RESTRICTED  
  
WT/ACC/AFG/37  
 
 15 January 2016  
(16-0340)  Page: 1/11  
Working Party on the Accession of  
the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan   
 
ACCESSION OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN 
SUMMARY OF THE FIFTH AND FINAL MEETING OF THE WORKING PARTY 
This document is the record of the proceedings  at the Fifth and Final Meeting of the Working 
Party on the Accession of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan held on 11 November 2015.  
 
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 WT/ACC/AFG/37 
 
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  1  OPENING STATEMENTS 
1. The Chairperson of the Working Party on th e Accession of the Islamic Republic of 
Afghanistan (H.E. Ambassador Rodrick van Schreven, Netherlands) called to order the Fifth and 
Final meeting of the Working Party on the Accessi on of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on 
11 November 2015.  He said that, as set out in Airgram WTO/AIR/ACC/6 of 28 October 2015, the 
purpose of the meeting was to consider the draft Accession Package of Afghanistan.   
2. In accordance with standard accession practice, the Chairperson proposed that the 
meeting would take place in formal and informal  settings.  The Fifth Meeting would start off, 
formally, during which the representative of the Acceding Government and Members of the Working Party would be invited to make statemen ts for the record.  After these statements, the 
formal session would be suspended and the meetin g would continue informally.  In the informal 
setting, the Working Party would review and consider  the Draft Accession Package of Afghanistan.  
Following the consideration of the Draft Accession Package in the informal setting, the Fifth Meeting of the Working Party would resume  in formal session thereafter.    
3. It was so agreed.   
2  FORMAL SESSION OF THE WORKING PARTY  
4. The representative of Afghanistan (H.E. Mr. Homayoon Rasaw, Minister of Commerce and 
Industries), in his opening statement, conveyed the sincere appreciation of the Government of 
Afghanistan to the Working Party Chairperson, the WTO Director-General and the Secretariat team for their support during Afghanistan's accession process.   
5. He considered the final Working Party meeting a major milestone in the process of 
Afghanistan’s integration into the multilateral trading system.  It was a historic day for the people 
of Afghanistan, who had chosen to embrace democratic values.   The aim was to maximize the benefits of WTO membership to bring prosperity and reduce poverty.  WTO Membership was a key 
element of Afghanistan's overall strategic objectives to increase economic stability, improve 
regional security and cooperation, and achieve everlasting peace. 
6. He pointed out that Afghanistan's aim was to become a trade and transit hub facilitating 
transit trade in the region for all.  WTO membership for all countries in the region would create a 
level playing field for regional players, reduce trading costs and delays, and benefit all economic 
agents and consumers in both Central and South Asia. 
7. In conclusion, Minister Rasaw announced that H.E. Dr Abdullah Abdullah, Chief Executive 
of Afghanistan, would join the Signing Ceremony at the Tenth WTO Ministerial Conference in 
Nairobi (MC10).   
8. Twenty two (22) Members of the Working Part y intervened to welcome and congratulate 
the Delegation of Afghanistan.  Members expresse d their appreciation to the Chairperson of the 
Working Party on the Accession of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for his leadership in facilitating the accession process of Afghanistan.  Members congratulated the WTO Secretariat, in 
particular the Accessions Division, for its contribution, support and tireless efforts leading to the 
finalisation of the draft Accession Package of Afghanistan.   
9. The representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stated that the accession of 
Afghanistan had been a pending priority on the Ac cessions' list. Saudi Arabia was pleased to adopt 
the Accession Package of Afghanistan just before  MC10 in Nairobi as another achievement at the 
20th Anniversary of the WTO.  Afghanistan had a promising economy in a geographically strategic location in South Asia and its integration to the multilateral trading system would be beneficial to 
Afghanistan and to other WTO members. WT/ACC/AFG/37 
 
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  10. The representative of the United States pointed out that accession negotiations were never 
easy but even more challenging for LDCs. Afghanistan had worked exceptionally hard in very 
difficult times to adopt new laws, to establish new institutions and to conclude these negotiations. 
Through the accession process, Afghanistan had incorporated broad economic reforms in its 
development goals within the framework of adopting WTO provisions. The Goods and Services 
Schedules were comprehensive and demonstrated clearly Afghanistan's goal of establishing a stable, predictable and commercially liberal economic environment for its businesses. 
11. The representative of the European Union was pleased to join the consensus for adoption 
ad referendum  of the Accession Package of Afghanistan.  The European Union invited Afghanistan 
to take full advantage of the benefits of the rules-based system which, over the last few decades, had worked to ensure a level playing-field for all Members. Considering the importance of the 
post-accession phase, the European Union would keep delivering technical assistance to support 
Afghanistan in implementing its commitments.   
12. The representative of India wished the gove rnment of Afghanistan success in its future 
journey towards its integration into the multilateral trading system and towards maximizing the 
trade and investment opportunities for the benefit of its people. Despite considerable domestic challenges, Afghanistan had taken a bold step towards integration in the global economy and had 
re-instated itself in a fair, equitable and rule-based multilateral trading system. India and 
Afghanistan had a strong relationship based on the foundations of historical contact and exchanges between the two nations. India would look forward to working closely with Afghanistan in the WTO 
and extending any assistance and support in its full accession. 
13. The representative of Pakistan mentioned that, despite the challenges, Afghanistan's 
economy was one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Pakistan and Afghanistan had a 
unique geographical position and were a gateway to Central Asia.  Afghanistan was Pakistan's third 
largest trading partner. Pakistan would support the Draft Afghanistan Accession Package, 
ad referendum . 
14. The representative of Bangladesh (on behalf of the LDCs' Group), stated that WTO 
accession was a very complex, arduous and difficult process. It was even more so for LDCs. 
That was the reason the LDCs were given special consideration by the membership of the WTO in the accession process. The accession of Afghanistan would contribute to the universality of the Organization. The LDCs' Group was pleased that Afghanistan soon would be a full Member of the 
Group and was eagerly waiting for Afghanistan's participation in the Group's activities. The LDC 
Group called upon the WTO membership to fully  operationalise the 2012 Addendum of 2001 
General Council Decision on the LDCs Accession Guidelines.  
15. The representative of Japan said that his Government had taken a leading role in 
supporting Afghanistan's sustainable growth and development. Since the Tokyo Conference on 
Afghanistan in 2012, Japan had implemented abou t US$2.5 billion assistance program in various 
areas including infrastructure and capacity-building. Japan was ready to provide further assistance 
to Afghanistan in the transformation period and in the Post-Accession phase. 
16. The representative of Kenya welcomed the participation of the Chief Executive of 
Afghanistan, H.E Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, to the 10th Ministerial Conference in Nairobi, Kenya on 
17 December for the signing of Afghanistan’s Prot ocol of Accession.   He informed that the 
Permanent mission of Kenya to the UNOG in Geneva  was ready and willing to assist the Delegation 
of Afghanistan, as necessary, to facilitate the travel to Nairobi.   
17. The representative of the Republic of Korea stated that, since the application of 
Afghanistan for WTO membership over ten years ago, Korea had actively supported the accession 
of Afghanistan to the Organization. WTO accession would be a significant boost for Afghanistan's 
economic growth and development, it would op en new opportunities for trade expansion and 
would help Afghanistan consolidate its competitiveness-enhancing reforms. Korea would look forward that Afghanistan's accession would serve as a catalyst for further strengthening the bilateral relations between Korea and Afghanistan in the years to come. 
18. The representative of Brazil underscored that his Government had always been a close 
supporter of the process. Brazil was pleased to recognize that, with the leadership of President WT/ACC/AFG/37 
 
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  Ashraf Ghani, and of the Chief Negotiator on the accession of Afghanistan, Deputy Minister 
Mozammil Shinwari, Afghanistan had been able to overcome all obstacles and to complete this long and challenging road. 
19. The representative of China highlighted the 60th Anniversary of diplomatic relations 
between China and Afghanistan. It was also the ye ar of China-Afghanistan Friendly Cooperation. 
In recent years, the bilateral cooperation be tween two countries was rapidly developing and 
expanding with Afghanistan's post-war reconstruction efforts. China was convinced that, with 
commitment and efforts of the Government and the people of Afghanistan and, the support from 
the international community, Afghanistan would tackle all the difficulties, challenges to realize peace, stability and prosperity in the future.   
20. The representative of Malaysia noted that the trade flows between Malaysia and 
Afghanistan were steadily trending upwards in recent years. Malaysia’s total trade with 
Afghanistan in 2014 had been RM 257 million, an increase of more than 91% from the previous 
year. Malaysia believed that these encouraging trade flows would continue to increase with 
Afghanistan’s membership of the WTO. As Chai r of ASEAN, Malaysia expressed ASEAN continued 
commitment to work with Afghanistan in future. 
21. The representative of Singapore commended the rapid pace of Afghanistan’s accession 
process in recent weeks.  The swift finalisation  of Afghanistan’s accession package was testament 
to its keen interest and desire to be part of , and to play a part in the advancement of the 
rules-based multilateral trading system. 
22. The representative of Oman noted that by ac ceding to the WTO, Afghanistan would enter 
into the main stream of world trade and would be integrated into the world economy. It would 
secure benefits from a liberal and rules-based multilateral trading system. The WTO would also benefit from Afghanistan’s accession as it moved yet another important step towards becoming a 
universal organization. Oman was particularly glad about Afghanistan’s accession, as both 
countries shared fraternal relations, belonged to the same region, and had historical interactions. 
23. The representative of Chinese Taipei stated that Afghanistan's accession would not only 
help its economy to become more integrated into the multilateral trading system, but would also 
enrich the Organization in terms of adding to its universality. The decision on Afghanistan's 
accession at MC10 in Nairobi would be another success of the WTO in assisting LDCs in their effort to join the Organisation. It would not only serve Afghanistan’s interest but would also bring 
positive effect to the Multilateral Trading System. 
24. The representative of Yemen underscored the point that, despite the unfavourable 
circumstances and challenges, the Government and people of Afghanistan had shown great 
determination to overcome all impediments in the process of concluding its WTO accession after 
unavoidable delays. As a fellow LDC with deep cu ltural ties with Afghanistan, Yemen had always 
supported this accession throughout the long and complex process. Considering the importance of 
the post-accession phase, Yemen pointed out that support for Afghanistan post-accession was vital 
for its post-accession commitment implementation phase. 
25. The representative of the Russian Federation  recognized that Afghanistan had always 
remained committed to full membership in the Organization since its application in 2004. 
The Russian Federation was interested in further deepening cooperation in its economy and in 
other areas with Afghanistan. In 2014, the trade turnover between Russia and Afghanistan had reached US$ 964 million, with 49% increase in comparison to 2013. The conclusion of 
Afghanistan's accession process marked another proof of the credibility of the Organization which 
was a common achievement and victory.   
26. The representative of Turkey stated that Afghanistan had a strong history and a rich 
culture in the region; but was also passing through a difficult time and experiencing economic 
hardship. Accession to the WTO would contribute to the political stability of Afghanistan and alleviate economic problems that the people of Afghanistan faced.   WT/ACC/AFG/37 
 
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  27. The representative of Tajikistan welcomed the Afghan Delegation and congratulated the 
negotiating team, the Chairman of the Working Party, and the Secretariat on this great 
achievement. 
28. The representative of Norway noted that the fi nalization of Afghanistan's accession process 
was a sign of the Unity Government’s strong commitment to reform on the road to self-reliance. 
The WTO would be an important arena for fu rther framing and regulating Afghanistan’s 
participation in international trade and the global economy. Membership in the WTO would link 
Afghanistan better to partners abroad, and would stimulate regional co-existence and cooperation. 
Afghanistan was a focus country for Norwegian de velopment cooperation. Norway was a long-term 
partner, and would stand by its commitments to provide assistance for Afghanistan. 
3  INFORMAL SESSION OF THE WORKING PARTY  
29. The Working Party considered the draft Accession Package of Afghanistan in informal 
session.  The Working Party took note of the erra tum in paragraph 145 of the Draft Report of the 
Working Party, in which the deadline for the elimination of the 2% fixed tax should  read as 
"prior to 1 January 2021"; and, not as "…prior to 1 January 2012", as it currently read.  It was 
agreed that the date would be corrected in the final Working Party Report to be re-issued in the 
WT/ACC- / MIN(15)/- document series after the meeting.  
4  FORMAL SESSION: ADOPTION OF THE ACCESSION PACKAGE OF AFGHANISTAN 
30. The Chairperson proposed that, in accordance with longstanding accession practice, the 
Working Party consider the Draft Accession Package of Afghanistan for adoption, ad referendum , in 
its specific components, in the sequence, as follo ws: (i) the Draft Report of the Working Party on 
the accession of Afghanistan (WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG/8 ); (ii) the Draft Schedule of Concessions and 
Commitments on Goods (Schedule CLXX) (WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG/9); (iii) the Draft Schedule of Specific Commitments on Trade in Services (WT/AC C/SPEC/AFG/10); (iv) the Draft Decision of the 
Ministerial Conference on the Accession of Afgh anistan; and, (v) the Draft Protocol on the 
Accession of Afghanistan.   
31. It was so agreed.   
32. The Chairperson proposed that the Working Party adopts, ad referendum,  the Draft Report 
of the Working Party (WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG/8). 
33. The Working Party so agreed.  
34. The Chairperson proposed that the Working Party adopts, ad referendum,  the Draft 
Schedule of Concessions and Commitmen ts on Goods (WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG/9). 
35. The Working Party so agreed. 
36. The Chairperson proposed that the Working Party adopts, ad referendum,  the Draft 
Schedule of Specific Commitments on Trade in Services (WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG/10). 
37. The Working Party so agreed. 
38. The Chairperson proposed that the Working Party adopts, ad referendum,  the Draft 
Decision on the Accession of Afghanistan (A ppendix of document WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG/8, on 
page 130 of the English version). 
39. The Working Party so agreed. 
40. The Chairperson proposed that the Working Party adopts, ad referendum,  the Draft 
Protocol on the Accession of Afghanistan (A ppendix of document WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG/9, on 
pages 131, 132 of the English version). 
41. The Working Party so agreed. WT/ACC/AFG/37 
 
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  42. The Chairperson noted that further to his consultations with the Government of 
Afghanistan, the timeframe envisaged by Afghanistan within which it would ratify its Protocol of Accession was 30 June 2016. 
5  CONCLUSION 
43. The Chairperson concluded that the Working Party had adopted, ad referendum,  and by 
consensus, the entire Draft Accession Package of Afghanistan. The Working Party had successfully 
completed its mandate. 
44.  Regarding the next steps, on behalf of the Working Party, the Chairperson would request 
the Director-General to place Afghanistan's Acce ssion Package on the agenda of the Tenth WTO 
Ministerial Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, in Dece mber.  The Chairman of the General Council would 
be duly informed.  In accordance with usual practice, the Secretariat would circulate Afghanistan's 
Accession Package adopted ad referendum in the WT/ACC- / MIN(15)-series for transmission to 
the Ministerial Conference.  The Chairperson invited Members to begin to reflect on the Director-General's initiative that was currently a subject of coordination for "WTO Post-Accession 
Support" for Afghanistan. 
45. The Chairperson conveyed to Afghanistan th e congratulations of the Director-General 
Roberto Azevêdo, Ambassador De Mateo (Mexico), Chairman of the General Council, and the entire 
Membership. Accession to the WTO was a long and arduous process, which required difficult policy 
decisions.  WTO accession negotiations were only concluded when there was strong and decisive leadership based on a plan for domestic reforms for accelerated and sustained growth and development.  H.E. President Mohammad Ashraf  Ghani of Afghanistan had exercised such 
leadership and was leading his Government down th e road of prosperity and enhanced welfare for 
the people of Afghanistan.  The Government of Afghanistan had demonstrated strong leadership in deciding on domestic reforms and had done admirable work in responding promptly and 
constructively to Members' requests and putting into place WTO-consistent legislation.   
46. He thanked Members for their engagement, good will, and the spirit of compromise, which 
had brought this accession process to a successful completion.  This was a tribute to both the 
Multilateral Trading System and the Government of Afghanistan.  Afghanistan's WTO accession 
was a strong, positive and clear signal for its commitment to engaging with the global economy in the framework of the rules-based trading system.  For the WTO, Afghanistan's accession meant a 
warm welcome to another Least-Developed country in the multilateral trading system.  This, in 
turn, would have systemic benefits such as improved compliance with market access commitments 
in goods and services and for WTO rules.   
47. He applauded the work of the Secretariat, in particular, the Accessions Division. He paid 
tribute to the President, Government and Parliame nt of Afghanistan. He concluded by underscoring 
that Afghanistan was a rich country in culture, history and, most of all, in the quality of its people who deserved a bright future and deserved to give hope to the young papulation. 
48. The Chief Negotiator on the accession of Afghanistan, H.E. Mozammil Shinwari, Deputy 
Minister of Commerce and Industries, in concluding remarks, on behalf of the Delegation of 
Afghanistan, extended his appreciation to the WTO Director-General, the Working Party Chairperson, Director of Accession Division, the Secretariat, and Members of the Working Party.  
49. Deputy Minister Shinwari mentioned that technical assistance had allowed the Government 
of Afghanistan to develop a thorough understan ding of WTO requirements and agreements for 
implementing required reforms.  By undertaking this process, Afghanistan had gained tremendous 
experience and looked forward for continued support in building technical capacity and establishing 
proper institutional mechanisms for handling post-accession matters.  Afghanistan looked forward to participating as a constructive Member in the work of the WTO, particularly by taking part in the 
various technical committees and councils as well as multilateral trade negotiations.  Afghanistan 
planned to play an active role in the LDCs Consultative Group and intended to expand the Permanent mission of Afghanistan to the UNOG in Geneva with qualified staff who would be engaged in the WTO system on a daily basis.  WT/ACC/AFG/37 
 
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  50. Deputy Minister Shinwari announced Afghanistan's intention to start, in the very near 
future, preparations for negotiating the WTO Government Procurement Agreement and to rapidly ratify the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement upon accession. Afghanistan intended to ratify the 
WTO Accession Package within the next six months and would live up to its WTO commitments and 
obligations. The main priority of H.E President Ashraf Ghani was to develop Afghanistan's 
manufacturing sector, as it would create new jobs, increase economic welfare and enable greater economic stability and regional security.  Deputy Minister Shinwari concluded by welcoming 
investments from WTO Members in Afghanistan.   
51. The representative of Jordan welcomed the high -level delegation of Afghanistan headed by 
H.E. Minister Homayoon Rasaw.  He commended Afghanistan for the hard work they had put into 
the negotiation process.  Jordan supported the Accession Package of Afghanistan and would look 
forward to welcoming Afghanistan as a full-fledged Member of the WTO.   
52. The representative of Nepal recognized that, for an LDC like Afghanistan, it had not been 
easy to conclude accession negotiations. However, due to its high political administrative 
commitment, wisdom, sincerity, and good nego tiating skills, Afghanistan had overcome the 
challenges and successfully concluded its accession  negotiations. As an LDC from the same South 
Asian origin, Nepal considered it as an important achievement for LDCs.  Afghanistan's accession 
to the WTO would not only strengthen the presence of LDCs through increased numbers, but 
would also give LDCs greater energy in advancing their common issues and concerns more effectively.   
53. The Working Party took note of the statements made and agreed that the mandate of the 
Working Party on the Accession of Afghanistan had been concluded.  
 
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 WT/ACC/AFG/37 
 
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  ANNEX I 
OPENING REMARKS BY H.E. MR. HOMAYOON RASA W, MINISTER OF TRADE AND INDUSTRIES AT 
THE FIFTH AND FINAL MEETING ON THE ACCESSION  
OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN 
 
Your Excellency Mr. Chairperson,  
Dear Working Party Members and observers, and friends of Afghanistan, 
 His Excellency President Ashraf Ghani has granted me and my delegation the mandate to be here 
today for completing this key step toward Afghanistan’s final accession to the WTO.   Our President 
views WTO membership as a catalyst for implementation of reforms that will achieve the 
development priorities of Afghanistan, strengthen market institutions and mechanisms, and promote welfare and economic growth.  He asked me to present his compliments to Director 
General Roberto Azevêdo and Members of working party. 
 Today marks a major milestone in the process of Afghanistan’s integration into the multilateral 
trading system.  It is a historic day for the people of Afghanistan, who have chosen to embrace 
democratic values.   Our aim is to maximize the benefits of WTO membership to bring prosperity 
and reduce poverty.  WTO Membership is a key element of our overall strategic objectives to increase economic stability, improve regional security and cooperation, and achieve everlasting 
peace. 
 Afghanistan’s arriving at this stage could not have occurred without the exceptional leadership of 
WTO Director General Azevêdo to accelerate the co nclusion of pending accessions, including that 
of Afghanistan, and to strengthen the rules of WTO for greater transparency and trade facilitation.   
 
Equally important is the dedication and tremendo us support of the esteemed Chairperson of our 
Working Party His Excellency Mr. Roderick van Schreven to whom we are most grateful.    In addition, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the WTO Accessions Division, 
particularly Director Chiedu Osakwe, for facilitating our accession and for the tremendous effort 
that went into finalizing our accession package.     
The visit to Kabul last weekend of His Excellency Ambassador van Schreven and Mr. Osakwe 
generated greater confidence in the WTO system and bolstered our resolve to become a Member of this key international organization.    
 
We are also enormously thankful for the support and understanding of all working party members regarding our development needs as a post-conflict, landlocked, and least developed economy.  We have managed together to overcome many challenges during negotiations and to agree on a 
win-win accession package that is commercially meaningful for WTO Members and, at the same 
time, enables us to achieve our goals of creating new economic opportunities to alleviate poverty in our country.  You all have taken precious time from your other responsibilities and families 
during the recent years, and we are truly appreciative of your support to Afghanistan. 
 We have with us today Members of our parliament and key representatives of the private sector to 
confirm the political will and private sector support to our accession. 
 It is a great honor for me to introduce members of our Parliament who are present with us today: • Ms. Anarkali Honaryar, Chairperson of Econom ic Committee of the  Senate (Upper house) 
• Mr. Mir Rahman Rahmani, Chairman of the Economic Committee  of the Parliament 
• Mr. Amir Khan Yaar, Chairman of the Budget, Finance & Banking  Committee  of the Parliament 
• Mr. Mohammad Umer Nangialai, Chairman of Foreign Relation Committee of the Parliament 
• Ms. Hameeda Yousafi, Member of Foreign Relations Committee of Parliament   • Mr. Ramazan Jumazada, Member of Economic Committee of Parliament  WT/ACC/AFG/37 
 
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We also have with us prominent representatives from our private sector representing the trading community, industrialists, and entrepreneurs.  
I am very pleased to have in my delegation di stinguished representatives from the Presidential 
Administration, and various ministries and government agencies who were part of our negotiations team which was led by Deputy Minister Mozammil Shinwari.   I would like to express my special 
appreciation for their diligent work to conclu de negotiations and advance policy, legal, and 
institutional reforms for conformity with WTO agreements and principles.  Last but not least, it is a great honor to have with us Afghanistan’s permanent representative to 
the UN in Geneva Ms. Suraya Dalil and our previous Ambassdaor Mr. Nanguyalai Tarzi. 
 
* * * 
 
Since the last working party meeting, we have concluded our bilateral market access negotiations on goods and services.  Our bilateral protocol with the United States was signed in January 2014.  
Bilateral protocols with Chinese Taipei, the European Commission, Korea, and Turkey were signed 
in early February 2014.  The technical verification of the Schedule of Specific Commitments on Services and the Schedule of Concessions an d Commitments on Goods were completed on 
27 February 2014.   Our ITA Schedule was approved by the ITA Committee on 19 March 2014. 
 
In spite of a prolonged election period and delays in the formation of a new government, we have made significant progress in advancing legislative reforms necessary for WTO conformity.  
Nine pieces of legislation have been adopted and eight drafts are presently at final stages of 
approval by the Counc il of Ministers.  
 
We have made significant strides in bringing our foreign trade regime in line with WTO agreements 
and principles.  The outstanding legislative items are on track for adoption prior to the date of 
accession.  The process of developing implementing  regulations and procedures is well underway 
for all key WTO related laws. 
 
I would like to assure you that Afghanistan is committed to play by the rules of the multilateral trading system.  We view adherenc e to WTO agreements as critical for strengthening the rule of 
law, increasing transparency, and building the foundation for sound economic development in 
Afghanistan.    
WTO membership is essential to strengthen our trade and investment framework for developing 
our private sector and attracting foreign direct investment.  This is key for enlarging our tax base to reduce our dependence on donors for budgetary support.  
* * * 
 As I mentioned earlier, WTO membership is critical for regional cooperation.  While being a 
landlocked country, Afghanistan has the advantage of being a land link between South Asia and 
Central Asia and beyond.  Due to our strategic geographic location, we are one of the two countries in the region active in the three main regional arrangements: The South Asian 
Association for Regional Economic Cooperation, the Economic Cooperation Organization, and the 
Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation.  Our aim is to become a trade and transit hub facilitating transit trade in the region for all.  We 
believe WTO membership for all countries in the region will create a level playing field for regional 
players and will reduce trading costs and delays  which will benefit all economic agents and 
consumers in both Central and South Asia.  We encourage other remaining countries in the region 
to accelerate their accession to the WTO. 
 I would like to stress again that Afghanistan is a democracy with separation of power between 
three branches of Government; the executive, the legislative, and the judicial.  Strengthening our 
democracy is one of the principle reasons for seeking WTO membership.  Afghanistan has embraced and is committed to uphold WTO values and principles including the rule of law, good governance, transparency, and non-discrimination.   We need your support to advance and cement 
these values in our society and business environment.  WT/ACC/AFG/37 
 
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We count on your approval today of our accession package as a first step toward this objective.  I would like to point out that our Chief Executive Officer His Excellency Abdullah Abdullah will be 
joining us in Nairobi, Kenya on December 17 for th e signing of Afghanistan’s Protocol of Accession.  
We are looking forward for this important da y in the modern history of Afghanistan. 
 
Thank you for your support and attention. 
 
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 WT/ACC/AFG/37 
 
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  ANNEX II 
CONCLUDING REMARKS BY H.E. MR. MOZAMMIL SHINWARI, DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRADE AND 
INDUSTRIES AT THE FIFTH AND FINAL MEETING ON THE ACCESSION  
OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN 
 
Dear Working Party Members and observers,   
This is a great moment for all of us.  After se veral years of hard work and perseverance, we 
managed to accomplish this monumental task together.  I echo Minister Rasaw’s words of appreciation to His Excellency WTO Director General Azevêdo, His 
Excellency Ambassador van Schreven, Director Osakwe, Accessions Division, and working party 
Members.  We are very grateful to all of you.    
Technical assistance allowed us to develop thorough understanding of WTO requirements and 
agreements for implementing required reforms.   It was also necessary to have clear understanding of the accession process and related procedures, formalities, and documentation for 
undertaking accession negotiations.  By undertaking  this process, we gained tremendously useful 
experience, thanks in large part to members of the working party.  I thank the numerous countries and international organizations for capacity building at various 
stages of our accession process including the WT O, UN-ESCAP, International Trade Centre, China, 
the European Union, India, the Netherlands, and Un ited Kingdom.  Moreover, we are very grateful 
for the extensive technical assistance and support  and capacity building provided throughout the 
process by the United States Agency for International Development. We look forward for your 
continuing support in building technical capacity and establishing proper institutional mechanisms for handling post-accession matters. 
 
W e  r e a l i z e  t h a t  w e  w i l l  h a v e  m o r e  w o r k  a h e a d  o f  u s  a s  a  M e m b e r .   W e  l o o k  f o r w a r d  t o  participating as a constructive Member in the work of the WTO, particularly by taking part in the various technical committees and councils as well as multilateral trade negotiations.  In addition, 
we plan to play an active role in the LDC and LLDC groups.  We intend to expand our mission in 
Geneva with qualified staff who will be engaged in the WTO system on a daily basis.    
I am very happy to announce that we intend to start in the very near future preparation for 
negotiating the WTO Government Procurement Agreement.  We also intend to rapidly ratify the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement once we become a WTO Member.  We have been taking into 
account in our ongoing customs reforms work the main principles and provisions stipulated in this 
agreement.  We encourage our regional partners, both WTO and non-WTO members, to implement this agreement in the nearest future, as it will directly benefit all countries in our region.  
Last, we intend to ratify our WTO Accession Pack age within the next six months.  I reassure you 
that Afghanistan will live up to its WTO commitments  and obligations and that it will be a positive 
and constructive player in the WTO. 
 
We in Afghanistan sincerely look forward to increasing our economic cooperation and strengthening our partnership with you within th e framework of WTO.   There are tremendous 
investment opportunities in Afghanistan, particularly in the value-added industry in the food 
processing and the mining sectors.  The main priority of His Excellency President Ashraf Ghani is to develop our manufacturing sector, as this will create new jobs, increase economic welfare and 
enable greater economic stability and regional security.  We warmly welcome your investors in our 
country.  
 Thank you for your support and attention. 
 
__________