaterales. Ello dejando a salvo, por supuesto, que el tema se considere ya en un 
Comité especializado en dichos acuerdos.  
5.27.   En cuanto a las preguntas que se han dirigido a los EAU, hemos recibido información por parte 
del Sr.  Juma  Mohammed  Al Kait, Subsecretario Adjunto de Comercio Exterior, de que las más de 
600 preguntas han sido contestadas por su delegación, esto es una demostración de gran eficiencia 
e interés de interacción en el marco de la OMC. Animo a los EAU y  a los Miembros de la OMC que 
hayan remitido preguntas, a que la contestación sobre las preguntas presentadas vaya más allá de 
las respuestas que se entreguen por escrito.  
5.28.   Quiero decir con esto, como señalé en mi intervención durante el primer día de reun ión, que 
el examen de política comercial no es una especie de prueba de conocimientos que se debe completar 
para guardar las formas. El examen es a mi entender una herramienta para alentar un diálogo 
permanente entre los Miembros, para no solo aclarar cont enidos de políticas cada cierto número de 
años sino también para dar pautas que promuevan de modo constante el comercio, en línea con los 
principios de la OMC.  
5.29.   Noto como un hecho muy positivo que la respuesta a las preguntas hasta el día de hoy 
seguramente  han abordado las cuestiones que más han sido mencionadas por varios de los 
Miembros.  
5.30.   Los niveles arancelarios en ciertos productos agrícolas (no obstante, como se ha reconocido, 
los EAU tienen una muy baja imposición arancelaria en términos generales).  
5.31.   Las notificaciones en determinados aspectos del Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del Comercio.  
5.32.   El régimen impositivo y la regulación de impuestos especiales que se halla en preparación.  
5.33.   Algunas regulaciones que conciernen al Acuerdo sobre Medidas Sanitarias y Fitosanitarias 
(como la expedición de certificados), al Acuerdo Obstáculos Técnicos al Comercio, y a medidas 
administrativas para habilitar documentos (sin desconocer los avances en simplificación de trámites 
como en establecimiento de la Ventanilla Única Nacional).  
5.34.   Temas sobre compras públicas, políticas de competencia, propiedad intelectual, y 
telecomunicaciones.  
5.35.   Reitero que ésta solo es una lista indicativa que, por supuesto, no agota todos los temas 
expuestos en este examen.  
5.36.   Tengo la seguridad que, en razón del reconocido compromiso de los EAU con la OMC, su 
respuesta a estas preguntas y el diálogo en dichas materias y otras que se acuerde entre las partes, 
rendirá beneficios mutuos al Estado examinado y a todos los Miembros. El multilateralismo es diál ogo 
y concertación, transparencia y cooperación.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  5.37.   Felicito a la delegación de los EAU por su constructiva y activa participación en el presente 
examen. Aplaudo su transparencia, apertura y genuino interés de trabajar con los demás Miembros 
de la OMC en la b úsqueda de los propósitos de nuestra Organización.  
UNITED  KINGDOM  
5.38.   The United  Kingdom thanks the United  Arab Emirates for the responses to our advance 
questions, which we received this morning and are reviewing in capital. We appreciate the UAE's 
efforts to  respond to the roughly 600  advance questions they received.  
5.39.   We have submitted some follow -up questions as well, related to government procurement 
and protection of intellectual property.  We look forward to receiving responses to these questions 
within th e usual timeframe.  
5.40.   As H.E.  Dr Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi stated in his opening statement, and as we heard this 
morning, the United  Arab Emirates is on the cusp of a new phase of its economic transformation, 
focusing on digitalization, greening its economy, in creasing productivity and fostering international 
economic partnerships. The United  Kingdom appreciates that the UAE has placed the WTO and the 
multilateral trading system at the heart of its trade policy in support of this economic transition.  
5.41.   We likewis e value our strong trade relationship with the UAE and look forward to deepening 
our bilateral economic cooperation with the UAE, particularly in the areas of services and green 
trade, in the coming years.  
5.42.   In conclusion, we congratulate the UAE on this fou rth Trade Policy Review and wish their 
delegation a safe return home.  
EUROPEAN  UNION   
5.43.   On Behalf of the European  Union let me first thank the United  Arab Emirates for the responses 
provided to the advanced questions by the EU. The EU welcomes the useful insights that this review 
has provided into the steps taken by the UAE towards an economic diversification away from oil and 
towards a knowledge -based and green economy with an emphasis on renewable energy, space 
technology, digitalization, educatio n, and health.  
5.44.   We thank the UAE for the replies to our questions, we do note that some of them do not 
address the substance of our questions specially in the area of intellectual property and services and 
therefore we have sent a few follow -up questions on  these topics and we look forward to the 
outstanding replies in due course.  
5.45.   We would also like to encourage the UAE to strengthen its capacity to fulfil its transparency 
in notification obligations and to actively participate in the different strands of W TO work, in 
particular consider initiating negotiations to joint the Government Procurement Agreement and join 
the Services Domestic Regulation Initiative as well as initiatives related to trade and environmental 
sustainability and we have taken good note of this morning statement in this regard.  
5.46.   In conclusion the EU would like to thank the delegation of the UAE for undertaking this 
important transparency exercise and demonstrating its commitment to the WTO. We are confident 
that our good cooperation will c ontinue.  
UNITED  STATES  
5.47.   On behalf of the United  States, I would like to thank Minister of State for Entrepreneurship 
and Small and Medium Enterprises, Dr  Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, and the members of the UAE 
delegation for the time and effort your Government invested in carrying out this successful Trade 
Policy Review. The United  States also values the guidance of the Chair and discussant and the hard 
work of the Secretariat in preparing the reports which made this review possible.  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  5.48.   As we conclude this TPR, I w ould like to first express our appreciation for this morning's 
comments from the UAE with respect to ensuring transparency in the process with respect to any 
changes in the excise tax for beverages. We greatly appreciate the comment that was delivered this  
morning.  
5.49.   On trade facilitation, we would welcome the UAE's support for a decision on strengthening 
resiliency and preparedness through trade facilitation, as well as the UAE's support for a General 
Council decision on transparency.  
5.50.   Finally, we reiterate o ur interest in engaging with the UAE on the elimination of its 
consularization requirements. We have submitted follow -up questions and we look forward to 
continued engagement on these questions and other issues in the US -UAE trading relationship. We 
would like to extend our congratulations to the UAE delegation on a successful fourth  Trade Policy 
Review.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  The fourth  Trade Policy Review of the United  Arab Emirates has provided us with a good 
opportunity to understand th e trade and related policies of the UAE and the changes since its last 
review in 2016. The Review has benefitted from the constructive and informative participation of the 
delegation of the UAE, headed by H.E.  Dr Ahmad  Belhoul  Al Falasi, Minister of State for 
Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises; by H.E.  Juma  Mohammed  Al Kait, Assistant 
Undersecretary for International Trade, and the insightful comments of the discussant, 
H.E. Ambassador  José Valencia, Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the  WTO, and the 
comments made and issues raised by the 41  delegations that took the floor during the meeting. 
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the delegations that prepared advance written 
questions.  
6.2.  Members generally expressed appreciatio n for the strong management of the UAE's economy 
over the review period, including during the COVID -19 pandemic. They commended the UAE for the 
structural reforms undertaken pursuant to its long -term development strategies, the Vision  2021 
National Agenda,  and the recently launched UAE  Centennial  2071, which are aimed at diversifying 
the economy away from the hydrocarbons sector to a knowledge -based economy. Members 
highlighted the UAE's efforts to promote innovation and digital transformation and to increa se 
renewable energy generation and reduce emissions, including via its Net  Zero Initiative. Some 
Members noted the significant progress made by the UAE with respect to the role of women in the 
economy, as evidenced by recent legislation on gender equality.  Some Members also congratulated 
the UAE for hosting Expo  Dubai  2020.  
6.3.  Overall, Members expressed strong appreciation for the relatively open trade policy 
environment of the UAE, acknowledging continued reforms in the area of trade facilitation, 
opportuniti es offered by the free zones regime, and recent private sector reforms such as the 
removal of many foreign ownership restrictions in the context of the new Commercial Companies 
Law. Some Members noted how the UAE's recent trade and investment policies had enabled it to 
become a regional trade and investment hub.  
6.4.  Members positively noted the strong participation of the UAE in the WTO and the multilateral 
trading system, including participation in two of the Joint Statement Initiatives (one on E -Commerce 
and one on Investment Facilitation for Development), its active support for a multilateral response 
to the COVID -19 pandemic, and participation in the Buenos  Aires Declaration on Trade and Women's 
Economic Empowerment. Several Members encouraged the UAE to fur ther strengthen its leadership 
role by joining other initiatives such as the Joint Statement Initiatives on MSMEs or Services 
Domestic Regulation, or various working groups. Some Members also encouraged the UAE to join 
the Information Technology Agreement Expansion, the ITA -II, and the Agreement on Government 
Procurement.  
6.5.  While many Members expressed appreciation for the recent efforts to improve the UAE's 
notification record and the submission of numerous notifications, they nevertheless encouraged the 
UAE to submit pending transparency notifications, including in the areas of import licensing, customs 
valuation, and market access as soon as possible.  
6.6.  Several areas of interest and concern were identified. Members highlighted the overall simple 
tariff struc ture, but attention was drawn to the relatively high agricultural tariffs and the existence 
of applied tariffs higher than bound tariffs, in particular for "special products". Members raised 
questions regarding certain SPS measures and technical regulation s, the certification of halal 
products, the Emirates Quality Mark, labelling requirements, or requirements for the consularization 
of documents. More specifically, many Members raised concerns regarding the GCC system of excise 
duties on certain beverages,  asking detailed questions regarding the operation and future 
developments of the system, including consultations with WTO Members.  
6.7.  Other concerns raised included the role of the State in the economy via state -owned enterprises 
and government -related enti ties, including transparency regarding financial operations, the 
enforcement of intellectual property rights, and government procurement practices at the federal 
and local levels, including the participation of MSMEs and foreign companies. Members were kee n 
to learn more about the functioning and regulatory framework in free zones, including financial or WT/TPR/W/ 208 
 
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  other free zones. Members were also interested in obtaining a better understanding of sector -specific 
support provided by the Government, including in agri culture.  
6.8.  Some Members requested further information regarding the definition of sectors of "strategic 
impact" under the new Commercial Companies Law. Several Members also inquired whether the 
UAE would further liberalize trade in services, particularly by  further relaxing investment restrictions 
in financial services, telecommunications, maritime, and medical services. The need to improve 
procedures for the resolution of commercial disputes was mentioned by some Members.  
6.9.  Many Members stressed the importanc e of their bilateral trade and investment relationships 
with the UAE, and pointed to ongoing or recently finalized negotiations on trade, investment, or 
comprehensive economic partnership agreements. In this regard, some Members also encouraged 
the UAE to deepen, together with other GCC member States, the harmonization of rules and 
standards affecting certain goods and simplify their application at the border. For some Members, 
movement of workers is a key aspect of their relationship with the UAE.  
6.10.   This Re view was characterized by open and constructive discussions. As highlighted by the 
UAE Head of Delegation, the discussant, and many Members, it offered an opportunity to comment 
on and review policies with the objective of contributing to policy improvemen t going forward. In 
this regard, I hope that the authorities find the questions received and comments shared during this 
review to be helpful.  
6.11.   The UAE has received over 700  written questions as of 22  March  2022, out of which 488  were 
submitted within the established deadline. Insofar as the UAE has already replied around 600 of 
them but some of them have not been replied. I would like to request it to do so as soon as possible. 
Regarding all other outstanding and follow -up questions, the UAE is expected to  provide its 
responses within one month, when this Review will conclude.  
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