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WT/TPR/W/ 216 
24 November 2022  
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Trade Policy Review Body    
 
*In Original language only/ En langue originale seulement /En el idioma original solamente . 
  
DJIBOUTI  
DRAFT MINUTES  OF THE MEETING* HELD ON 12 AND 14 OCTOBER 2022  
Delegations are invited to submit factual corrections, if any, on their own statement to the 
Secretariat ( Mrs Daniela  Salas : danielamariana.salas@wto.org , or to  tprd@wto.org ) no later 
than 8 December  2022. 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
 
DJIBOUTI  
PROJET DE COMPTE RENDU DE LA RÉUNION* TENUE LES 12 AND 14 OCTOBRE 2022  
Les délégations sont invitées à soumettre  leurs éventuelles corrections factuelles concernant leurs 
propres déclarations au Secrétariat ( Mme. Daniela  Salas : danielamariana.salas@wto.org , ou 
tprd@wto.org ) le 8 décembre  2022 au plus tard.  
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
 
DJIBOUTI  
PROYECTO DE ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN* CELEBRADA LOS DÍAS 12 Y 14 DE OCTUBRE DE 2022  
Las delegaciones pueden enviar a la Secretaría (Sr a. Daniela  Salas : 
danielamariana.salas @wto.org , o tprd@wto.org ) a más tardar el 8 de diciembre de 2022  las 
correcciones fácticas que deseen introducir en sus propias declaraciones.  
 
_______________  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
DJIBOUTI  
DRAFT  MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr Ángel Villalobos Rodríguez  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  3 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF DJIBOUTI ................................ .... 5 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ................  9 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  ................................ ................................ ........................  12 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF DJIBOUTI  AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  ....... 41 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .........................  52 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies provided 
by Djibouti are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/430/Add.1 and will be available online at 
http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The third Trade Policy Review of Djibouti  was held on 12 and 14  October  2022. The 
Chairperson, H.E.  Mr Ángel Villalobos Rodríguez  (Mexico)  welcomed the delegation of Djibouti , 
headed by H.E. Mr Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, Minister of Trade and Tourism ; H.E.  Ambassador 
Hassan Kadra Ahmed , Permanent Representative of Djibouti  to the WTO; the rest of the delegation; 
and the discussant, H.E. Ambassador Adam u Mohammed Abdulhamid  (Nigeria).  
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 .  
1.3.   The Chairperson recalled the purpose of TPRs and the main elements  of procedures for the 
meeting. The Report by Djibouti  is contained in document WT/TPR/G/ 430, and that of the WTO 
Secretariat in document WT/TPR/S/ 430. 
1.4.  Questions by the following delegations were submitted in writing before the deadline: Iceland, 
Canada, U nited States, Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia, Singapore, China, European  Union, and 
United  Kingdom.   
1.5.  The Chairperson  recall ed some elements of Djibouti's previous Review in 2014 and 
developments since then, as well as by identif ied some key issues ar ose from the advance written 
questions submitted by Members for this TPR.  
1.6.  At the time of the previous Review in 2014, Members had praised Djibouti for its positive 
economic growth, despite the challenging global context. Members welcomed its efforts to 
implement its d evelopment strategies, with a view to improving the living standards of its citizens, 
boosting human capital and broadening its economic base. While Members were appreciative of its 
efforts to modernize its customs procedures, they nevertheless urged Djibo uti to further comply with 
WTO rules, mainly with regard to customs valuation, procedures for developing and implementing 
technical regulations, and notifications. Concerns were also raised regarding the protection of 
intellectual property rights, and the heavy involvement of the Government in the economy. Djibouti 
was encouraged to ensure private sector participation in its economy with a view to improving its 
competitiveness.   
1.7.  The Chairperson first focused on developments since Djibouti's last Review. Du ring the period 
under review, Djibouti proceeded with the implementation of its long -term strategic plan, the 
economic Vision  2035, which places economic diversification at the centre of its long -term 
development objectives. To achieve th at goal, the Gover nment of Djibouti undertook  several actions, 
such as customs modernization, simplification of administrative procedures and reforms of public 
enterprises to improve the quality of public services and reduce their costs. According to the 
Secretariat Report,  the authorities have an ambitious agenda to promote private sector participation 
in the energy and telecommunication industries. In addition, a comprehensive law was enacted to 
govern public -private partnership, with a view to leveraging private investmen ts in the economy. 
While such initiatives were commendable and conducive to business development and economic 
growth, it was worth urging the Government of Djibouti to swiftly move from ambition to action for 
the benefit of its country.  
1.8.  The reforms under D jibouti's economic Vision 2035, together with the large investments in its 
ports, roads, and the special economic zone, contributed to Djibouti's economic performance, with 
annual GDP growth rates consistently above 5% between 2014 and 2019. However, the C OVID -19 
pandemic took a toll on Djibouti's economic performance, as its GDP grew at a much slower pace in 
2020. The ensuing stimulus package, compounded by weaker fiscal revenue and numerous tax 
exemptions, further deteriorated Djibouti's public finances, and put the country's debt sustainability 
at risk.  
1.9.  Djibouti does not officially have a customs tariff. However, the Secretariat Report note d that 
its internal consumption tax (TIC) could be likened to a tariff. In addition, numerous other duties 
and charg es were collected on imports.  
1.10.   The advance written questions submitted for th e Review were an indication of the wide range 
of topics of interest to Members regarding Djibouti's trade and investment regimes. Questions were WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  raised concerning notification of t rade-related measures, SPS and TBT regulations, state -owned 
enterprises, customs issues, government procurement, intellectual property rights, sectoral policies, 
and measures to promote a green economy. Overall, most of the concerns expressed by Members 
at the time of the previous TPR of Djibouti were renewed . 
1.11.   The Chairperson was sure that th ose topics, as well as others, w ould be thoroughly discussed 
by Members during the two -day session.   
1.12.   Djibouti received 98  advance written questions from 8 Members for th e Review, all of which 
were sent within the establish ed deadline. Prior to th e meeting, Djibouti provided written replies to 
all of the questions and the Chairperson looked forward to hearing Djibouti's updates on the issues 
raised by Members during the two -day session.  
1.13.   The meeting was a good opportunity fo r Members to discuss in greater detail issues of interest 
to them and of systemic importance to the multilateral trading system.  
1.14.   The Chairperson closed his introductory remarks by wishing Djibouti a very successful 
third Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  2  OPENING STAT EMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF DJIBOUTI (H .E. MR MOHAMED 
WARSAMA DIRIEH ) 
2.1.  Excellence Monsieur le Président de la séance, Ángel  Villalobos, Ambassadeur de la République 
du Mexique; Excellence Monsieur l'Ambassadeur de la République du Nigéria, Dr.  Adamu Moha mmed 
Abdulhamid, Monsieur le présentateur du troisième examen de la politique commerciale de Djibouti; 
Madame L'Ambassadrice Kadra  Ahmed  Hassan; Excellences Mesdames et Messieurs les 
Ambassadeurs; distingués participants; tout protocole observé, Mesdames e t Messieurs.  
2.2.  Permettez -moi d'exprimer notre gratitude et notre reconnaissance à l'Ambassadeur de la 
République du Nigéria, S.E.  M. Dr. Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid, pour avoir été le présentateur 
de notre examen de la politique commerciale. Je tiens également  à adresser nos sincères 
remerciements au Secrétariat de l'OMC pour la préparation du rapport du Secrétariat et 
l'engagement constructif avec notre équipe dans ce processus.  
2.3.  Cet examen de la politique commerciale a lieu dans des circonstances exceptionnell es compte 
tenu de multiples crises mondiales d'ordre sanitaire, insécurité alimentaire et leurs conséquences 
sur le système commercial multilatéral.  
2.4.  En tant que petit pays de moins de 1  million d'habitants, mon pays a été durement touché par 
la pandémie de  COVID -19, des effets de l'insécurité alimentaire, de la sécheresse endémique et de 
la situation sécuritaire en Éthiopie. Les confinements et les restrictions imposés en 2020 et 2021 ont 
effectivement empêché la propagation du virus dans le pays. Cependant , les activités économiques 
ont été sévèrement affectées. Notre PIB s'est contracté de 1,2% en 2020 alors qu'il se situait à 6,6% 
avant la pandémie en 2019. Les secteurs les plus touchés par la baisse de la valeur ajoutée sont la 
construction -bâtiments et travaux publics, les transports aérien, maritime et routier, le commerce 
général, le tourisme -hôtellerie -restauration.  
2.5.  La situation des finances publiques s'est détériorée en 2020 du fait de la contraction des 
recettes budgétaires et de l'augmentation impr évue des dépenses courantes liées au COVID -19. Les 
dépenses liées au COVID -19 ont atteint 2,5% du PIB fin 2020. Les dépenses d'investissement ont 
reculé de 0,9% du PIB au terme de l'année 2020.  
2.6.  Face à cette situation, le gouvernement a mis en place un Pla n national solidaire (PNS) afin 
d'apporter un soutien aux entreprises, aux particuliers et les ménages pour sécuriser les entreprises, 
préserver les emplois et aider les groupes vulnérables.  
2.7.  Les mesures économiques portaient sur la mise en place de micro -crédit pour soutenir les très 
petites entreprises du secteur de tourisme, construction -bâtiments, restauration.  
2.8.  D'autres mesures visaient le report de prélèvement des impôts pour éviter le risque de faillites, 
la mise en place d'une ligne de garantie partie lle pour soutenir les PME, la prise en charge des 
cotisations sociales patronales, le report des factures des entreprises étatiques (eau, électricité et 
télécommunication) et améliorer notre résilience sociale. L'objectif du gouvernement est d'atténuer 
les effets des crises mondiales et de faire une relance aux secteurs touchés de l'économie.  
2.9.  En outre, mon pays a assisté à l'essor du commerce électronique qui a pris de l'intérêt et qui 
s'est imposé au moment de la pandémie dans les secteurs économiques. C' est dans cet élan que 
mon pays a mis en place un nouveau ministère en charge de l'économie numérique afin de mieux 
soutenir la reprise économique et développer davantage les potentialités de la transformation 
numérique.  
2.10.   J'ai le plaisir d'annoncer que Djibo uti a officiellement adhéré à l'Organisation de coopération 
numérique, qui est une initiative saoudienne, le 17  mai 2022 pour accélérer sa croissance.  
2.11.   Malgré les critiques portés à l'OMC, mon pays reste pleinement attaché à un système 
commercial multilatér al fondé sur des règles justes et équitables.  
2.12.   Nous restons pleinement attachés à une intégration économique plus approfondie, aux 
niveaux bilatéraux, régional et mondial. En effet, mon pays a continué à s'ouvrir aux niveaux bilatéral 
et régional pour le commerce des biens et services. Nous prônons une  politique commerciale libérale WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  et l'attractivité des investissements directs étrangers est l'épine dorsale de notre création des 
richesses dans les secteurs à forts potentialités. Notre intention est de diversifier les opportunités 
de marché dans le comme rce des biens et des services.  
2.13.   Le commerce international reste fondamental pour Djibouti du fait de sa position 
géostratégique, situé sur la deuxième ligne maritime la plus utilisée, un carrefour idéal pour le 
commerce des biens et services avec l'Europe, l'Asie et l'Afrique.  
2.14.   Mon pays a eu l'honneur d'abriter du 3 au 6  décembre  2018 à Djibouti le deuxième dialogue 
régional sur les accessions à l'OMC pour les pays de la Grande Corne de l'Afrique, sur le thème 
"Promouvoir le commerce au service de l a paix par l'accession à l'OMC". Ceci témoigne de notre 
volonté de promouvoir le système commercial multilatéral et utiliser le commerce comme un 
instrument pour la préservation de la paix dans la corne de l'Afrique. Le Dialogue régional a été 
ouvert par l e Premier Ministre de Djibouti M.  Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, le Directeur général 
adjoint de l'OMC, M.  Alan Wolff et le représentant du Centre du commerce international (CCI).  
2.15.   Lors de la CM12, mon pays a été parmi les pays qui ont soutenu les déclarations ministérielles 
sur la réponse urgente à l'insécurité alimentaire, sur l'exemption des prohibitions ou restrictions à 
l'exportation pour les achats de produits alimentaires du Programme alimentaire mondial, l'Accord 
sur les subventions à la pêche.  
2.16.   Nous nous  réjouissons de la réussite de la CM12 et nous sommes confiants que cela va 
renforcer davantage le rôle prépondérant de l'OMC dans le système commercial multilatéral.  
2.17.   Mon pays coordonne cette année le Groupe des PMA et travaille d'arrache -pied avec les Ét ats 
Membres et le Secrétariat de l'OMC sur les programmes de travail post CM12.  
2.18.   L'année 2021 mon pays s'est attelé à poursuivre notre intégration au niveau régional et 
continental avec l'entrée en vigueur de l'Accord de libre -échange continental et africai ne (ZLECAf) 
qui est le plus grand ZLE au monde couvrant 55  pays et une population de 1,3  milliards de 
personnes.  
2.19.   Djibouti en tant que pays africain restera toujours favorable à l'accélération de l'intégration 
régionale et continentale. Mon pays s'est doté  d'une stratégie nationale sur ZLECAf qui devrait 
permettre d'accroitre les échanges de commerce des biens et services et de renforcer les chaines 
des valeurs régionales. La première phase de la ZLECAf portait sur le commerce des services et le 
commerce de s biens et mon pays a déjà conclu la liste d'engagement sur les cinq secteurs prioritaires 
de commerce des services (transport, communication, tourisme, télécommunication, services 
professionnels) et continuera de participer activement à la deuxième phase des négociations dans 
cet objectif.  
2.20.   La République de Djibouti a massivement investi depuis le précèdent examen dans le 
renforcement des infrastructures portuaires qui est à six plateformes spécialisées pour répondre à 
la forte demande du marché éthiopien e t se positionner sur le marché du transbordement régional 
et continental.  
2.21.   Mon pays a mis en place en juillet  2018 une Zone franche internationale à vocation industrielle 
et commerciale (DIFTZ) pour permettre à des entreprises continentales et international es d'installer 
des unités de transformation susceptibles d'ajouter de la valeur ajoutée aux produits au détriment 
de l'import -export des matières premières. Cette infrastructure est la plus grande zone économique 
spéciale d'Afrique, couvrant une superficie  de 48,2  km2, avec un régime d'incitations attractif pour 
les entreprises industrielles et commerciales.  
2.22.   Une nouvelle ligne ferroviaire électrique longue de 756  km reliant les ports de Djibouti à 
Addis -Abeba a été inaugurée en 2017 pour le transport des ma rchandises, des hydrocarbures et des 
véhicules. Les services ferroviaires permettent de réduire substantiellement le temps de transport 
et les coûts.  
2.23.   Le secteur routier, avec la construction du corridor nord Tadjourah -Balho, et la route 
Djibouti -Loyada, p ermet de renforcer les relations économiques et la connectivité avec l'Ethiopie et WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  la Somalie, et par extension aux pays limitrophes enclavés de la région des Grands Lacs, pour le 
transport de bétail, des produits agricoles, des marchandises diverses et de s personnes.  
2.24.   La compagnie aérienne Air  Djibouti a été relancée en 2015 pour compléter le maillage formé 
par les ports, les routes et le chemin de fer et accroître la multimodalité des infrastructures 
logistiques avec les pays de la région. La compagnie Eth iopian  Airlines s'est récemment associée à 
Air Djibouti pour lancer le transport multimodal mer -air du fret acheminé par voie maritime depuis 
la Chine et distribué par voie aérienne depuis l'aéroport de Djibouti vers les différentes parties du 
continent af ricain.  
2.25.   Le gouvernement djiboutien a investi dans les sources d'énergie renouvelables qui devraient 
progressivement compléter les productions actuelles des centrales thermiques et les importations 
de l'énergie via l'interconnexion avec l'Ethiopie considéré es comme un volet important de la politique 
énergétique. Il est attendu que le renforcement énergique impulse le développement de 
l'industrialisation.  
2.26.   Le pays a enregistré ces dernières années des progrès significatifs au niveau régional dans le 
domaine de  la connectivité et des données grâce à une infrastructure dense de câbles sous -marins. 
Actuellement, Djibouti est reliée à neuf câbles sous -marins de fibre optique qui lui confèrent le statut 
de plaque tournante de la région dans le domaine des télécommun ications.  
2.27.   Plus récemment, l'opérateur national Djibouti  Télécom a lancé, avec un consortium 
d'opérateurs de télécommunications d'Afrique de l'Est, un nouveau système régional de câbles 
sous-marins DARE1 (Djibouti Africa Regional Express) reliant la Somalie  et le Kenya afin de fournir 
la fibre optique.  
2.28.   La République de Djibouti pourrait profiter de sa situation géostratégique pour se positionner 
comme un centre numérique régional, notamment pour les centres de données. En 2013, le pays a 
lancé un Centre de d onnées de niveau  3 (Djibouti Data Centre) détenu majoritairement par 
Djibouti  Télécom en vue de centraliser les connexions de données entrantes en un seul endroit pour 
les rediriger en Afrique, en Asie et en Europe. Ce centre de données complète le Djibout i Internet 
Exchange (DjIX) qui regroupe 16  membres dont de grands acteurs régionaux tels que MTN et 
Telkom  SA, et des fournisseurs internationaux de réseaux de diffusion de contenu.  
2.29.   La décision du gouvernement de l'ouverture du capital de la société publiq ue Djibouti  Télécom 
à des investisseurs privés va permettre d'améliorer l'efficacité et la qualité des services et de réduire 
les coûts actuellement élevés des services de télécommunications par rapport aux pays 
comparateurs de la région du COMESA.  
2.30.   La lib éralisation prochaine du secteur des télécommunications à Djibouti, le développement 
du réseau des télécommunications au niveau régional et à l'international, l'émergence de 
nombreuses opportunités d'emplois pour les jeunes en offshoring, vont renforcer la  position 
privilégiée du pays en tant que nœud de connectivité au niveau régional et continental.  
2.31.   En ce qui concerne les services financiers, Djibouti a pris le choix stratégique de devenir un 
hub régional financier qui est reflété dans la Vision  2035. Le  gouvernement a facilité l'installation de 
nouvelles banques commerciales parmi lesquelles la Commercial  Bank of Ethiopia, Silk  Road 
International Bank, la Bank  of China et International  Business  Bank. Le renforcement de tissu 
bancaire a sensiblement impac té la croissance de son PIB et son dynamisme de son secteur des 
services.  
2.32.   Les banques islamiques occupent une place importante sur le marché et représente 22% de 
l'actif bancaire et a amélioré les produits des services bancaires traditionnels. Le financeme nt des 
banques islamiques a renforcé le financement au secteur économique.  
2.33.   Mon pays s'est doté d'une stratégie de micro finance 2019 -2023 pour promouvoir les produits 
financiers et développer le secteur.  
2.34.   De plus, mon pays a conclu un large éventail d'accor ds internationaux de promotion et de 
protection des investissements et d'accords visant à éviter la double imposition avec un certain WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  nombre de pays, qui suppriment les obstacles aux flux d'investissement transfrontaliers et offrent 
une certitude aux inves tisseurs.  
2.35.   Djibouti a engagé d'importants efforts dans le domaine de la Lutte contre le blanchissement 
des capitaux (LBC) et le financement du terrorisme (FT) et a adhéré au GAFIMOAN en 
décembre  2018. Cette adhésion s'inscrit dans les efforts de la Banque c entrale pour accroître la 
transparence de la place financière de Djibouti et lutter contre l'usage du système financier national 
à des fins criminelles en appliquant les standards internationaux les plus stricts. L'adhésion à cet 
organisme vise d'une part à affirmer la volonté du pays à satisfaire aux exigences en matière de 
lutte contre la criminalité financière mais aussi d'autre part à endiguer la diminution des 
correspondants bancaires qui a touché les principales banques du pays.  
2.36.   La République de Djibo uti a réalisé en mars  2021 une évaluation nationale des risques visant 
à illustrer l'engagement de notre pays et améliorer notre connaissance de nos faiblesses et 
vulnérabilités afin d'en atténuer les effets à travers l'établissement d'un plan d'action dét aillé. Et il 
est prévu d'accueillir une évaluation par les pairs du dispositif national de lutte contre le blanchiment 
de capitaux et le financement du terrorisme de la République de Djibouti en 2024.  
2.37.   La mise en place en juillet  2022 d'un système national de paiement qui permet la 
compensation et le règlement électronique à travers l'interconnectivité du réseau bancaire (RTGS).  
2.38.   Mon pays a réalisé ces dernières années des progrès significatifs en matière de réformes pour 
améliorer le climat des affaires. La République de Djibouti était classée au 172ème rang mondial sur 
190 économies dans le rapport Doing Business de 2012. Le pays a même enregistré une progression 
remarquable de 55  rangs pour arriver à la 99ème place en 2019 et devenu parmi les 20  économies 
mondiales les plus réformatrices.  
2.39.   En ce qui concerne les engagements internationaux, Djibouti a déposé son instrument de 
ratification de la convention du Centre International pour le règlement des différends relatifs aux 
investissements (CIRDI) le 9  juin 2020 entrée en vigueur le 9  juillet  2020.  
2.40.   Enfin, Monsieur le Président, L'OMC est une Organisation qui a largement contribué à 
populariser le dialogue, et à ce titre on peut lui reconnaitre le rôle d'une Organisation au service de 
la paix car elle promeut la gouvernance mondiale des échanges basés sur des règles.  
2.41.   Je formule ici le vœu d'une paix durable dans le monde par le biais du commerce international 
comme vecteur essentiel de bonnes relations, d'échanges entre les nations et de paix.  
2.42.   Je vous r emercie pour votre aimable attention.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  
3.1.  It is my pleasure and honour to be a discussant in this important third  Trade Policy Review of 
Djibouti. Let me seize this opportunity to warmly welcome Djibouti reformist led by the Minis ter of 
Trade  and Tourism , H.E. Mohamed Warsama Dirieh. Let me also take this opportunity to commend 
my colleague and sister, H .E. Kadra  Ahmed Hassan, the Ambassador of Djibouti to Switzerland and 
Permanent Representative to the UN and other International Organi zations including the WTO for 
her tireless efforts in advancing the interest of Djibouti and indeed Africa in the WTO.  
Developmen ts since Djibouti last TPR  
3.2.  My intervention would centre on some key developments since Djibouti last  TPR in 2014 with 
emphasis on Djibouti macro -economic policies and reforms; trade policy regimes; trade policy and 
practice by measures; trade policy by sec tor, and thereafter I would wrap up with my views on some 
development challenges and way forward on trade issues requiring more attention by Djibouti to 
foster greater utilization of global trade to drive growth.  
Djibouti macro -economic policies and reform s 
3.3.  It is heart -warming that, Djibouti a LDC, classified by the World  Bank as a lower middle income 
country, is implementing reforms towards structural transformation, and economic diversification. 
As evident in both the Secretariat and Government Reports, t hese reforms are yielding positives 
results in terms of macroeconomic stability and GDP growth. Prices have been relatively stable and 
fiscal deficit averaged 2% of GDP except for the sharp increase in 2015 and 2016 due to financing 
of large infrastructure  projects.  
3.4.  These positive developments notwithstanding, Djibouti would need to intensify efforts towards 
unlocking its agriculture and manufacturing productive capacity to diversify its exports basket. The 
situation whereby the current account surplus is largely driven by re -exports is not sustainable.  
Trade and investment policy regimes  
3.5.  Djibouti is actively engaged in the multilateral trading system embodied in the WTO as well as 
regional and bilateral economic arrangements. It is a co -sponsor of the WTO  Joint Statement 
Initiative on Investment Facilitation for Development.  
3.6.  The Government has also made efforts towards mainstreaming trade policy into its broad 
economic development goals, industrial planning, and social development objectives. Trade 
expansi on is in the heart of the Djibouti National Development Plan for 2020 –24. It is evident from 
both reports that the main aim of Djibouti's trade policy reform is to foster transparent, and 
outward -oriented trade policy framework that supports the objectives  of industriali zation and 
economic diversification. The National Trade Development Strategy is geared towards fostering the 
integration of Djibouti into regional and global value chain. I wish to commend Djibouti's 
commitments to Africa's regional integrat ion. These initiatives are consistent with Africa's 
Agenda  2063, the Africa we want.  
Trade Policy and practice by measures  
3.7.  I will now consider some of the pertinent trade policies and practices by measure from the 
Secretariat's Report.  
3.8.  Djibouti through t he 2022 Finance Law established five internal consumption tax (TIC) bands 
similar to a customs tariff. The Report observed that Djibouti has further liberalized its TIC given 
that the simple arithmetic average of these rates is 18.2% in 2022, compared to 2 1% in 2013. 
However, Djibouti may wish to review and reduce its high tariffs on raw materials, and other 
manufacturing inputs to reduce domestic production costs and boost domestic manufacturing 
productive capacity.  
3.9.  Regarding trade facilitation, Djibouti i s intensifying efforts towards modernization and 
digitization of customs administration. Its customs offices have been computerized and 
interconnected. I believe the benefit of this initiative is unambiguous as it would reduce trade 
transaction costs, and enhance competitiveness, and business opportunities.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  3.10.   Turning to SPS and TBT measures, I wish to commend Djibouti for adopting a legal framework 
for the national standardization and quality promotion system consistent with the relevant provisions 
of the WTO  Agreements on TBT and SPS Measures. This framework needs to be operationalized to 
enhance Djibouti's participation in international trade.  
Trade policies by sector  
3.11.   I will now highlight some of the key sectors in Djibouti's economy starting with services w hich 
accounts for around 75% of GDP in 2018. Transport services especially maritime transport, generate 
significant surpluses because of the important role played by Djibouti's ports as exit points for 
Ethiopia's trade.  
3.12.   Financial services in Djibouti are dominated by the banking sector, which accounts for 97% 
of assets. The expansion in the country's banking sector is underpinned by the growth of its GDP 
and the dynamism of its services sector.  
3.13.   Telecommunications services has been developing rapidly. Djib outi is the terminus of several 
interoceanic cables. However, during the period under review, the sector has not benefited from 
increased competition that should foster growth due to the presence of a national monopoly, 
Djibouti  Telecom.  
3.14.   The tourism secto r could potentially drive Djibouti's economic growth if fully exploited. The 
sector remains under -exploited, accounting for less than 3% of GDP. Going forward, Djibouti will 
have to focus on how to unlock its tourism potentials and I am happy that the Secretariat noted in 
its report that the Government has developed a strategy based on sustainability to boost the sector.  
3.15.   Regarding the energy sector, it is noteworthy that Djibouti has taken significant steps towards 
energy diversification with the 2011 interconnection of its electricity grid with Ethiopia. As evident 
in the Secretariat Report, Djibouti's objective is to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2035. To this 
end, energy legislation has been modernized to attract investment and foster competition.  It is also 
commendable that Djibouti a country amongst those worst affected by climate change is taking 
significant steps towards climate mitigation and adaptation.  
3.16.   The agriculture sector productive capacity is abysmally low due to arid climate and semi d esert 
soil that is unsuitable for agriculture. Djibouti is a net importer of agricultural goods and depends 
heavily on imports to meet domestic demand for food. Livestock breeding is the country's main 
agricultural activity accounting for 0.9% of GDP of a total agricultural contribution to GDP of 1.5%. 
Thanks to the support of the export assistance centre (veterinary and customs) established by the 
Government, Djiboutian farmers export a larger number of animals.  
3.17.   The manufacturing sector's share of GDP is very small standing at 0.3% for 2019. Free zones 
are the main tool for promoting manufactured exports. However, the free zones are still struggling 
to attract processing companies and promote manufacturing activities. Efforts at building a 
competitive manu facturing sector are underway as the Government is currently preparing an 
industrial policy and strategy to unlock its manufacturing productive capacity.  
Development challenges and way forward  
3.18.   Let me now turn to other development challenges that requires Djibouti's attention going 
forward. These include inequitable growth that disproportionately affects women and rural dwellers. 
Consequently, the need for policies that would drive inclusive growth and creates opportunities for 
all cannot be overemphasi zed.  
3.19.   The inability of Djibouti to effectively collect trade data and publish its foreign trade statistic 
is also a challenge that needs to be addressed. Otherwise, it would continue to undermine the 
adoption of evidence -based trade policy framework that wo uld supports the objectives of 
industriali zation and economic diversification.  
The way forward  
3.20.   On way forward, Djibouti needs to continuously prioritize the provision of improved 
trade -enabling environment to foster inclusive and sustainable growth. In par ticular, there is need WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  for trade policies that would promote the participation of women in trade especially cross border 
trade as well as regional and global value chain. Efforts at scaling up supply side support to 
women -owned businesses should also be in tensified.  
3.21.   The Government also needs to ensure that its sectorial policies are in tandem with its broad 
economic objectives of industriali zation and economic diversification. Trade policies especially the 
relatively high tariffs on raw materials, and other  manufacturing input should be reviewed and 
reduced.  
3.22.   As indicated in the Government Report, Djibouti could leverage its geostrategic location to 
position itself as a regional digital hub, particularly for data centres and drive digital economic 
growth. As you all are aware, the performance of the digital economy is an important determinant 
of the distributional effects of trade, and growth in this 21st century. The establishment of the 
Ministry for the Digital Economy and Innovation to ensure coherence in government policies and 
programmes to drive the development of the digital economy is commendable. Going forward, 
Djibouti needs to focus on reforms and interventions that would address the challenges undermining 
the effective development of its digital eco system such as low fixed broadband penetration, low 
digital literacy, and issues related to affordability of broadband -enabled devices for the poor. A 
critical first step in this direction would be the unbundling of the telecom sector to foster competition , 
efficient service delivery and reduce the high costs of telecommunications services.  
3.23.   Finally, Djibouti needs to intensify its ongoing reforms towards structural transformation, and 
economic diversification.  
Conclusion  
3.24.   This Trade Policy Review is taking p lace at a very difficult time for most economies, Djibouti 
inclusive. The country continued to experience the adverse effects of climate change, which have 
now been exacerbated by the challenges arising from the health, economic and social impacts of the 
COVID -19 pandemic. Djibouti's policy and reforms towards structural transformation, and economic 
diversification should be encouraged and supported.  
3.25.   I would like to conclude by wishing Djibouti a very successful TPR, and speedy and effective 
implementation of its National Development Plan for 2020 –24 towards inclusive growth and 
development.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  
CANADA  
4.1.  Le Canada se joint aux autres Membres de l'OMC pour souhaiter la bienvenue aux membres de 
la délégation de la République de Djibouti. Nous  sommes heureux de participer à ce troisième 
examen des politiques commerciales de Djibouti, et nous remercions le gouvernement de Djibouti 
ainsi que le Secrétariat pour la qualité des rapports soumis.  
4.2.  Tout d'abord, nous aimerions féliciter Djibouti pour l 'accroissement soutenu de son économie 
depuis le dernier examen. Nous saluons les efforts assidus de Djibouti visant à créer un 
environnement propice aux affaires tout en faisant face aux nombreux défis introduits et exacerbés 
par la crise sanitaire de la COVID -19, et par les impacts sur le commerce mondial causés par 
l'invasion de l'Ukraine par la Fédération  de Russie. Le Canada se tient prêt à soutenir la population 
djiboutienne et à collaborer davantage avec le Djibouti pour mutuellement renforcer nos éc onomies.  
4.3.  Le Canada se réjouit des initiatives entreprises par le gouvernement au courant des dernières 
années pour appuyer sa croissance économique. La mise en place d'un plan de développement 
stratégique pour canaliser les efforts du gouvernement vers une  croissance plus inclusive et une 
économie plus diversifiée témoigne de la volonté de Djibouti d'adhérer aux meilleures pratiques 
commerciales et d'améliorer sa compétitivité sur la scène internationale. L'entrée en vigueur de 
l'Accord de libre -échange con tinental africain en 2021 donnera un nouvel élan au développement de 
Djibouti et à ses échanges avec les autres pays africains et le monde.  
4.4.  Lors de la dernière évaluation, le Canada a porté une attention particulière au secteur de 
l'énergie. Nous saluons l es lois adoptées par le gouvernement pour ouvrir la production d'énergies 
à la concurrence dans le but d'atteindre l'objectif d'un Djibouti alimenté à 100% par les énergies 
renouvelables d'ici 2035. Il existe de nombreux domaines de collaboration potentiel le entre nos deux 
pays pour lutter contre les changements climatiques et pour bâtir un avenir durable.  
4.5.  Nous prenons note des efforts de Djibouti à libéraliser davantage de secteurs clés comme le 
secteur financier et nous encourageons Djibouti à mettre en p lace davantage de réformes pour 
éliminer les barrières à la libéralisation des marchés.  
4.6.  À l'OMC, le Canada salue la participation de Djibouti aux négociations en vue d'un accord sur 
la facilitation de l'investissement pour le développement. Nous espérons q u'un tel accord, en tant 
qu'il favorise un climat d'investissement transparent et des procédures administratives simplifiées, 
pourra mener à un accroissement de l'investissement étranger à Djibouti.   
4.7.  Aussi, nous encourageons Djibouti à se joindre à l'Init iative conjointe sur la réglementation 
intérieure dans le domaine des services et de participer aux discussions du groupe de travail informel 
sur le commerce et l'égalité des genres et aux discussions structurées sur le commerce et la 
durabilité environnem entale.  
4.8.  Nous notons qu'il existe de nombreuses notifications requises que Djibouti n'a pas soumises 
depuis de nombreuses années, par exemple en ce qui concerne le soutien interne à l'agriculture. 
Nous encourageons Djibouti à solliciter l'assistance techniq ue nécessaire du Secrétariat de l'OMC 
pour achever toutes ses notifications requises.  
4.9.  Nous notons également que nous avons soumis des questions écrites et nous attendons avec 
impatience les réponses de Djibouti.  
4.10.   En terminant, le Canada se réjouit du rôle que Djibouti joue au sein de cette Organisation et 
nous souhaitons poursuivre notre co llaboration à travers divers cadres multilatéraux, notamment au 
sein de l'Organisation internationale de la francophonie.  
4.11.   Chers membres de la délégation djiboutienne au nom du Canada, je vous souhaite le meilleur 
des succès.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  UNITED  STATES  
4.12.   The United  States welcomes the distinguished delegation from Djibouti and compliments the 
Government of Djibouti on completing its third  Trade Policy Review.  
4.13.   The United  States would first like to recognize the important role that Djibouti has played as 
a membe r of the Common Market for Eastern Africa (COMESA), including as one of the first countries 
to implement the COMESA free trade area. The United  States has long been a supporter of 
strengthening regional integration in Eastern  Africa. We signed a Trade and Investment Framework 
Agreement with COMESA in 2000 to enhance engagement with the COMESA Secretariat and COMESA 
member States, including Djibouti, in order to increase US -COMESA trade and support greater 
intra-African trade. As a result of these ties, bila teral trade between the United  States and Djibouti 
has grown steadily by about 6 % annually over the last decade, increasing to USD 227 million in 
2021.  
4.14.   The United  States, through USAID, has provided assistance and capacity building to Djibouti 
towards work force development, health, education, citizen engagement, and humanitarian 
assistance. We are also partnering with Djibouti to address food insecurity. USAID has supported 
over 35,000 food insecure Djiboutians, migrants, and refugees through general food d istributions, 
malnutrition treatment and prevention programs, and cash supplements. USAID has also provided 
food assistance to an additional 30,000 Djiboutians who experienced food insecurity as a result of 
the COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.15.   Furthermore, Djibouti is the only country in sub -Saharan Africa to receive bilateral foreign 
military financing assistance from the United  States, totalling USD 6 million in fiscal year 2022, and 
receives other security capacity building assistance under Department of State and De partment of 
Defense authorities.  
4.16.   The United  States is committed to assisting Djibouti and other African countries by using trade 
as an engine of economic growth, demonstrated through our African Growth and Opportunity Act 
(AGOA) trade preference program. The United  States has also established trade capacity building 
programs designed to assist developing and least developed African countries to take advantage of 
AGOA. We encourage Djibouti to work with the United  States and other partners to develop 
strate gies for ensuring that they are taking full advantage of the opportunities presented by AGOA.  
4.17.   The United  States supports deeper trade and investment ties with  Africa and Djibouti, through 
USAID 's Prosper Africa program me, which brings services from across  US government agencies to 
help companies and investors do business in US and African markets. In addition, our Power Africa 
program me supports cleaner and more efficient electricity in sub -Saharan Africa – an important 
enabling factor for Djibouti 's trade  and investment environment.  
4.18.   Djibouti has been a leader in demonstrating how effective trade facilitation measures and 
investment in infrastructure can lead to a positive ripple -effect that encourages economic 
development. Its deep -water port is a critica l port for Djibouti and its neighbours. Djibouti's role as 
a regional transportation hub presents opportunities for regional growth in transportation services 
and other tertiary services, such as finance. We commend the progress that Djibouti has made in 
improving its trading environment, upgrading its customs systems, and facilitating the establishment 
of new businesses. Given the importance of logistics to its economy, we would encourage Djibouti 
to continue to prioritize such trade facilitation reforms.  
4.19.   Transparent, fair, and consistent border procedures are critically important to international 
trade. We look forward to Djibouti 's clarification of the ambiguities reported by the Secretariat 
regarding the documentary requirements for all commercial impor ts, and regarding processes 
associated with obtaining an importer 's licen ce. We are also interested to hear of potential new 
developments regarding Djibouti 's dispute settlement database.  
4.20.   In addition, we have identified some areas of concern in the Secret ariat's Report. We have 
several questions regarding Djibouti 's use of minimum or indicative values in its customs valuation 
procedures, and the use of an import levy on goods from non -African countries.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  4.21.   Given the importance of trade facilitations reforms,  we encourage Djibouti to focus on fulfilling 
its WTO notification obligations in accordance with the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the Customs 
Valuation Agreement. The United  States seeks Djibouti 's clarification on its plans for submitting 
overdue not ifications. In addition, the United  States also looks forward to hearing Djibouti 's plans 
for submitting overdue notifications to the WTO Working Party on State Trading Enterprises and the 
Committee on Agriculture.  
4.22.   Strong intellectual property (IP) protect ions are a critical component for improving the 
domestic business environment and facilitating the growth of new business. As reflected in our 
questions, the United  States is interested in hearing more about Djibouti 's implementation of 
international treaties and conventions that regulate IP protections, its protections for phonogram 
producers and performers, the operations of the Djibouti Office for Copyright and Related Rights (or 
BDDA), and Djibouti 's sanctions for IP infringement.  
4.23.   The United  States believes that Djibouti has the potential to create an attractive environment 
for foreign investment. We have some minor concerns about the continued role of SOEs in the 
economy and would like more information regarding the steps Djibouti 's Government will take to 
ensure equal market opportunities for private companies.  
4.24.   We congratulate Djibouti for its hard work in upgrading its public works and improving the 
operation of its ports amidst the backdrop of regional instability. We appreciate th e opportunity to 
learn more information about Djibouti 's economic and trade policies, and hope this discussion is 
meaningful for Djibouti as it continues its path toward s economic growth.  
4.25.   We would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge our appr eciation for the efforts, 
hard work, and dedication of Ambassador  Hassan. She is an impressive and effective advocate for 
Djibouti 's interests here at the WTO and plays an essential role as Chair of the CTD in Special 
Session.  
THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI  ARABIA ON BEHALF OF THE ARAB GROUP  
4.26.   I am pleased to take part in the third  Trade Policy Review of Djibouti on behalf of the 
Arab Group and wish to extend a very warm welcome to H.E.  Mr Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, Minister 
of Trade and Tourism of Djibouti and his distin guished team.  
4.27.   I would like to take this opportunity to thank our brothers and sisters in Djibouti and the WTO 
Secretariat for their detailed and comprehensive Trade Policy Review Reports. I also thank the 
discussant H.E.  Dr Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid , Ambas sador and Permanent Representative of 
Nigeria to the WTO for his insightful remarks.  
4.28.   The Secretariat Report highlights that Djibouti economic growth rate ranging from 5.1% to 
8.5% in the period of 2014 -2019. Thanks to the measures adopted by the Government  of Djibouti 
to mitigate the pandemic 's impact on the economy, Djibouti GDP grew by 1.2% in 2020.  
4.29.   The Arab  Group would like to commend Djibouti for the progress made under its Vision  2035 
which aims to make Djibouti the Africa's trade and logistics hub, la unching the strategic development 
plan to streamline the government's efforts to support the country's economic growth, maintaining 
a low -inflation environment from the last review till 2020, authorizing the foreign investment in all 
sectors of Djibouti.  
4.30.   We congratulate Djibouti for the ratification and depositing its instrument of acceptance of 
the Protocol concerning the Trade Facilitation Agreement with the WTO in 2018, its legislative 
reforms to modernize and improve the business climate, its expansion in the country's banking 
system and strengthening the regulatory framework for Islamic banks.  
4.31.   As an original Member of the WTO, Djibouti greatly value the multilateral trading system and 
we appreciate its actively engagement in the WTO activities. Moreover , Djibouti is part of the 
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA), 
the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development 
(IGAD) and the Community of Sahel -Saharan States (CEN -SAD).  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  4.32.   Before I conclude, I would like to say a few words on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia. 
Saudi  Arabia enjoys deep brotherly relationship with Djibouti supported by shared membership in 
the Arab league and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The Saudi -Djiboutian Joint 
Committee which established to strengthen joint relations in various fields and invest in trade and 
economic opportunities and the resources available to both parties culminated its meet ing in Riyadh 
last June with signing two  agreements; a cooperation agreement between the Kingdom of 
Saudi  Arabia and Djibouti in the maritime transport, and a cooperation agreement between Prince 
Saud Al -Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Diplomat ic Institute in Djibouti.  
4.33.   Trade exchange between the Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia and Djibouti reached about 
SAR 7 billion in 2021 with an average rate of growth of more than 150% compared with the volume 
of trade in goods between the two brotherly countries in  2016.  
4.34.   Before I conclude, I would like to thank my dear sister H.E.  Mrs Kadra Ahmed Hassan , 
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Djibouti to the WTO and her distinguished team for 
the great cooperation between our two missions here in Geneva. I also commend her for her able 
leadership as a chair for the Special Sessions of the Committee on Trade and Development and her 
active role as an LDCs coordinator as well as her valuable actively engagements within the 
Arab Group.  
4.35.   To conclude, we wish our b rothers and sisters in Djibouti a very successful Trade Policy  
Review . 
SINGAPORE  
4.36.   Allow me to begin by extending a very warm welcome to the delegation from Djibouti, led by 
Minister of Trade  and Tourism , H.E. Mohamed Warsama Dirieh. I would also like to exp ress our 
appreciation to Djibouti for its comprehensive Government Report and statement. Let me thank the 
Chair, Ambassador Ángel Villalobos, and Discussant, Ambassador Adamu  Mohammed  Abdulhamid 
for their valuable insights, as well as the Secretariat for t he well -structured Report. Let me make 
three points.  
4.37.   First, Singapore and Djibouti are both small, trade -reliant countries that sit alongside two of 
the busiest shipping lanes in the world. In 2021, the Financial Times reported that 30% of the world 's 
shipping passes through the Strait of Bab -el-Mandeb, which connects Africa to Asia. The Strait of 
Malacca, which connects the Indian and Pacific Oceans, is similarly a major maritime artery that 
carries 60% of international maritime trade. Hence, there is sig nificant potential for Singapore and 
Djibouti to strengthen bilateral trade and economic ties, including acting as each other 's gateway to 
Asia and Africa. In 2021, our bilateral trade amounted to US D 26.5 million, with a significant 
year-on-year increase of 13.8 %. It may surprise you that there is a modest but growing Singapore 
presence in Djibouti. For example, VCC, an e -trade solutions provider launched a National Single 
Window e -trade pilot project in Djibouti in 2018. This platform, which is funded by the World  Bank, 
aims to ease cross -border trade processes and reduce costs. Another example is the Singapore 
Cooperation Enterprise, which is working with the Djibouti Ministry of Cities, Urbanism and Habitat 
to develop a conceptual and urban master plan f or Djibouti City.  
4.38.   Second, Singapore commends Djibouti 's recent economic reform efforts, which are intended 
to attract greater foreign investments and to enhance its business environment. Djibouti has also 
taken steps to improve its investment climate. Thes e include developing an Investor Map platform 
which provides data, information and insights on investment opportunities in Djibouti, and joining 
the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). We encourage Djibouti 
to continue t o create more favo urable  operating conditions for business and foreign investors, 
including opening up more sectors, improving access to information, and streamlining regulations 
and administrative processes. We also welcome Djibouti 's ongoing efforts to d iversify its economy 
through the Vision  2035 plan, in sectors like telecoms, finance, tourism, and new sectors such as 
fintech. Adopting a law on public -private partnerships, the promotion of privati zation, and 
investments in infrastructure, have led to st ronger economic growth in recent years. Djibouti 's plans 
to accelerate digital transformation will further strengthen these efforts and generate greater 
economic benefits for all segments of Djibouti 's population, especially the MSMEs and women 
entrepreneurs. In this connection, Singapore would encourage Djibouti to participate in the JSI on WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  e-commerce, especially in view of the Minister's statement earlier that digital trade is blossoming in 
Djibouti.  
4.39.   Third, we welcome Djibouti 's commitment to the rules -based multilateral trading system. 
Djibouti is a founding Member of the WTO, an active participant in the African  Group, and currently 
has the responsibility of coordinating the LDC  Group. We note that , Djibouti ha s ratified the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation in 2018, and  we encourage Djibouti to consider acceding to the 
Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). We believe that these will support Djibouti 's ambitions 
to become a regional hub, and spur on the successful implementation of the Vision  2035 plan.  
4.40.   In closing, Singapore looks forward to working closely with the Permanent Mission of Djibouti 
in Geneva, which is ably led by Ambassador  Kadra Ahmed Hassan, who is an active and 
well-regarded colleague  and friend. I wish Djibouti every success for its third  Trade Policy Review.  
CHINA  
4.41.   Let me start by extending our warm welcome to the Djibouti delegation led by Minister of 
Trade and Tourism , H.E. Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, I would like to take this opportuni ty to express 
our appreciation to H.E.  Ambassador Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid  (Nigeria) for his insightful 
observations as discussant. My thanks also go to you , Chair, for your leadership, and the Secretariat 
for their efforts to make this review happen.  
4.42.   China highly commends the significant progress Djibouti has achieved during the review 
period. We are happy to see that since the launching of the strategic development plan "Vision 
Djibouti 2035" in 2014, Djibouti has been steadily advancing its domestic ref orms, improving its 
business climate, enhancing economic diversification, and actively integrating itself into the regional 
and multilateral trading system.  
4.43.   All these efforts have led to very encouraging achievements, the average economic growth 
rate of D jibouti reached about 6% between 2014 and 2019, among one of the fastest -growing 
economies in the world. In 2020, although the economic growth rate dropped to 1.2% due to the 
pandemic, Djibouti was still one of the few economies in the world that maintaine d growth, indicating 
the resilience of the economy amidst multiple challenges.  
4.44.   China notes that Djibouti constantly invests in infrastructure development and believes such 
investment will help Djibouti further improve its capacity to participate in global economy. China 
also commends Djibouti 's ambition to develop itself to become a regional and international economic, 
commercial and financial hub and welcomes its adoption of a strategic framework for national 
development policy. We note Djibouti 's active e ngagement in regional cooperation, such as the 
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa  (COMESA), the African Continental Free Trade Area  
(AfCFTA), etc. We believe that, with full commitment to realizing its ambitious strategic development 
plan, Djibo uti could not only be the "lighthouse of the Red  Sea", but also "Africa 's trade and logistic 
hub". 
4.45.   China appreciates Djibouti's firm commitment to the multilateral trading system, and 
especially , as a small delegation , it has a  big role in the WTO.  In this  regard, we would like to highly 
appreciate Ambassador  Kadra Ahmed Hassan 's leadership as Chair of the Committee on Trade and 
Development in Special Session, and the coordinator of LDC  Group and all her personal contributions 
to this Organization.  
4.46.   China w elcomes Djibouti 's acceptance of Trade Facilitation Agreement and encourages 
Djibouti 's early implementation of this important Agreement. China also commends Djibouti 's active 
participation in the Investment Facilitation for Development Initiative. We beli eve that Investment 
Facilitation Initiative will help Djibouti to create a better environment for foreign investment and 
thus to attract more investment into Djibouti. For this purpose, China looks forward to working 
closely with Djibouti and other participating Members toward s a successfu l conclusion of the 
investment facilitation text negotiations at the end of this year.  
4.47.   Bilateral trade between China and Djibouti maintains steady and with positive growth. 
According to China 's statistics, despite the shrinking global trade market due to the pandemic, our 
bilateral trade volume rebounded to USD 2.63 billion in 2021, up 11.5% year -on-year. In particular, WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  China 's imports from Djibouti have increased by 131% and 21% in 2020 and 2021 respectively. In 
the meantime, we are also expecting that du ty-free treatment of 98% tariff lines goods originating 
from Djibouti will give more opportunities to Djibouti 's export to China. We believe with the efforts 
of both countries, including th e cooperation under Belt and Road Initiative, will further unleash the 
cooperative potential between our two countries, and finally benefit people of both countries.  
4.48.   Facing the most difficult time now and multiple global challenges, China again commit to stand 
with Djibouti and give our full support to Djibouti.  
4.49.   For the  purpose of this review, China has submitted questions to Djibouti. We thank Djibouti 
for the timely response and wish this Trade Policy Review a complete success.  
EUROPEAN  UNION   
4.50.   I would first like to welcome the delegation of Djibouti led by H.E.  Mohamed  Warsama Dirieh, 
Minister of Trade and Tourism. I would also like to thank the WTO Secretariat and the Government 
of Djibouti for their Reports, which form the basis for our discussion today. Let me also extend our 
appreciation to the discussant, H.E.  Dr Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid (Nigeria) for introducing us 
to the main features of Djibouti 's trade policy.  
4.51.   The EU welcomes this opportunity to discuss the developments in Djibouti 's trade policies and 
practices. Since the previous Trade Policy Review in 2014, Djibouti launched a long -term reference 
framework, Vision Djibouti 2035, which aims to promote economic diversification through reforms 
such as improving the business climate, including by reducing factor costs, and carrying out major 
infrastructure projec ts. We look forward to hearing about the first results of this important 
framework.  
4.52.   The implementation of the first economic development plan, the Strategy for Accelerated 
Growth and Employment Creation (SCAPE), including investments in infrastructure, ha s enabled 
Djibouti's economy to register strong growth, with GDP increasing at rates ranging from 5.1% to 
8.5%, between 2014 and 2019. In 2020, economic growth was 1.2%, due to the socio -economic 
effects of the COVID -19 pandemic and the political and secur ity situation nearby. A second plan, the 
Inclusion, Connectivity, Institutions (ICI), adopted in February  2022 for a five -year period, aims to 
make Djibouti a regional  and logistics hub, and develop a modern regional financial centre.  
4.53.   The strong economic performance since the last Review has led to an improvement in 
Djibouti 's economy. Notably, it has been classified by the World  Bank as a lower -middle -income 
country and the Human Development Index (HDI) has gradually increased.  
4.54.   A healthy rules -based mult ilateral trading system is fundamental for Djibouti, given its limited 
goods production and reliance on imports. Djibouti 's economic growth can certainly contribute to 
new trade and investment opportunities. We encourage Djibouti to further improve its bus iness 
environment, for example, by increasing transparency and training.  
4.55.   Djibouti is an original Member of the WTO and continues to play an active role, both in 
multilateral and plurilateral work, including as the current Chair of the Committee on Trade a nd 
Development in Special Session, and in the Joint Statement Initiative on Investment Facilitation for 
Development. The EU would nonetheless encourage Djibouti to also engage in the WTO 
environmental and e -commerce initiatives.  
4.56.   The EU notes Djibouti 's current role as the LDC  Group coordinator, which puts the country at 
the centre of WTO reform discussions. The EU urges Djibouti to proceed with the implementation of 
the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, including its category  B and C commitments.  
4.57.   Trade is an important component of EU – Djibouti bilateral relations. The EU is one of the 
main sources of Djibouti's imports. Djibouti 's trade with the EU is covered by the "Everything but 
Arms" initiative, which makes its exports to the EU duty -free-quota-free. 
4.58.   We note with satisfaction that Djibouti is a strong advocate for regional cooperation, as an 
active member of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Common Market 
for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). Djibouti is a signat ory to the African Continental Free WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  Trade Area (AfCFTA), whose objectives are to create a single market for goods and services, 
facilitated by the movement of persons, in order to deepen the economic integration of the African 
continent and lay the foundat ion for the establishment of a Continental Customs Union at a later 
stage. The EU is ready to work closely with Djibouti to ensure a smooth implementation of the 
AfCFTA.  
4.59.   The EU -Djibouti partnership is vast and goes beyond trade, including EU development 
cooperation. Around EUR 355 million worth of programmes and projects are ongoing or planned 
under the new Global Europe 2021 –2027 framework. These support Djibouti 's efforts on access to 
drinking water and sanitation; food security and resilience; financial and digital governance; 
promotion of human rights; civil society; gender equality and decentrali zation; and support for youth 
employability. For example, as part of the project on "Production of Drinking Water by Desalination 
and Renewable Energy", the fin ancing agreement provides for a support component for sectoral 
reforms in water and electricity.  
4.60.   In its advance written questions, the EU has raised some issues, notably on intellectual 
property, foreign investment, manufacturing, regional integration, and  notification implementation. 
We are also interested in learning more about the special economic zones and integration processes 
with Africa and the actions taken to increase competitiveness. Finally, we are interested in the 
strategic plan for more sustai ned and inclusive economic development based on the digitali zation of 
procedures, for which the timely adoption of a digital code would be essential.  
4.61.   The EU acknowledges with satisfaction Djibouti 's progress since the previous review in 2014, 
despite the c hallenges faced by the country, and reiterates its willingness to support the Djibouti 
Government in its efforts to ensure economic recovery. We look forward to a constructive exchange 
of views and wish the Djibouti delegation a successful third  Review.  
ICELAND  
4.62.   It is with pleasure that Iceland welcomes the distinguished delegation of Djibouti led by 
H.E. Minister Mohamed Warsama Dirieh , to their Trade Policy Review today . We also express 
appreciation to the WTO Secretariat and to Djibouti for the Reports p repared, as well as to the 
discuss ant, Ambassador Adam u Mohammed Abdulhamid , for the excellent framing of the issues for 
our discussion toda y. 
4.63.   We are encouraged to observe Djibouti's economic progress since its last Trade Policy Review, 
a growth rate rangi ng from 5.1% to 8.5% between 2014 to 2019 is among the world's highest.  The 
economic effects of the pandemic on Djibouti's growth have been considerable, however, as has 
been the case for other Members, it is important that relevant policies to revive econ omic activity, 
including trade policy, be designed to incentivi ze inclusive growth  that actively benefits all sections 
of Djibouti and society . 
4.64.   It is now widely recognized that the economic and trade impacts of the pandemic have had a 
disproportionately ad verse impact on women . It is therefore important to address women's economic 
empowerment at the WTO , doing so will benefit economies in concrete ways by positively affecting 
trade and by contributing to increase economic growth.  Many indicators also point towards a positive 
contribution of increase gender equality within economies to sustainable peace and stability.  Our 
Ministers have acknowledged that the WTO can contribute to improve women's economic 
empowerment through discussions and information s haring on targeted gender -based trade policies 
and programmes.  
4.65.   Iceland, as one of the co -chairs of the Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender, invites 
Djibouti to contribute and to participate in its deliberations, which are open to the whole WTO 
memb ership . Improved data collection and gender -based analysis are crucial ingredients for 
developing gender -based trade  policies, so is the sharing of best practices of respective experiences 
relating to those policies and program mes. 
4.66.   In the spirit of support ing relevant data gathering in this field, Iceland has submitted , in 
advance, written questions on the participation of women in the economy of Djibouti . We welcome 
the replies as the answers will be useful in gathering best practices in the promotion of g ender 
equality within trade.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  4.67.   Iceland appreciates Djibouti's active engagement in the WTO and their continued support for 
the multilateral trading system, and we wish the delegation of Djibouti every success in the ir Trade 
Policy Review . 
UNITED  KINGDOM  
4.68.   The United  Kingdom would like to welcome Djibouti 's delegation, under the leadership of 
H.E. Mr Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, Minister of Trade  and Tourism. The U nited Kingdom  is grateful 
to the Government of Djibouti and to the Secretariat for their Reports and pre paration for this Trade 
Policy Review.  
4.69.   We would also like to thank the Chair and our distinguished discussant, H .E. Dr Adam u 
Mohammed Abdulhamid, Ambassador of Nigeria, for kindly facilitating this Trade Policy Review  and 
for his insightful remarks . 
4.70.   Firstly, the United  Kingdom wishes Djibouti great success in their new role as coordinator of 
the WTO LDC  Group. We would like to particularly commend the efforts of Ambassador Has san who , 
the U nited States has said , is playing an instrumental role in the WTO to her leadership at the 
LDC Group, and her role chairing CTD Special Session . 
4.71.   The U nited Kingdom  is firmly committed to the integration of LDCs into the rules -based 
multilateral trading system, and we look forward to working closely with Djibouti in t heir new role  
as LDCs coordinator .  
4.72.   To this end, we would like to bring to Members ' attention the U K's new Developing Countries ' 
Trading Scheme  (DCTS) , which will come into effect in early 2023. This scheme is intended to 
improve access to the UK market fo r countries with developing economies. The DCTS will offer 
developing countries one of the most generous sets of trading preferences of any country in the 
world. The consultation process has demonstrated the UK 's resolve to improve on our market access 
offer to developing countries, and our commitment to building long -term, mutually beneficial 
relationships with emerging economies.  
4.73.   Turning to this review, in our advance written questions the U nited Kingdom  sought to better 
understand Djibouti 's trade polici es and practices regarding the renewable energy sector, 
telecommunications, and foreign investment tendering processes in port services. We thank Djibouti 
for their helpful responses to our inquiries.  
4.74.   As highlighted in Djibouti 's Report, this review was co nducted during a period of acute global 
economic stress. The UK notes that Djibouti 's economic and financial development over the last two 
decades has been mainly driven by FDI, and that the COVID -19 pandemic caused a significant 
decline across internation al FDI levels.  
4.75.   Reflecting on Djibouti 's previous TPR, the UK notes that Djibouti 's economy was then 
dominated by state-owned Enterprises (SOEs), which enjoyed exclusive rights in a large range of 
sectors.  
4.76.   This largely continues to be the case, and the Uni ted Kingdom encourages Djibouti to address 
the ongoing dominance of SOEs. In addition, heavy taxation and high production cost factors also 
present problems.  
4.77.   We encourage Djibouti to consider opening sectors to competition, which will enable inward 
foreig n investment and help to further stimulate the economy.  
4.78.   For instance, as highlighted in the 2014 TPR  Report , "The transport sector offers considerable 
potential for job creation and poverty reduction. However, the lack of a consistent strategy for the 
development of transport services and logistics is a serious obstacle ". Maritime and transit activities 
remain reserved for national investors and the UK hopes that Djibouti considers opportunities for 
reform in this sector in the future.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  4.79.   Elsewhere, tourism i s a notably underdeveloped sector with huge potential. Given Djibouti 's 
beautiful, globally unique natural environment, and rich cultural and archaeological heritage, 
developing this sector will hopefully provide additional sources of economic diversity an d growth.  
4.80.   The UK was pleased to read in The Secretariat 's Report that Djiboutian authorities ' efforts 
over this review period have been focus ed on clearing external arrears, reducing public sector 
borrowing, and strengthening debt management.  
4.81.   The UK was p leased to find that efforts have been made to promote privatization and 
significant investments in infrastructure. These efforts can help to build the foundations for long -term 
economic success.  
4.82.   Regarding customs, the UK was also pleased to note the furth er streamlining of Djiboutian 
customs procedures through the increased use of digital tools. Significantly, all of Djibouti 's customs 
offices have now been computeri zed and interconnected. These practical reforms are highly 
impactful for ensuring an effect ive commercial environment.  
4.83.   Lasty, regarding multilateral contributions, the UK thanks Djibouti for their explicit support 
here for this review, and we concur that transparency is an essential feature of an effective 
rules-based multilateral system. The UK notes that Djibouti continu es to have difficulties with 
fulfilling WTO notification obligations. The UK is sympathetic and receptive to Members ' individual 
pressures, and we encourage Djibouti to consult with the WTO Secretariat and Members to help 
facilitate this.  
4.84.   The UK also encourages Djibouti to accede to the Agreement on Government Procurement 
(GPA).  
4.85.   In concluding, the United  Kingdom thanks Djibouti for their fruitful engagement in this 
important transparency exercise and we wish them a successful third Trade Policy Review.  
MAURITIUS  
4.86.   Let me start by welcoming H.E.  Mr Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, Minister of Trade and Tourism 
of Djibouti, and his delegation for their third Trade Policy Review.  We also thank the Secretariat and 
the Djibouti authorities for their respective Reports.  
4.87.   Our delegation vividly recalls the second Review of Djibouti and the fourth Review of Mauritius 
that were held jointly in October  2014. Since then, both our countries have travelled through our 
respective development paths. Being among the smallest states  in the African continent we are often 
faced with common challenges such as small markets, climate change and more recently, the 
COVID -19 pandemic. Prior to the COVID -19 pandemic, Djibouti was on a steady and strong GDP 
growth path. But like many of us, es pecially small states, the country has been affected by the 
economic downturn resulting from the pandemic. We are confident that with the new measures and 
initiatives, the country will overcome the negative impacts of the pandemic.  
4.88.   It is against this backg round, that we thank H.E.  Mohamed Warsama Dirieh , for highlighting 
the trade and trade related measures undertaken by the Government of Djibouti since the last 
Review. We also take this opportunity to thank H.E.  Dr Adam u Mohammed Abdulhamid , Permanent 
Representative of Nigeria, for highlighting not only the measures adopted but also the challenges 
faced. His remarks have indeed provided important insights that sets the framework for today 's 
discussion.  
4.89.   Djibouti just like Mauritius, is a country that is not blessed with natural resources except for 
its human capital. We commend Djibouti for leveraging its strategic location as it lies at the 
crossroads Africa, Asia , and Europe. The country has been able to fully take advantage of this to 
become an important p ort for cargo vessels serving the region and beyond. As a fellow African 
country, we are proud of the role that Djibouti plays in maritime transport and logistics and its 
contribution to international trade. Indeed, as Mauritius plans to further develop it s maritime port, 
we are sure that we may learn a lot from Djibouti.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  4.90.   We also take note of the fact that, like Mauritius, Djibouti is an NFIDC and importer of most 
consumer products. The objective of the Government of Djibouti to focus on trade in services i s also 
one that we can relate to. Mauritius would be happy to share our own experience and assist Djibouti 
in these endeavours. In our view, human resource development and education are crucial elements 
for service s sector developments. In this regard, Mau ritius would be happy to host students from 
Djibouti in its education hub which comprises of a number of world class institutions which speciali ze 
in some of the sectors that Djibouti wishes to further develop including tourism, information 
technology , and financial services.  
4.91.   Turning to trade in goods, despite our common membership to the African  Union and 
COMESA, we unfortunately have very limited exchange of trade. We are, however, confident that 
the recent operationalization of the African Continental Fr ee Trade Area, there is scope for growth, 
particularly, in speciali zed products meant for niche markets. Furthermore, in these trying times for 
the world economy, it is essential that we work towards promoting and facilitating intra -African trade 
and contr ibute to efforts towards achieving Africa 's agenda  2063.  
4.92.   As a country that is highly vulnerable to the impact of climate change, Mauritius welcomes 
Djibouti's objective to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2035 and commend the country for the 
various measur es taken in this regard.  
4.93.   Before concluding, let me commend H .E. Kadra Ahmed Hassan , Permanent Representative of 
Djibouti, and her team for their proactive role in the various discussions at the WTO, in particular, 
the CTDSS, as well as her valuable contribution to the work of the African  Group in Geneva.  
4.94.   We congratulate Djibouti for completing this important WTO compliance requirement and wish 
the Djibouti delegation a successful Trade Policy Review.  
ANGOLA  
4.95.   The Angola delegation would like to congrat ulate Djibouti for the public assessment of its third 
Review of trade policies and practices. We took good note of the official Report from Djibouti that 
gathered pertinent data on the country's trade achievements and challenges in the context of today 's 
global economic crisis. We are well aware of the constraints that cause LDCs to be permanently 
engaged in demanding and ambitious social, financial, and economic reforms. The Angola delegation 
would also like to express its gratitude to the secretariat for producing a comprehensive Report 
containing nearly eight years of Djibouti's economic progress and functional trends.  
4.96.   The Angola delegation takes note that since the first confirmed case of COVID -19 in Djibouti 
back in March  2020, the country was obliged to impose a wide lockdown and the closure of borders, 
creating considerable economic and social problems. These profound disruptions to trade flows, 
impacted economic activity and Djibouti's GDP contracted by around 6.2% and increased the fiscal 
deficit to  12.5% of the GDP. Thus, the future growth projections and decreasing revenues, due to 
the global economic crisis, will probably have lasting effects.  
4.97.   Angola commends Djibouti for the clear signs of economic recovery registered since 
mid-2021, grounded pr imarily on stabilizing foreign debt and by efforts to strengthen and support 
private sector development to target new trade linkages and markets.  
4.98.   Angola also welcomes Djibouti's exertions to shrink economic and social corruption, namely 
in state -owned com panies, that still largely dominate the economic landscape. This is an area in 
which Angola would like to cooperate with Djibouti, to share our country's legal and economic 
deployments in the fight against corruption that, prompted the recovery of a consid erable wealth 
dispersed worldwide, for the national budget.  
4.99.   Despite being for more than 25  years committed partners in the WTO and having shared for 
several years membership in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) the 
trade between ou r countries is still very modest.  
4.100.   According to the UN  COMTRADE database, the best year of bilateral commerce between our 
countries was in 2017, registering transactions worth USD  25 million. In 2019, our imports from WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  Djibouti were only USD  429,000 and exp orts worth around USD  9 million. The pandemic crisis has 
demoted these humble initiatives to even lower levels.  
4.101.   Notwithstanding, the Government of Angola is fully engaged in increasing our common trade 
and reciprocal investments, namely in the fields of m aritime transportation, tourism, and joint 
ventures in the industrial and commercial sectors, aiming to develop considerable and fair trade 
between Atlantic and Indian ocean economies as a powerful platform for world economic and 
commercial recovery.  
4.102.   Regardless of the limited area and a population, of roughly around 1 million inhabitants, 
Djibouti is, like all other small countries, a valuable and key member of the international community.  
4.103.   The delegation of Angola is thankful for this opportunity to posit ively discuss the Trade Policy 
Review of a friendly African country. We congratulate again the Republic of Djibouti for a successful 
Trade Policy Review.  
YEMEN  
4.104.   My delegation allies itself with statement made by the Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia on behalf of 
the Arab Group. We deliver this in our national capacity  
4.105.    Excellency, Mr  Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, Minister of Trade and Tourism . The Republic of 
Yemen takes the floor to congratulate the Republic of Djibouti on the occasion of its third Trade 
Policy Review at t he WTO.  
4.106.   Yemen praise Djibouti for major investment projects in the field of basic infrastructure 
(transport chain, water supply, energy, etc.) have been implemented in recent years. In the 
meantime, the Government continued to pursue reforms for macroecon omic stability, as well as 
promoting economic diversification through increased participation of the private sector and foreign 
investment.  
4.107.   Yemen welcome s, Djibouti 's long-term strategic vision entitled "Vision  2035", which aims to 
transform the country in to a regional and international economic and commercial to enable 
diversified and competitive economy. It is commendable that such vision has attracted very wide 
stakeholders ' participation and national consensus.  
4.108.   Last, Djibouti is an active participant in the regular activities of the WTO, as well as in 
different areas of negotiations. The proactive policy initiated by the Government on a number of 
reforms made it possible to highly involve in the WTO multilateral trade negotiations. We wish 
Djibouti every success in accomplishing its objectives, as well as its third Trade Policy Review.  
GABON  
4.109.   Ma délégation voudrait tour d'abord, à l'instar de toutes les délégations qui l'ont précédée, 
souhaiter la cordiale bienvenue, à G enève à la délégation de Djibouti conduite par M.  Mohamed 
Warsama Dirieh , Ministre du Commerce et du tourisme, a qui nous rendons un vibrant hommage 
pour la présentation qu'il a faite, sur la situation économique ainsi que la politique commerciale de 
son p ays. 
4.110.   Ensuite, féliciter le présentateur, S.E.  Dr. Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid , Ambassadeur 
Représentant permanent du Nigéria auprès de l'OMC pour son brillant exposé, sans omettre de 
remercier le Secrétariat de l'OMC pour ses efforts inlassables qu'il déploi e, en vue d'assurer le succès 
des examens des politiques commerciales des pays Membres, gage de la transparence de cette 
Organisation.  
4.111.   Les rapports élaborés par la République de Djibouti et le Secrétariat notent que ce pays a 
enregistré une croissance expo nentielle de 5% à 7% au cours des périodes allant de 2000 à 2009 
et de 2010 à 2019, notamment du fait de la réalisation des projets d'envergure dans les domaines 
des infrastructures de transport, d'adduction d'eau et des télécommunications, entre autres.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  4.112.   Mon pays note avec satisfaction que ces résultats ont été possibles grâce à une stratégie 
commerciale guidée par le document stratégique de développement de long terme "Vision  2035" 
ainsi que la mise en place des plans quinquennaux de développement.  
4.113.   Cependa nt, la crise sanitaire provoquée par la pandémie de COVID -19 n'a pas épargné 
l'économie djiboutienne, dont le PIB a chuté jusqu'à 1,2% en 2000, conséquence de sa forte 
dépendance aux services des transports et de la logistique, qui ont été fortement pertur bés par les 
mesures de confinement, prises pour juguler la pandémie.  
4.114.   Néanmoins, les signes de reprise économique post -COVID sont déjà perceptibles sur 
l'économie djiboutienne qui table pour une croissance de 5% en moyenne pour 2022.  
4.115.   Le Gabon et Djibouti en tretiennent des relations fraternelles et de coopération. Dans le cadre 
de nos accords bilatéraux, en 2013  un certain nombre d'accords, notamment l'accord -cadre de 
coopération, qui permet d'ouvrir la coopération entre les deux gouvernements et un protocole  de 
coopération sur les consultations diplomatiques régulières, ont été signés afin de dynamiser notre 
collaboration.  
4.116.   Par ailleurs, mon pays, qui envisage de développer ses ports en eaux profondes, comte bien 
s'enrichir de l'expertise importante de Djibout i dans ce secteur.  
4.117.   Je ne saurais clore mon propos, sans féliciter ma sœur et collègue, l'Ambassadrice et son 
équipe pour leur engagement actif aux travaux de l'OMC.  
4.118.   Je souhaite à Djibouti plein succès dans cet examen.  
INDIA  
4.119.   My delegation is pleased to part icipate in the third  Trade Policy Review of Djibouti and would 
like to extend a very warm welcome to the delegation of Djibouti led by H.E.  Mr Mohamed Warsama 
Dirieh Minister of Trade  and Tourism of Djibouti. My delegation would like to commend 
H.E. Mrs Kadra Ahmed Hassan, Permanent Representative of Djibouti to the WTO for her 
endeavours, and the Government of Djibouti along with the WTO Secretariat for their comprehensive 
Reports. We also thank the discussant H.E.  Dr Adamu  Mohammed Abdulhamid  of Nigeria for his 
insightful comments.  
4.120.   India and Djibouti enjoy long standing historical links, cultural affinities and people -to-people 
contacts. In 2017, the then President of India paid the first ever State visit to Djibouti. The visit 
gave an impetu s to the bilateral relations between our two countries. It was followed by the visit of 
the President of Djibouti to India in 2018.  
4.121.   India partners with Djibouti on its various developmental assistance programmes. The 
Export Import Bank of India has extend ed four lines of credits aggregating US D 50.39  million to the 
Government of Djibouti for the construction of cement plant at Ali  Sabieh. Till date, around 
50 professionals from Djibouti have benefited under the technical assistance and capacity building 
programme, ITEC. Similarly, about 66  Djiboutian students have benefit ed from ICCR scholarships 
for pursuing higher education in India. India 's assistance also includes providing 50  metric tonnes 
of food aid to Djibouti in 2020, followed by a consignment of m edicines and 24,000 doses of 
COVID -19 vaccines gifted to Government of Djibouti in 2021.  
4.122.   Commercial relations between India and Djibouti have existed since ancient times. The port 
of Adulis was a hub of maritime trade for Indian seafarers.  
4.123.   In more contemp orary terms, India 's exports to Djibouti increased from US D 347 million in 
2020-21 to US D 713.33  million in 2021 -22 seeing a 105.6% increase. While India 's imports from 
Djibouti, at US D 41.68  million, saw an 106% increase vis-à-vis 2020-21. Exports from In dia consists 
mainly of rice ; engineering goods ; fruits and vegetables ; paper and plastic products ; machinery ; 
metals ; yarns and fabrics ; and food items.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  4.124.   There is immense potential for cooperation between our two countries especially in the areas 
of educat ion, health, information technology, agriculture, small scale industries, portable electricity 
generation, fisheries, and water resource development.  
4.125.   As brought out in Secretariat 's Report, we are happy to note that Djibouti during the period 
under review,  has taken several trade policy initiatives and new legislative actions and measures 
that fostered economic growth at rates ranging from 5.1% to 8.5% between 2014 and 2019. 
However, owing to the pandemic lockdown and other restrictive measures that were im posed, there 
growth rate slowed to 1.2 % in 2020.  
4.126.   We applaud the Government of Djibouti for its trade and development related initiatives, 
including its "Vision Djibouti 2035" program me to pursue its trade policy goals while enhancing social 
inclusion, ec onomic growth and diversification and sustainable development.  
4.127.   We further appreciate the recently launched strategic development plan to streamline the 
government's efforts to support the country's economic growth; with the aim to improve the 
business clim ate and attract investment to promote economic diversification and inclusive growth.  
4.128.   India is willing to partner and support Djibouti 's efforts in this regard, and we are confident 
that Djibouti will be able to derive benefits from the multilateral tradin g system and its regional 
integration efforts.  
4.129.   We appreciate the contribution of Djibouti in the ongoing work at the WTO especially as the 
coordinator of the LDC  Group. We look forward to working together with Djibouti in further 
expanding and fostering our bilateral trade and investment ties, as well as working closely on issues 
concerning developing countries including the LDCs at the WTO.  
4.130.   We wish the delegation  of Djibouti a productive and successful Trade Policy Review.  
TÜRKIYE  
4.131.   We welcome the delegation of Djibouti headed by M r Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, Minister of 
Trade and Tourism.  
4.132.   We thank the Secretariat and the Government of Djibouti for their Reports as we ll as 
discussant Ambassador Dr  Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid of Nigeria for his invaluable remarks.  
4.133.   Türkiye is pleased to note that steps taken to diversify economy and investments in Djibouti 
were resulted in economic growth between 2014 -2019. We believe that Djibouti's economy will 
highly benefit from the "Vision Djibouti 2035" paper.  
4.134.   Accordingly, we welcome  Djibouti 's efforts to promote manufacturing and renewable energy 
and develop a sustainable tourism sector.  
4.135.   We commend Djibouti 's active engagement in the WTO regular bodies. Along with its 
leadership to the LDC  Group, Djibouti 's participation in negotiati ons and discussions contributes to 
our work at the WTO.  
4.136.   We welcome Djibouti 's ratification of Trade Facilitation Agreement. We are also glad to work 
with Djibouti in Investment Facilitation for Development Joint Statement Initiative.  
4.137.   Türkiye and Djibouti enjoy brotherly relations with deeply rooted historic and cultural ties. 
Djibouti is one of our closest partners in the Horn of Africa.  According to 2020 data, Türkiye is the 
fourth main trading partner of Djibouti, following Ethiopia, United Arab Emirates  and China.  
4.138.   We are pleased to see that our annual trade volume exceeded USD 300 million in the last 
three  years.  
4.139.   Agreement on Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments entered into force in 2020 
between our countries. We are working to deepen th e legal ground of our bilateral trade. In this 
regard, we hope to resume FTA negotiations as soon as possible.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  4.140.   We also support developing intra -African capacities and structures by the African initiatives 
and effective multilateralism.  
4.141.   The Memorandum of U nderstanding on Cooperation with the AfCFTA was signed between 
AfCFTA Secretariat and our Ministry of Trade on the margins of the Third Türkiye -Africa Partnership 
Summit.  
4.142.   In this respect, we hope that the AfCFTA will create opportunities beyond trade and business 
for the African nations. As a new continental vision for development, it could be instrumental in 
alleviating poverty and social injustice, hence helps to realize Africa 's true potential.  
4.143.   We are pleased that the Memorandum of Understanding between  Türkiye and 
Intergovernmental Authority on Development was signed in July  2019.  
4.144.   We believe that with its growing economy and vision of becoming a trade -hub, Djibouti is a 
good model for other countries in the region.  
4.145.   In conclusion, we would like to take t his opportunity to thank Ambassador Hassan and her 
able team for the excellent preparation for this review, as well as their constructive contributions to 
WTO activities.  
4.146.   We wish Djibouti a successful Trade Policy Review.  
THE GAMBIA  ON BEHALF OF THE LDC GROUP  
4.147.   The LDC  Group welcomes Excellency M r Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, Minister of Trade  and 
Tourism, Chief of delegation and the distinguished delegation of Djibouti on the occasion of the 
Republic of Djibouti 's third Trade Policy Review.  
4.148.   The period under rev iew witnessed important reforms carried out by the Government of 
Djibouti in view of operationalizing its "Vision 2035 " strategy that integrates five key pillars: national 
peace and unity, good governance, a diversified and competitive economy, the consolidation of 
human capital and regional integration.  
4.149.   The strategic framework is further complemented by development plans, the most recent 
being the Nat ional Development Plan for 2020 -2024. As part of this development plan, institutional 
reforms have been identified as a key pillar. In line with this ambition, the recent creation of a 
Ministry for the Digital Economy and Innovation is particularly praisew orthy as this will contribute to 
a formulation of policies that support digitalization and enabling the development of electronic 
commerce.  
4.150.   Improvement of the business climate is another fundamental area where Djibouti has 
undertaken reform. Upgrading the  transport and port infrastructure is a concrete illustration of the 
progress achieved since the previous review. This has translated into increased capacity to manage 
cargo with the port complex at Doraleh able to manage up to 8.2  million tonnes of bulk c argo and 
more than 200,000 containers per year. In parallel the construction of a new port in Damerjog will 
enable handling and storing petroleum products and also exporting livestock. The site in Damerjog 
will also include an industrial free zone covering  an area of 2.5  km2.  
4.151.   In parallel, Djibouti also introduced steps to facilitate the conduct of business such as 
simplifying business registration procedures facilitated by information systems; improving access to 
credit through the establishment of an impr oved credit registry; promoting legal certainty and 
predictability via the strengthening of the legal framework for the enforcement of contracts and 
adoption of a new Code of Civil Procedure.  
4.152.   We also take this opportunity to commend the Government of Djib outi for taking the bold 
step of developing a Single Window to facilitate cross -border trade that is currently in a pilot phase, 
which will undoubtedly attract and stimulate foreign investment once operational. In particular , 
Djibouti has highlighted eight  sectors in which foreign investment can support the country achieve 
Sustainable Development Goals, namely, transportation ; services ; renewable and alternative 
energy ; finance ; ICTs; infrastructure ; food and beverages ; and health.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  4.153.   The LDC  Group would also  like to commend the Government of Djibouti for embarking on a 
plan to develop its information and communication technologies sector. With 59% of the population 
already enjoying access to the internet, which is amongst the highest share in the region and 
continent, efforts to further develop the sector through liberalization will certainly stimulate foreign 
direct investment and contribute to transform the economy and digital base.  
4.154.   Finally, against the backdrop of COVID -19 and the current shortages in food  supply, the 
Government of Djibouti has experienced significant increases in expenditures given the country 's 
dependence on food imports. In parallel, Djibouti also experienced shortfalls in revenues due to a 
halt in certain sectors affected by lockdown me asures. However, despite the challenges, also as 
an LDC, Djibouti has been able to cope with the economic shock through sound economic 
management and resilience embedded in the strong drive to reform.  
4.155.   We commend the Government of Djibouti for preserving a nd fostering trade and economic 
ties across the region and continent and wish the officials present a successful Trade Policy Review.  
KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN  
4.156.   The Kingdom of Bahrain is delighted to participate in the third Trade Policy Review of the 
Republic of Djibouti, and would like to warmly welcome H.E.  Mr Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, Minister 
of Trade and Tourism of Djibouti, and H.E.  Ms Kadra Ahmed Hassan, Ambassador and Permanent 
Representative of Djibouti to the WTO, and wish them and their delegation a very successful Review.  
4.157.   We would also like to thank the WTO Secretariat for their efforts in preparing the detailed 
report, and the discussant H.E.  Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid, Ambassador and Permanent 
Representative of Nigeria to the WTO his insightful remarks and active discuss ion. 
4.158.   We commend Djibouti for the many accomplishments achieved since its last review, 
including the launch of a strategic development plan to streamline the government's efforts to 
support the country's economic growth which fostered at r ates ranging from 5.1% to 8.5% between 
2014 and 2019.  
4.159.   We are also pleased by the findings of the Report, that during the period under review, 
Djibouti carried out numerous legislative reforms to modernize and improve the business climate.  
4.160.   I cannot conclude this statement without highlighting Djibouti 's role as a long standing and 
strong supporter of t he WTO and the multilateral trading system. As an original and active Member 
of the WTO, Djibouti has consistently demonstrated its full support and belief in the effectiveness of 
an open and rules -based multilateral trading system in contributing to globa l economic development 
and prosperity.  
4.161.   Finally, we would like to wish Djibouti every success in its Trade Policy Review.  
JAPAN  
4.162.   Japan welcomes the delegation of the Republic of Djibouti to this Trade Policy Review, 
headed by H .E. Mohamed Warsama Dirieh , Minister of Trade  and Tourism of Djibouti. Japan would 
like to extend our appreciation to the WTO Secretariat and to the Government of Djibouti for their 
respective Reports submitted for this review. We would also like to thank and commend the 
discussant, H.E.  Ambassador of Nigeria, Dr  Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid, for his insightful 
remarks.  
4.163.   We acknowledge that based on the long -term national strategy "Vision Djibouti 2035 ", the 
Government of Djibouti has so far been focusing on the development of service industries, such as 
ports and logistics, with a focus on geographical advantage.  
4.164.   We commend the steady progress of necessary efforts by Djibouti, including the 
implementation of legislative reforms in various fields to modernize and improve the bus iness 
environment, as well as the enactment of new laws to improve domestic standards and quality. It is 
hoped that these efforts will contribute to the development of industrial infrastructure and the WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  improvement of the basic living environment of the peo ple, leading to further economic development 
in Djibouti.  
4.165.   Today, we would like to highlight three issues.  
4.166.   First, on our bilateral economic relations. Since Djibouti's independence, Japan has continued 
to provide assistance without interruption, including in the 1990s when Djibouti was suffering from 
a civil war. In the late 1990s, the plaza that became the starting point of the main road, developed 
with Japanese assistance, was named "Place de Tokyo". This is a sign that Japan and Djibouti have 
maintained and developed a long -term friendly and cooperative relationship. It is one of the symbols 
that has come to symbolize our ties.  
4.167.   In addition, Djibouti is located on the sea lanes that connect Asia, the Middle  East, Africa 
and Europe, and is an important part ner of Japan in realizing the free and open Indo -Pacific that 
Japan advocates. In this regard, supporting Djibouti's own efforts in the field of socio -economic 
development will support the resolution of various issues in Djibouti. Furthermore, it will cont ribute 
to the realization of a free and open Indo -Pacific. From this perspective, Japan will continue to 
provide necessary assistance through development cooperation for Djibouti.  
4.168.   Second, on our regional trade activities.  Djibouti Port serves as an outer p ort for 
neighbouring landlocked countries such as Ethiopia and South Sudan, and Djibouti is extremely 
important in forming a single East  African market that encompasses South  Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, 
and Somalia.  
4.169.   According to the Secretariat's Report, Dji bouti participates in five regional economic 
activities, including COMESA and TFTA. It is hoped that these regional efforts will contribute to the 
expansion of trade and investment in Djibouti, and to the progress of structural reforms.  
4.170.   The third point , I would like to address is on the WTO.  As a founding Member of the WTO, 
Djibouti is expected to actively participate in the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its 
core. We would like to express our appreciation for Ambassador Hassan 's vital role and  her efforts 
as Chair of CTDSS in promoting the discussions of divergent views among the Members. And also, 
we appreciate that she is actively engaging the discussions as LDCs coordinator.  
4.171.   In conclusion,  Japan will continue to play a leading role in Africa n development through the 
Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) process, which is an open, inclusive 
and transparent partnership framework. In August  2022, the Tunis Declaration was adopted at 
TICAD8, and Japan expressed the importa nce of "investment in people" and called for various efforts 
to be made to realize structural transformation for sustainable economic growth and development. 
It also welcomed African initiatives on regional economic integration, such as the provisional lau nch 
of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) trade. It is hoped that these efforts will also 
contribute to the revitalization of Djibouti's economy.  
4.172.   Japan appreciates Djibouti 's constructive contribution to the multilateral trading system  and 
its active participation in today 's TPR. We wish the delegation of Djibouti a successful and fruitful 
Trade Policy Review.  
TUNISIE  
4.173.   Ma délégation a le plaisir de participer au troisième examen des politiques commerciales du 
Djibouti et souhaite une chaleureus e bienvenue à S.E. M.  Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, Ministre du 
commerce et du tourisme de Djibouti et à la délégation qui l'accompagne de la capitale Djibouti et 
de Genève, et le féliciter pour l'effort de synthèse et d'analyse fournis pour nous brosser un tabl eau 
exhaustif de la situation économique et de la politique commerciale de son pays.  
4.174.   Je remercie également S.E. l'Ambassadeur Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid, Représentant 
permanent du Nigéria auprès de l'OMC, pour les remarques pertinentes développées dans sa 
présentation et félicite le Secrétariat pour le rapport complet qu'il nous a soumis à l'occasion de cet 
examen.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  4.175.   Nous tenons en premier lieu, à saluer la clairvoyance de la politique djiboutienne qui a su 
faire de ce pays frère un havre de paix et de dévelop pement dans le Corne de l'Afrique et dans le 
continent, malgré un environnement régional marqué par une certaine instabilité.  
4.176.   A court de ressources naturelles, le Djibouti s'est appuyé sur sa stabilité politique, sa 
situation géographique et ses infrastru ctures portuaires se convertissant en un important carrefour 
maritime en engageant des processus de réformes démocratiques, économiques et sociales 
ambitieuses, notamment dans le cadre de la Vision de Djibouti 2035, visant à faire de Djibouti le 
"hub comme rcial et logistique de l'Afrique".  
4.177.   Le rapport du Secrétariat relate que, depuis son dernier Examen de politique commerciale 
(EPC) en 2014, le Djibouti a lancé un plan stratégique de développement afin de rationaliser les 
efforts du gouvernement dans son so utien à la croissance économique du pays, améliorer le climat 
des affaires et diversifier l'économie, ciblant une ouverture accrue sur le partenariat public -privé et 
une croissance plus inclusive.  
4.178.   Ces efforts de privatisation et les investissements massif s dans les infrastructures, y compris 
portuaires, routières et dans les zones franches, ont favorisé une croissance économique du pays à 
des taux variant de 5,1% à 8,5% durant la période d'examen, ainsi qu'une maîtrise de l'inflation et 
du déficit de la de tte publique.  
4.179.   Ces indicateurs ont certes tous été impactés par la pandémie de la COVID -19, à l'instar de 
la plupart des régions dans le monde, notamment en raison des mesures justifiées de soutien aux 
ménages et aux entreprises adoptées par le gouvernement  djiboutien, pour faire face à l'arrêt des 
activités économiques.  
4.180.   Le Djibouti aurait besoin de tout l'appui des instances spécialisées et de ses partenaires 
stratégiques pour mobiliser les ressources nécessaires à financer ses grands projets d'infrastructu re 
et pour aller de l'avant dans ses objectifs de sa Vision  2035.  
4.181.   Par ailleurs, et en tant que Membre originel de l'OMC, Djibouti est engagé activement dans 
les activités de l'OMC et attache une grande importance au système commercial multilatéral.  
4.182.   Nous apprécions, particulièrement, son intégration dans nombreux espaces économiques 
régionaux à l'instar du Marché commun de l'Afrique orientale et australe (COMESA), de la Zone de 
libre-échange tripartite (ZLET), de la Zone de libre -échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf), de 
l'Autorité intergouvernementale pour le développement (IGAD) et de la Communauté du 
Sahel. -États sahariens (CEN -SAD).  
4.183.   La Tunisie se félicite des excellentes relations fraternelles et historiques établies avec 
Djibouti, basées sur la  confiance, le respect mutuel et la coopération fraternelle.  
4.184.   Nous Œuvrons ensemble pour assurer la pérennité des consultations bilatérales et l'échange 
de visites de hauts responsables des deux pays. Les dernières visites officielles, en Tunisie du 
Préside nt djiboutien grand ami de la Tunisie, en octobre  2018 et en mars  2019, ont été des occasions 
idoines pour renforcer la coopération bilatérale.  
4.185.   Nous saisissons cette opportunité pour réexprimer la volonté de notre pays de mettre son 
expertise et son expérience à la disposition de Djibouti dans plusieurs domaines de développement 
dont notamment l'Enseignement et la formation professionnelle, la santé, le tourisme, le 
développement industriel.  
4.186.   Nous encourageons, à ce titre, les contacts entre les hommes  d'affaires tunisiens et leurs 
homologues djiboutiens et nous les incitons à participer aux différentes manifestations économiques 
organisées dans les deux pays.  
4.187.   Nous accordons mutuellement une importance particulière au soutien des échanges 
commerciaux en tre les deux pays, notamment avec la croissance de l'activité du port de Djibouti et 
de sa zone franche et nos positions stratégiques en tant que portes d'entrée vers l'Europe et les 
pays de la corne de l'Afrique et de l'Afrique de l'Est.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  4.188.   Avant de conclure , nous tenons à féliciter notre chère Ambassadrice S.E.  M. Kadra Ahmed 
Hassan, Représentante permanente de Djibouti pour engagement actif dans les activités de l'OMC 
et de nos groupes africain et arabe, ainsi que son équipe.  
4.189.   Nous souhaitons, enfin, au Djib outi un examen très fructueux de leurs politiques 
commerciales.  
PAKISTAN  
4.190.   We wish to join others in welcoming the delegation of Djibouti led by H.E . Mohamed 
Warsama Dirieh, Minister of Trade  and Tourism at this third Trade Policy Review of Djibouti.  
4.191.   We wish  to start by thanking the discussant H .E. Dr Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid for his 
insightful comments enriching the discussions at this Trade Policy Review.  
4.192.    We also wish to thank the Secretariat for their hard work in preparing the Report for this 
review.  
4.193.   Since its last Review in 2014, Djibouti has been on a positive development track till the 
pandemic struck. The GDP growth rate accelerated to an average of almost 6% over the period 
2016–19. The Government has undertaken bold reforms to achieve its economic  growth and 
sustainable development as well as for better social inclusion of its population through "Vision 
Djibouti 2035".  
4.194.   We wish to commend Djibouti on these targeted reforms aimed at improving the business 
climate and facilitating investment. The impo rtant infrastructure investment has enabled economic 
growth at rates ranging from 5.1% to 8.5% between 2014 and 2019.  
4.195.   We applaud the ongoing efforts by the Government to develop opportunities in the fisheries 
and livestock farming ; renewable energy ; transp ort and logistics ; new information technologies ; and 
tourism.  
4.196.   By ratifying the TFA, Djibouti has taken an additional step in its objective to enable 
international trade to develop. We wish to encourage the Government in its efforts in implementing 
the rel evant measures of the TFA as they are conducive to economic growth through trade.  
4.197.   Pakistan highly appreciates the progress made so far in deepening the relations with 
Djibouti. Currently the bilateral trade between the two countries has lots of potential. Pakistan has 
initiated a "Look Africa " policy to develop trade relations through mutual cooperation.  
4.198.   At the WTO, we wish to commend the active engagement of Djibouti through its Mission in 
Geneva, especially in the areas of interests to the LDCs. We wish to particularly highlight the 
proactive role of Ambassador Kadra  Ahmed  Hassan in chairing the Committee on Trade and 
Development in Special Session. This committee is an important forum to discuss and advance the 
development interests of both developing an d least developed economies.  
4.199.   In concluding, we wish Djibouti every success in its impressive economic and business 
reforms and wish Djibouti a fruitful T rade Policy Review.  
TCHAD  
4.200.   Tout d'abord, nous nous associons à la déclaration faite par l'Ambassadeur de  la Gambie au 
nom du Groupe des PMA.  
4.201.   Le Tchad souhaite la bienvenue à la délégation de Djibouti conduite par le Ministre du 
commerce et du tourisme et lui témoigne toute sa solidarité à l'occasion de ce troisième examen des 
politiques commerciales.  
4.202.   Ma délégation remercie le chef de la délégation pour sa présentation exhaustive et 
l'Ambassadeur du Nigeria en qualité de présentateur, elle remercie également et félicite la 
Représentante permanente de Djibouti à Genève, l'Ambassadeur Kadra Ahmed Hassan et toute son WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  équipe pour son rôle déterminant tendant à la préservation et à la consolidation du système 
commercial multilatéral, en particulier son engagement en faveur des pays les moins avancés.  
4.203.   Le Tchad se félicite de la vision à laquelle souscrit Djibouti en ce qui concerne les grands 
axes stratégiques de sa politique générale, il s'agit en particulier de renforcement des fondements 
de l'État et l'amélioration de la gouvernance publique , les explications  d'une économie compétitive, 
générat rice de croissance, le développement des ressources humaines et l'extension de l'accès aux 
services de base.  
4.204.   Le Tchad salue les efforts de Djibouti dans différents domaines, notamment la modernisation 
des procédures douanières, la lutte contre le blanchime nt des capitaux pour accroître la transparence 
bancaire, les réformes des entreprises publiques en vue de renforcer leur efficacité, les 
investissements dans des zones économique s spécial es, la mise en place des centres de données 
numériques tournés vers l e continent et vers d'autres zones stratégiques, la facilitation du commerce 
et des investissements. Tout cela englob é dans une vision et un plan stratégique à long terme 
permettant d'améliorer le climat des affaires et attirer les investissements en vue d 'une 
diversification économique et une croissance inclusive.  
4.205.   Tous ces efforts fournis par Djibouti contribuent au renforcement de la transparence et de 
la prévisibilité de son régime commercial , au renforcement de son économie et du système 
commercial mult ilatéral.  
4.206.   Le Tchad se félicite également de la vision à laquelle souscrit Djibouti en ce qui concerne le 
respect des règles commerciales multilatérales et sa détermination à satisfaire aux prescriptions en 
matière de notification ainsi que son engagement à  se mettre en conformité avec ses obligations à 
l'OMC. Nous nous félicitons que Djibouti ait déposé auprès de l'OMC, son instrument d'acceptation 
du protocole relatif à l'Accord sur la facilitation des échanges, il a également notifié la liste de 
mesures p our les différentes catégories.  
4.207.   De même, le rapport fait observer que toutes les déclarations d'importation sont effectuées 
électroniquement à l'aide du système d e dédouanement simplifié interconnecté avec, notamment, 
les douanes éthiopiennes, les opérateu rs de zones franches, les directions des impôts et du trésor, 
ainsi qu'avec le système portuaire  djiboutien. Ce sont là des efforts extrêmement importants qui 
pourraient nous intéresser en tant que PMA en termes de partage des bonnes pratiques.  
4.208.   Toutes ces initiatives louables ont été prises, et c'est malgré le contexte difficile décrits par 
le Ministre du commerce de Djibouti, en lien avec la pandémie de la COVID -19, qui a impacté 
sévèrement les activités économiques . Vient s'ajouter la menace d'autres cris es, notamment la crise 
alimentaire, en raison de la situation géopolitique internationale très difficile.  
4.209.   Nous encourageons les Membres de l'OMC et tous les partenaires techniques et financiers à 
soutenir Djibouti, à poursuivre ses efforts, notamment dans la transformation structurelle de son 
économie et les transferts de technologies, surtout que Djibouti a une position stratégique en tant 
que point d'arrivée de plusieurs câbles interocéaniques.  
4.210.   Enfin, le Tchad souscrit totalement à la vision de Djibouti qui défend fermement les règles 
de l'OMC, tout en prenant un système commercial multilatéral à la fois ouvert, transparent, inclusif 
et non discriminatoire.  
4.211.   Le Tchad souhaite plein succès à Djibouti pour son troisième examen des politiques 
commerciales.  
SÉNÉGAL 
4.212.   Nous nous associons à la déclaration faite par la Gambie au nom des PMA. Permettez -moi, 
Monsieur le Président, de joindre ma voix à celles des premiers intervenants pour souhaiter la 
bienvenue à Genève, la délégation de la République de Djibouti. Nous remercions le Secrétariat de 
l'OMC et le gouvernement de Djibouti pour la qualité des rapports.  
4.213.   Le Sénégal félicite également S.E.  Dr. Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid pour la qualité de son 
intervention en tant que présentateur du présent exame n des politiques commerciales.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  4.214.   Ce troisième examen des politiques commerciales de la République de Djibouti est 
particulièrement important, compte tenu des éléments nouveaux et autres réformes entreprises 
dans le domaine du commerce et des politiques liées  au commerce.  
4.215.   Nous nous réjouissons des réformes importantes faites par Djibouti et des investissements 
massifs qu'il a réalisés dans les infrastructures, y compris portuaires, routières et dans les zones 
franches. Dans le cadre de la mise en œuvre de son document stratégique qui a été rappelé par 
plusieurs intervenants intitulé "Vision  Djibouti  2035". Nous félicitons la République de Djibouti pour 
les nombreuses réformes législatives, entreprises en vue de moderniser et d'améliorer le climat des 
affaires. 
4.216.    Il est ressorti du rapport du Secrétariat que l'objectif de la politique commercial djiboutienne 
étant définie par le document que je viens de mentionner, est de faire de ce pays le hub commercial 
et logistique de l'Afrique en développant particulière ment la pêche, le tourisme, la logistique, des 
nouvelles technologies de l'information et de la communication, les services financiers, l'industrie 
manufacturière et les énergies; à ce propos nous encourageons les Membres de l'OMC et les 
partenaires de dév eloppement à accompagner la République de Djibouti en vue de relever les défis 
liés à l'atteinte à cet objectif.  
4.217.   Pour conclure, étant donné que les services constituent l'essentiel de l'activité économique 
à Djibouti, Monsieur le Ministre en charge du comm erce chef de délégation, nous voudrions 
encourager votre pays à accroître  et diversifier ses productions agricoles et manufacturiers en vue 
de relever les défis entre autres liés à la souveraineté alimentaire et au développement industriel.  
4.218.   Nous souhaitons  plein succès à Djibouti pour ce troisième examen des politiques 
commerciales.  
ZIMBABWE  
4.219.   Good afternoon to you Mr  Chair and to all colleagues here present, a very warm welcome as 
well to the distinguished delegation of Djibouti headed by H .E. Mr Mohamed War sama Dirieh , 
Honourable Minister of Trade  and Tourism and equally warm salutation to our dear and much  
respected colleague, H.E. Ambassador Kadra Ahmed Hassan, and our sincere thanks her and  her 
team for the active  and very effective role they play within the activities of the Africa n Group here 
in Geneva, warm greetings and thanks as well to H.E. Ambassador Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid 
of Nigeria , and thank you for the role you have played and the insightful comments you have made 
as discuss ant today.  
4.220.   Zimbabw e would like to join other in congratulating Djibouti on its third  Trade Policy Review. 
As other have said, this review comes in the time of great challenges and difficulties for all African 
countries, indeed all developing countries, as we strive to recov er from the impact of the pandemic 
compounded in many parts of the world by food insecurity, caused certainly in part, in large part by 
recurrent  drought and other forms of extreme weather, leading to rising food prices with the 
inevitable negative impact on lives and livelihoods in our countries . 
4.221.   These challenges and negatives have not, however, prevented or impeded the Government 
and the p eople of Djibouti from moving forward and pressing ahead with significant economic and 
trade policy reforms.  
4.222.   We welco me the encouraging indicators reflected in the Review and the positive growth 
recorded over the period 2014 to 2019 prior to the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic . Most 
impressive  and clearly indicative of the forward -looking national development vision , is the growth 
being recorded in th e services sector, including in telecommunications, banking, construction , and 
transpor t logistics , specifically maritime transport logistics, amongst other sectors . 
4.223.   The presentation made by H.E.  the Minister, refl ects the importance accorded by Djibouti to 
the ever -increasing importance of ICT within evolving global trading practices and policies. 
The entire landscape of how we conduct trade in goods and services is rapidly changing and like 
Djibouti is doing, we all need to ensure that we have both , the policy framework  and the physical 
and technological infrastructure in  place to ensure that we do not get left behind . WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  4.224.   We commend the adoption of the long -term strategic Vision 2035 which aims to transform 
the countr y into a regional  an international commercial and financial hub . This strategic framework 
for national development with its five core pillars  dovetails well  with the developmental aspirations 
of the African continent as a whole , as encapsulated in the Afri can Union's Agenda  2063. 
4.225.   The positive steps being taken by Djibouti towards expanding trade, increasing market 
access and gradually opening up to competition was certainly boosted in with investment, industrial 
development, and diversification; and with th at the creation of more productive employment 
opportunities in the country as the economy grows in response to such positive stimulation.  
4.226.   We welcome the clear focus on regional integration and the determination to fully implement 
and indeed to benefit from  the myriad opportunities offered under the AfCFTA, a continent -wide free 
trade framework which, as it evolves, has the potential to dramatically transform intra -African trade 
and to accelerate both regional and continental  industrial development and integ ration.  
4.227.   Zimbabwe and Djibouti enjoy cordial relations, although our bilateral trade flows are still 
very low by way of value, it is clear that we are both committed to enhancing those relations and to 
boosting trade under the facilitative umbrella of the AfCFTA . I'm aware that ZIMTRADE, the 
Zimbabwe's National Trade Promotion Agency, which falls under the administrative  oversight of the 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is actively investigating value added trade 
opportunities across the continent, including with Djibouti . We are convinced that there is scope for 
positive movement , an in  that regard we look forward to being able to report back to this body on a 
future occasion . 
4.228.   Let me conclude by once again welcoming and thanking the disti nguished delegation from 
Djibouti for their presence and detailed  presentation to ensure them that Zimbabwe is fully 
supportive of the developmental trajectory they are embarked upon and that we wish them 
everything of the best, most especially a successfu l Trade Policy Review . 
BRAZIL  
4.229.   Brazil would like to thank the Government of Djibouti for engaging in its third  Trade Policy 
Review and for providing Members with an overview of the country 's economic performance and 
commitment to the multilateral trading system.  
4.230.   We would also like to express our appreciation to the WTO Secretariat for its comprehensive 
Report, as well as to the discussant, Ambassador Dr  Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid for his insightful 
introductory remarks.  
4.231.   Brazil attaches great importance to trade policy reviews, in the understanding that they 
contribute to enhance transparency and predictability for trade stakeholders. The COVID -19 health 
crisis and its impact on the global economy are additional elements that reinforce th e relevance of 
this kind of exercise.  
4.232.   In this regard, while acknowledging that Djibouti 's level of growth and other economic 
indicators were affected by the pandemic, we commend the country for its high GDP rates between 
2014 and 2019, thanks largely to st ructural investments in infrastructure. We sincerely hope that 
the numbers continue to improve, as projected since the rebound in 2021.  
4.233.   Brazil would also like to point out, in this context, the Djiboutian government 's efforts to 
diversify and modernize the  economy within the framework of the country 's strategic development 
plan launched in 2014.  
4.234.   Moving on to WTO issues, Brazil notes with satisfaction the ratification of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement in 2018 and Djibouti 's participation in the discussion s of the Joint Initiative 
on Investment Facilitation for Development.  
4.235.   Regarding our bilateral relations, trade flows between Brazil and Djibouti are still very 
modest. But we do see potential for incrementing them, as well as to enhance technical cooperat ion 
under a bilateral agreement signed in 2012 and recently enacted internally in Brazil.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  4.236.   Let me conclude by wishing the delegation of Djibouti a successful conclusion of its Trade 
Policy Review.  
CAMERO UN AU NOM DU GROUPE AFRICAIN   
4.237.   Monsieur le Président, je tiens à vous féliciter pour la manière dont vous conduisez ce 
troisième examen des politiques commerciales de Djibouti. Le Cameroun au nom du Groupe africain 
souhaite la bienvenue à la délégation de Djibouti, sous la conduite de S .E. M. le Ministre Mohamed 
Warsama Dirieh. Nous tenons, Monsieur le Ministre à vous féliciter pour votre pertinente présentation 
qui contient des importantes informations sur les progrès accomplis par Djibouti ces dernières 
années.  
4.238.   Nous remercions également notre brillant collègue, le distingué Ambassadeur du Nigéria, 
Dr. Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid, pour sa brillante présentation. Bien évidemment, toutes nos 
félicitations à notre dynamique collègue, l'Ambassad rice Hassan Kadra, pour son le adership.  
4.239.   Le Groupe  africain  se réjouit des efforts enregistrés par le gouvernement de Djibouti dans 
la transformation de son pays dans tous les secteurs ( économique, commercial  et numérique). Le 
Groupe  africain salue les progrès accomplis par Djibouti dan s le développement du secteur 
commercial, y compris les infrastructures des transports  qui accompagn ent ce développement.  
4.240.   Aujourd'hui Djibouti se positionn e et s'affirm e comme un véritable hub, une plateforme 
commerciale pour la COMESA et un modèle pour le  continent africain.  
4.241.   Le Groupe se réjouit également de la vision économique dont Monsieur le Ministre vient d'en 
exposer les principaux axes avec pour point culminant la Vision  2035. Cette vision est en harmonie 
avec les règles de l'OMC de l'Agenda  2063 et  surtout son engagement ferme envers 
l'opérationnalisation de l'AfCFTA. Un tel engagement est porteur d'espoirs pour le développement 
du commerce centrafricain et pour l'intégration de tout le continent.  
4.242.   Nous sommes également heureux de l'engagement de Dji bouti dans la voie d u numérique. 
Djibouti aujourd'hui est classé, en dépit de son statut de PMA, parmi les 20  pays les plus 
réformatrices du monde, un tel engagement réconfort le continent et augure des lendemains 
meilleurs pour le peuple de Djibouti et po ur l'ensemble des pays de la zone. Nous demandons à tous 
les partenaires d'encourager Djibouti dans cette transformation.  
4.243.   Nous souhaitons à la délégation djiboutienne nos vœux les plus ardents pour ce troisième 
examen, et toutes nos félicitations à S.E.  l'Ambassad rice Kadra Ahmed Hassan pour son dynamisme 
et son fer vent soutien envers le multilatéralisme.  
TOGO  
4.244.   Tout d'abord, je voudrais indiquer que le Togo s'associe à la déclaration faite par 
l'Ambassadeur, Représentant permanent de la Gambie au nom des PM A. 
4.245.   C'est un réel plaisir pour mon pays de participer en ce jour au troisième examen des 
politiques commerciales de Djibouti. Avant toute chose, nous adressons nos chaleureuses salutations 
à S.E.  M. Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, Ministre du commerce et du tourism e, chef de la délégation 
ainsi qu'à toute l'équipe qui l'accompagne. Ma délégation, à son tour, félicite M.  le Ministre pour sa 
déclaration préliminaire exhaustive sur l'état de l'économie de Djibouti.  
4.246.   Je tiens à remercier notre collègue S.E.  Dr. Adamu Moh ammed Abdulhamid, Ambassadeur 
du Nigéria, présentateur pour cette revue, pour ses commentaires et ses observations pertinents.  
4.247.   En ce qui concerne la documentation, nous apprécions bien entendu la qualité des rapports 
produits par cette revue par le gouvern ement de Djibouti et le Secrétariat de l'OMC.  
4.248.   Le Togo tient à saluer les autorités de Djibouti pour leurs efforts constants pour maintenir 
ce petit pays stable et dans un processus de progrès constant que nous ne pouvons qu'apprécier en 
dépit du contexte g éopolitique marqué par de multiples défis.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  4.249.   En effet, malgré le contexte actuel difficile marqué par une sécheresse aiguë couplée à 
diverses causes d'instabilité dans la région, ainsi qu'aux effets de la crise sanitaire liée à la 
COVID -19, l'économie de Djibouti a démontré une capacité de résilience face à ces différentes 
situations. Ainsi a -t-il été enregistré en 2021 rebond du PIB avec une croissance réelle de 4,8% sous 
l'effet de la reprise économique, suite à la réouverture des frontière s, qui était bien entendu fermée 
du fait  de la pandémie de la COVID -19. Ce niveau de performance a été soutenu par les secteurs de 
transport, télécommunications et banques, au regard des investissements massifs opérés par le 
gouvernement djiboutien dans le s infrastructures et dans d'autres domaines.  
4.250.   En tant que membre d'un même espace continental, mon pays, le Togo est engagé ensemble 
avec Djibouti dans les négociations sur l'AfCFTA et afin de libéraliser et de renforcer le commerce 
centre -africain. Cet eng agement s'est traduit par l'adoption par chacun de nos deux pays d'une 
stratégie nationale de mise en œuvre de la ZLECAf, cette stratégie vise à intégrer davantage nos 
économies et à consolider nos liens commerciaux à l'échelle continentale.  
4.251.   Par ailleurs, nos deux pays, en tant que PMA  - pays les moins avancés - œuvrent activement 
en vue d'une meilleure intégration au système commercial international, en sévissant  les 
opportunités spécifiques offertes à cette catégorie de pays, et en s'impliquant dans la rec herche de 
solutions idoines visant le respect des engagements pris au niveau de l'OMC en faveur des PMA.  
4.252.   On témoigne les différentes responsabilités qu'assume Djibouti au sein de l'OMC à travers 
notamment son Ambassadrice, notre chère collègue, Mme.  Kadra Ahmed Hassan, actuellement 
coordinatrice des PMA en tant que membres du cadre intégré renforcé, mécanisme dédié à l'aide 
pour le commerce des PMA.  
4.253.   Il demeure certain  qu'avec des réformes solides et l'engagement du gouvernement, 
l'économie de Djibouti pours uivra son progrès vers une transformation structurelle soutenue avec 
pour résultante le développement et le bien -être de s population s. 
4.254.   À cet égard, nous saluons la création par le pays d'un nouveau Centre régional d'exportation 
du bétail, l'établissement d 'un nouveau terminal d'exportation à Damerjog, ainsi que l'adoption d es 
plans visant à renforcer les sources d'énergie s renouvelable s. 
4.255.   Tout en esp érant  que le présent exercice qui contribue  à l'amélioration inévitable et au 
renforcement de l'intégration de  Djibouti au système commercial international, grâce à un commerce 
davantage au service du développement économique et social, nous tenons à souhaiter à la 
délégation de Djibouti un examen des politiques commerciales couronnée de succès dans une 
perspectiv e de progrès social et économique.  
MADAGASCAR  
4.256.   Tout d'abord, Madagascar se joint à la déclaration de la Gambie au nom du Groupe des PMA 
et a cette du Cameroun au nom du Groupe  africain , et souhaite la bienvenue aux membres de la 
délégation de la République de Djibouti.  
4.257.   Madagascar félicite Djibouti pour l'établissement du présent rapport, notamment les progrès 
et les réformes entrepris dans le domaine du commerce et les politiques qui s'y rapportent.  
4.258.   Il est clairement établi dans le rapport que Djibouti a éla boré et mis en œuvre des politiques 
gouvernementales efficaces. Ceux -là contribuent à une transformation économique et se traduisent 
par un taux de croissance du PIB de 6% de 2016 à 2019, avant la pandémie. Cette dernière a 
considérablement affecté la situ ation économique de Djibouti avec une chute du PIB à 1,2% durant 
la période.  
4.259.   Cependant, Djibouti s'est toujours engagé en faveur du commerce international en 
consolidant son rôle au sein de l'OMC à travers sa participation active aux activités et négociati ons 
en son sein. Sur le plan régional, Djibouti est un acteur important aussi bien au sein de la ZLECAf 
que de la Zone de libre -échange tripartite et du COMESA.  
4.260.   Concernant la politique de l'investissement et la facilitation des échanges, l'élaboration de l a 
carte d'investisseurs ODD est un soutien concret et durable à l'investissement. Par ailleurs, les WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  différentes réformes menées par le gouvernement, orientées vers l'environnement des affaires et 
du commerce, se traduisent par une nette amélioration du cli mat des affaires de Djibouti. La 
"Vision  2035", qui renforce la diversification économique et la participation aux initiatives 
commerciales internationales, et la stratégie de croissance accélérée et de promotion de l'emploi, 
renforcent également les la fa cilitation des échanges et la politique de l'investissement.  
4.261.   Il sied de souligner aussi le renforcement des partenariats avec les opérateurs privés et 
étrangers dans le secteur de la pêche. Cela contribuera à la fois à améliorer la situation des pêcheurs 
artisanaux et à mettre les partenaires commerciaux dans les meilleures dispositions.  
4.262.   A noter également la mise en place d'un centre régional d'exportation de bétail, qui 
améliorera les revenus des agriculteurs tout en fournissant les marchés régio nal et international. La 
mise en place d'un terminal d’exportation à Damerjog est sans conteste une action qui va dans ce 
sens.  
4.263.   Pour terminer, Madagascar tient à souligner la participation active de Djibouti au sein de 
l'OMC et particulièrement le fort leadership dont il fait preuve au sein du Groupe des PMA.  
4.264.   Madagascar réitère ses félicitations à la République de Djibouti pour les engagements, 
programmes et actions ainsi évoqués et lui souhaite du succès pour les échéances qui l 'attendent.  
NIGERIA  
4.265.   We would like to associate ourselves to the statement delivered by Cameroon  on behalf of 
the Africa n Group.  
4.266.   I take this opportunity to warmly welcome the very high -level delegation from Djibouti, led 
by H .E. Mohamed Warsama Dirieh , Mini ster of trade and Tourism; and to congratulate 
H.E. Ambassador Kadra Ahmed Hassan, Permanent Representative of Djibouti to the WTO, for her 
excellent work in leading the Geneva -based delegation  in this process and in the WTO negotiations 
at large.  
4.267.   Mr Chair , permit  me to especially thank you and the discuss ant, my Ambassador, 
H.E. Dr. Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid , Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the WTO for his 
detailed and insightful statement.  
4.268.   I would like to commend the Government of Djibouti and the WTO Secretariat for the  Report 
which reflect s the policy and program mes undertook by the duty during the period on a review . The 
Report reflects an excellent overview of Djibouti 's trade and economic policies as well as progress 
attained since their last R eview.  
4.269.   Despite its location in the conflict -ridden  the Horn of Africa region, Djibouti currently benefit s 
from a stable political situation . The country is  strategically located in a framed geographical position 
which enable s its significant economic activ ity as a major maritime trade hub  with several 
deep-water ports serving as a transit and transhipment site for other countries. A strategic location 
in addition to its political stability has resulted in making the country an important site for military 
bases constitute source of revenue for the country.  
4.270.   It is wor thy to note that , the Government of Djibouti has made significant economic 
progress. According to the African Development Bank poverty rate has  decline from 4 0.8% in 2013 
to 35.8% in 201 7, with a gradual improvement of the Human Development Index from 0.4 45 to 
0.524 between 2013 and 2019.  
4.271.   Djibouti is a major player  in the service s sector with its GDP, primarily dominated by its 
services sector,  as a result of port activities  and finance . The country's GDP grew by 6 % on average 
between 2000 and 2019 and the country 's structural investment on transport, telecommunications, 
water  supply  infrastructure  has driven its GDP growth.  
4.272.   Although Djibouti maintains a presence of s tate-owned enterprise s, it is commendable that 
efforts are being made by the Government to  rationalize the activities of th e state -owned enterprises WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  to promote the development of the private sector in some economic sectors such as 
telecommunication . 
4.273.   Reforms are o n their way to develop a medium -term fiscal framework and strengthening 
debt management, improve the governance of state-owned  enterprise s, which has the effects of 
lowering external arrears and  reducing public sector borrowing . 
4.274.   Inflation rates have been noticeably controlled  with an average of 1% since 2017, though 
experiencing a rise to 2.5% in 2021. The country has maintained a l ow inflation rate as a result its 
currency board arrangement in plac ed. 
4.275.   It is worthy that, the Govern ment of Djibouti address the socio -economic impact of the 
pandemic with a number of useful measures such as distribution of food and cash transfer to the 
vulnerable members of the society. The country through its legislation in place has made 
considerable efforts to  preserve the external and internal value of national currency . 
4.276.   Similarly, under the review period, the Government of Djibouti undertook various reforms 
aimed at modernizing and improving the business climate. The Vision  2035 is a remarkable poli cy 
to mark Djibouti as Africa's trade and logistic hub by developing fisheries ; tourism ; logistics ; 
information and communication technology ; financial services ; manufacturing industry ; and 
renewable energy ; resources aimed to attain 100% renewable energy  as stated by others . 
4.277.   Despite the positive features of Djibouti, like many other African countries, significant 
challenges remain.  Like many economies, Djibouti 's economy was heavily impacted by losses during 
the COVID -19 crisis of which related measures sl owed down economic activities . However, it is 
remarkable that the Government in it s wisdom authorize d a stimulus package that aided a 
resumption of growth of the economy to pre-pandemic  years.  
4.278.   Nigeria and Djibouti continue to foster strong ties and have m aintained significant export s 
and import s between the two countries. Similarly, Nigeria shared the same vision with Djibouti in 
our plan to foster stronger trade ties with partners across the African continent as a means  of 
encouraging economic integration  and enhance connectivity between eastern and western Africa.   
4.279.   In conclusion, we congratulate the entire delegation of Djibouti and wish them a successful 
Trade Policy Review exercise.  
KENYA ON BEHALF OF THE ACP GROUP  
4.280.   I have the honour to deliver this stat ement on behalf of the ACP Group.  
4.281.   The ACP Group would like to join other delegations in expressing a warm welcome to the 
delegation of Djibouti led by H.E . Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, Minister of Trade and Tourism.  
4.282.   Djibouti has shown immense commitment and determination to improve its national and 
local economic landscape. Djibouti registered an average economic growth rate of 6% between 2016 
and 2019, which is evidence of effective government policies and Djibouti 's economic transformation.   
4.283.   During the COVID -19 pandemic, Djibouti was heavily impacted, with its GDP contracting by 
1.2% and a deterioration in the current account balance with adverse effects on employment. 
Nonetheless, the ACP Group remains optimistic of Djibouti 's economic poten tial and commends the 
resilience of the people during the challenging times of the pandemic.  
4.284.   Djibouti has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to international trade. On the regional 
side, Djibouti actively participated in the establishment of the histori c African Continental Free Trade 
Area (AfCFTA) and developed a national strategy to implement the Agreement establishing the 
AfCFTA, which will strengthen its intra -regional trade by increasing access to the continental market. 
In addition, the National Tr ade Development Strategy is also a new forward -looking policy with a 
strong focus on regional trade, which can help transform the country into an international trade hub.  
4.285.   Djibouti has also taken landmark decisions corresponding to investment policy and 
facilitating trade. The SDG investor map is a much relevant initiative to support investments in a WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  sustainable and holistic manner, as well as facilitate private investments in the country. This is 
reflected in the recent changes in the country 's rankings on  the "overall business climate " which are 
evidence of the country 's steadfast commitment to improving its economic environment.   
4.286.   Complementing the investment policy and trade facilitation initiatives, the Government 's 
landmark "Vision  2035" is a promising  strategy with a significant prospect of transforming Djibouti 's 
economy. The ACP Group applauds the formulation of the five pillars that holistically represent 
Djibouti 's ambitions and goals to develop into a regional and international hub with a strong f ocus 
on the well -being of its ' citizens.  
4.287.   Djibouti has magnificent opportunities in its transport and logistics sector which are being 
leveraged by various timely initiatives of the Government.  Examples of such initiatives include the 
Djibouti International Free Trade Zone (DIFTZ), which is poised to be one of the largest special 
economic zones in Africa that will stimulate immense economic growth and opportunities not just 
for Djibouti but for t he rest of the continent.  
4.288.   The ACP Group also congratulates Djibouti and Ethiopia on the construction of the railway 
line which will enhance trade capacity, thus improving regional and international trade. It is also 
noteworthy that the Djibouti Port Commu nity System and its impact on strengthening trade 
facilitation by reducing time, administrative procedures, and costs will make it easier for traders and 
MSMEs to conduct trade across the world.  
4.289.   Finally, we wish to underline Djibouti 's commitment to multi lateral trade, which would be 
further strengthened through new trade facilitation measures and national policies. The ACP Group 
also wishes Djibouti success in continuing its economic and social transformation through trade, 
digitalization, and seizing opp ortunities in its transport sector.  
HONDURAS  
4.290.   Honduras le da la más cordial bienvenida a toda la delegación de Djibouti, encabezad a por 
su jefe de delegación, Sr. Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, Ministro de Comercio y Turismo, así como 
nuestro reconocimiento a  la Embajadora Sra. Kadra Ahmed Hassan y su equipo por su excelente 
labor, al tiempo que les agradecemos su Declaración y su Informe.  
4.291.   Extendemos nuestro agradecimiento a usted , Presidente , por su conducción y orientación, 
al ponente, por sus valiosos aportes y a la Secretaría de la OMC por el excelente trabajo realizado.  
4.292.   En cuanto a los informes examinados, nuestro país observa con agrado que Djibouti ha 
emprendido reformas económicas y sociales importantes y ha invertido masivamente en las 
infraestructuras fund amentales, con miras a acelerar el crecimiento económico, crear empleo en los 
sectores identificados como motores del crecimiento y reducir el nivel de pobreza de la población.  
4.293.   Asimismo, observamos que con motivo de las consultas en el marco del artículo  IV, el FMI 
reconoció también que , se han logrado avances significativos en los últimos años en lo que se refiere 
a la agilización de la creación de empresas, la facilitación del acceso a la financiación, la protección 
de los inversores minoritario s y el registro de la propiedad.  
4.294.   Un estudio publicado por el Banco  Mundial, en mayo  de 2022, sobre el índice de desempeño 
de los puertos de contenedores , sitúa los puertos de Djibouti en el primer lugar entre los puertos de 
África Subsahariana y en el pues to número  19 a nivel mundial.  
4.295.   Notamos que de conformidad con la Visión  2035, Djibouti aspira a convertirse en un destino 
turístico regional de primer orden, basándose en un polo constituido por la capital, un polo balneario 
y un polo ecorresponsable y aspi ra a participar plenamente en el control de las transformaciones y 
la construcción de los conjuntos subregionales, la integración regional y la mundialización.  
4.296.   En la esfera de la conectividad y los datos, gracias a una densa infraestructura de cables 
subma rinos, se desataca que el país registró en los últimos años avances significativos y continúa 
realizando esfuerzos importantes, lo cual es remarcable.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  4.297.   Finalmente, Honduras reconoce los aportes, logros y la activa participación de Djibouti, en 
la OMC y le d eseamos el mayor de los éxitos en la presentación de su tercer  examen de  las políticas 
comerciales.  
NAMIBIA  
4.298.   We join others in congratulating the Republic of Djibouti and the WTO Secretariat for their 
comprehensive Reports on the third TPR.  
4.299.   My Delegation f urther extends a warmly welcome to H .E. Mr Mohammed Warsama Dirieh, 
Minister of Trade and Tourism of Djibouti, and his esteemed delegation to this TPR session.  
4.300.   We wish to thank H .E. Ambassador Kadra Ahmed Hassan , our able African sister and 
colleague for driving SDT pillar for LDC s and developing countries under the CTDSS and her team 
for all their efforts and hard work in preparing for this trade policy review.  
4.301.   In addition, thank my Colleague, Ambassador Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid  of Nigeria for 
his insig htful comments as the discussant for this session.  
4.302.   We share the same aspiration as members of the A frican Union, in ensuring that the 
Agenda  2063 and its  goals and objectives of the organization, which is the Africa we want , are 
achieved.  
4.303.   In addition, Namibia and Djibouti are among the members of the African Continental FTA, 
with common objectives which includes, among others : 
• to create a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of 
businesspersons and investments, a nd thus pave the way for accelerating the 
establishment of the Continental Customs Union and the African Customs Union; 
• to expand intra African trade through better harmonization and coordination of trade 
liberalization and facilitation regimes and instrum ents across RECs and across the Africa n 
region as a whole.   
4.304.   The efforts by Djibouti under the long -term strategic vision entitled "Vision  2035", which 
aims to transform the country into a regional and international economic, commercial , and financial 
hub, ensuring the well -being of the population in a safe and clean environment are commendable.  
4.305.   We take note of reforms under Pillar  3 of Vision  2035 which centres on pursuing strong and 
sustainable growth driven by the exploitation of existing opportunities in  various key sectors 
(transport and logistics, ICTs, financial services, fisheries , and tourism) and boosting exports of 
goods and services which are fundamental towards economic growth and reliance.  
4.306.   We also take of Djibouti's trade policy regime which ai ms to contribute to economic and 
social development, the reduction of poverty and unemployment, the establishment of a regional 
trade platform, and most importantly, greater economic integration into regional markets and the 
multilateral trading system whi ch in our view are key to ensure full implementation of the African 
Continental Free Trade Area . We hope that this will create market access opportunities for Namibia.  
4.307.   In conclusion, Namibia is committed to working with the Republic of Djibouti in the 
implementation of the trade agreements to which we are party to . In addition , we take  this 
opportunity to wish the Government of Djibouti a very successful third Trade Policy Review.  
MAROC   
4.308.   La délégation du Royaume du Maroc souhaite une très chaleureuse bienv enue à la 
prestigieuse délégation de la République de Djibouti conduite par S.E.  M. Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, 
Ministre du commerce et du tourisme. Nous remercions à la fois le gouvernement de Djibouti et le 
Secrétariat pour les rapports détaillés; ainsi que S.E. M. Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid, 
Ambassadeur du Nigéria pour ces commentaires en tant que commentateur.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  4.309.   Le Maroc félicite le gouvernement de la République de Djibouti pour son engagement et son 
dynamisme au sein du système commerciale multilatéral, ainsi que pour la conduite du troisième 
examen de sa politique commercial.  
4.310.   Nous félicitions aussi Djibouti pou r son rôle à l'OMC, notamment en tant que président du 
Comité du commerce et du développement en la personne de S.E.  Mme.  Kadra Ahmed Hassan et 
aussi son engagement actif dans les négociations aussi bien en tant que membre du Groupe africain 
ou du Groupe a rabe. 
4.311.   Nous saluons aussi les efforts louables de Djibouti pour maintenir une économie en constante 
croissance, malgré l'impact de la conjoncture mondiale caractérisée par de nombreux défis 
sanitaires, climatiques, et géopolitiques.  
4.312.   La politique d'ouverture  économique et de diversification des partenaires commerciaux ainsi 
que les efforts inlassables de développement innovant d'un pays qui se veut une plateforme 
régionale et internationale d'échanges commerciaux, est favorablement accueilli par notre 
délégat ion qui estime que la mise en œuvre d'un modèle de développement basé sur le 
développement des activités d'import -export, de services ou d'opérations logistiques à valeur 
ajoutée, réalisée dans le contexte d'une plateforme logistique multimodale, afin de p énétrer le 
marché régional et africain, ne pourraient que favoriser l'harmonie entre la circulations intérieure et 
internationale, ainsi que le renforcement mutuel.  
4.313.   Le rapport d'examen de politique commerciale de Djibouti révèle les avancées remarquables 
de ce pays durant ces dernières années, et lui permettant de consolider sa position parmi les 
économies à fort potentiel d'activité des investissements et de création  d'emploi. Ainsi, le Djibouti 
poursuit son objectif de développement des échanges et des investissements internationaux 
conformément à sa stratégie nationale, aux plans quinquennaux et aux diverses mesures 
administratives y afférentes.  
4.314.   Ma délégation expri me également son appréciation à l'égard des performances économiques 
de ces dernières années, sont notamment le résultat de la mise en œuvre de la stratégie de 
croissance accélérée et de promotion de l'emploi 2015 -2019, le premier plan quinquennal réalisé 
dans le cadre de la Vision Djibouti 2035.  
4.315.   Aussi, nous réjouissons des efforts visibles de Djibouti dans le cadre de ses politiques 
commerciales pour faire face aux conséquences négatives de la COVID -19 sur ses progrès 
socio-économiques qui ont été atténués  par la mise en œuvre du Pact e national solidaire (PNS) 
adopté pour le gouvernement de Djibouti dès le 13  avril 2020 et aligné sur les agendas mondiaux.  
4.316.   Le partenariat bilatéral entre le Maroc et le Djibouti, pays frères et amis est ancien. Aussi, 
le Maroc  souhaite renforcer ce partenariat économique et commercial à travers l'encouragement des 
actions de nature à rapprocher les milieux d'affaires des deux pays, notamment les missions 
d'affaires et de prospection, ainsi que la participation aux manifestation s économiques et 
commerciales organisées par chacun des deux pays. L'organisation des journées d'information 
économique et rencontres entre les opérateurs économiques des deux pays pour identifier les 
opportunités d'affaires et l'échange d'informations éco nomiques et commerciales pour une 
connaissance approfondie des marchés respectifs et des potentialités existantes de part et d'autre.  
4.317.   Le Maroc demeure disponible à partager son expérience dans le domaine de la politique 
commerciale avec le Djibouti et de r enforcer les concertations entre les deux pays pour les projets 
d'intégration économique régionale d'intérêt commun aux niveaux africain, ZLECAf, arabe et 
islamique au sein de l'OCI.  
4.318.   Enfin, le Maroc tient à joindre sa voix aux distingués précédents orateu rs pour faire un appel 
aux institutions financières internationales et régionales a apporté l'assistance effective et nécessaire 
pour accompagner les efforts de Djibouti dans la réalisation de son objectif global de faire de Djibouti 
un pays stable, pacifi que, propre, sécurisé et procurant un environnement sain pour les initiatives 
privées.  
4.319.   Enfin, le Royaume du Maroc souhaite à la République de Djibouti un fructueux examen de 
sa politique commercial.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  CAMBODIA  
4.320.   Cambodia associates to the  statement delivered b y the Gambia on behalf of LDC  Group . My 
delegation is pleased to participate in the third Trade Policy Review of Djibouti and warmly welcome s 
the delegation at Djibouti led by H.E. Mohamed Warsama Dirieh , Minister of Trade  and Tourism . Our 
special th anks also go to the discuss ant H.E. Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid  of Nigeria for his 
insightful and constructive remarks.  
4.321.   We appreciate the Report prepared b y the Secretariat and the Government of Djibouti, which 
outlined recent developments in their respective tra de polic ies and practice s during a global 
economic downturn.  
4.322.   We congratulate Djibouti for its promising and resilient economic growth driven by the 
forward -looking government policy choice and government investment in fundamental sectors, such 
as transport , telecommunications, water supply infrastructure, in parallel with necessary 
liberalization and reforms to work for a favourable business environment , as well as on maintaining 
its past position as an open econom y. This achievement has enabled the people of Djibouti to enjoy 
some of the highest living standards and  moved  Djibouti to be one of the highest  GDP per  capita 
countries among LDCs, d espite the challenges posed by the COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.323.   My delegation  welcome s the tireless effort made by Djibouti and recognize s the ongoing 
diversification commitments , as well as most graduation preparations . 
4.324.   In this regard, we commend the Government of Djibouti to continue their dynamic journey, 
including diversifying the econ omy, increasing competitiveness , and contributing to regional 
stability .  
4.325.   Cambodia and Djibouti enjoy a strong and highly complementary relationship through the 
LDC Group in a number of areas. We also appreciate the act ive engagement of Djibouti within the  
multilateral trading system, particularly activities under the WTO council, committees, and the 
negotiations such as chairing the CTDSS and coordinating the LDC  Group.  
4.326.   My delegation commits to working closely with Djibouti in both bilateral and multilater al 
levels  to strengthen our good cooperation for economic growth and development . We wish  Djibouti 
a successful conclusion of its third  Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF DJIBOUTI  AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  
5.1.  Excellence M. le Président de l a séance, Ángel Villalobos, Ambassadeur de la République du 
Mexique; Excellence M. l'Ambassadeur de la République du Nigéria, Dr.  Adamu Mohammed 
Abdulhamid, M. le présentateur du troisième examen des politiques commerciales de Djibouti; 
Excellence mesdames  et messieurs les ambassadeurs; distingués participants; tout protocole 
observé, mesdames et messieurs.  
5.2.  Monsieur le Président, je tiens à vous remercier pour votre excellente conduite des travaux du 
troisième examen des politique commerciales de Djibouti. Je tiens à féliciter Dr.  Adamu Mohammed 
Abdulhamid pour les remarques pertinentes et clairvoyantes. Ce qui a enrichi nos réponses.  
5.3.  Je tiens également à remercier le Secrétariat de l'OMC à travers M.  Degbelo et son équipe pour 
l'énorme travail mené et l'excellente collaboration tout au long de ce processus malgré les 
restrictions intervenues lors de la seconde phase de la pandémie de COVID -19 qui a freiné la 
préparation de l'examen.  
5.4.  Je tiens à exprimer nos remerciements et notre gratitude à tous les Éta ts Membres qui ont 
contribués à l'EPC; ayant démontré un intérêt particulier des États Membres avec la soumission 
de 98 questions consolidées par écrit ainsi que les questions additionnelles. Aussi les interventions 
des 32  pays Membres lors de la première journée témoignent de l'intérêt porté à l'endroit de notre 
politique commerciale.  
5.5.  Nous nous réjouissons des mots de félicitation, d'encouragement et de reconnaissance des 
États Membres relatifs aux progrès significatifs réalisés par mon pays depuis le dern ier examen des 
politiques commerciales dans des nombreux secteurs et ce malgré un contexte hostile.  
5.6.  Mon pays remercie la disponibilité des États Membres à accompagner la reprise économique et 
se tient disposé à collaborer sur les secteurs les plus touchés et qui joue un rôle moteur dans la 
création des richesses et le développement du commerce.  
5.7.  La République de Djibouti, terre d'échanges et de rencontres jouie d'une stabilité dans une 
région tourmentée avec souvent des conflits généralisés.  
5.8.  Le modèle de développement de Djibouti à fort intensité capitalistique découle d'un cadre 
général, intitulé "Vision Djibouti 2035". Sa mise en œuvre cible une transformation profonde de la 
société par des investissements massifs dans des industries stratégiques, telles  que celle du 
tourisme, en tirant profit de la position géographique qui en fait le portail naturel de l'Afrique de 
l'Est. 
5.9.  Cette vision transforme progressivement la place de Djibouti en une large plateforme de 
services et de logistique de pointe adossée à  l'immense marché enclavé de l'Ethiopie.  
5.10.   Entre 2013 -2019, Djibouti a enregistré en moyenne une croissance économique de 7% qui 
est tirée notamment par les investissements directs étrangers (IDE).  
5.11.   Au niveau sanitaire, mon pays a été félicité par l'OMS pour sa gestion de la crise du COVID -19. 
5.12.   Néanmoins l'impact du COVID -19 en 2020, est à l'origine de la contraction de la croissance 
qui est fixée à hauteur de 1,2%. Par contre l'année 2021 est marquée par une reprise économique 
nationale, avec un taux de croiss ance qui se chiffre à 4,8%.  
5.13.   En termes de perspective économiques, notre pays s'appuiera principalement sur le secteur 
du numérique, du tourisme, de l'industrie, de construction et les travaux publics et de la logistique 
pour retrouver la croissance enregi strée avant la pandémie.  
5.14.   Pour soutenir cette dynamique, Djibouti dispose dans le domaine monétaire, d'un système de 
caisse d'émission en vigueur depuis 1949 caractérisé par un franc Djibouti ayant une parité fixe avec 
le Dollars des États -Unis d'Amérique avec une garantie totale et libre convertibilité.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
- 42 - 
 
  5.15.   La stabilité du système monétaire a permis d'asseoir au fil du temps la réputation de la place 
financière de Djibouti où les opérateurs économiques de la sous -région viennent loger leurs avoirs.  
5.16.   Pour répon dre aux questions soulevées par les États Membres, il est à noter que Djibouti 
entretient une interdépendance avec les pays de la région de la Corne de l'Afrique notamment 
l'Ethiopie principal partenaire économique dans la région.  
5.17.   Le conflit éthiopien imp acte la performance économique nationale en raison de la baisse de 
la demande de logistique et de transport.  
5.18.   La République de Djibouti jouit d'une position géostratégique qui lui confère un statut de hub 
régional et continental dans le domaine commercial, logistique, télécommunication et financier.  
5.19.   Suite à la demande de certains pays d'accroitre les échanges commerciaux avec mon pays, 
je tiens à vous assurer de notre disponibilité à collaborer sur les voies et moyens d'assurer une 
coopération optimale. En o utre, conformément au cadre de développement de partenariat Sud -Sud, 
mon pays est disposé à partager son expertise dans le domaine de renforcement des infrastructures 
portuaires en eaux profondes entre autres.  
5.20.   Djibouti considère l'intégration régionale, c ontinentale et internationale comme une 
opportunité de développement socio -économique et ceci dans le respect des engagements souscrits.  
5.21.   Certes, Djibouti appartient à la ZLECAf et à plusieurs communautés économiques régionales 
et ceci conformément à notre stratégie nationale à rechercher une complémentarité à travers nos 
différents accords de partenariat.  
5.22.   Aussi, permettez -moi de profiter de cette occasion pour solliciter les partenaires au 
développement pour nous accompagner dans la mise en œuvre de notre s tratégie de 
développement. Et nous encourageons la disponibilité des États Membres à soutenir notre 
préparation à l'Union douanière du COMESA, à savoir la transposition des instruments douaniers 
d'une part et la mise en œuvre de la stratégie nationale de l a ZLECAf d'autre part.  
5.23.   Djibouti soutient le renforcement de la libéralisation mondiale du commerce. Pour ce faire 
mon pays a élaboré une feuille de route dont les objectifs et les résultats visent à la mise en œuvre 
intégrale des instruments de facilitatio n de commerce.  
5.24.   Djibouti croit fermement à l'intégration commerciale de l'Afrique à travers la mise en œuvre 
efficace de la ZLECAf en matière de renforcement des capacités productives et création des chaines 
des valeurs.  
5.25.   Les zones franches offres d'immense potentialités de création de valeur ajoutée et le 
développement d'activités de transformation avec des règles d'origines souples vont permettre à 
promouvoir le commerce intra -africain.  
5.26.   Djibouti qui bénéficie de différents traitements préférentiels tels que  l'AGOA sera en mesure 
dans les prochaines années se positionne comme un hub de distribution de produits finis en 
respectant les critères des règles d'origines de la ZLECAf.  
5.27.   Djibouti a transmis l'instrument de ratification de l'Accord de l'OMC sur la facil itation des 
échanges le 5  mars 2018 et un mécanisme national est en place par le biais d'un Comité technique 
national et multisectoriel sur la facilitation des échanges par arrêté du 6  juillet  2014.  
5.28.   C'est pourquoi notre pays est en mesure de jouer pleineme nt son rôle de promouvoir les 
bonnes pratiques multilatérales dans toute la région.  
5.29.   En 2019, Djibouti, l'Érythrée, l'Éthiopie, le Kenya et la Somalie ont lancé une initiative pour 
la Corne de l'Afrique (HoAI) sur l'intégration et le développement économiqu e. 
5.30.   Djibouti ayant de solides fondations et des acquis en matière d'intégration régionale a tout 
naturellement démarré la mise en œuvre de l'initiative régionale de la corne de l'Afrique avec 
l'Ethiopie à travers:  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
- 43 - 
 
  • Améliorer la connectivité des infrastructur es régionales: l'objectif est de réaliser une Corne 
de l'Afrique interconnectée en favorisant la connectivité des secteurs du transport, de 
l'énergie et du numérique;  
• Promouvoir l'intégration commerciale et économique, pour stimuler le commerce, la 
croissa nce inclusive et les emplois décents.  
5.31.   En juin  2022, le secrétariat de l'Initiative Corne de l'Afrique (HoAI) a produits une feuille de 
route pour la facilitation des échanges dans la Corne d'Afrique 2022 -2025, un document qui identifie 
les principaux défis  qui entravent le commerce dans la Corne de l'Afrique (HoA) et entravent le 
développement des pays membres.  
5.32.   L'initiative corridor permettra à nos pays de la région à établir une des mécanismes régionaux 
efficaces tels qu'une autorité de corridor et qui va sans doute augmenter la performance de nos 
infrastructures et stimuler les échanges.  
5.33.   Concernant les inquiétudes soulevées par les États Membres en matière de notification, 
permettez -moi de partager avec vous que mon pays a procédé à huit prescriptions:  
i. Au Comité du commerce et du développement en date du 9  janvier  2017;  
ii. Au Comité sur la facilitation du commerce, en date du 3  juillet  2019 et;  
iii. Au Comité de l'agriculture en date du 4  mai 2022;  
iv. Au Comité antidumping, en date du 4  mai 2022;  
v. Au Comité des mesures concernant les investissements et liées au commerce, en date 
du 5 mai 2022;  
vi. Au Comité de sauvegardes, en date du 5  mai 2022;  
vii. Au Comité des règles d'origine, en date du 10  mai 2022;  
5.34.   Enfin, le  Comité sur l'agriculture a enregistré le 23  septembre  2022 la mise à jour sur 
l'agriculture sur les subventions pour la période de 1995 à 2017.  
5.35.   Pour ce qui est de cette obligation, je m'engage à ce que la République de Djibouti s'acquitte 
de ses autres no tifications au plus tard en décembre 2023 avec l'assistance technique de l'OMC.  
5.36.   Dans le cadre de la Vision Djibouti 2035, déclinée en plan quinquennal, Djibouti ICI 
2020-2024, plusieurs secteurs, dont le tourisme, ont été identifiés comme porteurs pour une  relance 
socio-économique.  
5.37.   Le tourisme est un secteur prioritaire et des gros efforts ont été réalisés aussi bien dans le 
domaine de la règlementation (ex. facilitation de délivrance de visas et réduction des frais) que dans 
le domaine des infrastructures (augmentation de la capacité hôtelière et des fréquences de vols de 
compagnies aériennes), avec une projection de 500  000 touristes à l'horizon 2030.  
5.38.   Djibouti table sur un développement du tourisme culturel et respectueux de l'environnement.  
5.39.   L'objectif es t de positionner Djibouti comme destination touristique de référence à travers 
l'amélioration de l'offre et de la stimulation de la demande des produits touristiques. Le 
développement des zones touristiques intégrées, mettant l'accent sur des créneaux port eurs dans 
les filières balnéaires, l'écotourisme, de culture, des sites religieux et d'affaires.  
5.40.   Depuis 2019, une stratégie nationale de développement du tourisme a été adoptée avec une 
prévision de la part du tourisme dans le PIB de 3% à 15% dans le 10 p rochaines années.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
- 44 - 
 
  5.41.   Pour ce qui est de la pèche et de l'agriculture, mon pays a opté pour une exploitation artisanale 
et traditionnelle, eu égard aux conditions climatiques et la volonté de la préservation de 
l'environnement.  
5.42.   Djibouti ambitionne d'utiliser  l'énergie renouvelable et verte à 100% à l'horizon 2035. Djibouti 
attend capitaliser sur son énergie renouvelable tels que le solaire, l'éolienne et des centrales 
thermiques pour évoluer à terme entièrement vers des énergies vertes.  
5.43.   La République de Djibo uti accède enfin aux technologies de développement et de production 
des énergies éoliennes. En effet, la réalisation de cette infrastructure éolienne, qui s'inscrit dans le 
cadre de la politique de valorisation du potentiel en énergies renouvelables de not re pays, est 
structurée sur le modèle de Partenariat Public -Privé (PPP). Elle est le fruit de la relation de 
collaboration fructueuse et efficiente entre l'État et des investisseurs privés nationaux et 
internationaux qui ont conjugué ensemble leurs efforts  pour que ce projet d'envergure soit une 
réussite.  
5.44.   Le parc éolien fournira une capacité de production totale de 60  MW, 17  éoliennes sont 
installées, chacune d'une capacité allant jusqu'à 3,4  MW. 
5.45.   Afin d'accompagner et d'encadrer l'expansion du secteur fina ncier, les actions menées par le 
gouvernement sont axées sur :  
i. L'intégrité  du système monétaire en vigueur à Djibouti depuis 1949. Les vertus de ce 
système avec son solide ancrage monétaire contribuent à la stabilité et à l'essor du 
secteur financier ; 
ii. Le développement de l'inclusion financière ; 
iii. Le renforcement permanant du dispositif de lutte contre le blanchiment des capitaux 
pour préserver l'intégrité et la réputation de notre place financière.  
5.46.   En parallèle de ces réformes, le pays a initié un vaste chantier de modernisation de 
l'architecture et  des infrastructures financières nationales. En réponse à l'expansion rapide des 
activités et du tissu bancaires et assurer, dans le même temps, un développement harmonieux de 
ce secteur, automatiser et promouvoir la dématérialisation des transactions fina ncières par le 
recours aux moyens technologies modernes sont devenus une priorité.  
5.47.   Afin de consolider les avancées économiques et inscrire la place de Djibouti dans une nouvelle 
dimension régionale et internationale, il a été initié une stratégique qui vis e à accentuer le 
développement du Modèle Port -Park-City et de faire de Djibouti une plateforme du commerce 
mondial (un "Trade hub") et régional (un "Trade Gateway").  
5.48.   Aujourd'hui Djibouti offre un service maritime de haute gamme, une gamme diversifiée et 
complète, il s'agit d'un service ''One stop maritime center'' ce qui a augmenté la fréquentation des 
navires de dernière génération et gros -porteurs.  
5.49.   Avec la projection de la construction d'un deuxième aéroport international, Djibouti complète 
les dispositifs d'un transport multimodal.  
5.50.   Mon pays est convaincu qu'un climat des affaires propice passe par la mise en place d'un 
cadre juridique favorable aux investissements et transactions économiques.  
5.51.   Pour garantir la protection de la libre concurrence,  indispensable à la croissance et création 
d'emploi, mon pays s'est doté d'une législation de la concurrence en 2008 ainsi que des structures 
chargées de son application, notamment l'Inspection de la concurrence, de la consommation et de 
la répression des fraudes et l'Autorité de régulation multisectorielle de Djibouti.  
5.52.   Le Code du commerce prévoit des dispositions pour veiller à la bonne protection de la 
concurrence et du libre marché. Pour ce qui est du monopole public, l'État a amorcé la libéralisation 
de ce monopole et le processus de privatisation. Pour illustrer mes propos, permettez -moi de vous 
informer que l'État vient d'ouvrir le capital de Djibouti -Telecom au secteur privé.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
- 45 - 
 
  5.53.   Nous consentons également l'importance de la protection de la propriété int ellectuelle à 
l'innovation et par conséquent à la croissance socio -économique. C'est pourquoi, Djibouti est partie 
contractante à un certain nombre de traités et accords régionaux et internationaux sur les droits de 
propriété intellectuelle. En outre Djibo uti a récemment adhéré au Traité de coopération en matière 
de brevets (PCT) en 2016. Ainsi, l'Office djiboutien de la propriété industrielle et commerciale 
(ODPIC) en collaboration avec l'Organisation mondiale de la propriété intellectuelle (OMPI) vulgaris e 
les opportunités d'affaires qu'offrent ledit traité à l'endroit des créateurs, opérateurs économiques, 
les chercheurs, inventeurs indépendants et entreprises de la place.  
5.54.   L'amélioration de notre climat des affaires est au cœur de notre stratégie de dével oppement 
"Vision  2035" vu qu'il porte sur deux des cinq piliers de ladite stratégie à savoir la bonne 
gouvernance et la compétitivité. Dans cette approche, le gouvernement djiboutien a entrepris des 
réformes visant l'amélioration de l'environnement des aff aires notamment dans les domaines 
suivants:  
• Création du Guichet unique pour la création des entreprises;  
• Simplification d'obtention du permis de construire;  
• Simplification des transferts de propriété;  
• Facilitation de l'obtention de prêt;  
• Protection des inv estisseurs minoritaires;  
• Renforcement du cadre juridique de résolution de l'insolvabilité.  
5.55.   Dans un besoin de faciliter et promouvoir la transparence dans les échanges commerciaux, 
tout en garantissant à nos concitoyens des produits saints et sécurisés, Dji bouti vient récemment 
de se doter d'une agence de normalisation. Nous comptons adhérer aux instances internationales 
de normalisations et ainsi adopter principalement des normes harmonisées largement reconnues. 
C'était une étape nécessaire et incontournabl e pour parfaire le rôle de Djibouti comme hub 
stratégique pour les échanges. Avec l'ambition de devenir la porte d'entrée de l'Afrique, il fallait que 
les normes djiboutiennes soient aux mêmes niveaux qu'aux standards internationaux.  
5.56.   La République de Djibo uti a eu une évolution institutionnelle et juridique du statut de la femme 
conformément aux mécanismes et instruments régionaux et internationaux de droits que le pays a 
ratifiés.  
5.57.   En 2008, le Ministère délégué devient un Ministère de pleine compétence sous  l'appellation 
du Ministère de la promotion de la femme, du bien -être familial et des affaires sociales.  
5.58.   Afin de mieux favoriser l'intégration des femmes dans le processus de développement, le 
Ministère de la femme et de la famille a mis en place un docume nt stratégique, la Politique nationale 
genre (2011 -2021).  
5.59.   Les chiffres suivants permettent d'apprécier la situation de la femme dans l'économie 
nationale:  
• 28% de la population adulte détient un compte bancaire dont 38% sont des femmes;  
• 75% des bénéficiaire s des programmes de microfinance, en effet depuis la mise en place 
des micro -crédits (du crédit solidaire au crédit entreprise) les femmes ont été largement 
considérées et priorisées par le programme;  
• 22,3% des entreprises sont détenues par des femmes et c e chiffre est en amélioration 
grâce à la politique d'aide au développement économique des femmes comme le 
micro -crédit  
• Près de deux propriétaires d'unités économiques informelles sur trois (65,1%) sont des 
femmes;  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
- 46 - 
 
  • 26% des membres du gouvernement, soit 6 su r 23 ministres;  
• 25% pour des parlementaires, soit 16 députées sur 64, contre 10% auparavant.  
5.60.   En termes d'emploi, à la fonction publique les femmes qui représentaient 28% en 2000, sont 
passées à 33% en 2018, soit une progression de 5%.  
5.61.   En plus, Djibouti app lique l'égalité de salaires entre les femmes et les hommes aussi bien 
dans le secteur privé que public.  
5.62.   Nous pouvons affirmer que le gouvernement djiboutien, dans la limite de ses capacités, 
essaye d'appliquer ses engagements pour l'amélioration de la cond ition des femmes en les dotant 
de la même chance d'accès à l'emploi public que les hommes.  
5.63.   Toutefois, le gouvernement a engagé plusieurs actions en faveur du développement 
socio-économique des femmes:  
• La création du Grand Prix du Chef de l'État par décret en 2000;  
• Mise en place d'un observatoire national sur le genre;  
• La révision du Code de la famille;  
• Mis en place de meilleures conditions cadres pour favoriser la bancarisation en faveur des 
femmes dans le milieu urbain et rurale;  
• Création de micro -projets pour favoriser l'auto -emploi féminin dans le secteur des activités 
génératrices de salaires, micro entreprises, PME et des sociétés coopératives féminines 
dans l'agroalimentaire, l'agropastorale, l'aviculture et l'agriculteur de contre saison;  
• Dével oppement de partenariats avec les institutions financières au plan national, en faveur 
des femmes;  
• Mise en œuvre de programmes d'alphabétisation fonctionnelle et professionnalisme en 
faveur de la femme;  
5.64.   Les efforts remarquables de mon pays dans le domaine du genre restent à améliorer et à 
poursuivre.  
5.65.   Je vous remercie de votre aimable attention.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.66.   Let me begin by congratulating the Djibouti Minister of Trade and Tourism, H.E . Mohamed 
Warsama Dirieh, and the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Djibouti to the United 
Nations Office  and other international organisations including the WTO, H.E.  Kadra Ahmed Hassan 
and her Geneva based delegat ion, as well as the Djiboutian senior officials from capital for e ffective 
participation in this very successful third  Trade Policy Review of Djibouti. You all would agree with 
me that a lot of hard work went into the preparations for this exercise.  
5.67.   We had candid exchange of views on Djibouti's policies. Members acknowl edged the 
development challenges Djibouti is grappling with including the adverse effects of climate change 
on Djibouti, which have now been exacerbated by the challenges arising from the health, economic 
and social impacts of the COVID -19 pandemic. Member s also applauded Djibouti's trade and 
economic reforms towards structural transformation, and economic diversification.  
5.68.   I took note of some of the issues raised by Members in the course of this exercise which 
centred on: participation of women in Djibouti 's economy; processes for obtaining an imports 
licence; TFA implementation for categories  B and C; outstanding WTO notifications especially those 
related to the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement as well as notifications under Article  10.6.2 of the WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  TFA; investment promotion activities and regimes; as well as competition especially in energy and 
telecommunications sectors.  
5.69.   Let me seize this opportunity to thank the Djibouti team of reformers for responding to the 
questions posed to them and for their construct ive interaction with WTO Members throughout this 
Trade Policy Review. It is evident from our interactions that Djibouti is committed to reforms that 
would continue to improve its institutional and regulatory frameworks, enhance its business 
environment, an d promote competitiveness. This would no doubt further attract sustainable 
investments and unlock Djibouti's productive capacities in several sectors. I believe going forward, 
the Djibouti team of reformers would take into account the trade and economic is sues requiring 
more attention which were highlighted by some Members during this exercise as they continue to 
engage in the business of change and reform.  
5.70.   In conclusion, I wish to thank you for the opportunity to be a discussant in this T rade Policy 
Review . I wish the Government and people of Djibouti every success in the future.  
CABO  VERDE  
5.71.   My delegation would like to congratulate H.E. Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, Minister of Trade 
and Tourism , the distinguished delegation of Djibouti , and our colleague Ambassad or Kadra Ahmed 
Hassan  on the occasion of Djibouti's third  Trade Policy Review.  
5.72.   Since Djibouti's last Trade Policy Review, notwithstanding  the severe global impact of 
COVID -19, Djibouti has mitigated sufficiently  to show some improvement in their fight against the 
challenges facing the country . As an LDC , also in the process of graduation , Djibouti continues to 
face more challenges  that t he multilateral trading system must acknowledge and work together to 
facilita te continued participation at the WTO, including the flexibilities within the agreements and 
structures for LDCs.  
5.73.   The Reports of the Government and the Secretariat highlight how Djibouti has overcome some 
challenges in food security, the improved developme nt of their  port facilities , and the possible  
solution in the digital sector . 
5.74.   Djibouti's Vision  2035, long -term strategy, is a welcomed initiative that promises to generate 
results around national peace and unity, good governance, diversification of the ec onomy and 
improvements in human capital and regional integration . 
5.75.   Cabo Verde , my country,  is proud to be partner with Djibouti's through the AfCFTA and  other 
regional initiatives, as well as their active engagement in the WTO under the excellent representa tion 
of the Ambassador  Kadra Ahmed Hassan . 
5.76.   I would like to conclude  by once again congratulating the Government of Djibouti as they 
continue the journey and engagement  for a successful Trade Policy Review.  Cabo Verde also 
supports the statements of the Afr ican Group and the ACP Group.  
SOUTH  AFRICA  
5.77.   We would like to join the delegations that preceded us in congratulating the delegation of 
Djibouti led by Mr  Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, Minister of Trade  and Tourism, as well as Ambassador 
Kadra Ahmed Hassan and her  team for the third Trade Policy Review. We thank the Government of 
Djibouti and the Secretariat for their detailed Reports. We also thank H.E.  Dr Adamu Mohammed 
Abdulhamid of Nigeria for his observations as a discussant.  
5.78.   The TPR of Djibouti is taking plac e when the world is reeling from the effects of the COVID -19 
crisis. As highlighted by both reports, like many other countries, Djibouti 's economic growth was hit 
by the negative impacts of the pandemic resulting in slowed down economic activity. This led to the 
country 's decline in economic growth from 6% prior to the crisis to 1.2% in 2020. However, as noted 
by both reports, Djibouti addressed the socio -economic impacts of the pandemic with several useful 
measures such as distribution of food and cash tra nsfers to the vulnerable members of the society. 
In addition, it is noteworthy that a government stimulus package aided a resumption of growth in 
the economy to pre -pandemic years.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  5.79.   Both reports indicate that the country has made significant economic progre ss - poverty rates 
have declined from 40.8% in 2013 to 35.8% in 2017, the inflation rate has been noticeably controlled 
with an average of 1% since 2017 though experiencing a rise to 2.5 % in 2021 - the country has 
maintained a low inflation rate, the count ry's GDP grew by 6% on average between the year 2000 
and 2019. The country 's structural investments in transport, telecommunication and water supply 
infrastructure have driven this GDP growth, and Djibouti is a major player in the services sector with 
its GDP primarily dominated by the services sector.  
5.80.   In addition, Djibouti undertook various reforms aimed at modernizing and improving the 
business climate and has carried out numerous legislative reforms to this effect. We also note with 
interest that the country aims to attain 100% renewable energy.  
5.81.   Given Djibouti's narrow production base, international trade is fundamental for the country. 
We therefore commend Djibouti for the dynamism of its policy reform agenda and note that since 
Djibouti's last Tr ade Policy Review in 2014, a strategic development plan has been launched to 
streamline the government's efforts to support the country's economic growth. The plan seeks to 
improve the business climate and attract investment with a view to promoting econom ic 
diversification and inclusive growth.  
5.82.   Furthermore, Vision Djibouti 2035, a trade policy strategy paper aimed at making Djibouti 
Africa's trade and logistics hub will lay the groundwork for further enhancing Africa 's regional 
integration.  
5.83.   In conclusion,  we commend Djibouti for the role it plays in the WTO and its active participation 
in the work of the WTO.  
BANGLADESH  
5.84.   At the outset, the Bangladesh delegation welcomes H.E.  Mr Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, 
Minister of Trade and Tourism, head of delegation, thank s for his introductive presentation at the 
third Trade Policy Review. We also thank Ambassador, H.E.  Dr Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid of 
Nigeria for his insightful discussion. Our sincere appreciation goes to the Government of Djibouti and 
the WTO Secretariat for the comprehensive Reports . 
5.85.   Trade has long -being one of the important parts of Djibouti's economy and also an important 
connector. This has been reinforced during the global COVID -19 pandemic, this third  Trade Policy 
Review covers a period of great inte rnational economic instability , as an LDC , Djibouti has also been 
disproportionately hit by the adverse effect s of COVID -19 and other shocks . Djibouti's  
macroeconomic policy has helped to overcome those adverse effects.  
5.86.   Djibouti's trade policy and its Visi on 2035 strategic long -term development documents 
submitted by the five -year development plans , Strategies for Accelerated Growth and Employment 
Creation  for 2015 -19, and the National Development Plan for 2020 -24, which w ere adopted in 2014 
and 2019.  
5.87.   As a firm supporter of the multilateral trading system and coordinator of the LDC  Group, 
Djibouti remains actively engaged in the  WTO. It took an active and  leadership role in various 
WTO bodies. It also supports different proposals including  TRIPS waiver, COV ID-19 vaccination as 
well as reform and other multilateral issues to strengthen the WTO.  
5.88.   Bangladesh welcomes Djibouti's trade policy priority on multilateral and non -discriminatory 
rules, as complemented by a goal of economic continuous expansion and deepe ning of trade 
relations to regional and bilateral approach. It has been working with high importance to reducing 
the gap in the level of development between nations to promoting further integration of developing 
and least developed countries into the globa l economy, and to the need to make economic 
development more sustainable . 
5.89.   The trade relationship between Djibouti and Bangladesh is not significantly large but there 
are opportunities to increase between the two countries, especially R&D, leather products,  
pharmaceuticals, and other goods. Considering this, both countries established  diplomatic relations 
on 25  September  1993.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  5.90.   In conclusion, Bangladesh appreciates Djibouti's constructive engagement with the WTO and 
its commitment of the multilateral trading  system. To conclude, we wish the delegation of Djibouti 
a productive and successful Trade Policy Review. My delegation will continue to work closely with 
Djibouti's delegation led by Ambassador H.E. Kadra Ahmed Hassan  to strengthen the multilateral 
tradin g system while we strive to enhance our cooperation  for LDCs issues and bilaterally.  
EGYPT  
5.91.   On behalf of the Egyptian delegation, I would like to congratulate the distinguished delegation 
of Djibouti for conducting the third Review of the country's trade policies and practices and with the 
delegation's success in this endeavour . Our delegation also thanks the delegation of Djibouti  and the 
WTO Secretariat for the comprehensive and detailed Report, as well as H.E. Ambassador Adamu 
Mohammed Abdulhamid of Nigeria for his insightful comments as discussant . 
5.92.   Egypt commends the efforts done by the Government of Djibouti to achieve sustainable 
development and economic growth despite the unstable international economic and trade 
environment the country managed  to pursue an effective trade policy guided by strategic long -term 
development Vision  2035 and a set of policy reform s and decisions . 
5.93.   The Government of Djibouti has conducted economic reforms and massive investment in 
infrastructure, which left to an econo mic growth ranging from 5.1% to 8.5% between 2014 and 
2019.  It had also undertaken legislative and administrative reform s in order to improve business 
climate, streamline customs  procedure , and facilitate administrative formalities for those involved in 
international trade.  
5.94.   Furthermore, the Government has modernized its energy legislation to open up production to 
competition in order to reach its ambitious goal to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2035, it has 
also strengthened  the regulation and supervision  of the banking sector, including the regulatory 
framework for Islamic banks, Egypt commends and welcomes all these efforts and encourages the 
Government of Djibouti to take stock of the current discussions to further promote its developmental 
and trade po licy. 
5.95.   Djibouti is an  original and responsible Member of the WTO, and it participates actively. in 
different areas of work of the Organization, in th is regard, we welcome the ratification by the country 
of the TFA in  2018, which is one testimony  of Djibouti' s commitment  of the multilateral rules -based 
trading system . 
5.96.   Egypt has excellent relations with Djibouti on the bilateral and regional level. On the bilateral 
level, discussions are ongoing with the Government to allocate a specific area in the industrial zone 
of Djibouti for the Egyptian investors. We look forward to finalizing the discussions in order to fo ster 
the industrial cooperation and integration  between our two co untries. On  the regional level , we share 
with Djibouti the membership of  several orga nizations and agreements such as , COMESA , the 
AfCFTA , the Tripartite Free Trade Area , and the League of Arab States . 
5.97.   Egypt is of the opinion that developments is  centred t o the functioning of the global trading 
system, and that trade in turn plays an impor tant role in achieving sustainable development, 
consequently the WTO has a leading role to play in extending the necessary support and capacity 
building to Djibouti  in order to ensure that the country is fully integrated in the global trading system, 
while pursuing its sustainable development aspiration.  
5.98.   Before ending, o n behalf of my Ambassador Dr  Ahmed Ihab Gamaleldin , we would like to 
express our deep appreciation to H.E. Ambassador  Kadra Ahmed Hassan , Permanent Representative 
of Djibouti , for her active and valuable contributions in different international organizations in 
Geneva.  We very much appreciate her active engagement and leading role.  
5.99.   Finally, Egypt aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Arab  Group and the 
African  Group. WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  NEPAL1  
5.100.   My delegation welcomes the delegation of Djibouti led by H.E.  Mr Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, 
Minister of Trade and Tourism , and congratulate for its Trade Policy Review. Nepal commends him 
for the insightful highlights of Djibouti 's Trade Policy Review at the beginning of the meeting.  
5.101.   I appreciate H.E.  Dr Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid, Ambassador of Nigeria , for his 
comprehensive deliberation as discussant of this review meeting.  
5.102.   My delegation commends the Government of Djibouti and the WTO Secretaria t for valuable 
Reports. These reports have shed light on understanding the major initiatives and progress in trade 
and investment regimes in Djibouti.  
5.103.   My delegation commends Djibouti 's continued efforts in improving its trade and investment 
regimes. I am pleased to mention that such reforms and recent massive investments in 
infrastructure, including ports, roads , and free zones contributed to high economic growth of about 
5.1% to 8.5% between 2014 and 2019.  
5.104.   Success in maintaining high economic growth and low consumer prices over the review 
period is praiseworthy. The "Vision Djibouti 2035", aiming to make Djibouti "Africa's trade and 
logistics hub" has served as main basis of national development process.  
5.105.   During the review period, Djibouti has also met the graduation criteria and now in the path 
to graduation. Djibouti 's contribution to smooth functioning of the WTO and safeguard rule based, 
predictable, transparent, fair , and inclusive multilateral trading s ystem by discharging the 
responsibilities of Chair of various WTO bodies as well as actively engaging with membership has 
been highly valued.  
5.106.   In addition, my delegation commends Djibouti 's important role of LDC s coordination at the 
WTO functioning.  
5.107.   Let me turn to the bilateral front , Nepal enjoys excellent bilateral relation with Djibouti. I am 
pleased to mention that during this review period, Nepal and Djibouti have established diplomatic 
relation in 2017 and our bilateral relation is being further cem ented.  
5.108.   As least developed countries, both have been experiencing similar challenges and obstacles 
while participating in the global trade and benefiting from it. We share similar views in various 
multilateral for a,  especially at the WTO functioning. We w ork together at the WTO for setting rules 
and practices with a view to provisioning some special consideration to LDCs. Nepal looks forward 
to strengthening its relationship with Djibouti in the days ahead.  
5.109.   My delegation wishes for a successful Trade Policy Review of Djibouti.  
UNITED  STATES  
5.110.   We want to thank the delegation of Djibouti and the discussant for their participation and 
engagement throughout this Trade Policy Review.  
5.111.   The United  States  is well aware of the time and commitment necessary to undergo a trade 
policy review, and we want to express our sincere appreciation to the entire team and thank them 
for the hours and hours they undoubtedly spent preparing for this important meeting.  
5.112.   We also want to acknowledge how inspired we are by Djibouti 's progress in implementing 
its national development plans, and its clear articulation of its goals for the future.  
5.113.   Djibouti shared with WTO Members through this review its own national development goals 
and priorities, set out in Vision  2035. The Reports and pr esentations showcased a long list of 
 
1 Only written statement. This statement could not be delivered online for technical reasons.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  accomplishments and an impressive record of economic growth and improvement in your citizen 's 
welfare, and a clear vision for continued global integration and economic diversification.  
5.114.   We also appreciated hearing about  your efforts to take an active role in regional integration, 
through COMESA, the A fCFTA , and other initiatives. The engagement from your regional partners 
also contributed to a robust review, something that we found unique among TPRs. We note that 
there w ere a number of extremely interesting interventions from other Members, one notable 
example being the intervention from Angola, where similar challenges were expressed or solutions 
shared.  
5.115.   We would welcome the opportunity to use this TPR as the starting p oint for deeper 
engagement and partnership with Djibouti. We got the sense that many other Members are also 
eager to continuing sharing challenges and solutions so that we can learn from the experiences and 
successes of others.  
5.116.   We want to express our will ingness to work with you here at the WTO to see if we can initiate 
some committee work that has value for you and supports your domestic and regional economic and 
trade policy goals.  
5.117.   We have heard from you the emphasis you have placed on developing your p rivate sector, 
facilitating logistics, and supporting new information and communications technologies, among other 
priorities.  
5.118.   We would welcome an opportunity to work with you to see if there are workshops or regional 
experience sharing activities that we could initiate in the WTO that might contribute to your domestic 
efforts to implement Vision  2035 or your regional efforts within COMESA or AfCTA.  
5.119.   We would also invite Djibouti to partner with us and other Members in an initiative to 
strengthen WTO capacit y building efforts to support improvements in notification and transparency.  
The initiative would benefit from Djibouti 's perspectives and input, and we believe would also 
contribute to strengthening ties to your growing private sector. The United  States is interested in 
developing more targeted technical assistance aimed at strengthening institutional coordination 
mechanisms to improve transparency and we see some synergy with your domestic focus on 
institutional reform as set out in your government repor t.  
5.120.   Once again, we thank you for your engagement in this review, and we sincerely hope we do 
not have to wait until the next Trade Policy Review of Djibouti to continue our engagement with you. 
Our delegation stands ready to work with you to ensure that WT O committee work is contributing 
to and supporting your national development goals.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.121.   Let me first thank the delegation of Djibouti for the responses provided to the advanced 
questions we have submitted, and the very informative intervention s this morning and on 
Wednesday . We look forward to a few outstanding replies to our questions in due course.  
5.122.   The EU welcomes the useful insight that this review has provided into the many impressive 
reforms undertaken by Djibouti. The exchanges in these TPR showed that there is some room for 
improvement in terms of Djibouti's trade and investment environment and further regional 
integration , and we took good note of the various steps and efforts taken or planned that  we heard 
today from the head of delegat ion. 
5.123.   In conclusion, we would like to thank the delegation of Djibouti for undertaking this 
important transparency exercise and demonstrating its commitment to the WTO. We are confident 
that our already good cooperation will continue.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  This third  Review of Djibouti has offered a unique framework for Members' discussion of its 
trade and related policies and practices. Comprehensive reports by the WTO Secretariat and by the 
Government of Djibouti, together with Djibouti's introductory statement, insightful comments by our 
discussant H.E.  Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid, Ambassador of Nigeria, and valuable interventions 
by Members, have stimulated our dialogue during this two -day session.  
6.2.  I would like to highlight the active participation by H.E.  Mr Mohammed Warsama Dirieh, 
Minister of Trade and Tourism of Djibouti, and his high -level delegation in which I recognize 
H.E. Mrs Kadra Ahmed Hassan , Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Djibouti to the WTO . 
Such an important delegation testifies the political commitment of Djibouti to this TPR exercise and 
the seriousness with which it has prepared this meeting.  
6.3.  Members praised Djibouti's strong macro -economic performance in terms of GDP growth and 
price s tability during the period up to the COVID -19 pandemic. They took note of the ongoing 
rebound of the economy that has been fostered by large investments in infrastructure including 
railway, port, development of free trade zones, electricity supply through the interconnection with 
the Ethiopian grid, and renewable energies expected to reach 100% of total energies supplied 
by 2035. All these investments in infrastructure aim at strengthening the role of Djibouti as a key 
logistics hub in Eastern Africa. Nonet heless, they have aggravated Djibouti's indebtedness and the 
dualism between its modern dynamic hub of re -export on the one hand and an informal sector that 
seems to be handicapped by the small size of the economy, high inputs costs and unskilled 
workforce . 
6.4.  Djibouti was commended on its successive growth strategies, namely the 2015 -2019 
Accelerated Growth and Employment Strategy (SCAPE) and the new "Inclusion, Connectivity, 
Institutions (ICI)" national development plan for 2020 -24, both under the aegis of i ts long -term 
strategy document, "Vision  2035". Members encouraged Djibouti to further focus on economic 
diversification and inclusiveness of, notably, gender and MSMEs, in its future strategies.  
6.5.  Members congratulated Djibouti for its active participation i n the multilateral trading system 
embodied in the WTO, and for participating in the Joint  Statement Initiative on Investment 
Facilitation for Development. They noted that Djibouti was also engaged in regional and bilateral 
arrangements.  
6.6.  Djibouti was commen ded on its reform efforts that place it among the 20  fastest global 
reformist countries. In fact, during the period under review, Djibouti, inter alia, undertook legislative 
reforms; simplified its investment regime through the establishment of a single wi ndow system for 
all investors; implemented various trade facilitation measures, including the modernization and 
digitization of its customs system and port communities; and established a standards and technical 
regulations agency that remains to be operati onalized.  
6.7.  Members encouraged Djibouti to pursue its efforts to improve its business environment, 
including governance and transparency. On its trade regime, Members noted that transparency could 
be improved through submission of overdue notifications to t he WTO, in particular of domestic 
support in agriculture, State trading enterprises, TBT, and SPS measures. Djibouti was also 
encouraged to notify the dates for the implementation of its commitments on categories  B and C 
measures under the WTO Agreement on  Trade Facilitation. Concerns were expressed about the use 
of the internal consumption tax which was viewed as a customs tariff; some customs valuation 
practices; the lack of transparency in some import authorizations and charges; and the overall lack 
of trade data.  
6.8.  Members noted Djibouti's participation in several conventions related to the protection of 
intellectual property rights. They encouraged Djibouti to fully implement them with a view to further 
protecting the related rights. Some Members encoura ged Djibouti to join the plurilateral Agreement 
on Government Procurement. Areas of interest to Members for further information include importers' 
licensing procedures; adoption of a digital code; state-owned enterprises and their reforms; status 
of integr ation with other African countries; special economic zones; competitiveness and 
manufacturing; foreign investment and good governance in mining, port, and maritime activities.  WT/TPR/W/ 216 
 
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  6.9.  Members appreciated the oral and written responses provided by the delegation of  Djibouti to 
their questions and look forward to receiving further written responses to any outstanding and 
follow -up questions within one month.  
6.10.   This successfully concludes the third  Trade Policy Review of Djibouti. The large number of 
32 interventions by  Members during the first  session of this meeting, and 5 during the second 
session testifies their keen interest in Djibouti's trade and related policies, and its participation in 
the WTO. I encourage Djibouti to take Members' concerns and comments into ac count while 
considering future reforms of its trade regime. I also invite Members to consider granting special 
support to Djibouti, given its LDC status, and to assist it to address its trade and development 
challenges . 
__________