WT/TPR/M/338  
3 August 2016  
(16-4154)  Page: 1/45  
Trade Policy Review Body 
1 and 3 June 2016  
 
  TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES  
MINUTES OF THE MEETING 
Chairperson: Ms Irene Young (Hong Kong, China) 
CONTENTS 
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAI RPERSON ....................................................... 2  
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNITED ARAB 
EMIRATES ...................................................................................................................... .. 4 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT ................................................................................ 7  
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS ........................................................................................ 10  
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AND 
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ............................................................................................... 40  
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAI RPERSON ......................................................... 45  
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by the United Arab Emirates are repr oduced in document WT/TPR/M/338/Add.1 and will 
be available online at http://www.wto.or g/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm. WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
1.1.  The third Trade Policy Review of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was held on 1 and 
3 June 2016. The Chairperson, Ms. Irene Young (Hong Kong, China), welcomed the delegation of t h e  U A E  h e a d e d  b y  H . E .  S u l t a n  B i n  S a e e d  A l  M a n s o o r i ,  M i n i s t e r  o f  E c o n o m y ;  t h e  r e s t  o f  t h e  
delegation of the UAE; and the discussant, H. E. Ambassador Francisco Alberto Lima Mena 
(El Salvador). Members were also pleased to ha ve with them the United Nations Industrial 
Development Organization which – as agreed by Members earlier – was attending this meeting as 
observer on an ad hoc basis. 
1.2.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of the Tr ade Policy Reviews and the main elements of 
the procedures for the meeting. The report by the UAE was contained in document WT/TPR/G/338 and that of the WTO Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/338. 
1.3.  Questions by the following delegations had been  submitted in writing before the deadline and 
had been transmitted to the delegation of the UAE: Malaysia; Oman; Hong Kong, China; Australia; China; European Union; Mexico; Chinese Taipei; Un ited States; Chile; Canada; Ukraine; Thailand; 
Argentina; Singapore; Japan; Dominican Republic; Brazil and Costa Rica. The following delegations 
submitted written questions after the deadline: New Zealand; El Salvador; Korea; Kingdom of Morocco; Turkey; India; Russian Federation an d Ecuador. These questions had also been 
transmitted to the delegation of the UAE. 
1.4.  At the previous TPR in 2012, Members had commended the UAE for the steps taken to 
diversify the economy away from oil and gas.  Members had appreciated that the UAE had 
successfully weathered the global crisis without backsliding on trade liberalization. 
1.5.  During the current review period, the UAE's economy had continued to grow and diversify, as 
it sought to transform itself into a knowle dge-based one. Noting the UAE's remarkable 
achievements in this regard, many Members wanted  to learn more about the country's long term 
economic, investment and development strategies. The Chairperson noted that it would be helpful 
if the delegation could elaborate. 
1.6.  With regard to trade policy, at the time of the last Review, the UAE's relatively low level of 
tariff protection had been acknowledged by Members. However, Members had seen room in 
reducing the gap between bound and applied tariff rates. Members had also encouraged the UAE to facilitate and simplify the processes required to obtain trade licenses and to remove requirements for the legalization and consularization of trade documents. It appeared that some of 
these concerns were still valid today. 
1.7.  At the last TPR, Members had noted that, outside the free zones, the UAE's investment 
regime had been more restrictive than its trade regime. They had therefore encouraged the UAE to 
speed-up the promulgation of its new law on libe ralization of foreign investment and modernize 
the business environment. The Chairperson understood that some steps had been taken in this direction: for instance, Federal Law No. 2 concerning Commercial Companies, which had entered 
into force in July 2015, would reduce the requirements to set up and run a business. However, the 
rules on foreign investment had not changed substantially since the last review. It was useful to know when the new draft law to bring about more significant improvements was expected to complete its domestic ratification process. To enhance the business environment, Members had 
also encouraged the UAE to eliminate local serv ices/agent requirements, and to increase the 
transparency, accountability, and effectiveness of government administ ration. Members were 
interested to know what steps had been taken in this respect. 
1.8.  At the previous TPR, Members had also raised concerns about the absence of fully-fledged 
competition legislation in the UAE. Questions had been raised about the procedures and criteria for fixing prices and the exemptions for state- owned enterprises and small and medium-sized 
enterprises from competition regulations. The Chairperson understood that the UAE had already 
issued regulations on the processes and procedures for implementing the Competition Law. However, the Cabinet had yet to determine thresholds for de minimis exemptions and market share thresholds to define dominant position and economic concentration. Members were 
interested in knowing when these thresholds would be established and when the law would 
become fully effective. WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  1.9.  This meeting was a good opportunity for Members to discuss in greater detail the key issues 
above, as well as other issues of interest to them and of systemic importance to the multilateral trading system. The Chairperson looked  forward to a fruitful exchange. WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 
(H.E. SULTAN BIN SAEED AL MANSOORI) 
2.1.  I would like to start my opening statement by expressing my appreciation to the WTO 
Secretariat, the Trade Policy Review division, for the great efforts they have exerted towards 
ensuring the success of the UAE's Trade Policy Review (TPR) and their comprehensive report. 
Here, I would also like to acknowledge the contribution of Mr. John Finn and his team Mr. Samer Seif El Yazal and Mr. Usman Ali Khilji who worked so hard to produce a truly comprehensive and 
valuable report.  
2.2.  I am extremely honored and the entire UAE delegation to be amongst WTO Member states in 
the third UAE TPR. I would like also on behalf of the UAE delegation to extend our sincere gratitude 
to our discussant H.E. Ambassador Francisco Alberto Lima Mena for his role and efforts.  
2.3.  I am pleased to see that the interest in this Report, which is clearly evident, by the number of 
questions that we have received from the Member s, which I hope we provided suitable responses 
to. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of you for the interest shown and looking 
forward to constructive dialogue and views on all economic, trade and trade related matters.  
2.4.  We, in the UAE, see the entire process of preparing our country's TPR as an invaluable 
opportunity towards sharing with the WTO Members the current status of our economy and our 
trade policies. This process is also undoubtedly an excellent opportunity for us to comprehensively 
assess our present policies and future directions. In addition to that, we consider the TPR mechanism as invaluable to the WTO mission and objectives.  
Economic development 
2.5.  The UAE Vision 2021, focuses on transitioning to a knowledge-based economy within the 
UAE, promoting innovation and research and development, strengthening the regulatory framework for key sectors and encouraging high value adding sectors. This will sustain the UAE 
drive toward economic diversification and development that is less reliant on oil. These will 
improve the country's business environment and increase its attractiveness to foreign investment.  
2.6.  We call it Vision 2021 because it will be the year the UAE is going to be 50 years old. As a 
country we came in 1971 and our Government has a very important opportunity to try to evaluate 
what are our future directions as a whole, as a Nation. Of course, the economy is part of it but there are many other parts of it, including social issues, educational, health and many other issues. Hence, on the economy side of it, we try to focus on the following: 
1. Raise the contribution of the Non-Oil sector s to the GDP by the year 2021 up to 80%.  
2. To be among the top 10 countries in the world at the Gross National Income per Capita. 
3. To increase the industrial sector contribution to GDP by 25% in the coming years. 
4. Positioning the UAE to be among the top 10 countries in the world at the Global 
Entrepreneurship and Development Index. 
2.7.  UAE continues to pay attention to the foreign trade sector, which is under the supervision of 
the Ministry of Economy assigning it the respon sibility of developing and implementing the 
country's trade policy in coordination with other ministries, federal and local bodies. The UAE adopts a trade policy marked by openness and harmony with international markets and the Member states of the WTO through the multilater al trading system. The Ministry of Economy is 
also responsible for pursuing the government's  progressive economic agenda, focused around 
economic liberalization in various sectors, as well as diversification and promotion of the role of the private sector. 
Economic and investment growth 
2.8.  The UAE real GDP growth rate was 4.6% in 2014 when compared to 4.3% in 2013. I am 
pleased to highlight that oil's contribution to GDP in 2014 has dropped down to 31%. This trend of WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  declining contribution of oil to GDP in percentage can be seen over the past 4 years. With lower oil 
prices and UAE Government's efforts to diversify it is estimated that the oil contribution to the GDP at current prices will be below 25%.  
2.9.  The stock of the inward foreign direct investment till 2014 reached US$115.6 billion 
registering a growth of 10% compared to 2013. The outward investment till 2014 was US$66.3 
billion registering a growth of 5% compared to 2013. In this context, The UAE is the leading 
country in the MENA the region when it comes to the FDI inflow.  
UAE'S trade policy and developments 
2.10.  Let me explain UAE's trade policy in a more concrete manner.  
The Multilateral Trading System 2.11.  The UAE believes that free trade is a necessary condition for increased competitiveness and 
productivity in the long run. Protectionism, in th e form of high tariff barriers and technical barriers 
to trade, would only result in a stagnant and inefficient private sector.  
2.12.  Maintaining and strengthening the multilateral trading system under the WTO remains a 
fundamental basis of UAE's trade policy. On the basis of permanent and fair rules governing the 
trading system, the UAE is actively participating in the DDA negotiations and we look forward towards ambitious and balanced delivery to complement and strengthen the existing Multilateral 
Trading System. To that end and in order to achiev e these fair results, we need to tackle, in an 
open mind, all areas of negotiations in the Doha round while considering the single undertaking principle. 
2.13.  On the regional and bilateral level, the UAE is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council 
(GCC) and also a member of Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA). The UAE, under the GCC 
umbrella, has also signed several free trade agreements with a number of countries such as Singapore which has entered into force in January 2015 and EFTA States which has entered into 
force on July 2015.  
2.14.  The FTA negotiations between the GCC and New Zeeland have been concluded but the 
agreement has not yet been signed by the parties. Negotiations on FTAs have been conducted with 
Turkey, Japan, South Korea, China, India, Pakistan, Australia, EU and the Southern Common 
Market (MERCOSUR). The scope of these negotiations so far covers market access for goods and services, intellectual property, and in some ca ses, government procurement, investment and 
competition.  
2.15.  On the bilateral investment agreements and by the end of 2015, the UAE signed 
43 agreements related to encouragement and protection of investment. Also, the UAE has signed 92 agreements on avoidance of double taxation with different countries (35 with European 
countries; 26 with Asian countries; 11 with Arabic countries; 12 with African countries; and 8 with 
North and Latin-American countries). 
2.16.  The UAE is a true believer in the multilateral trading system and attaches great importance 
to the rule-based multilateral trading system. On that regard, we consider all the forms of trade 
preferential arrangements, whether it is bilateral or regional free trade areas complimentary to the 
multilateral trading system and in compliance with its requirements.  
Future directions and legislative reforms  
2.17.  The UAE National Innovation Strategy was launched in October 2014 with the aim of making 
the UAE one of the most innovative Nations in the world within seven years. The strategy will 
stimulate innovation in seven sectors where innovation is key to excellence: renewable energy, 
transport, education, health, technology, water, and airspace. Its first phase includes 30 national 
initiatives to be completed within three years. All these initiatives based on these seven sectors have been divided among the different Ministries and authorities within the federal Government 
but there are also building the capacity within lo cal Government representation. These include new 
legislation, innovation incubators, investment in specialized skills, private sector incentives, WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  international research partnerships and an innovation drive within Government. The strategy 
contains practical initiatives in each of its seven priority sectors. 
2.18.  A new investment law is under process for domestic ratification which aims to enhance and 
develop the investment environment in the UAE and to facilitate the attraction of foreign direct 
investment (FDI) to economic sectors and areas of developmental priority to UAE.  
2.19.  The UAE is progressively restructuring the legal and regulatory environment to align it with 
global best practices in transparency, investment protection, fair competition and competitiveness. 
The ultimate goal is to create a friendly enviro nment for business. The UAE has issued a number of 
laws and working on upgrading a number of key legislations, especially with regard to the 
development of the country's economic infrastructu re and investment environment. In this regard, 
I would like to mention that lately the following legislations were issued: 
 A new amended Companies Law. 
 A new Law on SMEs, to support the role of the private enterprises in stimulating growth. 
 A new competition Law which is aimed at promoting the principle of competition and 
evolving competitive market that is ruled by sheer markets.  
 A new Law on Anti Commercial Fraud was form ulated. The law is in compliance with the 
WTO TRIPS agreement and the best international norms and practices to deal with the 
Counterfeited goods will be destructed  among many other matters related.  
Concluding remarks 2.20.  The UAE's strategic location between the longit udes of east and west, together with its 
stability and developed infrastructure (ports, ro ads and aviation) has made it a global commerce 
hub and a vital trade gateway. On this regard, th e UAE has become the third largest re-export hub 
in the world in 2014. 
2.21.  Dubai Government announced the world's largest wholesale city covering 500 million square 
feet. The city will also have everything ranging from banking services and cargo centers to 
markets, warehouses and residential units. The city aims to accommodate as many as 15,000 wholesale traders. This might boost the global wholesale sector from the current value of 
US$4.3 trillion to US$4.9trillion in the next five year s. The city will be the capital of international 
wholesale besides having the world's largest e-commerce platform for wholesale trade. 
2.22.  The UAE Development is not dry; it has a human face where UAE topped the international 
community in its humanitarian aid. As per a report by the UN on humanitarian financing, the UAE 
has topped the list of donor countries in the world compared to its national income. During the 
period 2010-2014, the total UAE aid was US$16 billion for more than 140 countries in the world forming 1.7% of the country's national income.  
2.23.  We do appreciate all addressed questions from the Member states. We have been working 
very hard with my team. We have actually received around 212 questions addressed to us in English. We replied to 196, which represents about 93% of the total questions. And I would like to 
assure that the rest of the questions will be covered before the end of the UAE TPR. For the 
Member states who addressed their questions in Spanish, as we received some of the questions more recently, we are very keen also to answ er and clarify all your queries and questions. 
Therefore, my team is working on tran slating them in order to be answered. 
2.24.  Before I conclude, I would like to inform the Member states that the UAE has ratified the 
trade facilitation agreement under Decree No. 39 dated 8 March 2016, and deposited its instrument of acceptance with the WTO Secretariat on 18 April 2016. It was the first country in the 
Arab region to deposit its instrument of acceptance. 
2.25.  I very much look forward to listening to comments and suggestions from our distinguished 
Discussant and all Member states. Thank you very much for your attention.  WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT 
3.1.  It is a great honour and pleasure to address yo u as the discussant in this third Trade Policy 
Review of the United Arab Emirates. I would li ke to extend a warm welcome to His Excellency 
Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, the Minister of Economy, who is head of the delegation today, to Mr 
Salem Obaid Al Zaabi, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to 
the United Nations, to the officials who have a ccompanied them from the capital, and to their 
colleagues from the mission in Geneva. 
3.2.  The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is currently the 30th largest economy in the world. It has 
come to occupy this privileged position through a period of development that benefitted from the 
exploitation of oil and natural gas during the mi d-20th century and the deft management of such 
wealth in natural resources through the diversification of activities towards other economic sectors. 
3.3.  During the period under review, the economy of the UAE demonstrated its capacity to adapt 
following the global financial crisis, with GDP gr owing at an average annual rate of 4.52% between 
2010 and 2014. This growth was mainly propelled by the hydrocarbons sector, which represents 
around 38.3% of GDP. The UAE has the 7th largest oil reserves in the world, which amount to 
97,800 million barrels, or 6.6% of the world's total oil reserves. 
3.4.  Nevertheless, trade figures show that the economy has diversified since 2012 in line with 
government plans, with growth having been driven  by other sectors including construction, trade, 
tourism, manufacturing and, no less significantly, the financial sector. 
3.5.  We should also note an increase in the UAE's consumer price inflation indicators. Such 
inflation rose from 0.7% in 2012 to 4.1% in 2015. Th is has mainly been marked by the increase in 
housing rental costs and, to a lesser extent, the scrapping of fuel subsidies. 
3.6.  As a net importer of agriculture and fishery products, the UAE is pushing through a series of 
agricultural policies mainly designed to improve food security. We would be very interested to 
learn of the latest developments in this area, es pecially as there is a document under discussion 
encompassing the UAE's policy in this sector for the period 2015 2030, which is aimed at meeting the food security objective. 
3.7.  Over the past couple of decades the UAE has become an international air transport hub and is 
home to two of the largest international airlines. It has seven airports, with Dubai International Airport being the busiest in the world overall and the third busiest in terms of cargo transport. 
3.8.  Another important component of the UAE economy is the construction sector, which 
represents 9% of GDP and contributes to 33% of total employment, notably with large and 
innovative architectural works that are world renowned. Some of the most well-known projects are the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world; the Pal Jumeirah, the world's largest man-made 
island; Masdar, the world's first carbon free city; and Dubai Mall, the world's largest shopping mall. 
This sector has also driven growth in tourism,  which is one of the strategic sectors for the 
diversification process. 
3.9.  It is worth highlighting that, according to a 2015 report by Business Monitor International, 
projects are under way amounting to US$180 billion, including the national railway, Dubai Central Airport and four nuclear reactors for energy production. Trade in goods and services as a proportion of GDP rose from 151% in 2010 to over  176% in 2014. As such, it continues to play a 
very important role in the country's economy. 
3.10.  With regard to tariffs, we appreciate the low overall average of the UAE's common external 
tariff, which barely reaches 4.7%. The applied MF N tariff ranges from 0% to 5% for almost all 
products. Furthermore, the UAE has no tariff qu otas and few tariff peaks. According to the 
Secretariat report, almost all tariffs are below WTO bound rates, with very few possible exceptions. 
3.11.  In terms of domestic support, unlike the 2012 review, where some notifications were still 
pending, this time all notifications are up to date and refer only to measures exempt from 
reduction. The support concerned is primarily destined for inspection services and pest and disease control. WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  3.12.  As regards customs, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the UAE on its 
recent ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and on submitting its instrument of acceptance in April of this year . Efforts of this kind clearly demonstrate the UAE's commitment to 
the multilateral trading system, highlighting the e fforts of the UAE delegation in both the regular 
and extraordinary work of the WTO. 
3.13.  I am also very pleased to note the efforts made in the area of customs administration, 
where various mechanisms have been implemented to  facilitate trade. All of this has helped to 
place the UAE in a very high position as regards the majority of indicators from different 
international bodies. There are some worth high lighting: 20th out of 150 economies in the World 
Bank Logistics Performance Index, 3rd out of 140 economies in the World Economic Forum's 
Burden of Customs Procedures index, and 31st out of 189 countries in the Doing Business ranking, 
etc. 
3.14.  Clearly, free zones and economic specialized zones are an important element of the UAE's 
economy and the Government's growth strategy. Great emphasis has been placed on these zones 
where a large proportion of exports are produced or processed. The main advantages for 
investment are no corporate or personal income taxes, exemptions from customs duties, and exemptions from several domestic regulations that apply within the customs territory, such as 
those concerning licences and limitations on foreign equity participation. 
3.15.  We take note of the fact that the UAE is considering relaxing these investment related 
restrictions for certain industrial sectors beyond those included in free zones under a new Foreign Direct Investment Law. We believe that the prompt adoption and implementation of these 
measures could positively complement plans for the expansion of Foreign Direct Investment. 
3.16.  Among the future challenges to the country 's economic growth is the UAE's high 
dependency on oil exports, a situation made worse by the fall in prices. Were the current trend to 
continue, it could have a negative impact on export earnings, which would create fiscal pressures 
and continue to affect levels of inflation. 
3.17.  However, whilst keeping in mind these difficulties, I must point out the considerable efforts 
being made by the UAE in implementing its fiscal consolidation plan and measures to attract 
foreign investment. This plan is designed to br ing about a transition towards a knowledge based 
economy, raising the level of education and encouraging innovation and the use of new technologies, all of which is integrated into the "Vision 2021" strategy. 
3.18.  Another initiative to help address the aforementioned challenges is the National Innovation 
Strategy, which seeks to turn the UAE into one of the world's most innovative nations. The strategy will stimulate innovation in seven sectors: renewable energy, transport, education, 
health, technology, water and space. 
3.19.  2013 saw the entry into force of the Competition Law, which seeks to protect and promote 
competition and maintain a competitive market governed by market mechanisms. Also worthy of 
note are the inherent challenges faced by the count ry in implementing this type of legislation, 
especially since some of the big enterprises are still State owned, as noted in the Secretariat report. 
3.20.  According to the study published last week by the ITC entitled "Bringing SMEs onto the 
e-Commerce Highway", the UAE has one of the best developed infrastructures, and is home to 
large e commerce platforms that had an estimated market value of US$5.1 billion in 2015. The value of these platforms is expected to reach US$10 billion by 2018. Certainly, in my opinion, and 
as stated in the Secretariat report, continuing to promote electronic transactions complements the 
UAE Government's efforts to promote SMEs. 
3.21.  It is worth highlighting the greater openness of the labour market to women and young 
people in the UAE. According to the World Bank, the labour market participation rate for women is 
21%, the highest in all the Gulf countries. Another particular characteristic of the UAE is that the labour market is composed mostly of foreign workers, who occupy the majority of highly qualified posts in the private sector. Improving employment  opportunities for UAE nationals is therefore a WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  priority for the country, and it is already implementing policies to provide training to its nationals, 
all in keeping with its "Vision 2021" plan. 
3.22.  In view of the above, the UAE has demonstrated  impressive economic growth since it unified 
four decades ago to form a single nation. In my opinion, it is currently confronted with three main 
challenges: firstly, to successfully finish implementing its diversification strategy, through which it 
can reduce its dependence on the volatile oil sector; secondly, to continue to promote policies providing greater opportunities for Emiratis in th e labour market; and thirdly, to continue to 
strongly encourage the transition towards a know ledge based economy and to promote innovation 
in all areas of production, especially those targeted in the production diversification process. 
3.23.  All this will require the UAE to continue its efforts to implement policies contributing to 
sustainable economic growth. 
3.24.  To conclude, all that remains is for me to wish His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori 
and his distinguished delegation the greatest succe ss in this review and to thank all the Members 
for their kind participation. WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS 
BRUNEI  ON BEHALF  OF ASEAN 
4.1.  I'm making this statement on behalf of ASEAN. 
4.2.  The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is ASEAN's largest trading partner in the Middle East, with 
Thailand and Singapore maintaining the most active bilateral trade accounts. In 2014, UAE was 
ASEAN's tenth largest trading partner, making up  2.2% of ASEAN's total external trade worth 
US$57 billion. Foreign direct investment flows have also grown significantly in both directions and 
we look forward to this positive trend continuing. 
4.3.  The United Arab Emirates is an active participant in the WTO; through its contributions to the 
regular work as well as being an active Member of the Asia Group. ASEAN also commends the UAE for recently ratifying the Trade Facilitation Agreement. 
4.4.  Some of us in ASEAN have submitted written questions to the UAE and we thank them in 
advance for their written responses. We also express our thanks to Ambassador Obaid Salem Saeed Nasser Al-Zaabi and his delegation for th eir constructive engagement with the ASEAN 
delegations in Geneva. 
OMAN 4.5.  Oman enjoys very close relations with the United Arab Emirates. We share a long history, as 
well as fraternal and cultural bonds due to our close geographic proximity in the Arabian Peninsula. 
Our shared characteristics have served to enhance business opportunities and trading between our two Countries. Oman and the United Arab Emirates are also closely bound in economic and trade relations under the umbrella of the Gulf Cooperation Council. 
4.6.  The United Arab Emirates has pursued an open and liberal economy with commendable 
results. Its GDP growth was 4.5% annually betw een 2010 and 2014. Despite steep fall in oil 
prices, the United Arab Emirates achieved a respectable growth rate of 3.1% in 2015. This is a 
testimony to the resilience and diversity of the United Arab Emirates' economy. 
4.7.  The United Arab Emirates has been actively pursuing a policy of economic diversification. The 
success of the policy is demonstrated by the fact that around 66% of the GDP is contributed by the 
non-oil sector. 
4.8.  A proactive approach is the hallmark of United Arab Emirates' dynamic economic policy which 
i s  b a s e d  o n  a n  I n n o v a t i o n  S t r a t e g y .  T h e  U n i t e d  A r a b  E m i r a t e s  a i m s  t o  b e  o n e  o f  t h e  m o s t  innovative nations in the world; and a mo del of sustainable and responsible growth. 
4.9.  The foreign trade policy of the United Arab Emirates is anchored in the Gulf Cooperation 
Council and is based on the principles and rules of  the multilateral trading system as enshrined in 
the WTO. 
4.10.  The United Arab Emirates is a faithful adherent to the WTO. It has an open, liberal and 
predictable trade policy, with low tariffs, virtually no prohibited QRs, no TRIMs and no export subsidies. 
4.11.  The United Arab Emirates has bound tariffs on 100% of tariff lines at an average bound 
tariff of 14.3%. The applied tariffs on virtually all products are either 0 or 5%, with a few 
exceptions. The average of applied rates is the very low figure of 4.7%. 
4.12.  Services is an important sector of the United Arab Emirates' economy and it has accordingly 
made specific commitments on a number of sectors and sub-sectors. 
4.13.  We are glad to note that the United Arab Emirates has completed the ratification process for 
the Trade Facilitation Agreement.  WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  4.14.  The picture that emerges is that of a Member  which faithfully adheres to its obligations 
under the WTO in both the formulation and conduct of its trade policy. 
4.15.  Finally, I would like to express our thanks to Mr. Abdesalam Al-Ali, Director Representative 
of the United Arab Emirates to the WTO, for his commendable efforts in furthering the interests of 
the United Arab Emirates and GCC countries at the WTO. 
HONG  KONG,  CHINA 
General 
4.16.  Hong Kong, China (HKC) has enjoyed cordial trade relations with the UAE over the years. 
The UAE is one of our top 15 trading partners in the world, and our largest one in the Middle East. HKC is also the largest export destination for non-oil goods from the UAE. In the past five years, our bilateral trade had increased at an impressive average annual growth rate of 10%.  
4.17.  We earnestly hope that greater cooperation and partnership will enable us to take our 
economic relations with the UAE to a new level, offering a wealth of opportunities for businesses as well as investors from both economies.  
Trade facilitation 
4.18.  We note that trading in the UAE requires a tr ading license, except when conducted in the 
free zones. To qualify for a license, the applicant must be a UAE national or a company established 
in the UAE that is 51% owned by UAE nationals. Distribution of imported goods may only be 
undertaken by trade agencies which must be owned by UAE nationals or by companies wholly owned by UAE nationals. We look forward to the removal of such nationality restrictions to facilitate trade and enhance the free flow of goods. 
4.19.  We are pleased to note that the UAE has already deposited its instrument of acceptance, 
and notified its Category A commitments, for the Agreement on Trade Facilitation, contributing to our joint efforts to accelerate the entry into force of the Agreement.  
Tariffs 
4.20.  We are glad to note that the UAE has bound all its tariff lines, and all its bound rates are ad 
valorem. It is also commendable that the UAE's applied MFN rates for most tariff lines do not 
exceed 5%. However, of 2015, 19 ta riff lines on tobacco products were still su bject to an applied 
tariff of 100% or a minimum specific duty. The applic ation of the specific duty could lead to an ad 
valorem equivalent greater than the bound rate of 200%. We would encourage the UAE to consider improvement in this aspect.  
State-owned enterprises 
4.21.  State ownership encompasses nearly all productive activities, including oil industry, real 
estate, telecommunications, construction, manufacturing, electricity, transport, agribusiness, 
education, and health services. According to th e authorities, in many cases these companies, 
although state-owned, have full autonomy and are managed independently through their boards. 
During the financial crisis, however, several go vernment-related entities (GREs) defaulted on 
loans, creating liquidity problems in the local banking market. Sectoral regulations have therefore 
been put in place in some cases to address governance structures and practices of GREs. 
4.22.  We encourage the UAE to actively consider privatization of its GREs, which would not only 
open up more opportunities for foreign investment, but could also help promote competition and 
diversity. 
Services  4.23.  Services account for over half of the UAE's GDP (i.e. 57%). Financial services, wholesale and 
retail trade, and real estate and business services are the main contributors to the services WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  industry. However, foreign participation in many services sectors is still restricted. For instance, 
foreign financial services companies are not allowed to establish subsidiaries in the UAE. 
4.24.  There are also foreign equity limitations, not limited to the services sectors. Although the 
new Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 concerning Commercial Companies allows 100% foreign ownership 
for companies established in free zones, those established in other parts of the UAE are still 
required to have a minimum of 51% UAE national ownership. As the UAE seeks to improve its business environment and attract foreign investment, we encourage the country to further 
liberalize its investment regime. 
Concluding remarks 4.25.  Finally, I would like to congratulate the UAE on winning the bid to host the Expo 2020 in 
Dubai. It is in line with the UAE's Vision 2021 strategy, of which trade is one of the essential 
elements. Achieving the targets requires diversific ation of the economy, creation of an enabling 
environment for trade and investment, as well as movement up the value chains. We are pleased to see the UAE making ambitious commitments to this end, and wish the UAE every success in its 
endeavors. 
AUSTRALIA 4.26.  Australia welcomes the opportunity to participate in the United Arab Emirates' third Trade 
Policy Review. We have a close bilateral relationship with the United Arab Emirates encompassing 
a wide range of shared interests including strong trade and investment links. With $9.3 billion in goods and services trade in 2014-15, the UAE is our largest regional trade partner. Traditional exports including passenger motor vehicles, agricultural commodities, transport and personal 
travel are the leading items in our trade relationship, and there is room to do more together. 
4.27.  Australia commends the United Arab Emirates' sustained commitment to diversify its 
economy and undertake fiscal reform. The decline in oil (and other commodity) prices highlights 
the importance of pursuing growth strategies th at support a flexible and resilient economy. We 
welcome in particular the strong focus on innovation in the UAE's Vision 2021 strategy. 
4.28.  Australia welcomes the United Arab Emirates' vision of becoming a knowledge economy and 
innovation hub. The value of a nimble and im aginative private sector where innovation and 
entrepreneurship is incentivized and appropriate ri sk taking is rewarded cannot be overstated. We 
look forward to the implementation of a proposed Foreign Investment Law, including 100% foreign equity limits, which could further support the United Arab Emirates' goals by attracting increased 
foreign investment and providing those investors with greater certainty and transparency. In our 
view, legislation to provide for greater enforcemen t of contracts and resolution of insolvencies 
would make an important contribution to  strengthening the business environment. 
4.29.  Australia welcomes recent steps towards the revitalization of the Gulf Cooperation Council's 
(GCC) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) agenda. High-quality, comprehensive FTAs are an effective compliment to multilateral trade negotiations. They also serve as an important policy tool for the 
implementation of liberalizing reforms and st reamlined domestic processes that can boost 
efficiency and competitiveness, offering lower co st goods and services for domestic consumers and 
providing greater opportunities for exporters in partner countries. Australia is committed to recommencing our FTA negotiations with the GCC at an early opportunity. 
4.30.  Australia commends the United Arab Emirates' efforts to modernize legislation governing the 
economy and encourage it to consider the potential benefits of increased competition, including through greater foreign participation in the oil and gas and telecommunications sectors. The 
liberalization of Australia's telecommunications sector, which began in 1991, contributed to lower 
cost services for business and retail consumers, with flow-on benefits across the wider economy. 
4.31.  We congratulate the UAE on recently accepting the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation. 
The Agreement on Trade Facilitation when implemented will deliver practical measures to 
strengthen global trade and economic growth, br inging substantial development and job creation 
benefits for WTO Members including the UAE and the Gulf States. WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  4.32.  Australia would also commend any new effort to facilitate, simplify and streamline 
procedures related to Customs clearance. In particular, harmonizing regulatory requirements for imported foods and coordinating border inspection and clearance systems for imports to the GCC would lower costs for importers and, in turn, domestic consumers. 
4.33.  For this review, Australia has submitted a numbe r of written questions. We look forward to 
studying the United Arab Emirates' response to these questions. 
CHINA 
4.34.  We are glad to see that UAE has achieved remarkable economic development since last 
review. The economic growth in UAE has been dr iven by non-oil and gas sector since 2012. This 
demonstrates that trade and investment liberalization could be a catalyst and the key to the success of economic diversification. China commends UAE's strong commitments to reform and 
enhance existing regulatory, to improve business environment for foreign investors, and to 
promote free zones. Against current downturn of oil prices, it is more important for UAE to keep on in this direction.  
4.35.  This year marks the 20th anniversary of UAE's accession to the WTO. As a fellow Article 12 
member, we are pleased to see that UAE has well integrated in the multilateral trading system and benefited from comprehensive trade and investment liberalization. Now, UAE is playing an 
important role in negotiations and other fronts with Ambassador Al Zaabi's active engagement. We 
look forward to furthering collaboration with our UAE colleagues in the future base on the solid cooperation between the two missions. 
4.36.  Turning to the bilateral front, China is one of the largest trading partners of UAE. The 
bilateral trade volume amounted to US$48 billion in 2015. Two-way investment also flourished, by 
the end of 2015, the stock of China's direct in vestment in UAE had reached US$1.8 billion, with 
over 4000 companies registered in UAE by Chines e investors. This January, the GCC and China 
have restarted the FTA negotiations. We look forw ard to working closely with UAE in the ongoing 
FTA negotiation and to reaching a comprehensive and high-quality agreement in the near future. 
4.37.  At the same time, China noticed that there is still room for improvement regarding some of 
UAE's investment policies. In particular, we encourage UAE to minimize the limits on foreign 
ownership, extend the scope of business operations for the branch and representative office of foreign companies, liberalize sectors such as real  estate, car rental, human resource services, and 
further open up the banking sector. 
4.38.  China has raised some questions to UAE and is grateful for the replies received, which we 
will study closely. 
EUROPEAN
 UNION 
4.39.  Since their last review in 2012, the UAE successfully continued their diversification strategy 
which enabled the economy to grow at a relatively high rate, despite the fall in oil prices. Also, attracting Foreign Direct Investment is important for diversification and for the promotion of 
innovation, which are key objectives for the UAE. In this context, the EU notes that, as noted by 
the Secretariat, the economy remains in many respects a State matter. In several sectors, the state-owned entities play a major role locally (in the financial sector, for example) and internationally (on oil markets and transportati on). An example here is the 100% government 
owned Emirates Airlines corporation which is now the third largest international carrier in the 
world.  
4.40.  Trade plays a crucial role in the UAE economies with total trade in goods and services 
equivalent to nearly 176% of the GDP in 2015. For the EU, the UAE is one of most important 
markets for goods and services, currently 8th largest export market and 3rd largest in terms of trade surplus. Regarding investment, several of the EU Member States have important positions 
among the foreign investors. Today, more than 6.000 companies from the EU have established 
their regional base in the UAE. Considering the relatively small size and population of the country and in absence of major trade related agreements wi th the EU, this is remarkable and the result of 
a very liberal and open economic development mo del, which the UAE have benefited from since WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  inception of the country 45 years ago. Let me also highlight in this context the recent ratification 
of the TFA and the notification of Category A commitments.  
4.41.  Looking forward, as the regulatory framework for economic activities in the UAE is 
undergoing rapid changes in line with the move from an oil-based to a diversified economy, there 
is a need for new legislation and rules. The continuation of the success story of the UAE will 
depend on the skillful management of those new regulatory efforts while maintaining the spirit of the liberal economic model.  
4.42.  In this context, and beyond the overall positive picture, please allow me to make a few 
specific comments:  
1. Labour forces. The WTO Secretariat report does  not give figures on employment but one can 
note that national citizens represent only about 10 to 15% of the workforce. This is an 
important feature of the economy that has to be taken into account. The EU has noted the 
ongoing initiatives taken by the authorities to reform labour conditions and would welcome further information regarding conditions of work and the rights of migrant workers.  
2. Transparency and inclusiveness. The EU has le arnt from experience that the drafting of 
legislation benefits from consultation of industry and services' representatives and of stakeholders of all kinds. We believe that for the UAE as well this could help in attracting 
investors and ensuring high quality legislation.  
3. "Emiratization". The EU has concerns that certain new developments are discriminatory and 
have the potential to undermine trade. The UAEs' goal to give preference to nationals over expatriates in management positions in UAE corporations, the national preferences in public 
procurement, the access to credit for SMEs and the export promotion activities are creating 
a difficult environment for foreign actors. UAE nationals are also treated differently to foreigners when it comes to bounced cheques or privacy violations under the UAE 
cybercrime law. Those practices are harmful and not conducive to equal conditions for all 
economic operators. Rigid employment quotas to hire UAE nationals could also impact on foreign companies' investment decisions.  
4. Restricted access to capital. The recently issued UAE Company Law maintained the 49% 
shareholding limit for foreigners and foreign companies in the UAE. Decreasing this threshold would contribute to further improve the attractiveness of the UAE as an investment location.  
4.43.  In conclusion, we hope that the UAE will use our discussion today to consider the trade 
concerns expressed and wish the UAE best success in this Trade Policy Review. 
MEXICO 
4.44.  The delegation of Mexico is pleased to note that the United Arab Emirates has made 
significant achievements in reforming its economy and considerable progress in terms of trade, as has been so eloquently explained by His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Minister of 
Economy (head of delegation), to whom, together with the delegation accompanying him from Abu 
Dhabi, we would like to wi sh a very warm welcome. 
Overall economic development 4.45.  Mexico would like to congratulate the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on its economic growth 
and development in recent decades. Despite extr emely high temperatures in the region and the 
difficulties facing agriculture, this country has, th anks to its oil resources, been able not only to 
survive, but to transform itself into one of th e most dynamic economies in the world. As our 
distinguished discussant, Ambassador Lima Mena, has noted, the UAE is now at the forefront of 
economic life and has become a leading example in many aspects of it. According to the World 
Bank report, Doing Business 2016, GDP per capita stands at US$43,480, a higher figure than in 
some developed countries. This reflects an enormous achievement. WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  4.46.  The Government report presented for this review  indicates that the GDP of the UAE recorded 
a cumulative annual growth rate of 4.9%. Despite the fall in international oil prices, which affected many countries, and thanks to its foreign exchange  reserves, the UAE economy was able to remain 
stable and diversify towards other sectors, supported by the brilliant economic diversification 
strategy, which was explained by Mini ster Al Mansoori this morning. 
Tariffs 4.47.  My delegation would like to congratulate the UAE in this respect, particularly on having 
bound all its MFN tariff lines and on applying a tariff of around 5%, despite the fact that its 
average bound tariff rate is 14.3%. 
Trade facilitation 4.48.  Together with other Members, the UAE has set a good example to the rest of the 
Membership in notifying its category "A" in 2015 and ratifying the Trade Facilitation Agreement 
(TFA) in March of this year. Having said that, we note that the World Bank's Doing Business Index 2016 placed it in 101
st place in the rankings on trading across borders. According to the WTO 
Secretariat report, which we welcome, this can be attributed to the fact that in 2015, an average 
of six documents and 109 hours were needed for importing, and the cost per container was US$961. We therefore urge the UAE to improve its import procedures. The implementation of the 
TFA will certainly act as a catalyst in this regard. 
Trade in services and investment 4.49.  Despite the reservations and limitations on foreign investment in various sectors and in 
certain regions that are not free zones, the UAE is an attractive economy for investment. It is also 
increasingly diversified towards the industrial, manufacturing, financial, tourism and air transport 
sectors. The construction sector has not been left behind, given that in 2014 it accounted for 9% of GDP and 33% of overall employment. The Mexi can company Cementos Mexicanos has operated 
in this sector since 2005, and it is therefore important to us that the new labour legislation enter 
into force and meet its objective of eliminating the practice of "substitution", under which foreign workers must sign their employment contract, before they leave their home country and are 
compelled to renegotiate wages when they arrive in the UAE. 
4.50.  Furthermore, with regard to investment and within the framework of our bilateral 
relationship, cumulative investment in Mexico from the UAE was recorded at US$10.8 million between January 1999 and September 2015. This made it the second largest investor in our 
country from the Middle East. A few months ago, Mexico's President and Secretary of 
Foreign Affairs made an official visit to the UA E with a view to strengthening relations between 
both countries. Whilst our bilateral trade has increased in recent years, there is more to be 
explored and we hope that trade continues to grow, together with our economic and technological 
cooperation in general. 
Closing remarks 
4.51.  I would like to conclude my statement by encouraging the UAE to continue with its economic 
development and transition towards a knowledge - and innovation-based society. We await 
responses to the questions posed by Mexico, which were brought to the attention of the UAE delegation in a proper and timely fashion, and would like to thank the UAE in advance for 
these. 
THE
 SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU 
4.52.  From the report of the Government of the UAE, we can see that the UAE Government has 
been making so much effort to diversify its economic base from the hydrocarbon sector into 
non-hydrocarbon sectors, such as financial services, wholesale and retail trade, real estate and business services. WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  4.53.  Though the fall of oil prices since 2014 has affected the government's revenues, due to its 
successful diversification strategy, the UAE is still able to maintain reasonable economic growth, 3.1% growth rate in 2015. 
4.54.  We commend the UAE Government for its economic diversification policy, which emphasizes 
on improving competiveness and creating high technology. 
4.55.  The establishment of free zones and economic specialized zones has been a key strategy for 
providing incentives to attract foreign investment. However, there is still room for improvement, 
for example, in implementing the Competition law, and in reducing restrictions of foreign 
investment such as the requirement  
4.56.  Of majority ownership by UAE nationals. We encourage the UAE to implement further 
reforms to create better business environment. 
4.57.  In the bilateral economic relationship between  the UAE and the Separate Customs Territory 
of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, the two- way trade between us is growing steadily. The 
bilateral trade last year (2015) amounted to US$4. 9 billion dollars. Moreover, since the Emirates 
airlines launched the daily flight from Dubai to Taipei last year, the passenger load factor of every 
flight averages over 80%, which has dramatically  increased the two-way exchanges of tourists and 
business travelers. We look forward to further de velop economic cooperation with the UAE, with a 
view to increasing the flows of trade and investment between us in the future. 
4.58.  The written questions we submitted in advance which covered most of the areas of trade 
policy that are of particular interests to us, fo r example in the area of trade and investment 
regime, standards and technical requirements, comp etition policy and price controls, trade policy 
in the hydrocarbon sector, and banking regulations in  the financial sectors, etc. We appreciate the 
responses made by the Government of the UAE,  and we should examine them carefully. We 
certainly expect this review to stimulate some very interesting and productive discussion.  
UNITED
 STATES 
4.59.  The United States and the UAE enjoy a robust trade and investment relationship, with 
bilateral two-way goods trade continuing to expand – reaching US$25 billion in 2015 – and the 
stock of U.S. foreign direct investment in the UAE reaching US$15 billion in 2014. 
4.60.  The United States continues to support the UAE's efforts to diversify its economy away from 
reliance on trade in traditional commodities, and our governments continue to explore various means of further enhancing our trade relations. Ou r Governments also regularly consult with each 
other on issues of mutual importance and recogn ize the value of continued cooperation on a range 
of issues. We appreciate our ongoing cooperation with the Emirates in all fora, including in the WTO, and are pleased to note that the UAE recent ly ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement and 
is in the process of preparing the deposition of its instrument of acceptance. 
4.61.  While the UAE has reason to be pleased with the results of its economic reforms to date, 
some concerns remain, and the written questions that the United States submitted in the context 
of this TPR address some of those concerns. Ma ny of the questions we pose today reflect our 
desire to encourage the UAE to move forward expe ditiously on its efforts to improve the business 
environment, including those related to important WTO initiatives and commitments. 
4.62.  Along those lines, we are interested to hear the UAE's plans to revise its legislation and 
regulations that restrict foreign investment and tr ade, including through requirements for majority 
ownership by UAE nationals, require foreign entiti es to act through an Emirati agent, and require 
the legalization – or consularization – of commercial documents before exporting to the UAE. 
These types of market restrictions, and consularization in particular, are unnecessarily 
burdensome, adding to the challenges for SME exporters from African and other regional neighbors interested in participating in UAE's market and we are not sure what purpose they serve. We 
encourage the UAE to consider carefully the impact  of these types of restrictions on the trading 
and investment climate. WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  4.63.  The United States urges the UAE to continue to develop and further expand its efforts to 
ensure that technical regulations and standards are notified to WTO Members in draft form with enough advance notice that stakeholders have sufficient time to review and comment, and that Emirati authorities take those comments into account before finalizing the regulation or standard. 
The United States has found that consultation with, and involvement by, all interested parties in 
the regulatory process leads to rules and regulations that better meet their objectives while minimizing trade distorting effects. U.S. firms are committed to ensuring that their products meet 
relevant UAE technical regulations – as well as those of the Gulf Standards Organization – in order 
to access the UAE market. Sufficient advance notice and comment periods would help avoid recurrence of past instances where businesses were unaware of technical regulations in advance of implementation, leaving them with little or no time to modify their manufacturing processes. 
4.64.  Consultation with interested parties will be particularly critical regarding the GCC Guide for 
Control on Imported Foods, and we are interested in any updates that the UAE and its partners in the Gulf Cooperation Council can provide on revisions to the Guide. 
4.65.  We are also interested to hear the UAE's plans to address concerns regarding lack of border 
control and customs enforcement efforts against counterfeit goods in free trade zones, particularly the re-exportation of counterfeits. 
4.66.  We also strongly encourage the UAE to join the recently concluded expansion of the 
Information Technology Agreement and to become an observer to the WTO Committee on Government Procurement. We believe that the revision of the Government Procurement Agreement has facilitated accession to the GPA, and we strongly encourage the UAE to commence 
accession to the GPA as soon as possible. These actions would be a good way for the UAE to boost 
its participation in the multilateral trading system, and we are interested to hear the UAE's plans in this regard. 
4.67.  In addition, we urge the United Arab Emirates and its GCC partners to complete the 
transparency review of its customs union, as pr ovided for under WTO rules. In addition, as the 
GCC reduces trade barriers, harmonizes regulations and increases transparency, we encourage the 
UAE to work with its GCC colleagues to accelerate that important work in line, of course, with its 
WTO obligations. 
4.68.  We also note with significant interest and perhaps a bit of envy, the Government's initiative 
to establish and operationalize a State Ministry of Happiness. There may be lessons for all of us in 
this. We look forward to learning more about this during and after this review.  
4.69.  In closing, I would like to emphasize that the United Arab Emirates is a valued partner of 
the United States, and we congratulate the UAE fo r its efforts to develop a more open trade and 
investment regime. We hope that this discussion today will encourage the UAE's continuation of 
those policies and we look forward to continuing to work together to achieve those goals. We thank the Government of the UAE in advance for its efforts to respond to our questions, and we 
plan to review its responses carefully and request clarifications as necessary during the course of 
this TPR. 
CHILE 4.70.  For this review, Chile formulated 19 questions relating to matters including, but not limited 
to, competition policy; anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard measures; measures affecting 
production and trade; good regulatory practices; regulatory impact analyses; product control; sanitary and phytosanitary requirements; WTO commitments; telecommunications; transport; and 
the investment regime. 
4.71.  Chile values the space that this Trade Policy Revi ew provides for us to highlight our bilateral 
rapprochement. Whilst our relations have primarily been driven by economic factors, in recent 
years we have forged closer political ties, thanks to our resident embassies, and Chile also has a 
trade office in the UAE. Furthermore, there have been more high level meetings, such as when the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, visited Chile two years ago to strengthen  political and economic relations. In turn, the 
President of Chile's Supreme Court visited Abu Dhabi at the beginning of this year. WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  4.72.  An agreement was signed between both countries to prevent double taxation on products 
transported by air or sea. We hope that bilateral negotiations in other areas may also lead to signed agreements, such as the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the Chambers of Commerce and Industry; Memorandum of  Understanding on Establishing a Council of 
Business Persons; and an Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance on Customs Matters. 
We also hope to be able to establish a Cooperation Agreement on the Exchange of Information on Fiscal Affairs and a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Tourism Sector. 
4.73.  Chile and the UAE also have an Open Skies Agreement currently in force. 
4.74.  Economic and trade relations between Chile an d the UAE maintain stable trade flows. The 
trade balance increased between 2010 and 2015. On  the one hand, exports from Chile to the UAE 
have grown by 2.8% on average. This is mainly attributable to wood, iodine, foodstuffs (apples of 
the Royal variety, nuts, kiwis, frozen fillets of salmon, grapes), and wines. On the other hand 
Chilean imports from the UAE grown annually by 67% on average. The most significant imports 
are mobile phones, polyethylene and other industrial products (lead electric accumulators, vehicle 
parts and accessories, scaffolding equipment, and plastic plates, sheets and strips). 
4.75.  As regards foreign direct investment, we invite the UAE to continue investing in our country. 
Between 1990 and 2014, Chile's foreign direct inve stment in the UAE amounted to US$11 million. 
4.76.  Cooperation activities have been carried out between both countries on a bilateral basis, 
mainly in the area of fisheries and aquaculture. 
4.77.  Despite our geographical distance, we meet in various fora and international bodies, such as 
the WTO, an organization of interest to both countries, given that both our economies are 
relatively open to trade, with MFN tariffs below 6% and growing trade flows. 
4.78.  We welcome the progress made by the UAE since its second review, which includes 
streamlining the procedures for processing documents and reducing the time required for customs 
clearance. We value the multilateral commitments made by the UAE in trade facilitation. 
Furthermore, we welcome the economic diversification strategy, which has allowed the country to grow thanks to sectors other than hydrocarbons, with particular emphasis on competition and the 
development of the high tech and innovation sectors. 
4.79.  We encourage the UAE to continue making progress in the area of SME financing. The 
issuing of a new law for this type of enterprise and the establishment of a financial infrastructure, such as a credit bureau and a credit registry, appe ar to us to be appropriate measures to achieve 
inclusive growth. Further to this, we emphasize the initiatives already undertaken in previous 
years, such as fostering financial literacy and helping business incubation. 
CANADA 
4.80.  Despite our geographical separation, Canada and the United Arab Emirates share a lot in 
common in terms of the importance of the pe troleum sector and trade to our respective 
economies. Canada can therefore relate to and sy mpathize with the challenges presented to UAE 
by sharp fluctuations in global energy prices and slowdowns in global trade. While the UAE's 
economy is still highly dependent on the petrol eum sector, Canada appreciates the significant 
efforts of the United Arab Emirates' federal Government to diversify its economy and to facilitate and promote international trade and investment. Indeed, the United Arab Emirates now has one of 
the most diversified economies in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC). Canada is willing to share 
our experience in coping with a significant stake in the oil sector and to support the United Arab 
Emirates in continuing its diversification efforts to build on its prosperity and stability within the 
Gulf region. 
4.81.  Canada supports the UAE's Vision 2021 strategy, which aims to achieve sustainable 
development by further increasing economic diversification away from oil. The UAE's desire to 
transform itself into a highly productive and competitive knowledge-based economy reflects the 
Government's foresight in anticipating and planning for long-term challenges. WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  4.82.  Furthermore, Canada encourages the UAE to continue facilitating activity in the 
infrastructure sector which, as noted in the Secretariat's report, mitigated the impact of the 2014 fall in energy prices on UAE's economy, is now a key driver of sustainable economic growth and serves to increase UAE's overall competitivene ss. Canada also encourages the UAE to follow 
through with its Foreign Investment Law to stimul ate further foreign investment leading to further 
economic diversification and greater stability. 
4.83.  Canada remains strongly supportive of the UAE' s openness to trade, as evidenced by, inter 
alia, its low tariffs, limited non-tariff barriers to trade, free-trade zones and participation in the 
GCC, including its regional trade agreements and ambitious slate of ongoing RTA negotiations. Our 
bilateral trade and investment relationship is robust, with the UAE constituting the largest export market for goods from Canada to the Middle East and North Africa. 
4.84.  Canada and the United Arab Emirates maintain an ongoing dialogue on economic issues as 
part of the Canada-United Arab Emirates Shar ed Strategic Agenda (SSA). Through the SSA, we 
cooperate in the pursuit of the shared goals of enhancing economic prosperity for our societies, 
strengthening regional and international security, and cooperating on development objectives in 
third countries. 
4.85.  Canada also commends the UAE's commitment to the multilateral trading system and active 
involvement in WTO negotiations. We congratulate the UAE on its recent acceptance of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement protocol of amendmen t. Canada encourages the UAE to consider 
participating in WTO plurilateral initiatives, as a means of demonstrating the UAE's ambitious and open trade policy. This could include observership  and eventual accession to the WTO Government 
Procurement Agreement, and participating in the WTO Environmental Goods Agreement initiative. 
Canada notes the UAE's participation in the 1996 WTO information Technology Agreement, and encourages the UAE to join the recent expansion of the ITA. We look forward to continued 
engagement with the UAE as we define the appropriate WTO negotiating agenda moving forward, 
consistent with the vision set out by Ministers at MC10. 
4.86.  In conclusion, Canada is pleased to see how much progress has been made by the UAE in 
liberalizing and diversifying its economy to date and we look forward to continuing our work with 
the UAE and our trading partners to strengthen the global economy and the multilateral trading system embodied by the WTO. We stand ready to  collaborate with the UAE on how to overcome 
our common economic challenges arising from the oil sector and trade. 
UKRAINE 
4.87.  Our country attaches great importance to developing trade and economic cooperation with 
the United Arab Emirates, in particular within the WTO. Analysis of bilateral trade and economic 
relations between Ukraine and the UAE demonstrates the availability of significant prospects for 
further development of bilateral economic and investment cooperation. 
4.88.  In this regard, Ukraine actively participates in numerous international exhibitions held in the 
UAE and is interested in improving access to the UA E market of agricultural and food products. In 
2015, Ukraine's export totaled half a billion dollars and Ukraine's import was about US$150 million. The main Ukraine's export articles  to the UAE are ferrous metals, animal and 
vegetable fats and oils, dairy products etc. Ukraine imports from the UAE plastics, polymer 
materials, coffee and tea. 
4.89.  Facilitating trade turnover between our countries is of great interest for Ukraine and its 
further development is an important task. Seeking for stable and predictable trade conditions 
Ukraine, however, expresses some concerns regarding the accreditation cancellation and 
non-recognition of the Halal food products certificate, issued by the Halal Certification and Research Center in Ukraine.  
4.90.  In this regard, Ukraine has asked the UAE to clarify some provisions concerning the 
accreditation procedure for the Halal certifiers, legal grounds for accreditation and its cancellation, the timeframe for the accreditation procedure and validity of the accreditation. We are very thankful to the UAE delegation for the reply which we examine with all due attention.   WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  4.91.  In conclusion, I would like to express our appreciation to the delegation of the UAE for the 
hard work preparing this TPR. Ukraine wishes de legation of the UAE successful Trade Policy Review 
and looks forward to continue further strengthening of our bilateral relations. 
THAILAND 
4.92.  The diplomatic relations between Th ailand and the UAE just marked 40th anniversary last 
year. On economic cooperation, the trade relati ons between both sides have progressively and 
potentially developed. The UAE could consider Thailand the gateway to ASEAN, whereas Thailand 
could position the UAE as the distribution hub and gateway for exports to the Middle Eastern 
market. 
4.93.  The UAE has been Thailand's number one trading partner in the Middle East for years. In 
2015, total trade between Thailand and the UAE va lued over US$11 billion. Exports and imports 
amounted to US$3 billion and US$8.1 billion, respectively. Thailand's main imports from the UAE 
include mineral fuel and aluminum, while major exports consist of machinery, automobiles, and jewelry. 
4.94.  Thailand would like to congratulate the UAE fo r its solid average annual economic growth of 
3.8% during the period of 2010-2015, despite the de clining oil prices since 2014. This is due to the 
UAE's success in diversification of its economy, the continuation of which will be vital for the UAE 
in maintaining growth and investment over the long run. 
4.95.  In this review, Thailand submitted several questions to the UAE, covering, among others, 
issue regarding customs cooperation agreements, pharmaceutical products, competition law, and investment policy. We look forward to the UAE's responses to our questions, and will study them in 
detail with great interest. 
ARGENTINA 4.96.  Argentina notes with interest the economic development of the UAE and, in particular, its 
efforts to maintain a sustainable, diversified and flexible economy that is open to new economic 
models. Its resilience during the global financial crisis was also admirable, with real GDP growth 
averaging 4.5% annually. This performance, which is partly thanks to the country's success in 
increasing the economic participation of sectors other than hydrocarbons, such as construction and 
tourism, is equally important at present, given the recent fall in oil prices. In this respect, it should be noted that the UAE has developed clear strategi es aimed at economic diversification, such as 
investing in the modernization of free zones and devising plans to develop housing and 
infrastructure projects, since such strategies have a positive impact on the wellbeing of the 
population. Proof of this is that GDP per ca pita increased from US$34,600 in 2010 to US$43,400 in 
2015. 
4.97.  Regarding our bilateral relationship, it should be noted that when the Emirati Chancellor 
visited Argentina in February 2016, he expressed a strong interest in strengthening bilateral relations with our country, especially in respect of agriculture, food, renewable energy, 
infrastructure, tourism and logistical cooperation. An interest was also expressed in holding the 
first meeting of the Joint Commission with Argent ina during the course of 2016, with a view to 
moving forward on economic and trade issues. 
4.98.  The introduction of a direct flight from the UAE to Argentina was an important milestone in 
that it enhanced opportunities to increase trade by encouraging business trips and increasing 
tourism. On 20 October 2015, the Air Services Agreement between Argentina and the UAE entered into force. This Agreement had been concluded in 2013 with a view to the establishment and 
operation of air services between the respective territories. 
4.99.  Lastly, we reiterate our appreciation of this new opportunity to share views and 
observations on trade policies and practices, and draw attention once again to the importance of 
this exercise in transparency from every point of view. WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  SINGAPORE 
4.100.  Singapore and UAE enjoy strong bilateral ties, underpinned by a robust trading 
relationship. UAE is Singapore's largest trading partner in the Middle East, and 10th largest trading partner in the world. Singapore companies have also made substantial investments in sectors as 
diverse as oil, water and waste treatment management, and urban solutions. These trade and 
investment linkages were further strengthened with the entry into force of the Gulf Cooperation Council–Singapore Free Trade Agreement, or GSFTA, on 1 September 2013. This agreement made 
Singapore the first non-Middle East country to have a FTA with the GCC, and continues to garner 
much interest from our businesses and traders. 
4.101.  Singapore welcomes the UAE's effort in diversifying its economy and notes its success in 
achieving this objective, with non-hydrocarbon sectors leading growth since 2012. This is also 
reflected in the UAE's continued GDP growth, aver aging 4.5% annually, despite the decline in oil 
prices. We encourage UAE to continue in its diversification efforts and pursue reforms to improve its business environment towards sustained growth in the future. 
4.102.  2016 marks the UAE's 20th year as a Member to the WTO and a key supporter of the 
multilateral trading system. The UAE leads by example in continuing to maintain low applied MFN tariffs on nearly all products, and keeping a good record in fulfilling its notification obligations. We 
also welcome the drop in overall average tariff from 4.9% to 4.7% between 2011 and 2015. UAE's 
recent ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement is another positive indicator of the UAE's contribution to the system.  
4.103.  We encourage UAE to build on its already liberal tariff regime, and consider joining the 
GPA, as well as plurilateral initiatives such as the ITA2 and EGA initiatives. We also urge the UAE 
to accept the Protocol amending the TRIPS Agreement. This will further enhance UAE's standing as a strong supporter of the multilateral trading system.  
JAPAN 
4.104.  It is a pleasure for Japan to take part in the TPR meeting for the United Arab Emirates. 
Needless to say, the UAE has been an important partner to Japan for years, especially as a main 
supplier of crude oil and LNG. Japan will make co ntinuous efforts to maintain and further develop 
the strong ties between us. 
4.105.  According to the Secretariat report, mainly due to the fall in crude oil prices, the GDP 
growth rate of the UAE decelerated to 3.1% in 2015. 
4.106.  However, as everyone knows, the country's ec onomy has been successfully diversified. The 
growth of various non-oil sector industries, such as construction, wholesale, tourism and manufacturing, has been robust and has contributed to the country's resilient economy. In this 
context, Japan commends the UAE's continuous efforts to attract foreign investment. In particular, 
the provision of Free Zones and Economic Specialized Zones are commendable. Thanks to those policies, more than 30 Japanese corporations have embarked on new businesses in the UAE, which 
draws our close attention to your country as one of the most important business hubs in the 
Middle East. 
4.107.  We hope the country will further accelerate reforms including easing of restrictions on 
foreign investment and full implementation of the national competition law. 
4.108.  Although we commend the country's efforts, we still have several specific concerns. 
4.109.  First, we are concerned with restrictions on foreign direct investment. In the Free Zones, 
foreign investors enjoy exemption from various regulations. However, on the contrary, outside of 
the Free Zones, investors are facing strict regulations on foreign ownership. The Secretariat report 
notes that applicants for licenses must be a UAE national or a company established in the UAE that is 51% owned by UAE nationals. 
4.110.  In this regard, Japan was glad to read the Government's report which noted that a new 
investment law is under process for domestic ratification. Japan understands that the basic WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  concept of the new law is to increase the percentage of foreign ownership of projects up to 100% 
for specific sectors and activities. 
4.111.  W e  h o p e  t h a t  t h i s  n e w  l a w  w i l l  b e  r a t i f i e d  a s  s o o n  a s  p o s s i b l e  a n d  t h a t  i t  w i l l  i m p r o v e  
foreign investors' business environment. 
4.112.  Second, we have a concern with the employment requirements for UAE nationals. The 
country's law requires local corporations with 50 or more employees to employ more than 2% UAE nationals among their total employees. However, when  such requirements are imposed, it is more 
difficult for corporations dealing with more specialized industries to find suitable employees. 
4.113.  As such, we request that the UAE consider easing or abolishing the above mentioned 
requirement with a view to creating a more attractive and business-friendly environment for foreign investors. 
4.114.  The third concern we have is a more concrete one. It is about the requirement of packing 
materials made from Oxo-Biodegradable Plastic. 
4.115.  The UAE's law requires industries to pack products with packaging made from Oxo-
Biodegradable Plastic which, we believe, is an environmentally-friendly material. 
4.116.  However, we believe that the regulation has problems with its scope and packaging 
material specifications. In addition to those problems, we are very much concerned with the 
strength of this material. To be precise, this material would be not strong enough to pack specific 
products such as electronic goods. 
4.117.  Japan requests the UAE to consider narrowing the scope of this regulation. 
4.118.  The last concerns we have are about the IPR. The Secretariat report notes the country's 
sincere efforts against counterfeit goods. Howeve r, although each Commercial Crimes Department 
has an authority to detect cases and dispose counterfeit products, Japan is aware of reports noting the number of customs seizure cases in the UAE,  especially in Dubai, is not enough. Japan 
requests the UAE to give concrete explanations of its current approach and future plan to 
strengthen quarantine policies. 
4.119.  Moreover, the Dubai criminal courts tend to impose low penalties for IPR infringement 
regardless of the size and seriousness of the infr ingement, and whether it was malicious or not. 
We are now touching upon the news noting that the amount of penalty is generally 5,000 DH, which is the statutory minimum in the country's law. Japan requests the UAE to provide concrete explanations about the criteria for application of penalties for IPR infringement in criminal cases. 
4.120.  Furthermore, Japan is aware of reports that the proposed amendment of the Anti-
Counterfeiting Law, which has been deliberated since 2014, has already been passed by the National Council. We would like to know the present status of this amendment. 
4.121.  In conclusion, I would like to express our strong wish to continue cooperation between the 
United Arab Emirates and Japan. 
DOMINICAN
 REPUBLIC   
4.122.  The first thing to strike readers of the Secretariat report is the UAE's success in 
implementing a strategy to diversify its economy and make the country less dependent on revenue from petroleum products. This resulted in real  GDP growth averaging 4.5% annually between 2010 
and 2014, despite the world economic crisis. Nevertheless, despite this diversification, the 
hydrocarbons sector continues to be very im portant, accounting for 34% of GDP, while the 
manufacturing sector accounts for 9% and services 57%.  
4.123.  Due to the fall in oil prices, it is expected that in 2015 the fiscal deficit of the UAE as a 
whole will be 3% of GDP. A fiscal consolidation programme has therefore been introduced to 
control public spending. The UAE nonetheless remains fairly comfortable as regards the management of its finances, with total public debt amounting to around 14% of GDP in 2015 and WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  foreign exchange reserves equivalent to more than seven months' worth of imports. Individual 
emirates also have sovereign wealth funds of various sizes. 
4.124.  It is interesting to see that trade, investment and development policy in the UAE is focused 
on economic diversification, with particular emphasis on improving competiveness and developing 
high-technology sectors. Free zones and economic specialized zones are important facets of the 
UAE economy and the Government's growth strategy. Currently, about two-thirds of exports of non-oil products are from free zones. 
4.125.  The UAE has a fairly liberal tariff regime an d, under the common external tariff, most 
products are subject to a 5% tariff or are duty free. Some products, however, are subject to specific tariffs that exceed bound tariffs by up to  200%. We urge the UAE to review such tariffs.  
4.126.  We note that State involvement continues to be very important in many sectors, such as 
oil and gas production, air and maritime transport and facilities, telecommunications, and financial 
services. The Secretariat report also notes that ownership structures tend to be complicated, with government-owned holding companies, individual emirates and sovereign wealth funds all holding 
stakes. For this reason we urge the UAE to op en up and simplify State ownership regimes.  
4.127.  We agree with the Secretariat report in that it would be beneficial to the UAE economy if 
the country could speed up certain reforms, such as the full implementation of the Competition 
Law, the easing of restrictions on foreign investment (including the requirement of majority 
ownership by UAE nationals) and the im provement of the business environment. 
4.128.  Lastly, we submitted some questions to the UAE on issues such as the investment regime, 
import licensing, tariffs, and customs procedures. We thank the UAE for its replies, which we will 
study closely. 
BRAZIL 4.129.  The reports describe recent developments and policy choices in the UAE which we find 
important to highlight. Firstly, the UAE's economy has shown resilience in the face of a downturn 
in international oil prices, owing both to prudent macroeconomic policies, translated in the ability to accumulate savings in the years of high oil prices, and to a decision to diversify the economy 
towards a future of less reliance on oil, through implementation of the programme UAE Vision 
2021. This strategy seems to bear fruit in the ef fort to smooth the economic impact of the oil 
sector downturn, having allowed the UAE to record positive economic growth in both 2014 and 2015.  
4.130.  As reported, the distribution of economic activity and exports among sectors shows a 
healthy offsetting effect on the economy as a result of a sizeable growth in the value of non-hydrocarbon exports and production between 2011 and 2014. From a macroeconomic 
viewpoint, it is also noteworthy that the UAE's current account is moving from a surplus of almost 
20% of GDP in 2013 to a balance in 2016, which ends up reflecting a more even economic relationship with the rest of the world. We also welcome the information provided in the reports 
that the UAE is embarking on a series of deregulation initiatives in several economic sectors, such 
as aviation, renewable energy, health and tourism,  and hope that the country will follow through 
with its intent to promote a more liberal investment regime. 
4.131.  Brazil, as a Member of the WTO, is of course pleased to verify in the reports that UAE's 
strategy, Vision 2021, has a clear foreign trade component, including the creation of an enabling 
environment for trade and investment and the promotion of commercial diplomacy with other countries. In this regard, we noted with interest the UAE involvement not only in the multilateral 
negotiations, but also in bilateral or regional initiatives, together with its partners of the Gulf 
Cooperation Council (GCC), including with Mercosul.  
4.132.  Turning to our bilateral relations, the bilateral trade flows, totaling almost US$3 billion, 
declined in 2015 in comparison with 2014, but fo llowing an upward trend in the years between 
2006 and 2014, in which trade more than doubled from US$1.4 billion to US$3.3 billion (or roughly 113%). Brazil has a surplus in the bilateral trade of around US$2 billion. It is important to underline that our exports and imports to and from the UAE show a reasonable degree of WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  diversification, between basic and manufactured goods. Our main exports to the UAE comprise 
meat; organic chemical products; sugar; minerals; gold and precious gems; and mechanical machinery. Our main imports from the UAE are fuels; fertilizers; salt, Sulphur and cement; aluminum; plastics; and, again, mechanical machinery.  
4.133.  There is potential for substantial improvement in those trade flows and Brazil is looking 
forward to working together with the UAE in order to make this possibility a reality. The question 
Brazil submitted in writing, which refers to th e status of implementation of the GCC Guide for 
Control of Imported Foods, an area where a comm on approach is being developed by the trading 
block, exemplifies the importance of our agricultur al exports and our interest in expanding them to 
the UAE (and we thank the UAE for the written repl y provided yesterday). Brazil will also follow 
with interest the discussions on other aspects of the UAE trade and investment regimes. 
4.134.  In concluding, we are looking forward to hearing the comments of the membership as well 
as the clarifications by our friends from the United Arab Emirates, to whom we wish a successful Trade Policy Review. 
COSTA
 RICA 
4.135.  Costa Rica considers the UAE to be an active Member of this Organization. Its commitment 
to the WTO's multilateral system is universally acknowledged and commensurate with the relative 
size of its economy. Trade in goods and services is of huge importance to the UAE, which is why 
the country has developed a strong ability to adapt and diversify in areas such the high-technology sector, with a view to achieving greater levels of competitiveness and development and reducing its reliance on the production of oil and hydrocarbons. 
4.136.  For small economies like Costa Rica, diversification in terms of destinations and products is 
vital, and we view the UAE as a partner with which there is enormous potential to enhance our trade relations. To this end, on 12 January 2016, Costa Rica received a visit from His Highness 
Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. During his visit, the Sheikh clearly expressed his country's 
desire to forge closer links with Costa Rica and deepen our trade and investment ties. 
4.137.  Costa Rica highly values the Emirati economy's good performance in recent years, despite 
the difficult environment prevailing on account of the fall in oil prices. We would like to emphasize 
that, as noted in the Secretariat report, future growth depends not only on investment, but on the role that trade continues to play. 
4.138.  We also applaud the development of the services  sector in the UAE, and the role that has 
gradually been taken on by foreign investment in a number of spheres. The development of new 
sectors offers a very interesting template, with  very useful experiences for other developing 
countries, such as, for instance, diversification in environmental services and clean energy 
generation. 
4.139.  For Costa Rican producers and exporters, it is of particular interest to be clear as to issues 
relating to import licensing and customs duties. We therefore submitted a set of questions within 
the framework of this Trade Policy Review. My delega tion is aware of the significant effort that has 
been made by the country under review in prep aring replies to the questions posed, and we 
therefore thank the UAE for its prompt answers to our questions, which we will study in detail. 
NEW
 ZEALAND 
4.140.  New Zealand has an active interest in the UAE's trade and economic policies. New Zealand 
is a strong supporter of the WTO and believes that  the Trade Policy Review process is a valuable 
mechanism through which countries can share and exchange views on best practice in trade 
policy, while considering and reflecting on the systemic implications – both positive and negative – 
of particular policy approaches.   
4.141.  New Zealand has a strong and growing trading relationship with the UAE which is 
supported by steady growth in political and ec onomic linkages. New Zealand and the UAE (as a 
member of the GCC) concluded negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement in 2009, which is awaiting signature.  WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  4.142.  We value the UAE's overall commitment to the global trading system. This Trade Policy 
Review is an important tool toward the UAE's strategic vision to be a global centre for international trade and logistics, by supporting the right co nditions for, and strengthening, an enabling 
environment for trade to flourish.  
4.143.  Since the UAE's last Trade Policy Review, the UAE has taken a broad range of measures to 
underscore this commitment, including on investment, economic regulation, and the reduction of fossil fuel subsidies. These actions, many of whic h have been undertaken in the face of global and 
regional economic, security and political challenges (including declining oil prices), demonstrate 
the UAE's role as a regional leader.  
4.144.  We note in particular the successful work that has been done towards the diversification of 
the UAE economy and movement away from primary reliance on hydrocarbons. The reduction of 
this key market dependency has been instrumental in reducing the impact of falling oil prices.  
4.145.  With this context in mind, we have reflected on the Secretariat's report and the report by 
the UAE Government. The report highlights a number of areas where the UAE has recently been 
pursuing reforms or is doing so currently: 
 The new Investment Law, which is aimed at further strengthening the investment 
environment by opening further sectors for full foreign ownership and reducing requirements 
and caveats, including around the presence of branches. We view this as an important step, 
and encourage the UAE to continue looking at further refinements to the investment regime, particularly around foreign equity limitations.   
 Implementation of the Competition Law, which is aimed at promoting and protecting 
competition. We note that further work towards implementation is required on critical 
elements, which we encourage the UAE to implement as soon as possible.   
 The development of an Agricultural Policy, which will be aimed at establishing a policy 
framework based on food security and sustainab ility. We look forward to hearing more about 
the policy, and how the UAE will leverage the international trading system to support it. 
4.146.  We applaud the UAE's approach to the reduction of fossil fuel subsidies. Fossil fuel subsidy 
reform is an area of increasing importance for all Members. In this regard, the UAE has shown 
strong leadership in reducing transport-related fu el subsidies. We encourage the UAE to share its 
experience with other countries in the Gulf.  
4.147.  The questions New Zealand has posed as part of the Trade Policy Review reflect New 
Zealand's interest in, inter alia , investment, competition, and ensuring sustainable practices in 
developing natural resources, particularly around energy and fisheries. We look forward to hearing 
more about how the UAE is dealing with these areas and continued progress in this regard. 
4.148.  In conclusion, the reports by the UAE and the Secretariat illustrate the positive economic 
trajectory of economic reform in the UAE that will continue to have positive trade, economic and environmental effects. The UAE's story of economic  reform and economic diversification stands as 
a prime example to other regional states. 
EL
 SALVADOR 
4.149.  Generally speaking, relations between the UAE and El Salvador have grown stronger in 
recent years. In September 2015, our Chancello rs exchanged draft memoranda of understanding 
on bilateral political consultations, with a view to strengthening diplomatic relations. 
4.150.  Furthermore, in 2012, the UAE and El Salvador signed an agreement to facilitate air 
transport. Under this agreement, airlines from bo th countries have full freedom as regards route-
setting, the volume of passengers and goods carrie d, and the types of aircraft used for flights 
between the two countries. 
4.151.  The agreement contains a clause whereby airlines have the right to load and unload 
passengers, mail and cargo destined for or originating in third countries. WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  4.152.  It is clear from the Secretariat report that the UAE's efforts to diversify its economy have 
been very successful, and we note with interest that the development of the industrial sector in particular has been manned largely by immigrant labour.  
4.153.  We would also like to congratulate the UAE on the positive growth recorded in various 
economic sectors, most notably tourism. In 2015, Dubai alone attracted 14.2 million tourists, an 
increase of 8% on the previous year, while Abu Dh abi attracted 4 million visitors, an increase of 
18% compared to 2012. 
4.154.  Regarding tariffs, our attention is drawn to the low level of applied MFN tariffs, which for 
most products range from 0% to 5%. We also note that there are very few tariff peaks and that no 
trade defence measures have been applied.  
4.155.  Nevertheless, given that agriculture continues to contribute to the economy, albeit to a 
lesser degree, we would like to learn a little more about the agricultural policy that is currently 
being developed to improve food security, as referred to in the Secretariat report.  
4.156.  As for bilateral trade, in the last four years both exports and imports have experienced 
positive growth. In 2014, exports rose by 144% co mpared to the previous year, the highest rate 
recorded in 10 Years, while in 2015, the growth rate was 42%. Imports from the UAE have also risen significantly, by 44% in 2015.  
4.157.  El Salvador exports made-up articles, fishery products and reptiles to the UAE. Its main 
imports are aluminium alloys, plastic products and medical instruments and appliances.  
4.158.  At the multilateral level, as indicated in the Secretariat report, the UAE has made great 
progress in complying with notification obligations and WTO Agreements, and has reaffirmed its 
commitment to the multilateral system by depositing its instrument of acceptance of the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation in April this year.  
4.159.  In light of the foregoing, all that remains is  for us to congratulate the UAE and wish it 
every success in this exercise. 
ECUADOR 4.160.  We are participating with great interest in this Trade Policy Review, as our bilateral 
relations have been strengthened through th e signing of a Memorandum of Understanding 
between the heads of the Ecuadorian Export Prom otion Agency (Pro Ecuador) and the Department 
of Economic Development of the Emirate of Dubai. 
4.161.  The purpose of the agreement signed two years ago was to promote interaction between 
the public sector and private institutions with a view to increasing exports such as fresh and 
processed products and tourism services, and to create opportunities for business between the two nations, in view of Dubai's status as an international business hub. 
4.162.  Through this instrument, Ecuador, for its part, seeks to promote its exports and enhance 
bilateral trade relations. 
4.163.  Turning to the Secretariat report, we note that between 2010 and 2014, real GDP growth 
in the UAE averaged 4.5% a year. This growth resulted primarily from the contribution made by 
the hydrocarbons sector, since crude oil and gas a ccounted for 34% of GDP. It should be noted, 
however, that growth since 2012 has been led by sectors other than hydrocarbons thanks to the 
country's economic diversification policy and strategy. The services sector accounts for 57% of 
GDP, mainly thanks to financial services, wholesal e and retail trade, and real estate and business 
services.  
4.164.  We are also aware that since 2014 certain difficulties have affected the UAE's economy due 
to the fall in oil prices, which has brought down revenues and export receipts. Consequently, a 
fiscal deficit of 3% is also expected in 2015.  WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  4.165.  In light of this situation, it is positive to note that the UAE authorities have introduced a 
fiscal consolidation programme to control public spending. Moreover, the economic diversification strategy has enabled the country to keep growth and investment levels centred mainly on high-technology sectors and enhancing competitiveness.  
4.166.  Ecuador also recognizes that one of the methods used to diversify the economy under UAE 
trade policy has been to create free zones and econ omic specialized zones, from which two-thirds 
of exports of non-oil products originate. These zones offer investors a number of benefits such as 
no corporate or personal income taxes and exemption from customs duties. 
4.167.  Other achievements highlighted in the Secretariat report are that the customs authorities 
of each emirate are responsible for applying the GCC Common Customs Law and the Unified Guide 
for Customs Procedures, and have electronic customs declaration systems. Among the questions 
submitted by Ecuador in this respect is a request to know the standard for electronic documents 
used in the authorization system for issuing export and import permits, with a view to preparing for future exchanges of data that will help streamline and facilitate trade between countries. 
4.168.  To conclude, we thank the delegation of the UAE for its replies to our questions on various 
specific aspects of the country's trade policy. These replies will provide important information for strengthening bilateral foreign trade relations. 
REPUBLIC
 OF KOREA 
4.169.  Korea and the United Arab Emirates have developed close cooperation since establishing 
their diplomatic ties in 1980. Both countries enjoy the economic cooperation particularly in energy, 
nuclear power plant, construction, and healthcare. They are also expanding their cooperation 
further into new areas such as culture, agriculture, and halal food. 
4.170.  Although bilateral trade decreased in 2015 due to  the decline of oil prices, we believe that 
both countries will continue to deepening the comprehensive economic partnership based on close 
economic relations developed so far. 
4.171.  Turning to the report on the trade policies of  the UAE, Korea is pleased to note that the 
UAE is addressing the external impact of global economy successfully by implementing the 
diversification of its economy. According to the report, since 2012 the non-oil GDP growth rate has 
surpassed the overall GDP growth rate. It shows that non-oil sector is leading the sustainable 
economic growth of the UAE.  
4.172.  Korea also notes that the UAE continues its efforts to restructure its legal and regulatory 
system for a business friendly environment. In particular, it is welcomed that a new investment 
law is under process to facilitate the attraction of foreign direct investment by increasing the percentage of foreign ownership of projects. 
4.173.  Korea, as a close economic partner, sincerely hopes that the UAE will achieve its economic 
goals under its vision 2021 
4.174.  I would like to take this opportunity to make two comments on the trade policies of the 
UAE. 
4.175.  First, recently, six countries of the GCC and Yemen, have announced their plan through the 
GSO (Gulf Standardization Organization) to introduce a new technical regulation on low voltage electrical equipment and appliances.  
4.176.  Additionally, in November 2014, the ESMA (Emirates Authority for Standardization and 
Metrology) announced a new technical regulation on cosmetics and personal care products, under 
which all cosmetics products in the UAE market are required to obtain certification by the ECAS 
(Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme). 
4.177.  Korean companies are facing difficulties to co mply with those new regulations. Therefore, 
Korea would like to request the UAE to recognize the conformity assessment results that are 
provided by conformity assessment bodies of othe r WTO Members, in ways such as by allowing WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  those conformity assessment bodies to be register ed at the UAE's regulatory authority, or by 
accepting test results from testing laboratories in other Members' territories. 
4.178.  Second, it is our understanding that a foreign company should have a local partner or 
agent in order to participate in procurement projects by federal or emirates governments of the 
UAE. As a result, foreign companies are subject to administrative and financial burden to find out 
proper partners or agents. 
4.179.  Therefore, Korea would like to encourage the UAE to improve its current procurement 
requirements and to join the WTO GPA.  
4.180.  The UAE is one of the strong supporters of the multilateral trading system. Korea 
welcomes its acceptance of the Trade Facilitation Agreement in this April and Korea hopes that the 
UAE will continue to constructively participate in strengthening the WTO multilateral trading 
system. 
4.181.  With this, I would like to conclude by expressi ng our appreciation to the delegation of the 
UAE for its hard work and wishing the delegation every success in its TPR.  
KINGDOM  OF MOROCCO 
4.182.  As an Arab country, it is a great pleasure for the Kingdom of Morocco and its delegation to 
participate today in the UAE's third trade policy review, which, I am convinced, will enable 
Members of this Organization to take stock of the economic and commercial progress made by this 
fellow nation and friend in the multilateral trading system.  
4.183.  The exercise before us today and the day after tomorrow will also be an opportunity for the 
Government of the UAE to present the different facets and underpinnings of its economic, trade 
and sectoral policies, and its future policy directions. 
4.184.  The UAE is a central trading hub for the Gulf, South Asia and East Africa. It is one of the 
most dynamic markets in terms of foreign tr ade and is among the 16 leading exporters and 
20 leading importers of goods worldwide. 
4.185.  As the fourth largest OPEC oil producer, number 7 in the ranking for world reserves, and 
the world's 17th largest producer of gas, the UAE has, nevertheless, managed to reduce the 
economy's dependence on hydrocarbons thanks to a services platform that has been under 
development for a number of years. 
4.186.  The UAE currently enjoys a sustainable and diversified economy thanks to a national 
strategy that has helped to develop new strategic sectors while channelling energies into industries 
and services that provide a long-term competitive advantage.  
4.187.  The country is in fact transitioning to a knowledge economy, based on the promotion of 
innovation and research and development, the st rengthening of the regulatory framework for key 
sectors, and support for high value-added sectors.  This sustains the UAE's drive towards economic 
diversification and development that is less dependent on oil. The oil sector now accounts for just over 30% of GDP.  
4.188.  On a different note, Morocco is delighted to see the UAE's impressive economic 
performance in recent years, its current GDP being four times higher than in 2001. In 2014, the UAE was ranked among the world's top 30 economies and accounted for 0.52% of total world GDP. 
4.189.  The country's economic development has been impressive, mainly thanks to the 
restructuring of its legal and regulatory framework, which has sought to align itself with 
international best practices in transparency, investment protection, fair competition and competitiveness, and to ensure a friendly environment for business. 
4.190.  In this connection, it should be stressed that the UAE is the leading country in the Middle 
East/North Africa region for inflows and outflows of foreign direct investment (FDI). In 2014, FDI 
inflows and outflows amounted to US$115.6 billion and US$66.3 billion, respectively.  WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  4.191.  The UAE puts this success down to a variety of measures, including, most notably, the new 
investment law, which has the ability to further improve the investment climate and increase the number of investors in the various sectors of th e economy and in priority development areas. 
4.192.  The Kingdom of Morocco also welcomes the UAE's commitment to the vision of free trade 
as a necessary condition for increased competitiveness and productivity in the long term. In this 
spirit, the UAE signed a number of free trade agreements with Arab countries within the 
framework of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA), with the European Free Trade 
Association (EFTA), and with Singapore, and entered into negotiations, under the auspices of the 
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with a view to concluding free trade agreements with the GCC's main trading partners. 
4.193.  We are pleased to note that the free trade agreement between Morocco and the UAE has 
opened up new horizons for economic operators in both countries, particularly as our economies 
have complementarities and areas of potential that have not yet been fully exploited. 
4.194.  The UAE has been a WTO Member since 10 April 1996 and joined the GATT on 
8 March 1994. The country is a supporter of the mu ltilateral trading system and plays an active 
role in the current round of multilateral trade negotiations. Its main interests in the context of the Doha Development Agenda are greater non-agricultural market access (NAMA), the further 
liberalization of trade in services, trade rules and trade remedies. 
4.195.  The UAE also supports the strengthening of technical assistance programmes for 
developing and least developed countries in several areas of the WTO.  
4.196.  Finally, I would like to congratulate the Government of the UAE on its successful and 
impressive track record in recent years and on its dynamism within the multilateral trade context. 
4.197.  I wish this fellow Arab nation and friend every success in its trade policy review. 
TURKEY 
4.198.  Turkey considers the UAE an important economic partner in the region for trade and 
investment. The bilateral trade volume between our two countries totaled US$6.7 billion in 2015. Moreover, more than 500 Turkish firms operat ing in the UAE are making considerable 
contributions to the economic development of the host country. The value of the projects 
undertaken by Turkish contracting companies operating in the UAE reached US$9 billion in the end of 2015. However, there still is vast potential of cooperation in a wide spectrum of sectors between our countries. In this regard, I firmly believe that our trade volume could be increased and 
diversified further. Moreover, it is obvious that the legal framework of our bilateral economic 
relations will be further strengthened by sign ing a Free Trade Agreement between Turkey and the 
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Turkey hopes that the UAE will support the efforts within the GCC 
to conclude the free trade agreement which is being negotiated since 2005. 
4.199.  Looking at the economic environment, as note d by the Secretariat, real GDP growth of 
Emirati economy averaged 4.5% annually during 2 010-2014. However, it declined to 3.1% in 2015 
mainly due to the sharp decline in oil prices si nce 2014. Nonetheless, as a result of the growth 
after 2010, GDP per capita rose to US$43,400 in 2015 from US$34,600 in 2010.  
4.200.  I observe with pleasure that the UAE has managed to reduce its oil dependency through a 
successful strategy of economic diversification. Since 2012, the growth of the Emirati economy has 
been led by the non-hydrocarbon sectors such as construction, retail and wholesale trade, tourism 
and manufacturing. For the time being, the UAE en joys a relatively diversified economy and has 
managed to keep away from the worst of the co llapse in oil prices. Even so, the country still 
counts on oil revenues to account for approximately 65% of government revenues, which has a 
significant impact on the economy. I wish to encourage the UAE to further strengthen these efforts and carry on reforms such as the full implementati on of the Competition Policy Law, easing of 
restrictions on foreign investment including the requirement of majority ownership by UAE 
nationals, and further improving the business climate in order to benefit fully from economic diversification.  WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  4.201.  The Secretariat noted that the UAE Government has developed an economic agenda that 
aims to enhance the role of the private sector, liberalize the economy and diversify the product and export base. Additionally, according to the "2016 Doing Business" report of the World Bank, 
the UAE ranked 31st out of 189 economies. Turkey applauds the efforts of the UAE in improving 
country's business environment and increasing its attractiveness to foreign investment. However, 
in my view, the foreign ownership restrictions, especially outside the free zones, as well as the requirement to use local agents seem to impede the full utilization of the great potential that 
foreign companies may offer. In this respect, Tu rkey encourages the UAE Government to consider 
relaxing the requirement of such restrictions in certain industry sectors under a new Foreign Investment Law.  
4.202.  For this Trade Policy Review, Turkey submitted a number of written questions relating to 
UAE's economic outlook, negotiations of free trade agreements, investment and taxation regime. 
We look forward to UAE's response to these questions. 
4.203.  Last but not least, I wish every success to the Government of the UAE in attaining 
sustainable development goals through the implemen tation of the "UAE Vision 2021" that focuses 
on promoting the transition to a knowledge-b ased economy, creating a business-friendly 
environment and increasing the country's attractiveness to foreign investment.  
4.204.  Before concluding, I would like to greet my friend Ambassador Nasser Al Zaabi and his 
team for their active participation in the WTO negotiations in Geneva.  
INDIA 4.205.  Notwithstanding the global financial crisis of 2008, between 2010 and 2014, the UAE 
economy grew at an average annual growth ra te of over 4.5%, demonstrating remarkable 
resilience. More importantly, since 2012, growth  has been led by the non-hydrocarbon sector, 
which is commendable and indicates the Government commitment to diversification of its 
production base into non-hydro-carbon sectors. The decline in oil prices impacted UAE economic 
performance and brought pressures on its public finances. However, as a result of prudent macro-economic management, the Government has managed to contain the fiscal deficit.  
4.206.  The open and liberal trade and investment  regime, friendly business environment, 
world-class infrastructure, has allowed UAE to emerge as a leading global investment and financial centre and a crucial trading gateway. Trade continues to play a crucial role in the UAE economy with total trade in goods and services equivalent to 176% of GDP in 2014. On the trade policy 
front, UAE has broadly maintained an open and liberal trading environment. The UAE follows a 
simple tariff regime with applied tariff levels maintained at relatively low levels. As part of its Vision-2021 strategy, the UAE Government is laying particular focus on transitioning to knowledge 
based economy, promoting innovation and research, development of SMEs, progressive 
restructuring of its legal and regulatory environm ent to align with global best practices, and 
encouraging high value added sectors. This is an ambitious economic agenda, which aims to 
capitalize on regional and global economic partnerships. We wish the UAE every success in 
implementing its Vision 2021 strategy fo r achieving a balanced economic growth. 
4.207.  At the bilateral level, India and the UAE enjoy multi-dimensional strategic partnership, with 
trade and investment ties and people to people connections as two key pillars. Today, UAE is 
India's third largest trading partner and a major source of energy supplies. India-UAE trade in 
2014-15 was about US$60 billion with a well-diversified basket of tradable goods. Our investment partnership is robust. A number of Indian companies have invested in the UAE in diverse sectors 
such as infrastructure projects, energy, telecommunications, IT, pharmaceuticals, energy, textiles, 
consumer electronics, engineering products, education, health, tourism, management and consultancy services. Over 900 direct flights per week between various destinations in India and 
the UAE provide much needed connectivity between our two countries. All in all, our bilateral 
engagement continues to expand and both our countries remain committed to deepening trade and investment linkages to their full potential. 
4.208.  We welcome the commitment of the UAE to the multilateral trading system and to the 
ongoing negotiations. Both India and the UAE have shared interest in a strong and effective 
multilateral trading system, and we look forward to working with the UAE team in Geneva towards WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  this objective. Finally, we would like to than k the UAE Government for providing responses to 
certain question posed by us, which would be review ed carefully by my authorities. In closing, we 
wish the delegation of UAE a productive and successful TPR. 
RUSSIAN  FEDERATION 
4.209.  The Russian delegation joins others in welcoming the third Trade Policy Review of the 
United Arab Emirates and greets the official delegation from Abu Dhabi here in Geneva. We have no doubt that the current TPR will contribute sign ificantly to transparency of the UAE trade regime 
and thus bring practical results both for the auth orities of this dynamic economy and for the whole 
WTO membership. 
4.210.  The United Arab Emirates remains one of the key Russia's partners in the region. The 
Russian Federation and the United Arab Emirates have been developing broad, deep and robust 
bilateral cooperation spanning vast economic, trade and investment areas. During the review 
period, the amount of our bilateral merchandise trade has doubled reaching US$1.2 billion in 2015. Nonetheless, we are confident that our countries ha ve a good potential to further enhance bilateral 
trade and increase the investment flows. 
4.211.  The continuous growth of the national economy demonstrates positive outcomes of the 
reforms pursued by the UAE. Its sound economic pe rformance is based largely on successful trade, 
investment and development policies, focused on diversification of the economy, with a particular 
emphasis on improving competiveness and on high technology sectors. In light of these trends, 
the interest of the Russian business to cooperation with the UAE is steadily rising.  
4.212.  Prior to this TPR, Russia has submitted to th e United Arab Emirates a number of questions 
regarding the UAE's certain sanitary and phytosanitary measures as well as agricultural practices. 
Our special concern, as we outlined in our questions, refers to the banking sector of the UAE where Russian economic operators face a growing number of unjustified rejections in the interbank 
operations. We thank the Delegation of the UAE fo r the replies provided and will consider them 
thoroughly.  
4.213.  In conclusion, I would like to thank the delegation of the United Arab Emirates, the 
Secretariat and the esteemed discussant, for their hard work done so far. We wish the United Arab 
Emirates a successful Trade Policy Review. 
SRI
 LANKA 
4.214.  My delegation commends on the efforts taken by the Government of United Arab Emirates 
to face challenges of the global economic crises, adjusting its macro-economic management, 
driven by the hydrocarbon sector in 2010–2011, to successful diversification of the economy in the 
non-hydrocarbon sector in 2012–2015. We believe that the results of these measures are 
emerging to show their positive impact to the econ omy. Although the decline of prices in oil sector 
had negative impacts, the diversification efforts of the Government of the UAE to non-oil sectors have been able to suppress such pressure. A co mmendable growth is observed in the services 
sector. As mentioned by the discussant, the UAE has recorded a promising environment in the 
application of E-Commerce. My delegation wishes to congratulate the UAE for its efforts towards establishing knowledge-based economy.  
4.215.  With regard to the tariff, the UAE, maintains relatively low tariff on both agriculture and 
non-agriculture products through its liberal trade policies. 
4.216.  Let me also briefly reflect on the historical close bilateral relations between the United Arab 
Emirates and Sri Lanka. The United Arab Emirates is a very important trading partner for Sri Lanka 
in the entire Gulf region. The UAE is the largest export market, as well as the largest source of 
imports from the region. Similarly, the UAE is the largest investor in Sri Lanka from the region. The strong relationship between the two countries has grown steadily over the time. The value of 
total trade turnover between the two countries has increased from US$373.51 million in 2005 to 
US$1,347.85 million in 2015, registering an in crease of around 261% compared to 2005.  WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  4.217.  Customs departments of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Sri Lanka have signed an 
agreement to boost the technical cooperation be tween the two countries aiming at facilitating 
trade and increasing cooperation between two countries. Sri Lanka and the UAE have signed a MoU on Air Services between two countries on 6 March 2000. 
4.218.  My delegation welcomes the United Arab Emirates continued commitment to the 
multilateral trading system and its active engagement in the negotiations in the WTO. My delegation also welcomes the UAE ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement. 
MONTENEGRO 
4.219.  Montenegro would like to associate itself with the statement of the European Union. 
4.220.  At the outset, my delegation would like to recognize constructive role of United Arab 
Emirates in the work of the WTO and its commit ment to the free and inclusive trade policies and 
continuous efforts to align with the best practices in international trade and cooperation. We would 
also like to join other delegations in expressing appreciation for the strong positive GDP growth in 
the country, achieved dispute the economic challenges that faced international community during 
the reviewed period. In addition, my delegation congratulates the United Arab Emirates on 
pursuing a successful diversification strategy – mo ving away from a high dependence on oil and 
into other sectors of the knowledge-based economy.  To the credit of the United Arab Emirates 
Government, Montenegro would like to highlight the findings of the Secretariat that the successful 
diversification strategy and modernization of economy have enabled the United Arab Emirates to weather the storm while maintaining growth and investment.  
4.221.  Reflecting on the period under review, my delegation would like to underline particular 
interest for the United Arab Emirates' National Innovation Strategy that was launched in 
October 2014 and the importance that the United Arab Emirates places on the tourism sector.   
4.222.  As to the National Innovation Strategy, Montenegro notes that the report of the United 
Arab Emirates sets out this strategy with objective of making the country one of the most 
innovative nations in the world within seven years; and that the strategy is focusing on stimulating innovation in seven sectors: (1) renewable energy; (2) transport; (3) education; (4) health; 
(5) technology; (6) water; and (7) space, with the fi rst phase including 30 national initiatives to be 
completed within three years. In a world economy in which oil prices are increasingly volatile, there is a need to develop and implement progre ssive national policies, such as the National 
Innovation Strategy. Montenegro believes that this is indication of the clear vision and firm 
commitment on the part of UAE to transform the country and to increase the quality of life of all its 
citizens.  
4.223.  As to the importance that the United Arab Emirates' places on the tourism sector, 
Montenegro notes that tourism remains a key driver of economy growth and that it lies at the 
heart of all seven emirates' diversification plans.  Indeed, Montenegro notes that the employment 
impact of tourism is expected to reach 626,000 jobs by 2024. By all accounts securing such a 
positive contribution to economic growth an d the labour market would be an impressive 
achievement.  
4.224.  Bilateral relationship between Montenegro and United Arab Emirates is strong and sound. 
It has been expanding recently trough intensive diplomatic and economic engagements resulting in 
signing of the bilateral economic agreement in 2011 and investment agreement in 2012, and with 
important role of the Joint Economic Commission chaired by the Ministers of economy of our two 
countries. This is aimed at busting trade, investments in infrastructure, and cooperation in 
agriculture, renewable energy and tourism. One of the biggest commercial centres in Montenegro, 
with total value of €120 million, was a joint investment project of UAE Capital Investment Company and Montenegrin Atlas Group. In February this year, after a successful international bid, 
a UAE company took over the leading Montenegrin tobacco company with the commitment to 
invest €20 million in building a new factory wi th high-tech equipment within 12 months. In 
addition, I would like to use this opportunity to extend my Government's appreciation for the active cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development in number of development projects 
currently in implementation: €9.5 million for projec t that supports the water sector to the coastal 
cities in Montenegro; and, over €45 million of concessionary loan to support agricultural WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  development sector aimed at accelerating economic development in Montenegro through 
supporting food security and enhance the comp etitiveness of Montenegro's products to 
international levels. 
4.225.  We believe that the Joint Economic Commission has proved to be a good platform for 
cooperation and for identifying viable projects of common interests for our two counties and our 
business communities. My delegation would like to us e this opportunity to express to H.E. Minister 
Mansoori the interest of my Government to hold another session of the Joint Economic Commission 
soon.  
4.226.  To conclude, Montenegro is looking forward to continuing excellent and constructive 
engagement with the delegation of the United Arab Emirates in Geneva and my distinguished 
colleague Ambassador Al Zaabi. 
KINGDOM  OF SAUDI  ARABIA 
4.227.  The United Arab Emirates is one of the most op en economies in the world. This tradition of 
welcoming business and trade goes back to early Gulf history, when ships sailed to India and along 
the coast of East Africa as far south as Mozambique. 
4.228.  The United Arab Emirates continues to be a strategic hub, with business-friendly free zones 
and a quickly growing economy. With its favorable business climate offering 100% foreign 
ownership and zero taxes, the country has crea ted a dynamic entrepreneurial environment for 
international investors. 
4.229.  According to 2016 World Banks' ease of doing business report, the United Arab Emirates is 
ranked 31st out of 189 economies and first in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. 
4.230.  The United Arab Emirates is to be commended for its great efforts to improve its trade 
policy and further diversify its economy away from oil. Non-oil sectors now contribute about 70% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It's the second largest Arab economy and the 30
th largest 
globally with the 18th highest GDP per capita (US$44,200) rate. 
4.231.  By setting out wise plans and reforms based on the guiding principles spelled out by the 
UAE Vision 2021 and the UAE Innovation Strategy, the country's economy has transformed from a 
conventional, labour-intensive economy to highly productive and competitive one based on 
knowledge, technology and skilled labor. 
4.232.  The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are not only neighbors 
enjoying brotherly historical relations but prominent trading partners, their trade relations go back 
several centuries in time. Today, the bilateral business ties are being steadily expanded and 
further strengthened by continuous interaction and cooperation. The UAE is one of Saudi Arabia's most important trading partners at the level of the Arab region in general and the GCC in 
particular. In 2014, the bilateral UAE-Saudi trade was valued at US$19 billion. Investments by 
Saudi companies in the UAE in the field of real estate, manufacturing and tourism currently valued at US$9 billion. Saudi investors have 206 projects  in the UAE, and the UAE has 114 projects in 
Saudi Arabia, with an estimated collective value of 15 billion Saudi riyals. 
4.233.  As an original Member of the WTO, the United Arab Emirates is an active Member of this 
Organization and an active supporter of the multilateral trading system. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia wishes to seize this opportunity to congratulate the UAE for their 20
th anniversary of the 
WTO Membership. 
EGYPT 4.234.  Egypt is pleased to see that the UAE has continued to make economic progress since its 
last trade policy review, which is reflected in an average annual GDP growth of 4.5% during the 
period 2010-2014, and with GDP per capita reaching US$43,000 in 2015. Furthermore, both foreign trade and foreign direct investments have significantly contributed to the UAE's economic 
growth, with the UAE being the leading co untry in the MENA region in FDI flow. WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  4.235.  Egypt commends the measures adopted by the Government of the UAE to diversify the 
economy and to ensure continued sustainable development that is less reliant on the oil sector. We note the UAE's determination, under the Vision 2021, to transition to a knowledge-based economy, by promoting innovation, research, and developm ent as well as strengthening the regulatory 
framework and supporting the role of the private sector, with the aim of improving the country's 
business environment and attracting foreign investment. 
4.236.  As noted in the Secretariat report, the UAE's economy has proved to be resilient in the 
aftermath of the global financial crisis as a result of prudent macroeconomic management. 
Furthermore, the success of the UAE's strategy to diversify the economy has allowed it to maintain 
growth and investment despite the decline in oil prices since 2014. In this regard, we appreciate the large number of measures that have been und ertaken by the UAE's Government to facilitate 
trade and foreign investment, such as the fiscal consolidation plan as well as the new Foreign 
Investment Law which is being drafted by the authorities. 
4.237.  Egypt welcomes the UAE's continued commitment to the WTO's work and to the 
multilateral trading system, particularly through its participation in the Arab Group. In this regard, 
we congratulate the UAE on the occasion of the celebration of the 20
th anniversary of its accession 
to the WTO this year. 
4.238.  On the bilateral front, Egypt and the UAE enjoy a strong and interlinked economic 
relationship, which has continued to grow over the past decades, with the volume of trade between the two countries increasing to US$762 bi llion. Moreover, both countries are members of 
the Pan-Arab Free Trade Area (PAFTA). Under the PAFTA Agreement, all customs duties on goods 
originating from members were eliminated on 1 January 2015. 
4.239.  In conclusion, I would like to seize this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation for 
the hard work undertaken by the UAE's Mission  here in Geneva headed by His Excellency 
Ambassador Obaid Salem Alzaabi, and we look forward to continued cooperation with the United 
Arab Emirates to deepen our economic relationship both bilaterally and within the WTO. 
TUNISIA 
4.240.  My delegation wishes to underscore the considerable efforts the UAE has made since its 
previous trade policy review in pursuing its economic and trade liberalization policy by reinforcing the process of opening up its economy, establishi ng an environment conducive to the development 
of investment, and diversifying its trade and economic relations with its partners, including my 
country, Tunisia. 
4.241.  Since its last trade policy review, the UAE has undergone significant economic, human and 
social changes. The economy, based mainly on the production of hydrocarbons, has diversified, 
particularly towards the services sector, which currently accounts for 57% of GDP. 
4.242.  The UAE has achieved buoyant economic growth and development, despite the fall in oil 
prices and the economic crisis that continues to affect the world economy. Its GDP continued to 
grow strongly during most of the period co vered by the review. Between 2010 and 2014, GDP 
grew by an average of 4.5% a year, with GDP per capita reaching more than US$43,000. 
4.243.  We applaud the UAE's trade, investment and development policy, which focuses on 
economic diversification, with particular emphasis on improving competiveness and high 
technology sectors, and the establishment of free zones and economic specialized zones. We also 
applaud the country's investment policy. 
4.244.  Tunisia and the UAE maintain fraternal, cooperative relations. My country attaches great 
importance to these longstanding relations that have been established between our two countries 
over many decades. 
4.245.  Tunisia benefits from a large number of projects carried out by the UAE. Our two countries 
are determined to strengthen and consolidate this cooperation in all areas. WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  4.246.  Lastly, I wish to congratulate Mr. Abdelsalam Mohammed Alali, Director of the UAE Office 
to the WTO, and his team on their active involvem ent in the work of the WTO and in the round of 
trade negotiations taking place here in Geneva. His contribution and that of his team are very much welcomed by all Member States. 
PAKISTAN 
4.247.  Pakistan would like to commend the performances of the UAE economy: achieving a 
positive growth of an average 4.5% annuall y between 2010 and 2014 despite the economic 
slowdown and the decline in oil prices since 2014. 
4.248.  Pakistan would like to commend the bold steps taken by the UAE Government in carrying 
out and implementing reforms to diversify its econ omy. We would like to particularly applaud the 
diversification policies in Trade and Investment with an emphasis on improving competitiveness 
and high technology sectors. Government's main growth strategy focuses on the Free zones and 
economic specialized zones where investments incentives consist of packages of tax exemptions including exemptions on several domestic regulations that apply within the customs territory, 
including Emiratization. 
4.249.  Results have started to pay off. Since 2012, growth has been led mainly from 
non-hydrocarbon sectors reflecting the successful diversification of the economy. 
4.250.  On the bilateral relations between Pakistan and the UAE, we both enjoy very cordial and 
brotherly relations, with strategic underpinnings. The UAE is among the top 5 trading partners and export destination of Pakistani manufacturing; top 2 export destination of Pakistani foods and 
agricultural products; top 2 source for expatriate Pakistan's employment, business and investment 
opportunities; top 2 source of expatriate Pakistani remittance from an individual country; top 5 
source of foreign investment in Pakistan; top 5 source of humanitarian aid and official development assistance. Furthermore, UAE-Pakistan trade relations are likely to grow further 
keeping in view the business, employment and investment opportunities arising in wake of Expo 
2020 to be hosted by Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The UAE houses more than 1.3 million expatriate workers (almost 100,000 small and medium enterprises are registered with various 
chambers in UAE helping to enhance Pakistan-UAE trade and investment opportunities) sending 
almost US$4.3 billion annually through official banking channels. UAE is also springboard for Pakistan's manufacturing and exporting companies who have commercial presence here in the UAE. The UAE is a gateway exporting to other GCC and African countries for many of Pakistani 
exporters. The UAE is also a strategic partner of Pakistan in developing Halal food exports and 
Islamic economy initiatives. 
4.251.  Pakistan is considering a bilateral trade agreement with GCC, as well as pursuing bilateral 
trade liberalization arrangements with the UAE. 
BENIN 4.252.  The UAE recorded average annual GDP growth of 4.8% in the 2010-2014 period. Oil and 
gas accounts for 33% of total GDP, which represen ts a considerable contribution to the overall 
economy. The UAE's economic diversification policy, launched several years ago, helped to effectively manage the oil crisis that the country experienced in 2015. The UAE authorities have also implemented fiscal reforms, with a tighter fiscal stance being taken on both the expenditure 
and subsidy reform fronts. 
4.253.  The delegation of Benin encourages the UAE to continue its efforts to diversify the 
economy. 
4.254.  The country has also undertaken initiatives to restructure its trade policy. 
4.255.  The delegation of Benin wishes to underscore the UAE's attachment to the multilateral 
trading system and its clear desire to see th e outstanding Doha Development Agenda issues 
addressed, with emphasis placed on the broadeni ng of non-agricultural market access (NAMA), the 
progressive liberalization of trade in serv ices, and the adoption of trade remedies. WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  4.256.  In this respect, the delegation of Benin would also like to mention the UAE's interest in 
negotiations on other equally important issues, such as domestic support in agriculture, cotton, fisheries, and special and differential treatment. The LDCs hope to continue receiving the UAE's support in moving these negotiations forward. 
4.257.  The delegation of Benin would like to take this opportunity to thank the UAE for the 
valuable assistance it provides to the Government of Benin to help strengthen the foundations of economic and social developmen t in the Republic of Benin. 
4.258.  In this area, my delegation looks forward to contributions from the UAE in the ongoing 
post-Nairobi negotiations.  
4.259.  The delegation of Benin thanks the WTO Secretariat for its excellent work in preparing this 
meeting and for the quality of the document produced. 
URUGUAY 
4.260.  First of all, Uruguay wishes to congratulate the UAE on its high economic growth rates, 
which are linked to its open foreign trade regime and its move towards a sustainable and 
diversified economy. We also congratulate the country on its successful strategy for creating a 
business environment favourable to sustained economic growth. 
4.261.  Despite the effects of the 2008 world economic crisis, the UAE economy has shown itself to 
be resistant and capable of rapid recovery. 
4.262.  We would especially like to mention the UAE's free zone and specialized economic zone 
regimes, as these may be an attractive option for foreign investors, in particular investors or companies from Uruguay. Our country is open to receiving investment from the UAE in knowledge-
intensive economy sectors. 
4.263.  Uruguay also envisions significant potential for food exports to the UAE, which would 
contribute to food security. 
4.264.  The Emirati market, which is relatively new for Uruguayan products, is also a platform for 
re-exports, a fairly uncommon phenomenon that is enhanced by its strategic geographical location. There are especially attractive opportunities for the food sector, most notably gourmet and organic 
products, processed foods, canned foods, frozen f oods, grains in general (rice, wheat, barley), 
fresh fruit and vegetables, dried fruits, mineral water, honey, olives, meat (lamb and beef), 
poultry, powdered milk and other dairy products such as cheese (particularly low-fat varieties), olive oil, and fine wines of a good quality/price ratio. Opportunities also exist for construction 
materials, engineering services, architecture, tech nology (clean energies, technology to improve 
quality of life), and consultancy services (agribusiness and the environment). 
4.265.  Our country considers trading opportunities to be good, given the quantity and quality of 
our food products. 
4.266.  Lastly, I would like to mention that Uruguay would be interested in working with the UAE 
to form a platform for attracting global services (e.g. outsourcing) and with a view to establishing 
ICT company trade offices to work with the Gulf region. 
QATAR 4.267.  The United Arab Emirates and the State of Qatar share a very strong and longstanding 
relationship; encompassing the social, economic, political, and cultural domains.   
4.268.  As fellow Gulf Cooperation members, there are many ties that bind The UAE and Qatar. 
The UAE is our 9th largest trading partner and our bilateral trading volume is increasing at a steady pace. Many of which, as His Excellency, the Minister has indicated during his opening 
speech is due to the vast initiatives the UAE ha s undertaken to be a global hub of re-exported 
goods. WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  4.269.  The UAE has always played a prominent role both within the GCC and the greater MENA 
region. Where its policies of openness have been integral in enhancing the region's efforts towards the integration into the global economy.  
4.270.  We would like to thank the Government of th e UAE and the Secretariat of the WTO for all 
of their efforts in writing these comprehensive reports.  
4.271.  The UAE has witnessed continued economic progress since its previous Trade Policy 
Review. The GDP growth rate has increased from 4.3% in 2013 to 4.6% in 2014. 
4.272.  As noted by the reports prepared for this  meeting, the UAE has undertaken important 
policy initiatives in the context of its 2021 Vision. The aim of this vision is to diversify away from the dependency on oil exports and into a knowledge  based economy. This will, in turn, allow the 
UAE to participate as a significant player in an increasingly inter-dependent world. As noted in a 
recent World Bank report, the UAE is the 30th largest economy globally representing 0.52% of 
total global GDP. 
4.273.  The Secretariat report notes that in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, the UAE 
economy has proved to be resilient towards external shocks. This is primarily due to prudent 
macroeconomic management and regulation. Between 2010 and 2014, real GDP grew at an average annual growth rate of 4.52%. In this regard , it is important to note that this growth has 
been propelled mainly by the advancement achieved in the non-oil sectors. 
4.274.  The UAE's creative economy policies are an excellent example of how an energy-exporting 
developing country can diversify the economy away from oil into other industries and services. The reports have noted that the UAE non-oil GDP grow th over the past three years has surpassed the 
energy-related GDP growth of the country. 
4.275.  The UAE is making steady progress in trade facilitation, including easing of customs 
procedures, lowering of the administrative import and export barriers. According to the World 
Bank's Ease of Doing Business 2016 survey, UAE rank ed first in the region and 31st globally. In 
this regards, the State of Qatar would like to congratulate the UAE in being the first country in the region to ratify the TFA. 
4.276.  The UAE has proved to be an active participant in the ongoing DDA negotiations. As a 
significant exporter of primary aluminum, the UAE has, in previous occasions, made a proposal to eliminate all tariffs and non-tariff barriers on this product. The State of Qatar strongly supports this proposal. 
4.277.  In conclusion, we would like to thank the UAE for their continued support for the 
multilateral trading system. We highly appreciate the UAE's efforts in this regard and wish them 
every success in their third trade policy review. 
PANAMA 
4.278.  Panama and the UAE enjoy close bilateral relations. We have established important 
political, economic and commercial ties, which have grown stronger in recent years. We have 
concluded an agreement for the creation of a Joint Committee on Cooperation, which will promote 
programmes in the political, economic and commercial sphere. We are also currently working on aspects such as establishing an information exchange mechanism, and should not forget the upcoming launch of a direct flight from Dubai to Panama, which will transform our countries into a 
global trade platform and contribute to the global movement of goods, assets and people, thereby 
providing economic and social gains. 
4.279.  The Secretariat report highlights the measures taken by the UAE to address the oil crisis, 
which demonstrate the country's resilience and which are reflected in the economic growth 
recorded during the period under review. One of these measures is the Vision 2021 strategy, which will enable the UAE to consolidate its position as an innovative country. WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  4.280.  There are, undoubtedly, still areas in wh ich improvements could be made, and we 
therefore urge the UAE to examine carefully the questions, recommendations and comments presented in the report and by Members. 
4.281.  We congratulate the UAE on its commitment to, and participation in, the multilateral 
trading system. 
JORDAN 4.282.  Jordan and the UAE maintain strong historic ties and enjoy excellent economic and trade 
relations manifested in various bilateral cooperation arrangements that serve the development 
objectives of both nations. 
4.283.  The bilateral trade volume exceeded US$1 billion last year, while Emirati investments in 
Jordan stood at US$15 billion across sectors including agriculture, industry and tourism. 
4.284.  Moreover, the UAE remains the favorite destination for Jordanian investments abroad, 
according 22%, and a major market for receivin g highly trained and professional Jordanian 
workforce. 
4.285.  Jordan commends the efforts undertaken by the UAE to maintain the steady growth of its 
economy, despite low oil prices in the second half of 2014. In particular, the Government's economic diversification approach led by the UAE Vision 2021, in addition to the National Agenda 
and UAE Innovation Strategy, which all aim to  support a knowledge based economy, promote 
innovation and research and development and incr ease the overall competitiveness advantages of 
the economy. 
4.286.  Jordan also commends the active role the UAE is playing in the current round of 
negotiations taking place within the WTO, and is looking to continue working with the UAE to 
promote the interests of the Arab region to better integrate in the multilateral trading system. 
4.287.  Finally, Jordan would like to wish the brotherly UAE more prosperity and a fruitful and 
successful Trade Policy Review. 
YEMEN 4.288.  Yemen, as a brotherly country in the Arabian Peninsula region, enjoys excellent cultural, 
economic and commercial relations with the UAE as a major trading partner. 
4.289.  This TPR meeting is another opportunity to better appreciate the UAE's liberal trade 
policies and regime. The UAE 2006 first TPR was considered as one of the most successful reviews. As a matter of fact, the UAE was the first WTO Member to voluntary convenes a TPR meeting, 
which demonstrates its commitment to this transparency exercise. The UAE also continues its 
strong support of the multilateral trading system , and its delegation to the WTO plays a dynamic 
role in different WTO activities including ongoing negotiations. Since the accession to the WTO 
twenty years ago, the UAE economy had performe d very well especially in addressing key 
challenges to diversify its economic base. The non-oil economy of the UAE currently contributes more than two thirds of the nation's GDP. This has been assisted by pursuing liberal trade and 
economic regime. As a result, the UAE economy has witnessed healthy growth despite of some 
difficulties mostly caused by external factors.  In the meantime, the country has maintained its 
position as a key international trade player.  
4.290.  The UAE Government and the WTO Secretariat reports indicate definitely the enormous 
efforts undertaken since the second TPR in March 2012. Reports presented to this cycle of review 
evidently show the UAE's full commitment to the WTO system as well as positive policy 
developments and openness in all trade aspects. Both reports reiterate the continued efforts to 
implement a trade policy that complies with the UAE's international commitments, and 
complements the Government's vision in building a diverse economy as well as achieving unique international status. The UAE continues to take welcomed steps to further liberalize different 
sectors in both trade in services and goods. Diversification into new activities in services and 
manufacturing has proved very successful. The foreign investment regime has become less WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  restrictive than thought before. Several laws we re enacted to promote trade and investment. The 
UAE legal system provides extensive protection to intellectual property rights along with efficient enforcement. The UAE has successfully ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement and deposited its instrument of acceptance with the WTO Secretariat on 18 April. This step has smoothly come after 
submitting Category A notification in May last year, which confirmed the country intention to 
implement most of the TFA provisions upon the Agreement's formal entry into force. The UAE 
Vision 2021, which coincides with the Golden Jubilee of the state federation, continues to be one of 
the guiding valuable tools to improve performance of all sectors with a view to build a knowledge 
based economy as an overall focus of this transformation process. 
4.291.  Last, the UAE is an economic success story within our region as well as the whole world. 
The 2015 United Nations World Happiness Report has ranked the UAE as the first in the Arab 
region. A lady Minister of State for Happiness was appointed last February, among eight female 
ministers, to align and drive the Government policy to create social good and satisfaction, according to H.E. UAE's Vice President/Prime Minister/the ruler of Dubai. Equally, it is without any 
doubt that the UAE is working diligently to fulfill its multilateral trading system obligations. Yemen 
delegation welcomes such endeavour by the UAE and its deep-rooted open economic policies. We believe that this review will be quite appropriat e to commend the UAE reform efforts as well as 
enhancing its WTO participation. We hope that WTO Members shall favourably support the UAE 
course of action to further advance its trade policy in the years to come, and sincerely wish this exercise a very successful conclusion. 
H.E.
 SULTAN  BIN SAEED  AL MANSOORI 
4.292.  I would like to compliment you all for the interventions that we have heard this morning 
and this afternoon and which are very positive. I am really impressed by your knowledge of the 
UAE economy. Some of the data information you passed to me was new. This is not surprising 
because the UAE has been at the radar of so many countries. I can relate to it with my visits to the 
countries. I could see the developments that are happening in terms of trade, of political, and of social. But what is more important is how we can better together this positiveness in this world 
and this is something that I would like to compliment you. As the representatives of your nations, 
you work for an excellent cause; you try to find positiveness despite all the crises going through the world, building up relationship, interests of the people, and of the world as a whole. 
4.293.  But this also started 20 years ago for us as a Member of the WTO. Tomorrow we have a 
special occasion, we are going to celebrate our accession to this Organization. Twenty years ago 
we were a young Member at that time, we have learned a lot through this journey and we would 
like to share with others this experience and the lessons we have learned with our neighbours, 
with other countries of so many parts of the world because our target is the goodness of this 
world. We need to send this positive message to the world that we, as an Organization, as nations from all over the world, we are all the same. So  tomorrow at 9 o'clock we can see you all for the 
2 0 t h  a n n i v e r s a r y  o f  t h e  U A E  a c c e s s i o n  t o  t h e  W T O  i n  r o o m  W .  W e  w i l l  h a v e  a n  e x t e n s i v e  
programme about what the UAE is doing with a number of presentations from different authorities which will carry on until 1 o'clock. So we would like to see you tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock. WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AND ADDITIONAL 
COMMENTS 
5.1.  First of all, let me express my thanks to Ms . Irene Young for her outstanding and efficient 
management of the third United Arab Emirates Trade Policy Review. My sincere appreciation and 
gratitude goes to our discussant H.E. Ambassador Francisco Lima for his insightful views and I 
want to thank him for his constructive intervention of yesterday in the occasion of the 20th anniversary of The UAE accession to the WTO.  
5.2.  Also, I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the TPR division at 
the WTO Secretariat for their professional follow-u p and coordination of the entire process as well 
as for the quality of their report, which has actually served as a good foundation on which to base the review of the UAE trade policy.  
5.3.  I would like to reiterate on what I have already stressed out in my opening statement, that 
the UAE will continue to uphold its free-market strategy. The Government is firmly committed to pursuing its progressive economic agenda, focused around economic liberalization and 
diversification. It is also committed to reviewing all existing policies in order to make them as 
resilient, adaptable, and responsive to future challenges. 
5.4.  During our meetings, we have been very pleased to see this high level of interest in the TPR 
of the UAE, which has been clearly reflected in th e statements of the delegates. My special thanks 
to all of you. 
5.5.  I would like to assure you that we have also taken note of the comments concerning the 
areas where further attention is needed.  
5.6.  We are pleased to note that almost all the statements made by the Members have 
highlighted the substantial trade flow between their respective countries and the UAE.  
5.7.  This is clear evidence of our liberal and efficient trade regime, as well as our firm adherence 
to the multilateral trading system. 
5.8.  I would like to touch upon some remarks that  have been raised by a number of Members. 
Investment Law and 100% ownership  
5.9.  As a matter of fact, we have the most wildly spread free zones in the world, UAE has more 
than 30 free zones scattered in different parts of  the country specialized in various sectors 
providing 100% ownership for the foreign investors. Some of the mentioned free zones specialized in trade in services, whereby individuals could utilize and benefit from such services without 
barriers.  
5.10.  Currently, there are over 40,000 companies operating in the free zones in different parts of 
the country.  
5.11.  Additional to that, international firms which are specialized in some professional services can 
have 100% ownership outside of the free zones.  
5.12.  The UAE believes that lifting up the 49% foreign equity cap, on some sectors of interest for 
the country as part of its vision and plans for investment has actually a positive impact on the 
economy. The UAE has taken into consideration in its new draft of foreign investment lifting up this cap on various economic sectors, with a firm belief that it would enhance and support its economic goals and the diversification of the economy, while continuing to encourage competition and 
strengthening the role of the private sector. 
Government Procurement 5.13.  The government procurement is a plurilateral  agreement in the WTO. The preference of 
10% given to SME's and the 5% preference given to the local and GCC Companies is one of the 
drivers to support the UAE strategy to encourage the participation of the nationals in the private WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  sector. It's worth noting that the percentage of the national employees in the private sector does 
not exceed 5% of the total workforce in the private sector.  
Commercial agencies 5.14.  The commercial agencies are one of the options for distributing and exporting goods to the 
local markets. There are other various options available in the UAE for importing goods which 
could be through distributors, branches for distribution or establishing a company in the market with a local partner. 
Tariffs  
5.15.  The UAE is fully bound to its schedule of tariff  concessions and we are not aware of any case 
that the UAE exceeded the ceiling binding. 
Insolvency Law  
5.16.  Regarding the Insolvency Law, I would like to inform you that it was completed and 
currently at the legislative process. This is go ing through the Cabinet first and then eventually 
going through our Federal Council which is our Parliament actually. This is going to be finalized in 
the near future. 
EU trade partner  5.17.  The EU is the biggest trading partner for the UAE and the balance of trade is in favour of the 
EU. The UAE welcomes this trade flow relations. It is worth mentioning that the biggest numbers 
of foreign companies operating in the UAE are from the EU. The UAE hosts 160,000 EU nationals 
who live and work in the UAE in a harmonious environment and having a leading position in the different private sector of the UAE.  
Private sector national quota  
5.18.  The percentage of UAE nationals working in the private sector is around 5% of the total 
workforce. Therefore, the Government set policies to balance the percentage hiring between both 
public and private sector.  
Foreign labour contracts and living environment   5.19.  I would like to highlight some of the progress in this regard; the UAE Government has 
adopted the following measures:  
 To ensure the workforce is protected, and standardized all types of labour contracts in order 
to promote clarity and transparency for workers and employers.  
 Evaluating and reviewing every aspect of working in the UAE - from recruitment to housing -
and making significant reforms designed to ensu re all workers are treated respectfully at all 
times, and able to report instances of maltreatment easily. 
 Implementing a new, dynamic smart inspection system to enable the official inspectors 
focus their efforts on higher risk business establishments.  
Overall  5.20.  As for the other topics raised in the statements of the distinguished delegates, we cordially 
invite the Members to consider our detailed writte n responses transmitted to the WTO Secretariat.  
5.21.  Should there be any further queries or clarifications, we remain, of course, at the entire 
disposal of the Members to provide them accordingly. WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  5.22.  The UAE will exert all necessary efforts to fully meet its notification obligations in 
accordance with the WTO agreements. It is worth noting that the UAE has already benefited from 
the technical assistance provided by the WTO Secretariat, mainly in identifying areas where notifications are required, and the appropriate form at of such notifications. The UAE intends to 
deepen its technical cooperation with the WTO Secretariat on areas of concern under the Doha 
Development Agenda (DDA). 
5.23.  In closing, I would like to emphasize the importance of the TPR for the Member states at the 
WTO, it provides different views as prospective and it is an excellent opportunity for the UAE to 
hear insightful views on our trade policy. 
5.24.  The UAE assures the Member states that those remarks will be discussed internally to 
identify the most appropriate ways and means for dealing with them.  
5.25.  I would like to end by thanking you all once again for all the time and effort you have put 
into this process, and I look forward to our continued cooperation with the WTO and the Member states. 
DISCUSSANT 
5.26.  I would like to thank His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Minister of the Economy, 
and his delegation, for their significant contributions at the start of this exercise, which have given 
us a deeper knowledge and understanding of the UA E's trade policy. Naturally, I would also like to 
thank the Secretariat for its work, carried out as professionally as ever, which has enabled us to conduct this exercise so thoroughly.  
5.27.  Generally speaking, the common thread runni ng through the Members' comments was the 
UAE's diversification strategy, which has signific antly increased the growth of economic sectors 
other than hydrocarbons, thereby helping to reduce  the country's dependence on oil to less than 
30%, in accordance with its objectives.  
5.28.  Furthermore, Members recognized the significan t progress made in the area of innovation, a 
characteristic applicable to all areas of manageme nt. One example of this is the event that took 
place yesterday to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the country's accession to the WTO, at 
which high-level officials shared details of the ac tivities being carried out to implement the Vision 
2020 strategy; as I pointed out to you yesterday, Madam Chair, this adds an innovative element to this type of exercise, one which I consider it important for other Members to replicate.  
5.29.  Nevertheless, Members also pointed out some areas in which the UAE could make 
improvements, such as more flexibility in the field of investment, which would help the country to 
increase transparency and the inclusion of other economic operators. In this regard, Members are looking forward to seeing progress in connection with the new law on investment, which 
contributes to the UAE's diversification plans in an organized and sustainable manner.  
5.30.  In addition, Members urged the UAE to ex amine its accession to the Agreement on 
Government Procurement, the acceptance of the TRIPS Protocol, and the need to create new rules 
in view of the diversification process and the innovation initiatives being undertaken - rules that 
should be clear and consistent with the country's commitments.  
5.31.  I would like to urge the Emirates to share their successful experiences of diversification, 
innovation and economic growth, through the strengthening of south-south cooperation, so that 
these benefits have a multiplier effect for other Members.  
5.32.  I am certain that the Minister will take note of the concerns expressed by Members, since, 
as noted during this exercise, the UAE maintains its firm commitment to the multilateral trading 
system.  
5.33.  Lastly, I would like to summarize the challenges that, in my opinion, face the UAE. The first 
is to continue promoting its diversification strategy, which will enable the country to reduce its 
dependence on oil; secondly, to focus on education and capacity-building as a means of improving 
opportunities for Emiratis in the labour market; and thirdly, to continue decisively fostering the WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  transition towards a knowledge-based economy. I would describe the Emirati formula as 
e+i+d=ed, in that education plus innovation plus diversification equals economic development. Minister, I wish you a very happy trip back to your country, and we hope to see you, and the Ambassador, at the WTO Ministerial Conference, for which we have already begun to make 
preparations. 
EUROPEAN
 UNION 
5.34.  First of all, the EU would like to thank the delegation of the United Arab Emirates for the 
statements made on Wednesday and today and al so expresses appreciation and thanks to the 
delegation for the special event organized yester day on the occasion of the third Trade Policy 
Review and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the UAE membership in the WTO. We found this session very informative and interesting and it was very much complementary to this review. 
5.35.  The EU would like to thank the delegation of the United Arab Emirates for the replies 
provided to our advanced written questions. In this regard, the EU would like to stress the advantage of the alternative timeframe which allows Members to see the replies to their questions 
before the TPR meetings. Given that there is soon a decision to be made on the Sixth Appraisal of 
the TPRM on 20 June, the EU would appreciate if the UAE could consider the possibility to use the 
alternative timeframes in the future. 
5.36.  Regarding the replies provided, the EU has only two follow-up questions which are more 
clarification requests and which have been sent to the Secretariat. We look forward to the replies in due course. 
5.37.  The EU would like to thank the UAE for its active participation in this exercise. 
UKRAINE 
5.38.  At the outset I would like to congratulate H.E. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Minister of 
Economy, and the distinguished delegation of the United Arab Emirates with the successful third 
Trade Policy Review. 
5.39.  Ukraine would like to present briefly a follow-up question in relation to the reply to our 
questions in the document RD/TPR/631 on the accreditation procedure for the Halal food products 
certifiers. 
5.40.  We made a close examination of the reply, which provided a detailed four-phasic description 
of the procedure for registration of the certificate,  and came to the conclusion that the answer of 
the United Arab Emirates did not comprehensively address the issue. 
5.41.  We kindly ask the delegation of the United Arab Emirates to give us additional clarifications 
concerning the legal grounds for accreditation of the Halal certifiers as well as the grounds for cancellation of the accreditation. 
5.42.  We will appreciate explicit information on that issue and are going to submit the question in 
writing to the Secretariat. 
5.43.  In conclusion, we congratulate the delegation of the United Arab Emirates on a very 
successful Trade Policy Review meeting. 
HONG
 KONG,  CHINA 
5.44.  Hong Kong, China joins others in congratulating the UAE on a successful TPR. We would also 
like to thank the UAE for having provided very detailed replies in a total of 30 pages to our written 
questions. We are happy to confirm th at we have no follow-up questions. WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  UNITED  STATES 
5.45.  The United States would like to thank Minister Al Mansoori and his delegation for their 
excellent efforts in preparing this review and particularly for the carefully responses to our questions. We are reviewing them and we appreciate the effort on that. 
5.46.  The United States also appreciates the information on the UAE's plans for revisions to its 
legal framework for foreign investment and, in particular, efforts you may undertake to address equity limitation caps which the United States and many delegations highlighted as significant 
challenges facing our businesses in the UAE market. 
5.47.  Again, we congratulate the entire delegation on a successful Trade Policy Review. WT/TPR/M/338 • United Arab Emirates 
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
6.1.  The third Trade Policy Review of the United Arab Emirates coincides, remarkably, with the 
twentieth anniversary of the country's accession to the WTO. It has been a very interesting 
examination of the evolution of trade, investment, and development policies in the country. Our 
meeting was greatly helped by the statements from  the Minister of Economy, Sultan Bin Saeed Al 
Mansoori, and Ambassador Francisco Alberto Lima Mena as the discussant.  
6.2.  All of the 39 delegates that spoke on Wednesday praised the successful diversification of the 
economy which has helped the UAE weather first, the financial crises that started in 2008, and 
then the fall in oil prices that started in 2014. Although the hydrocarbon sector and related 
industries are still important to the economy, rece nt growth has been driven by non-oil sectors, 
particularly construction, retail and wholesale trade,  tourism, manufacturing, etc. Furthermore, the 
pursuit of diversification is to continue through the development strategy set out in Vision 2021, 
which focuses on innovation and the transformation to a knowledge-based economy. This strategy will contribute to the sustainable growth of th e economy and further reduce reliance on oil and 
gas. 
6.3.  Members appreciated many aspects of trade policy in the UAE – including their binding of all 
tariff lines, and the application of the GCC common external tariff which means that nearly all 
applied tariffs are either zero or 5%. However, several delegations were concerned about import 
procedures and requirements, such as the regulatory requirements for imports, border inspection procedures and clearance systems, SPS and TBT requirements, and consularization of import 
documents. These requirements, to a certain exte nt, add to the time and cost of doing business 
and restrict opportunities for trade. 
6.4.  On the other hand, Members were very please d to note that the UAE had deposited its 
instrument of acceptance for the Trade Facilitati on Agreement on 18 April. Furthermore, the UAE's 
active participation in the WTO and the steps it has taken to bring its notifications up-to-date were 
also appreciated. Members encouraged the UAE to increase its involvement in the WTO's plurilateral agreements, for instance, by becoming an observer, and in due course, a party to the 
Government Procurement Agreement; joining the expanded Information Technology Agreement, 
and entering into negotiations on environmental goods. 
6.5.  Other concerns raised during the meeting centred on investment outside the free zones, such 
as majority Emirati ownership requirements which apply to all commercial activities, including 
trading and agency licences. Members urged the UAE to further liberalize its investment regime. In 
particular, they hoped new laws would be promulgated to relax ownership restrictions for investments and further promote competition in the economy. 
6.6.  The continued prevalence of state involvem ent in the economy, including state-owned 
enterprises, was also a concern, as was the enforc ement of intellectual property rights, particularly 
enforcement of the laws on counterfeit goods. 
6.7.  The importance of free zones and specialized economic zones was noted by some 
delegations, as was the absence of investment restrictions in these areas. The zones have greatly helped the development of the economy, including the successful development of widespread air and maritime links which have been instrumental in developing trade in goods and services. 
6.8.  This Trade Policy Review will be successfully  concluded in a month's time, when the UAE 
replies to all the outstanding questions, if any.  I hope the many constructive comments that the 
Discussant and Members have offered at this review  will continue to help the UAE further develop 
its trade, investment and economic policies, so th at come the next TPR in four years, the UAE can 
show us that it has made further progress in diversifying the economy and improving the business climate in the country, and that it remains a strong advocate of the multilateral trading system. 
__________