RESTRICTED  
  
WT/TPR/W/188  
19 March 2021  
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Trade Policy Review Body    
 
* In Original language only/ En langue originale seulement /En el idioma original solamente . 
  
THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA 
DRAFT MINUTES  OF THE MEETING* HELD ON 3 AND 5 MARCH 2021  
Delegations are invited to submit factual corrections, if any, on their own statement to the 
Secretariat ( Mrs Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , or to  tprd@wto.org ) no later 
than 2 April 2021 . 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
 
ROYAUME D 'ARABIE SAOUDITE  
PROJET DE COMPTE RENDU DE LA RÉUNION* TENUE LES 3 ET 5 MARS 2021  
Les délégations sont invitées à soumettre  leurs éventuelles corrections factuelles concernant leurs 
propres déclarations au Secrétariat ( Mme Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , ou 
tprd@wto.org ) le 2 avril 2021  au plus tard.  
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
 
REINO DE ARABIA SAUDITA  
PROYECTO DE ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN* CELEBRADA LOS DÍAS 3 Y 5 DE MARZO DE 2021  
Las delegaciones pueden enviar a la Secretaría (Sr a. Barbara Blanquart: 
barbara.blanquart@wto.org , o tprd@wto.org ) a más tardar el 2 de abril de 2021  las 
correcciones fácticas que deseen introducir en sus propias declaraciones.  
 
_______________  
 
  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
 
THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA 
DRAFT  MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr. Harald Aspelund (Iceland)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ ......................  3 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE KINGDOM OF  
SAUDI ARABIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  5 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ .............  10 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  ................................ ................................ .......................  14 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA AND 
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  ................................ ................................ ..............................  53 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ ........................  60 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies provided 
by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/407/Add.1 and will be 
available online at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY R EMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The third Trade Policy Review of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was held on 3 and 5 March 2021. 
The Chairperson, H.E.  Mr. Harald Aspelund (Iceland), welcomed the delegation of the Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia, headed by H.E. Mr. Abdulrahm an Alharbi, Governor of the Saudi General Authority of 
Foreign Trade ; H.E. Ambassador Mr. Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel, Permanent Representative of 
Saudi  Arabia to the WTO; the rest of the delegation from Riyadh; and the discussant 
H.E. Ambassador Mrs. Zhanar A itzhanova (Kazakhstan).  
1.2.  The Chairperson was pleased that, in addition to physical presence, the meeting also benefited 
from the Interprefy online connection, allowing for a wider participation of the Membership, in 
particular of officials who could not mak e the journey from Riyadh 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 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is contained in document WT/TPR/G/407, and 
that of the W TO Secretariat in document WT/TPR/S/407.  
1.4.  Questions by the following delegations were submitted in writing before the deadline: Canada; 
Argentina; China; Chinese Taipei; Oman; Singapore; Chile; Ukraine; the European Union; 
Switzerland; Japan; the United Sta tes; and Brazil. The following delegations submitted written 
questions after the deadline: Malaysia; the Philippines; Egypt; the Russian Federation; the United 
Kingdom; Indonesia; the Republic of Korea; Iceland; and Turkey.  
1.5.  At the time of its previous Revi ew in 2016, Members had commended Saudi Arabia for having 
one of the strongest -growing economies in the G20, with GDP growth averaging 5.3% between 2010 
and 2014. Nonetheless, since mid -2014, global oil prices had declined considerably, resulting in 
lower economic growth. Consequently, Members had encouraged Saudi Arabia to step up its 
diversification efforts, not only to mitigate the immediate impact of lower oil prices, but also to 
prepare for a less oil -dependent future, as countries moved to alternative  energy sources and tried 
to reduce their carbon footprints for sustainable development.  
1.6.  The Chairperson then focused on developments since the previous Review. According to the 
Secretariat report, Saudi Arabia's real GDP grew 1.6% on average during 2015 -19, with very volatile 
oil prices, and non -oil sectors outpacing the growth of the oil sector. In 2020, the COVID -19 
pandemic caused the largest contraction in world oil demand in history and, as a result, Saudi 
Arabia's real GDP growth was estimated to hav e declined from 0.3% in 2019 to -5.4% in 2020, 
according to the IMF. Reducing Saudi Arabia's oil dependence required certain structural changes 
that had led to the launch, in 2016, of "Vision 2030", a comprehensive strategy designed to further 
modernize an d diversify the Saudi economy.  
1.7.  Regarding the overall orientation of Saudi Arabia's trade and investment policies, some 
prominent aspects suggested that openness to international trade and foreign investment was seen 
by the authorities as playing an essenti al role in Saudi Arabia's economic transformation. This 
included the simplification of customs procedures, the existence of a generally low level of import 
duties, the removal of foreign investment restrictions, and the introduction of new policy instrumen ts 
to promote exports. However, certain elements, notably the emphasis on "localization" and the 
existence of detailed sector -specific industrial policies, might raise questions about their potential 
distortive effects on trade and resource allocation.  
1.8.  Recent measures adopted by the Saudi Government in matters such as starting a business, 
registering property, and protecting minority investors appeared to have entailed significant 
improvements in the business climate. At the same time, governance and rule -of-law issues 
remained that may warrant reform. Changes to the structure of government also occurred since the 
last Review, many of which were related to Vision 2030. These include, for example, the creation of 
a General Authority for Foreign Trade as a se parate public entity to take over all the responsibilities 
related to foreign trade; the transformation of the Saudi Industrial Development Fund to make it the 
main enabler of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program; the establishment of 
the Export -Import Bank; and the implementation of the National Strategy for Special Economic 
Zones. Moreover, the review period also witnessed the adoption of new legislation regarding many 
aspects of Saudi Arabia's economic and trade policies, notably in competition and government 
procurement.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  1.9.  In its Government Report, Saudi Arabia indicated that it was determined to play an active role 
in strengthening the multilateral trading system. A key element of the Government's vision for the 
future includes women' s empowerment and the commitment to increase female participation in the 
workforce from an average of just under 20% to over 30% by 2030. In this regard, the Labor Reform 
Initiative was due to enter into force on 14 March 2021 with the aim of improving the  contractual 
relationship between employees and employers. Members wished to know more about these policies 
through their discussions.  
1.10.   In addition, a quick survey of the advance questions submitted for this Review showed the 
wide range of topics of interes t to Members regarding Saudi Arabia's trade and investment regimes, 
such as customs procedures and valuation; tariffs and internal taxes; import licensing; the 
contribution of small and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs); state -owned enterprises and 
privatiza tion; SPS and TBT measures; protection of intellectual property rights; agriculture and 
related activities; mining and energy; and financial services, telecommunications, and transport 
services.  
1.11.   In total, Saudi Arabia received 573 advance written questions  from 22 delegations for this 
Review, of which 375 were sent within the established deadline, covering a broad range of topics. 
Prior to this meeting, Saudi Arabia had already provided written replies to almost all of these 
questions, and the Chairperson l ooked forward to hearing Saudi Arabia's updates on these issues 
during the Friday session.  
1.12.   This meeting was a good opportunity for Members to discuss in greater detail issues of interest 
to them and of systemic importance to the multilateral trading system. It was also an opportune 
moment for Saudi Arabia to update the Membership on the impact of COVID -19 on its economy and 
measures it had taken in response, given that the documentation prepared for this Review might 
not have covered the latest measur es taken. The Chairperson looked forward to a fruitful exchange.  
1.13.   The Chairperson closed his introductory remarks by wishing Saudi Arabia a very successful 
third Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA 
(HE MR. ABDULRAHMAN ALHARBI)  
2.1.  Thank you Mr. Chair. I am very pleased to introduce an overview of the Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia's third Trade Policy Review. On behalf of the Saudi delegation, I would like to start by thanking 
His Excellency Ambassador Harald As pelund from Iceland, our Chairperson, as well as our discussant 
Her Excellency Zhanar Aitzhanova from Kazakhstan.  
2.2.  Our special thanks go to Mr. Willy Alfaro, Director of the WTO Trade Policies Review Division 
and his team for their outstanding efforts and s upport during this exercise period. We also would 
like to express our deep gratitude to delegations for showing interest in our Trade Policy Review. 
Dedicated thanks also go to the Kingdom's 44 government agencies and the Saudi Mission to the 
WTO whom spar ed no efforts to make this exercise successful despite the challenges posed by the 
COVID -19 pandemic.  
2.3.  We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to H.E. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala on her 
appointment as the WTO's Director -General, Saudi Arabia looks forward to engage constructively 
under the leadership of the new elected Director General along with other WTO Members to advance 
and expedite the negotiations in all areas in a consensual manner.  
2.4.  The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia believes that this period ical exercise is an essential transparency 
instrument, which provides opportunities for a collective overview of trade policies developments 
and practices of each Member. The Kingdom paid genuine attention and saved no efforts towards a 
successful completi on of this exercise, the commitment was evident through the participation of 
different government agencies in the review. We welcome this opportunity to acquaint the WTO 
Members with the evolving Saudi economy and our Government's policies particularly our  trade 
policy framework.  
2.5.  Saudi Arabia's trade policy is determined to play an active role in strengthening the multilateral 
trading system. In this context, the Kingdom during its G20 Presidency in 2020, the "Riyadh Initiative 
on the future of the WTO" was  launched, which aims to support necessary reform of the WTO 
functioning. The initiative provided an additional opportunity to discuss and reaffirm the objectives 
and foundation principles of the multilateral trading system. The Chairs' Summary of the Exch ange 
of Views under the Riyadh Initiative was submitted to all WTO Members through the WTO General 
Council. The Kingdom also contributed to shaping the future of the international trade and 
investment by proposing the "G20 short- and long -term Actions to S upport World Trade and 
Investment in Response to COVID -19" which was endorsed by the G20 Trade and Investment 
Ministers.  
2.6.  During the period under review, Saudi Arabia has continued to implement its trade policies 
consistently with its WTO obligations and ma intains an open, free, and transparent economy. Since 
our last TPR in 2016, the global economy has been hampered by various new challenges, especially 
the COVID -19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, Saudi economy has shown its resilience and 
ability to co pe due to the strength of the Saudi economy fundamentals.  
2.7.  The Saudi Government, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the guidance of His 
Royal Highness the Crown Prince is determined to inject new dynamism into its economy through a 
productivit y and investment -led transformations that could ensure future growth, diversification of 
the economy, employment, and prosperity. In 2016, Saudi Arabia launched its Vision 2030, which 
is a blueprint and an ambitious roadmap for Kingdom's economic diversifi cation and eventual 
development. The Vision focuses on three main themes, "a vibrant society", "a thriving economy" 
and "an ambitious nation". Through predefined economic objectives, the Kingdom is set to overcome 
its structural challenges and leverage its  unique comparative advantage, which will also assist to 
mitigate the adverse impacts of the turmoil of global economy.  
2.8.  In light of vision 2030 goals, the increasing importance of foreign trade share in Saudi 
economy, The General Authority for Foreign trad e (GAFT) was established in January 2019, to serve 
achieving Vision 2030 goals and objectives which includes increasing the share of non -oil exports, 
assure market access for goods and services and widen Saudi network of preferential trade 
agreements.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  2.9.  Saudi Arabia aims to lower unemployment rate from 11.6% to 7%, increase the private sector 
contribution to 65% of GDP, and raise the share of non -hydrocarbon exports in non -oil GDP to 50%. 
During the period 2015 -19, the GDP increased from USD 654 billion to US D 793 billion.  
2.10.   One of the most ambitious undertakings to support the Kingdom's economic development 
objectives is Saudi ARAMCO's successful 2019 IPO, which netted the Saudi Government more than 
SAR 97 billion. The proceeds will be used to fund Saudi Arabia 's ambitious economic reform plans.  
2.11.   The Kingdom undertook various steps to facilitate and promote an increased role of the private 
sector in the economy and to improve the ease of doing business. The Kingdom has advanced in 
business environment ranking whi ch is reflected in international indicators such as the World Bank's 
Report on Business Facilitation 2020, which witnessed the Kingdom's improvement in many areas 
such as the index for ease of business, the index of business startups, and the index of prot ecting 
minority investors. Saudi Arabia has achieved prominent progress in the World Bank Doing Business 
2020 report climbing up 30 places from last year, making the Kingdom the top reformer and top 
improver among 190 economies around the world.  
2.12.   Since 2016  up to now, Saudi customs facilitated and automated customs procedures to 
achieve customs vision of being ranked the first in the region for providing distinguished custom 
services. In order to become a logistic hub, the Kingdom fully applies the agreement  on Trade 
Facilitation and has automated various customs formalities.  
2.13.   Saudi customs operated the Electronic Single Window, which connects Saudi customs clients 
with relevant authorities, and provides online payment service though "FASAH" platform, which is  
operational 24 hours. Also, undertook steps to facilitate customs formalities, including minimizing 
the number of import documents from 12 to 2 documents (Bill of Lading and invoice) and reducing 
the number of export documents from 8 to 2 documents (manif est and invoice). In addition, 
developing delivery customs procedures to stay up to date with the rapid evolution of online trade 
facilitation related to customs procedures. Create customs operations center that operates 24/7 to 
facilitate import and smoot h export processes.  
2.14.   Saudi Arabia recognizes the importance of the competition policy and believes that it is crucial 
to create an efficient market conduct and promote overall productivity, innovation and 
competitiveness. The new competition law entered int o force in May 2019 and replaced the old law. 
The new law is expanding the scope of application of the Law to all establishments, organizations 
and authorities that conduct commercial and economic activities, notwithstanding their ownership. 
The Law applie s to all goods and services, prices of goods and services are determined according to 
market rules and principles of free competition.  
2.15.   Recognizing that Intellectual property plays a key role in driving innovation and economic 
growth, the Kingdom has establ ished the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property as an independent 
body that directly reports to the Prime Minister. The Decision aims to unify all IP matters under a 
single entity. Because of the establishment of the Authority, five IP treaties have be en acceded, the 
legislative IP framework has been reviewed and the national IP Strategy has been drafted.  
2.16.   The National Committee for Enforcing Intellectual Property Rights has been established. The 
committee is permanent and composed of different governme nt authorities, and aims to improve 
and strengthen the IP enforcement eco -system. In addition, in 2020, the Law of Commercial Courts 
was issued, which provides the commercial courts with subject matter jurisdiction over all criminal 
and civil IP cases.  
2.17.   The Saudi Small and Medium Enterprises Authority (Monshaat) was established based in 2015 
and it has been mandated to increase the contribution of MSMEs in Saudi's GDP from 20% to 35% 
by 2030. Monshaat supports the growth and the competitiveness of MSMEs thr ough building a 
supportive ecosystem and an entrepreneurial society by leading cooperation with strategic partners 
in the public and private sectors and the non -profit sector locally and internationally.  
2.18.   "Meras", a government program was launched aiming to  facilitate conducting business. It 
provides government services required from the private sector to start a business in one day. Meras 
provides high quality integrated services through an online and physical One -Stop-Shop centers.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  2.19.   Trade liberalization and  investment are of a significant importance to Saudi economy. The 
Ministry of Investment, which was established in 2020, has succeeded in increasing and 
re-prioritizing investment sectors, while providing important new opportunities in unprecedented 
sector s such as entertainment and tourism. It also improved the investment and business climate 
by reducing the negative list from 19 to 10 business activities.  
2.20.   It has facilitated the issuance of a foreign investment license by reducing the issuance period 
to 20 minutes, and the number of required documents to only two documents. In addition, it provides 
most of its services electronically.  
2.21.   Saudi Arabia continues the commitment towards promoting a better tax system. A number of 
tax reforms were initiated since 20 17 seeking to elevate attractive business environment for foreign 
investors to invest in the Kingdom. In light of taxation treaties, Saudi Arabia has concluded more 
than 55 treaties related to tax, amongst are the Bilateral Investment Treaties, and the Avo idance of 
Double Taxation and/or Prevention of Tax Evasion treaties which grant foreign investors more 
privileges and incentives.  
2.22.   The Ministry of Justice is currently working on drafting a bill to amend the Saudi "Code of Law 
Practice" to encourage increasing the presence of foreign attorneys in Saudi Arabia, which will 
facilitate and attract more foreign investments and raise investors' confidence.  
2.23.   The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development launched the Labor Reform 
Initiative under the National Transformation Program on 4 November 2020. The initiative enables 
the HRSD vision of establishing an attractive job market through enhancing the contractual relations 
between employees and employers, empowering and developing labor compe tencies, and the work 
environment. The reforms will enter into force on 14 March 2021. The initiative will grant expatriates 
the right to transfer between employers upon the expiry of the binding work contract without the 
employer's consent. KSA's new init iative abolishes the sponsorship system "KAFALAH" and will enter 
into force by mid of March 2021.  
2.24.   The initiative also seeks to increase the flexibility, effectiveness, and competitiveness of the 
labor market and raise its attractiveness in line with inter national best practices. It targets to 
improve Saudi ranking on international competitiveness indicators, decrease dispute cases between 
employees and employers and attract high -level caliber from around the world.  
2.25.   Women empowerment in Saudi Arabia is one of the Saudi Vision 2030's main pillars. The 
economic empowerment of Saudi women is among the top priorities of the reform plan, which sets 
out a commitment to increase female participation in the workforce from an average of just under 
20% to over 30% by 2030. Saudi Arabia has become recognized in terms of improvement and 
progress toward gender equality since 2017. Saudi Arabia has become one of the leaders in the 
region in terms of women empowerment.  
2.26.   Diversification of the Saudi economy is the cornerstone  of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. It aims 
to increase the contribution of non -hydrocarbon exports, as a main lever source of government 
revenue, through national realignment. Saudi Arabia is undertaking concrete efforts to structurally 
transform its economy a nd establish the foundation for its long -term economic diversification 
objectives.  
2.27.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced at the Future Investment Initiatives Conference, 
held in Riyadh on 24th of October 2017, the launching of "NEOM" project. The project i s a giant step 
and part of the Kingdom's vision 2030, which aims to reduce Saudi Arabia's dependence on oil and 
diversify its economic resources.  
2.28.   NEOM will focus on nine specialized investment sectors and living conditions that will drive 
the future of hum an, civilization, renewable energy and water, mobility, biotech, food, technological 
and digital sciences, advanced manufacturing, media, and entertainment with livability as its 
foundation. The focus on these sectors will stimulate economic growth and div ersification by 
nurturing international innovation and manufacturing, to drive local industry, job creation, and GDP 
growth in the Kingdom.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  2.29.   In January 2021, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced 
launching of THE LINE project, a revo lution in urban living at NEOM, and a blueprint for how people 
and nature can co -exist in harmony. By 2030, NEOM is expected to host over one million residents, 
receive more than five million tourists, create more than 380,000 jobs and contribute by 
SAR 180 billion to GDP. NEOM will be 100% powered by renewable energy.  
2.30.   Saudi Arabia has established the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority (ECZA). ECZA 
target to be the national umbrella delivering the following; (1) translate national strategy and 
priorities into a portfolio of zones (2) centralize and streamline zones requests for Special Economic 
Zone (SEZ) status (3) create a strong brand for investors, ensuring uniformity and excellence of 
services across zones, and (4) issuing regulations at zone's  level.  
2.31.   SEZs being developed in Saudi Arabia have competitive locations targeting (17 sectors) which 
can be collectively described as Industrial, Logistics, Aviation, Military, Maritime, Food processing, 
Pharma & Bio pharma, Machinery & equipment, Automoti ve, Renewables, Specialty Chemicals, 
Healthcare, Media, Financial services, Tourism, Digital and E -commerce.  
2.32.   The Kingdom considers privatization as a key tool that plays an important role in enhancing 
economic growth, generate revenue and increase efficien cy. The Kingdom's privatization strategy, 
along with the related area of Public -Private Partnerships (PPP) has evolved considerably since 2016. 
Privatization and PPP will contribute to achieving other objectives; including those related to 
improving the fi scal balance, attracting foreign investment and improving the quality and efficiency 
of public services.  
2.33.   In 2019 seven PPP tenders were closed, these included three new wastewater treatment 
plants, two new water desalination plants and a new container term inal at Jeddah Port. The first 
strategic privatization sale of the Saudi Medical Service was completed.  
2.34.   PPP tenders were awarded for two further water and wastewater projects, a new container 
terminal at Dammam port, a second cargo terminal at King Khaled International Airport and the 
construction of 60 new schools, as well as privatization of two flourmills. Most of these transactions 
involved international investors. The PPP investments were financed through a combination of local 
and international banks.  
2.35.   New projects are being added to the pipeline from all sectors that will see further 
diversification in the sectoral focus such as health, education, municipal services, social care, 
agriculture and housing, as well as further projects in the water and tra nsport sectors. Future 
privatizations include government's remaining flourmills and a portfolio of desalination co -generation 
plants.  
2.36.   The Kingdom's pays special attention to the development of the industrial sector. The number 
of factories under constructi on in the Kingdom reached 1494 in 2020 by a growth rate of 48% 
compared to last year. Furthermore, the investments of these factories and licensed employees 
increased by 13% and 33%, respectively. The National Industrial Strategy is being updated to align 
with the Kingdom's 2030 Vision aspirations.  
2.37.   A new Mining Investment Law entered into force in 28 December 2020. The new law is 
designed to increase investments in the sector through a transparent system, simplified procedures 
and enhanced investors' confid ence.  
2.38.   The Kingdom's rapid economic and population growths along with its industrial and social 
developments as it pursues Vision 2030, have increased the demand for energy and desalinated 
water. One of the essential means of achieving a sustainable growth is the introduction of nuclear 
and renewable energy in the energy mix.  
2.39.   The scheme of the environment, water and agriculture sectors has achieved successfully a 
major transformation process in the past five years. A number of important strategies have been 
formulated as a roadmap to achieve the strategic goals drawn by Vision 2030 for the Ministry of 
Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) sectors and relevant entities. Its structure ensures 
harmonization between these different entities; the most importan t strategies are food security WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  strategy, national water strategy, environment strategy, national strategy for agriculture and 
agricultural development fund strategy.  
2.40.   Saudi Arabia through the Ministry of Energy has launched in 2017 its National Renewable 
Program. The main goal of the program is to substantially increase the share of renewable energy 
in the total energy mix targeted under the Vision 2030.  
2.41.   In 2019, the trade in services sectors have contributed by 50.8% to the Kingdom's GDP, with 
an increase o f 5.15% form 2018. The Kingdom targets to reach trade balance regarding trade in 
services by the year 2025.  
2.42.   The National Tourism Strategy's objectives, within Vision 2030, are achieving the 15th 
international tourism destination by 2022 (first destination  in the Middle East), increase international 
and domestic trips to more than 100 million a year by 2030 and promoting tourism beyond religious 
purposes and share a wide range of unique experiences. In order to facilitate and enhance attracting 
investments in this sector, various enhancements have been introduced including issuing licenses 
for specific sub sectors in only 120 seconds.  
2.43.   The General Entertainment Authority was established to organize, develop, and lead the 
entertainment sector to provide entert ainment options, and tailored experiences to the needs of 
people in the Kingdom, as well as improving and enriching the lifestyle and social cohesion among 
the community.  
2.44.   The financial sector in the Kingdom has witnessed further FDI attraction, as the numb er of 
licensed banks during the review period has increased from 23 to 29. Currently, there are 12 licensed 
domestic banks including the joint venture banks and 17 licensed commercial bank branches of 
foreign banks.  
2.45.   The Capital Market Law has been amended to further enhance investment protection, develop 
capital market infrastructure institutions, reduce risks, enable new classes of securities, and attract 
foreign investment to the capital market. The amendments also facilitate the provision of affected 
investors with compensation through the development of mechanisms for class action suits and 
activation of the affected investors' compensation funds.  
2.46.   Saudi Arabia has developed an extremely competitive telecom market. It is the largest ICT 
market in the MENA  region with a value of USD 18 billion. ICTs help developing vibrant society and 
thriving economy as envisaged in Vision 2030. The Kingdom has invested more than USD 15 billion 
in just the last three years in innovative ICT services.  
2.47.   Saudi Arabia clearly recognizes the centrality of development and the need for positive efforts 
to ensure that developing countries, and especially the least -developed ones, get their share in the 
growth of international trade.  
2.48.   In conclusion, I have briefly outlined th e framework that underpins our trade and economic 
policies, our goals for economic and social development, as well as trade policy initiatives 
implemented since our last TPR. We welcome receiving Member's questions; we have endeavored 
to provide answers to  questions received before the deadline. While questions received afterwards 
will be answered within one month as per the TPR Mechanism procedures, and we look forward to 
your comments and views. Thank you.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  
3.1.  I would like to warmly welcome the delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia headed by His 
Excellency Mr. Abdulrakhman Alharbi, Governor of the Saudi Arabia General Authority for Foreign 
Trade. I also extend my appreciation to H.E. Ambassador Saqer Almoqbe l and his team, as well as 
to Mr. Willy Alfaro, Director of the TPR Division of the WTO for their dedicated efforts in the course 
of preparation for the Review meeting. Despite unprecedented challenges caused by the global 
COVID pandemic, today's virtual e vent demonstrates the importance of the WTO Trade Policy Review 
Mechanism for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  
3.2.  It is my honour and privilege to serve in my first role as discussant for the third Trade Policy 
Review of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  
3.3.  The Trade Pol icy Review is one of the central pillars of the multilateral trading system and an 
important tool for ensuring transparency in the global trade. The peer review would keep us abreast 
of evolving trading landscape and developments in trade policy of Saudi A rabia in the recent 
four years.  
3.4.  The Strategic Development Plan of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia "Vision 2030" outlines the 
aspiration of the country to become a global investment powerhouse and a hub connecting Asia, 
Europe, and Africa. Kazakhstan and Saudi  Arabia enjoy close political, trade and investment relations 
at the bilateral level, as well as within regional and multilateral institutions, including 
the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.  
3.5.  I commend the Government of Saudi Arabia and the WTO Secretar iat for the high quality and 
in-depth reports that form a solid basis for our discussions today and this Friday.  
3.6.  I would like to focus my observations to Saudi Arabia's review on the following.  
Economic development  
3.7.  The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the larges t economy in the Middle East, the world's largest oil 
exporter and one of the biggest producers of oil and natural gas. According to the WTO Secretariat's 
Report, in 2019, 38.0% of real GDP, 64.1% of government revenues, and 77.6% of merchandise 
exports we re based on crude petroleum and natural gas. Key exporting markets of Saudi Arabia are 
Asia, U.S., and Europe.  
3.8.  Saudi Arabia is playing a leading role in managing oil production adjustments under 
OPEC+agreements. Hence, spillovers from Saudi Arabia are imp ortant globally and regionally.  
3.9.  Saudi Arabia is the 23rd largest exporter of goods and the 31st largest import market in the 
world. Foreign trade represents 62% of its GDP in 2020.  
3.10.   The country's economy is largely based and dependent on oil and gas and hea vy reliance on 
petroleum for national income, fiscal revenues and exports.  
3.11.   The IMF1 projected the risk of uncertainty in global oil markets. Extended OPEC production 
cuts and declining oil prices in 2020 pulled the Saudi economy into recession, with GDP c ontracting 
by an estimated 5.4%. In the recently updated World Economic Outlook, the IMF has revised its 
GDP growth projections for Saudi Arabia to 2.6% in 2021 and 4% in 2022.  
3.12.   Against this backdrop, diversification of the Kingdoms economy through enhancin g the 
competitiveness of the non -oil sector remains priority objective for the Government of Saudi Arabia.  
3.13.   In 2016, the Kingdom launched "Vision 2030" strategy - a new ambitious road -map for 
economic diversification, fiscal adjustment and attraction of for eign investments. Vision 2030 
encompasses a wide range of policies to create more private -sector jobs for Saudi nationals, support 
 
1 Source: https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/Issues/2021/01/26/2021 -world -economic -outlook -
update.  
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  small and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs), increase investment into non -oil sectors and promote 
non-oil exports.  
3.14.   The Fiscal B alance Program (FBP), one of the initiatives of Vision 2030, made significant 
progress in diversifying and stabilizing the Government's revenues. Since the FBP's initiation in 2016, 
non-oil revenues increased from SAR 186 billion to SAR  332 billion in 2019 . This allowed an increase 
in the share of non -oil revenues to total revenues 35.9% in 2019 and, in turn, a reduction in 
Saudi  Arabia's fiscal deficit. During the review period, the fiscal deficit, as percentage of GDP, went 
from a peak of 15.8% in 2015 to  4.5% in 2019.  
3.15.   The Government of Saudi Arabia implemented fiscal mitigation measures, estimated at 
around 7.3% of GDP to curb the impact of COVID -19 on the private sector. This, in return, brought 
up the public debt to a projected 33.4% of GDP in 2020 from  22.8% in 2019. Inflation rate rose to 
an estimated 3.6%, as the Government increased the VAT rate to 15% in July 2020 from 5% . 
3.16.   The industrial sector  represents around 48% of the GDP and employs 25% of the workforce. 
It is dominated by non -manufacturing ac tivities such as oil drilling.  
3.17.   Agriculture  accounts for 2.2% of the GDP and employs 2.3% of the active population. 
Agricultural productivity remains limited compared with public investment that funds the sector. 
Because of geographical and climatic constraints, Saudi Arabia imports most of its agr icultural and 
food products.  
3.18.   Services  represent almost 42% of the GDP and employ 73% of the active population. Services 
sector is mainly dominated by tourism, ﬁnancial and banking services and the insurance sector.  
3.19.   Small and medium -sized enterprises  predominantly employ expatriates (75% of labor force) 
and accounts for 34% of private sector employment. Saudi Arabia has been taking steady reforms 
to boost entrepreneurship and attract investments. The Government aims to increase SMEs' 
contribution to GDP fr om the current 22% to 35% by 2030.  
3.20.   Priority sectors for investment are transport and logistics; ITC; health and biotechnology; 
education; tourism and entertainment; industry (mining and manufacturing); and renewable energy.  
3.21.   Saudi Arabia indicated in the context of this Review that Vision 2030 is currently being 
reviewed. I hope the discussions and recommendations expressed by Members in the course of this 
Review can be taken into account in the work on an updated National Dev elopment Strategy with 
the objective to promote openness and integration of Saudi economy into global trade.  
Trade Policy  
3.22.   Saudi Arabia is a strong supporter of the multilateral trading system and the WTO.  
3.23.   In 2020, under Saudi Arabia's G20 Presidency, the R iyadh Initiative on the Future of the WTO 
has been launched. The G20 expressed pledge to support the necessary reform of the WTO and 
highlighted the importance of collaboration under the WTO in supporting post pandemic economic 
recovery.  
3.24.   As Article 12 Mem ber, the country advocates for reinforcement of multilateral trade rules and 
support level -playing field achieved in terms of market access in services and goods. The Kingdom 
has been actively participating in the negotiations on JSIs on E -commerce, Invest ment Facilitation, 
Services Domestic Regulation and MSMEs with the purpose to ensure meaningful and substantive 
outcomes at the MC -12. 
3.25.   Let me also highlight some of the key developments in reforming its trade policy pursued by 
Saudi Arabia as follow -up to the previous TPR.  
3.26.   Trade Facilitation . With the objective to become a global logistics hub and into implementation 
of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, the Kingdom has automated various customs formalities. 
According to the World Bank's Doing Business 2020  study, Saudi Arabia made importing and 
exporting faster by enhancing an electronic trade single window, launching an online platform for WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  certification of imported goods as well as through upgrading infrastructure at Jeddah Port. As a 
result, in the World Bank Doing Business ranking, the country moved to 62nd place out of 
190 economies.  
3.27.   Tariffs . Saudi Customs has updated and developed the comprehensive tariff in accordance 
with the classifications of the World Customs Organization . It is expected that these  updates will 
enhance transparency of customs administration and increase customs revenues to the state budget.  
3.28.   According to the WTO Secretariat's Report, overall, the simple average of Saudi Arabia's 2020 
applied MFN tariff rate is estimated at 5.5%, comp ared with 5.2% in 2015. This slight rise is mainly 
attributable to changes in the tariff structure but also to increases in customs duty rates for some 
products, such as meat products and dairy products. Based on the WTO  definition, the average 
applied rat e for agricultural products was 7.1% in 2020, while for non -agricultural products the 
average was 5.2%, about the same as in 2015, when it was 5.1%.  
3.29.   Agriculture . According to its notifications to the WTO Committee on Agriculture, Saudi Arabia 
did not provide export subsidies for agricultural products.  
3.30.   Bound tariffs on agricultural goods vary from as low as 0% to as high as 40%, with some 
tobacco -related bound at least at 200%. Imports of some products are prohibited,  and applied tariffs 
vary generally from duty free to 25%, with dates attracting 40% and mixed tariffs for tobacco 
products having an ad valorem  part of 100%. As part of the COVID -19 response, the authorities 
also increased tariffs on certain agricultural products, such as dairy products, ju ices, and vegetable 
and olive oils, in June  2020.  
3.31.   TBT. The competent authority of Saudi Arabia has issued more than 30,000 standards to date, 
the majority of which were adopted from international standards. The SASO notified almost 
240 technical regulation s and conformity assessment procedures to the WTO since the last Review. 
In order to facilitate and accelerate trade procedures for the entrance of goods into the Saudi market, 
Saudi  Arabia introduced "SABER" platform, which aims to protect the businesses from fraud and 
ensure the health and safety of consumers.  
3.32.   Import Licensing . Further to the recommendations made at the previous TPR, Saudi Arabia 
introduced new licensing procedures in 2020. These procedures are aimed at simplification of 
requirements for obtaining import licenses by businesses, especially small and medium -sized 
enterprises.  
3.33.   Trade remedies . Saudi Arabia traditionally has not been a frequent user of trade remedies. 
During the review period, the GCC investigating authority conducted several a nti-dumping and 
safeguards proceedings. Currently, five anti -dumping and two safeguard measures are in force.  
3.34.   Export control . According to the WTO Secretariat Report , Saudi Arabia does not maintain any 
export prohibitions/restrictions that target specific  trading partners.  
3.35.   In response to the COVID -19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia took some temporary measures to 
prohibit exports of some products. These measures ensure the supply of goods necessary for 
preventing a critical shortage of essential products and for preserving human health. The products 
subject to the temporary export prohibition include personal protective equipment for safeguarding 
against the spread of disease, medical equipment, and pharmaceutical products.  
3.36.   On investments , Saudi Arabia continues t o pursue an open investment regime, which is 
fundamental for efficient implementation of Vision 2030 and diversification of the Saudi Arabia's 
economy. In accordance with World Bank's Doing Business Report 2020, Saudi Arabia has made 
landmark reforms for i mproving business climate. The country has opened up tourism sector, 
strengthened access to credit with the introduction of a secured transactions law and a new 
insolvency law as well as strengthened minority investor protections measures. Saudi Arabia has  
simplified the procedures of obtaining construction permits by launching an online platform as well 
as eased requirements for receiving permits for a permanent electricity connection .  
3.37.   Compared to the previous Review, during the review period the further positive steps towards 
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  (reduced from 19 to 10) based on negative list. Saudi Arabia has also implemented significant 
reforms to simplify investment facilitat ion procedures and established a one -stop shop for company 
incorporation. As a result, Saudi Arabia has been ranked among top 10 reformers by the World Bank 
Doing Business Report in 2020.  
3.38.   In the course of the previous Review, Members noted that in order t o strengthen private 
sector's engagement in the national economy, reforms in government procurement  policy would 
increase efficiency of the government expenditures.  
3.39.   In 2019, the new Government Tenders and Procurement Law has been adopted with the aim 
to support SMEs and increase local content in government procurement. The conditions to benefit 
from local content preferences are generally to supply locally made products, hire locals and conduct 
research and development.  
3.40.   On Services , the largest contributor to real GDP of Saudi Arabia is the services sector with a 
41.5% share, led by government services as indicated in the WTO Secretariat's report. In the 
previous TPR, many Members raised concerns that competition legislation of Saudi Arabia did not 
apply to state-owned enterprises, while they were largely present in priority sectors of the economy. 
Members called for the increased private sector participation.  
3.41.   The Kingdom has invested significant efforts to accelerate privatization and PPP programs. 
Privatiz ation Supervisory Committees and National Center for Privatization and PPP has been 
established to support targeted sectors, identified by the Kingdom's privatization strategy. In 
addition, a new Private Sector Participation Law is expected to be enacted i n 2021. The reform has 
been implementing Vision 2030's target to conduct privatization of state -owned assets and increase 
the participation of the private sector in the economy up to 65% of GDP.  
Women empowerment and SME's development  
3.42.   I would like to note that in the Report of the Government, women empowerment in 
Saudi  Arabia was mentioned as one of Saudi Vision 2030's main pillars. The economic empowerment 
of Saudi women is among the top priorities of the reform plan, which sets out a commitment to 
increase female participation in the workforce from an average of just under 20% to over 30% by 
2030.  
3.43.   During its G20 Presidency Saudi Arabia led discussions with the objective to support women 
empowerment. Women's participation in business t ransformation and development of economy of 
the country has a great potential. It is important to underline the positive spillover effect in creating 
business opportunities for women and their further contribution to the Government's plans to 
increase the contribution of SMEs in Saudi's  GDP to 35% by 2030.  
3.44.   In conclusion, I would like to note that Saudi Arabia is a significant player at the regional and 
global levels, hence the commitments and contribution of Saudi Arabia to global trading system, as 
well as international cooperation will support the post pandemic recovery and will have significant 
impact.  
3.45.   I wish His Excellency Mr. Alharbi and his distinguished delegation a successful Trade Policy 
Review. Thank you.  
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  
CANADA  
4.1.  Thank  you, Chair, and good morning colleagues. Let me first welcome HE Mr. Abdulrahman 
Alharbi2 and his delegation and in thanking the discussant,  H.E. Mrs. Zhanar Aitzhanova3 
for her thoughtful remarks.  
4.2.  I would like to begin by acknowledging Saudi Arabia’s e conomic diversification plans as set out 
in its Vision 2030. We recognize the focus on gradually moving beyond fossilized energy sources and 
increasing the contribution of small and medium enterprises to the Saudi economy.  
4.3.  As Saudi Arabia pursues its econo mic goals to attract an increasing number of foreign 
companies, we encourage it to continue to enhance its rules -based trading framework in line with 
its WTO obligations.  
4.4.  Canada notes that, on February 15, the Saudi government announced that foreign compa nies 
will be required to establish their regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia by 2024 as a condition to 
participate in Saudi government procurement processes. We are concerned that this measure will 
create undue barriers to WTO Members’ companies seeking to operate in Saudi Arabia. Establishing 
internationally recognized good practices would support Saudi efforts to attract foreign investment 
across new and emerging sectors of the economy. To that effect, we note that Saudi Arabia 
participates in the Gover nment Procurement Agreement as an observer since 2007 and we invite 
the Saudi government to further consider its newly announced measure in light of the GPA standards.  
4.5.  Canada also wishes to express its concerns regarding the challenges faced by foreign en tities 
doing business in Saudi Arabia when it comes to navigating the country’s legal framework. We call 
on Saudi Arabia to ensure that its courts provide resolution of commercial disputes in a fair and 
transparent manner. On February 8, the Crown Prince i ntroduced a new set of laws aimed at 
improving the current legal framework. We encourage the government to further clarify and improve 
the transparency and due process safeguards of its legal framework, including with regard to the 
treatment of foreign com mercial entities.  
4.6.  Furthermore, Canada invites Saudi Arabia to ensure that its state -owned enterprises respect 
business undertakings with foreign entities, and open its bidding and procurement processes to 
foreign entities in a manner that is not arbitrary nor unjustifiably discriminatory.   
4.7.  Saudi Arabia’s decisions to follow through on its WTO obligations will support the achievement 
of long -lasting benefits to its economy.  
4.8.  We recognize Saudi Arabia’s recent leadership of the G20 and its focus on WTO reform through 
the Riyadh Initiative. Additionally, we appreciate Saudi Arabia’s work on policy guidelines to boost 
the international competitiveness of Micro -Small & Medium -sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and its 
participation in the WTO Informal Working Group on MSME s. We look forward to continue engaging 
with Saudi Arabia at the WTO on identifying and advancing areas for WTO reform.  
4.9.  Canada welcomes Saudi Arabia’s acceptance of the Trade Facilitation Agreement in 2016 and 
its engagement in the Joint Statement Initiati ves on Electronic Commerce, and on Investment 
Facilitation. We invite Saudi Arabia to submit its draft schedule in the context of the Joint Statement 
Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation and we welcome its openness to include the  provision 
related to  non-discrimination between men and women. We further encourage Saudi Arabia to 
consider joining the Buenos Aires Declaration and the WTO’s Informal Working Group on Trade and 
Gender. Finally, Canada appreciates Saudi Arabia’s efforts to submit its WTO not ifications, which are 
critical to providing transparency of support programs to all Members.  
4.10.   We submitted a number of  questions touching on many of the themes just mentioned, and 
we thank Saudi Arabia for the responses received. We will review these responses carefully. In 
 
2 Governor of the Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade . 
3 Kazakhstan . WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  closing, I wish that this week’s review will prove to be a constructive exchange of views on all as pects 
of Saudi Arabia’s trade policy.  
ARGENTINA  
4.11.   Quisiéramos asociarnos a los Miembros que han dado la bienvenida a la delegación saudita, 
encabezada por S.E. Abdulrahman Alharbi de la Autoridad General Saudita de Comercio Exterior.  
4.12.   Agradecemos, al mismo t iempo, los informes preparados por Arabia Saudita y por la 
Secretaría, que nos han permitido profundizar nuestro conocimiento de las prácticas comerciales de 
este Miembro.  
4.13.   Arabia Saudita es uno de nuestros principales socios comerciales en el Medio Orient e. La 
Argentina es el segundo país latinoamericano que más exporta a Arabia Saudita. Las exportaciones 
argentinas a Arabia Saudita entre enero y setiembre de 2020 totalizaron USD 813.1 millones. Las 
importaciones argentinas desde Arabia Saudita durante los  primeros nueve meses de 2020 fueron 
de USD 44,2 millones. Exportamos cereales, alimentos preparados para animales, manufacturas de 
fundición hierro o acero, semillas y frutos oleaginosos, paja y forraje, máquinas y aparatos 
mecánicos. Importamos productos  químicos orgánicos, combustibles y aceites minerales, plástico y 
sus manufacturas y abonos.  
4.14.   La Argentina observa con beneplácito que tanto el PIB real como el PIB per cápita de Arabia 
Saudita experimentaron un ligero aumento durante el período 2015 -2019. Igualmente destacable 
resulta que la contribución de los sectores no petroleros al crecimiento de la economía se haya 
incrementado a un ritmo mayor que la de los sectores petroleros. Ello sin duda facilitará el 
cumplimiento de uno de los objetivos fundamen tales de Visión 2030; esto es, el de diversificar la 
economía saudita.  
4.15.   En lo que a Visión 2030 concierne, son destacables las medidas adoptadas para mejorar el 
entorno empresarial. En este orden de cosas, cabe señalar que según el índice del Banco Mundial 
que mide la facilidad para hacer negocios, Arabia Saudita fue el país que más mejoró en el ranking 
en 2020, saltando del puesto 92 al 62 de un total de 190 economías consideradas. Algunas de las 
medidas que permitieron alcanzar este resultado incluyeron el  establecimiento de una ventanilla 
única y la actualización de su ventanilla única electrónica.  
4.16.   En lo que respecta a la inversión extranjera, deseamos subrayar el hecho de que ésta esté 
permitida en prácticamente todos los sectores de la economía, salvo en algunas áreas puntuales que 
se encuentran consignadas en una Lista negativa. Quisiéramos resaltar, en tal sentido, que, desde 
el anterior Examen de las Políticas Comerciales de Arabia Saudita, varios sectores fueron removidos 
de esta Lista. Ello s e suma a las varias reformas institucionales y jurídicas adoptadas para facilitar 
la inversión extranjera; entre ellas, la aceleración de los procedimientos para obtener licencias de 
inversión extranjera y la mejora de los servicios de asistencia a los inv ersores.  
4.17.   La Argentina ve en Arabia Saudita un Miembro comprometido con el sistema multilateral de 
comercio. Además de haber ratificado el Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del Comercio en 2016, Arabia 
Saudita es parte de varias Iniciativas Conjuntas que tienen lu gar en esta casa. Si bien existen 
notificaciones pendientes en temas sensibles para mi país como la ayuda interna a la agricultura, 
cabe destacar que Arabia Saudita presenta de manera regular sus notificaciones. Más allá de la OMC, 
aunque siempre en pro de l sistema multilateral de comercio, no quisiéramos dejar de reconocer la 
labor de Arabia Saudita en el marco del G -20, y más específicamente en la organización de la última 
Cumbre del G20 en Riad en el mes de noviembre.  
4.18.   En el marco de este examen de políti ca comercial, hemos presentado a Arabia Saudita 
preguntas vinculadas, entre otros temas, con el proceso de solución de diferencias en materia de 
valoración entre importadores y la Dirección de Aduanas (SCA), las condiciones que deben reunir 
las empresas y sociedades extranjeras para obtener préstamos del Fondo Saudita de Desarrollo 
Industrial (SIDF) y la nueva Ley de Competencia de Arabia Saudita. Por último, agradecemos de 
antemano las respuestas proporcionadas, las cuales serán debidamente estudiadas por nuestras 
autoridades en Buenos Aires.  
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  CHINA  
4.19.   China warmly welcomes the delegation of Saudi Arabia, led by H.E. Abdulrahman Alharbi 
(Governor of the Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade) to this virtual TPR and would also like to 
express our appreciati on to the discussant, Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Madame Zhanar Aitzhanova 
for the detailed report and insightful comments and also the Chair and the Secretariat’s efforts and 
contributions to this TPR.  
4.20.   China and Saudi Arabia enjoy the rapid trade growth sin ce the last Trade Policy Review. The 
bilateral trade growth averaged about 22.7% between 2017 and 2019. Since 2013, China has been 
the largest trading partner for Saudi Arabia, and Saudi Arabia has been China’s largest trading 
partner in Western Asia and A frica.  
4.21.   China highly commends Saudi Arabia’s strong support to the rules -based multilateral trading 
system especially in the most difficult situation, when WTO is facing the biggest existential challenges 
since its establishment. In this regard, we commend  Saudi Arabia’s leading role in G20 as the 
presidency last year. We also recognize Saudi Arabia’s constructive engagement in the WTO work 
including its early ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement with all commitments in category  A, 
acceptance of  the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement, participation of Joint Ministerial 
Statements (Initiatives) on e -commerce, investment facilitation for development, domestic 
regulation in services, and the informal programme on micro, small, and medium -sized en terprises 
(MSMEs), as well as its active participation in the negotiations and other work of the Organization.  
4.22.   We are very impressed and appreciate the efforts of Saudi Arabia on its economic 
diversification and long -term development. Since the inauguratio n of “Vision 2030”, China is pleased 
to notice that Saudi Arabia has made great achievements in reform and development across many 
fields, including government reorganization, adoption of new legislation on trade and investment 
policies, etc. Among these, the introduction of new policy instruments to promote exports, the 
simplification of custom procedures, and the removal of foreign investment restrictions, suggest that 
openness to international trade and foreign investment is playing an essential role in Saudi Arabia.  
4.23.   However, as the Secretariat Report indicated, certain elements of the new policies might raise 
questions about their potential distortive effects on trade and resource allocation. In this regard, we 
hope that the Saudi Arabian Government can  provide more transparency in formulating and 
implementing its trade and investment policies.  
4.24.   Looking forward, we are ready to explore new growth points for the bilateral economic 
relations and also the international cooperation with Saudi Arabia.  
4.25.   In clos ing, we thank Saudi Arabia for the written replies to our written questions and wish 
Saudi Arabia a full successful trade policy review.  
THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU  
4.26.   On behalf of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwa n, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, I would 
like to extend our warm welcome to the delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by 
H.E. Mr. Abdulrahman ALHARBI (Governor of the Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade) for its 
third Trade Policy Review.  
4.27.   I woul d also like to express our thanks to the discussant, H.E. Mrs. Zhanar Aitzhanova 
(Kazakhstan), for her insightful comments, as well as the Secretariat for its comprehensive report.  
4.28.   As noted in both Reports, the Saudi Arabia makes great efforts on moderniz ing and 
diversifying the economy by launching the ambitious strategic plan “Vision 2030” in 2016, which 
includes a wide range of policies aiming at creating opportunities for jobs in private -sectors, woman 
participation in work, small and medium -sized ente rprises (SMEs), and investment in non -oil sectors.  
4.29.   We’re also pleased to see that the prominent aspects of Saudi Arabia’s recent trade and 
economic policies, guided by “Vision 2030”, suggest openness to international trade and foreign 
investment, includin g desirable business environment to attract foreign and local investment, WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  simplification of customs procedures, the existence of a generally low level of import duties, and the 
removal of foreign investment restrictions.  
4.30.   From the perspective of multilater al trading system, Saudi Arabia’s achievement is also 
noteworthy. In addition to the ratification of Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in 2016 and 
acceptance of Amending the TRIPS Agreement which came into force in 2017, we recognize its broad 
interest in  JSI negotiations, including e -commerce, investment facilitation for development, domestic 
regulation for services, and informal working program on MSMEs. We also very much look forward 
to its early accession into the Government Procurement Agreement.  
4.31.   It is also commendable that Saudi Arabia, in order to address the global challenges posed by 
the COVID -19 pandemic, actively launched and promoted the Riyadh Initiative on the Future of the 
WTO, which aims to identify common ground and shared principles for th e next 25 years of the WTO, 
and to provide the political support needed to make progress in the discussions on reforms among 
all WTO Members. At the summit held on 21 -22 November 2020, G20 leaders explicitly recognized 
the contribution that the Riyadh Init iative made.  
4.32.   Turning to our bilateral relations, we have enjoyed a close economic relationship for long. The 
Kingdom is currently our 15th largest trading partner with USD 5.7 billion worth of two -way trade 
in 2020. As our main provider of crude oil, Saud i Arabia is our 11th largest source of imports. On 
the basis of this already close relationship, we look forward to further strengthening and expanding 
cooperation on trade and investment in the future to the mutual benefit of both our economies.  
4.33.   With Sau di’s sound economic outlook and the initiatives taken to improve the overall 
competitiveness, we would like to further encourage the Kingdom to make its efforts in the following 
areas.  
4.34.   Firstly, there might still be room for improvement in areas such as the  enforcement of 
commercial contracts, the application of the new bankruptcy law (effective in August 2018), and the 
overall legal framework for the resolution of commercial disputes.  
4.35.   Secondly, as stated in our written questions, the Saudi government announ ced an increase 
in customs duty rates on a quite number of items applicable from 20 June 2020. The full list of 
products was not published on the Saudi Customs website until 18 June. As a result, in addition to 
the sudden impact of unexpectedly high increa ses in duty rates, the exporters were also given 
insufficient time to react. We would like to encourage Saudi Arabia to impose this kind of measure 
with a reasonable buffer period.  
4.36.   Lastly, we notice that the Saudi’s notifications on agriculture domestic su pport for the most 
recent years (2018 -20) remain outstanding. We would urge the Kingdom to regularly proceed its 
notification to meet its obligations and to enhance the levels of transparency.  
4.37.   In conclusion, we commend Saudi Arabia on its achievements and  the way forward. We look 
forward to continuing to deepen our bilateral economic and trade relations. We wish Saudi Arabia a 
very successful and constructive Review.  
OMAN  
4.38.   It is a great pleasure for the delegation of the Sultanate of Oman to participate in the third 
Trade Policy Review of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  
4.39.   We extend a very warm welcome to H.E. Abdul Rahman Alharbi, Governor of the Saudi 
General Authority of Forei gn Trade, and we welcome the Saudi delegation in the capital Riyadh and 
the delegation here in the mission in Geneva. We commend His Excellency for the excellent and 
comprehensive opening statement.  
4.40.   The Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia en joy deep -rooted fraternal, 
historical, and economic relations within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), The Arab League and 
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  4.41.   Oman congratulates Saudi Arabia on th e positive economic development during the period 
under review, with adequate GDP growth and moderate inflation.  
4.42.   We are glad to note that economic reforms continued throughout this period and focused on 
increasing efficiency and inclusiveness. Structural r eforms and measures to improve efficiency 
included several steps on trade and investment facilitation. We are happy to note the creation of the 
Saudi General Authority for Intellectual Property. Oman commends the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 
the steps taken since the last review on diversification, competition policy and telecommunication.  
4.43.    In 2016, Saudi Arabia has launched "Vision 2030", as a comprehensive strategy designed to 
modernize and diversify the Saudi economy and develop public services sectors. K ey goals include 
reinforcing economic and investment activities and improving the Kingdom’s business environment. 
Several new policy instruments were adopted to achieve Vision 2030's objectives of increasing 
non-oil exports and promoting economic diversifi cation.  
4.44.   Saudi Arabia considers the multilateral trading system as central to the conduct of its trade 
policies. In 2020, during its presidency of the G20, the Kingdom launched and actively promoted the 
Riyadh Initiative on the Future of the WTO providing strong support to the multilateral trading system 
and the WTO.   
4.45.   Saudi Arabia is an Article XII Member having joined the WTO in 2005. The Kingdom has made 
commercially meaningful commitments in agriculture, goods and services. Upon its accession, Saudi 
Arabia bound 100% of its tariff lines at an average bound rate of 10.9%. Which is twice the simple 
average applied MFN rate of 5.5%. Saudi Arabia has continued to implement its trade policies 
consistent with its WTO obligations - its policies and practices ha ve a positive impact on the 
functioning of the multilateral trading system.  
4.46.   Saudi Arabia is an active member of the WTO. Currently it is the coordinator of the Arab 
Group. Skillfully representing the interests of the Arab region in the WTO.  
4.47.   Finally, the d elegation of Oman wishes the delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a very 
successful third Trade Policy Review.  
SINGAPORE  
4.48.   The Singapore delegation warmly welcomes H.E. Abdulrahman Alharbi, Governor of the Saudi 
General Authority for Foreign Trade, and his delegation who are participating virtually. We thank 
Saudi Arabia for its Government Report and Statement. We would also like to express our 
appreciation to the TPRB Chair Ambassador Harald Aspelund, the Secretariat, and the discussant 
Ambassador Zhana r Aitzhanova for their invaluable insights. Allow me to make three points.  
4.49.   First, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Singapore share longstanding economic ties. In 2020, 
Singapore’s bilateral trade with Saudi Arabia totalled S$8.75 billion, making the Kingdom  the second 
largest trading partner of Singapore in the Middle East, and 20th largest trading partner globally. 
The two -way flow of investments has continued to grow, and Singapore companies have continued 
to invest in Saudi Arabia, particularly in infrast ructure development, transport and logistics. The 
GCC-Singapore FTA that was signed in 2008 has also helped to strengthen trade and investment 
linkages between Saudi Arabia and Singapore.  
4.50.   Second, Singapore applauds Saudi Arabia’s significant contributions in supporting global trade 
and investment. Singapore was honoured to have participated in the G20 meetings as a guest 
country during the 2020 Chairmanship of Saudi Arabia. During its chairmanship, Saudi Arabia 
demonstrated leadership by rallying countries to take necessary actions to build resilience in global 
supply chains, with the holding of two extraordinary G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meetings 
to address the challenges posed by the COVID -19 pandemic. In line with this, Members may be 
intereste d to know that Singapore has levelled up our diversification of food supply sources to include 
Saudi Arabia, with Singapore’s consumers able to enjoy the exquisite taste of Red Sea Shrimp that 
are now sold in neighbourhood supermarkets. Furthermore, the Ri yadh Initiative on the Future of 
the WTO was instituted during the Saudi Arabia’s G20 Chairmanship, and Singapore stands ready to 
work with Saudi Arabia and other Members on reform of the WTO.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  4.51.   Thirdly, Singapore has confidence that Saudi Arabia’s vast eco nomic potential can be further 
enhanced through diversification and stepping up its active participation in the WTO. We are pleased 
to note Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 comprehensive strategy of modernising and diversifying the 
economy, by unlocking the pote ntial of the Kingdom’s non -oil sectors. Against the backdrop of the 
COVID -19 pandemic, the impetus for diversification is even more pressing. Singapore looks forward 
to actively participating in the promising opportunities brought about by Saudi Arabia’s e conomic 
transformation. We note that Saudi Arabia has taken steps to improve trade facilitation, such as 
introducing changes in customs procedures, developing the country -wide single window for customs 
procedures, and ratifying the WTO Trade Facilitation A greement (TFA). As more efficient and 
transparent customs procedures will help to boost trade, especially in non -oil products, we trust that 
Saudi Arabia will ensure the consistent implementation of these policies across all of the Kingdom’s 
customs ports.  Given the coming into force of the new Government Tenders and Procurement Law 
in 2019, it would be opportune for Saudi Arabia to consider acceding to the Agreement on 
Government Procurement. Furthermore, although the Secretariat has observed that regular 
notifications are submitted to the WTO, Saudi Arabia should work on submitting its outstanding 
notifications on domestic support in agriculture.  
4.52.   To conclude, Singapore looks forward to the continued strengthening of our economic 
engagements in both the WTO  multilateral sphere as well as on the bilateral front. We wish Saudi 
Arabia every success for this TPR.  
CHILE  
4.53.   Saludamos cordialmente y damos la bienvenida a la delegación del Reino de Arabia Saudita, 
encabezada por el honorable, Sr. Abdulrahman Alharbi, Gobernador de la Autoridad General de 
Comercio Exterior.  
4.54.   Saludamos también a la Misión del Reino de Arabia Saudita ante la OMC en Ginebra, dirigida 
por el embajador Almoqbel, a la ponente la embajadora Aitzhanova así como a la Secretaría a la 
cual, además,  agradecemos por el informe preparado para este ejercicio.  
4.55.   Chile mantiene vínculos con el Medio Oriente desde la llegada, a fines siglo XIX, de personas 
de aquella región, quienes, junto a sus descendientes, han contribuido al desarrollo de nuestro país. 
En particular, la relación de Chile con el Reino de Arabia Saudita se remonta a 1945 y desde entonces 
ella ha ido creciendo tanto en lo político como en lo económico.  
4.56.   Más recientemente, la semana pasada visitó Riad nuestro Viceministro de Comercio, abriend o 
así un nuevo capítulo en nuestra relación comercial. Durante su visita, el viceministro Yáñez sostuvo 
reuniones de alto nivel con las autoridades de Cancillería, Comercio, Agricultura, Energía 
Comunicaciones y Minería. Asimismo, ambos países acordaron un a agenda de trabajo bilateral para 
facilitar las inversiones, el comercio, logística y distintos aspectos regulatorios. En Riad también se 
firmó un Memorándum de Entendimiento entre Chile y la Secretaría General del Consejo de 
Cooperación del Golfo, para c omenzar formalmente el desarrollo de estudios de factibilidad para un 
futuro Tratado de Libre Comercio entre Chile y los países del Golfo.  
4.57.   Chile y Arabia Saudita apoyan firmemente el sistema multilateral de comercio y el rol de la 
OMC. Ambos participamos en las Iniciativas Conjuntas, incluyendo la de facilitación de inversiones 
para el desarrollo. Celebramos el rol de Arabia Saudita como promotor de la Iniciativa de Riad sobre 
el Futuro de la OMC, que tiene por objeto identificar puntos de convergencia y p rincipios comunes 
para los próximos 25 años de la OMC, así como brindar el apoyo político necesario para avanzar en 
los debates sobre las reformas entre todos los Miembros de la Organización.  
4.58.   Para este examen hemos formulado 13 preguntas en áreas como la c ooperación con el 
Consejo de Cooperación del Golfo, medidas de contingencia en materia de importaciones, legislación 
en materia de competencia, empresas comerciales del Estado, telecomunicaciones, comercio 
electrónico y régimen de inversiones, ente otros. Agradecemos las respuestas entregadas, las cuales 
se están analizando por nuestros equipos técnicos en capital.  
4.59.   Al respecto, nuestra delegación quisiera destacar las medidas implementadas por 
Arabia  Saudita con el objetivo de modernizar y diversificar su economía, complementado así su WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  dependencia económica en el sector petrolero, el cual durante la pandemia ha tenido rendimiento 
muy por debajo del promedio mundial.  
4.60.   En efecto, vemos positivamente los r esultados preliminares del proyecto “visión 2030”, el cual 
tiene un enfoque holístico para mejorar diversos sectores de su economía y fomentar la 
competitividad. De esta forma, destacamos las medidas para optimizar sus proyecciones de 
crecimiento en el emp leo; la ampliación los derechos de las mujeres y las medidas para fomentar 
su empoderamiento económico a través de planes específicos como el Nitaqat; y las medidas que 
buscan una apertura comercial y la eliminación de barreras para la inversión extranjera . 
4.61.   Por su parte, nuestro país valora las medidas que buscan mejorar la contribución a la 
economía de las Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas a su producto interno bruto.  
4.62.   Sin perjuicio de lo anterior, nos parece que el Reino de Arabia Saudita aún tiene espacio para 
mejorar ciertos aspectos en materia de notificaciones, especialmente en el sector de la agricultura. 
Asimismo, consideramos importante hacer un llamado a evitar la imposición de restricciones a la 
exportación, especialmente en materia de medic amentos y otros bienes para hacer frente al 
COVID -19. 
4.63.   Finalmente, le deseamos al Reino de Arabia Saudita una exitosa revisión de su política 
comercial.  
UKRAINE  
4.64.   On behalf of Ukraine, I would like to warmly welcome the distinguished delegation led by 
H.E. Mr. Abdulrahman Alharbi and express our appreciation to the Saudi Arabia team for the 
comprehensive Report.  
4.65.   We would like also to highlight the significant work done by the Secretariat in preparing its 
report.  
4.66.   The third Trade Policy Review of the Kingdom of  Saudi Arabia offers a good opportunity to 
deepen understanding of the trade and economic policy developments during the period 2016 -2020 
and current challenges faced by the country due to unprecedented impact of the COVID -19 
pandemic.  
4.67.   Ukraine acknowledges  efforts of the Government of Saudi Arabia undertaken to structurally 
transform its economy, to change dependency on oil exports and to establish the foundation for its 
long-term economic diversification objectives. Ukraine believes that measures adapted b y the 
Government will enable Saudi Arabia to minimize the adverse economic impact of COVID -19 on the 
scale and pace of the Vision 2030 implementation.  
4.68.   Ukraine appreciates improvement in Saudi Arabia's business environment reflected in 
international indicat ors such as the World Bank's Report on Business Facilitation 2020 and the World 
Bank Doing Business 2020 report, in particular climbing up 30 places to 62nd in the ranking out of 
190 economies for the year and becoming the most improved country for doing b usiness.  
4.69.   At a multilateral level, Ukraine recognizes strong support of the multilateral trading system 
and the WTO by Saudi Arabia, its active participation in several Joint Ministerial Statement Initiatives 
and negotiations. Ukraine welcomes ratification  of the Protocol concerning the WTO Trade Facilitation 
Agreement in 2016 and notes steps made by Saudi Arabia in this area including facilitation and 
automatization of customs procedures, establishment of a country -wide single window.  
4.70.   In terms of bilateral  relations, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an important economic and 
trade partner of Ukraine.  
4.71.   The COVID -19 pandemic has had significant severe economic consequences across the globe, 
including trade relations between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  4.72.   Despite of t he quarantine measures taken in the context of the COVID -19 pandemic, Ukraine, 
as a reliable trading partner and key exporter of agricultural products, makes every effort to ensure 
uninterrupted supply of goods to foreign markets, including Saudi Arabia ma rket. 
4.73.   In 2020, the trade turnover between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia decreased by 10.7% and 
amounted to USD 821 million, including Ukrainian exports decreased by 3,4% and amounted to 
USD 719 million and Saudi Arabia imports decreased by 41.8% and amounted to  USD 102 million.  
4.74.   Ukraine is interested in mutually beneficial cooperation with the Saudi Party in the investment 
field. Saudi companies are taking part in the number of investment projects in the fields of energy, 
agriculture, infrastructure, shipbuilding , aircraft building, heavy machinery etc.  
4.75.   In the context of a pandemic, the Government of Ukraine clearly understands the importance 
of ensuring food security in the world.  
4.76.   Ukraine’s agricultural sector has significant potential in the production of food a nd agricultural 
raw materials and needs to attract both domestic and foreign investment. In this context, the 
development of investment cooperation, which would consider the interests and benefits of both 
countries, can give additional impetus to trade and  economic cooperation in the agricultural sector 
between our countries. Given this, Ukraine is extremely interested in the participation of investors 
from Saudi Arabia in the realization of agricultural investment projects and in the privatization of 
state-owned agricultural enterprises.  
4.77.   The reports of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the WTO Secretariat raised 
questions in a number of areas – as detailed in Ukraine's written submissions to this Review. The 
main themes addressed were: featu res of the foreign investment licensing system and legislation 
on protection and promotion of investments; operation of new electronic data interchange system; 
import prohibitions; contingency measures and decision -making procedures; requirements for halal  
certificates and an Islamic slaughter certificate; responsibilities of competent authorities in the field 
of intellectual property rights and its enforcements; views on electronic commerce initiative etc.  
4.78.   I would like to express our gratitude for the resp onses to our questions and wish the 
delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia successful TPR.  
JAPAN  
4.79.   Let me first extend a warm welcome to this third Trade Policy Review meeting to the 
distinguished delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia led by H.E. Mr. Abdulrahman Alharbi, 
Governor of the Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade . The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of 
the most important trading partners for Japan. The trade volume between Japan and Saudi Arabia 
is approximately USD 22.6 billion and the vo lume of Japanese FDI to Saudi Arabia has reached 
approximately USD 4.7 billion.  
4.80.   Amid difficult circumstances due to the severe impacts of the decline in the price of oil as well 
as COVID -19, Japan looks forward to the successful continuation of the econom ic policy the 
Government of Saudi Arabia has been carrying out.  
4.81.   Japan applauds the excellent leadership Saudi Arabia demonstrated last year during its 
presidency of the G20 in spite of facing unprecedented difficulties due to the COVID19 pandemic. In 
terms  of trade, we welcome the agreement by the G20 on the following language: “we strive to 
realize a free fair, inclusive, non -discriminatory, transparent, predictable, and stable trade and 
investment environment”. At the same time, we welcome the fact that t he G20 member states were 
able to show their political willingness to promote the WTO reform through the Riyadh Initiative.   
4.82.   On the subject of the WTO, Japan appreciates Saudi Arabia joining the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement in 2016. Japan also expresses i ts appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s active engagement in 
like-minded initiatives to pursue trade liberalization such as the JSI on e -commerce as well as 
investment facilitation for development. Japan expects Saudi Arabia to continue to actively engage 
in mu ltilateral and plurilateral frameworks with a view to contributing to sustaining and 
strengthening the Multilateral Trading System (MTS).  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  4.83.   Turning back to the efforts on trade facilitation, we note that Saudi Arabia has, to date, 
endeavoured to actively add ress trade facilitation. Japan would like to express its appreciation for 
such efforts as Saudi Arabia’s introduction of the Authorized Economic Operator and single window 
as well as its efforts to reduce the number of documents required for exports and im ports. Having 
said that, we would like to point out that the exportation measure that requires pre -shipment 
inspection in compliance with the requirement provided by Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality 
Organization (SASO) is negatively impacting the eff ectiveness of exportation.  
4.84.   Japan welcomes Saudi Arabia’s establishment of the ministry of investment and its 
introduction of guidance for investment policy as well as its efforts to simplify requirements for 
investment licenses during the review period. Fu rthermore, we appreciate Saudi Arabia’s approval 
for foreign investment to expand to such sectors as banking and insurance, personnel recruitment, 
and real estate.    
4.85.   In conclusion, Japan highly appreciates Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance its trade 
environment and to realize the TPR regardless of the difficulties presented by the COVID -19 crisis.  
4.86.   Japan wishes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a very successful and productive Review.  
SWITZERLAND  
4.87.   I would like to extend a very warm welcome to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s delegation led 
by H.E. Mr. Abdulrahman Alharbi. Let me also thank the discussant, H.E. Mrs. Zhanar Aitzhanova 
(Kazakhstan) for her thoughtful observations and the Secretariat for t heir substantive contributions 
to this trade policy review.  
4.88.   The “Vision 2030” launched in 2016 has given the necessary impetus to speed up the 
diversification of the economy through ambitious reforms benefiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 
different area s, such as increasing the weight of the private sector – especially SMEs -, promoting 
non-oil sectors, favoring foreign investments and increasing the participation of the Saudi population 
in the private economy. Since 2016, non -oil revenues have steadily increased with the 
manufacturing sector and the renewable energy sectors driving the growth. Therefore, the 
continuation of the reforms is a central element in sustaining and improving the competitiveness of 
the non -oil sector. In order to diversify its bu dget resources, the Kingdom has also introduced a VAT 
and new excise duties on several goods among other things.  
4.89.   We welcome the simplification of customs procedures, the removal of foreign investment 
restrictions and new policy instruments to promote expor ts. However, we hope that the emphasis 
on “localization” and the existence of detailed sector specific industrial policies will not translate into 
further trade -restrictive policies and will not create distortive effects on trade and resource 
allocation. W e note that the average MFN applied rate slightly increased from 5.2% to 5.5% since 
2015. As a response to the COVID -19 pandemic, the Saudi Government increased the customs 
duties on goods classified in more than 500 tariff lines in June 2020. This increas e resulted in the 
tripling of the customs duties in some instances, which is quite substantial. The increase could affect 
6% of our exports to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We wonder how this increase is in line with the 
GCC Common external tariff. Thus, we  hope that this increase will be temporary. In addition, we 
regret that a safeguard investigation is ongoing on several important tariff lines in the steel sector 
for which the import duties increased significantly last June. As this increase provides addi tional 
border protection, we wonder if it is still appropriate to maintain these tariff lines in the scope of the 
investigation. We would also welcome the notification of all import prohibitions currently in force in 
compliance with the decision on quantit ative restrictions.  
4.90.   The measures taken by the Saudi authorities to limit the spreading of the COVID -19 pandemic 
is significantly affecting the Saudi population and its economy. For instance, these measures have 
slowed down the private sector, which the Vis ion 2030 aims to develop. Thus, it would be interesting 
to know if and which adaptations are envisaged to the Vision 2030.  
4.91.   Despite this difficult context, we welcome Saudi Arabia’s strong support to the multilateral 
trading system. Indeed in 2020 Saudi Ar abia launched the “Riyadh Initiative on the future of the 
WTO” during its G20 presidency, which seeks to support the discussions on the WTO reform. It also 
held two Ministerial Meetings to address the challenges posed by the COVID -19 pandemic. In WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  addition,  Saudi Arabia participates to the negotiations on fisheries subsidies and has joined several 
Joint Ministerial Statement Initiatives (e -commerce, investment facilitation, domestic regulation in 
services, informal MSMEs programme). We would like to encourag e Saudi Arabia to continue to 
support the reform efforts needed by the WTO.  
4.92.   Saudi Arabia is our second trade partner in the GCC region, with a bilateral trade volume of 
more than CHF 2 billion in 2019. For many years the stock of Swiss investments in the Kingdom 
have been stable at around CHF 1 billion over the last years.  
4.93.   Switzerland is of the view that FTA and the WTO are mutually supportive. We would be 
interested to have some details on the ongoing review about FTA negotiations by the GCC and in 
particular by Saudi Arabia since several FTAs negotiations started during the late 2000s. The FTA 
between the EFTA and the GCC States entered into force in 2014. Some challenges persist regarding 
the implementation of the FTA. We welcome Saudi Arabia's willingn ess to address these challenges 
so that the FTA can have its full impact.  
4.94.   Switzerland had submitted a series of questions in writing for this TPR. We are thankful to 
Saudi Arabia for providing answers in due course. Switzerland raised concerns over the exc ise duty 
on beverages and the Saber Conformity Assessment Online Platform. In 2016 already, i.e. before 
the entry into force of the excise tax, Switzerland expressed its concerns about the discriminatory 
impact of selective tax on certain beverages. Since then, we had numerous exchanges bilaterally 
and at the WTO over this issue. As Saudi Arabia, like the rest of the GCC, plans to reform the tax in 
order to align it with international best practices, we are interested in knowing about the 
recommendations co ntained in the study about the tax reform. We hope it will remedy our concerns. 
Turning to the Saber electronic platform, Swiss manufacturers reported complex conformity 
assessment procedures even for low risk products as well as disproportionate fees, whi ch make the 
system very costly, burdensome and time -consuming. We recall the importance of providing 
sufficient information to guarantee transparency of the implementation of these regulations in order 
to avoid unnecessary burden to the economic operators.  We also underline the importance of 
keeping the documentation and certification requirements, as well as registration and certification 
fees, to what is necessary to assure an effective implementation of the applicable requirements.  
4.95.   To conclude, let me th ank the Saudi delegation’s active engagement in support of the 
multilateral trading system. We hope that the Saudi economy will soon return to its growth path 
following a stronger and more diversified integration into the world economy.  
4.96.   We wish Saudi Arabi a a successful Trade Policy Review.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.97.   The United States is pleased to welcome Governor Alharbi and the rest of the Saudi delegation 
to the third Trade Policy Review (TPR) of Saudi Arabia. We welcome the Secretariat and Government 
reports and th e opportunity to gain a clearer sense of the changes to Saudi Arabia’s trade regime 
since its last review in 2016.  
4.98.   Saudi Arabia is an important economic partner of the United States, and we look forward to 
increased engagement on trade issues.  
4.99.   The United S tates commends Saudi Arabia for maintaining solid economic growth since its 
last TPR. We also acknowledge Saudi Arabia’s ambitious reform efforts under “Vision 2030”, a 
comprehensive strategy designed to modernize and diversify its economy away from relian ce on 
traditional commodities.  
4.100.   While we appreciate the broad scope of Saudi Arabia’s reform agenda, we remain concerned 
by certain trade policies. For example, the United States understands that Saudi Arabia is 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, and we have asked for an opportunity 
to consult with Saudi Arabia on necessary revisions, including switching to a graduated tax based 
on sugar content, ensuring that the tax covers all beverages in which the total sugar content exceeds 
a minimum threshold, exempting beverages that contain no added sugar, and ensuring that there 
is no discrimination between energy drinks and other beverages  that have similar amounts of sugar.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  4.101.   The United States is disappointed with Saudi Arabia’s responses to U.S. questions regarding 
technical barriers to trade (TBT) and its inability or unwillingness to resolve issues raised through 
the TBT Enquiry point. So me of these issues go back as far as 2017. The underlying lack of 
transparency results in policy uncertainty that creates difficulties for firms trying to invest in and 
trade with Saudi Arabia. Examples include Saudi Arabia’s unclear guidelines, inconsiste nt 
implementation, and complex registration and certification processes associated with the “Saber 
Conformity Assessment Online Platform/Saleem Product Safety Program.” We wish to reiterate that 
consultation with, and involvement by, all interested parties  in the regulatory process often leads to 
better rules and regulations that meet their objectives while minimizing trade distorting effects. U.S. 
firms are committed to ensuring that their products meet relevant Saudi and Gulf Cooperation 
Council technical  regulations in order to access the Saudi market. We ask that these issues be 
addressed.  
4.102.   A strong and effective IPR regime is a critical component of attracting investment and 
achieving Saudi Arabia’s ambitious economic goals under Vision 2030. In pursuit of Vision 2030, 
Saudi Arabia is establishing innovation labs and platforms and engaging in initiatives throughout the 
country to encourage entrepreneurship. Moreover, in 2017, Saudi Arabia established the Saudi 
Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP), u shering in a more unified institutional IP framework. 
Although Saudi Arabia’s enforcement of IP has gradually taken steps forward, there is ample room 
for improvement. The United States would like to see Saudi Arabia continue to improve the adequacy 
and en forcement of IPR protection, including through the imposition of penalties that will deter 
copyright violations.  
4.103.   The United States is concerned about data localization requirements in Saudi Arabia and has 
requested additional detail on the types of data su bject to localization requirements. We would like 
to better understand the process for determining which data must be localized, and whether there 
are measures planned or in place to ensure that any restrictions placed on cross -border data flows 
are necess ary and proportional to the risks presented.  
4.104.   Saudi Arabia is a wealthy and influential player in the global economy. The World Bank has 
designated it as a “high income” economy, as it had a GNI per capita (purchasing power parity) of 
nearly USD 50,000 in 2 019. Saudi Arabia’s share of global merchandise trade exceeds 1%, and it is 
a member of the G20. In part for these reasons, we call on Saudi Arabia to no longer seek special 
and differential treatment in current and future WTO negotiations. By taking this step, Saudi Arabia 
would make a significant contribution to ensuring that the WTO remains a viable forum for 
meaningful trade negotiations.  
4.105.   The United States also notes that Saudi Arabia remains an observer to the WTO Agreement 
on Government Procurement (G PA) even though it committed in its Protocol of Accession to initiate 
negotiations for membership in the Agreement upon its accession in December 2005. We would 
appreciate if Saudi Arabia would indicate whether it intends to begin negotiations on finally j oining 
the GPA, and if so, when?  
4.106.   Saudi Arabia is a valued trading partner of the United States, and we welcome Saudi Arabia’s 
efforts to develop a more open trade and investment regime. We thank Saudi Arabia for responding 
to our questions and concerns, an d we look forward to further discussing Saudi Arabia’s trade regime 
over the next two days.  
BRAZIL  
4.107.   I extend a warm welcome to the delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by 
Mr. Abdulrahman Alharbi, Governor of the General Authority for Foreign Trade , an also to 
Ambassador Saqer Almoqbel and his team in Geneva. I thank the Saudi Government and the 
Secretariat for their reports, as well as you, Chair, for your opening remarks, and our discussant 
today, Ambassador Zhanar Aitzhanova (Kazakhstan), for her  exhaustive comments.  
4.108.   Brazil attaches great importance to the third Trade Policy Review of the Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia. Even though our countries have a longstanding political and economic relationship, our 
partnership is at an auspicious point, since Pre sident Jair Bolsonaro met with Crown Prince 
Mohammed bin Salman in Osaka, Japan, on the sidelines of the G20 summit, in June 2019. In 
October 2019, President Bolsonaro made an official visit to Riyadh, having been received by King WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  Salman and the Crown Prin ce and participated, as a guest of honor, in the Future Investment 
Initiative forum. The 2019 presidential visit culminated the process of strengthening our bilateral 
relations.  
4.109.   Our partnership has also evolved with intensity in economic issues. Saudi Arab ia is Brazil's 
main trading partner in the Middle East and North Africa, and Brazil is the main trading partner of 
Saudi Arabia in South America. Despite this, the volume of trade flows was already decreasing in 
the last years and declined considerably in 2020, to USD 3.4 billion, largely due to the effects of the 
COVID -19 pandemic on international trade.  
4.110.   There is immense potential for increasing commercial relations due to the complementarities 
of our economies, being Saudi Arabia a significant supplier o f oil and petrochemicals to Brazil and 
an important market for Brazilian poultry, sugar and meat, among other agriculture products.  
4.111.   Bilateral investments also have great untapped potential. Saudi Arabia already has some 
significant investments in Brazil, mainly in the agriculture and food sectors. Also relevant are 
corporate investments in sectors such as mining, plastics and in the ho spitality sector. There is 
potential for increased Saudi investments in fields such as energy, rail, oil and gas in Brazil.  
4.112.   In the opposite direction, there are opportunities for Brazilian investments in sectors such 
as mining, pharmaceuticals and meat pro duction in Saudi Arabia. After the visit of the President Jair 
Bolsonaro to Riyadh in 2019, an Inter -ministerial Committee for the Promotion of Trade and 
Investments was established between our countries. The committee became operational in 2020, 
with a vi ew to follow up on the announcement made, on the occasion of the Brazilian President’s 
visit, on the intention of the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) to invest up to USD 10 billion 
in Brazil.  
4.113.   The conclusion of the ongoing bilateral negotiations o n an Agreement to Eliminate Double 
Taxation and on an Investment Facilitation Cooperation Agreement are also important elements that 
will certainly contribute to expand investments between our countries.  
4.114.   Since the last TPR of the Kingdom in 2015, Brazil ha s been following the progress of Saudi 
Arabia in numerous economic and social aspects. Despite the impacts of the COVID -19 in the global 
economy, there are solid grounds for optimism based on sound macroeconomic policies, steady 
economic growth from 2015 t o 2019, deepening of trade liberalization and continuous efforts by the 
Government in achieving better governance and promoting important social reforms.  
4.115.   We note the numerous reforms under the auspices of the Vision 2030 strategic plan to 
modernize and di versify the Saudi economy. We commend the Saudi government for the priority 
attributed to improving competition on the domestic market by different means and policies, such 
as encouraging innovation, opening financial markets, simplifying customs procedure s, reforming 
the fiscal system, developing the capital markets for equity and debt, and promoting employment 
and participation of women in the labor force. We also follow with great interest the increasing efforts 
to foster investment in non -oil sectors an d other measures aiming at the overall diversification of 
the Saudi economy.  
4.116.   This review exercise is also a valuable opportunity for Members to identify the areas in the 
Saudi trade policy framework where further improvement would be beneficial to the syst em.  
4.117.   From the Brazilian perspective, agriculture is an area that comes immediately to the forefront 
of our concerns.  
4.118.   As noted by the Secretariat report, some concerns remain about Saudi Arabia’s technical 
regulations, non -automatic import licensing system  and sanitary and phytosanitary measures, which 
affect some of the main imports from Brazil on food and animal products.  
4.119.   On the measures to promote private investment, we acknowledge that this is a key element 
of the Kingdom’s strategy to modernize and div ersify its economy. But policies such as those 
requiring foreign companies to establish regional headquarters in the Kingdom or aiming at 
self-sufficiency in local agriculture production seems to contradict the principles of achieving 
legitimate policy obj ectives through international trade.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  4.120.   As a positive development regarding the commitment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the 
multilateral trade system, Brazil praises the Saudi government for its constructive engagement in 
many important ongoing negotiat ions, such as those related to fishing subsidies and the Joint 
Statement Initiatives on e -commerce, domestic regulation in services, investment facilitation and 
the informal program on MSMEs.  
4.121.   Brazil would yet like to praise the efforts of the Saudi presid ency of the G20 in providing 
political support for the discussions on WTO reforms by launching and promoting the Riyadh Initiative 
on the Future of the WTO.  
4.122.   I conclude by thanking the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the written responses to our 
questions, whi ch will be carefully reviewed in Brasilia.  
4.123.   I wish to the Saudi delegation a very successful and productive Trade Policy Review.  
MALAYSIA  
4.124.   Malaysia is pleased to take part in the 3rd Trade Policy Review of the Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia and would like to exten d a warm welcome to His Excellency Mr. Abdulrahman Alharbi, the 
Governor of General Authority for Foreign Trade and his delegation; and 
Ambassador  Saqer  Almoqbel and his team for their dedication.  
4.125.   We would also like to thank the discussant, Her Excellency Ambassador Zhanar Aitzhanova 
for her insightful comments.  
4.126.   First and foremost, Malaysia would like to commend the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its 
major policy reforms through “Vision 2030” in an effort to diversify and modernize its economy. The 
establishme nt of the Export -Import Bank, and the creation of special economic zones will 
undoubtedly boost trade and investment inflows into the country. Through “Vision 2030”, the 
Kingdom’s fiscal deficit declined from 15.8% in 2015 to 4.5% in 2019 prior to the COVI D-19 
pandemic. This is a notable achievement as the Kingdom continues to pursue its efforts in 
modernizing and diversifying its economy.  
4.127.   Malaysia also commends the Kingdom’s emphasis on implementing measures to create a 
more favourable business environmen t in recent years. This include areas such as starting a 
business, registering property and protecting minority investors which has seen the Kingdom’s 
improvement in rankings in some world economic indicators. The modernization of the judiciary has 
also gr eatly improved the climate for local and foreign investment.  
4.128.   Historically, Malaysia has developed strong partnership with Saudi Arabia, particularly in the 
economic sphere. In 2020, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was Malaysia’s 17th largest trading partner, 
with a total trade of USD 4.83 billion. Exports from Malaysia to the Kingdom increased significantly 
by 18% to USD 0.99 billion from USD 0.85 billion in 2019. However, we note that there is a decrease 
in imports by 14.2% to USD 3.84 billion from USD 4.54 bi llion in 2019. Malaysia continues to look 
forward to further improve the value of trade between both economies in the future. Bilateral 
investments also continue to flow. As of September 2020, a total of 18 manufacturing projects were 
approved in Malaysia with total investments worth USD 1.6 billion.   
4.129.   At the multilateral front, we applaud the Kingdom’s substantial efforts in adhering to the 
various WTO Agreements, for example, in ratifying the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement in 2016. 
Malaysia notes that d uring its G20 presidency, the Kingdom launched the Riyadh Initiative on the 
future of the WTO, which aims to identify common grounds and shared principles for the next 
25 years of the WTO, and to provide the political support needed to make progress in the  discussions 
on WTO reforms among all WTO Members. This initiative has been explicitly recognised by G20 
Leaders at the Riyadh Summit on 21 -22 November 2020.  
4.130.   We also appreciate the Kingdom’s active participation in supporting the discussion on new 
and eme rging issues in the WTO and her contribution in the Joint Statement Initiatives on 
E-Commerce, Investment Facilitation for Development, Domestic Regulation in Services, and the 
informal programme on micro, small and medium -sized enterprises (MSMEs).  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  4.131.   For this current review, Malaysia had submitted written questions on areas such as sanitary 
and phytosanitary requirements, government procurement and investment. In general, Malaysia 
looks forward to obtain further clarifications in terms of the rules and proc edures governing the 
technical standards and SPS requirements especially for agriculture and food products.  
4.132.   We would like to thank the Kingdom for the responses, and we will examine the responses 
with great interest. We wish the Kingdom’s delegation a prod uctive and successful TPR.  
PHILIPPINES  
4.133.   The Philippine delegation warmly welcomes and congratulates the delegation of the Kingdom 
of Saudi Arabia led by Governor Abdulrahman Alharbi of the Saudi General Authority for Foreign 
Trade, and Ambassador Saqer Abdu llah Almoqbel of the Permanent Mission of Saudi Arabia to the 
WTO on their third Trade Policy Review. We also thank Ambassador Zhanar Aitzhanova of 
Kazakhstan for her insightful comments as discussant, and the WTO Secretariat for its 
comprehensive report.  
4.134.   The Philippines has a longstanding bilateral relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
which was formally established in October 1969. The Philippines and the KSA have signed a number 
of agreements since 1980, mostly under the auspices of the Joint Co mmission Meetings which was 
established under the 1994 General Framework Agreement on Economic, Trade, Commercial, 
Investment and Technical Cooperation. We also signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty in 
October  1994 which entered into force in November 1996.  
4.135.   Saudi Arabia is the Philippines’ second largest trading partner in the Gulf Cooperation Council 
and the 19th largest trading partner in the world. In 2019, total bilateral trade between our two 
countries amounted to USD 1.20 billion, making it the Philipp ines’ 17th import supplier and 
30th export market.  
4.136.   Philippine exports to KSA grew by 59% from USD 84.15 million in 2018 to 
USD 134.10  million in 2019 mainly due to the rise in the sales and outward shipment of bananas, 
pineapples, and parts of aeroplanes or helicopters from the Philippines. Meanwhile, Philippine 
imports from KSA declined by 43.60% from USD 1.88 billion in 2018 to USD 1.06 billion in 2019 
mainly due to the decline in the inward shipment of petroleum oils and oils obtained from bi tuminous 
minerals from KSA.  
4.137.   The Philippines notes the heavy dependence of Saudi Arabia's economy on the oil sector. 
However, during the review period, we acknowledge the wide range of cross -cutting and 
sector -specific policy initiatives introduced by Saudi  Arabia to modernize and diversify its economy. 
We recognize the launch of KSA’s "Vision 2030" in 2016 which encompasses a wide range of policies 
to increase investments in non -oil sectors and promote non -oil exports, create more private -sector 
jobs for Sa udi nationals, increase the participation of women in the workforce, support small - and 
medium -sized enterprises, privatize state -owned assets and government services, deregulate the 
energy market and reform energy and water prices, and improve the busines s environment to attract 
foreign and local investments.  
4.138.   The Philippines also notes the significant change in Saudi Arabia's institutional framework 
for trade policy formulation and implementation through the establishment of the General Authority 
for Forei gn Trade (GAFT) in January 2019. As a separate public entity responsible for all trade policy 
matters, we note GAFT’s lead role in KSA’s international trade negotiations, including WTO -related 
matters.  
4.139.   We commend Saudi Arabia’s strong support to the multi lateral trading system as 
demonstrated in the extensive commitments it has undertaken upon its accession to the WTO in 
2005. We also took note of Saudi Arabia's negotiating interests in the WTO, including its support to 
the Joint Ministerial Statements on electronic commerce, investment facilitation for development, 
domestic regulation in services, and MSMEs.  
4.140.   The Philippines recognizes the significant developments in Saudi Arabia’s economic policies, 
and we look forward to learning more about these policie s through this trade policy review process. WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  Our delegation has submitted some advance written questions on the TPR reports and we thank the 
delegation of the Saudi Arabia in advance for their prompt replies.  
4.141.   In closing, the Philippines looks forward to fu rther enhancing the mutually beneficial 
economic relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the bilateral, regional, and multilateral fora.  
RUSSIAN  FEDERATION  
4.142.   I would like to extend a warm welcome to the delegation of Saudi Arabia. We appreciate the 
comprehensive reports by the Government the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the WTO Secretariat. 
Our thanks also go to the discussant, H.E. Mrs. Zhanar Aitzhanova, for her thoughtful remarks. We 
hope that this TPR will contribute significantly to the transparency  of the trade regime of 
Saudi  Arabia.  
4.143.   First of all, allow me to wish best of luck to the Government of Saudi Arabia in overcoming 
the adverse effects of the COVID -19 pandemic. Saudi economy has been hit especially hard by the 
fluctuating oil prices and plu mmeting demand. In this regard, I would like to commend the efforts 
of Riyadh on implementing "Vision 2030", a comprehensive strategy designed to modernize and 
diversify the Saudi economy with a strong focus on promotion of international trade. Specific re sults 
are already visible in terms of simplification of customs procedures, elimination of certain trade and 
investment restrictions, introduction of new policy instruments. This is an important contribution to 
the Kingdom’s general openness to internation al trade and foreign investment.  
4.144.   Saudi Arabia has been Russia’s long -time trading partner. Over the years, our countries have 
been developing economic cooperation in a number of areas. The total trade turnover amounted in 
2019 to USD 1,7 billion, growing b y 58% compared to the previous year. Currently a roadmap of 
bilateral engagement on trade and economic issues is being discussed, with a multitude of joint 
projects envisioned. We highly appreciate the collaboration with the Kingdom in terms of maintaining  
the stability of international oil market.  
4.145.   Russia welcomes Saudi Arabia’s continued commitment to the multilateral trading system, 
active participation in the WTO negotiations and joint statements initiatives, its overall commendable 
notification record. We appreciate the efforts of Saudi Arabia during its G20 presidency on promoting 
international trade agenda and building political momentum on key WTO issues.  
4.146.   Russia has submitted a number of written questions related to issues of agriculture, 
competition rules, investment, financial services and intellectual property rights. We look forward to 
receiving comprehensive replies.  
4.147.   In conclusion, we would like to thank you, Mr. Chairman, the delegation of Saudi Arabia, the 
Secretariat and the discussant, for the  impressive work done so far and wish the Kingdom a 
successful Trade Policy Review.  
UNITED  KINGDOM  
4.148.   On behalf of Her Majesty’s Government, I am pleased to add my welcome to the delegation 
of Saudi Arabia, led by His Excellency Governor Abdulrahman Alharbi. I would also like to join other 
delegations in expressing appreciation for the work of the Secretar iat in the preparation of their 
report for this Trade Policy Review, and to her Excellency Ambassador Aitzhanova, for her remarks 
as discussant.  
4.149.   We were particularly encouraged by a number of positive developments since the previous 
review, highlighted in the reports from the Secretariat and Saudi Arabia. These include the opening 
of various sectors, including the intention to launch the Open Banking Framework, facilitating trade 
through the modernisation of customs procedures, especially during the COVID -19 pandemic, and 
the removal of restrictions on many sectors to encourage foreign investment.  
4.150.   We welcome the establishment, in 2017, of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property and 
look forward to working closely with Saudi Arabia to understand new cha nges, due to the closure of 
the GCC Patent Office, to protect intellectual property rights and entrepreneurship. A number of the WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  advance written questions we submitted related to the IP regime, and we appreciate the replies 
provided by Saudi Arabia on thes e and our other questions.  
4.151.   It is encouraging to see Saudi Arabia advancing in the business environment rankings. We 
would like to congratulate Saudi Arabia for its commitment to opening up sectors to foreign 
investment. We welcome the opportunity to work more closely, to remove further restrictions on the 
level for foreign ownership in other key sectors such as Financial and Professional Business services, 
to bolster Saudi Arabia’s Vision 20230 diversification efforts.  
4.152.   The United Kingdom strongly supports the Government Procurement Agreement, which 
ensures open, fair and transparent conditions of competition as well as value for money on public 
procurement. We hope that Saudi Arabia will consider initiating negotiations to join the GPA soon.  
4.153.   We would like t o congratulate Saudi Arabia on successfully hosting the G20 Presidency last 
year, despite the complications and disruptions resulting from the pandemic. We note in particular 
their work to protect and promote free trade, including through the Riyadh Initia tive and coordinating 
the March 2020 G20 Trade Ministers statement, which called for any emergency measures designed 
to tackle COVID -19 to be targeted, proportionate, transparent, and temporary, and avoid creating 
unnecessary barriers to trade or disruptio n to global supply chains. We look forward to further 
cooperation on our shared objective of strengthening the multilateral trading system.  
4.154.   We appreciate Saudi Arabia’s active participation in this WTO Review and wish them all the 
best. 
INDONESIA  
4.155.   We would like to extend a warm welcome to the Governor of General Authority for Foreign 
Trade, H.E. Abdulrahman Alharbi, H.E. Ambassador Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel and his delegation for 
the third Trade Policy Review of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We thank Saudi Arab ia for the 
comprehensive Government report and Statement. We also thank the TPRB Chair, 
Ambassador  Harald Aspelund, the Secretariat, and the discussant, Ambassador Zhanar Aitzhanova 
of Kazakhstan, for their insightful perspectives and comments.  
4.156.   Indonesia i s pleased to note that Saudi Arabia has performed significant efforts in an attempt 
to modernize and diversify its economy through a comprehensive strategy called “Vision 2030”. This 
strategy was launched primarily to tackle structural challenges, includin g the volatility of the oil 
market since the last review period.  
4.157.   We observe that Saudi Arabia’s GDP grew 1.6 percent on average during 2015 -19. 
Nevertheless, the COVID -19 pandemic has affected the world’s demand for oil, resulting in a 
significant decreas e on Saudi Arabia’s revenues in 2020. Consequently, Saudi Arabia’s GDP fell from 
0.3% in 2019 to minus 5.4% in 2020.  
4.158.   In terms of international fora, Indonesia welcomes that Saudi Arabia has made an 
improvement in commitments by ratifying the Trade Facilita tion Agreement (TFA) in 2016, its active 
participation in several Joint Ministerial Statement Initiatives, and its keenness to discuss the future 
of the WTO. Furthermore, during Saudi Arabia's G20 presidency, two extraordinary meetings were 
held to address  the challenges posed by the COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.159.   Over the last few years, we note that trade balance between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia 
have fluctuated with the trend of total trade in goods rose by 0.56 percent from 2016 -20. COVID -19 
has significantly brou ght adverse impact to our trade balance, with the record of the total trade of 
USD 3.9 billion in 2020, fall from USD 5 billion in 2019 or decrease by 22.07%.  
4.160.   The decline of the trade balance between the two nations could also be attributed to the 
measures taken by Saudi Arabia to deal with the unfavorable economic situation as a result of the 
pandemic. The Saudi Arabian government raised the amount of Value -Added Tax (VAT) and import 
tariffs on various products such as: food products, chemicals, plastic, rubber, leather, paper, clothes, 
shoes, marble, ceramics, furniture and machinery. Indonesia appreciates if the Government of the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia could provide a detailed explanation about the measures, including the 
time frame of the imposition of measures in question.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  4.161.   Indonesia understands the concern of some nations eschew importing certain products to 
prevent virus transmission. However, there are al so considerations for flexibility or exceptions during 
the pandemic, so that export and import activities will resume. In this case, Indonesia found that 
through a new provision, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) requests list of regulations 
regardi ng imported products (in English) that applies in the origin countries as additional 
requirement to conduct on -site audit. Indonesia seeks clarification on it and welcomes alternative 
on-site review.  
4.162.   As an Islamic country, Indonesia acknowledges the import ance of having strict marking and 
labelling requirements, especially for imports of meat and poultry meat, as currently imposed by the 
Saudi Arabian government. Indonesia has an interest in expanding its export products in Saudi 
Arabia and, therefore look forward to further details on the requirements to obtain halal accreditation 
from the Saudi Halal Centre.  
4.163.   Indonesia has submitted written questions related to these concerns and is waiting for the 
responses provided. We are going to take a careful look at them and will accordingly follow -up if 
necessary.  
4.164.   To conclude, Indonesia will continue to strengthen its cooperation with Saudi Arabia on the 
multilateral, regional and bilateral fronts, especially through the Comprehensive Economic 
Partnership Agreement between Indonesia with Gulf Countries Cooperation. We wish Saudi Arabia 
every success for this TPR and wish everyone for staying healthy.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.165.   I would first like to welcome the delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by 
H.E. Mr. Abdulrahma n Alharbi (Governor of the Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade). I would 
also like to thank the WTO Secretariat and the delegation of Saudi Arabia for their reports, which 
form the basis for our discussion today and the discussant, H.E. Mrs. Zhanar Ai tzhanova 
(Ambassador of Kazakhstan) for her remarks.  
4.166.   Trading has a very long and illustrious history on the Arabian Peninsula. Frankincense and 
myrrh, highly prized in antiquity as fragrances, could only be obtained from trees growing in 
southern Arabia, a nd parts of Africa. Arab merchants brought these goods to Roman markets by 
camel caravans along the Incense Route.  
4.167.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remained actively engaged in preserving the openness and the 
transparency of world trade during the economic and  health crisis of the last years. The EU would 
like to underline the particular role and contribution provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during 
its G20 chairmanship, notably its proactive stance with regard to the WTO reform. The EU welcomed 
the “Riya dh initiative on the future of the WTO”, which started a political dialogue to generate 
common views on the WTO reform. The EU counts on the ongoing commitment of the Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia to the urgent task of WTO reform.  
4.168.   Since 2016, the Kingdom of Saud i Arabia is also pursuing an upgraded, internal economic 
modernisation agenda, embodied by the “Vision 2030” Programme, an ambitious roadmap for 
economic diversification and further economic development. The country has also taken important 
steps to improv e the investment climate and to facilitate business cooperation.  
4.169.   The COVID -19 pandemic had deep worldwide repercussions on the economic landscape, 
including in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The drop of oil prices and travel restrictions hit heavily the 
plans to diversify the economy, to launch wide scale projects and to attract tourism. GDP declined 
by 5.4 in 2020. Despite the Covid -19 pandemic, the IMF predicts that the economy of the Kingdom 
of Saudi Arabia will grow at 3% in 2021.  
4.170.   However, the EU notes a lso that, according to IMF data, the Saudi economy remains 
dependent on exports of crude oil products; and the petroleum sector accounted for two thirds of 
government revenue before the COVID -19 crises. Diversification away from fossil fuels is necessary 
in light of the global policy changes to pursue environmental and climate -friendly economic 
development.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  4.171.   Open trade and investment policy would contribute to achieve transformational goals the 
fastest. Therefore, the EU would encourage the Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia to consider further policy 
initiatives for enhancing the transparency of its regulatory environment and further opening up to 
investment. Such measures would further support economic growth and employment and steer its 
economy towards a more sustai nable trajectory, and foster the Kingdom's attractiveness as a 
destination for EU foreign investment.  
4.172.   As regards the EU’s bilateral relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, trade, 
investment and economic dialogue form an important part of the bilater al agenda. The EU is 
Saudi  Arabia’s second trading partner, with 15.2 % of Saudi Arabia’s global trade (the EU is first in 
terms of imports and second in terms of exports), while Saudi Arabia is the EU's 14th largest partner 
for trade in goods. Moreover, t he EU is Saudi Arabia’s largest foreign investor. While the negotiations 
for an EU -GCC FTA were suspended in 2008, the EU remains open to engage in a dialogue on how 
to bring the trade partnership forward in order to provide for enhanced trade and investme nt 
cooperation.  
4.173.   In the WTO, the EU works with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the Joint Statement 
Initiatives on e -commerce, investment facilitation for development, domestic regulation in services, 
and micro, small, and medium -sized enterprises, which cons titute an important and forward -looking 
agenda for the international trade and this organisation.  
4.174.   While the EU acknowledges that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has undertaken important 
initiatives to facilitate trade and foreign investment, it is the EU's vi ew that further efforts would be 
necessary, to enhance the transparency of the import procedures, in particular with reference to 
standards and technical regulations. Moreover, the EU would also see a need for a review of the 
requirements for investment an d running businesses in Saudi Arabia, with the view to open more 
activities to foreign owned companies and to provide more tools to enhance the transparency over 
the established entities and to assist international companies in finding the appropriate part ner for 
doing business.  
4.175.   On behalf of the EU, I wish the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a very productive and successful 
Review.   
REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.176.   I would like to extend a warm welcome to the delegates in Geneva as well as in Riyadh for 
the third Trade Policy R eview of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). I would like to especially thank 
the Governor of General Authority for Foreign Trade, H.E. Abdulrahman Alharbi, for his 
comprehensive presentation.  
4.177.   My special appreciation also goes to Ambassador Zhanar Aitzhano va (Kazakhstan) for her 
contribution as a discussant and to the Secretariat for its informative report.  
4.178.   Also, I would like to thank Ambassador Saqer Abdulla Almoqbel, Permanent Representative 
of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the WTO, and his team for thei r hard work.  
4.179.   Korea takes note that Saudi Arabia’s economy continues to be heavily dependent on oil and 
shows certain structural weaknesses including the high unemployment rate among Saudi nationals.  
4.180.   Since oil markets have been volatile during the review years, the current account balance 
has significantly fluctuated and the real GDP average growth during 2015 -19 was 1.6% with non -oil 
sectors outpacing the growth of the oil sector.  
4.181.   Korea also notes that Saudi Arabia has made efforts to modernize and divers ify its economy, 
in particular Vision 2030 launched in 2016. Progress in Vision 2030 includes declining fiscal deficit, 
improved business climate, and changes in government structure.  
4.182.   Saudi Arabia is a strong supporter of the multilateral trading system an d the WTO. The 
Kingdom’s economic transformation is characterized by its openness to international trade and 
foreign investment. However, the emphasis on localization might raise questions about the potential 
trade -distorting effects involved.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  4.183.   My delegatio n would like to congratulate Saudi Arabia on successfully hosting the G20 
summit. We look forward to strengthening our cooperation as members of G20.  
4.184.   Turning to the bilateral side, Saudi Arabia was Korea’s fourth largest import partner in 2019. 
As the larg est petroleum supplier to Korea, Saudi Arabia has played an important role in Korea’s 
economic growth. Korea has also contributed to the economic development of Saudi Arabia by 
participating in building infrastructure such as highways, harbors, and plants.  
4.185.   Although bilateral trade decreased in 2019 due to the decline in oil prices, I believe that both 
countries will continue to build a comprehensive economic partnership based on the close economic 
relations developed so far.  
4.186.   Taking this opportunity, I would like to reiterate some points to which we look forward to 
receiving Saudi Arabia’s productive and positive response.  
4.187.   First, it appears that Saudi Arabia has maintained a number of local content requirements 
(LCRs) under Vi sion 2030 to boost its domestic industries across sectors. I would like to ask 
Saudi  Arabia to provide more information on its LCR measures in detail and to share its position on 
the WTO consistency of such measures.  
4.188.   Second, in spite of the written princip les for investment, there have been a lack of effective 
incentives (e.g. tax benefits) and strengthened restrictions and duties (e.g. Saudization). It would 
be appreciated if Saudi Arabia could provide a clear explanation on the principles, especially 
regarding incentives for investors.  
4.189.   Third, foreign investors pay a corporate income tax of 20% on profits. The ratio is quite high 
compared to KSA and GCC companies which pay Zakat at a rate of 2.5%. Would there be any 
possibility of adjusting the ratio of cor porate income tax for foreign investors to attract more FDI?  
4.190.   Fourth, in the engineering sector, companies are required to hire more than 20% of Saudi 
Arabian citizens among the total workforce. However, it is very difficult to hire competent engineers 
with reasonable salaries. Does the government have any plans to cultivate more engineering 
personnel?  
4.191.   With regard to these and other matters, my delegation has submitted, albeit somewhat late, 
our written questions. We look forward to receiving a response in d ue course.  
4.192.   I would like to once again highlight Saudi Arabia’s efforts to contribute to a more open, 
transparent, and efficient overall trading environment.  
4.193.   Let me conclude by expressing my sincere appreciation once more to the delegation of the 
Kingdom o f Saudi Arabia for its hard work and wishing the delegation a successful TPR.  
ICELAND  
4.194.   Iceland welcomes the distinguished delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and 
H.E. Mr. Abdulrahman Alharbi to this Trade Policy Review and would like to express apprec iation the 
WTO Secretariat, as well as to Saudi Arabia for the reports prepared, as well as to the discussant, 
for her excellent framing of the issues for the discussion.  
4.195.   Saudi Arabia's economy is heavily dependent on foreign trade of mineral products. Du ring 
the review period Saudi Arabia has initiated a wide range of cross -cutting and sector -specific policy 
initiatives aimed at modernizing and diversifying the economy.  
4.196.   Specifically, the Vision 2030 initiative encompasses policies to create jobs and to in crease 
the participation of women in the workforce as well as support small - and medium -sized enterprises 
and increase investment in non -oil sectors and promote non -oil exports.  
4.197.   Iceland welcomes all initiatives to increase women’s participation in trade a nd we take note 
of the positive developments. We encourage the Saudi Authorities to continue on that path towards 
full gender equality in a good cooperation with defenders of equal rights.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  4.198.   As the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic are still unfolding, new ch allenges arise related to 
trade and trade -related activities. It is now widely recognised that women are likely to be harder hit 
than men by trade disruptions caused by the pandemic.  
4.199.   In September 2020, a group of WTO Members agreed to establish an Informa l Working 
Group on Trade and Gender, marking the next phase of the Buenos Aires initiative kickstarted in 
2017 to increase the participation of women in trade.  
4.200.   The trade policy review provides an excellent opportunity to share best practices of 
respective  experiences relating to policies and programs to encourage women's participation in 
national and international trade and thus promoting sustainable socioeconomic development.  
4.201.   Iceland submitted advance written questions on the participation of women in th e economy 
of Saudi Arabia. The answers will be useful as we gather best practices.  
4.202.   Iceland appreciates Saudi Arabia’s active engagement in WTO and their continued support 
for the multilateral trading system. We wish the delegation of Saudi Arabia every suc cess for their 
trade policy review.  
TURKEY  
4.203.   We would like to join previous speakers in extending a warm welcome to the delegation of 
Saudi Arabia, headed by Mr. Abdulrahman Alharbi, Governor of General Authority for Foreign Trade.  
4.204.   We took note of his introd uctory remarks and we thank the delegation of Saudi Arabia for 
their report. We would also like to thank the Secretariat for its comprehensive report as well as our 
discussant Ambassador Zhanar Aitzhanova of Kazakhstan for her substantial contribution to t he 
review.   
4.205.   As the world’s second -largest crude oil producer in 2019 and the world’s largest crude oil 
exporter, Saudi Arabia's economy continues to be heavily dependent on oil. The review period 
witnessed a wide range of initiatives aimed at diversifying  the economy. The launch of “Vision 2030” 
in 2016 is a step in that direction. Continuing such initiatives to improve the competitiveness of the 
non-oil sector is important not only for the risks arising from the volatility of oil markets, but also 
for add ressing the structural weaknesses.  
4.206.   As you know, Trade Policy Review is an important pillar of this Organization. Members are 
expected to be monitored in terms of conformity of their policies and practices with the rules they 
adhered to. In this respect, we  believe that trade policies of Saudi Arabia during this review period, 
aiming to restrict the entry of Turkish goods and services, deserve our close attention. I will outline 
this issue in my statement.  
4.207.   Turkey and Saudi Arabia have been important trade pa rtners for many years, reaching a 
bilateral trade volume exceeding USD 6 billion in 2019. However, trade ties between two countries 
have recently been disrupted by the trade restrictive policies of Saudi Arabia against the imports 
from Turkey.  
4.208.   Especially starting in the second half of the year 2020, imports from Turkey have 
systematically been subject to discriminatory and arbitrary practices with unreasonably long delays 
at the Saudi customs and unnecessarily burdensome product safety inspections.  
4.209.   Due to  the long delays at the customs, hundreds of containers of fresh fruits and vegetables 
have been perished, resulting in high additional costs related to these long delays.  
4.210.   These practices have also been extended to husbandry and poultry products and 
Saudi  Arabia restricted imports from Turkey on the ground of SPS measures which has no scientific 
basis.  
4.211.   In addition to this, in Saudi customs, Turkish products have been inspected in accordance 
with the conformity assessment procedures applied for differe nt kind of products. Additionally, some WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  Turkish products are rejected at customs due to problems related to labelling, despite bearing the 
exact same labelling as before.  
4.212.   These developments are taking place despite the discourse in the Government report, 
claiming that Saudi customs facilitated and automated procedures to be ranked the first in the region 
for providing distinguished custom services.  
4.213.   These practices took a new turn when Turkish exporters in many sectors have been informed 
by the Saudi impor ters to suspend or cancel their already contracted shipments as the importation 
of Turkish products into Saudi Arabia are not permitted anymore. In addition, Turkish exporters 
have been informed on different occasions that Saudi companies are being forced to sign "letter of 
commitment" not to import from Turkey as part of pressures by Saudi authorities. Very recently, 
last week, Chairman of the Council of Saudi Chambers has publicly made another call for continuation 
of the boycott on Turkish goods. We will  be pleased to receive the explanation of Saudi Arabian 
authorities.  
4.214.   As a result of these prohibitive policies, Turkey’s exports to Saudi Arabia decreased 30% in 
the second half of the 2020, while the drop in exports reached 93% in January 2021 compared to  
the same month of previous year. Due to the de facto “import ban”, the reasons of which are 
incomprehensible, our bilateral trade has not been conducted in its normal flow.  
4.215.   We would like to emphasize that the import prohibitive policies of Saudi Arabia a re not only 
harmful to bilateral trade, but also have disruptive effects on global value chains and these practices 
have systemic impact on the overall world trade. Needless to say, this is totally contradictory to the 
advocacy of Saudi Arabia for multilat eralism in this organization and during its recent G20 
presidency.  
4.216.   We raised this issue as an agenda item at the CTG meeting and have been raising our 
concerns under different Committees, but unfortunately no progress has been made so far. We sent 
our ques tions with regard to these disguised practices of Saudi Arabia and are looking to have the 
answers.  
4.217.   These restrictive policies and practices of Saudi Arabia against Turkish goods and services 
are clear violation of the relevant provisions of WTO Agreements  and also contradicts the objectives 
that Saudi Arabia refers in its Government report.  
4.218.   Turkey urges Saudi Arabia to abide by its WTO commitments and to bring its policies and 
practices concerning Turkey in line with its WTO obligations for ensuring smoot h flow of bilateral 
trade. As always, Turkey stands ready to engage bilaterally with Saudi Arabia for addressing all 
trade -related matters and promoting fair and balanced bilateral trade relations.  
EGYPT  ON BEHALF  OF THE ARAB  GROUP  
4.219.   I deliver this statement  on behalf of the Arab Group, extending a very warm welcome to His 
Excellency Mr. Abdulrahman Al -Harbi, Governor of the General Authority for Foreign Trade of the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the esteemed delegation from Riyadh and in Geneva.  
4.220.   We thank both the Government of Saudi Arabia and the Secretariat for their comprehensive 
reports, as well as Her Excellency Amb. Zhanar Aitzhanova (of Kazakhstan) for her insightful 
comments as discussant.  
4.221.   The Arab Group welcomes Saudi Arabia’s "Vision 2030" strategy an d its overarching 
objectives towards modernizing and diversifying the economy, with a focus on increasing 
competitiveness and participation of women, as well as creating more private sector -led jobs.  
4.222.   To that end, Saudi Arabia adopted several new policy ins truments, including cross cutting 
and sector -specific initiatives, most notably the National Strategy for Special Economic Zones, the 
National Industrial Development Program, and several mega -projects and investments, including 
NEOM City.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  4.223.   It is very promis ing to see that since the launch of Vision 2030 in 2016, non -oil sectors 
outpaced growth of the oil sector. We hope that the current global crisis stemming from the 
COVID -19 pandemic would not hinder the implementation of this strategy and its envisioned 
deliverables.  
4.224.   The World Bank's Ease of Doing Business 2020 Index shows that Saudi Arabia; climbed 
30 positions since 2019 to reach the 62nd spot out of 190 economies, becoming the most improved 
country for doing business.  
4.225.   Much of this success owes to a wide  range of reforms and institutional restructuring, aimed 
at improving the business climate and attracting more local and foreign investments. The 
Secretariat’s report enlists several policies adopted in this regard, such as eliminating foreign 
investment r estrictions, streamlining license requirements, reducing negative lists and improving 
access to credit, as well as implementing several trade facilitation measures.  
4.226.   The Arab Group commends Saudi Arabia’s leading role during its Presidency of G20 in 2020, 
particularly with regards to addressing the global challenges posed by the pandemic, both on the 
immediate term and the longer -term towards global economic recovery, where the WTO has a 
central role to play.  
4.227.   The “Riyadh Initiative” is another resourceful co ntribution by Saudi Arabia’s G20 Presidency, 
seeking to resolve key areas of divergence between WTO Members on some important issues.  
4.228.   Saudi Arabia’s nomination of its former Minister of Economy Mr. Mohammed Al -Tuwaijri for 
the post of Director -General is y et another testament of its strong commitment to the Multilateral 
Trading System. The Secretariat report seconds this commitment by highlighting Saudi Arabia’s 
decent record in submitting notifications to the WTO, and its ratification of the Trade Facilita tion 
Agreement in 2016.  
4.229.   In addition to its firm support of a rule -based Multilateral Trading System, Saudi Arabia has 
been actively negotiating some bilateral and regional trade agreements, in view of their contribution 
to free and open trade.  
4.230.   We praise H.  E. Ambassador Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel and his esteemed team of experts for 
their active role in WTO discussions, as well as in coordinating the positions of the Arab Group.  
4.231.   Finally, the Arab Group and wishes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a very successful a nd fruitful 
Trade Policy Review.  
EGYPT  
4.232.   Turning to the Statement in my national capacity, and in view of the time constraints of my 
intervention, I shall focus on the bilateral sphere. Needless to say, Egypt and Saudi Arabia share 
exceptional historic relat ions, including on commercial and economic fronts.   
4.233.   With regards to trade, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have been members of the Great Arab Free 
Trade Area (GAFTA) since its establishment in 1998, which contributed to the steady growth of trade 
between the two countries.  
4.234.   The volume of bilateral trade in 2019 reached USD 8 billion, and exceeded USD 5 billion in 
the first five months of 2020, recording a 57% increase in Egypt’s non -petroleum exports to 
Saudi  Arabia compared to the corresponding period of 2019. The  diversified structure of such 
exports, including electronic appliances, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, iron and steel, makes 
Saudi Arabia one of Egypt’s significant export destinations.  
4.235.   Saudi Arabia is Egypt’s second largest investor, with more than 6 thousand companies and 
a capital contribution surpassing USD 6 billion, concentrated in manufacturing, construction and 
tourism sectors.  
4.236.   We look forward to continue enhancing our economic r elations to a level that would further 
reflect the profoundness of our exceptional ties.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  4.237.   In conclusion, it gives us great pleasure to take part in the third Trade Policy Review of the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and we wish the esteemed Saudi delegation a su ccessful and fruitful 
Review.  
COSTA  RICA 
4.238.   Permítame, en primer lugar, unirme a los saludos a la delegación del Reino de Arabia Saudita 
encabezada por el Excmo. Sr. Abdulrahman Alharbi y agradecerle el informe presentado esta 
mañana, así como a la ponente, l a distinguida Embajadora Aitzhanova de Kazajistán y a la Secretaría 
por su informe.  
4.239.   Si hubiera que darle un calificativo al periodo transcurrido desde el último Examen de 
Políticas Comerciales de Arabia Saudita en la OMC, lo describiría como Periodo de Ref orma Continua 
y a todo nivel. En efecto, es impresionante observar los esfuerzos desplegados durante estos años 
por las autoridades saudíes para modernizar su economía, diversificar su matriz de producción y de 
exportación, abrir los sectores para la inver sión extranjera directa y reducir su dependencia del 
petróleo, a través de la estrategia plasmada en el programa Visión 2030.   
4.240.   En materia de competitividad y de facilidad para hacer negocios, la reforma emprendida ha 
dado frutos muy importantes, logrando una mejora impresionante en el puesto que ocupa el país en 
el Doing Business 2020 del Banco Mundial.  En materia de facilitación del comercio observamos la 
mejora de los procedimientos aduaneros, con la creación de una ventanilla única nacional, así como 
de los sistemas de intercambio de datos y un nuevo sistema de gestión de riesgos. En el campo de 
los servicios vemos con interés las reformas tendientes a dar una mayor participación a este sector 
y a avanzar hacia una economía basada en las habilidades. El  turismo ocupa también un lugar 
destacado como un sector que por su potencial está llamado a ocupar un puesto cada vez más 
importante en la economía saudí. Además, alentamos a Arabia Saudita en continuar en sus esfuerzos 
en promover un mayor empoderamiento  de la mujer y aumentar su participación en el sector del 
comercio exterior y en su economía.  
4.241.   Nos complace el liderazgo de Arabia Saudita en el G20 y su compromiso con la reforma del 
sistema multilateral de comercio de la OMC, a través de la Iniciativa de Riad sobre el Futuro de esta 
organización. Arabia Saudita participa activamente en las negociaciones en curso en la OMC y, 
además, forma parte de las 4 iniciativas conjuntas en materia de comercio electrónico, facilitación 
de las inversiones, micros, peque ñas y medianas empresas y reglamentación nacional en el campo 
de los servicios. Como coordinador de esta última iniciativa, quisiera agradecer el compromiso y la 
activa participación de Arabia Saudita en la discusión de disciplinas sobre reglamentación nac ional 
y confío que pronto puedan completar sus procedimientos nacionales para la presentación de su lista 
indicativa de compromisos. De igual forma, quisiera aprovechar esta oportunidad para invitar a 
Arabia Saudita a sumarse a la iniciativa sobre Comercio  y Sostenibilidad Ambiental que precisamente 
tiene su primera reunión este viernes 5 de marzo.  
4.242.   Con estas palabras concluyo mi intervención, no sin antes desear al Reino de Arabia Saudita 
un provechoso Examen de Políticas Comerciales.  
MAURITIUS  
4.243.   We warmly we lcome the high level of delegation from Saudi Arabia led by 
H.E. Mr Abdulrahman Alharbi, Governor of the Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade and 
congratulate Saudi Arabia for pursuing its third policy review despite the challenges of the Pandemic.  
4.244.   We also thank the Secretariat for its report and the discussant, 
Ambassador  Zhanar  Aitzhanova of Kazakhstan for the insights provided about the country and its 
trade policy.  
4.245.   We would like to congratulate Saudi Arabia for the continued reform of its economy, 
economic diversification and modernisation.   
4.246.   Five years after the launch of Vision 2030, we can witness the effectiveness of this strategy. 
The simplification of customs procedures, the removal of foreign investment restrictions and the 
development of new policy instruments to promote exports suggest an open approach to WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  international trade and foreign investments and this will no doubt further accelerate the 
transformation of the Kingdom.  
4.247.   The fiscal deficit pre -COVID 19 had already dropped from 15.8% in 20 15 to 4.5% in 2019, 
reflecting the progress in diversifying and stabilising Government revenues. Not surprisingly, in the 
World Bank Doing Business 2020 report, Saudi Arabia climbed up 30 places making it the top 
reformer and improver among the 190 countri es on the Index.  
4.248.   Allow me, in particular, to salute the significant progress made by Saudi Arabia, on Women’s 
economic Inclusion and Empowerment. We note Saudi Arabia’s leading ranking for the second year 
in a row, in the World Bank’s Women, Business and t he Law 2021 report. We believe this is a 
fundamental step in ensuring a participative approach to nation building and congratulate Saudi 
Arabia for its determination to ensure that women enjoy full rights.  
4.249.   We also commend the country for demonstrating its commitment to the multilateral trading 
system. During its G20 Presidency, we saw the holding of two extraordinary G20 Trade and 
Investment Ministerial meetings which had the merit of addressing early the COVID -19 challenges.  
4.250.   The Riyadh initiative on the Fu ture of the WTO has also underscored Saudi Arabia’s continued 
concern about and reflection on the multilateral trading system aimed at carving out political 
convergence on the reform of the WTO.  
4.251.   Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the multilateral trading system was also reflected in the 
excellent candidature it presented for the post of Director -General of the WTO.  
4.252.   As Saudi Arabia pursues its path to economic diversification and consolidation through 
multiple initiatives whether digital transformation; the futuri stic city NEOM project; the enacting of 
a new competition law; the de  
4.253.   Development of its service sectors and a unified institutional framework on intellectual 
property, we believe that the lifting of export bans on some products and most recently health 
related products would be in line with the openness that Saudi Arabia has displayed to international 
trade.  
4.254.   At a bilateral level, Mauritius and Saudi Arabia share excellent relations and the country has 
often assisted us with projects. Whenever we have neede d support, Saudi Arabia has responded 
positively. I give two concrete examples: the first is the oil spill from MV Wakashio. The second is 
Saudi Arabia’s support for the establishment of a Cancer Hospital and a Teaching Hospital. I am also 
told that we hav e a group of medical experts on the way to assist us.  
4.255.   Mauritius remains highly appreciative of such contributions and look forward to 
strengthening these relations further both bilaterally and at the level of the African Continental free 
Trade Area.  
4.256.   With t he coming into force of the AfCFTA earlier this year, we feel that a lot of opportunities 
will open up for Saudi Arabia to develop its trade ties with Africa.   
4.257.   Mauritius looks forward to working with Saudi Arabia in this direction.  
4.258.   We seize this opportuni ty to wish Saudi Arabia a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
BAHRAIN  ON BEHALF  OF THE GULF  COOPERATION  COUNCIL  
4.259.   I deliver this statement on behalf of the States of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).  
4.260.   We are delighted to participate in the third Trade Policy Review of the Kingdom of 
Saudi  Arabia, and would like to warmly welcome H.E. Mr. Abdulrahman Alharbi, Governor of the 
General Authority for Foreign Trade.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  4.261.   We are delighted to see all the positive transformations and economic growth mentioned in 
the report. This, of course, comes after Saudi Arabia has gone through significant changes during 
the period under review.  
4.262.   As members of the GCC we share several common aspects of our trade policy, such as a 
common external tariff, a shared trade remedies auth ority, and share two free trade agreements 
with other trading partners.  
4.263.   Therefore, we are pleased that report shows that, under its Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi 
Arabia has implemented a number of structural reforms such as the creation of the General Aut hority 
for Foreign Trade, the Ministry of Investment, and the General Authority for intellectual property 
which have all aim to maximize the Kingdom's contribution to international trade in order to 
strengthen the national economy.  
4.264.   Looking forward, we vie w great interest and opportunity in investment in Saudi Arabia and 
its potential for attracting Foreign Direct Investment to our region. As the report shows, it has made 
significant progress in fostering its investment climate, including as part of its bro ader reform 
agenda, as over the past years, Saudi Arabia opened up new sectors to foreign investment; 
implemented legal and institutional changes to improve the business climate and facilitate 
investment.  
4.265.   I cannot conclude this statement without highlighti ng Saudi Arabia’s role as a long standing 
and strong supporter of the WTO and the multilateral trading system. Despite being a relatively new 
member to the WTO, they have been active and constructive in various negotiations, and through 
their leading role within the League of Arab States and the GCC, Saudi Arabia has always worked 
hard to safeguard the rights of developing countries, not least through their work during their 
leadership of the G20.  
4.266.   Finally, we would like to thank the discussant for her remar ks and the active discussion and 
the WTO secretariat for their efforts in preparing the detailed report.  
TAJIKISTAN  
4.267.   Tajikistan is pleased to participate in the third Trade Policy Review of the Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia and would like to extend warm greeting s to the entire delegation of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
led by H.E. Abdulrahman Alharbi, the Governor of General Authority for Foreign Trade.  
4.268.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recognized the independence of the Republic of Tajikistan on 
11 January 1992 and diplom atic relations between two countries were established on 
22 February  1992.  
4.269.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the first Arab country that opened its diplomatic mission in 
Tajikistan in January 2010 as a follow up to the Tajik Embassy inauguration in Saudi Arab ia in 2008.  
4.270.   The President of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Leader of the Nation, H.E. Emomali Rahmon 
has paid several visits to Saudi Arabia over the years of bilateral relations thus setting up legal 
framework that regulates bilateral relations between the two countries.  
4.271.   Bilateral relations between Tajikistan and Saudi Arabia gradually started to have firm 
foundation for quality improvement. In order to establish cooperation between the public sectors in 
the economy sphere of Tajikistan and Saudi Arabia,  the joint intergovernmental commission of the 
Republic of Tajikistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on trade -economic and scientific -technical 
cooperation began to operate. Tajik and Saudi Arabian entrepreneur’s Council is another tool for the 
developmen t of cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries.  
4.272.   As the volume of foreign trade turnover between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Kingdom 
of Saudi Arabia does not meet the existing capabilities of the two countries it is important to m ake 
use of available opportunities for the development of trade relations between Tajikistan and the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  4.273.   The main feature of Tajik -Saudi Arabian partnership is the further expansion of trade 
relations, implementation of joint socio -economic projects and deepening cooperation in different 
areas of the economy. The priority areas of cooperation between Tajikistan and the Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia include energy, particularly the construction of power lines, mini -hydropower plants, 
processin g of agricultural products, raw cotton, transport and communication infrastructure, 
banking, taxation, investment, insurance and tourism sectors as well as the science, culture and 
education.  
4.274.   We appreciate the efforts of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sec retariat for the reports and 
the discussant, Ambassador of Kazakhstan H.E. Mrs. Zhanar Aitzhanova for her insights. The reports 
provide details on the developments in Saudi Arabia’s economic and trade policy since its last Review 
in 2016.  
4.275.   This third Trade Policy Review of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia provides a great opportunity to 
understand its trade and investment regime. The Republic of Tajikistan commends Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia for the achievements made since last TPR. Real GDP average growth during 2015 -19 was 
1.6% and the GDP increased from USD 654 billion to USD 793 billion.  
4.276.   We welcome the efforts of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to advance the WTO negotiations and 
its engagement in a number of initiatives at the WTO. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a supporter of  
the multilateral trading system ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in 2016 and regularly 
submits notifications to the WTO. Saudi Arabia was a respondent in two cases and participated as a 
third party in 49 cases under the WTO dispute settleme nt mechanism.  
4.277.   To conclude, the Republic of Tajikistan highly appreciates the hard work and strong 
commitment and wishes Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a very successful and productive Trade Policy 
Review.  
URUGUAY  
4.278.   Uruguay desea saludar cordialmente a la delegación  de Arabia Saudita, encabezada por el 
Gobernador de la Autoridad General de Comercio Exterior, Sr. Abdulrahman Alharbi en oportunidad 
del tercer examen de sus políticas comerciales. Asimismo, agradecemos a la Representante 
Permanente de Kazajstán, Embajado ra Zhanar Aitzhanova, por su ponencia, y a la Secretaría por su 
completo informe.  
4.279.   Observamos que durante el período objeto de examen la pandemia de COVID -19 causó una 
contracción sin precedentes de la demanda mundial de petróleo, lo cual tuvo importantes 
repercusiones en los ingresos públicos, además de la perturbación económica mundial causada por 
la pandemia. Uruguay desea destacar la puesta en marcha de la estrategia “Visión 2030”, destinada 
a crear más empleo en el sector privado para los nacionales sau ditas, aumentar la participación de 
las mujeres en el mundo laboral, apoyar a las pequeñas y medianas empresas, aumentar la inversión 
en los sectores no petroleros y promover las exportaciones no petroleras, así como mejorar el 
entorno empresarial para atr aer inversión. En tal sentido, Uruguay alienta a Arabia Saudita a 
proseguir los esfuerzos de reforma hacia una mayor apertura que le permita continuar mejorando 
sus niveles de ingreso y la calidad de vida de su población.  
4.280.   En relación a la política comercia l de la Arabia Saudita, destacamos las recientes políticas 
comerciales y económicas del Reino, como la simplificación de los procedimientos aduaneros, la 
existencia de derechos de importación por lo general bajos, la eliminación de las restricciones a la 
inversión extranjera y la introducción de nuevos instrumentos de política para promover las 
exportaciones que sin duda contribuirán a la transformación económica del Reino.  
4.281.   Asimismo, deseamos destacar que la Arabia Saudita ratificó el Protocolo relativo al Acuerdo 
sobre Facilitación del Comercio en 2016 y creó una institucionalidad nacional para implementar sus 
compromisos, al tiempo que introdujo una serie de medidas que han tenido un impacto positivo en 
el entorno comercial, incluyendo la ventanilla única de comercio que permite presentar y tramitar 
electrónicamente las declaraciones de importación.  
4.282.   En lo que refiere a la relación bilateral, nuestro comercio de mercancías alcanzó más de 
USD 11 millones en 2019, con una balanza comercial favorable para la Ar abia Saudita. Las ventas WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  desde nuestro país han promediado cerca de USD 4.5 millones anuales, siendo los productos 
principales los plásticos, productos diarios y madera. En cuanto a las importaciones, las procedentes 
de la Arabia Saudita promediaron USD 7 millones anuales, y consistieron principalmente en 
fertilizantes y plásticos. Esperamos seguir trabajando conjuntamente para potenciar nuestra relación 
bilateral comercial.  
4.283.   Por último, pero no menos importante, notamos que la Arabia Saudita se ha fijado el  objetivo 
de elevar la contribución de las pequeñas y medianas empresas al PIB del 20% al 35% y de alentar 
a las instituciones financieras locales a asignar a las pymes hasta el 20% de la financiación total 
para 2030 a más tardar. Al respecto, encomiamos a  la Arabia Saudita por el apoyo al paquete de 
recomendaciones aprobado recientemente por el Grupo de Trabajo Informal sobre las MIPYMES, que 
sin dudas tendrán efectos beneficiosos para el tejido empresarial de dicho país.  
4.284.   Para finalizar, quisiéramos reiterar nuestra apreciación por este nuevo ejercicio de 
intercambio sobre las políticas comerciales de la Arabia Saudita, al tiempo de reconocer al equipo 
de su Misión en Ginebra, encabezado por el Embajador Saqer Almoqbel, y d esearles una exitosa 
conclusión del presente Examen.  
JAMAICA  
4.285.   Jamaica welcomes the delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to this its third Trade Policy 
Review (TPR). In particular, we thank the delegation for the high quality of its presentation which 
has been further supplemented by the Secretariat’s detailed report. In addition, we wish to thank 
you Chair, as well as our discussant, Ambassador Aitzhanova of Kazakhstan for your insightful and 
valuable contributions.  
4.286.   Jamaica commends Saudi Arabia for its  performance over the review period. The country 
maintained macro -financial stability and positive economic growth measured 1.6%. This resulted 
from economic activity in the oil and non -oil sectors, economic and social reforms within the 
framework of the c ountry’s Vision 2030 Strategy, as well as the implementation of several 
construction and infrastructure projects. Similar to other countries, Saudi Arabia’s economy also 
experienced a slowdown in 2020 due to the COVID -19 pandemic but, positively, has alrea dy began 
to bounce back.  
4.287.   As the world’s largest exporter of petroleum and one of the biggest producers of oil and gas. 
Saudi Arabia’s economy continues to be heavily dependent on oil. We therefore welcome the steps 
which are being taken by the country to p romote economic diversification, improve the 
competitiveness of its non -oil sector. These efforts should be further strengthened.  
4.288.   As a member of the G -20, Saudi Arabia is an important contributor to international trade 
and global value chains. We note pos itively the focus which has been placed by the country on 
accelerating the development of its investment sector and strengthening its outreach to target 
countries.  
4.289.   Jamaica commends Saudi Arabia for its continued constructive engagement in the work of 
the WTO, as well as its efforts to fulfil its various WTO obligations.   
4.290.   Jamaica wishes to further acknowledge the strides made by Saudi Arabia to, among other 
things, update its customs procedures, reduce existing barriers to trade and to promote trade 
facilitation. Saudi Arabia has also been working deliberately to strengthen its intellectual property 
rights system as is evidenced through its recent membership of the Locarno, Vienna and Strasbourg 
Agreements, as well as the Budapest Treaty, in addition to its  establishment of the Saudi Authority 
for Intellectual Property.  
4.291.   On the bilateral front, Jamaica and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia share longstanding ties, 
which trace back to the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries in 
August  1976. There is also growing interest in strengthening the existing trade and investment 
exchange at the bilateral level.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  4.292.   In conclusion, Jamaica appreciates the opportunity provided by this meeting to discuss Saudi 
Arabia’s trade and investment policies and w e extend to the delegation our best wishes for a 
successful Trade Policy Review.  
KZRGYZ  REPUBLIC  
4.293.   The Kyrgyz Republic welcomes the delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia led by 
Mr. Abdulrahman Alharbi.  
4.294.   We thank the WTO Secretariat and the Government of t he Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 
preparing such comprehensive and detailed Trade Policy Review reports. We would also like to thank 
the discussant, H.E. Mrs. Aitzhanova for her insightful comments.  
4.295.   Since the beginning of its membership to WTO the Kingdom of  Saudi Arabia has 
demonstrated highest dedication to the WTO rules and as it has been said at the last TPR of 2016 
has convincingly shown its commitment to trade liberalization under the multilateral trading system 
centered on the WTO continuously.  
4.296.   Among many other successful steps on the WTO platform are acceptance of Trade Facilitation 
Agreement and Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is also the 
observer of plurilateral agreements such as Government Procurement Agreement a nd Trade in Civil 
Aircraft.  
4.297.   Bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of 
the Kingdom Saudi Arabia is developing steadily and systematically starting from 1992. The Kyrgyz 
Republic and the Kingdom Saudi Arabia clo sely cooperate as bilaterally, as well as multilaterally 
within the other organizations and initiatives such as the UN, the Islamic bank of the development 
and the WTO.  
4.298.   The cooperation between our States continues on the basis of regular visits at high -level 
meetings.  
4.299.   Among the latest visits is the official visit of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic to the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2019, during which a number of documents was signed, which, we hope, 
will contribute to the further evolving of the relati ons between the Kyrgyz Republic and Saudi Arabia.  
4.300.   For a quarter -century of relations between the two States has reached a quality level of 
development: new areas and forms of cooperation, greatly intensified the exchange of delegations 
of different levels,  expanded legal framework, strengthened dialogue in a multilateral format on 
global and regional issues. These ties are gradually expanding, covering the political and economic 
spheres.  
4.301.   Our countries established an Inter -governmental Saudi -Kyrgyz Committee . Continuing to 
strengthen and develop the relationship, Kyrgyzstan and Saudi Arabia signed a protocol on 
cooperation in 2019. The protocol covers trade -related issues, areas of the cooperation as security, 
energy, healthcare, economic and investment spher es, as well as tourism.  
4.302.   Our countries have established beneficial mutual trade. The dynamics of trade from 2016 to 
2018 demonstrates the positive trend.  
4.303.   Kyrgyzstan's imports from Saudi Arabia rose by 61.3% for the period between 2016 and 
2018.  
4.304.   The main s hare of imports from Saudi Arabia is represented by fresh dates, medicines, 
plastic products (polyethylene), carpets, other blankets and road blankets and other goods.  
4.305.   Kyrgyzstan's exports to Saudi Arabia increased by 77% for the period 2016 to 2018.  
4.306.   Exports from Kyrgyzstan to Saudi Arabia today consist of dried fruits, bean, honey, nuts, 
fruits, vegetables and others.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  4.307.   In terms of services, it is worth to note that tourism has the potential to increase its share 
of trade in services.  
4.308.   The Kyrgyz Republic is  interested on further fruitful economic cooperation and deepening 
trade -economic relations with the Kingdom Saudi Arabia.  
4.309.   The Kyrgyz Republic wishes a successful third Trade Policy Review to the Kingdom Saudi 
Arabia.  
REPÚBLICA  BOLIVARIANA  DE VENEZUELA  
4.310.   La delegación de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela desea saludar muy cordialmente a 
la delegación del Reino de Arabia Saudita encabezada por el Gobernador de la Autoridad General 
para el Comercio Exterior, Sr. Abdulrahman Alharbi, agradecer a  la Ponente, Embajadora de 
Kazajstán, Sra. Zhanar Aitzhanova, por el análisis presentado que nos coloca en contexto y también 
a la Secretaría por la organización y documentación.  
4.311.   Iniciamos nuestra intervención destacando los lazos de hermandad y de cooper ación 
comercial que nos unen con el Reino de Arabia Saudita, los cuales transcienden a lo humano y 
cultural para construir la paz. Empezando el siglo XXI, junto al Reino de Arabia Saudita, colaboramos 
estrechamente en la recuperación del liderazgo de la Or ganización de Países Exportadores de 
Petróleos (OPEP), de su cohesión y a partir de ahí, todo lo que eso ha significado para el progreso y 
la prosperidad de nuestros países.  
4.312.   Sobre el informe presentado por la Secretaría de la OMC correspondiente al tercer examen 
de la política comercial del Reino de Arabia Saudita que cubre el periodo 2016 -2020, observamos 
muchos puntos positivos que demuestran su compromiso en cumplir sus obligaciones en el marco 
de la OMC, aplicando las mejores prácticas en todos los ámbi tos de la gestión de su comercio 
internacional.  
4.313.   Asimismo, destacamos su plan estratégico 2030 para la diversificación económica del Reino 
y su eventual desarrollo, centrado en tres temas principales, a saber: "una sociedad vibrante", "una 
economía próspera " y "una nación ambiciosa", a través del cual se propone superar sus retos 
estructurales.  
4.314.   Al desearle al Reino de Arabia Saudita un exitoso examen de política comercial, queremos 
finalizar nuestra intervención reafirmando nuestros lazos, así como el compro miso compartido con 
la conformación de un sistema de comercio multilateral, robusto, solidario, justo y predecible, 
basado en normas comunes y transparentes.  
TUNISIE  
4.315.   Permettez -moi de souhaiter la bienvenue à S.E. M. Abdulrahman Alharbi, Gouverneur de 
l’Autorité générale pour le commerce extérieur du Royaume d’Arabie saoudite et à la délégation qui 
l’accompagne de Riyad et à Genève, et lui exprimer notre considération pour l’exposé exhaustif sur 
la situation économique et la politique commerciale de son pays .  
4.316.   Mes félicitations s’adressent également au Secrétariat pour le rapport complet qu’il nous a 
soumis à l’occasion de cet Examen et à la présentatrice, S.E l'Ambassadeur du Kazakhstan 
Mme.  Zhanar Aitzhanova, pour les remarques pertinentes qu’elle a dévelop pées.  
4.317.   Ma délégation tient à souligner les efforts considérables déployés par l’Arabie saoudite depuis 
le précèdent Examen de sa politique commerciale, en vue de poursuivre sa politique de libéralisation 
économique et commerciale à travers le renforcement d u processus d’ouverture, l’instauration d’un 
environnement propice au développement des investissements et la diversification des relations 
commerciales et économies avec ses partenaires, dont mon pays.  
4.318.   Depuis le dernier Examen de sa politique commerciale,  l’Arabie saoudite a connu des 
mutations importantes sur les plans économique, humain et social. L’économie, essentiellement 
fondée sur la production d'hydrocarbures, colonne vertébrale de la production industrielle et du 
commerce, s'est diversifiée en se tournant en particulier vers le secteur des services, notamment le WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  secteur des services financiers. Á ce niveau, la Tunisie salue le plan de développement "Vision 2030" 
mis en place par les autorités saoudiennes en 2016, visant la modernisation et la diver sification de 
l'économie et mettant l'accent sur l'autonomisation des jeunes générations et la participation active 
des femmes dans le monde des affaires.   
4.319.   Le large éventail de réformes et de restructurations institutionnelles, tel que signalé dans le 
rapport du Secrétariat, ainsi que la stratégie de privatisation progressive de certains secteurs, ont 
renforcé le rôle de l’Arabie saoudite au niveau régional et ont multiplié ses partenariats à 
l’international en attirant davantage d'investissements locaux e t étrangers.  
4.320.   L’Arabie saoudite a réussi, à travers la révision de sa politique économique, à stabiliser les 
indicateurs de croissance économique, et ce, malgré la chute des prix du pétrole et la crise 
économique affectant l’économie mondiale. Son PIB a continué à afficher une croissance pendant la 
majeure partie de la période à l'examen, nonobstant l'année 2020, année de récession mondiale, où 
les mesures adoptées, à juste titre, par le Royaume pour faire face à la pandémie ont affecté les 
résultats de l a performance économique pour l'année 2020, entraînant, notamment, une baisse de 
la production non pétrolière de plus de 8%, particulièrement dans le secteur du tourisme.  
4.321.   Les efforts du Gouvernement saoudien ont permis de limiter l'impact de la pandémie su r 
l'économie en mettant en œuvre de nombreuses initiatives incitatives depuis le début de la crise, 
qui comprenaient des exonérations et des reports d'impôts et taxes pour réduire l'impact financier 
et économique sur la gestion de ses activités économiques , en plus d'initiatives pour soutenir le 
secteur financier et injecter des liquidités dans l'économie.  
4.322.   Par ailleurs, la Tunisie se réjouit du rôle  de premier plan de l'Arabie saoudite au cours de sa 
présidence du G20 en 2020, en particulier en ce qui conc erne la résolution des défis mondiaux posés 
par la pandémie, à la fois à court et à long terme pour la reprise économique mondiale, ainsi que la 
contribution de l'Initiative de Riyad sur l'avenir de l'Organisation mondiale du commerce, offrant une 
occasion  supplémentaire de discuter et de réaffirmer les objectifs et les principes fondamentaux du 
système commercial multilatéral ainsi que de démontrer le soutien politique constant à la nécessaire 
réforme de l'OMC, dans la perspective de la 12e Conférence mini stérielle.  
4.323.   La Tunisie et l’Arabie saoudite entretiennent des relations privilégiées d’amitié et de 
coopération et leurs échanges commerciaux, s'inscrivant dans le cadre de l'accord de la grande zone 
arabe de libre-échange , évoluent constamment et ont connu  un saut significatif ces dernières 
années. Mon pays accorde une grande importance à ces relations séculaires établies entre nos deux 
pays depuis des décennies.  
4.324.   La Tunisie bénéficie d’un nombre important de projets réalisés par l’Arabie saoudite dans les 
secteurs industriel et touristique. Nos deux pays sont déterminés à renforcer et à consolider cette 
coopération dans tous les domaines.  
4.325.   Enfin, je tiens à féliciter S.E. l'Ambassadeur Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel, le Représentant 
Permanent de l’Arabie saoudite au près de l’OMC, ainsi que son équipe pour leur engagement actif 
aux travaux de l’OMC, ainsi qu’aux travaux du cycle des négociations commerciales menés ici à 
Genève.  
4.326.   Á ce titre, nous voudrions apporter tout notre appui aux efforts de l’Arabie saoudite et n ous 
lui souhaitons tout le succès dans l’Examen de sa politique commerciale.  
PAKISTAN  
4.327.   Pakistan warmly welcomes the delegation of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by 
H.E. Abdulrahman Alharbi, the Governor of General Authority for Foreign Trade, at this Trad e Policy 
Review.  
4.328.   We would also like to convey our thanks to Her Excellency, Mrs. Zhanar Aitzhanova, 
Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan, for her insightful comments and analysis as discussant 
for this Trade Policy Review, and to the Secretariat for thei r professional work for this Review.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  4.329.   We would like to commend the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on its various policies and initiatives 
during the review period in the context of improving trade facilitation infrastructure and encouraging 
support for strengtheni ng the multilateral trading system. In particular, we note that the Kingdom 
of Saudi Arabia implemented 100% of its commitments under Trade Facilitation Agreement which is 
a significant achievement. We also note that Saudi Arabia launched its Vision 2030 w hich would pave 
the way for the Kingdom’s economic diversification and development, including women 
empowerment and gender equality and increasing the participation of women in the work force from 
20% to 30%. We note that Saudi Arabia has also achieved pro minent progress in the World Bank’s 
Ease of Doing Business 2020 report climbing 30 places from last year.  
4.330.   Bilateral relations between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
have remained historically strong and friendly across al l spheres. The two countries have shared 
deep commercial, cultural, religious, political, and strategic ties since the establishment of Pakistan 
in 1947.  
4.331.   Around 1 million Pakistani nationals are resident in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and 
contributing to w ork in various fields. Their remittances are a major contribution for Pakistan’s 
economy. Pakistan welcomes the developments in Saudi Arabia’s Labour Reform Initiative, under 
which the ‘KAFALAH’ system would be abolished and various reforms introduced incl uding giving the 
expatriate labourers, the freedom of entry/exit in the country and job switching. However, Pakistan 
remains concerned from time to time at some of the problems faced by Pakistani labourers in Saudi 
Arabia. But we are thankful to the Saudi government that the issues are resolved at a bilateral level.  
4.332.   Saudi Arabia is also one of the major trade partners of Pakistan and the bilateral trade 
volume is approximately USD 2.1 billion per year.  
4.333.   Pakistan’s exports of USD 446 million to Saudi Arabia are concentrated in the agriculture 
sector. Cereals account for 21.8% share in total exports, followed by textiles which account for 
approximately 16.3%. Pakistan’s top exports include Rice, Bovine carcasses and, textile materials, 
etc. 
4.334.   Pakistan’s i mports of USD 1.735 billion from Saudi Arabia mostly consist of mineral products 
including oil and petroleum products accounting for about 62.5% share in Pakistan’s total imports 
from Saudi Arabia. The rest of the imports comprise plastics and chemicals et c. 
4.335.   There is also a significant volume of bilateral services trade between Pakistan and Saudi 
Arabia of around USD 800 million in areas of transportation, telecommunication, travel, financial, 
government and business services.  
4.336.   In recent years, both countrie s have exchanged high -level delegations and developed plans 
to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, education, real estate, tourism, information technology, 
communications and agriculture. Despite the global slowdown, the governments of both countries 
have taken initiatives to facilitate trade and foreign investment. The 11th Session of Pak -Saudi Joint 
Ministerial Conference was held in Islamabad, Pakistan on 16 -17 January 2018. Both the sides 
agreed for enhancing cooperation in trade and investment throu gh the establishment of a Joint 
Working Group between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Both sides also agreed to hold single country 
exhibition in Saudi Arabia and convening of the first meeting of the Joint Business Council, which 
was convened on 27 February 20 18. We look forward to maintaining the excellent bilateral relations 
with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  
4.337.   Pakistan also appreciates the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their contribution and constructive 
engagement at the WTO. We note in particular, Saudi Arabia’ s active participation in the selection 
process for the DG, re -affirming their commitment to strengthening the multilateral trading system. 
Saudi Arabia has also launched the "Riyadh Initiative on the future of the WTO" during its G20 
presidency in 2020.  
4.338.   In conclusion, we thank the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the WTO 
at Geneva under the leadership of Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Saqer Almoqbel for their continued support 
and cooperation and we wish the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a successful T PR. 
  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  BARBADOS  
4.339.   Barbados extends a warm welcome to H.E. Mr. Abdulrahman Alharbi, Governor of the 
General Authority for Foreign Trade of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and his team on the occasion 
of their country’s third Trade Policy Review (TPR).  
4.340.   We thank Mr . Alharbi, for his country’s insightful opening statement and the discussant, 
H.E. Mrs. Zhanar Aitzhanova (Kazakhstan), for her thought -provoking analysis and perspectives.  
We would also like to also take this opportunity to acknowledge the WTO Secretaria t for its usual 
thorough preparation of the report for this Review.  
4.341.   Barbados is acutely aware that our meeting today is set against the backdrop of the 
COVID -19 pandemic and the health and economic crises that have ensued from what primarily 
started as a h ealth emergency. Like most other WTO Members, Saudi Arabia has also felt the impact 
of this unprecedented phenomenon. In 2020, the pandemic resulted in lower than expected oil 
prices, by extension, contributed to decline in real growth of the Saudi Arabian  economy from 0.3% 
in 2019 to -5.4% in 2020. It is therefore heartening to hear that based on the IMFs projections, the 
Saudi Arabian economy is expected to recover in 2021 when GDP growth is set to rise by 3.1%. It 
is evident that such an accomplishment i s the product of sound leadership and the implementation 
of rigorous fiscal policies and comprehensive legislative and regulatory reforms.  
4.342.   We take note of the structural challenges of faced by Saudi Arabia in modernizing and 
diversifying their economy away  from a dependence on oil. We therefore commend Saudi Arabia on 
the implementation of Vision 2030 which seeks to, inter alia, enhance private -sector jobs for Saudi 
nationals; increase the participation of women in the workforce; increase investment in non -oil 
sectors and promote non -oil exports; and improve the business environment to attract foreign and 
local investment. We also commend Saudi Arabia on instituting new policy instruments, including 
the establishment of a new Export -Import Bank; special econ omic zones; and the Saudi Industrial 
Development Fund (SIDF). We wish them well in the implementation of their renewed strategic 
orientation and look forward to the hearing the success stories during the country’s next trade policy 
review.  
4.343.   Barbados is part icularly pleased to see that within three months of its last review in 2016, 
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ratified the Protocol concerning the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement 
(TFA). What is perhaps more impressive, is that the country designated all of pro visions in Section  1 
of the Agreement under Category A, thereby committing to immediately implement those provisions 
upon the entry into force of the Agreement. Trade facilitation is core to the development outlook 
that Saudi Arabia has created and is core  to their efforts at diversifying and modernizing their 
economy.  
4.344.   Saudi Arabia is considered as an ardent supporter of multilateralism and the multilateral 
trading system. This is clearly demonstrated in the country’s active participation in the regular and  
negotiating pillars of the WTO, as well as in a number of joint statement initiatives. They also serve 
an invaluable role by contributing to the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) and at the bilateral 
level, their assistance in ensuring that graduated LD Cs are not severely impacted by their change in 
status. Barbados looks forward to working with Saudi Arabia as we seek to ensure that our shared 
interests are taken up within the WTO Agenda.  
4.345.   In closing, Barbados congratulates the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia an d wishes the Saudi 
Arabian delegation a successful conclusion to its third Trade Policy Review.  
NIGERIA  
4.346.   On behalf of the delegation of Nigeria, I would like to extend our warm welcome to the 
delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by his Excellency Mr. Alharbi joining us from Capital 
and their capable team present in Geneva. I would also like to thank the discussant her Excellency 
Ambassador Zhanar Aitzhanova of Kazakhstan for introducing the discussions here at the TPR Body. 
We shall begin by congra tulating the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on their third Trade policy review.  
4.347.   The reports before us today reflect the excellent work done by the Secretariat and the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Both reports spelt out the key objectives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabi a's WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  trade and economic policies and the progress made since the last review. Nigeria has maintained a 
strong diplomatic and economic relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  
4.348.   We note that services which make up 41.5% share of the real GDP are the Larg est 
contributors to the real GDP of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and between 2015 and 2019, the GDP 
per capital witnessed an increase. Due to the booming oil prices during the periods between 2010 
and 2013, Saudi Arabia experienced growth in all sectors. H owever as a result of the decline of the 
oil prices in 2014 and the current COVID -19 pandemic, the economy was negatively impacted, which 
is similar to how the economic sectors in Nigeria as an oil producing country, was also negatively 
affected by the men tioned events.  
4.349.   Despite these challenges, some of the achievements since their last trade policy review can 
be observed by Saudi Arabia`s wide range of new legislations and policy initiatives, such as the 
launch of its vision 2030, which is a roadmap for t he Kingdom's economic diversification and further 
development. It is commendable that the aim of the initiative is to advance to the top 15 economies 
in the world. Private sector increased contribution to the countries' GDP among other strategies as 
stated  in the report by the secretariat will no doubt help achieve that goal. It is also worthy of note 
that other goals of the vision 2030 include creating more jobs for Saudi nationals so as to reduce 
their average unemployment rate and also the goal to expand  the participation of women in the 
workforce. We are pleased that Saudi Arabia's goal is to facilitate gender equality. However, the 
pace of the implementation of vision 2030 may seem uncertain as pointed out in the secretariat's 
report due to the impact o f the drop in oil prices as well as the costs due to the COVID 19 pandemic. 
We are confident that the kingdom shall utilize the right economic tools to assist with their economic 
plans.  
4.350.   We are encouraged to note from the Secretariat's report that aspects o f Saudi Arabia's trade 
and economic policies are geared towards openness to trade with policies which include simplification 
of customs procedures, the existence of low levels of import duties, the removal of foreign 
investment restrictions and new policie s that promote exports. All these policies support 
International trade liberalization which is important for increased economic integration of all 
countries in global trade not withstanding their level of development.  
4.351.   We observe from the Saudi Arabia's pol icy paper, that it takes its rights and obligations in 
the WTO seriously and is committed to preserving a stable and predictable international trading 
environment based on clear and enforceable rules. For example, in light of the WTO crisis, Saudi 
Arabia i s remarkably committed to the reform and the modernization of the WTO through its Launch 
of the Riyadh Initiative on the future of the WTO during its G20 presidency in 2020. We welcome 
Saudi Arabia's Acceptance of the TFA and its active participation in th e various joint statement 
initiatives of which Nigeria also plays an active role.  
4.352.   In conclusion, my delegation would continue to work closely with the Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia and the rest of the membership, to achieve a rule based multilateral trading syst em that is 
responsive to the 21st century economic realities. We are confident that the Saudi Arabia, would 
continue its role as an active player in the multilateral trading system and make its contributions 
according to its capacity.  
4.353.   We congratulate the entire delegation for their engagement, and we wish the Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia a successful third Trade Policy Review exercise.  
INDIA  
4.354.   At the very outset, my delegation is very pleased to participate in the third Trade Policy 
Review of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and would like to extend a very warm welcome to the 
delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. My delegation would like to com mend the government 
of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the WTO secretariat for the comprehensive reports and also 
thank the discussant H.E. Mrs. Zhanar Aitzhanova from Kazakhstan for her insights.  
4.355.   India and Saudi Arabia share ancient economic and socio -cultural ties. Economic ties 
constitute a significant aspect of the bilateral strategic partnership. The landmark visits of our Prime 
Minister Mr. Narendra Modi to the Kingdom in 2016 and 2019 and the State visit of Crown Prince 
Mohammad bin Salman to India in, 2019 marked a new era in the bilateral relations.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  4.356.   Saudi Arabia is India’s fourth largest trade partner, with bilateral trade of about 
USD 33 billion between the two countries. India’s imports from Saudi Arabia are largely of petroleum 
crude and petrole um products, whereas imports of Saudi Arabia from India are largely of cereals, 
motor vehicles and organic chemicals. Saudi Arabia is the 21st largest investor in India with 
investments amounting to USD 1.8 billion (between April 2000 to September 2020). A part from the 
major investors Saudi Sovereign Wealth Funds have invested several billion dollars in Indian 
Start-ups as well. With a presence of 476 companies, Indian investment stands at USD 1.5 billion 
as of March 2020. Being a major provider of India’s energy needs Saudi Arabia has been invited to 
participate in India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves Programme.  
4.357.   The trade and economic policy measures adopted by the Government of Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia, during the period under review, reflect its commitment  to the economic transformation and 
growth of the country. The launch of ambitious and comprehensive Vision 2030 strategy, envisioning 
reduced dependence on oil, diversification of economy, strengthening investments, manufacturing 
sectors and development o f public service sectors, coupled with restructuring of key government 
establishments accompanied with the necessary legislative changes are some significant noteworthy 
steps undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, since the last review.    
4.358.   Since its ac cession to the WTO, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has persistently remained 
committed towards the multilateral trading system one of the significant contributions that may be 
highlighted here is the leadership role it played during its G20 Presidency in the midst of the 
pandemic last year.  
4.359.   India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as strategic partners have always maintained close 
relations not only on the bilateral front but also in the multilateral and international fora.  
4.360.   Ongoing COVID crisis has, however, expo sed the world to vulnerabilities forcing us to explore 
ways to support each other. Trade can be an engine of reviving growth in such a scenario and this 
is premised on strengthening of the WTO based on its principles of openness, fairness, transparency, 
and inclusivity.  
4.361.   To conclude, I extend my congratulations to the H.E. Mr. Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel, 
Ambassador and Permanent Representative and his delegation for their positive contributions and 
wish the entire delegation a successful Trade Policy Review.  
NEPAL 
4.362.   Thank you chair for giving me the floor. First, my delegation would like to welcome the 
delegation of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia led by the Governor of General Authority for Foreign Trade 
H.E. Abdulrahman Alharbi, and appreciate him for the comprehensive opening remarks.  
4.363.   My delegation thanks H.E. Mrs. Zhanar Aitzhanova, Ambassador/PR of Kazakhstan for her 
insightful remarks as a discussant.  
4.364.   Let me congratulate the Government of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its comprehensive 
report and commend the Secretari at for the detailed report of the trade policy review of Saudi Arabia.  
4.365.   We appreciate Saudi Arabia’s continuous commitment to rule -based, just and predictable 
multilateral trading system and its contribution.  
4.366.   Launching and actively promoting the Riyadh In itiative on the Future of the WTO with a view 
to identifying common ground and shared principles for the next 25 years of the WTO, and providing 
needful political support to make progress in the discussions on reforms among all WTO Members 
are highly comme ndable.  
4.367.   While going through the reports, it is evident that Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken wide 
range of cross -cutting and sector -specific policy initiatives aimed at modernizing and diversifying 
the economy over the review period and continuation of su ch initiatives to improve the 
competitiveness of the non -oil sector remained important.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  4.368.   Such initiatives would contribute to achieving higher economic growth even in the period of 
volatile oil markets and COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.369.   Launching of "Vision 2030" as c omprehensive strategy with a view to modernizing and 
diversifying the Saudi economy seems a remarkable step to further strengthen its socio -economic 
development in the days ahead by enhancing the efficiency of government, including through 
accelerating dec ision-making processes and further developing e -government services, embracing 
standards of transparency and accountability, monitoring performance, and improving the 
management of public finances.  
4.370.   Similarly, measures adopted by the Government in matters such as starting a business, 
registering property, and protecting minority investors appear to have significantly improved the 
business climate.  
4.371.   Significant reforms in cross border trade facilitation including electronic data interchange 
system, an electr onic trade single window, new risk management system and others are not less 
important.  
4.372.   In addition, the National Strategy for Special Economic Zones, new Competition Law and 
launching of the "second growth wave" are further supportive in production and p roductivity 
enhancement, and employment generation.   
4.373.   Initiatives to transform the ICT sector, support technology localization, and expand the IT 
and emerging tech market are also notable.  
4.374.   Nepal and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been enjoying cordial r elations since the 
establishment of diplomatic relation in 1977.    
4.375.   Our bilateral relations are based on goodwill, friendship, and mutual understanding.  
4.376.   With the passage of time, our ties have been advancing with increased interactions and close 
cooperatio n mainly due to increased economic relation.  
4.377.   Exchanges of high -level visits from both sides have further contributed to widening the 
relationship in different dimensions.  
4.378.   Nepal extends its sincere appreciation to the government of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its 
continuous supports extended to Nepal’s development endeavours.  
4.379.   Every year a large number of people from the Muslim Community pay a visit to the holy 
sites of Mecca and Medina to perform Hajj pilgrimage. The Government of Nepal has been providing 
all possible assistance to the Community so that Nepali Muslims could perform their time -honoured 
pilgrimage without any hindrance.  
4.380.   The support and cooperation received from the Saudi Government to Nepali pilgrims is also 
noteworthy and has greatly contributed to further cementing the bonds of friendly relations existing 
between the two countries and the people.  
4.381.   People to people relat ions have grown steadily after the arrival of Nepali workers in Kingdom 
of Saudi Arabia.  
4.382.   Despite coming from a different social, geographical and religious as well as cultural 
environment, Nepalis have been welcomed by the Saudi people very much due to th eir dedication 
to work, loyalty, sincerity and integrity.  
4.383.   Nepal’s partnership with Saudi Arabia in the areas of trade, tourism and investment is a 
matter of utmost importance to Nepal.  
4.384.   Trade data shows that Nepal imported various goods from Saudi Arabia worth of about 
9 billion Nepali rupees while exported to Saudi Arabia worth of only about 12.5 million Nepali rupees 
in the year 2019, translating to a huge trade gap in our bilateral trade in goods.   WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  4.385.   Such gap underlines the need for enriched collaboratio n and partnership between both the 
countries in the areas of trade, tourism and investment for our mutual benefit.  
4.386.   Both the countries have huge possibility of enhancing economic relation through partnership 
mainly in production of organic agriculture prod ucts in Nepal and bringing to the Saudi market, 
investment in manufacturing, tourism and infrastructure development in Nepal, among others for 
mutual economic benefits.  
4.387.   Besides the bilateral cooperation, Both the nations have expressed avowed commitments 
and loyalty to the principles of the United Nations Charter and work together at various multilateral 
forums for the common benefit of the humankind.  
4.388.   My delegation wishes for a successful Trade Policy Review of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  
JORDAN  
4.389.   I would l ike to start by extending a warm welcome to H.E. Mr. Abdulrahman Alharbi and the 
entire Saudi’s delegation, and join other delegations in congratulating them and recognizing their 
remarkable efforts exerted in the preparation of the reports and the trade p olicy review.  
4.390.   I would like to thank the Head of the delegation H.E. Mr. Abdulrahman Alharbi for his opening 
statement and the Chair for his introductory remarks, and the secretariat for their excellent report.  
4.391.   Saudi Arabia is an active player in the world trade and strong believer in free trade through 
its membership in the WTO and its Membership in the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Great Arab 
Free Trade Area together with its bilateral preferential agreements and FTAs signed with different 
countries and  regions, including Jordan, and the other FTAs that is negotiating, in addition, Saudi 
Arabia is a chief world merchandise and services trader that is firmly committed to free trade policy 
and the multilateral trading system from which its economic sectors  will benefit and prosper.  
4.392.   The economy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia exhibited stable growth during the review 
period in parallel with the introduction of the ambitious economic policies; the GDP during 2015 -19 
grew 1.6% on average, increased from USD 654  billion in 2015 to reach USD 793 billion in 2019, 
and the GDP per capita increased from USD 21,180 to USD 23,174 during the same period.  
4.393.   We commend the bold economic aspirations of the Government of Saudi Arabia reflected in 
“Saudi Vision 2030", which viv idly caters for modernizing and diversifying its economy and creates 
a more competitive, knowledge -based economy. Additionally, this vision places a profound 
significance on maintaining a welcoming investment environment and motivating the private sector 
to take the lead in driving the economy. We are deeply encouraged with these endeavors. We wish 
the Government of Saudi Arabia further success in the implementation of the Saudi Vision 2030 
Strategy.  
4.394.   Jordan and Saudi Arabia enjoy excellent bilateral and eco nomic relations, alongside the 
strong ties between Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Jordan ranks third as Saudi Arabia's largest export 
destination in the Middle East region. In addition, Saudi Arabia is one of our most valuable trading 
partners. In terms of trade  volume in the world, the bilateral trade volume between our two brotherly 
countries reached in 2019 almost USD 4 billion with 15% of Jordan trade volume with the whole 
world. As the numbers suggest, both of our countries have a strong trading relation wit h one another 
along with the historical ties which always existed between the two nations.  
4.395.   Jordan would like to wish the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia more prosperity and we 
look forward to further strengthening our trade and investment relations.   
4.396.   We wish our brothers a productive and a successful Trade Policy Review.  
AFGHANISTAN  
4.397.   Afghanistan extends its gratitude to you, Mr. Chair, and to the Secretariat for convening this 
meeting and for preparing the comprehensive report. I would like to thank our d iscussant, Excellency 
Ambassador Zhanar Aitzhanova, Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the WTO, for her WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  insightful remarks, and welcome Saudi Arabia’s capital and Geneva -based delegates to the meeting, 
led by HE. Abdulrahman Alharbi, Governor of Gen eral Authority for Foreign Trade. In particular, we 
wish to extend our congratulations to Saudi Arabia for its third Trade Policy Review, specially, to 
H.E. Ambassador Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel, Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the WTO, 
for his le adership, and to his competent team for their constant good work here in Geneva.  
4.398.   We commend Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their commitment to trade liberalization under 
the multilateral trading system centered on WTO, and for a wide range of policy initiativ es aimed at 
modernizing the economy. As a WTO Member, we thank Saudi Arabia for ratifying the protocol 
concerning the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement in 2016 and for regularly submitting notifications 
to the WTO. It is great to see that during the period 2015-19, the GDP increased from USD 654  billion 
to USD 793 billion and Saudi Arabia has been transforming on almost all fronts.  
4.399.   We congratulate Saudi Arabia for the launch of its Vision 2030, a giant plan for economic 
development. The period under review h as seen the establishment of General Authority for Foreign 
Trade, development of various laws and regulations including Companies Law, eCommerce Law, and 
initiation of Franchising Law. All these positive developments have resulted in improvement in the 
World Bank Doing Business 2020 report climbing up 30 places from last year, making it the top 
reformer and top improver around the world. The reforms in employment, abolishment of Kafalah 
system, and freedom of exit and re -entry visas have been extremely welc oming by the foreign 
workers.  
4.400.   The history of Afghan -Saudi relations reaches about 90 years. Although limited, but the 
trade between Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia is on the right trajectory and opportunities exist to 
quadruple the trade volume between the tw o countries in the near future. The Government of Saudi 
Arabia has been very cooperative with Afghanistan and embraces the proposals of the Afghan side 
as they have shown their commitment to expand political, cultural, economic and trade relations 
with Afg hanistan.  
4.401.   We would like to take this opportunity to thank Saudi Arabia for its development assistance 
with the Afghan Government. Saudi Arabia is ranked as the 24th largest donor to Afghanistan and 
has pledged about USD 430 million from 2002 till 2020. Maj ority of Saudi Arabia’s development 
assistance is provided as soft loans through its official agency, the Saudi Fund for Development.  
4.402.   Considering the recent challenges facing the multilateral trading system, Afghanistan counts 
on Saudi Arabia’s role among others in preserving an open, rules -based multilateral trading system 
with the WTO at its core, which is transparent and inclusive, with development as the core objective. 
We thank Saudi Arabia for launching the "Riyadh Initiative on the future of the WTO"  during its G20 
presidency in 2020, which aims to support reform of the WTO. I conclude my statement by wishing 
Saudi Arabia’s delegation a very successful and productive trade policy review.  
HONDURAS  
4.403.   En representación de la República de Honduras, saludamo s y felicitamos a las autoridades 
de Arabia Saudita, en ocasión de la celebración de su tercer Examen de Política Comercial.  
4.404.   Les damos la más cordial bienvenida a toda la distinguida delegación, encabezada por su 
jefe de delegación, S.E. Sr. Abdulrahman Alharbi, Gobernador de la Autoridad General de Comercio 
Exterior, y extendemos nuestros saludos a nuestros colegas y amigos de la Misión de Arabia Saudita 
ante la OMC en Ginebra.  
4.405.   Nuestro agradecimiento al ponente, por su ilustrativo análisis, a la Secretaría de la OMC, por 
la calidad del contenido del Informe y a las autoridades de Arabia Saudita por su documento sobre 
la exposici ón de sus políticas.  
4.406.   De los informes evaluados se pone de manifiesto que durante el período objeto de examen, 
Arabia Saudita emprendió una amplia gama de iniciativas de políticas transversales y sectoriales 
destinadas a modernizar y diversificar la economí a. WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  4.407.   Notamos con interés la importancia de la adopción en 2016, del plan Visión 2030, como una 
ambiciosa hoja de ruta para la diversificación de la economía del Reino y su ulterior desarrollo, 
centrándose en alcanzar una sociedad dinámica, una economía flore ciente y una nación ambiciosa.  
4.408.   Observamos que la Estrategia para el Sector de las TIC de 2023, presenta las principales 
iniciativas para transformar el sector, a fin de contribuir al desarrollo de tecnología en el país y 
ampliar el mercado de la tecnología  de la información y las tecnologías emergentes.  
4.409.   Asimismo, notamos que, a fin de mejorar la balanza de servicios, el sector del turismo ha 
experimentado grandes cambios tras la puesta en marcha de la Visión 2030, mediante la cual se 
aspira al aumento del n úmero de viajes internacionales y nacionales y superar los 100 millones de 
personas al año para el 2030.  
4.410.   Destacamos que según el Informe del Doing Business 2020 del Banco Mundial, 
Arabia  Saudita ha hecho grandes progresos y ha ascendido 30 puestos con resp ecto al año anterior, 
y ha sido catalogado como el país que ha llevado a cabo más reformas y más mejoras entre 
190 economías de todo el mundo.  
4.411.   Por otro lado, observamos con agrado que, a fin de convertirse en un centro logístico 
mundial, el Reino aplica pl enamente el Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del Comercio y ha automatizado 
varios trámites aduaneros, así como la puesta en marcha une ventanilla única electrónica.  
4.412.   Finalmente, deseamos reconocer el liderazgo desempeñado por Arabia Saudita, así como 
por su part icipación en las negociaciones de las distintas iniciativas y les felicitamos por sus 
importantes logros y esfuerzos durante el período objeto de examen y les deseamos el mayor de los 
éxitos.  
PANAMÁ  
4.413.   Deseo ante todo saludar y felicitar atentamente al Gobern ador Abdulrahman Alharbi, Jefe 
de la Delegación de Arabia Saudita, al Embajador Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel, y a toda la delegación 
saudí por su destacada preparación. A su vez, deseo saludar a la Embajadora Zhanar Aitzhanova de 
Kazajstán, Ponente en este exam en, y agradecer a la Secretaría por preparar los respectivos 
reportes.  
4.414.   En los últimos 5 años el intercambio comercial entre Panamá y Arabia Saudita ha oscilado 
entre 169 mil dólares y 3.2 millones de dólares anuales; ésta última cifra corresponde al año 2 020. 
De estos, una pequeña porción es de exportaciones de Panamá a Arabia Saudita en productos 
alimenticios, especialmente productos agrícolas como el café, el cacao, y la piña. Por su parte, las 
exportaciones de Arabia Saudita a Panamá corresponden casi e n su totalidad a productos químicos 
y productos del sector manufacturero.  
4.415.   En los últimos años, Arabia Saudita ha emprendido una serie de políticas destinadas a 
modernizar y diversificar su economía, sintetizadas en una hoja de ruta denominada plan 
Visión  2030. Además, destacamos los esfuerzos de Arabia Saudita en la creación de una Dirección 
General de Comercio Exterior (GAFT) y de la transformación de la Dirección General de Inversiones 
de la Arabia Saudita (SAGIA) a un Ministerio de Inversiones (MISA).  
4.416.   Sin embargo, notamos la persistencia a una alta dependencia del petróleo. La pandemia de 
COVID -19 causó una contracción sin precedentes de la demanda mundial del petróleo, causando 
importantes repercusiones en los ingresos públicos de Arabia Saudita, dejando  entrever la fragilidad 
de su economía y lo expuesta que está a los vaivenes del mercado de combustibles fósiles.  
4.417.   Es por esto que vemos de forma positiva los avances para fortalecer la industria no -petrolera 
– esto no solo fortalecerá la resiliencia de la economía saudí, pero también promoverá su 
diversificación. De hecho, estos sectores crecieron a un ritmo superior al del sector petrolero en el 
periodo que comprende 2015 -2019, especialmente en el sector minero.  
4.418.   Seguimos con interés las reformas domésticas  a favor de la participación de las mujeres en 
la economía y destacamos los avances en materia de género que ha hecho Arabia Saudita desde su WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  último examen. Sin embargo, aún hay margen para mejorar, y confiamos en que el plan Visión 2030 
logrará sus objeti vos en este ámbito.  
4.419.   Queremos felicitar al Reino de Arabia Saudita por su activa participación en el sistema 
multilateral como lo es en la Declaración Conjunta sobre el Comercio Electrónico, y por el liderazgo 
demostrado en la presidencia del G20 sobre los  aspectos relacionados con el comercio durante la 
pandemia COVID -19. 
4.420.   En especial deseamos felicitar a Arabia Saudita por los grandes cambios y esfuerzos hacia 
una economía de mercado más abierta al mundo. Si bien quedan temas puntuales por tratarse, 
vemos estos ejercicios y los cambios de forma positiva.  
4.421.   Les deseamos éxito a Arabia Saudita en este examen y deseamos destacar la admirable 
gestión de su delegación en Ginebra encabezada por el Embajador Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA AND 
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  
5.1.  I would like to express our appreciation to you, Mr. Chair, for your able management of the 
Kingdom's Trade Policy Review meeting. My special thanks goes to the discussant, Her Excellency 
Ambassador Zhanar Aitzhanova from Kazakhstan, for her insightful and  detailed introductory 
remarks. We also reiterate our gratitude to the WTO TPR Division for their technical and effective 
coordination through the entire review process.  
5.2.  The Government of Saudi Arabia attaches great importance to the Trade Policy Review 
Mechanism as it considers it truly a crucial process for ensuring the multilateral trading system's 
foundational values of accountability, predictability and transparency.  
5.3.  The Saudi delegation values the contributions and thoughtful interventions made by Mem bers 
during the opening session on Wednesday. This valuable exercise has provided an exceptional 
opportunity to listen to insightful views and suggestions from Members on our trade policies and 
practices.  
5.4.  We are deeply encouraged and motivated by the positive feedback on the Kingdom's policies 
and reforms as well as the calls expressed by Members for deeper bilateral economic, trade and 
investment engagement with the Kingdom.  
5.5.  We appreciated the positive co mments offered by most Members on the Kingdom's sustained 
efforts to maintain an open, free and transparent economy. We also noted with great pleasure that 
the majority of the intervening Members commended the Kingdom for its active role in supporting 
the multilateral trading system particularly through launching the "Riyadh Initiative on the future of 
the WTO" during the Kingdom's G20 presidency in unprecedented circumstances.  
5.6.  We are highly pleased to notice that a number of issues that have raised Member s' concerns 
in our second review in 2016 were resolved and reconciled. This confirms the improvement in the 
Kingdom's trade and investment policies, practices and our persistence to continue adhering to the 
rules, disciplines and commitments under various WTO Agreements.  
5.7.  The reports by both the Secretariat and the Government issued in the framework of this trade 
policy review have illustrated the achievements of the Kingdom over the last five years. It is not my 
intention, today, to restate the points rais ed during our first session. I intend to focus on the 
observations that were made by some Members on the 1st day and to clarify some of the issues that 
are key to the Kingdom's ambitious plan that aims at deeper integration in the international trade 
and e conomy.  
5.8.  Let me begin with the remarks stated by Members on the Kingdom's economic environment. 
The positive remarks of most intervening Members have been highly appreciative of the Kingdom's 
economic performance and the strategic development plan of the ki ngdom of Saudi Arabia 
Vision  2030- which outlines the aspirations of the country in becoming a global investment 
powerhouse. Saudi Arabia is the largest economy in the Middle East and the largest oil exporter in 
the world. Foreign trade accounts for 62% of  Saudi Arabia's economy. Diversification of the 
kingdom's economy through enhancing the non -oil sector remains a key priority to the kingdom's 
government, since the implementation of the kingdom's vision 2030 in 2016, non -oil exports have 
experienced signi ficant increase.  
5.9.  Regarding diversification challenges and changing economic environment in the aftermath of 
the decline in oil price, the Kingdom believes that diversification has to be based on market principles 
and the competitiveness of the Saudi econom y. It is worth to highlight, that a number of corrective 
measures have been implemented since the beginning of 2016, including optimizing government 
expenditures as well as increasing non -oil revenues.  
5.10.   According to the Ministry of Finance figures, the non -oil revenues for Q3 -2020 amounted to 
SAR 122.9 billion, while oil revenues reached SAR 92.5 billion, marking a continuation of an upward 
trend since Vision 2030 announcement in 2016 to diversify the Saudi economy to lower the country's 
reliance on oil reve nues.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  5.11.   The continued upward trend of non -oil revenues resulted in increased fiscal stability and a 
positive outlook for foreign investors. Moreover, the non -oil sectors including manufacturing and 
renewable energy sectors continue to drive growth.  
5.12.   Small a nd medium -sized enterprises (SMEs) are integral part of Vision 2030. The Saudi Small 
and Medium Enterprises Authority (Monshaat) has been mandated to increase the contribution of 
SMEs to the Kingdom's GDP from 20 to 35% over this decade.  
5.13.   Regarding investme nt, the Kingdom has accelerated the development of the investment 
sector, which is one of the most important pillars of its economy. The kingdom aims for economic 
diversification and a comprehensive development, including all aspects of the investment clim ate. 
5.14.   Other developments included establishing international investment attraction offices in a 
number of targeted countries; and enabling 100% foreign investment in the retail and wholesale 
sectors, transportation, engineering services, associated consulta tions and private health 
institutions.  
5.15.   Furthermore, the Ministry of Investment has succeeded in increasing and re -prioritizing 
investment sectors, while providing important new opportunities in unprecedented sectors such as 
entertainment and tourism. It al so improved the investment climate by reducing the negative list 
from 19 business activities to 10.  
5.16.   In the field of the protection of intellectual property rights, Saudi Arabia is giving this matter 
its utmost attention. It is worth mentioning that on 12 N ovember 2020, a Ministerial Order has been 
issued to link the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) directly to the Prime Minister. SAIP 
being put under the purview of the Prime Minister office clearly indicates that the Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia attaches great importance to the enhancement of the IP ecosystem in the Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia.  
5.17.   In the area of TBT and SPS, the Kingdom is keen to have its mandatory standards aligned 
with international norms; it had established a coordination mechanism f or all governmental bodies 
responsible for standards and conformity assessment to enhance transparency, and ensure that 
these standards were consistent with its TBT and SPS obligations.  
5.18.   With regard to questions raised on the issue of localization and "loc al content", it is important 
to highlight that with the aim to fulfill the strategic objectives embodied in Vision 2030 to promote 
growth, diversify the economy, promote local production and improve workforce skills, some 
measures to unlock the potential o f non-oil sectors were undertaken, including through localization 
of promising manufacturing industries along with some initiatives aimed at promoting local content 
in specific sectors of the industry. All these legitimate goals are in line with the WTO ob jectives set 
in the Marrakesh Agreement.  
5.19.   The Kingdom is fully committed to the foundational value of predictability and transparency 
of this Organization. A Special attention is given to the fulfilment of our WTO notification obligations 
and to the publica tion of legislations. All laws and regulations are published on the official website 
of the Bureau of Experts in the Council of Ministers, as well as the National Center for Archives & 
Records, which is the official government entity in charge of keeping o fficial documents and records. 
In addition, each government agency is required to publish the laws and regulations relevant to its 
mandate on its website, in order to facilitate obtaining all legislative materials.  
5.20.   It is worth mentioning that the Kingdom as a developing country, and upon its accession to 
the WTO, has undertaken extensive commitments and wide range of reforms. It has been always 
committed to the rules -based trading system, in which development dimension remains one of its 
main pillars . 
5.21.   Regarding the future participation of the Kingdom to the Government Procurement Agreement 
(GPA), it is worth recalling that at the time of Saudi Arabia's accession to the WTO and its 
confirmation to initiate negotiations for the membership in the Agreement on Government 
Procurement by tabling an entity offer and the condition that, if the results of the negotiations were 
satisfactory to the interests of Saudi Arabia and other Parties to the Agreement, Saudi Arabia would WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  complete negotiations for membership in t he Agreement. The said confirmation by the Saudi 
representative at that time pertains and was specific to a previous version of the Agreement.  
5.22.   The active participation in the ongoing negotiations, particularly, on Fisheries Subsidies and 
the Joint Statemen t Initiatives in WTO is a strong testimony of the Kingdoms' commitment to work 
constructively with Members to achieve meaningful outcomes for MC12.  
5.23.   The Kingdom confirms that answers to all questions received after the deadline will be 
submitted within one  month as per the TPR mechanism.  
5.24.   In conclusion, I would like to reiterate the Kingdom's commitment towards the multilateral 
trading system and our continued efforts to maintain an open, free, fair and transparent trading 
regime. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  confirms the compliance of its trade policies and practices with 
all WTO rules and principle including according MFN treatment to imports from all trading partners 
in full conformity with the its obligations. I also would like to thank once again our disc ussant, WTO 
Members' Delegations, and the TPR Division for their time and effort to make our Review a productive 
and purposeful exercise.  
5.25.   My special thanks go to my colleagues of my Saudi delegation team for their tireless efforts 
to complete this review successfully.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.26.   I would like to congratulate His Excellency Mr. Abdulrakhman Alharbi, Governor of General 
Authority for Foreign Trade and His Excellency Ambassador Saqer Almoqbel with the outstanding 
work undertaken in the course of preparation a nd presentations at the third Trade Policy Review of 
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  
5.27.   The third TPR of Saudi Arabia has provided with deep and broad overview of the developments 
in the Kingdom's trade, economic and investment policies, made during the review period. The 
interventions made by 40 delegations emphasized the importance Members placed with regard to 
this Review as well as the significant role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the multilateral 
trading system. Members also highlighted the largest economy in the Arab region as an important 
and strategic partner in their bilat eral and regional trade and investment relations.  
5.28.   Members appreciated the major achievements made in various areas of economic and trade 
policies of Saudi Arabia. Whilst, some practical and concrete recommendations provided by Members 
on improvement of the  certain domestic policy areas could be beneficial to Saudi Arabia's sustainable 
economic development and could enhance its trade regime. Saudi Arabia acknowledged the intention 
to update "Vision 2030" Development Strategy to meet objectives of economic tr ansformation and 
sustainable growth.  
5.29.   I would like to highlight key deliberations made during the review process.  
5.30.   First, Members praised the Kingdom's leadership in the course of  its G20 presidency in 2020 
for hosting two major Ministerial events and launching the Riyadh Initiative on the Future of the 
WTO. The Riyadh Declaration provided a high -level political support to the WTO reform process and 
underlined importance of interna tional cooperation to accelerate the post pandemic economic 
recovery.  
5.31.   In the lead up for MC12, Members also highlighted Saudi Arabia's active engagement in the 
ongoing multilateral and plurilateral negotiations, including JSIs on e -commerce, services domes tic 
regulation, investment facilitation for development and MSMEs.  
5.32.   Members also welcomed the launch of ambitious and comprehensive "Vision 2030" strategy, 
envisioning reduced dependence on oil, diversification of economy, increased share of the private 
sector in the economy and promotion of non -oil exports, strengthening investments, manufacturing 
sectors and development of public service sectors. These measures coupled with restructuring of 
key government establishments and accompanied with the necessary legislative changes have been 
mentioned by Members as significant noteworthy steps undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
since the last review.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  5.33.   The majority of Members highlighted that the Kingdom's reforms that resulted in significant 
reduction of the  fiscal deficit, in opening of certain sectors to foreign direct investments, including 
financial markets; privatization of public companies; and strengthened competition and intellectual 
property regimes.  
5.34.   Members praised the Kingdom's ratification of the  WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and bold 
measures undertaken for its implementation, such as simplification of custom procedures and 
establishment of a country -wide single window for customs as well as new policy instruments for 
promotion of exports. All  these trade and economic measures also help to effectively address 
economic challenges caused by global pandemic. Members supported efforts of Saudi Arabia to 
create more opportunities for development of SMEs as well as women empowerment and gender 
equali ty by targeting an increased participation of women in the work force from 20% to 30% by 
2030.  
5.35.   Second, on certain domestic policy measures, Members suggested for further improvements 
towards trade and investment liberalization.   
5.36.   On investments, Members co mmended that Saudi Arabia continued to improve its investment 
climate. At the same, they noted that to achieve goals of the diversification of national economy and 
develop domestic industries across sectors, the Government applied local content requirement s. In 
this regard, several Members questioned WTO consistency of such measures and asked for more 
detailed information regarding incentives for foreign investors, including tax benefits.  
5.37.   Members also encouraged the Government of Saudi Arabia to improve th e transparency and 
due process safeguards of its legal framework, including with regard to the treatment of foreign 
commercial entities. A number of Members requested to review the requirements for investment 
and running businesses in Saudi Arabia with the  view to open more activities to foreign investors 
and to assist international companies in finding the appropriate partner for doing business.  
5.38.   On trade measures. To promote openness to international trade and to enhance it trading 
framework in line with i ts WTO commitments, several Members pointed out the need to increase 
transparency of application of technical regulations as well as complex certification procedures, and 
the high costs associated with the electronic conformity assessment platform "SABER".   
5.39.   Some Members also expressed concerns regarding discriminatory impact of selective tax on 
certain beverages, non -automatic import licensing system, exportation measures, such as 
preshipment inspection and export bans on some products.  
5.40.   On import tariffs, some Members mentioned the increase in customs duty rates on certain 
goods in response to the COVID -19 pandemic and expressed their hope that this measure would be 
of temporary nature.  
5.41.   On government procurement. Members invited Saudi Arabia to start negot iations on joining 
the GPA in order to provide fair competition and open its bidding processes for foreign entities in a 
non-discriminatory manner.  
5.42.   In conclusion, it is important to emphasize that, all in all, Members consider Saudi Arabia as 
reliable and  leading trading partner in the region and expressed their hope that the Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia will continue exercising its leadership role in support of the global trade. Since its 
accession to the WTO, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has persistently remai ned committed towards 
the multilateral trading system. Many Members highlighted significant contribution made by the 
Kingdom during its G20 Presidency in the midst of the pandemic last year.  
5.43.   Finally, on behalf of Kazakhstan, I would like to express our dee p appreciation for the profound 
and continued support demonstrated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia towards Kazakhstan's 
chairmanship of the 12th Ministerial Conference scheduled for December 2021 in Geneva and 
commitment to engage constructively in order to  ensure meaningful and substantial outcomes at 
MC12.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  5.44.   I also would like to thank the Chair, Ambassador Harald Aspelund, for inviting me to be a 
discussant in the third TPR of Saudi Arabia. It has been a great honor for me to contribute as 
discussant to this  Review. Thank you.  
UNITED  STATES  
5.45.   The United States would very much like to thank the delegation of Saudi Arabia for their 
presence online here today in addition to expressing appreciation for the work which has gone into 
preparation for Saudi Arabia’s thi rd Trade Policy Review. As mentioned on day one, Saudi Arabia is 
an important economic partner of the United States, and we look forward to increased engagement 
on several trade issues. We also look forward to gaining more clarity regarding certain concern ing 
trade policies.   
5.46.   As highlight previously, Saudi Arabia is a wealthy and influential player in the global economy 
and a member of the G20. As such, we again call on Saudi Arabia to no longer seek special and 
differential treatment in current and future  WTO negotiations. By taking this step, Saudi Arabia 
would make a significant contribution to ensuring that the WTO remains a viable forum for 
meaningful trade negotiations.  
5.47.   We appreciate Saudi Arabia’s responses to our advanced written questions. In a fe w cases; 
however, we had hoped that Saudi Arabia would have responded more thoroughly. We resubmitted 
those questions again this morning, and ask the Saudi Government to answer in greater detail.   
5.48.   For example, the United States seeks greater clarity and d etail in Saudi Arabia’s responses to 
U.S. questions regarding technical barriers to trade (TBT) and asks for its cooperation in resolving 
issues raised through the TBT Enquiry point. As noted, some of these issues go back as far as 2017. 
The underlying lac k of transparency results in policy uncertainty that creates difficulties for firms 
trying to invest in trade with Saudi Arabia.   
5.49.   We additionally would like to reiterate our concerns about data localization requirements in 
Saudi Arabia and we have request ed additional detail on the types of data subject to localization 
requirements. We would like to better understand the process for determining which data must be 
localized, and whether there are measures planned or in place to ensure that any restrictions placed 
on cross -border data flows are necessary and proportional to the risks presented.  
5.50.   In conclusion, we would like to emphasize that Saudi Arabia is a valued trading partner of the 
United States, and for that reason we welcome Saudi Arabia’s efforts to develop a more open trade 
and investment regime. We look forward to continued discussion regarding multiple themes and 
concerns highlighted during this Review . 
EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.51.   On behalf of the EU, let me first thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the compr ehensive 
overview presented of the main trade and economic developments that occurred during the review 
period.  
5.52.   The EU welcomes the useful insights that this review has provided into modernisation and 
diversification strategy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabi a under the "Vision 2030" strategy. Saudi 
Arabia is a strong supporter of the multilateral trading system and an active WTO Member, as also 
underlined by the Riyadh Initiative on the Future of the WTO during its G20 Presidency.  
5.53.   However, as it was observed  on several occasions, the economy of the Kingdom of 
Saudi  Arabia is still very dependent on the oil and gas sector that suffered from the largest 
contraction in world oil demand in history, due to the COVID -19 pandemic in 2020 which also 
resulted in signi ficant impact on government revenues.  
5.54.   The exchanges in this TPR underlined the concerns of WTO Members such as the emphasis 
on "localization" and the existence of detailed sector -specific industrial policies that have potentially 
distortive effects on tra de and resource allocation. We also note the concerns regarding lack of 
transparency, on restrictive conditions for government procurement procedures, and some issues 
related to standards, technical regulations including SPS.  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  5.55.   The EU appreciates the responses provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the advance 
questions we have submitted. We also submitted some follow -up questions on issues such as tariff 
increases, “minimized clearance time”, import licensing, application of export duties, export 
prohibitions, and collection of royalties and we look forward to further clarifications and replies within 
the foreseen timeframe for this exercise.  
5.56.   In conclusion, the EU would like to thank the delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 
undertaking thi s important transparency exercise despite of the difficult circumstances and thus 
demonstrating its commitment to WTO. We are confident that our good cooperation will continue in 
the future.  
KINGDOM  OF MOROCCO  
5.57.   We thank both the Government of Saudi Arabia a nd the Secretariat for their reports, as well 
as H.E. Mrs. Aitzhanova, Ambassador of Kazakhstan, for her relevant comments.  
5.58.   Morocco commends the Government of Saudi Arabia for its engagement in the multilateral 
trading system and for conducting its third T rade Policy Review here by contributing to compliance 
with WTO rules.  
5.59.   We also congratulate him on his successful pathway since joining the WTO, as well as his 
dynamism in the multilateral trading system and his contribution to establishing free and open t rade. 
5.60.   The trade policy review reports note notable advances made by Saudi Arabia in recent years, 
enabling it to consolidate its position among the world's top 20 economies, and achieve industrial 
and social change supported by the Vision 2030 which has en abled this friend and brother country 
to acquire a sustainable economy by developing new strategic sectors and by channeling energies 
toward industries and services that provide long -term competitive advantage.  
5.61.   Morocco welcomes the truce of Saudi Arabia to  make free trade as means of strengthening 
competitiveness and productivity in the long term.  
5.62.   It is in this period that the free trade agreement establishing the Greater Arabs Free Trade 
Area is inscribed, which has made it possible to open up new horizons for economic operators in our 
two countries, especially as our respective economies have comp lementarities and potentialities not 
yet fully exploited.  
5.63.   We therefore reiterate our desire to further promote the level of cooperation with Saudi Arabia 
in the light of the excellence of our bilateral relationship and of the strategic partnership between  
the two countries which links us throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council.  All our years of common 
interest, in particular those of an economic and commercial nature, should be strengthened with a 
view to strengthen levels of trade and employment, and inve stment opportunities.  
5.64.   Saudi Arabia has chosen to adopt a wide range of reforms aimed to improving the business 
climate and attracting more local and foreign investment. Indeed, the Secretariat report listed 
several policies adopted in this regard, such as the elimination of restrictions on foreign investment, 
the rationalization of licensing requirements, the reduction of negative lists, and the improvement 
of access to funds, as well as the implementation of several trade -facilitation measures.  
5.65.   The Kingdom  of Morocco welcomes the leading role played by Saudi Arabia during its G20 
Presidency in 2020 which has strived to provide adequate responses to global challenges posed by 
the pandemic, both in the short and long term, with a view to a global economic rec overy.  
5.66.   Finally, the Kingdom of Morocco wishes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a fruitful review of its 
trade policy.  
TCHAD  
5.67.   Ma délégation souhaite la bienvenue à la délégation de l’Arabie saoudite et lui témoigne toute 
notre solidarité. Je voudrais remercier ég alement le chef de la délégation pour sa présentation 
exhaustive de la politique commerciale de son pays. Ma délégation remercie et félicite le WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  Représentant Permanent de l’Arabie saoudite et toute son équipe à Genève pour le rôle combien 
déterminant dans l a préservation et la consolidation du système commercial multilatéral.  
5.68.   Le Tchad apprécie hautement l’engagement de l’Organisation mondiale du commerce à 
soutenir les efforts de l’Arabie saoudite visant à créer les conditions favorables de développement 
surtout des pays qui sont les plus vulnérables dans le respect des règles du commerce multilatéral.  
5.69.   Le niveau d’exportation du Tchad vers l’Arabie saoudite est encourageant. Toutefois des 
progrès importants restent à faire pour que nous puissions exporter dav antage vers l’Arabie saoudite 
sur la base du taux d’utilisation des préférences accordées.  
5.70.   Le Tchad se félicite également de la vision à laquelle souscrit l’Arabie saoudite en ce qui 
concerne les règles commerciales multilatérales et sa détermination à sat isfaire aux prescriptions en 
matière des notifications et à son engagement à se mettre en conformité avec ses obligations à 
l’OMC.  
5.71.   L’Arabie saoudite est un partenaire important, tous les Membres l’ont reconnu, avec lequel 
nous souhaitons développer davanta ge nos relations commerciales.  
5.72.   Le Tchad apprécie le soutien de l’Arabie saoudite aux initiatives de l’aide pour le commerce.  
5.73.   Enfin, le Tchad salue les efforts non négligeables de l’Arabie saoudite pour créer une 
dynamique importante pour le commerce et le système commercial multilatéral.  
5.74.   Ma délégation encourage l’Arabie saoudite à poursuivre ses efforts et lui souhaite plein succès 
pour son Examen des politiques commerciales.  
SWITZERLAND  
5.75.   I would like to thank the delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia fo r the answers provided 
to the questions of the Members for this Trade Policy Review. We examined the answers and would 
have some follow up comments and requests.  
5.76.   As indicated on Wednesday, Switzerland expressed its longstanding concern regarding the 
select ive tax on beverages. The aim of our written questions was to have a sense about the direction 
of the foreseen reform of the tax. We are interested in knowing when the reform will take place. Will 
it be this year or next year? We would also have expected t o get more details on the possible options 
envisaged to reform the tax. Most of these issues remain unanswered. Although we understand that 
the final decision will be taken at the GCC level, we would like to have in advance an idea of the 
reflections curre ntly undergoing on this issue before a decision is taken.  
5.77.   According to the answers provided, is our understanding correct that Saudi Arabia – as well 
as the rest of the GCC members – will not harmonize the tax rate for all beverages subject to the 
selectiv e tax and this, until the reform of the tax is implemented? Thank you in advance for a 
clarification regarding this point.  
5.78.   We also note that one of our requests  remains unanswered, i.e. to obtain a copy of the study 
relating to the tax reform. We encourage  the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to answer all requests and 
questions sent by the members for this TPR.  
5.79.   We wish Saudi Arabia a successful Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 188 • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  The third Trade Policy Review of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has provided us with a good 
opportunity to deepen our understanding of recent developments in, and challenges to its trade, 
economic, and investment policies. Despite some technical challenges, o ur discussions were rich as 
40 delegations took the floor, underlining the importance attached by Members to Saudi Arabia's 
trade and investment policies and practices. 573 advance written questions were submitted by 
Members with additional questions submi tted after the first day of our meeting.  
6.2.  I would like to thank the delegation of Saudi Arabia, headed by H.E. Mr. Abdulrahman Alharbi, 
the Governor of the Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade, for the participation in this exercise 
despite the challen ges imposed by the COVID -19 pandemic. I would also like to thank our discussant, 
H.E. Ambassador Zhanar Aitzhanova of Kazakhstan, for her insightful remarks, and all the 
delegations that took the floor for their valuable contributions to this Review.  
6.3.  Saudi Arabia's strong support to the multilateral trading system was stressed by Members, and 
in particular its leadership in the G20 to discuss issues around trade and investment, including during 
two dedicated ministerial meetings. They applauded Saudi Arabi a in particular for initiating and 
advancing the Riyadh Initiative on the Future of the WTO aiming at discussing and reaffirming the 
principles of the WTO and its reform. Members also took note of the Kingdom's ratification of the 
TFA, and its active parti cipation in ongoing discussions such as the fisheries negotiations and the 
four Joint Statement Initiatives of e -commerce, Domestic Services Regulation, Investment 
Facilitation, and MSMEs. A number of Members requested further information regarding the 
Kingdom's plans to join the Government Procurement Agreement, encouraging it to do so as per its 
accession commitments.  
6.4.  Members commended Saudi Arabia for its achievements since its previous Review in 2016. 
They took note of the comprehensive reform efforts undertaken by the Kingdom in the context of 
its Vision 2030 to address structural economic challenges by reducing its dependence on oil and to 
diversify the economy in an environment open to trade and investment. Members in particular 
commended the Kingdom  for its policies to improve the business environment, implementing trade 
facilitating measures, and opening up a number of economic sectors, including through privatization 
and by shortening the negative list for investments. They also noted efforts to mo dernize the 
judiciary, strengthening the intellectual property framework, the adoption of new competition and 
government procurement laws, and reforms of the labour market. They noted that these policy 
changes had been complemented by wide ranging institut ional changes such as the creation of the 
General Authority for Foreign Trade, as well as procedural changes, such as the introduction of 
electronic trade platforms to register conformity certificates for consumer products ("SABER") and 
the electronic sing le window. Members acknowledged that some of Saudi Arabia's policy responses 
seem to have contributed to allowing it to weather the COVID -related economic upheaval relatively 
well. While appreciating the reforms undertaken, Members called on Saudi Arabia t o continue its 
efforts to diversify its economy and enhance transparency around investment, trade procedures, 
and product regulations.  
6.5.  Members raised questions and concerns regarding policies that appear to restrict trade, and 
areas where transparency can be improved. For example, Members requested additional information 
regarding recent government policies aiming at localization of production and expressed some 
concerns regarding the recently announced requirement for firms to establish their regional 
headquarters in Saudi Arabia as a precondition for being eligible for government contracts. Members 
also raised concerns regarding the increase in customs duties during the pandemic, export 
restrictions, the introduction and administration of varying excise du ties for certain beverages, 
preshipment inspection requirements for selected products, halal certification, and new conformity 
assessment procedures and fees linked to the introduction of the SABER platform. Members also 
referred to continued challenges wi th effective IP enforcement and the resolution of commercial 
disputes. Likewise, Members raised questions regarding the varying treatment of national and 
international companies regarding corporate income tax and Zakat, Saudization policies which 
Members c laimed did negatively affect hiring and business operations, and data localization 
requirements. Concerns were also raised regarding what was considered as systematic 
discrimination in customs practices affecting one member's exports to Saudi Arabia, and t he impact 
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  6.6.  Members also highlighted the importance of timely WTO notifications and encouraged the 
Kingdom to submit pending notifications in a timely manner, mentioning explicit ly the area of 
domestic support in agriculture, or the delayed notification of recent tariff changes.  
6.7.  Acknowledging recent gender -related reforms, several Members encouraged the Kingdom to 
share experiences with the implementation and outcomes of these re forms while stressing that they 
saw scope for further deepening. In this context, they invited the Kingdom to join the Buenos Aires 
Declaration on Women's Economic Empowerment and the WTO's Informal Working Group on Trade 
and Gender.  
6.8.  I hope that the deleg ation of Saudi Arabia will consider the issues raised during our discussions, 
some of which I have just mentioned. From the interventions made this morning and the follow -up 
questions sent to Saudi Arabia, it is clear that Members still have concerns regar ding particular 
aspects of the Kingdom's trade policies, to which I am sure Saudi Arabia will give due consideration. 
The questions, constructive comments, and experiences shared during this Review offer food for 
thought for the Saudi authorities to reflec t on as the Government continues to review and adapt 
policies to achieve their policy objectives. Members look forward to receiving the answers from 
Saudi  Arabia to any outstanding questions within one month, at which point the Review will be 
successfully concluded.  
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