WT/TPR/M/412  
22 October 2021  
(21-7937) Page: 1/53 
Trade Policy Review Body  
15 and 17 September  2021   
 
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
ARGENTINA  
MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Dr Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme (Botswana)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ ......................  2 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF ARGENTINA  ...............................  5 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ...............  9 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  ................................ ................................ .......................  14 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF ARGENTINA  AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  ... 36 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ ........................  52 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies provided 
by Argentina  are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/ 412/Add.1  and will be available online at 
http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTO RY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The fifth Trade Policy Review of Argentina  was held on 15 and 17 September  2021. The 
Chairperson, H.E. Dr. Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme (Botswana), welcomed the delegation of 
Argentina , headed by H.E. Ambassador Jorge Neme , Secre tary of Economic International Relations 
at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ; H.E. Federico Villegas , Permanent Representative of Argentina to 
the WTO ; the rest of the delegation from Buenos Aires ; and the discussant , H.E. Ambassador  Gloria 
Abraham Peralta (Costa Rica) . 
1.2.  The Chairperson was pleased that, in addition to physical presence, the meeting also benefit ed 
from the Interprefy  online connection, allowing for a wider participation of the Membership, in 
particular of officials who could not make the journey from Buenos Aires  given the current 
circumstances.  
1.3.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of TPRs and the main elements of pr ocedures for the 
meeting. The report by Argentina  is contained in document WT/TPR/G/4 12, and that of the WTO 
Secretariat in document WT/TPR/S/4 12. 
1.4.  Questions by the following delegations were submitted in writing before the deadline: 
Viet Nam; Saudi Arabia;  Canada; Switzerland; Costa Rica; Australia; El Salvador; Singapore; Brazil; 
the European Union; the United Kingdom; the Republic of Korea; Uruguay; Malaysia; China; Mexico; 
Chile; the Dominican Republic; Colombia; and Japan . The following delegations subm itted written 
questions after the deadline: Ecuador ; the United States; Paraguay ; Iceland ; Turkey ; Thailand ; and 
Indonesia . 
1.5.  At the time of its previous Review in 2013, Members had commended Argentina for having 
weathered the global financial crisis well, a chieving high GDP growth rates of around 9%. They had 
also welcomed the important progress made in improving income distribution, and in reducing 
poverty and unemployment.  
1.6.  In this context, the Chairperson first focused on Argentina's economic developments  since its 
last Review. The Secretariat report indicated that, during the review period (2013 -21), Argentina 
experienced GDP contraction, and a reduction of per capita income, due partly to measures taken 
to contain inflation and the increasing fiscal defi cit and public debt.  
1.7.  Three different governments made active use of monetary, exchange rate and fiscal policies, 
but also of trade policy instruments, including import licensing and registration requirements, as 
well as export taxes for revenue purposes. Despite efforts to tame it, inflation remained high, an 
issue that had already been flagged in the previous Review in 2013.  
1.8.  This Review was taking place at a time when Members had witnessed an unprecedented global 
health crisis, with COVID -19 hitting econ omies across the world in rapid succession. Thus, 
Argentina's economic downturn had been exacerbated by the health crisis, which led to a 9.9% 
real GDP contraction in 2020, and to an increase of the unemployment rate to some 11%.  
1.9.  In response to the pandemi c, Argentina introduced an emergency economic package, which 
included stimulus measures to support the most vulnerable; an increase in export taxes and in the 
"statistical tax" on imports from 1% to 3%; and the introduction, for five years, of a 30% tax on  
foreign exchange transactions.  
1.10.  The Chairperson was encouraged to read in the Government report prepared for the Review 
that Argentina promoted a sustainable, inclusive and federal development strategy in which SMEs 
and cooperatives were considered the bac kbone of multiple production chains and played an 
important role in many stages of production.  
1.11.  In addition, to encourage more women to participate in the Argentinian economy, various 
programmes had been put in place to increase equal opportunities, and a n umber of provisions had 
been incorporated to create a work environment that prevented gender inequality, and thus provided 
better prospects for women.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  1.12.  Argentina's economy continues to be dominated by the production and exportation of 
agricultural products. Argentina is among the world's top exporters of soy and soy by -products, 
maize, and sunflower products. It is also an important producer and exporter of various other 
cereals, beef, and dairy products. Some of these products are subject to high export taxes.  
1.13.  This is a recurrent issue as, at the time of the previous Review, Members were interested in 
hearing Argentina's views on whether relying on expor t taxes for revenue purposes introduced 
distortions in the allocation of domestic resources and resulted in an alteration of its comparative 
advantage. In 2013, some Members also expressed concerns regarding the impact of these taxes 
on international price s, particularly considering that Argentina was a major world exporter of some 
of the commodities that were subject to these taxes.  
1.14.  Since 2013, Argentina has made efforts to facilitate trade by moving towards electronic 
procedures and automation, and by mo dernizing the Port of Buenos Aires. However, several features 
of Argentina's trade policy, which raised concerns in the past, seemed to remain in place.  
1.15.  Argentina continues to rely on trade policy instruments such as import restrictions and 
licensing, ant i-dumping, export taxes, and export rebates to attain domestic policy goals. Industrial 
policy is applied to promote specific sectors and activities, and a number of incentives are provided.  
1.16.  Since Argentina's previous Review, the production sectors linked  to exports, particularly 
agriculture, have been the strongest performers. In general, the agricultural sector continued to play 
an important role in the Argentine economy because of the scale of its production and its contribution 
to exports and GDP.  
1.17.  Argentina maintains a series of domestic support programmes for the agricultural and 
agro-industrial sector, some of them mainly geared towards primary producers and MSMEs seeking 
to integrate into value chains.  
1.18.  The contribution of the manufacturing sector ( including food processing) to GDP fell during 
the review period, partly due to weak domestic demand. Argentina provides assistance to the 
manufacturing sector through horizontal fiscal incentives and export promotion schemes.  
1.19.  As in other sectors, SMEs are  eligible for a number of additional tax incentives, an interest 
subsidy regime and credit access services.  
1.20.  At the time of the last Review, it was recognized that, despite complex laws and regulations, 
the services sectors were relatively open to foreign investment. Members had encouraged Argentina 
to enhance competition in some service sectors, such as telecommunications, and to better reflect 
the generally open services' regime in its commitments in the WTO. In this context, the Chairperson 
believed Memb ers would be eager to learn more about the implementation of the new competition 
law that Argentina passed in 2018 to modernize the regime, and the progress made towards 
establishing the new competition authority.  
1.21.  A survey of the advance questions submitt ed for this Review showed the wide range of topics 
of interest to Members regarding Argentina's trade and investment regimes, including: tariffs and 
other charges on imports; the frequent use of contingency measures; the use of import and export 
restrictio ns; export support and other incentives; standards, technical regulations and sanitary and 
phytosanitary requirements; competition policy; price controls; patent protection; protection of 
undisclosed information; geographical indications; enforcement of in tellectual property rights; 
agricultural policies including import and export measures, and support policies; and policies relating 
to services including foreign direct investment, and regulatory changes.  
1.22.  In total, Argentina received over 750 advance writt en questions from 26 delegations for this 
Review, of which 570 were sent within the established deadline, covering a broad range of topics. 
Prior to this meeting, Argentina had already provided written replies to almost all of these questions, 
and the Chai rperson looked forward to hearing Argentina's updates on these issues during the 
second day of the meeting.  
1.23.  This meeting was a good opportunity for Members to discuss in greater detail issues of interest 
to them and of systemic importance to the multilater al trading system. It was also an opportune WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  moment for Argentina to update the Membership on the impact of COVID -19 on its economy and 
measures it had taken in response. The Chairperson looked  forward to a fruitful exchange.  
1.24.  The Chairperson closed her intr oductory remarks by wishing Argentina a very successful fifth 
Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF ARGENTINA  (H.E. AMBASSADOR 
JORGE NEME)  
2.1.  Good morning or good afternoon, depending on where you are located. On behalf of the 
delegation of Argentina, I would like to extend my warm greetings to everyone present. I am 
particularly grateful to the Chair of the Trade Policy Review Body, Ambassador Athaliah Lesiba 
Molokomme of Botswana for her introductory statements, to the WTO Members for participating in 
the fifth Trade Policy Review of Argentina, and to Ambassador Gloria Abraham Peralta of Costa  Rica 
for agreeing to act as discussant, to whom I e xtend a special greeting on Costa Rica's Independence 
Day, and through her to all the Costa Rican people. I also extend my greetings to the rest of our 
Central American brothers and sisters and to Mexico on its Independence Day.  
2.2.  I should also like to thank  the WTO Secretariat for all its work in the preparations for the 
meeting starting today. I extend my greetings remotely to the Ambassador of Argentina, 
Federico  Villegas Beltrán, who is there with you, and I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt 
thanks to the team of officials from a number of my country's ministries and agencies who have 
worked tirelessly to prepare this important meeting.  
2.3.  I regret not being able to join you in Geneva today, as I would have wished, but unfortunately 
it is yet anot her sign of the enormous difficulties that the pandemic continues to cause us, not only 
on a personal level but also at country level, in trade and in most major economic indicators globally. 
We hope to overcome this situation quickly in order to return to  normality and travel along the path 
of recovery and development at the earliest opportunity, which all of this Organization's Members 
deserve.  
2.4.  I would also like to highlight the participation of the Secretary for Industry, Ariel  Schale, and 
senior officia ls from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries and the Ministry of the 
Economy. Our presence here today is a sign of our commitment to the WTO, of which we have been 
a Member since its establishment and which we see as fundamental to achievin g a 
non-discriminatory, rules -based multilateral trading system that promotes the integration of 
developing countries into world trade.  
2.5.  For this Trade Policy Review we have received more than 700 questions from a large number 
of countries, requiring an eno rmous effort by a number of Argentine Government agencies to answer 
them in an appropriate and timely manner. We have answered the vast majority of questions and 
have received more today, which will be answered as soon as possible. We therefore hope to hav e 
more answers even before concluding this Trade Policy Review. Further, this demonstrates that 
many countries are interested in trading with Argentina, which motivates us to continue working to 
expand and strengthen our international trade relationships - a matter that takes up much of my 
attention as Argentina's Secretary for International Economic Relations.  
2.6.  Argentina's Trade Policy Review is taking place while the world is still feeling the enormous 
human and economic impacts of COVID -19, which has part icularly affected developing countries' 
economic and trade performance, while also having a considerable social impact.  
2.7.  All countries have suffered, to a greater or lesser extent, from the economic fallout of the 
pandemic. In addition to the irreparable lo ss of life, it has caused serious economic problems 
worldwide, with many countries not having the resources needed to meet such a challenge, or having 
to use funds originally intended for other purposes, such as development. In the case of Argentina, 
this impact is particularly noticeable in the final stage of the review period, and has happened at a 
particularly difficult time for the Argentine economy.  
2.8.  The pandemic forced President Fernández's recently inaugurated Government to face a twofold 
economic challenge. Argentina was emerging from a deep recession that began in 2018 and 
worsened in 2019, with a fall in GDP and employment, on top of a public debt sustainability crisis 
involving the virtual closure of the country's capital markets. Argen tina thus had to face this 
devastating pandemic using its own resources and without access to international financing, while 
prioritizing the population's health and containing the pandemic's economic and social effects.  
2.9.  A great deal of data in the Governm ent's report illustrates this situation, but by way of example, 
allow me to mention that Argentina's GDP fell by 2.6% in 2018 and 2.1% in 2019, before the WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  pandemic, while in 2020 it fell by 9.9%. The biggest impact from the pandemic occurred during the 
second quarter of 2020, when GDP fell 19.0% on a year -on-year basis and 15.8% on a quarterly 
basis, when the number of restrictions on movements peaked in order to safeguard people's health 
in the light of the uncertainty surrounding the new virus, while the health system was putting 
measures in place, as was the case in many countries around the world.  
2.10.  Regarding employment, the annual balance sheet for 2020 shows the strong impact of the 
crisis. The economically active population (EAP) fell 7.5%, with an acti vity rate averaging 
43.2%  of the population (4.1 percentage points (pp) year -on-year), and the absolute number of 
employed persons contracted at an average annual rate of 9.2%, with an employment rate averaging 
38.3%  of the population (4.4% year -on-year). As to general labour market indicators, 
the 2016-20 period ended with the unemployment rate up 3.1%, the employment rate down 3.6%, 
and a high level of labour inactivity (the activity rate slipped 4.1%). The impact on employment and 
income was particularly  negative for women and other vulnerable groups, who were pushed out of 
the formal labour market.  
2.11.  This delicate economic and social situation prompted the need to take emergency 
gender -responsive measures to mitigate the direct impact of the fall in econom ic activity. The 
package of measures to support the income and employment of workers and families included, 
notably, the emergency family income, which consisted of a cash transfer to alleviate lack of income 
and benefited 8.9  million households; the work and production emergency assistance programme, 
to support the work of the private sector; the Alimentar  card, which guaranteed access to healthy 
food for more than 1.5  million people; and the Potenciar Trabajo  programme, which was extended 
to cover more th an 200,000 beneficiaries.  
2.12.  Besides these extraordinary efforts were those aimed at gaining access to available 
COVID -19 vaccines and treatments, despite global shortages and unequal access to such products. 
Meanwhile, the country was going through a public debt renegotiation process with private creditors 
that was concluded successfully, as well as ongoing negotiations on a new programme with the 
International Monetary Fund.  
2.13.  This dual crisis in the Argentine economy also had repercussions on foreign trade. A rgentina's 
foreign trade contracted at an average annual rate of -6% between 2013 and 2020, the result of an 
average annual decline in exports of 4.5% per year to USD  54.9 billion and in imports of -7.7% to 
USD 42.3 billion.  
2.14.  This situation forced the Gover nment to take a range of emergency measures to mitigate the 
harmful effects of the crisis, particularly to avoid the continuing decline in the exchange rate while 
agreements were reached for the sustainability of debt and macroeconomic stability of the eco nomic 
programme.  
2.15.  The actions of the Government of Argentina seek to achieve an increasingly inclusive, 
productively dynamic economy that will ensure job creation and income stability, based on an 
industrial policy with a more inclusive and federal vision a imed at increasing levels of innovation, 
creativity and productivity.  
2.16.  Export promotion measures were also adopted which, together with a gradual return to 
normality due to the control of the pandemic with the advance of vaccination, boosted foreign trade 
in the first half of 2021, with exports totalling USD  35,339  million, reaching the highest value in the 
last eight years. Our exports accumulated a year -on-year increase of 28.3%, while imports also 
recorded a strong increase as they totalled USD  28,599  million in the first half of 2021, accounting 
for a year -on-year increase of 48.6%.  
2.17.  It is worth noting that in order to keep trade flows and supply chains open during the 
pandemic, the Argentine Government declared urgent activities related to foreign trade t o be 
essential and exempted them from quarantine. It also adopted a series of trade facilitation measures, 
including the acceptance of documentation of origin in electronic format and the suspension of a 
number of customs administrative deadlines for forei gn trade operations.  
2.18.  In addition, we set up the Public -Private Council for the Promotion of Exports, which today 
includes practically all of Argentina's business chambers, in response to an interest in having an WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  institutional forum for all productive secto rs to exchange ideas and proposals, in order to develop a 
national export policy and to stimulate the growth of the national export sector.  
2.19.  As to our foreign trade relations, the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) is a central 
strategic project within our c ountry's foreign policy and an important platform for promoting its 
further international integration. Since the signing of the Treaty establishing 
MERCOSUR  (1991  Treaty of Asunción), this regional integration agreement, which commemorated 
its 30th anniver sary on 26  March  2021, has become the priority regional integration objective of 
Argentina's foreign trade policy. At the same time, MERCOSUR is a key instrument for improving 
conditions of access for Argentine exports to other markets within and outside t he region.  
2.20.  The bloc has an ambitious internal agenda therein which seeks to invigorate intra -regional 
trade, including by implementing new trade disciplines and modernizing our regulations. In recent 
years, several negotiations have also been conducted wit h regional partners to expand and 
modernize existing trade agreements.  
2.21.  Since 2016, Argentina has initiated negotiations with Mexico to expand and strengthen 
ACE No. 6, and with Peru to expand and strengthen, at the bilateral level, ACE  No. 58 
(MERCOSUR -Peru). In both cases, the negotiations included provisions on cross -border trade in 
services, investment, government procurement, trade and the environment, small and 
medium -sized enterprises (SMEs), gender and other subjects. MERCOSUR also signed an agreemen t 
with Colombia granting improved preferences to certain goods and extending preferential treatment 
to a number of goods that had not been taken into consideration in a previous agreement. Likewise, 
Argentina and Chile signed a trade agreement that strengt hens existing disciplines under 
the MERCOSUR -Chile ACE No.  35 and incorporates new disciplines, such as government 
procurement, SMEs, labour, gender and trade, and trade and the environment.  
2.22.  During the period under consideration, Argentina, as a MERCOSUR S tate party, has held talks 
and negotiations with other countries to strengthen trade relations. In 2019, Argentina, as 
a MERCOSUR State party, concluded the agreements in principle between MERCOSUR and the 
European Union and the European Free Trade Associa tion (EFTA). Similarly, since 2018, Argentina, 
as a MERCOSUR State party, has participated in negotiations with Canada, the Republic of Korea, 
Lebanon and Singapore to reach free trade agreements, and with India and Israel to expand and 
strengthen existing  trade agreements.  
2.23.  As can be seen, Argentina is pursuing an ambitious foreign trade agenda that seeks to broaden 
market access for Argentine products and to further integrate the Argentine economy into world 
trade. In this vein, Argentina attaches particul ar importance to the multilateral trading system, with 
the WTO at its centre. Argentina considers the Organization to be an indispensable tool, providing 
stability and predictability to the system, and will continue to work constructively within it to addr ess 
new challenges and also resolve long -standing development issues pending from the Doha  Round, 
an aspect that Argentina considers essential to reducing development gaps and to creating a level 
playing field in international trade.  
2.24.  On this basis, and wit h a view to the Twelfth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12), Argentina 
is actively and constructively promoting a series of initiatives aimed at both strengthening the 
current trade system and advancing negotiations on pending matters. It is worth mentioning  in this 
regard that Argentina is actively involved in the negotiations for the elimination of fisheries subsidies, 
where we have submitted and co -sponsored a number of proposals; it co -sponsors the draft 
declaration on sanitary and phytosanitary matters; the draft decision to enhance transparency and 
improve compliance with notification requirements; and in agricultural negotiations, the domestic 
support negotiations, and the market access negotiations.  
2.25.  Now more than ever, we must strengthen cooperation an d international solidarity to achieve 
an inclusive and sustainable post -COVID -19 recovery. The tragic economic, social and human 
consequences of the pandemic have forced all Member countries to redouble their efforts to achieve 
concrete outcomes at MC12, p articularly by reaching an agreement on fisheries subsidies and by 
arriving at a consensus enabling "all" countries to access COVID -19 vaccines and treatments. 
The millions who have died or fallen ill as a result of the pandemic deserve us to give clear an d 
strong answers at this upcoming meeting.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  2.26.  I would again like to thank the Chair of the Trade Policy Review Body, and 
Ambassador  Gloria  Abraham Peralta, as well as the Secretariat for its work, and WTO Members for 
participating in Argentina's fifth Trade Policy Review. Thank you.  
  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE  DISCUSSANT  
3.1.  Good morning in Buenos Aires, good afternoon in Geneva. H.E.  Ambassador  Jorge  Neme, 
Secretary for International Economic Relations, Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade and 
Worship, H.E.  Ambassador Federico Villegas, Permanent Repr esentative of the Argentine Republic 
to the international organizations in Geneva, members of the Argentine delegation who are with us 
today, H.E.  Ambassador Molokomme, Chair of the Trade Policy Review Body, Mr  Willy Alfaro, 
Director  of the Trade Policy Re view Division, friends.  
3.2.  My first contact with Argentina was highly revealing and was made during the opening of the 
Uruguay Round. A stopover in Buenos Aires had to be made to reach Punta del Este, and on the way 
back I was invited to offer insight into the developments at that time when my country was preparing 
to join and accede to GATT. It is serendipitous that we meet now, within the WTO, on the occasion 
of Argentina's Trade Policy Review, where I have been appointed Rapporteur of this meaningful  
exercise. There could have been something "premonitory" in that initial encounter all those years 
ago, when I was just starting out on my career. Since I first came into contact with this fine country, 
I have regularly followed its progress, and I have of ten wondered how Argentina, a net food 
producer, a country rich in natural resources and human capital, could take advantage of the benefits 
and opportunities offered by international trade and the WTO to further its national development 
agenda. The Trade Policy Review offers me the opportunity to share some reflections.  
3.3.  My statement will focus on three main areas. The first concerns the need to move towards 
stabilizing the economy in a short time frame in the aftermath of the COVID -19 pandemic. 
Second,  I will outline some medium -term challenges to Argentina's development, focusing on the 
bottlenecks that are preventing trade from further promoting economic growth and job creation. 
Finally, I will make some observations on the long -term vision and tools avai lable to Argentina to 
achieve its development goals in the 21st century.  
3.4.  One of the main challenges facing Argentina before the outbreak of the pandemic was ensuring 
macroeconomic stability. That situation has worsened following more than 18 months of heal th crisis 
and has jeopardized the attainment of development and poverty reduction goals worldwide, including 
in countries that, like Argentina, were in an already highly vulnerable situation before COVID -19. 
3.5.  The Secretariat's report depicts a complex pre -pandemic outlook, characterized by weak 
economic growth. During the period under review, the Argentine economy recorded high levels of 
inflation and external debt, as well as strong pressure on the exchange rate. Real GDP and per  capita 
income stagnated and  then contracted due partly to the measures adopted to contain inflation and 
to the increase in the fiscal deficit and public debt. This economic recession was compounded by the 
health crisis, which caused GDP to fall by 9.9% in 2020 and the unemployment r ate to rise to 11%.  
3.6.  According to the data in Argentina's report, between December  2017 and December  2019, 
economic activity contracted by 7%, 280  thousand private sector jobs were lost, and 23  thousand 
companies closed, most of them SMEs. Furthermore, the real wage of formal workers fell by 18% 
and urban poverty rose from 25.7% to 35.5%.  
3.7.  This all took place against a backdrop of increased public consumption and broadened social 
protection coverage, both in the run -up to and during the pandemic. The biggest challenge facing 
Argentina is thus to ensure a sustainable economic recovery in a post -COVID -19 scenario.  
3.8.  The first step towards macroeconomic stability is fiscal consolidation, which involves reversing 
the growing trend of fiscal deficit, increasing reven ues through policies to simplify the tax system, 
and maintaining the momentum created before the health crisis by deepening the reforms 
implemented in 2017 and 2019.  
3.9.  Fiscal consolidation would provide greater certainty regarding country risk, increase flex ibility 
to influence inflation expectations and the exchange rate, and remove restrictions on access to the 
foreign exchange market and capital movements, a policy that has a direct impact on the export 
sector and on Argentina's capacity to absorb foreign direct investment. While 
the COVID -19 pandemic has put Governmental spending and monetary policy under increased 
pressure, it is important to recognize the Argentine Government's work to reassure the markets, 
including a successful renegotiation of the ter ms of its debt. I urge them to continue on the path to WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  the normalization of economic activity, moving forward with a gradual process of disinflation and 
promoting exchange rate stability.  
3.10.  This is a difficult process that requires political will and social dialogue. Supporting economic 
recovery while increasing fiscal revenues without affecting social support schemes will require a 
broad range of complementary policies, including an aggressive trade facilitation and export 
value -added policy. I am pleased to  see this commitment in the Government's report. It is important 
that the approach to this matter ensures coherence and synergies in fiscal, monetary and trade 
policy. I will now refer to the latter.  
3.11.  It should be noted that Argentina's trade policy activel y uses its instruments to achieve 
objectives in areas that occasionally go beyond trade. This includes objectives for both the long -term 
(growth and economic development) and the short -term (greater fiscal revenue, containment of 
inflation, or maintenance of the balance -of-payments equilibrium). During the review period, the 
productive sectors linked to the external sector are the best performers. In particular, exports 
contributed largely to maintaining the balance of payments, prevented a further decline in GDP and 
were a significant source of public sector financing.  
3.12.  Regarding tariffs, Argentina bound all tariff lines in the WTO and uses the MERCOSUR Common 
External Tariff. Its tariff architecture is characterized by an exclusive use of ad valorem  tariffs  and a 
lower level of protection for agricultural products than for non -agricultural products, which is 
uncommon in the WTO. I welcome the increased number of duty -free tariff lines, which rose 
from 7.5% in 2012 to 9.1% in 2020. I am also struck by the 35 tariff lines for which the 
applied  MFN tariff exceeds the bound tariff. This is a long -standing issue on which I urge Argentina 
to align with its WTO commitments.  
3.13.  The Secretariat's report also points to an increase in the levels of trade -related taxes, inc luding 
"other charges". For example, the statistics tax rose from 0.5% in 2013 to 3% in 2021. Export taxes, 
which are an important source of tax revenue, show a high variation in their implementation over 
the last year -and-a-half, although with a positive trend towards tax decoupling. In March  2020, 94% 
of tariff lines were subject to export duties of 12%, while in January  2021 it was less than 5% 
for 92.7% of tariff lines. While some of these reductions are temporary, duties on other goods have 
increased, especially those containing soya and biodiesel.  
3.14.  The impact of this type of trade policy is particularly relevant when it comes to assessing the 
performance of the Argentine economy's various sectors and their role in the national development 
strategy. The most dynamic sector of the economy is the agricultural sector, which accounted 
for 63.3% of total exported goods in 2020 alone, contributed 6.5% of GDP and generated 5.5% of 
total employment. The success of Argentina's agricultural sector has resulted in a  high level of global 
competitiveness in oils derived from grains, soya, wheat and maize and in beef.  
3.15.  It is worth noting the development of a whole institutional framework for technical support to 
the agricultural sector, a particularly active sector that is aware of the need to meet increasingly 
stringent sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, and which requires and invests in research and 
development to respond to the challenges generated by climate change.  
3.16.  Since it is also a key sector in the poverty e radication strategy, the Government has set up 
schemes to consolidate and develop family farming clusters to create employment, and schemes to 
provide assistance in the event of bad weather. On these agricultural development policies, I find 
the Argentine experience extremely interesting, and it could be very useful to other WTO  Members. 
Progress has also been made in simplifying export procedures, including the implementation of 
sworn declarations of foreign sales (DJVE) for some agricultural products, and  more favourable 
conditions for MSME exporters.  
3.17.  On the other hand, the Secretariat's report also details a large number of procedures, 
registrations and requirements to which the agro -export sector is subject, including export bans and 
restrictions for eco nomic reasons and the payment of export taxes. Argentina continues to apply 
export restrictions, including the recent temporary suspension of export permits for certain types of 
maize. Even though the measure was lifted shortly after its enactment, its imp lementation creates 
uncertainty and could undermine the achievement of the stated objective of securing the supply of 
grain for domestic consumption. On this matter, I urge Argentina to conduct a thorough assessment WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  of the coherence between the mechanisms used and their long -term impact on the objectives 
pursued.  
3.18.  As to the manufacturing sector, almost all activities have contracted in recent years, except 
for the chemical industry. According to the Secretariat, the loss of dynamism in the manufacturing 
industry is partly due to competitiveness problems, weak domestic demand, and faster growth in 
other productive activities, such as agriculture, mining and some services.  
3.19.  On the trade front, manufactured goods are liable to export duties, a policy that may be 
affecting their competitiveness. Also noteworthy is the extensive use of the non -automatic import 
licensing regime, a mechanism that in 2013 Argentina notified as being in disuse, and which it 
reactivated in 2015. In 2020, non -automatic import licences wer e required for 1,469 tariff lines, 
or 14.3% of all tariff lines. This gives an idea of the scale of the policy and the complexity of its 
implementation. I think it would be useful for Argentina to review the impact of this policy on the 
speed of its compan ies' integration into global value chains.  
3.20.  Giving new impetus to the manufacturing sector will require a combination of policies that 
facilitate trade, encourage export and destination diversification and the generation of innovative 
value -added. In this r egard, I welcome Argentina's efforts, as a member of MERCOSUR, to seek new 
trade agreements, including those with the European Union and EFTA. I encourage Argentina to 
continue pursuing comprehensive and ambitious trade agreements.  
3.21.  Regarding trade facilita tion, Argentina's ratification of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement 
in January  2018 is noteworthy. Argentina currently applies 97% of the agreement's provisions and 
expects to implement them all by 2023. Their full implementation has not been achieved p artly 
because the National Committee on Trade Facilitation is not yet operational due to a lack of internal 
regulations.  
3.22.  In 2020, the Federal Council for Foreign Affairs and International Trade was established, which 
is responsible for developing strategie s to promote exports and integrate the provinces into 
international trade, and the private sector was incorporated into the Public -Private Council for the 
Promotion of Exports. Regarding the attraction of investment, the Argentine Investment and 
Internatio nal Trade Agency was set up, which also plays a role in the internationalization of the 
country.  
3.23.  Several important facilitation measures have been adopted, such as the implementation of a 
Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE), digital certificates of orig in for some goods, increasing the 
maximum value for imports through the courier service and the establishment of the Single Window 
for Argentine Foreign Trade (VUCEA) National Regime. These measures aim to support the activity 
of SMEs. It is also not manda tory to use a customs broker to import or export. Nevertheless, 
the VUCE could be further improved, firstly by increasing the number of operators. The Secretariat's 
report also identified other areas for improvement, including by reducing and simplifying 
requirements, lifting import procedures and unifying IT tools.  
3.24.  Other examples of policies that require a thorough review are the constant variations in the 
procedures and requirements applicable to the various instruments related to the import and export 
of goods, such as import licences, exporters' registers and DJVEs.  
3.25.  This series of charges and bureaucracy affecting Argentina's foreign trade contrasts with the 
various types of incentive seeking to increase the exportable supply and promote investment and 
its companies' competitiveness. Such incentives include the free zone regimes, "drawbar", internal 
tax refund systems, and the horizontal fiscal incentive schemes applicable to projects on research 
and development and technological innovatio n and to SMEs.  
3.26.  Regarding SMEs, I welcome the commitment to support their internationalization, especially 
since Argentina's economic and productive architecture is based on micro, small and medium -sized 
enterprises (MSMEs). MSMEs account for 99.4% of compa nies, which create approximately 64% of 
formal wage employment and 83% of exporting companies have MSME certificates. MSMEs 
produce  17% of total goods exported from Argentina.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
- 12 - 
 
  3.27.  As of 2019, certain services were included among the incentives covering MSMEs. However, 
the pandemic brought new challenges to which they had to rise and adapt. A number of processes 
gathered pace, such as the digitization of payment methods and digital transformation, and 
synergies between academia and the SME production sect or found room to develop.  
3.28.  During the period under review, various policies stand out, which seek to support 
manufacturing SMEs through tax incentives, access to credit and to development and technological 
innovation schemes. Argentina attaches great import ance to supporting and promoting SMEs. This 
is illustrated in the implementation of the Federal Export Development Plan for SMEs, the Law 
on SMEs of 1995 and the Law for the Promotion of MSMEs of 2000. This legal framework aims to 
support MSMEs in their pr ocess of continuous improvement in order to become more competitive 
and more productive. I also note that Argentina has been a key Member in the joint initiative 
on MSMEs in the WTO.  
3.29.  Another key way of revitalizing Argentina's productive sector is by creat ing incentives for 
innovation. Argentina currently ranks 80th out of 131 economies assessed in WIPO's Global 
Innovation Index, and 10th out of 18 economies in the Latin American region. Within the group of 
middle -income economies, Argentina is well positio ned in the areas of human capital and research 
and business sophistication, while some weaknesses were detected in the institutional framework 
and infrastructure. Human capital is key to developing sectors related to the knowledge economy, 
and Argentina ha s the potential to do so.  
3.30.  I am pleased to note that the Argentine Government is taking action on this matter. Various 
areas with high export potential have already been identified, including audiovisual production, 
biotechnology, genetic engineering, softw are production, the aerospace industry and 
nanotechnology. Argentina is also leading specific initiatives, such as the recently enacted law on 
the knowledge economy and the establishment of the knowledge -based economy promotion 
scheme, which provides tax b enefits to companies which engage in the export of good or services 
derived from knowledge -based activities. The incentives granted by this scheme include reducing 
the export tax to 0%.  
3.31.  The fourth industrial revolution requires a global outlook on competit iveness and innovation, 
and Argentine producers must have as many tools and opportunities as possible. The opening of 
new markets, and especially foreign direct investment, can therefore also play an important role in 
the development of innovative clusters , through the transfer of technology and skills. On this matter, 
I invite Argentina to consider joining initiatives, such as the Information  Technology  Agreement 
(ITA), and its most recent expansion.  
3.32.  The services sector also has significant potential in th e Argentine economy's diversification 
agenda. According to the World Bank1, services accounted for 54.3% of GDP in 2020, below the 
60.4% that this sector represents for the economies of the Latin American and Caribbean region and 
70.1% for OECD members.  
3.33.  Furthermore, trade in services has also been affected by COVID -19, particularly in travel and 
transport. According to World Bank2 figures, its share fell to 5.5% of GDP in 2020 from 7.7% in  2019. 
However, there is encouraging data. For example, Argentina's  population is highly educated and 
ranks 25th in the world in English proficiency3 - the best position in Latin America - which represents 
an opportunity to strengthen its services exports. Argentina also has a comprehensive schedule of 
commitments under the General Agreement on Trade in Services and services activities are mostly 
open to foreign investment. Argentina's participation in ongoing WTO joint initiatives, in particular 
those on domestic regulation and e -commerce, will help to update these commi tments and their 
results will serve as an additional tool to promote trade in services.  
3.34.  At the horizontal level, I would like to touch on a number of areas of particular interest to 
Argentina.  
3.35.  The first point concerns gender equity, a subject that the Gove rnment's report raises as a key 
part of its development and growth policy. The country has indeed implemented a series of policies 
 
1 https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NV.SRV.TOTL.ZS?view=map . 
2 https://datos.bancomundial.org/indicator/BG.GSR.NFSV.GD.ZS?locations=AR . 
3 https://www.ef.com.es/epi/ . WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
- 13 - 
 
  and programmes incorporating the gender dimension in its agenda. Examples of these include the 
credit line programmes offerin g interest rate discounts for women -led SMEs, or the incorporation of 
new disciplines, including gender, in recent trade agreements. However, it would be important to 
delve deeper into the expected benefit or impact of these policies, and the specific goal s and sectors 
they wish to address. Likewise, it would be important to find out whether an educational approach 
is under consideration that specifically focuses on teaching STEM subjects to girls and adolescents, 
in order that they can also be trained and join innovation -oriented sectors beyond those already 
identified in the manufacturing sector.  
3.36.  On sustainability, I will take a moment to comment on the transformation to clean and 
renewable energy. I am struck by the fact that the country is still highly d ependent on hydrocarbons 
and the extractive industry, being one of Latin America's main producers of crude oil and its 
derivatives and is a major producer of natural gas. Given that the concession and control of mines 
and natural resources in general are u nder the authority of the provinces, there is no domestic policy 
on the exploitation of mineral resources. However, the incentives and exemptions granted to the 
sector to promote its development are regulated. Nevertheless, Argentina is showing positive si gns, 
with energy production from renewable sources in 2020 up 63.7% compared with the previous year. 
There is also a legal framework that encourages the use of these energies for Large Users, granting 
them some benefit in return.  
3.37.  Given the country's heavy economic dependence on fossil fuels and employment generation 
from the extractive industry, Argentina recognizes that transitioning to a greener economy will 
require adjusting to the nation's historical reality, by taking into consideration the principle o f 
common but differentiated responsibilities. While there have been a number of specific efforts to 
raise awareness and develop environmental programmes, both reports lack factual elements 
showing the impact or benefits of such measures on the achievement of the Sustainable 
Development Goals. This gives Argentina an opportunity to identify the areas it can work on to 
transform itself into a greener economy based on the principle of a just transition, on resilience and 
adaptation to climate change and to the  technological changes that lie ahead.  
Conclusions for the long term - development policy  
 
3.38.  To conclude, Argentina's social and economic reality, and its environmental context present 
challenges for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals and th e 2030 Agenda. 
The COVID -19 pandemic has significantly affected the economy, impacting employment and income 
levels, mainly of the most vulnerable households. The Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area, for example, 
is more developed and densely populated than the  other provinces, with a GDP per capita six times 
higher than that of the poorest provinces. The Government's report recognizes the importance of 
addressing inequality between the provinces and the need to advance the social and territorial 
inclusion agend a. 
3.39.  The economic downturn before the pandemic, and the mandatory lockdown imposed in 
early 2020 highlight the need to comprehensively address the contradictions between public policy 
objectives and implementation. Economic recovery, to be sustainable, will need to incorporate a 
macroeconomic stabilization agenda supplemented by a broad assessment of public policies affecting 
trade, particularly those hampering export capacity and investment attraction.  
3.40.  Argentina has numerous tools at its disposal under the m ultilateral trading system to help it 
build a more resilient economy, move forward in diversifying production and generate added value 
through trade facilitation policies, regulatory synergy and support for innovation. While the global 
circumstances presen t us with unprecedented challenges, today we have a historic opportunity to 
support the development of this effort through a representative and horizontal transparency 
exercise, that is, the Trade Policy Review.  
3.41.  I would like to conclude by wishing Argentina and the whole delegation with us today every 
success in this Trade Policy Review. Thank you.  
  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  
VIET  NAM 
4.1.  Viet Nam appreciates the opportunity to participate in the fifth Trade Policy Review of Argentina 
and acknowledges the major contributions that Argentina has made for the WTO and the world 
trading system through its firm commitments and active, consistent participation in various ongoing 
processes in the WTO. We commend Argentina fo r ratifying the Trade Facilitation Agreement and 
the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement during the review period.  
4.2.  As recognized in the Secretariat’s report, a main target of Argentina’s trade policy is to boost 
the country’s participation in internation al trade by increasing and diversifying export, as well as by 
promoting the participation of MSMEs into export activities and global value chains. In addition, 
Argentina acknowledges that it is vital for women to play an even more prevalent role, since gen der 
equality is fundamental for growth and development. Such focuses on social inclusion and vulnerable 
groups reflect an increasing convergence between Argentina’s trade and development policies. In 
addition, Viet Nam recognizes Argentina’s constructive r ole in the international community. We also 
highly appreciate  that Argentina, as a MERCOSUR State party, has maintained mechanisms for 
dialogue with Viet Nam.  
4.3.  As a long -term partner, Argentina is currently the third largest trading partner of Viet Nam in 
Latin America and the fifth in America. Despite the Covid -19 pandemic, the two -way trade volume 
still reached USD 3.95 billion in 2020, which is a 4.3 % increase compared to 2019. In the first half 
of 2021, the two -way trade volume made notable progresses, r eaching more than USD 2 billion, an 
increase by 21.76% over the same period of the preceding year. The above -mentioned figures are 
clear indicators of our strengthened bilateral economic cooperation.  
4.4.  Active collaboration between the two countries has also been observed during recent period in 
implementing technical cooperation projects under the Argentine Fund for South -South and 
Triangular Cooperation in various areas especially agriculture, science and technology, and forensic 
anthropology. Other areas of  mutual interest have been promoted as well, for example sports and 
tourism, education and training, construction, cultural exchange, so on and so forth.  
4.5.  Most recently, the seventh meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee on Economic, Trade, 
and Scienti fic and Technological Cooperation between Viet Nam and Argentina was successfully 
organized in August 2021. The meeting series provided an effective opportunity to review the 
progresses of cooperation between the two countries as well as to identify potent ial fields for further 
development of bilateral relationships in the years ahead.  
4.6.  Before this review, we have sent a list of questions for better understanding of Argentina’s 
trade policy. We thank Argentina for its replies, which will be examined with gre at interest in our 
capital.  
4.7.  Last but not least, Viet Nam highly appreciates the efforts of Argentine delegation in preparing 
for this review and would like to wish Argentina every success in its fifth Trade Policy Review.  
SAUDI  ARABIA  
4.8.  The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is pleased to take part in the fifth Trade Policy Review of Argentina 
and wishes to extend a very warm welcome to the delegation of Argentina headed by H.E. Mr. Jorge 
Neme, Secretary of International Economic Relations, Ministry  of Foreign Affairs, International Trade 
and Worship.  
4.9.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank Argentina and the Secretariat of the WTO for their 
detailed and comprehensive Trade Policy Review reports. I also thank the discussant H.E. Mrs. Gloria 
Abraham Peralta  from Costa Rica for her insightful and perceptive comments.  
4.10.  Despite the daunting internal challenges such as high levels of inflation, fiscal deficit and 
external debt, and the COVID -19 crisis which disrupted business activity and weighed on d omestic 
demand, Argentina remains an upper middle -income with resource -rich country with enormous 
potential for further development.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  4.11.  Argentina is a major producer of agricultural commodities and is among the top world 
exporters.  
4.12.  Argentina is to be commen ded for its large -scale fiscal and monetary stimulus to help 
protecting businesses and consumers facing the impact of COVID -19 and to support the economic 
activity.  
4.13.  We praise Argentina for its emergency economic package and the internationalization strateg y 
which both aim at transforming the country into a value -added, innovative, and strong economy. 
We also welcome Argentina’s trade measures targeting the diversification of exports, integration 
of SMEs into export activity and international value chains an d encouraging foreign investments.  
4.14.  The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Argentina are prominent trading partners. Trade exchange 
between the two countries surpassed SAR 4.6 billion in 2020.  
4.15.  Saudi Arabia is one of our main trading partners in the Middle East. A rgentina is the second 
biggest Latin American exporter to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia exports organic chemicals, mineral 
fuels and oils, plastics and articles thereof, and fertilizers to Argentina and imports cereals, prepared 
animal feed, articles of iron or steel, oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, straw and fodder, machinery 
and mechanical appliances from Argentina.  
4.16.  Argentina, as a G20 member and an active Member in the WTO, continues to play a central 
role in the reinforcement of the multilateral trading s ystem and has been active in bilateral and 
plurilateral trade negotiations.  
4.17.  To conclude, I would like to thank Argentina for the replies that we have received this morning 
to our advance written questions and if there are any additional questions they will  be sent shortly 
after this meeting. I wish the entire delegation of Argentina a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
CANADA  
4.18.  Canada joins others in welcoming Ambassador Jorge Neme, Secretary of International 
Economic Relations, and the delegation of the Ar gentine Republic to its fifth Trade Policy Review.  
4.19.  At the outset, we would like to acknowledge Argentina's efforts to respond to the COVID -19 
pandemic's effects on its economic performance, and we applaud that Argentina's response has 
included efforts to address gender inequalities in the business sector, and this is also a priority for 
Canada.  
4.20.  In terms of participation in the WTO's work and in the multilateral trading system, Canada 
welcomes Argentina's very good notification record, including the provisi on of the second complete 
notification of quantitative restrictions early in 2021. Its co -sponsorship of the proposal to enhance 
transparency and improve notification compliance also attests to the importance Argentina places 
on the need to keep Members in formed.  
4.21.  Canada is also looking forward to continue working with Argentina in the Joint Statement 
Initiatives on e-commerce, on services domestic regulation and on investment facilitation for 
development. We also appreciate Argentina's active participation in the informal MSMEs Working 
Group.  
4.22.  We further encourage Argentina to enhance its engagement on trade and environment issues, 
and we encourage Argentina to consider joining the Trade and Environment Sustainability Structured 
Discussions.  
4.23.  In addition, we invite Argentina to give positive consideration to endorsing the Multi-Party 
Interim Appeal -Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) to safeguard its rights to binding dispute settlement 
with access to appellate  review in disputes between its participants until the Appellate Body is 
functional again.  
4.24.  This Trade Policy Review also provides an opportunity to assess whether Argentina has 
adequately addressed the concerns expressed regarding its trade polici es during the last Review WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  in 2013.Canada considers that this has unfortunately not always been the case. Some of Argentina's 
policies continue to prevent seamless international trade and investments flows and undermine 
efforts to maintain and expand an ope n and transparent trade regime.  The Trade Policy Review 
reports demonstrate Argentina's multi -layered and complex trade policy regime, including opaque 
and unpredictable approvals for imports of goods and services approval through the sworn affidavit 
proce ss for example, increases in the statistical tax on imports from 0.5% to 3.0%, imposition of 
export duties on a wide range of goods, unclear processes for obtaining currency exchange 
permissions for international trade transactions, onerous  reporting requi rements, and informal 
controls and approvals preventing free repatriation of dividends from Argentine subsidiaries to 
overseas shareholders.  
4.25.  These measures are among those that we have raised before the WTO. In this context, Canada 
calls on Argentina to reflect on the value of these measures, not just in terms of their WTO 
consistency but also in terms of their impact on the Argentine economy and citizens.  The challenging 
global economic context created by the pandemic brings a high degree of  urgency to this matter.  
4.26.  The Doing Business 2020 report of the World Bank and International Finance Corporation 
ranked Argentina 141st out of 190 countries for overall ease at doing business , down 
from 128th position in 2019. This would suggest the need fo r Argentina to take steps to improve the 
transparency of its regulatory environment in order to facilitate enterprises on which its economy 
depends.  As a group, Canadian  companie s, for example, are the largest single investors in the mining 
sector, and con tribute significantly to economic development and export growth and diversification , 
with specific impact in less developed regions . We encourage Argentina to eliminate measures that 
impede trade and in foreign investment, including the regulation of inflo ws and outflows of foreign 
currency , commonly referred to as CEPO.  
4.27.  In conclusion, Canada does value Argentina as a trading partner, and we do appreciate its 
collaboration in international fora. At the same time, Canada wishes to encourage Argentina to 
refocus its efforts on policies that enable the international flow of g oods, services and capital. We 
believe that policies aimed at expanding trad e and  investment will ultimately benefit the citizens of 
Argentina  with increased prosperity . We hope to continue working with Argentina to strengthen 
the WTO and the multilateral trading system in order to really raise living standards, promote 
sustainable development, and achieve inclusive growth.  
SWITZERLAND  
4.28.  I would like to start by extending a warm welcome to Arge ntina’s delegation led by 
H.E. Ambassador Jorge Neme. I would also  like to thank H.E. Ambassador Gloria Abraham Peralta 
(Costa Rica) for her valuable observations as a discussant, and the Secretariat for its substantive 
contribution to this review.  
4.29.  It is a great pleasure for me to take the floor on this occasion, as Arg entina represents our 
third most important trading partner in Latin America. Furthermore, negotiations for a free trade 
agreement between Switzerland and Argentina (within the framework of EFTA -MERCOSUR ) were 
concluded in substance in summer 2019. Beside e conomic and political cooperation, we have 
developed strong personal ties over time: today, Argentina is the country with the largest number 
of Swiss nationals in Latin America.  
4.30.  In recent years, Argentina has been facing a very challenging economic situati on and 
pronounced macroeconomic imbalances, as evidenced by high inflation, the continuous depreciation 
of the peso and the negative current account balance. Both exports and imports recorded a sharp 
fall between 2012 and 2019, amounting to just 68% and 62 %, respectively, of the 2012 level. 
Investments to Argentina have also shown a negative development in the recent past. In 2020, the 
gross domestic product fell by 12%. This fragile economic and social context is further significantly 
affected by the ongoi ng global pandemic.  
4.31.  At the same time, it is worth to note that the external sector has in general continued to play 
an important role in Argentina’s economy.  
4.32.  In order to stop such adverse trends and to engage on a path of sustainable economic growth, 
it is of utmost importance to ensure the best possible framework conditions for trade and investment. WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  In particular, Switzerland would like to encourage Argentina to promote economic and trade policy 
measures towards a further integration into the global econom y. 
4.33.  It is to this end, as mentioned earlier, Argentina and Switzerland have been working together 
towards the conclusion of a free trade agreement between the EFTA and M ERCOSUR  States. We 
remain committed to swiftly find solutions for the remaining outstand ing issues. Once in force, the 
Agreement will contribute to further intensify our cooperation with Argentina in future. The volume 
of bilateral trade flows between Argentina and Switzerland is already significant, amounting to 1.5  
to 2.3 billion Swiss Fran cs during the last couple of years. We would also like to recall that 
Switzerland is the 6th most important investor in Argentina (3.1 billion Swiss Francs at the end 
of 2019). Finally, many Swiss companies have a long -time presence in the country, which r eflects 
the solid basis of our economic cooperation.  
4.34.  Switzerland has submitted a number of questions in writing ahead of this trade policy review, 
in particular regarding MFN applied tariff rates, the imposition of both selective consumption taxes 
and expo rt duties, state -owned enterprises and intellectual property rights.  
4.35.  In particular, we raised concerns regarding Argentina’s applied MFN tariff rate regarding a 
number of tariff lines in the watch sector. According to our business operators, and despite th e 
assurances of Argentina, the MFN applied rate is higher than the WTO bound rate. We thank 
Argentina for its replies and further consideration of these issues.  
4.36.  We do invite Argentina to use the full potential offered by a strong and multilateral trading 
system and other trade agreements as a means to return to a sustainable growth path.  
4.37.  We thank Ambassador Jorge Neme and the Argentinian delegation for their appreciated 
contribution to the work of the WTO. We wish Argentina constructive and fruitful exchang es within 
this Trade Policy Review.  
AUSTRALIA  
4.38.  Thank you, Chair, and, quite obviously, thanks are due to Costa Rica for offering the privilege, 
and may I say to H.E. Ambassador Gloria Abraham Peralta and to the Costa Rican delegation happy 
200th birthday, H.E. Ambassador Villegas, H.E. Dr. Molokomme and H.E. Ambassador Neme in 
Buenos Aires. Australia welcomes Argentina's continued commitment to the multilateral trading 
system. Of course, this comes in the context of a very strong relationship wit h our country on many 
elements of the WTO's agenda.  
4.39.  Of course, agriculture trade is of great importance to both of our economies, and we deeply 
value Argentina's positive contribution towards continued global agricultural trade reform, including 
through it s pro-active and constructive efforts in the Cairns Group. Our collective efforts have never 
been more important as we prepare for the 12th Ministerial Conference. We look forward to 
continuing work with Argentina to achieve a meaningful outcome on agricul ture, particularly on trade 
and production -distorting domestic support entitlements.  
4.40.  Our cooperation at the WTO is not limited to agriculture. Argentina has made a constructive 
contribution to the elimination of harmful fisheries subsidies and continues ac tively to support the 
restoration of the WTO's Dispute Settlement System. We appreciate Argentina's constructive 
participation in the E -Commerce Initiative and in the Services Domestic Regulation Initiative. We 
encourage Argentina to submit its draft indic ative schedule for services as soon as possible to 
support the Initiative's progress at MC12. Even in areas where our perspectives differ, Australia 
welcomes the open and forthright manner of our exchanges, and we have welcomed Argentina's 
collaborative wo rk with us on trade -related issues of course in the G -20. 
4.41.  Australia recognizes that the Argentine economy has particularly been severely impacted by 
the pandemic. Following two years of deep recession, as you Chair and the discussant noted, there 
were welc ome signs of economic recovery early in 2020. These positive developments, however, 
reversed with the onset of the pandemic early last year. An extended period of national lockdown 
has seen Argentina prioritize private health, resulting in a further econom ic contraction over the 
course of 2020, rendering the Argentine economy 15% smaller than in 2017.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  4.42.  While contending with those difficult social and economic impacts, the Argentine Government 
has continued to make welcome progress with the Paris Club and the  IMF in rescheduling the debt 
owed to both institutions. Australia supports the Argentine Government's ongoing discussions with 
the IMF. Once an agreement is concluded, this should return the burden of Argentina's debt 
repayment to sustainable levels and p rovide an opportunity for the Government to pursue policies 
which promote sustainable growth.  
4.43.  Australia acknowledges that the difficult economic circumstances and pressures confronting 
Argentina have prompted the Government to adopt a range of heterodox po licies, including the 
re-imposition of export duties, import licensing, and currency controls. As the economy returns to 
more normal levels of activity, Australia considers the future resilience of the Argentine economy 
would benefit from the relaxation, a nd ultimate removal, of these measures.  
4.44.  Unlike policy responses to previous economic difficulties, Australia is pleased that the 
Argentine Government has recognized the important contribution of trade to economic recovery. 
While Argentina's initial policy focus is on expanding exports, Australia would welcome measures to 
facilitate imports and inward investment. Although bilateral merchandise trade has shown little 
growth in recent years, trade in services was growing substantially prior to the pandemic, an d 
productive Australian investment in Argentina has continued to grow. Greater openness and 
transparency would serve to reinforce these positive trends.  
4.45.  Similarly, Australia would welcome Argentine support for a reduction in M ERCOSUR 's Common 
External Tari ff. This would facilitate trade and encourage increased competitiveness in the Argentine 
economy.  
4.46.  We remain interested in Argentina's stance in the WTO Government Procurement Agreement 
and would welcome any indication on whether consideration is being give n to a move in this 
direction.  
4.47.  Just saying, Chair, that Australia recognizes that Argentina has faced several economic 
difficulties over the last few years, and that the COVID pandemic has reversed, we acknowledge, 
some of the progress that has been made. So, we wish Argentina well with its efforts and we wish 
it well with its responses to COVID and we encourage it to continue with the strong process of policy 
reform. We wish Argentina well with the rest of its Trade Policy Review.  
COSTA  RICA 
4.48.  On behalf of the Costa Rican delegation, I would like to welcome Ambassador  Jorge  Neme, 
Secretary for International Economic Relations and head of the delegation of Argentina; Ambassador 
Federico Villegas, Permanent Representative to the international organiz ations in Geneva, and the 
Argentine delegation and the team of the Permanent Mission based in Geneva.  
4.49.  It is a pleasure for my delegation to welcome and congratulate you on this fifth Trade Policy 
Review that you are presenting today.  
4.50.  The relationship betwe en Argentina and Costa Rica spans more than 140 years and has been 
characterized by cooperation and dialogue. Through our common interests our paths to cross in 
several areas, ranging from education, trade, tourism and agriculture to legal, tax, sports and  
investment matters.  
4.51.  For the purposes of this Trade Policy Review, my delegation would like to acknowledge the 
work by the Argentine Government, and by the WTO Secretariat, as the complex circumstances 
under which it was conducted, during a pandemic, came close to being an unprecedented event for 
this Body.  
4.52.  It should be noted that the health crisis had a strong influence, as was the case for the rest 
of the world, on Argentina's economic and social situation. However, it is also clear from both reports 
that the Government has made and continues to make significant efforts to try to stabilize its 
economy and exchange rate policy, and to give impetus to MSMEs and the innovation sector.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  4.53.  Diversifying its economy will be vital to ensuring a post -pandemic recovery , and my delegation 
would like to mention the importance of services and a progressive shift towards less dependence 
on fossil fuels as key elements in this process.  
4.54.  Generally, we should like to have, for example, more detailed data on the impact of the ge nder 
equality and sustainability policies mentioned in both reports.  
4.55.  In the WTO, we welcome Argentina's active participation in joint initiatives on e -commerce, 
services domestic regulation, MSMEs and investment facilitation. In particular, we would like t o 
encourage Argentina to circulate its draft schedule of commitments under the services domestic 
regulation initiative as soon as possible and thereby contribute to the successful conclusion of the 
negotiations at MC12.  
4.56.  Furthermore, the Costa Rican delegat ion would like to thank Argentina for the response to the 
questions we submitted, which have already been transmitted to capital and, should we have any 
further comments, we will make them through the official channels.  
4.57.  In conclusion, we would like to wish  Argentina a successful Trade Policy Review and 
congratulate its Government, as well as the WTO Secretariat for the work done to achieve this 
exemplary transparency exercise.  
EL SALVADOR  
4.58.  I would like to begin my statement by welcoming on behalf of El Salva dor the delegation of 
Argentina, led by Ambassador Neme, and to thank Ambassador Abraham Peralta for her comments. 
We also extend our greetings to Ambassador Villegas and his team in Geneva.  
4.59.  During the Trade Policy Review of Argentina, we have looked at it s economic environment 
and learned in detail about the measures taken to mitigate the impact of COVID -19 on the economy 
and incomes; something that has been a common thread through all trade policy reviews. We have 
also reviewed its trade and investment re gimes, and of particular interest to El Salvador have been 
the regional trade agreements signed by Argentina and how they interact with the economic 
integration process of the Southern Common Market.  
4.60.  Like El Salvador, Argentina is part of an economic integ ration bloc. March of this year marked 
the thirtieth anniversary of the Treaty of Asunción, which created MERCOSUR. El Salvador has taken 
particular note of Argentina's active role in the process of building MERCOSUR and how this process 
influences trade p olicy decisions, some of which are defined at the level of the bloc.  
4.61.  We also note that the "MERCOSUR Agreement on Trade Facilitation" was signed in 
December  2019, which simplifies, harmonizes and automates international trade procedures so as 
to reduce tra de friction and increase intra -regional trade exchange. This agreement has important 
parallels with the Central American Trade Facilitation Strategy that the member countries of the 
Central  American Economic Integration Subsystem adopted in 2015.  
4.62.  While it is true that, in terms of bilateral trade, in recent years trade between El  Salvador and 
Argentina has been slow, which were also affected in 2020 by the impact of the global health crisis, 
we believe that the economic recovery provides an opportu nity to invigorate trade and help it to 
grow. In 2019, El Salvador imported around USD  62.4 million worth of products from Argentina, 
while Salvadoran exports amounted to approximately USD  103,000. Imports originating from 
Argentina consisted of motor vehi cles and pharmaceutical products, while Salvadoran exports 
focused on clothing and clothing accessories and coffee.  
4.63.  As can be seen, there is room for further strengthening trade flows between El  Salvador and 
Argentina, which can help both economies to take  off and grow.  
4.64.  In the multilateral framework, we recognize Argentina's contribution to the multilateral trading 
system and its active participation in the ongoing negotiations and regular work of the Organization. 
We particularly note the impetus provided by this delegation towards achieving a tangible outcome 
in the agricultural negotiations, including on the issue of domestic support, which is of great interest WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  to our country. We look forward to continuing to work together with Argentina and other Members  
to achieve a successful Ministerial Conference.  
4.65.  Finally, I wish to thank Argentina for the replies to the questions we raised during the Review, 
which I have sent to San Salvador. I wish the delegation of Argentina every success in this exercise, 
which is  part of the transparency exercises that are essential to the smooth functioning of the 
multilateral trading system.  
SINGAPORE  
4.66.  Let me first express my appreciation to Ambassador Jorge Neme, and the delegation who are 
participating virtually from Buenos Air es. We thank Argentina for its Government report and 
statement. We also thank the Chair , Ambassador Athaliah Molokomme , the discussant , Ambassador 
Gloria Abraham Peralta of Costa Rica,  as well as the Secretariat for their insightful reports and 
statements.  Allow me to make three points.  
4.67.  First, Singapore and Argentina enjoy warm economic ties, and there is immense potential for 
our bilateral trade to grow. In 2020, bilateral trade in goods amounted to US D 260 million, which 
makes Argentina Singapore’s 5th la rgest trading partner in Latin America. Despite the COVID -19 
pandemic, this represented a year -on-year increase of 26%.4 Argentina is a member of the Southern 
Common Market (MERCOSUR), with whom Singapore is currently negotiating 
the MERCOSUR -Singapore Free Trade Agreement (MCSFTA). When concluded, this agreement will 
avail new opportunities and boost the economic links bet ween our businesses and peoples.  
4.68.  Second , Singapore is encouraged by Argentina’s efforts to promote digital transformation in 
the economy. Through its “Digital Agenda 2030”, Argentina has formulated various strategies, 
including (a) updating ICT regulation s with regard to data protection, (b) expanding broadband 
coverage and increasing data transfer speeds, and (c) advancing digital literacy. All these will 
position Argentina to embrace the digital transformation and re -configure its economy for the future.  
We also applaud Argentina for promoting digital adoption amongst its businesses, in particular, small 
and medium enterprises (SMEs). For example, in 2018, the National Institute of Industrial 
Technology launched the SME Digital Transformation Programme 4. 0, and the Ministry of Productive 
Development created a public -private digital support network in 2020. Overall, these initiatives will 
enable the development of a more resilient economy, expand opportunities in the digital economy, 
and help build the foun dation for post -pandemic economic recovery and future growth.  
4.69.  Third, on the multilateral front, Argentina has been a steadfast supporter of the WTO. 
Argentina is a founding Member of the WTO and was an active and constructive participant in the 
discussion s for the successful conclusion of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA). Notably, 
Argentina has currently applied 97.5% of the provisions of the TFA and had notified the WTO that it 
will comply with the rest of the provisions before 2023, including on  advance rulings and its single 
window.  
4.70.  In addition, Argentina’s active participation in plurilaterals  such as the Joint Statement 
Initiatives (JSIs) is a further testament of its commitment to the WTO. Singapore would like to 
encourage Argentina to consider elevating its status as an observer to become a party to the 
Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) , given the importance of establishing open, fair and 
transparent conditions of competition in government procurement processes.  
4.71.  In conclusion, Singapore looks forward to deepening bilateral economic engagement with 
Argentina  and enhancing our collaboratio n at the WTO. We wish the Argentina every success for its 
fifth TPR. 
BRAZIL 
4.72.  I would like to extend warm greetings to the delegation of Argentina, led by 
Ambassador  Jorge  Neme . I would also like to thank Ambassador Federico Villegas and his team in 
 
4 Singapore’s imports from Argentina amounted to S$125 million (+38.2% y -o-y). Top imports included 
petroleum oils, lubrication oils, and frozen meat. Singapore’s exports to Argentina amounted to S$215 million 
(+20.3% y -o-y). Top exports included insecticides, chemicals, vehicle bumpers, gas turbine parts and batteries.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  Geneva. I thank Argentina and the Secretariat for their reports, the discussant, Ambassador 
Gloria  Peralta, for her observations, and you, Madam Chair, for your introductory remarks.  
4.73.  Argentina and Brazil have a strategic relationship, reflected in a partnership that transcends 
trade. At the regional level, we are members of MERCOSUR, the South American bloc that together 
represents a consumer market of 295  million inhabitants, which s erves as the pillar for the 
competitive integration of our productive sectors in the global economy.  
4.74.  The most recent data continue to demonstrate the importance of our bilateral trade. In the 
first seven months of 2021, Brazil remained the main destination  for Argentine exports 
(USD  5.9 billion), followed by China and the United States. Argentine imports mainly originated from 
Brazil and China (USD  6.88 billion each). The bilateral trade flow shows a profile of more 
value -added goods, which is an indication  of the high level of integration between our industries.  
4.75.  On a very positive note, I would like to point out that, at a meeting held on 9  March, the 
ministers of agriculture of Argentina and Brazil managed to resolve most of the outstanding issues 
between the two countries in the agricultural sector. This work had begun in February  2020 and 
gave renewed impetus to the bilateral agricultural agenda.  
4.76.  Argentina continues to demonstrate its belief in the guiding principles of the multilateral 
trading system. It  plays an active role in the activities of the WTO councils and committees. In 
negotiations, Argentina and Brazil share the view that disciplines and commitments leading to the 
reduction or elimination of historical distortions in agriculture must be part of any negotiating efforts. 
Like Brazil, Argentina attaches priority to the successful conclusion of negotiations on fisheries 
subsidies. We also take part in the joint initiatives launched in Buenos Aires on electronic commerce, 
the integration of SMEs in to international trade, investment facilitation and the domestic regulation 
of services.  
4.77.  Brazil stands ready to work with Argentina on all WTO fronts, motivated by the vision of 
making trade an instrument for the prosperity of our peoples and the strengthe ning of the ties 
between our sister nations.  
4.78.  Allow me to conclude by thanking the delegation of Argentina for the replies to Brazil's 
questions, which have been forwarded to our capital for consideration and follow -up. We wish 
Argentina a most productive T rade Policy Review.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.79.  I am pleased to deliver a statement on behalf of the European Union on the occasion of the 
5th Trade Policy Review of Argentina. Firstly, let me welcome the Argentinian delegation led by 
Mr Jorge Neme , Secretary for Inter national Economic Relations. I would also like to thank the WTO 
Secretariat and the Government of Argentina for their reports. Finally, our appreciation goes to 
Ambassador Gloria Peralta for her remarks.  
4.80.  Argentina is, like the EU, a firm believer in multi lateralism and we appreciate its contribution 
to the work of this Organization. Argentina hosted our last Ministerial Conference in 2017, when the 
Organi zation was able to take a qualitative step forward by launching so -called joint initiatives on 
e-commer ce, MSMEs, investment facilitation and domestic regulation in services. For the near future, 
we look forward to receiving Argentina’s draft schedule in the context of the JSI on domestic 
regulation. This would be a welcome contribution towards a successful  conclusion of negotiations 
ahead of MC12.  
4.81.  The EU is committed to achieving concrete results at the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference 
in December. Both the economic and political backdrops to this year’s conference are extremely 
challenging. We need to cha rt the right path for our Organization and show that trade policy can 
help to fight the pandemic, drive the economic recovery, and contribute to integrating sustainability 
into our economic policies. The EU is looking forward to working with Argentina to m ake this year’s 
conference a success. Success is not a given and we count on your help, Secretary Neme.  
4.82.  Argentina and the EU are connected by a myriad of ties, including deep historic, family and 
cultural links, which are reflected in the depth of our eco nomic relations. Outside of MERCOSUR , WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  the EU has been Argentina’s first trading partner for decades. We import and export between EUR 7 
and EUR 10 billion of goods each year, with a small surplus for the EU. The EU is also a major 
provider of foreign direct investment to Argentina, with stocks worth an estimated EUR 38 billion.  
4.83.  There is great potential to further develop our trade and investment relationship and we 
concluded our negotiations to establish an EU –MERCOSUR  Association Agreement in 2019. This is 
the EU’s most important free trade agreement awaiting parliamentary ratification, and it will provide 
significant market access benefits for b oth sides while building on a number of WTO disciplines.  
4.84.  Today’s review takes place against the background of the COVID -19 pandemic, which has had 
– in addition to its tragic health cost – an important economic impact on patterns of supply and 
demand. You  have had more than your share of lockdowns in Argentina. Fortunately, international 
demand for agricultural commodities was affected less than for capital or industrial goods, which 
means that external trade has been able to provide an important bulwark a gainst further economic 
strain. Argentina faces severe economic headwinds due to its debt situation and a recession that 
predates the pandemic. Nonetheless, Argentina continues to be an agricultural powerhouse, an 
emerging player in the digital economy, en dowed with vast natural resources, and above all a 
creative, well -educated and hard -working population.  
4.85.  Most of us present here today in the WTO believe that trade contributes to employment and 
prosperity, and that it can, and indeed should, take go hand i n hand with decent working conditions 
and high levels of protection of the environment. We have many companies in the EU that want to 
do business in Argentina and invest and help further reali ze Argentina’s potential.  
4.86.  It is in this field that the Secretar iat report reveals several business obstacles and trade 
irritants that create legal uncertainty and pose concern for the EU. I am reminded Argentina had the 
highest standards of living anywhere on our planet in the first half of the twentieth century,  so it 
definitely has the potential to be one of the most developed economies in the world.  
4.87.  Unfortunately today, there are policies such as price controls, restricted access to foreign 
exchange, export taxes and non -automatic import licenses described in the S ecretariat’s report. 
These impose real constraints on the ability of the private sector, and specifically of European 
companies and investors, to contribute to Argentina’s economic development and moderni zation. 
Our concerns are not only about the existenc e of some of the measures but also about the way in 
which they are implemented. We would encourage Argentina to avoid taking measures with short 
notices and for their implementation to be carried out with greater administrative transparency and 
stability. This applies at both domestic and international levels. For instance, in the context of the 
current focus on the need to improve transparency in agriculture, in particular as part of the 
negotiations for the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference, the EU encourag es Argentina to consider 
greater transparency in notifying agricultural export restrictions and prohibitions to the WTO.  
4.88.  As regards government procurement, the EU underlines the long -term benefits for Argentina’s 
economy that would arise if foreign compani es were able to compete on an equal footing with 
domestic companies, as a means to ensure the acquisition of the best quality goods and services at 
the best price. Other members of MERCOSUR  have taken the jump and started serious negotiations 
to join the W TO’s GPA, and we would invite Argentina to consider this too.  
4.89.  Finally, the EU would also encourage Argentina to strengthen its intellectual property regime, 
and in particular its enforcement, as a means to help bolster both domestic and international 
investment in the production of high -value goods and services.  
4.90.  I hope that through our collective insights and responses in this TPR we can contribute to a 
reflection in Argentina on the best way forward, one that is in the long -term both in the interest of 
Argentina and its trading partners. We wish Argentina every success in this TPR and subsequent 
steps.  
UNITED  KINGDOM  
4.91.  I’d like to join others in welcoming the delegation of Argentina, led by his Excellency 
Ambassador Jorge Neme, Secretary for International Economic Relations in Buenos Aires and the 
Argentine colleagues in Geneva.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  4.92.  Let me also express our gratitude to the W TO Secretariat for the reports and to Ambassador 
Peralta for her invaluable insights, and to you Chair for facilitating the meeting today.  
4.93.  We very much welcome the opportunity to record Argentina’s achievements, as well as 
considering the opportunities for  further development in Argentina’s trade policy so that we can 
collaborate even more effectively in the future.  
4.94.  And looking back over the period since Argentina’s last review, firstly like to acknowledge 
Argentina’s laudable hosting of MC11, typical of A rgentina’s commitment to the GATT and now to 
the WTO.  
4.95.  We also welcome the ratification and acceptance by Argentina of the Protocol concerning 
the WTO Trade Facilitation the (TFA), the Protocol amending the Agreement on Trade -Related 
Aspects of Intellectua l Property Rights (TRIPS), and the Fourth Protocol on Telecommunications 
annexed to the General Agreement on Trade in Services.  
4.96.  Looking more to the present, I’d like to very much welcome Argentina’s active participation 
at the WTO in the joint initiatives on e-commerce, the integration of MSMEs in international trade  
– for all the reasons stated by the Ambassador about the nature and the character of the Argentine 
economy – investment facilitation and services domestic regulation: all vital initiatives whi ch cover 
topics of great interest for all our businesses, and which we think bring much -needed new dynamism 
to our discussions here at the WTO, as we try to ensure that the WTO is not only back in business 
but also backing business.  
4.97.  The Ambassador rightly  referred to the challenges facing Argentina like many other countries 
in confronting the pandemic, and we would like to commend Argentina for their work in ensuring 
that essential supply chains remained open over the last 18 months. And as a fellow G20 me mber, 
we welcome Argentina’s commitment in the March 2020 G20 Trade Ministers Statement to ensure 
any emergency measures designed to tackle the pandemic be targeted, proportionate, transparent, 
and temporary. We look forward to continuing to work with Arge ntina and other WTO Members to 
strengthen the resilience of global medical supply chains, including through the Trade and Health 
Initiative.  
4.98.  The pandemic has , of course , as we have discussed elsewhere , highlighted the importance of 
cross-border healthcare cooperation between partner countries. In particular, we would like to 
welcome and recogni ze Argentina’s collaboration with AstraZeneca to produce and supply vaccines 
across the world. We believe this example of Anglo -Argentine collaboration could be extended to 
other areas going forward.  
4.99.  However, we believe that this collaboration could be strengthened yet further if Argentina 
resolved to continue economic reforms in some key areas.  
4.100.   First, in regard to  excessive regulatory requirements for businesses, I think this is highlighted 
by some of the changes made to Argentina’s rules on capital controls that in our review do result in 
an unnecessary administrative burden for companies. We understand that busin esses now must 
seek authori zation from the Central Bank of Argentina to access foreign currencies to pay for 
imported goods or services. So , like many of our partners at the WTO, we are always looking to 
expand the opportunities for our businesses to opera te effectively and successfully in Argentina and 
restricting access to foreign exchanges inhibits British businesses’ ability to do that. We are hopeful 
that these measures can be phased out in the near future as the economic situation improves.  
4.101.   Secondly, we are hopeful that this Trade Policy Review can drive change with regard to 
Argentina’s rules on import licensing. The Secretariat highlights in the report the growing impact of 
non-automatic import licences since Argentina’s last Review. The report notes  that in 2020, 
non-automatic licences were required for about 14% of all tariff lines. This was a big increase on the 
numbers for 2012, when only 6% of tariff lines were subject to such licensing. In addition, these 
processes can be unclear to foreign busi nesses and often exceed the 60 -day limit set out in the WTO 
Agreement on Import Licensing. This has remained an issue for British exporters to Argentina for 
several years, affecting a range of industries including automotive, footwear and manufacturing. We  
remain concerned that this measure will continue affecting these sectors and we would encourage 
our Argentine friends to consider the consequences that the growing use of non -automatic import WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  licensing has on the international flow of goods, as well as th e impact these measures have on their 
own economy.  
4.102.   We submitted written questions to Argentina on a range of topics, and I’d like to thank our 
Argentine colleagues for their responses to those questions. We will review these carefully with a 
view to having  constructive discussions aimed at enhancing the flourishing bilateral trading 
relationship between our two great countries.  
REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.103.   I would like to extend a warm welcome to the delegates who are in Geneva, as well as 
Buenos Aires, for the  fifth Trade Policy Review of Argentina. In particular, I would like to thank 
Ambassador Jorge Neme for his comprehensive presentation. My special appreciation also goes to 
Ambassador Abram Peralta for her contribution as today’s discussant and Ambassador Federic o 
Villegas and his team for their hard work.  
4.104.   We note that Argentina has shown an average annual decline of 1.5% in real GDP during the 
review period due to the contraction of overall domestic demand.  
4.105.   The Argentine economy recorded high levels of inflatio n and external debt, along with a 
strong pressure on the exchange rate.  
4.106.   The contraction in GDP and subsequent decline in income per capita are due partly to the 
measures adopted to contain inflation and to the increase in the fiscal deficit and public debt . 
4.107.   Unfortunately, the economic situation has worsened by the health crisis, leading to a fall 
of GDP by 9.9% in 2020 and a rise in unemployment rate to 11%.  
4.108.   Regarding international trade, Argentine exports of goods fell at an annual average rate of 
4.6% and  imports decreased at an annual average rate of 5.7%.  
4.109.   Argentina’s export depends on agricultural products, which continued to be its leading item, 
accounting for 63.3% of total exports in 2020.  
4.110.   We note that Argentina’s trade policy seeks to boost the count ry’s participation in 
international trade by increasing and diversifying exports through SMEs’ activities, international 
value chains, and gender equality.  
4.111.   During the period under review, to address its economic weaknesses, and , in particular , to 
overcome the health crisis, Argentina made an active use of monetary, exchange rate, and fiscal 
policies. Also utilized were a number of trade policy instruments including registration requirements 
for imports and exports, import licensing, and export taxes.  
4.112.   As the  Secretariat’s report pointed out, Argentina’s trade policy measures include objectives 
for both the long -term (i.e., growth and economic development) and the short  term (i.e., greater 
fiscal revenue, containment of inflation, or maintenance of the balance  of payments equilibrium). In 
this regard, the measures may end up further complicating the trade regime by making it less 
predictable and undermine the effectiveness of certain policies.  
4.113.   As Argentina is a founding Member of the WTO and grants, Argentina a dvocates the reduction 
of restrictions and distortions in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.  
4.114.   We are also aware that Argentina has ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the 
Protocol Amending the TRIPs Agreement but is still an observer in the C ommittee on Government 
Procurement.  
4.115.   Also, Argentina is a founding member of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), which 
aims to boost international trade in the region.  
4.116.   In terms of bilateral relations, Korea welcomes that the Korean -MERCOSUR  FTA negotiation, 
which was suspended due to the pandemic, has resumed. We hope that the negotiation will go.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  4.117.   My delegation has submitted written questions, such as regarding non -automatic import 
licenses for cosmetics, the issues of transferring foreign c urrency abroad, and the difficulty of 
registering on the simplified system for medical devices and drugs.  
4.118.   We appreciate Argentina’s response which we will forward to our headquarters for review.  
4.119.   Korea would like to once again recognize Argentina’s efforts to improve the trading 
environment. Let me conclude by expressing my deep appreciation to the delegation of Argentina 
for its hard work and wishing the delegation every success in this 5th TPR.  
MALAYSIA  
4.120.   Malaysia is pleased to take part in this fifth Trade Policy Review of Argentina.  
4.121.   Firstly, we would like to extend a warm welcome to Ambassador Jorge Neme, Secretary for 
International Economic Relations and his delegation to its fifth Trade Policy Review. Our appreciation 
also goes to the Secretariat for thei r effort in preparing the comprehensive review reports, and the 
discussant, Ambassador Gloria Abraham Peralta of Costa Rica , for her insightful comments.  
4.122.   Under the review period we can observe the two phases of Argentina’s economic 
development. Significant  reforms have been undertaken since 2015 to strengthen its economic 
growth and well -being of the people. Nevertheless, we note that the 2018 Argentine monetary crisis 
has been worsened by the COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.123.   We also note that Argentina continues to ado pt a liberal foreign policy which aims to enhance 
its trade and investment liberali zation through bilateral, regional and plurilateral initiatives. These 
initiatives should remain complementary to the multilateral trading system.  
4.124.   In this respect, we appla ud the substantial support and efforts shown by Argentina at the 
multilateral front, such as hosting the 11th Ministerial Conference (MC11) in 2017, ratifying the WTO 
Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in 2018, and supporting efforts to remedy the impasse of the 
Appellate Body (AB). Malaysia notes that during Argentina’s G20 presidency, the Summit adopted a 
Declaration focusing on four (4) key priorities to build a positive global trade agenda and to reconfirm 
political support among G20 leaders on the WTO reforms to improve its efficiency and functioning. 
It is certainly our hope that this positive spirit would continue during the ongoing negotiations and 
deliver more credible outcomes by the MC12 this year.  
4.125.   We also appreciate Argentina’s active participati on in the discussion on new and emerging 
issues in the WTO and its contribution in the Joint Statement Initiatives on E -Commerce, Investment 
Facilitation for Development, Services Domestic Regulation, and the Informal Working Group on 
Micro, Small and Medi um-sized Enterprises (MSMEs).  
4.126.   The Malaysia -Argentina bilateral trade relation has expanded over the years. In 2020, 
Argentina was Malaysia’s 32nd largest trading partner, to be more specific, among the Latin 
American countries, Argentina was Malaysia’s 3r d largest trading partner, both as an export 
destination, as well as source of imports. In 2020, Malaysia’s total trade with Argentina increased 
by 14.6% to USD  1.35 billion compared with USD  1.20 billion in 2019. On investment, as of 
March  2021 a total of  3 manufacturing projects with participation of Argentine investment have been 
approved by Malaysia worth USD  17.21 million, with 518 employment opportunities.  
4.127.   For this current review, Malaysia had submitted written questions on areas such as sectoral 
performance, fiscal policy, government procurement, and investment. In general, Malaysia looks 
forward to obtain further clarification in terms of initiatives undertaken, rules and procedures for 
agriculture and food products, particularly in the post -COVID pe riod. 
4.128.   Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the delegation of Argentina for 
responding to our questions and we shall examine the responses with great interest.  
4.129.   We wish the delegation of Argentina a productive and successful fifth Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  CHINA  
4.130.   Let me start by extending our warm welcome to the Argentine delegation led by 
H.E. Ambassador Jorge Neme , Secretary for International Economic Relations, Ministry of Foreign 
Affairs. In the meantime, we would like to express our appreciation to Ambassador Gloria Abraham 
Peralta for her insightful observations and valuable comments as the discussant. I would also like to 
thank the Chair and the Secretariat for their efforts to make this Review happen.  
4.131.   We commend Argentina for its continued policy reforms to embrace international trade by 
diversifying and boosting exports, as well as by integrating SMEs into ex port activities and global 
value chains during the review period.  
4.132.   It is applaudable that Argentina improves its trade and investment environment by various 
means. As stated in the Secretariat report, regulatory measures are adopted to reduce transport 
costs; In this regard, a Port Community System is implemented to improve logistics at ports. With 
all these measures and efforts by Argentina, we are pleased to see that container handling costs are 
reduced by 60% in Argentina.  
4.133.   China highly commends Argentina 's firm support for the WTO and the rules -based 
multilateral trading system. Particularly, Argentina hosting the 11th Ministerial Conference in 2017, 
highlighted Argentina’s commitment to this Organization and its active role in the WTO.  
4.134.   China recognizes A rgentina's constructive participation in the WTO work, especially its active 
participation in the joint initiatives on Investment Facilitation for Development, E -commerce, and 
Services Domestic Regulation.  
4.135.   China welcomes the current 97.5% implementation o f provisions of the WTO Trade 
Facilitation Agreement by Argentina and encourages Argentina to come to full implementation as 
early as possible.  
4.136.   Bilaterally, China and Argentina are set afar geographically, but tied economically close 
through strong trade and investment flows. Argentina is now the sixth -biggest trading partner to 
China in Latin America, and China is the second  biggest trading partner to Argentina in the world. 
During the first seven months of 2021, the bilateral trade increased 20.8% to rea ch USD 8.76 billion. 
China’s total direct investment to Argentina reached USD 330 million in 2020. We look forward to 
further strengthening the trade and investment cooperation in all possible ways with Argentina.  
4.137.   To that end, China encourages Argentina to  further improve its trade and investment policies 
and measures. On investment regime, concerns have been raised about restrictions on foreign 
investors’ purchase, use and outward remittance of foreign exchange, as well as the restrictions on 
transferring profits abroad by foreign -invested enterprises. On trade policy, we emphasize the 
importance of transparency and predictability.  
4.138.   As Argentina is an important agricultural export member and an active supporter of 
agricultural liberalization, we encourage Ar gentina to use export restrictions as the last choice to 
address domestic problems, and we suggest a review mechanism for such export measures should 
be adopted to ensure that the export restrictions would be withdrawn when they fail to meet policy 
objecti ves or the situation changes.  
4.139.   For the purpose of this review, China has submitted questions to Argentina covering mainly 
foreign investment regime and trade policies. We thank Argentina for the response, and we will 
review it by the capital.  
4.140.   Finally, I wish the Trade Policy Review a g reat success.  
MEXICO 
4.141.   The delegation of Mexico warmly welcomes the delegation of Argentina, led by distinguished 
Ambassador Jorge Neme, Secretary for International Economic Relations in the Ministry of 
External  Affairs, International Trade and Worship.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  4.142.   We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and highlight the very active and 
constructive efforts deployed by the team from the Mission of Argentina, led by 
Ambassador  Federico  Villegas, in the work of this Organization. This was evident in their o rganization 
of the last Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires and as pioneers in the joint initiatives on 
investment facilitation and MSMEs.  
4.143.   Argentina is a strategic trade partner for Mexico in Latin America and the Caribbean, with 
trade worth USD  1.562  million in 2019. In addition, it ranks as Mexico's seventh largest trading 
partner in the region. It also has a leading role in this region as, together with my country and Brazil, 
it represents Latin America in the Group of 20 (G20).  
4.144.   Mexico and Argentina, as Latin American countries, share common features, and both belong 
to the Latin American Integration Association (LAIA), the largest Latin American integration group. 
Within this setting, we have close interaction in initiatives to facilitate trade in our  region.  
4.145.   Moreover, LAIA's legal structure includes strong subregional, plurilateral and bilateral 
agreements. As a result, we engage in ongoing dialogues to strengthen our bilateral economic 
relationship, through the expansion of the Economic Complementati on Agreements concluded under 
the auspices of the Association.  
4.146.   More recently, convinced of the importance of economic and regional integration, and willing 
to expand trade relations, investment and cooperation, we have further strengthened our trade 
relationship as part of the Pacific Alliance with Argentina, as an observer country, as well as between 
the Pacific Alliance and MERCOSUR, to promote trade and integration in both blocs.  
4.147.   Argentina is one of the largest economies in Latin America, and one of the world's leading 
exporters of agricultural products, ranking as the world's tenth largest exporter, with important 
value chains for various products in this sector contributing significantly to its economy.  
4.148.   Although the review period was relatively difficul t for Argentina in economic terms, with, 
among other issues, high levels of inflation and foreign debt, as well as negative growth rates, the 
external sector has continued to play a key role in Argentina. While there has been a fall in goods 
exports, along  with the economy in general, they have helped to sustain the balance of payments 
and prevent a further decline in GDP.  
4.149.   The agro -industrial sector is highly important for the Argentine economy and the main source 
of foreign exchange. During the review peri od, and as was the case in the periods analysed in the 
two previous reviews, the productive sectors linked to exports recorded the best performance.  
4.150.   The services sector also stands out for the value -added it generates in the Argentine 
economy, with its sha re of GDP being around 62%. Mexico congratulates Argentina on the adoption 
of its Digital Agenda 2030 to facilitate the country's digital transformation, which, among other 
strategies, includes: digitizing processes and expanding broadband coverage and cap acity, as well 
as increasing data transmission and promoting the digital economy.  
4.151.   My delegation also applauds Argentina's efforts to incorporate digital technologies into the 
production and management processes of enterprises, especially those of SMEs, in order to create 
a digital environment for enterprises.  
4.152.   Regarding tariffs, according to the Secretariat's report, some applied tariffs appear to be 
higher than the bound levels. This situation is of concern to Mexico because of the apparent lack of  
compliance with a basic principle of our Organization.  
4.153.   We are concerned about the substantial increase in the entire Customs Tariff subject to 
non-automatic licensing, from 606 tariff lines in 2012, to 1,469 in 2020, slightly more than doubling 
over the r eview period.  
4.154.   My delegation would like to congratulate Argentina on its efforts to create the Foreign Trade 
Single Window and the National Trade Facilitation Committee, as well as on the implementation of 
the Authorized Economic Operator scheme. However, i t would draw attention to the fact that this 
committee is still not functioning.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  4.155.   As for sectoral incentives, Argentina implements programmes to promote investment, 
production, employment, innovation and competitiveness in certain sectors, specifically the 
automotive sector. My delegation would like to have more information on the requirements under 
the law for the regime to strengthen the automotive sector, and how they are framed by the 
Agreement on Trade -Related Investment Measures.  
4.156.   Mexico and Argentina a re Members of the Joint Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation, 
and we welcome the progress made in negotiating the disciplines in this initiative.  
4.157.   My delegation is committed to continuing to work on outstanding issues, and the process of 
sharing draft  schedules is key to advancing the negotiating process. We therefore urge Argentina to 
submit its draft schedule soon.  
4.158.   Mexico also encourages all WTO Members to participate in order to improve the regulatory 
environment for trade in services globally.  
4.159.   Finally, I conclude by thanking Argentina in advance for the replies to the questions raised 
by my delegation and to the additional questions we sent today on services. We wish the Argentine 
delegation every success in this Trade Policy Review.  
CHILE  
4.160.   We extend  our warmest greetings to the delegation of Argentina, led by the Secretary for 
International Economic Relations, Ambassador Jorge Neme. We also extend special greetings to our 
friend, Ambassador Federico Villegas, to Josefina and the Mission's team, with whom we work closely 
in different areas within this Organization.  
4.161.   We appreciate the work carried out, both by the Secretariat and the Government of 
Argentina, for this review, as well as the analyses and background information contained in the 
reports, and  we congratulate the Permanent Representative of Costa Rica, our friend 
Ambassador  Gloria Abraham Peralta.  
4.162.   We also thank Argentina for its replies to our questions.  
4.163.   History has united Chile and Argentina since the dawn of independence. Our bilateral 
relationship is based on a premise of integration, cooperation and the building of solid, stable and 
predictable ties.  
4.164.   This vision includes the commitment and joint efforts to strengthen regional integration 
processes and multilateralism.  
4.165.    Econom ic and trade relations represent one of the most dynamic and bilateral growth areas 
and have enormous potential, given the high level of complementarity between the economies of 
the two countries.  
4.166.   When democracy was restored in Chile, Argentina was the fir st country with which we signed 
a trade agreement in 1991. Subsequently, Chile entered into the Economic Complementarity 
Agreement with MERCOSUR, which enabled us to obtain associate member status with the bloc.  
4.167.   Later, in May  2019, the trade agreement betw een the two countries entered into force, 
complementing the trade liberalization of goods, achieved under the aforementioned agreements 
and incorporating new topics of the twenty -first century trade agenda, such as trade facilitation, 
electronic commerce, the environment, telecommunications, and entrepreneurs and MSMEs. It is 
worth noting that, based on this new agreement, roaming charges for mobile phone users connecting 
in the other country were eliminated. We also have an important agenda on gender and t rade, as 
well as MSMEs. Another milestone to highlight is the signing of the Mutual Recognition Agreement 
on Digital Signature Certification in November  2017.  
4.168.   Argentina is Chile's second largest trading partner in the region and the sixth largest in the 
world. In 2020, trade reached almost USD  4 billion (USD  3.930  million), with the trade balance being 
largely in favour of our neighbouring country, our exports representing a fifth of what we import WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  from Argentina. Some USD  618 million of this amount corresp onds to exports from Chile to 
Argentina, the main products being: refined copper wire, salmon, avocados, tomato puree and 
tomato juice, and multilayer cardboard. In turn, Argentina exported USD  3.312  million to Chile 
during the same year, corresponding pri marily to maize for consumption, gas, light trucks, 
sunflower -seed oil, wheat and beef.  
4.169.   In terms of investment, Argentina is the fourth largest destination for Chilean direct 
investment in the world, with an accumulated investment of USD  18.233  million for  the period 
1990-2019. These investments generate more than 125,000 jobs and are concentrated in the 
services sector (37.5%), followed by the industrial sector (22.8%), energy (21.5%), 
agriculture/forestry (9.2%) and mining (8.9%). Meanwhile, according to data from the 
Banco  Central  de Chile , the stock of Argentine investment in Chile, until 2019, amounted to 
USD 6.396  million.  
4.170.   In the WTO, both countries agree on the importance of ensuring an open, transparent and 
rules-based multilateral system. We also ac tively support the ongoing negotiations, such as in 
agriculture, where we would like to move forward in the liberalization of agricultural trade and are 
seeking an ambitious outcome for the next Ministerial Conference. The same for fisheries subsidies. 
We also share views about the regular work of the various councils and committees, and our interests 
also converge in other areas of work, such as investment facilitation for development. On services 
domestic regulation, we encourage Argentina to circulate it s indicative draft schedule soon.  
4.171.   With respect to the reports submitted, we note with concern Argentina's restrictions on 
access to the foreign exchange market and the withholding taxes imposed on exports. We 
understand the objectives pursued with these me asures, but we encourage Argentina to seek 
alternative means which, while serving the same purpose, are more efficient and less burdensome 
for operators in the Argentine market, including foreign investors.  
4.172.   We also note other opportunities for improvement in monetary, exchange rate, fiscal, and 
trade policies, which would be in keeping with the spirit of simplification and predictability.  
4.173.   In conclusion, we would like to reiterate our interest in continuing to work with Argentina, 
within the various bodies o f our Organization, and we wish every success to this Member in its fifth 
Trade Policy Review.  
URUGUAY  
4.174.   Uruguay wishes to extend a most warm welcome to the delegation of Argentina, led by 
Ambassador Jorge Neme, Secretary for International Economic Relations  in the Ministry of 
External  Affairs, International Trade and Worship, on the occasion of its fifth Trade Policy Review. 
We also thank Ambassador Gloria Abraham Peralta for her presentation, and the Secretariat for its 
high-quality report.  
4.175.   Due to our geogr aphical location and common history, there are economic, political, cultural, 
social, migratory and even sporting factors that make Uruguay's relations with Argentina strong and 
close, and we have ties of deep friendship and cooperation between our two cou ntries.  
4.176.   Argentina is one of Uruguay's most important trading partners, with a bilateral trade in goods 
exceeding USD  1.3 billion (2020). Specifically, it is an important destination market for Uruguayan 
goods, ranking fourth in terms of foreign sales, and an important supplier, ranked as the third market 
of origin of Uruguayan imports.  
4.177.   Between 2013 and 2020, exports and imports of goods fell by 29% and 39% respectively. 
However, Argentina continues to be a key partner for the positioning of high  value -added  and 
labour -intensive goods (particularly in sectors such as chemicals and plastics).  
4.178.   Argentina is also a key partner in trade in services, particularly tourism. This sector, of high 
importance for the country, accounted for 33% of total services exports i n 2019.  
4.179.   In terms of investments, Argentina is a key player in the development of projects in the 
country. In 2019, it ranked second in Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Uruguay, providing 15%  of WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  total funds invested. In that regard, during 2019, Argentin a was also ranked second in terms of the 
total number of projects promoted within the scope of the Investment Law Application Commission 
of Uruguay.  
4.180.   As regards multilateral agricultural negotiations, Uruguay and Argentina have a 
long-standing cooperative p artnership. This cooperation dates back to the establishment of the 
Cairns Group in 1986, during the launch of the Uruguay Round negotiations. Both countries advocate 
a genuine, extensive and effective reform of agricultural trade in all three WTO pillars,  and in this 
connection we have co -sponsored specific proposals on market access and domestic support 
for MC12.  
4.181.   Our two countries have a shared vision of the role played by non -tariff barriers in 
international trade in agricultural products, and are commit ted to full implementation of the 
WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. That is why we are also co -sponsoring a 
draft Ministerial declaration for MC12 aimed at responding to the challenges of the 21st century in 
the area of SPS.  
4.182.   Our countri es are also in full agreement as to the negotiations for the reform of fisheries 
subsidies, particularly those encouraging illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and promoting 
overcapacity and overfishing.  
4.183.   We also share interests in, and the objective of, achieving outcomes at the next 
Ministerial  Conference as part of the plurilateral initiatives on services domestic regulation, electronic 
commerce, investment facilitation, and in the informal group on MSMEs.  
4.184.   Uruguay's relationship with Argen tina has the special setting of MERCOSUR, which has 
enabled the promotion of subregional value chains in certain sectors, increased trade in services and 
the promotion of investments. It has also led to progress being made, during the review period, in 
the creation of community tools for trade facilitation. However, Uruguay believes that there is still 
room to move forward towards greater certainty and predictability to allow the full development of 
existing potential in the economic and trade relations bet ween the two countries.  
4.185.   We would like to highlight the role played by Argentina as a partner and founding member 
of MERCOSUR, our regional integration system, which is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary this 
year. During the past six months and under Ar gentina's pro tempore  presidency, a vast agenda of 
activities was organized to celebrate this occasion, as well as to move the bloc's regular agenda 
forward.  
4.186.   Since its creation, Uruguay has aspired to make MERCOSUR the key platform for integrating 
the regi on into global trade flows. To do so, it will be necessary to update, modernize and adapt it 
to the new needs arising from a changing international context.  
4.187.   Cooperation in MERCOSUR has not been limited to trade issues. In this regard, special 
mention shoul d be made of the MERCOSUR Structural Convergence Fund (FOCEM), which was 
established as an international cooperation mechanism to reduce imbalances between members, 
particularly for the benefit of the smaller economies and less -developed regions of the blo c. 
4.188.   It is precisely within the framework of FOCEM that our countries have worked jointly in the 
fight against COVID -19, through the plurinational project "Research, Education and Biotechnologies 
applied to Health", approved in 2011, which involves Argentina , Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. 
In 2020, additional funds were approved for this project, to be specifically allocated to the fight 
against COVID -19, which our countries have used to strengthen their respective science and 
technology systems in this task, including their diagnostic abilities.  
4.189.   Uruguay would like to highlight that Argentina, as part of its internationalization strategy, 
considers that women's empowerment should be given even more prominence, as it has a direct 
impact on the country's developm ent and growth. Uruguay shares this view.  
4.190.   In conclusion, we would like to reiterate our appreciation of this latest exercise in the sharing 
of Argentina's trade practices, while congratulating the team from the Argentine Mission in Geneva, WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  led by Ambassador Federico Villegas, on its work and activ e participation in this Organization. We 
would like to wish it a successful conclusion of this Review.  
DOMINICAN  REPUBLIC  
4.191.   First of all, we would like to welcome H.E.  Jorge Neme, Secretary for International Economic 
Relations in the Ministry of External Aff airs, International Trade and Worship, and his delegation, 
especially Ambassador Federico Villegas, Permanent Representative of Argentina to the WTO.  
4.192.   We also congratulate the discussant, H.E.  Gloria Abraham, Ambassador of Costa Rica, and 
the Secretariat fo r the preparation of the Report.  
4.193.   The Dominican Republic and Argentina have historically enjoyed excellent relations, and 
trade between the two countries has remained smooth.  
4.194.   During the period 2019 –2020, the Dominican Republic's imports from Argentina amoun ted 
to a total of USD  302,258,253. Motor vehicles, pharmaceutical products and industrial and packaging 
machinery were the main products purchased in the Argentine market.  
4.195.   By the same token, exports from our country to Argentina only amounted to USD  2,440, 991. 
The main products that the Dominican Republic exports to Argentina are tobacco and tobacco 
products and medical materials.  
4.196.   The Dominican Republic and Argentina do not have any trade agreements. Both countries 
conduct their trade under the most favoure d nation principle, due to their Membership in the 
World  Trade  Organization  (WTO). We welcome the continued willingness of the authorities of this 
country to join efforts with the Dominican Republic authorities to explore new business opportunities 
and mov e ahead in trade in service, science, technology and cultural goods in order to bring our 
people closer together with the will to increase trade in a more balanced way.  
4.197.   We also highlight that, during 2019, Argentina became one of the countries sending the 
highest number of tourists to the Dominican Republic, placing it fourth in the world and first in the 
whole of Latin America.  
4.198.   We commend Argentina on the initiatives and measures taken to protect small exporters 
and MSMEs, while promoting clean new technol ogies and supporting the development of a local 
industry by reducing import duties on vehicles using hydrogen -fuelled hybrid engines, electric 
engines and fuel cells.  
4.199.   We welcome Argentina's implementation, to a large extent, of the protocol to the 
Agreemen t on Trade Facilitation, and its commitment to the multilateral trading system, by 
complying with transparency requirements, notably in the Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade. 
The turnkey plant export regime to promote exports and the series of legis lative and regulatory 
changes to Decree No.  1.066/2018 are evidence of Argentina's willingness to continue contributing 
to the expansion of global trade.  
4.200.   The Dominican Republic shows its solidarity with Argentina because, despite the challenges 
that have b een made only worse by the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic on the global economy, 
it is making every effort to implement measures to alleviate the crisis and explore ways to ensure 
economic recovery.  
4.201.   Finally, we wish to acknowledge Argentina's timely repli es to the questions raised by the 
Dominican Republic regarding various points in the Report. We wish Argentina every success in its 
fifth Trade Policy Review.  
COLOMBIA  
4.202.   We welcome the delegation of Argentina, led by the Secretary for International Economic 
Relations, Ambassador Jorge Neme.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  4.203.   We appreciate the comprehensive analysis and feedback provided by the delegation, as well 
as the work of Ambassador Abraham Peralta of Costa Rica, the Secretariat and the authorities of 
Argentina in the preparation of such  comprehensive and detailed reports, which were prepared 
during a difficult period in the COVID -19 pandemic, which is still having an impact on us.  
4.204.   Colombia would like to highlight that our two countries are sister nations in history. 
For 200 years, during  the tumultuous decade of the 1820s in Latin America, our two States had a 
highly active relationship and constant interaction was required between their respective leaders, 
Simón  Bolívar and José de San Martín, in order to achieve total freedom for South America. Our 
histories have led to enduring points of convergence, in prosperous economies and in tirelessly 
persevering in the development of an endless potential of natural and cultural assets.  
4.205.   Argentina has a dynamic economy, a current GDP of USD  388.2  billion and was the third 
largest economy in Latin America in 2020, while Colombia was the fourth largest.  
4.206.   At the bilateral level, trade ties between Argentina and Colombia are traditionally strong and 
have been gradually re -established after the worst per iod of the pandemic. We have a stable and 
varied bilateral trade, especially in mining and energy, manufactured and agro -industrial products. 
In 2020, exports from Colombia to Argentina were USD  211 million (11% less than the previous 
year), while imports from Argentina to Colombia were USD  672 million (28% less than the previous 
year). In other words, the trade balance has traditionally been negative for our country despite the 
fact that Colombia has gradually been increasing exports.  
4.207.   During the period Jan uary to May  2021, the trade balance was in deficit by USD  161.5  million 
(agricultural by USD -116.2  million and industrial by USD -45.3 million).  
4.208.   Exports were USD  101.6  million (45% more than the same period last year) and imports 
were USD  263.1  million (3 % more than the same period last year).  
4.209.   In 2020, 1% of Colombia's total exports went to Argentina (country -level destination 27), 
which in turn accounted for 2% of Colombia's total imports (origin 12).  
4.210.   There are several specific points that Colombia would like to highlight from the 
Trade  Policy  Review of Argentina.  
4.211.   For example, the Secretariat and government documents attest to Argentina's commitment 
to the multilateral trading system and to its founding principles, the country's active participation in 
ongoing negotiations such as fisheries, and historically in the agricultural negotiations, as well as in 
the functioning of the regular bodies. We welcome the commitment that the Government of 
Argentina shows in its report regarding the proper functioning of the dispute settlement mechanism 
and the reform of the Organization.  
4.212.   Colombia also recognizes Argentina as a promoter of regional integration and welcomes the 
fact that, as a founding member of MERCOSUR, during the review period the agreements concluded 
by MERCOSUR with Colombia entered into force. We would like to highlight, for example, the 
importance of regional and bilateral trade agreements for Argentina within the framework 
of MERCOSUR and the Economic Complementation Agreements. Some 18 agreements ha ve been 
concluded, most of them with countries in the region. In addition, it should be noted that exports 
and imports of primary goods are regulated within the multilateral regulatory framework.  
4.213.   Colombia welcomes the fact that one of the main aims of Arge ntina's trade policy is to boost 
the country's participation in international trade by diversifying exports. In order to do so, it has 
proposed integrating SMEs into export activity and global value chains and promoting social 
inclusion.  
4.214.   We also welcome th e fact that, as part of its internationalization strategy, Argentina, like 
Colombia, considers that it is vital for women to play an even more prevalent role, as gender equality 
is fundamental to development and growth.  
4.215.   Colombia notes that, on tariff matte rs, Argentina's tariff schedule is based on MERCOSUR's 
Common External Tariff (CET), in its Harmonized System (HS) version for 2017.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  4.216.   Colombia also notes that Argentine legislation allows the authorities to prohibit imports (and 
exports) of goods for economic or non -economic reasons. Prohibitions laid down for economic 
reasons seek to promote employment and domestic production, stabilize prices and protect industrial 
property and consumers.  
4.217.   In addition, Colombia is interested in the administration of import licences, which remain a 
key component of Argentina's trade policy. All goods imported for final consumption require either 
an automatic or a non -automatic import licence.  
4.218.   Colombia submitted questions on these areas of interest, as  well as on the country's 
investment regime, customs procedures, valuation and requirements, export licences, on some 
import and export restrictions, price controls in the agricultural sector and agricultural support 
measures. The very timely replies given  today will be analysed in detail with our authorities.  
4.219.   I would like to end by wishing Argentina and its delegation a successful conclusion of its 
Trade Policy Review process, which has proceeded smoothly despite the tight schedule that had to 
be adopted. We extend a warm welcome and reiterate our full support. This is also an opportunity 
to highlight the excellent working relations and cooperation and friendship that characterizes our 
two missions, with Ambassador Villegas, Josefina, Gustavo, Luciano, Beti na and all other team 
members.  
JAPAN  
4.220.   Japan welcomes the d elegation of Argentina led by H.E. Jorge Neme, Secretary for 
International Economic Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship. We 
sincerely appreciate the reports prepar ed by the WTO Secretariat and the Government of Argentina, 
which form the basis for our discussion today. We are also gratef ul to the discussant, H.E. Mrs  Gloria 
Abraham Peralta, Ambassador of Costa Rica, for her insightful remarks.   
4.221.   Argentina is an impor tant partner for Japan in the South America region. In 2018, we 
celebrated the 120th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries. While 
recognizing Argentina’s continuing efforts for economic recovery, we expect to see further progress 
made in Argentina’s procedures towards the early entry into force of investment agreements and 
tax treaties, which have already been signed but have not yet entered into force.  
4.222.   Japan commends Argentina’s active participation in the WTO. For example, the coun try has 
taken part in various negotiations, including the Joint Statement Initiatives, and has hosted the 11th 
WTO Ministerial Conference. Japan encourages Argentina to proceed with the implementation of the 
Trade Facilitation Agreement and the commencemen t of negotiations to join the Agreement on 
Government Procurement.  
4.223.   Concerning trade restrictions, Japan notes that Argentina has implemented trade measures 
that could interfere with the free market. These include non -automatic import licensing, annual 
import caps, and export restrictions on certain goods. In particular, Japan is carefully following the 
trend of non -automatic import licensing, as we have referred relevant matters to the WTO dispute 
settlement procedures in the past. We call for the complete abolition of non -automatic import 
licensing, or, if that is not possible, we call for deregulation in the form of, for example, reduction in 
the scope of target products and extension of license expiration dates. This is based on our 
observation that, sinc e January 2020, the target items in the new system have been expanded, and 
we have seen cases where corporate activities have actually been hindered by this.  
4.224.   In the area of capital transaction regulations, Japan notes that Argentina has systems that 
preve nt not only the import and export of goods but also the outflow of foreign currency. For 
example, there are restrictions that require prior approval from the central bank even for foreign 
currency acquisition and remittance for the purpose of non -trade tra nsactions, such as dividends to 
parent companies abroad, payments for goods and services, and royalties.  
4.225.   We also recognize that , since June 2021, Argentina has introduced a new system that allows 
businesses whose export value has increased year -on-year to pay import costs and acquire foreign 
currency without obtaining the prior approval of the central bank. However, we believe that only WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  exporters will benefit from the system. Therefore, we call for either the removal of restrictions or 
further deregulation.  
4.226.   In closing, w e appreciate the opportunity provided by this meeting to discuss Argentina’s 
trade and investment policies. We wish the delegation of Argentina a successful TPR.  
ECUADOR  
4.227.   My delegation would first like to welcome the delegation of the Republic  of Argentina, led by 
Ambassador Jorge Neme, Secretary for International Economic Relations in the Ministry of External 
Affairs, International Trade and Worship. I would like to join my voice to the thanks expressed by 
those who spoke before me regarding t he quality of the reports prepared by both the Secretariat 
and the Government of Argentina.  
4.228.   In addition, we would also like to commend the discussant, Ambassador Gloria Abraham 
Peralta, for her comments and observations.  
4.229.   Ecuador is very interested in Argen tina's fifth Trade Policy Review. The COVID -19 crisis has 
affected the trade and economic performance of all countries around the world, a situation that 
forced all States to adopt policies to address the impact of the pandemic in the social, labour and 
productive spheres. Ecuador therefore agrees with Argentina on the need for coordinated and global 
responses to meet the challenges that lie ahead for economic and trade recovery.  
4.230.   My country notes with particular interest Argentina's experience in reducing t he gender gap 
in its productive structure. Efforts to generate cultural changes in the business sector to create 
greater opportunities for women and to prevent all types of discrimination and gender -based 
violence are noteworthy.  
4.231.   Trade facilitation is one of the fundamental pillars of international trade. In this regard, my 
country welcomes the progress made in simplifying and computerizing customs procedures referred 
to by Argentina, which are aimed at facilitating trade with other nations.  
4.232.   In addition, an d with a consistently constructive approach, my delegation looks forward to 
the replies that the Argentine delegation will provide to the questions raised in this exercise, 
particularly with regard to the Sistema Integral de Monitoreo de Importaciones , SIM I 
(Comprehensive Import Monitoring System) and its import licensing mechanism.  
4.233.   Ecuador imports a variety of products from Argentina, including prepared foods, 
pharmaceutical products, cereals, vehicles and machinery. On the other hand, we have regularly 
exported fruit, prepared fish products, canned seafood and cocoa to Argentina. We hope to continue 
enjoying and to expand the fruitful trade relations between our two countries.  
4.234.   Finally, Ecuador wishes the Argentine Republic every success in conducting and c oncluding 
its fifth Trade Policy Review.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.235.   The United States is pleased to welcome the Argentine delegation to the fifth Trade Policy 
Review (TPR) of Argentina.   
4.236.   Argentina faced significant challenges during the period of review. When the Fernández 
Government came into office in 2019, it already faced high levels of government debt and an ongoing 
recession. The situation became more acute with the COVID -19 pandemic, which drove dramatic 
drops in GDP accompanied by job losses and inflation.   
4.237.   These challenges are reflected by changes in our trade with Argentina. Although the United 
States and Argentina have a longstanding and robust trade and investment relationship, bilateral 
two-way goods trade decreased 33 % from 2013 to 2020, from US D 15.0 billion in 2013 to 
USD 10.1 billion in 2020. Two -way services trade decreased 34 % over the same time period, from 
USD 8.9 billion in 2013 to US D 5.9 billion in 2020, which is the lowest level since 2009.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  4.238.   Despite these setbacks during the period of review,  the United States remains one of 
Argentina’s top trading partners for goods and services, and a key source of investment. As a source 
of imports, the United States is ranked third, and we are number six as a destination for Argentina’s 
exports. Our trade relationship is important to the United States, and we look forward to global 
economic recovery and new opportunities in our trade with Argentina.  
4.239.   Argentina has also been an important partner in the WTO. We are pleased that Argentina is 
a co-sponsor of the proposal to enhance transparency and improve compliance with WTO notification 
requirements. This is an important reform for making the WTO a viabl e forum for meaningful 
negotiations. Additionally, Argentina has co -sponsored the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) 
Declaration for the Twelfth Ministerial Conference. The United States and Argentina have worked 
closely to prohibit harmful fisheries subsidi es and have jointly sponsored proposals seeking to 
improve the current negotiating text to ensure our collective efforts result in a meaningful agreement 
that significantly alters the status quo.   
4.240.   The United States would like to use this opportunity to on ce again encourage Argentina to 
consider co -sponsoring the joint statement recognizing the importance of accelerating 
implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement G/TFA/W/25/Rev7. We invite Argentina to work 
with the United States on an outcome for M C12 recognizing the essential role trade facilitation plays 
in our global efforts to overcome the current pandemic.   
4.241.   The Biden -Harris Administration recognizes that trade can play an important role in creating 
economic opportunities, and it is in that spi rit that we examine Argentina’s economic policies during 
this review. Many of these policies, including price controls, export taxes, and currency restrictions, 
are aggressive in their impact on the economy and have a significant effect on trade.  
4.242.   As detail ed in the Secretariat report, Argentina has several program mes to control prices, 
including the Precios Cuidados program me, aimed at consumer goods covering 685 products, as well 
as controls on wholesale prices covering 460 groups of products, and on const ruction prices. In the 
services area, telecom services such as phone and internet have also been subject to price freezes. 
With respect to export taxes, Argentina imposes taxes on all but a few exports, including significant 
taxes on key hydrocarbon and ag ricultural commodity exports, in order to generate revenue and 
encourage development of domestic value -added production. Argentina also periodically restricts 
exports of certain agricultural products. In addition, firms have raised concerns with the lack o f 
transparency or public consultation in the development and implementation of some measures.  
4.243.   A particular concern during the period of review is the expanded use of non -automatic import 
licensing. During the review period of the last TPR, we were engaged in WTO dispute settlement 
regarding aspects of Argentina’s import restrictions, including import licensing. Following changes 
to these measures, traders reported few issues with the new system. Unfortunately, Argentina 
re-introduced non -automatic import li censes for many goods in 2020, and traders began reporting 
related delays and challenges in importing to Argentina. Argentina requires non -automatic licenses 
for 14.3 % of tariff lines, more than doubling the 6% of tariff lines that were subject to non -automatic 
licensing in 2012. We have posed questions to Argentina on these measures in the Committee on 
Import Licensing, and again in this forum, and we thank Argentina for its responses and engagement 
on these issues. The United States believes such exchange s in the WTO are vital to addressing such 
concerns.  
4.244.   We have submitted a number of specific questions to clarify individual points on these and 
other issues. The United States looks forward to reviewing Argentina’s responses to our written 
questions. The Un ited States recognizes the magnitude of the work necessary to improve Argentina’s 
economic outlook, including job creation, but we are concerned that these measures make it difficult 
for firms to operate in Argentina, may reduce opportunities for investmen t and economic recovery, 
and create obstacles to trade. We urge Argentina to examine the trade impact of its economic 
measures, and to avoid emergency or temporary measures becoming persistent trade irritants.  
4.245.   The United States stands ready to engage in an  open dialogue with the Argentine 
Government to continue a cooperative and productive trade relationship.  
  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF ARGENTINA  AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  
5.1.  Good afternoon to everyone joining us from Geneva and a very special welcome to t he rest of 
the Argentine delegation who have worked tirelessly over several months to prepare for this 
important meeting that concludes today. My name is Carola Ram ón Berjano and I am the 
Under -Secretary for Multilateral and Bilateral Economic Negotiations. Unfortunately, 
Secretary  Jorge  Neme is unable to lead the Argentine delegation today because he is currently 
travelling with the Minister  of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship to Mexico City for the 
Summit of the Community of La tin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).  
5.2.  Firstly, I would like to thank WTO Members for their great interest in Argentina's fifth 
Trade  Policy  Review, which is reflected in their relevant questions and in the various delegations' 
active participation. I once again thank Ambassador Gloria Abraham Peralta of Costa Rica for her 
invaluable work as discussant. Through this role, she has demonstrated her dedication and 
commitment in her very complete presentation and in -depth analysis of my country's trade poli cy. 
5.3.  At the outset, I would like to express my conviction that both Wednesday's meeting and today's 
confirmed all our high expectations with respect to the importance and enriching nature of the Trade 
Policy Review mechanism as a way of condensing into a si ngle meeting the spirit, reasoning and 
characteristics of Members' trade policies, of raising questions, responding to these questions, and 
holding discussions among those who form part of this important Organization.  
5.4.  I would particularly like to thank all  the delegations that spoke today and on Wednesday 
because their statements significantly enriched this debate, which resulted in questions with a lot of 
substance. Although responding to these questions took hard work due to the large number of bodies 
that had to be involved, I hope that this allowed for many of the questions raised to us to be clarified 
and for the understanding of our trade policy to be improved.  
5.5.  After Wednesday's meeting we received some additional questions. We are now working to 
respo nd to these questions within the set deadlines and yesterday we sent other responses to the 
earlier questions to the Secretariat.  
5.6.  We have attempted to respond to the highly varied questions with the clarity that trade policy 
issues require. We have taken n ote of each and every one of the comments and suggestions 
received, which will certainly enrich our future work.  
5.7.  I am grateful for the understanding, support and shared experience of those who referred in 
their statements, as we did in our report, to the m ajor impact of the pandemic on trade policy. 
Indeed, if we focus on the final part of the period under review, the numbers show us this with total 
clarity. I understand that, beyond the individual experiences of each Member, we all agree on how 
disruptive and unexpected this global phenomenon has been. It disrupted the normal functioning of 
our societies in a matter of days, having a significant impact on trade.  
5.8.  This particularly affected developing countries and, in the case of Argentina, hit us at a time 
when we were still trying to emerge from a difficult economic situation, as was mentioned in some 
of your statements. Against this backdrop, I would like to stress that, during the pandemic, in 
addition to working to reduce as far as possible the impact on  our society and our people, my country 
continued, in a spirit of solidarity, to provide safe, nutritious and high -quality food to the world. This 
is what we have been doing for decades, thereby contributing to tackling the hunger and malnutrition 
that we have not yet been able to eradicate worldwide. However, we hope to significantly contribute 
to this as part of the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.  
5.9.  I would also like to thank those who highlighted Argentina's ongoing and constructive 
participation in all WTO bodies. Indeed, as we have expressed in all of our statements, we are 
convinced of the importance of the rules -based multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its 
centre. In this context, Argentina complies with its commitments as a  Member and is actively 
participating in the current negotiations and the work to reform the Organization. This work takes 
into account the new challenges posed by global trade and we hope that it will yield results shortly 
in order to improve how the Orga nization functions and adapt it to new realities.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  5.10.  Turning specifically to some of Members' comments, we were pleased to hear those 
highlighting that Argentina had made progress in the simplification of its foreign trade procedures, 
including by digitalizin g these procedures, given the tremendous effort undertaken to implement 
this. In this regard, I wish to highlight those, for example, who mentioned the importance of the 
Single Window for Foreign Trade and the digitalization of certificates of origin. Repe ated mention 
was also made of the importance of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation and we are currently 
working to implement it fully. Indeed, during the period under review and particularly during the 
pandemic, we have rapidly adapted many of the adminis trative procedures that were carried out in 
the traditional way so as to ensure their continuity amid the disruption to mobility caused 
by COVID -19 and the fact that many of our workers are teleworking as a result. This not only allowed 
these processes to carry on, but will certainly lead to this simplification work continuing in the 
post-pandemic period, given people's and businesses' rapid and decisive adaptation to the new 
reality involving non -face-to-face interaction and remote working.  
5.11.  I am pleased to  note the comments received regarding the fulfilment of our notification 
obligations and the commitment to transparency within this Organization. This is clear proof of the 
honesty and dedication that we consider were on display in this Trade Policy Review . 
5.12.  I would also like to point out the way in which several of you highlighted the importance 
of MERCOSUR and its agreements as a platform for Argentina's interaction with the world. Indeed, 
my country views this project for the integration of our brother co untries, which turns 30 this year, 
as being of the utmost importance for the overall international integration of our countries. We are 
committed to strengthening the bloc and hope that this will have a significant positive impact on all 
our societies. In this connection, many delegations made positive remarks and raised specific 
questions regarding the MERCOSUR agreements, both those that have been signed and those under 
negotiation, to which Argentina attaches great importance.  
5.13.  This is part of the interna tionalization and production diversification strategy highlighted by a 
number of you, with examples including the law on the knowledge economy and the creation of the 
Public -Private Council and the Federal Council, among many other initiatives. In this res pect, and as 
reflected by some of the statements, we attach great importance to our small and medium -sized 
enterprises, which account for a large proportion of the jobs created in our economy.  
5.14.  With regard to the WTO and the various active negotiations, we consider that the upcoming 
Ministerial Conference must be the occasion during which the Organization's Members agree on a 
collective response with proposals and recommendations to scale up the production of vaccines, 
treatments and diagnostics and, above a ll, to contribute to securing equitable access for all countries 
across the world to these critical goods in order to bring an end to the pandemic and pave the way 
to recovery.  
5.15.  I would also like to address the comments received regarding the inflation in m y country. As 
I hope we have been able to communicate to you, we understand that it is a persistent phenomenon 
with multiple causes that, despite the major efforts undertaken, still represents a significant 
challenge for the economy. We are thus working re solutely to attempt to reduce it.  
5.16.  Turning to another matter, we are pleased to note that a number of statements referred to 
the progress on gender issues, which is the result of a policy to which my Government is fully 
committed. At the same time, we are a ware that, despite the significant progress made in this area, 
much work remains to be done in order to resolve these long -standing inequities. To that end, we 
are counting on support from and coordination with many of you with whom we are making rapid 
progress on this matter in various bilateral and multilateral spheres.  
5.17.  Another element that I would like to address is my country's position as a recipient of 
investment over many decades, given that this was raised in a number of your statements. We hope 
that this process will not only continue, but will also be deepened for the sake of the companies 
based in my country and for our economy and people. This is why we are also actively participating 
in the negotiations for the Investment Facilitation Agreement.  I also wish to highlight that many 
Members mentioned my country's sectoral policies relating to, inter alia , agriculture, fishing, mining, 
manufacturing industries, services, telecommunications, transport and tourism.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  5.18.  In addition to all the aspects that we have gathered from your statements, with which in many 
cases we agree, as I mentioned earlier, we have taken note of your comments on aspects that 
certain Members feel need to be improved.  
5.19.  Of course, this must be contextualized in the situation in which Argentina found itself at the 
start of the pandemic. My country was attempting to emerge from a difficult economic situation and 
was hit by COVID -19 at a time when we had significant restrictions on access to capital markets due 
to the impact of the huge external debt burden. As mentioned by Secretary Neme on Wednesday, 
this difficult situation forced the Government to take emergency measures aimed at alleviating the 
crisis.  
5.20.  In this regard, we take note of the references made by several Members to our  country's 
application of non -automatic licences. Further to the explanations and justification that we have 
included in our written responses, I would also like to highlight that the import licensing regime and 
the various trade policy measures are contin uously monitored and assessed by the authorities. 
Changes may only be made where considered necessary for the purpose of continually improving 
their efficiency, as well as to cover the product range strictly necessary to ensure compliance and 
conformity wi th the underlying measures that are applicable.  
5.21.  The same concept may be applied in relation to another of the matters mentioned by some 
of the delegations that took the floor. This matter is foreign exchange control, the establishment of 
which was necessar y to prevent the worsening of the inherited financial and foreign exchange crisis, 
which would have severely affected the functioning of the economy. Amid a state of necessity and 
emergency, this same fiscal need justifies the temporary imposition of expor t duties, which a number 
of delegations also mentioned in their questions.  
5.22.  We also take note of the comments made by several Members regarding compliance with 
Argentina's bound tariffs. Let me say on this issue that, as a MERCOSUR State party, Argentina do es 
not make decisions on its own regarding its tariff nomenclature or the Common External Tariff 
applied by the bloc. Instead, it does so jointly with its partners. However, MERCOSUR adopted a 
decision in 2009 providing that when an act is approved within MERCOSUR establishing a 
Common  External Tariff higher than that bound by one of the States Parties, the WTO bound tariff 
prevails for that State Party. This decision was incorporated into our legal system and is currently in 
effect. Therefore, if there are  any individual cases in which it is not being complied with, we would 
be grateful if you could provide us with the details of the case.  
5.23.  Allow me to conclude with a few final words that go beyond assessing what has been done, 
as is the purpose of the Polic y Review, so that I may very briefly address the present situation and 
the path that we are striving to take.  
5.24.  In this regard, I would like to highlight the significant progress with vaccinations in Argentina 
that has been made possible through a major effo rt by all of society and through the purchase of 
the available vaccines and the participation of Argentine companies in the vaccine production 
process, together with their counterparts from some of the Members present. At the same time, we 
are making progr ess in the local development of vaccines, treatments and medical equipment to 
deal with this pandemic. Such progress has made it possible to further open up the economy, with 
positive effects in terms of growth and employment.  
5.25.  Among these positive signs, I  would like to once again highlight our foreign trade figures for 
the first half of 2021. This period saw exports reach their highest value of the last eight years, while 
imports also grew significantly with a year -on-year increase of 48.6%. I am highlight ing these 
foreign trade figures for two reasons. Firstly, because some of the issues facing Argentina can be 
solved by more exports, which lead to the increased entry of foreign exchange into economy. We all 
know that trade is two -way, so more exports will  also mean more imports from the rest of the world. 
Secondly, because Argentina is making the necessary efforts, both internally and externally, to 
deepen its integration into international trade.  
5.26.  The role played by the WTO and the rules of global trade ar e fundamental for us on this path 
upon which we have embarked. For a country like Argentina that exports agro -industrial products, 
it is essential for there to be rapid and effective progress in the long -delayed negotiations on WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  agriculture, not only with r espect to domestic support, but also on market access, so that we may 
achieve meaningful outcomes at the upcoming Ministerial Conference this year.  
5.27.  Although Argentina is an efficient producer of food, it is difficult to compete in a world where 
agricultura l trade lacks the regulations found in other sectors, which serve to level the playing field. 
This is why concluding the negotiations on fisheries subsidies at the upcoming Ministerial  Conference 
would be a very good start and a positive sign that these is sues remain a priority at the WTO. We 
will continue to actively participate in these and other negotiations at the WTO, making our 
contribution to the search for solutions that benefit us all.  
5.28.  I would like to conclude by reiterating once again my thanks to  all for having completed, 
I hope successfully, this Trade Policy Review with the active and relevant participation of all 
Members. I once again thank the Chair of the Trade Policy Review Body, Ambassador Athaliah Lesiba 
Molokomme of Botswana, for her lead ership. Thank you all and warm regards.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.29.  In my opening remarks on Wednesday, I provided a detailed analysis of the state of play 
outlined by Argentina in both the country report and in the report prepared by the Secretariat. I also 
raised a key question based on which I conducted this analysis: how can Argentina make the most 
of the advantages and opportunities offered to it by international trade and the WTO to advance its 
national development agenda?  
5.30.  Together, through the over 700 questions  submitted by Members, we have been able to carry 
out an exhaustive review of the main areas in which Argentina's peers consider that there are 
opportunities to improve and to deepen and enhance the capacities of this important trading partner. 
This fifth Trade Policy Review of Argentina has provided us with a broader and clearer picture of the 
country's economic, social and environmental situation.  
5.31.  We have also observed the challenges faced by the Member under review, in completely 
unprecedented circumstan ces amid a pandemic and the obvious impact of the climate crisis.  
5.32.  This assessment has shed light on significant elements that will need to be analysed by 
Argentina as part of a more in -depth exercise, so that it may progress towards achieving the 
economic,  monetary and fiscal stability that will bring calm to the markets and the population; that 
allows for the pending trade facilitation mechanisms to be effectively implemented; that facilitates 
the integration of women into the economy across the various se ctors; that promotes the 
transformation towards a greener economy; and that drives the diversification of the country's 
production and internationalization with the active participation of MSMEs in the economy.  
5.33.  There are certainly many elements to consider  in responding to my initial question, but as 
this assessment exercise concludes, I am convinced that Argentina has at its disposal all the tools 
required to build this resilient and dynamic economy to which it aspires within this Organization.  
5.34.  WTO Members  have made active and efficient use of the Trade Policy Review tool and have 
reiterated the valuable part it represents in the machinery of the multilateral trading system.  
5.35.  I would like to commend Members for their comments and engagement and the Secretari at 
for the technical and serious work carried out. Above all, I wish to congratulate Argentina for this 
collaborative effort that has proven to be a success. I am sure that it will pave the way towards a 
healthier economy and a more prosperous society.  
5.36.  I wish you all the best and am grateful for the trust placed in me as discussant for your fifth 
Trade Policy Review. Thank you.  
PARAGUAY  
5.37.  The Republic of Paraguay would like to extend a warm welcome to the delegation of the 
Argentine Republic in this fifth Tra de Policy Review, and in particular to Ambassador Jorge  Neme, 
Secretary for International Economic Relations in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade 
and Worship. Likewise, we would like to thank you for leading this Review, in addition to t hanking WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  Ambassador Gloria Abraham Peralta of Costa Rica for her excellent presentation and the Secretariat 
for preparing the comprehensive report.  
5.38.  Paraguay shares with the Argentine Republic the status of founding member of one of the 
most influential trad ing blocs in the region: MERCOSUR. Like Paraguay, Argentina's trade policy is 
intimately linked to its participation in this regional bloc. In this regard, in the 30 years since it was 
founded, MERCOSUR has carried out significant work to deepen and divers ify its trade within the 
bloc and with the rest of the world, seeking to become a platform for joint international outreach.  
5.39.  As indicated in the Secretariat's report, the review period was relatively difficult for Argentina 
in economic terms. However, the production sectors linked to exports, particularly agriculture, were 
the strongest performers. In this regard, we share the interests of strengthening this sector because 
of its importance for MERCOSUR and of continuing to work collectively to secure great er market 
access for our agricultural products in multilateral and bilateral negotiations.  
5.40.  With respect to the common matters on the MERCOSUR agenda, we highlight the revision 
process of the Common External Tariff and the intensive activity in the field of  external relations. On 
this last point, Paraguay reiterates its position that these activities will be carried out within the 
institutional framework laid down in the founding texts of the MERCOSUR integration process.  
5.41.  Paraguay would like to thank Argenti na for the replies to our written questions, which we will 
analyse in detail. In this connection, we would like to reiterate our concern about certain measures 
taken by the country that affect our bilateral trade, particularly import licences. On this poin t, we 
call upon this Member to reconsider these measures so as to ensure that they are consistent with 
the WTO Agreements. Along these same lines, we hope to make progress in the talks for the gradual 
opening of the borders with Argentina, taking into acco unt the importance of border trade in goods 
and the urgent need to revive major sectors for our economies' transport and tourism services.  
5.42.  As I have already mentioned, activities in the economic and trade sphere are governed by 
the 1991 Treaty of Asunción, which is the founding instrument of MERCOSUR. In this connection, 
we hope to continue to strengthen our trade ties through MERCOSUR by deepening and developing 
the bloc. We must acknowledge the bloc's important work in the search for and opening of new 
markets and highlight the progress of extra -regional negotiations. We have concluded negotiations 
for a Partnership Agreement with the European Union and the EFTA. Similarly, various stages of 
discussions are being held with 11 nations or groups of countries, including Canada, South  Korea 
and Singapore.  
5.43.  Moreover, we must highlight the bloc's efforts to overcome asymmetries, adopt specific 
measures and create the MERCOSUR Structural Convergence Fund (FOCEM). This Fund has financed 
projects that promot e structural convergence, the development of competitiveness and social 
cohesion among States Parties, for a total value of USD  1,548.9  million in 49 projects.  
5.44.  Within the WTO, we appreciate Argentina's support for the multilateral trading system and 
highli ght the joint work that we are carrying out on agriculture in the context of the Cairns  Group, 
as well as in other areas such as e -commerce, investment facilitation for development, women's 
economic empowerment and MSMEs. We are participating in these init iatives because of their 
importance as a response to the challenges of the 21st century.  
5.45.  On behalf of my country, I reiterate my congratulations to those responsible for conducting 
this Review and to the delegates of the Permanent Mission of Argentina in G eneva for their active 
participation in and contribution to this Organization's work.  
ICELAND  
5.46.  Iceland joins others in welcoming the distinguished delegation of Argentina to their Trade 
Policy Review. We also express appreciation to the WTO Secretariat and Argentina for the reports 
prepared, as well as to the discussant, H.E. Mrs. Gloria Abraham Peralta , for her excellent framing 
of the issues for our discussion today.  
5.47.  Negotiations on FTA between MERCOSUR and the EFTA countries - Iceland, Liechtenstein, 
Norway, and Switzerland - are in the final stages. Iceland welcomes the good cooperation that has WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  characterized the negotiations and hopes that a solution will be found to the few outstanding issues 
in order for Argentina and the EFTA countries to start enjoyi ng the economic benefits of such an 
agreement.  
5.48.  As a result of internal dynamics in domestic economy, Argentina was already experiencing 
economic recession by 2018, which was deepened by the COVID –19 outbreak. Iceland welcomes 
the various initiatives undert aken by Argentina seeking to mitigate the economic impact following 
the pandemic.  
5.49.  As the impact of this health crisis are still unfolding, new challenges arise related to trade and 
trade-related activities. It is now widely recogni zed that women are likel y to be harder hit than men 
by trade disruptions caused by the pandemic.  
5.50.  Iceland takes notes of Argentina’s intention to address gender equality by producing 
guidelines, with the aim to narrow the gender gap as a means to increase economic growth. Or as 
rightly pointed out in the report: “a productive system that fails to use women’s talent loses 
opportunities for growth, innovation and improved productivity”.  
5.51.  The trade policy review provides an excellent opportunity to share best practices of respective 
experiences relating to policies and programs to encourage women's participation in national and 
international trade and thus promoting sustainable socioeconomic development.  
5.52.  Iceland submitted advance written questions on the participation of women in the economy 
of Argentina. The answers will be useful as we gather best practices.  
5.53.  Iceland appreciates Argentina’s active engagement in WTO and their continued support for 
the multilateral trading system. We wish the delegation of Argentina every success for th eir Trade 
Policy Review.  
TURKEY  
5.54.  We extend a very warm welcome to the delegation of Argentina headed by Ambassador Carola 
Ramón. 
5.55.  We would like to thank the Secretariat and the Government of Argentina for their thorough 
reports , as well as discussant Ambassador Abraham Peralta of Costa Rica for her invaluable remarks.  
5.56.  Since its previous review in 2013, Argentina’s trade policy aimed to boost the country’s 
participation in international trade by diversifying and increasing exports  and integrating SMEs into 
export activity and global value chains.  
5.57.  Faced by numerous difficulties, Argentina implemented several policies to consolidate growth, 
reduce inflation and secure monetary stability.  
5.58.  Starting from 2020, the pandemic also undoub tedly posed a very serious challenge for all 
countries around the world.  
5.59.  We hope that policies undertaken by Argentina will bear fruit in the post -COVID recovery 
period. We also wish that they will increase competitiveness and productivity and will create  more 
jobs, more revenue and greater social inclusion as targeted by the Government.  
5.60.  We are very pleased to see that net exports contributed positively to GDP throughout the 
review period.  
5.61.  As stated in the reports, Argentina is a major exporter of agricul tural products, which 
continued to be its leading export item, amounting to 63% of the total in 2020.  
5.62.  Argentina demonstrated its support to the WTO and the multilateral trading system on various 
occasions and hosted 11th Ministerial Conference in 2017.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  5.63.  In this regard, we welcome the ratification and acceptance of the Protocol concerning the 
Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) by Argentina in 2018.  
5.64.  When it comes to bilateral relations, Argentina is an important country for Turkey in the Latin 
America and Cari bbean region.  
5.65.  We believe that Turkey and Argentina, as two prominent countries in their respective regions, 
have a great potential to further expand the scope of bilateral cooperation in many fields.  
5.66.  Bilateral trade volume does not reflect the true potenti al of our countries, which are both 
members of G20.  
5.67.  The two countries signed the “Agreement of Avoidance of Double Taxation” during G20 
Leaders’ Summit hosted by Argentina in 2018. Turkey has completed the internal procedures for its 
ratification and we are confident that this agreement will add a significant impetus to our economic 
relations.  
5.68.  The fourth session of Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting will be held in Ankara 
between 29 September -1 October 2021. We hope that this meet ing can be instrumental in tapping 
the huge potential for mutually beneficial cooperation.  
5.69.  We are very pleased that our national flag carrier Turkish Airlines has direct flights to Buenos 
Aires which has significantly contributed to our economic and cultur al relations.  
5.70.  In conclusion, we would like to take this opportunity to thank Ambassador Federico Villegas 
and his able team for the excellent preparation for this Review, as well as their constructive 
contribution to WTO activities.  
5.71.  We wish Argentina a su ccessful fifth Trade Policy Review.  
THAILAND  
5.72.  Thailand is delighted to participate in the 5th Trade Policy Review of Argentina. We would like 
to welcome H.E. Mr. Jorge Neme, Secretary for International Economic Relations, and his delegation.  
5.73.  We would like to thank the TPRB Chair and the discussant, Her Excellency Mrs. Gloria Abraham 
Peralta of Costa Rica for her insightful comments. We also thank the Government of Argentina and 
the WTO Secretariat for their useful and comprehensive reports.  
5.74.  Argentina is an important trade partner for Thailand. Total trade value between the two 
countries had increased over time until 2019 when the COVID -19 pandemic began to spread across 
the world. In 2020, total trade value between the two countries amounted to approximately  
USD 1.4 billion. Major traded products are machinery, vehicles, and cereals. During the first half 
of 2021, the total trade value bounced back by 39.53% which was a very welcoming new 
development. We firmly believe that, through our close collaboration, t rade and economic linkages 
between the two countries will robustly increase for the foreseeable future.  
5.75.  Thailand welcomes the efforts of Argentina to increase and diversify the country’s exports, 
especially in manufacturing, in order to boost the country’s  participation in international trade and 
the future economic development. This would also require strengthened industrialization process, 
creation of new potential sectors, and infrastructure development. Moreover, Thailand appreciates 
Argentina’s ongoing  efforts in enhancing the country’s macroeconomic performance both in the short 
and long terms.  
5.76.  Thailand commends Argentina for her constructive engagement in the WTO such as the 
ratification of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and for being a staunch advocate in multilateral 
agricultural reform. As an active member of Cairns Group, Thailand and Argentina share the same 
view for capping and reducing trade - and production -distorting domestic support in agriculture, while 
taking into account the p rinciple of special and differential treatment for developing countries. We 
also welcome Argentina’s participation in new trade issues such as the Joint Statement Initiatives 
on e-commerce and investment facilitation for development.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  5.77.  In this review, Thaila nd submitted a set of questions, concerning specific policy areas of our 
interests. We would like to thank Argentina for her timely responses to our questions.  
5.78.  In closing, Thailand looks forward to further strengthening our cooperation with Argentina in 
all areas of mutual interest and wishes Argentina a successful 5th Trade Policy Review.  
INDONESIA  
5.79.  Indonesia would like to extend its warm welcome to Ambassador Jorge Neme, Secretary of 
International Economic Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Internat ional Trade and Worship and 
the other members of the delegation to the Trade Policy Review (TPR) of Argentina.  
5.80.  On behalf of the Indonesian delegation, I would like to convey my appreciation to H.E. Mrs. 
Gloria Abraham Peralta (Costa Rica) for her contribut ion as a discussant. Indonesia would also like 
to thank Chair of Trade Policy Review Body, Ambassador Dr Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme  (Botswana), 
WTO Secretariat and the delegation of Argentina for putting their hard work in conducting this fifth 
Trade Policy  Review by providing us a comprehensive and insightful report.  
5.81.  Argentina has always become Indonesia’s important trading partners and second largest 
trading partner in South America. Even though both countries enjoyed significant total trade value, 
USD 1. 9 billion (2020) and USD 1.3 billion (2021), Indonesia experienced deficit in terms of trade 
balance in the last two years. In 2020, Indonesia recorded USD 1.5 billion trade deficit and currently 
it is experiencing USD 1.1 billion trade deficit in 2021. De spite this circumstances, Indonesia and 
Argentina shows strong trade relationship and we hope that both countries are able to maintain and 
strengthen good relationship, including to address trade and trade -related issue  
5.82.  In terms of Argentina’s role in the multilateral fora, Indonesia notes that Argentina is a strong 
supporter for a successful and fruitful negotiation in WTO, showed by the successful of Eleventh 
Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires few years ago that concluded among others, Ministerial 
Decision on Fisheries Subsidies, Work Programme in Electronic Commerce, TRIPS Non -Violation 
Situation Complaints and Work Programme for Small Economies. Argentina is also one of 121 
Members that support to l aunch the selection processes for the Appellate Body  members.  
5.83.  Indonesia portrays Argentina’s economy that continued to grow driven by its varied and 
advanced industrial potential. The main strength of Argentina’s industry and export lies in the 
agricultural and livestock sectors, such as beef, soybeans, gra pes, corn, wheat and sunflower. In 
addition, Argentina has advantages in utilizing technology industry, such as biotechnology, IT, 
biodiesel, satellite, pharmaceutical, automotive, nuclear power, gas compressor and food and 
beverages industry. As one of it s important trading partners, Indonesia’s main imported product 
from Argentina are wheat, soybeans, cotton and steel pipes, while Indonesia exported natural 
rubber, piston, combustion engines, motor vehicle parts, footwear and footwear parts to Argentina 
which recorded total value of USD 1.3 billion in 2020.  
5.84.  To maintain this beneficiary relation, Indonesia and Argentina are also seeking to identify 
other potential products in order to strengthen and increase more of total trade value between both 
countries.  
5.85.  Under this mechanism of Trade Policy Review, please allow Indonesia to address our concerns 
with regard to Argentina’s trade policies and measures, which are also reflected in our written 
questions.  
5.86.  Indonesia observes that Argentina continues to levy seve ral fees and taxes on imports, 
particularly on transactions in foreign currencies and non -MERCOSUR countries. Indonesia would be 
very pleased if Argentina could provide the basis of the high rates imposed and benefits obtained 
for that matter. Indonesia al so seeks confirmation from Argentina related to accreditation process 
for foreign bodies and laboratories, which including the procedures and/or requirements for 
establishing a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) with Argentina, the countries which have M RA 
in place as well as the implementation of MRA in Argentina based on mandatory technical 
regulations.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  5.87.  On the issue of Government Procurement, Indonesia notes that using national government 
procurement system is mandatory for the central government, the d ecentralized agencies, national 
universities, armed forces and security services. Regarding to that matter, Indonesia would like to 
seek further clarification concerning the availability of information providers of product and services, 
as well as the bidd ing procedures in level of provinces, municipalities and other jurisdictions for using 
national government procurement. Indonesia is also would like to attain Argentina’s experience of 
the progress that has been made by mandating the use of local products and encouraging MSMEs 
to participate in the government procurement.  
5.88.  With regard to trade remedy issue, Argentina is currently imposing four anti -dumping duty to 
Indonesian products, namely resins spokes and nipples for bicycles (HS 8714), acrylic fiber 
(HS 5509), bicycle tires (HS 4011 and 4013) and polyester fiber (HS 5402 and 5403) as well as  one 
safeguard duty for footwear products (HS 6402, 6403 and 6404). Referring to Article 11 paragraph  1 
of the Anti -Dumping Agreement, an anti -dumping duty shall rem ain in force only as long as and to 
the extent necessary to counteract dumping which is causing injury and based on Article 7 
paragraph  3 of the Agreement on Safeguard, the total period of application of safeguard duty shall 
not exceed eight years. In addi tion to this matter, Indonesia believes that Argentina’s domestic 
industry has fully recovered from injury during the imposition of anti -dumping and safeguard duty. 
Therefore, Indonesia requests the Argentinian authorities to review and to conclude that it  is not 
necessary to continued imposition of the anti -dumping and safeguard duty to Indonesia.  
5.89.  Indonesia believes this Trade Policy Review is a good momentum and opportunity for 
Indonesia to know about Argentina trade policies and measures. Furthermore, we  can also learn 
about the impact of those policies and measures not only domestically but also externally, especially 
to the other WTO Members. As for Argentina, we believe that this TPR is a good opportunity to 
examine its policies and measures which in t he end will promote the country’s economic development 
and growth by taking into account flexibility or exceptions during the pandemic COVID -19, with 
expectation so that export and import activities will resume again.  
5.90.  Finally, to finish our remarks, once a gain, we would like to express our appreciation to the 
delegation of Argentina for their hard work. We look forward to a follow -up communication with the 
delegation of Argentina for further written clarification on our interest and concerns.  
5.91.  We wish Argent ina a successful and fruitful fifth Trade Policy Review and we wish everyone 
attend this meeting staying healthy.  
INDIA  
5.92.  My delegation is pleased to participate in the 5th Trade Policy Review of Argentina. On behalf 
of India, I would like to welcome the delegation of Argentina led by H.E Ambassador Jorge Neme, 
Secretary of International Economic Relations, Ministry of Foreig n Affairs and International and 
Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Argentina in Geneva , H.E. Ambassador Federico Villegas. 
We thank H.E. Ambassador Neme for his comprehensive Opening Statement, Ambassador 
H.E. Mrs. Gloria Abraham Peralta of Costa Rica,  for her insightful observations as a discussant, and 
the Secretariat and the Government of Argentina for the reports prepared for the Review.  
5.93.  India and Argentina share strong, longstanding bilateral relations dating back to the 1940s. 
Over the years, the Indian -Argentinian relations have strengthened through various economic, 
cultural, political, and scientific and technological cooperation. The relationship was elevated to 
Strategic Partnership February 2019. India stands in solidary with the people and  Government of 
Argentina as they battle the current COVID -19 pandemic, this is reflected in the COVID -19 medical 
supplies including vaccines by India during the pandemic. We hope Argentina comes out stronger 
from this crisis.  
5.94.  Trade between India and Argentin a has witnessed steady growth during the period under 
review to reach US D 3.3 billion in 2020 -2021. Last year, despite the disruptions caused by the 
pandemic, the bilateral trade rose by 7.26%. India exported goods worth US D 688 million and 
imported goods worth US D 2.6 billion in 2020 -2021.  
5.95.  The investment cooperation between the two countries is also growing. India has total 
cumulative investment of about USD 1.2 billion in Argentina, with major Indian companies WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  contributing to job creation and growth of the Argentinian economy. Argentina has  a total investment 
of nearly USD 120 million in India. The potential areas of business collaboration are agricultural 
exports, automobile industry, textiles, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals.  
5.96.  Both countries recognize the immense potential for enhancin g bilateral trade and investment 
and are working pro -actively on various fronts to augment commercial linkages. I take this 
opportunity to highlight some of the current barriers to trade that are preventing full realization of 
the trade potential between t he two countries. These include limitations in the clearance of import 
licenses and their short -term validity, use of anti -dumping duties, burdensome regulations in the 
pharmaceutical sector, challenges in the import of textile items, restrictions on payme nts abroad by 
the Central Bank (BCRA) and sanitary and phytosanitary measures that obstruct export of agriculture 
commodities from India, to name a few. We have been taking up these issues continuously with all 
Argentine authorities, for expeditious resolu tion and we appreciate the engagement on their part in 
this regard. We believe that addressing these issues will enable greater growth in Argentina’s trade, 
not just with India but with other WTO Members as well.  
5.97.  As a fellow developing country, we apprecia te the active role played by Argentina in the WTO. 
We share many of Argentina's concerns over the efforts and initiatives that are aimed at undermining 
multilateralism. India has worked closely with Argentina in the WTO across a broad range of issues, 
moving joint proposals and sharing similar concerns, at times. We look forward to continuing our 
cooperation with Argentina in future. Like Argentina, India values the multilateral trading system 
and the stability and predictability it provides. India remains committed to closely working with 
Argentina not only to expand and deepen our bilateral co operation , but also to strengthen and reform 
the multilateral trading system.  
5.98.  I wish our friends from Argentina a productive and successful TPR.  
MAURITIUS  
5.99.  The Mauriti us delegation welcomes the delegation from Argentina and congratulates the 
Government of Argentina and the WTO Secretariat for successfully completing the 5th Trade Policy 
Review of the country.  
5.100.   We also thank the discussant, H.E. Mrs. Gloria  Abraham Peralt a of Costa Rica for her insights 
about the report.  
5.101.   Like many of us, especially developing Members, Argentina has been through very trying 
times. Argentina has been dealing with an economic recession since 2018 and sadly the COVID -19 
sanitary crisis has onl y exacerbated the problem.  
5.102.   Mauritius has not been sparred by the pandemic and we fully understand the difficulties that 
countries face during such challenging times. The way ahead will not be easy,  nor should we expect 
a rapid recovery from the pandemic. U nderstandably, Governments have had to invest substantively 
into their economies to maintain the jobs and livelihood of the people.  
5.103.   Unlike a few countries that have resilient economies, the situation has been much harder for 
those countries lacking the res ources and capacity to sustain support measures along with the heavy 
burden of health services during the pandemic and more importantly to plan for recovery.  
5.104.   We reali ze that, despite those adversities, Argentina is trying to find solutions to its problems 
and to revitali ze its economic sectors. This can be witnessed through the various measures and 
reforms that the country has undertaken, and the results are yet to be seen.  
5.105.   We think that Argentina has a strong agricultural sector and a decent manufacturing and 
services base,  and we are confident that the country has the potential to turn things around and get 
back on a path of growth and development.  
5.106.   Luck favours the bold and, as such, we encourage Argentina to pursue its reforms in line 
with its development al goals.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  5.107.   We do not claim to have a miracle solution, but we can confidently say that no matter what 
path Argentina chooses going forward, it always helps to work in an environment that is conducive 
to trade. In this context, we believe that Argentina woul d benefit immensely from freer trade 
measures. This could, for instance be in the form of the elimination of import and export barriers, 
the implementation of open investment regimes and the establishment of competitive business 
environments.  
5.108.   At the same t ime, we note Argentina’s active participation in the WTO discussions and are 
very appreciative of that. We urge Argentina to pursue these efforts, especially in the coming months 
ahead of MC12. The outcome of MC12 has the potential to meaningfully change t he global trade 
environment which will ultimately reflect on Argentina’s own developmental goals. We are also glad 
to note Argentina’s commitment to the multilateral rules -based system and we believe that the WTO 
will play an important role in reviving glo bal trade and consequently generate growth and 
development in our economies.  
5.109.   Chair, with that, I conclude my statement.  
BOLIVARIAN  REPUBLIC  OF VENEZUELA  
5.110.   The delegation of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela wishes to welcome the delegation of 
the Argentin e Republic, headed by Ambassador Jorge Neme, Secretary for International Economic 
Relations in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship. We also thank the 
discussant, Ambassador of Costa Rica, Ms  Gloria Abraham Peralta, for her cont ext-setting analysis, 
and the Secretariat for its organization and documentation.  
5.111.   We would like to open our statement by recalling the historic ties of brotherhood and trade 
cooperation that have united us with the Argentine Republic. In particular, we rec all the close ties 
between former Presidents Hugo Chávez and Néstor Kirchner who sought greater South American 
integration, leading to a historic and unprecedented phase in the bilateral relationship and to an 
increase in the total value of trade to the be nefit of the production chains of goods such as maize, 
wheat, sugar cane, pulses, coffee, cocoa and rice. Today, we have established an agenda for bilateral 
rapprochement aimed at strengthening trade and cultural relations.  
5.112.   With regard to the report by the  WTO Secretariat for Argentina's fifth Trade Policy Review, 
covering the period 2013 -20, we note that this country remains a major exporter of agricultural 
products, which continued to be its leading export item, accounting for 63.3% of the total in 2020. 
Such items are necessary to bolster food security and tackle the consequences of the COVID -19 
pandemic.  
5.113.   We regret the fact that Argentina's total external debt increased significantly during the 
review period, from USD  156,478  million in 2012 (26.9% of GDP ) to USD  271,505  million in 2020 
(70.9% of GDP).  
5.114.   We highlight that, during the period under review, Argentina had three successive 
administrations and saw a number of changes made to its institutional structure, particularly with 
regard to the functions an d names of the various ministries. Our country is confident that the 
Argentine Republic's current administration will achieve significant trade and social progress in the 
country.  
5.115.   We welcome the fact that Argentina, under the Government of the current Pres ident Alberto 
Fernández, introduced an emergency economic package at the end of 2019, with measures including 
subsidies for the most vulnerable and tax exemptions/reductions for low -income groups. We are of 
the view that policies aimed at the most vulnerab le are a critical part of government action.  
5.116.   As we wish the Argentine Republic a successful Trade Policy Review, we would like to close 
our statement by reaffirming our willingness to strengthen trade relations, as well as our shared 
commitment to shaping a strong, fair and predictable multilateral trading system, based on common 
and transparent rules.  
  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  PANAM A 
5.117.   I wish at the outset to extend my greetings and warm congratulations to 
Ambassador  Carola  Ramón Berjano, Under -Secretary for International Economic Relations in the 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship, and to the entire Argentine delegation 
for their outstanding preparatory work. I would also like to extend my greetings to 
Ambassador  Gloria Abraham Peral ta of Costa Rica, discussant at this Review, and thank the 
Secretariat for preparing the respective reports.  
5.118.   In the period from 2014 to 2018, trade between Panama and Argentina ranged from 
USD 50 to 125  million.  
5.119.   In 2019 - prior to the COVID -19 pandemic - trade rose to USD  127,514,748. Argentina has 
exported a variety of agricultural and manufactured products to our country, including: vehicles with 
reciprocating internal combustion engines, soya -bean oil, acid oils for the preparation of animal feed, 
medici nes for human use, yellow maize, concentrated milk and cream, veterinary drugs, 
sunflower -seed oil and sawn wood. The Republic of Panama has mostly exported tobacco.  
5.120.   In order to expand trade between our countries, Ambassador Neme, present today, and Juan 
Carlos Sosa, Panamanian Vice -Minister of Foreign Trade, met earlier this month to explore the 
possibility of reaching a mutual cooperation agreement and promoting preferences for Panamanian 
products such as coffee, cocoa and tropical fruits in the Argentine  market. Discussions were also 
held on the implementation of joint lines of action to deepen bilateral trade and investment, which 
will increase Argentine exports of vehicles, food, medicines and agricultural machinery.  
5.121.   Argentina is a major global exporter  of agricultural products, particularly soya beans and 
soya-bean by -products, maize, sunflowers, beef and dairy products. These products, in turn, are the 
Argentine economy's most significant generators of income. As a country of intermediate 
development l ike Argentina, we highlight the domestic reforms aimed at diversifying Argentina's 
economy to support and promote other sectors such as services and manufacturing.  
5.122.   In addition, Argentine MSMEs account for 99.4% of employing companies, which means that 
they are the main creator of jobs in Argentina. We are pleased to learn that the Government is 
implementing comprehensive plans in various strategic areas to raise awareness among MSMEs, and 
plans to integrate MSMEs into exporting activity and international va lue chains.  
5.123.   However, we note with concern the volatility of Argentina's macroeconomic situation in the 
previous decade. Although there were years of growth during the period under review, these were 
followed by years of decline. In this connection, we high light Argentina's efforts to adopt monetary 
programmes with an expansionary approach in order to address its economic weaknesses.  
5.124.   We would like to congratulate Argentina for its active participation in the multilateral trading 
system. In particular, we com mend Argentina for the major changes and efforts made towards a 
market economy that is more open to the world. Although specific issues are still to be addressed, 
we view these exercises and the changes in a positive light.  
5.125.   Lastly, we wish Argentina succes s in this Review and would like to highlight the admirable 
work of its delegation in Geneva led by Ambassador Federico Villegas.  
NEPAL  
5.126.   At the outset, my delegation would like to extend heartfelt congratulation to the Government 
of Argentina and the team of  the WTO Secretariat for the two reports of the fifth Trade Policy Review 
of Argentina.   
5.127.   My delegation wishes to welcome the Argentine delegation led by his Excellency Ambassador 
Jorge Neme, Secretary of Economic Relations and thanks for his presentation made at the beginning 
of this meeting.  
5.128.   I also thank H.E. Mrs. Gloria Abraham Peralta  for her insightful deliberation as a discussant 
of this Review.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  5.129.   Both the reports from the Government of Argentina and the WTO Secretariat shed light on 
the overall scenario of economic development of Argentina including its international trade 
performance of the review period.  
5.130.   My delegation commends Argentina for its commitment and contribution to the rule s-based, 
predictable, just, and inclusive multila teral trading system.  
5.131.   Holding the 11th Ministerial Conference in 2017, constructive engagement in the WTO 
functioning, and taking reform initiatives in some emerging areas, among others are highly 
appreciated.  
5.132.   While going through the reports, my delegatio n found the agriculture sector playing 
exemplary role in the Argentine economy covering more than 60% of total export.  
5.133.   Reform initiatives in monetary policy, fiscal policy, administrative mechanism including 
institutional reform and legal aspects are also  equally appreciated.  
5.134.   Though, figures of economic growth, employment and trade sectors are not seen 
encouraging during the review period, maintaining positive trade balance over the review period is 
highly commendable.  
5.135.   Some trade measures taken by the Go vernment of Argentina for the prevention, containment 
and treatment of the COVID -19 Pandemic are also worth noting.  
5.136.   In the bilateral front, Nepal and Argentina have been enjoying cordial relations since the 
establishment of the diplomatic relations in 1962 .  
5.137.   Being developing members of the international community, we share common views in 
different mechanisms of the global governance and international forums including the WTO.  
5.138.   Nepal and Argentina are constructively engaged in South -South Cooperation activit ies. 
5.139.   Trade, tourism and investment remain important area s of our bilateral relation.  
5.140.   According to the data available in the Trade Information Portal of Nepal, bilateral trade 
between Nepal and Argentina is growing over the period. For instance, import from Argentina to 
Nepal increased from 7.4 billion Nepali Rupees in 2011 to 25.6 billion Nepali Rupees in 2020.  
5.141.   However, export from Nepal to Argentina has decreased from 9.9 million Nepali Rupees in 
2011 to 0.4 million Nepali Rupees in 2020. This shows a huge gap in trade balance between the two 
countries resulting trade deficit of Nepali Ru pees of 25.6 billion for Nepal in 2020. Trade deficit for 
Nepal has remained consistent over a couple of years.  
5.142.   Crude soybean oil, crude sunflower oil and maize corn were the major products imported by 
Nepal from Argentina. However, mostly a single product  W&G Cotton Jacket not knitted was exported 
from Nepal to Argentina during the year 2020.  
5.143.   My delegation believes that such situation provides an opportunity for both countries to 
explore and extract more potential areas of cooperation in trade, investment , tourism and others in 
the future specially with a view to bridging the existing trade imbalance between the two countries.  
5.144.   My delegation expects that the reform agenda and goal reflected in the Government report 
would be instrumental in combating the CO VID-19 challenges and achieving post pandemic recovery 
in Argentina.  
5.145.   It would definitely strengthen an increasingly inclusive and productively dynamic economy 
by ensuring job creation and income stability.  
5.146.   My delegation wishes a successful Trade Policy Review of Argentina.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  SRI LANKA  
5.147.   My delegation welcomes the delegation of Argentina, headed by Ambassador Jorge Neme, 
Secretary of Economic Relations, International Trade, and Worship of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 
for the fifth Trade Policy Review of t he trade policies and practices of Argentina.  
5.148.   We thank the WTO Secretariat and the Government of Argentina for their comprehensive 
reports made available to the delegations in advance of this meeting. Our equal appreciation goes 
to Ambassador Gloria on her insightful information as the discussant.  
5.149.   My delegation notes that the review period was relatively difficult for Argentina in economic 
terms as the economic recession began in 2018 and it has further worsened as a result of 
the COVID -19 health crisis during 2020 and 2021.  
5.150.   We appreciate Argentina's trade policies that aim to boost the country's participation in 
international trade by increasing and diversifying exports , for which reason the policies seek to 
integrate SMEs into export activity and inter national value chains and promote social inclusion and 
use trade policy measures as a tool to achieve objectives in areas that occasionally extend beyond 
trade.  
5.151.   My delegation wishes to thank the Government of Argentina to successfully host 
the 11th Ministe rial Conference in Buenos Aires in 2017 and, as a founding Member of the WTO, its 
commitments to support the WTO and the multilateral trading system on various occasions.  
Furthermore, minimum and most  favoured nation (MFN) treatment to all its trading part ners and 
regularly submitting notifications concerning its trade and related measures are commendable.  
5.152.    Argentina was the 70th export destination of Sri Lanka in 2020, with a share of 0.09 % of 
Sri Lanka's total exports and the 63rd supplier to Sri Lanka in  2020, supplying nearly 0.04% of 
Sri Lanka's total imports.  New pneumatic tyres of rubber have been  the dominant Sri Lankan export 
item, followed by handful of products to Argentina and major import items from Argentina in 2020 
was pharmaceutical  products  followed by dried fruits and vegetables and seeds . The trade balance 
between the two countries for the last five years was in favour of Sri Lanka, except in 2019. We 
observe that  much more potential remains in enhancing bilateral trade between the two nati ons 
through identification of various product sectors  that can be traded.  
5.153.   It is also to be noted that Argentina approved the final act of the GSTP, that is the global 
system of trade preferences, incorporating the outcome of the third round of negotiation s, which 
both Sri Lanka and Argentina are members. However, the utilization of the preferential trade 
under  GSTP  by both countries are at a minimal level, which signals that strategies are needed to be 
introduced to harvest the benefits of the scheme mutually.  
5.154.   As my delegation understood that all the official documents, regulations, measures and 
reports in relation to exporting to Argentina are available only in Spanish language , and submission 
of trade -related documents only in Spanish language is creating indirect barriers for Sri  Lanka in 
enhancing its trade with Argentina. The recent example has been that Sri Lan kan companies  facing  
the situation where they were entrusted to complete the questionnaire on anti -dumping investigation 
on gloves.  The high cost of public translators registered in the Argentin e Republic whose  services 
became an essential element in build ing Sri Lanka's defence, did seriously limit Sri Lanka’s 
participation in the investigation process, thereby not being able to present its responses in time.  
5.155.   My delegation therefore seeks Argentinian assistance to submit Sri Lanka's responses in 
English for such inquiries o r facilitate providing Spanish translations for Sri Lankan 
exporters' /institutions that would help to engage actively with investigations that may arise in the 
future and , also, we believe that these arrangements would pave the way to enh ance bilateral trade 
between the two countries in the future.  
5.156.   In concluding, my delegation really appreciates Argentina's highly valued contribution to the 
multilateral trading system and its active engagement in the negotiations. I also take this 
opportun ity to recognize the significant contribution being made by Ambassador Federico Villegas 
and his able team in Geneva to the success of the ongoing negotiations on many key issues. I wish 
the Argentinian delegation a very productive and successful fifth Tra de Policy Review.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  NIGERIA  
5.157.   On behalf of the delegation of Nigeria, I would like to congratulate Argentina for their fifth 
Trade Policy Review. I would also like to extend our warm welcome to the delegation of Argentina 
from capital and the Geneva -based offi cials to this review exercise. We thank and commend H.E. 
Ms. Gloria Abraham Peralta of Costa Rica for introducing the discussions.  
5.158.   The report before us today reflects the excellent work of the Secretariat and of the Argentine 
Government. Both reports  highlight the key objectives of the Argentinians' trade and economic 
policies and the progress made since the last Trade Policy Review. We note that, between the 
years  2013 and 2020, the Argentine economy has witnessed different years of economic growth and 
declines, and have endured the devastating impact of the COVID -19 pandemic.  
5.159.   We commend the effort by the Government during the second half of 2020 to mitigate the 
economic and income effects of the pandemic which resulted in a 13.2% GDP growth, so that som e 
sectors, like the industry trade and finance, experienced growth. Since the last Argentine Trade 
Policy Review in 2013, we note that exports of agricultural products continued to be the basis of 
Argentina’s economy, and they are major contributors to the ir GDP, foreign currency and public 
sector financing.  
5.160.   Argentina is evidently one of the world's leading producers and exporters of many 
agricultural products and can be likened to the Nigerian agriculture sector. Although Nigeria is an 
oil-based economy, i t is also rich in agricultural products and has a lot of potential to become a 
leading exporter of many agricultural products . We note from the Secretariat report that the 
economic activity during the peak of the pandemic in 2020 caused a fall in fiscal re venue, which 
resulted in the primary deficits of the non -financial public sector in Argentina, and an increase in 
inflation was recorded.  
5.161.   To measure inflation, Argentina introduced a new methodology with a wider scope, as well 
as other military programmes with a view to tackle the effect of the pandemic. However, due to 
some economic challenges, some military programmes were discontinued. Despite these challenges, 
Argentina was able to maintain the balance of payments. We are pleased that the Argentine 
Government considers gender equality, women participation and inclusion in more prevalent roles 
as fundamental for development and growth and as part of the internationalization strategy. 
However, as earlier mentioned, the impact of these policies will be care fully examined.  
5.162.   Nigeria is also fully committed to facilitating women's inclusion in more prevalent roles, 
including trade through many national programmes. Argentina, as a founding Member of the WTO, 
takes its WTO commitments very seriously and it's evide nt in the timely notification and equal 
treatment of all their trading partners. Argentina is also of the view that trade distortions in the 
fisheries sector and other sectors will be reduced at the WTO. And that the WTO must play a central 
role in interna tional trade on the basis of the rules -based multilateral trading system which support 
inclusive development. This is in line with Nigeria's commitment and expectations from the WTO.  
5.163.   In conclusion, my delegation will continue to work closely with Argentina  and the rest of the 
Membership to achieve a rules -based multilateral trading system that is responsive to the COVID -19 
pandemic, future pandemics and the 21st century economic realities. We congratulate the entire 
delegation for their engagement,  and we w ish Argentina a successful fifth Trade Policy Review 
exercise.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.164.   On behalf of the European Union, I first wish to thank the Argentinian delegation for the 
statement on Wednesday and today, and for the clarifications, as well as the Argentinian 
Government and all the colleagues who worked on the replies supplied to our rather large number 
of questions. I would also like to thank once more Ambassador Gloria P eralta for her remarks in the 
Review as the discussant.  
5.165.   I believe the exchange s on Wednesday and today illustrates the value of the Trade Policy 
Review Mechanism in the WTO. A large and diverse number of WT O Members have made statements 
and put questions to Argentina. Argentina has made, I believe, a genuine effort to provide answer s WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  in the relatively s hort time available. Different M embers have emphasized different aspects of trade 
and investment policies, with the answers providing a wealth of information to all of us. Many 
Members, including of course the EU, have recognized Argen tina’s important contribution to the WTO 
and its long standing  commitment to the work of the Organization. We all also recognize the economic 
challenges faced by Argentina that have been exacerbated by the COVID -19 pandemic.  
5.166.   The Secretariat’s report and the  statements of Members and questions reveal a high level of 
consensus on s ome of the key concerns of WTO M embers. These include: export taxes, an extensive 
non-automatic licensing scheme, foreign exchange restrictions affecting importers and payments to 
parent companies, opportunities to compete in public procurement contracts, price controls, 
protection of intellectual property , as well as a lack of predictability in regulations.  
5.167.   It is the sincere hope of the EU that Argentina will reflect on the comments made in this 
Review with a view to creating a more open trade and investment environment to contribute to the 
future resilience of the Argentine economy as the country emerges from the COVID -19 pandemic.   
5.168.   We very much look forward to our continue d cooperation with Argentina in the WTO and 
especially in the run -up to the MC12 as well as at bilateral level and thank Argentina for the 
constructive and open approach it has taken in this important transparent exercise.   
UNITED  KINGDOM  
5.169.   The United Kingd om thanks Argentina for their active participation in the Trade Policy Review 
and for the answers to the questions that we have received, including those that were circulated this 
morning. We have no additional questions for Argentina, and we look forward to receiving the 
remaining answer to one of our original written questions within the usual timeframe. We extend 
our best wishes for the successful conclusion of the fifth TPR and restate our desire, as expressed 
by Ambassador Manley on Wednesday, to conti nue to build on our bilateral trading relationship and 
our cooperation with Argentina at the WTO.  
CHAIRPERSON  
5.170.   Before concluding this meeting, I would like to recall that the last Appraisal of the TPRM 
which was completed at a meeting of the TPRB on 21 Dece mber 2016 called for the Seventh 
Appraisal to be undertaken at the latest in 2021, and preferably not in the year of a WTO Ministerial 
Conference. Given that MC12 will take place this year, I had suggested to delegations in my message 
of 1 June to consider  the postponement of the next Appraisal to 2022.  
5.171.   Since no delegation expressed a different opinion by 15 June, we can consider that there is 
consensus among Members to postpone the Seventh Appraisal of the TPRM to 2022. I invite TPRB 
Members to formally a gree to this postponement.  
5.172.   I see no opposition from any delegation to th e postponement of the Appraisal. Therefore,  
the T rade Policy Review Body decides that the Seventh Appraisal of the T rade Policy Review 
Mechanism will be undertaken in 2022.  
  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  6  CONCLUDIN G REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  This fifth Trade Policy Review of Argentina has provided us with clear insights about Argentina's 
trade and investment policies and the changes implemented during this particularly difficult period 
for all of us. It has been an excellent opportunity to imp rove our understanding of these policies and 
has provided the occasion to raise questions and exchange views frankly. I would like to thank 
Ambassador Jorge Neme, Secretary of International Economic Relations in the Ministry of External 
Relations, Internat ional Trade and Worship, and Ambassador Carola Beatriz Ramón, Subsecretary 
of Multilateral and Bilateral Economic Negotiations in the same Ministry, who participated online from 
Buenos Aires, Ambassador Federico Villegas, Permanent Representative of Argent ina to the WTO, 
and the rest of the Argentine delegation, here in Geneva and in Buenos Aires, for their constructive 
engagement in this meeting and their strong commitment to this exercise. I would also like to thank 
Ambassador Gloria Abraham Peralta, Perm anent Representative of Costa Rica to the WTO, for her 
intervention as discussant. Argentina's written answers to the over 700 advance written questions 
have been well appreciated by Members, who look forward to receiving answers to any follow -up 
questions  within the next 30 days.  
6.2.  Members highlighted Argentina's active participation in the multilateral trading system. 
Members noted that Argentina is a firm believer in multilateralism and appreciated its contribution 
to the work of the WTO, and for having ho sted MC11. They commended Argentina's participation in 
the fisheries subsidies' negotiations and its contribution to several Joint Stat ement Initiatives, such 
as on e -commerce, MSMEs, investment facilitation, and services domestic regulations. Argentina 
was also commended for ratifying and promptly implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement. 
It was noted that Argentina was a co -sponsor of the proposal to enhance transparency and improve 
compliance with WTO notification requirements and of the Sanitary an d Phytosanitary Declaration 
for MC12. Members encouraged Argentina to continue enhancing its participation in the multilateral 
trading system and looked forward to furthering collaboration ahead of MC12. Members noted that, 
in parallel to its strong suppor t to the multilateral system, regionalism continues to play an important 
role in Argentina's trade policies. In this context, the role of MERCOSUR, as a steppingstone into the 
international market, was highlighted by the Argentinian delegation.  
6.3.  Members not ed that Argentina has faced a difficult economic situation in recent years. GDP had 
contracted during most of the period under review, and this had been exacerbated by t he COVID -19 
pandemic, leading to a 9.9% GDP fall in 2020. Despite the economic contract ion, inflation had 
accelerated. The period had been characterized by high fiscal deficits and increasing public debt, 
which was successfully renegotiated in 2020. On a more positive note, it was noted that Argentina 
continues to be an agricultural powerhou se; building on Argentina's strong agricultural sector, 
important value chains had been established. The external sector had continued playing a major role 
in the Argentinian economy contributing to support the balance of payments and prevent a 
larger  GDP contraction. It was also noted that Argentina was an emerging player in the digital 
economy, was endowed with vast natural resources, and had a well -educated population.  
6.4.  Members hoped Argentina would address the challenge of improving the fiscal situation  while 
achieving sustainable growth and reducing inflation. Fiscal consolidation and regulatory reform and 
administrative simplification would help boost Argentina's external competitiveness and contribute 
to achieving its goal of social inclusion. In this  context, Members congratulated Argentina for 
adopting measures that focused mainly on women and fragile population. Although Members 
recognized the need to impose measures to deal with the pandemic, some exhorted Argentina to 
ensure any emergency measures  designed to tackle COVID -19 be targeted, proportionate, 
transparent, and temporary to avoid creating unnecessary barriers to trade or disruption to global 
supply chains. Members hoped that these measures would be phased out in the near future as the 
econo mic situation improves.  
6.5.  As had been the case in the previous Review, it was noted that, during the current period under 
review, Argentina continued to actively use trade policy to achieve macroeconomic and social goals. 
Members noted the persistent heavy r eliance of Argentina on taxes on trade, affecting both exports 
and imports, for fiscal revenue purposes. The use of export taxes had been stepped up, discouraging 
exports. It was noted that exporters are also subject to a number of procedures and requireme nts, 
such as exporter records, and affidavits of sales abroad, as well as prohibitions and restrictions on 
exports. Some Members noted that these obstacles to foreign trade contrasted with the various 
types of incentives that seek to support exports and pr omote investment, for instance the free zone 
regimes, drawback and tax rebates.  WT/TPR/M/4 12 • Argentina  
 
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  6.6.  Argentina's adoption of a series of measures to facilitate trade was welcomed. This had resulted 
in a simplification of customs procedures and a reduction of costs. Nevertheles s, Members noted 
Argentina's continued recourse to import licensing, which gave way to a complex administrative 
system, that some considered lacked transparency. Several Members were concerned about the 
increased use of non -automatic import licences over t he review period. Members pointed out that 
they could have an adverse impact on trade and on the Argentinian economy and called for Argentina 
to consider the removal of these measures. Regarding other measures affecting imports, Members 
also referred to ex change rate restrictions, import registration requirements for importers, and tariffs 
and other import charges. Members showed concern about the 10% tax on foreign exchange 
transactions and their impact on trade, particularly of services. Regarding tariffs , Members welcomed 
the increase in the number of duty -free lines; but noted that for 35 tariff lines applied MFN rates 
exceed the bound rate. Members also expressed concern regarding the increase in other taxes 
associated with trade, specifically the stati stical tax, which had been increased from 1% to 3% of 
the value c.i.f. of imports.  
6.7.  In general, Members encouraged Argentina to avoid taking measures with short notice and for 
their implementation to be carried out with greater administrative transparency,  both at the 
domestic and international levels. In this context, Members referred to the need to improve 
transparency in agriculture, in particular as part of the negotiations for the 12th WTO Ministerial 
Conference. Members encouraged Argentina to conside r notifying to the WTO export restrictions and 
prohibitions implemented through its agricultural policy.  
6.8.  Members commended Argentina for having passed a new competition law, which made 
pre-merger  notifications mandatory and enhanced the scope of the Compet ition Authority. Noting 
that this Authority has yet to be created, Members encouraged Argentina to do it promptly so as to 
ensure the applicability of the new legislation. Members noted the extensive use of price controls, 
and stated that, although useful to rein in price increases in the short run, they were conducive to 
a distorted price environment and to product shortages.  
6.9.  The role of SMEs in the Argentinian economy and on trade, was highlighted; and so was the 
support granted to this sector, not just t hrough incentives but through the implementation of a plan 
at federal level to promote export -related SMEs. Members also welcomed Argentina's trade 
measures targeting the diversification of exports, and international value chains, and in encouraging 
foreig n investments. Issues related to government procurement and IPRs were also raised. 
Argentina was encouraged to consider elevating its status as an observer to become a party to the 
Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), given the importance of establishin g open, fair, and 
transparent conditions of competition in government procurement processes. Argentina was also 
called to enhance the protection of IPRs.  
6.10.  To conclude, I would like to stress the importance of Argentina as a trading partner for WTO 
Members as evident from the strong participation in this Trade Policy Review, and from the large 
number of delegations [34] that took the floor during this Review. Members noted the importance 
of trade in creating economic opportunities and development, an d it was in that spirit that they 
examined Argentina's economic policies. I hope that through our collective insights and comments 
in this TPR, we could contribute to Argentina's reflecting on the best way forward, one that is in the 
long-term interest of Argentina and its trading partners. In closing, I would like to thank the 
Argentinian delegation here and in Buenos Aires, all the other delegations, the discussant, and the 
Secretariat for this successful review of the trade policies of Argentina.  
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