WT/TPR/M/367  
18 May 2018  
(18-2956) Page: 1/61 
Trade Policy Review Body  
20 and 22 February 2018   
 
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
EGYPT 
MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr. Junichi I hara (Japan)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  2 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE O F EGYPT  ................................ .........  4 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ..............  10 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S ................................ ................................ ........................  14 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF EGYPT  AND ADDITIONAL COMME NTS ............  54 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .........................  60 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by Egypt  are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/ 367/Add.1  and will be available online 
at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIR PERSON  
1.1.  The fourth Trade Policy Review of Egypt was held on 20 and 22 February 2018. Ambassador 
Juan Carlos Gonzá lez (Colombia) , the Chair of the Trade Policy Review Body, was unfortunately 
unable to chair this meeting as he had to leave  Geneva for personal reasons. He sent his apologies 
to the Egyptian delegation and to all delegations attending the meeting. He asked H.E. Mr. Junichi 
Ihara (Japan) to act on his behalf, as provided for in the TPRB 's Rules of Procedure in Paragraph 8 . 
H.E. Mr. Junichi Ihara welcomed the delegation of Egypt headed by H.E.  Mr. Tarek Kabil, Minister 
of Trade and Industry; the rest of the delegation; and the discussant, H.E. Ambassador Sondang 
Anggraini (Indonesia) .He also welcome d the presence in the room of t he government officials who 
were participating in the WTO Advanced Trade Policy Course in English . 
1.2.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of the Trade Policy Reviews and the main elements of 
the procedures for the meeting. The report by Egypt  was co ntained i n document WT/TPR/G/367  
and that of the  WTO Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/367 . 
1.3.  Questions by the following delegations had been submitted in writing before the deadline: 
India; Oman; Canada; European Union; Switzerland; Colombia; Chile; United States; Japan; 
Indonesia; New Zealand; Australia; Moldova; Ukraine; Brazil; and China . The following delegations 
submitted written questions after the deadline: Russian Federation; Dominican Republic;  Thaila nd; 
Ecuador; and Malaysia . 
1.4.  During the previous TPR meeting, Memb ers had acknowledged Egypt 's macroeconomic and 
structural reform efforts, including the privatization programme and the liberalization of the 
exchange rate regime and had noted that trade had been an important engine for Egypt 's 
economic recovery. Nonethel ess, while inflation rates had been brought under control, the fiscal 
deficit had been  high, and GDP growth rates had been insufficient to have a significant impact on 
the reduction of poverty and unemployment. Since then and into the current review period , 
Egypt 's real GDP had expanded at an annual average rate of 4.5% during the 2005 -2017 period, 
although growth had begu n to decelerate in 2011 . The Secretariat 's report noted that growth had  
accelerated in recent years on the basis of an expansionary fisca l policy that had led to strong 
consumption and investment expenditure, and an economic reform programme had aimed at 
fostering growth.  
1.5.  Both during the previous Trade Policy Revie w and for this TPR, Members had  expressed 
interest in Egypt 's regional and bi lateral trade agreements. Egypt had  several preferential trade 
agreements, which  had played an increasingly important role in its trade policy. In addition to 
preferential agreements with the European Union, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), 
Turkey and MERCOSUR, Egypt was party to the Pan Arab Free Trade Agreement (PAFTA), the 
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the Agadi r Agreement. Egypt had 
also benefited  from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes of severa l countries.  On 
the other hand, Egypt had offered  improved market access to least developed coun tries (LDCs). 
Egypt had participated  in the Framework Agreement on the Trade Preferences System of the 
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (TPS -OIC), which was still to enter into force. In their advance  
written questions, Members had  enquired about these agreements.  
1.6.  At the mul tilateral level, Egypt had continued  to participate actively in the WTO. In June 
2017, Egypt had ratified domestically the Trade Facilitation Agreement, but h ad still to submit to 
the WTO its instrument of acceptance of the Agreement. Egypt had notified its category "A" 
commitments, in January 2015, and the authorities were currently working on category "B" and 
"C" commitments. Memb ers had  expressed an interest in learning further about this through their 
advance questions.  
1.7.  With regard to trade policy, at the time of the previous review, Members had congratulated 
Egypt for its efforts to reduce the number of tariff lines where appli ed rates had exceeded the 
corresponding bound rates, and had invited it to bring the remaining lines into conformity wit h its 
WTO obligations. Various M embers had also encouraged Egypt to simplify its tariff structure by, 
inter alia , reducing tariff peaks.  The Secretariat 's report for this Review indicat ed that Egypt 's 
simple average applied MFN tariff rate was 19.1% in 2017, slightly down from 20% in 2005, but 
higher than 16.5 % in 2012. The Report also noted  that the relatively high 51.6% averag e tariff in  
agriculture reflected  tariff peaks for alcohol, which could be as high as 3,000%. Egypt had  bound WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  99.3% of its tariff lines, and the simple average bound tariff was 37.2%. In 2017, some 46 lines 
had exceeded their bindings. The Report noted  that despite r ecent reform s, Egypt 's tariff system 
remained  somewhat complex, with a number of exemptions, reductions, and concessions.  
1.8.  In the previous TPR, Members had welcomed Egypt 's efforts to streamline customs 
procedures, including the implementation of the WTO Ag reement on Customs Valuation, but some 
concerns had been  expressed about the continued use of customs surcharges and the 
discretionary behaviour of customs officials. During the period under review, Egypt had continued 
its reform process, with a view to ma king its customs administration more efficient and 
transparent, by reducing the number of documents required for import and export processes and 
allowing their presentation electronically.  As the Secretariat r eport noted , Egypt 's customs regime 
was still based on the Customs Law of 1963 as amended, although a new Draft Customs Law was 
currently being examined to incorporate, among others, the amendments needed to implement 
the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the Kyoto Convention.  
1.9.  Other important tr ade and trade related reform initiatives had been  undertaken by Egypt 
during the current review period, notably in the investment regime. In May 2017, a new 
Investment Law  had entered into force, and in October 2017, the regulations to implement the law 
had been approved and published in the National Gazette. The new law and regulations were 
aimed at updating Egypt 's investment regime and the incentives schemes to attract more 
investment.  
1.10.   Other issues of interest to Members,  included in the advance written questions, were: 
standards and technical regulations; mandatory registration and inspection requirements; import 
licensing and restrictions; incentives; enforcement and protection of intellectual property rights; 
local-content requirements; government proc urement rules; competition policy; state -owned 
enterprises; SPS measures; agriculture, including price support and food subsidies; the energy 
regime; and services, notably plans for further privatization and dismantling of MFN exemptions 
and import licensi ng regime notification.  
1.11.   This meeting would  be a good opportunity for Members to discuss in greater detail 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/367 • Egypt  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY TH E REPRESENTATIVE OF EGYPT ( H.E. MR. TAREK KABIL ) 
2.1.  I am honoured to be here today representing Egypt in its 4th Trade Policy Review and I really 
look forward to our productive exchange du ring the course of this meeting .  
2.2.  Let me start by commending you Mr. Chairman for your effo rts in chairing this important 
Body and for the insightful introductory remarks. Let me also thank sincerely Her Excellency 
Ambassador Sondang Anggraini of the Republic of Indonesia for accepting to be the discussan t in 
Egypt 's fourth TPR.  
2.3.  I would like as well to extend my appreciation and thanks to the WTO Secretariat for its 
diligent efforts and excellent collaboration throughout the proceedings of this review and for the 
preparation of the report. Let me also put on record my appreciation to all delegations present 
here today for showing interests in Egypt 's Trade Policy review through the questions submitted.  
2.4.  As a M ember of the World Trade Organization since its establishment in 1995 and earlier as a 
contracting p arty to the GATT since 1970, Egypt remains committed to the multilateral trading 
system despite the hard times it has passed through over the past few years.  
2.5.  In this vein, Egypt highly appreciates the opportunity offered by this trade policy review to 
shed some light on the economic developments it has witnessed since its last TPR in 2005 and 
during a remarkably dynamic transitional period on the national and regional levels.  
2.6.  Since our last Trade Policy R eview in 2005, Egypt has undergone an era of foundati onal and 
rapid changes on both the political and economic fronts. T he first period of 2005 -2011, Egypt 
experienced a relatively fast -paced economic growth that mounted to an average of 5 -7% GDP 
growth annually, driven by progressive economic policies and p hased reforms . 
2.7.  However , in 2011, and due to the political circumstances which occurred on both national and 
regional level, the Egyptian economy was severely affected, resulting in an outcome of an overall 
decline in all economic activities as well as a ma ssive capital outflight.  
2.8.  In 2015, the Government of Egypt started an ambitious economic reform program me that 
stems from a comprehensive overall National Sustainable Development Strategy (Egypt 2030) 
putting the economic aspect at the very core of its scop e and focusing on three main pillars:  
1. Realizing and s ustaining macroeconomic stability.  
2. Advancing s tructural refo rms to sustain a solid recovery.   
3. Enhancing social protection and human development.  
2.9.  In the path to pursuing the first pillar of the program me, Egypt has adopted some difficult yet 
inevitable policy options mainly : 
 Reducing the budget deficit : the G overnment implemented a value -added tax (VAT) as 
part of its reform program me, which aims to increase  tax revenues sustainably. The 
Government also took steps to reform expenditures, including notably energy subsidies. 
Resources from the higher VAT and more efficient spending will slow the accumulation of 
public debt, which had been rising rapidly.  
 Flexible exchange rate regime : with the floating of t he Egyptian pound, the foreign 
exchange  market normalized, and parallel market for foreign currency disappeared. The 
focus of monetary policy is to bring down inflation, which increased severely due to the 
sharp depreciation of the pound and the impact of the energy and tax reforms.  
 Energy subsidy reform : the G overnment has taken bold steps to reduce energy subsidies, 
which benefit mostly  to the rich, and skew production to en ergy-intensive industries. The 
Government reallocated part of the resources to soc ial spending, including on health and 
education, and for targeted cash transfers.  WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  2.10.   To suppo rt the home -grown reforms, the G overnment embarked on an IMF -supported  
program me to restore the stability of its finances, promote growth and employment, while 
shielding the poor from the adverse effects of the changes.  
2.11.   On the second pillar of structural reforms , our main objective was to create a conducive 
environment fo r the growing businesses, thus a set of legislative reforms targeting the 
improvement of governance and the investment climate have taken place , mainly:  
 The Civil Service Reform Law , which constitutes a major step towards the institutional 
restructure o f the public sector in a manner  to increase its productivity and efficiency; which 
led to decrease of Public sector employees by  6% and Government sector by 12 % and  
increase of privet sector work force to 76%.  
 The new investment law  with the main objective of improving the business climate 
through a series of guarantees and incentives for national and foreign investors, and which 
was accompanied by re forming a number of investment -related legislations including the 
Companies Law.  
 The Import Registry Law , which simplifies import procedures for forei gn companies 
operating in Egypt.  
 The Industrial Licensing law  with the main goal of facilitating the procedures of industrial 
facilities licensing, which  resulted in shortening the period n eeded for licenses issuance from 
634 days to a maximum of one week, noting that it allows almost 80% of industrial facilities 
to commence their activities within one week of notifying the Egyptian a uthorities.  
 The Industrial Land Allocation Amendment Law , which organizes and limits the 
mandate for granting industrial land licenses into one single entity , the Industrial 
Development Authority (IDA), a body under  the Ministry of Trade and Industry.  
 The human development and social safety networks constitute an  integral pillar of 
Egypt 's economic reform program me: the G overnment of Egypt has adopted a package 
of social protection/safety net measures to address the adverse effects of some of the 
economic reform measures on the poor and the vulnerable. It has also  intensified its effort 
to move away from inefficient and generalized subsidies to more efficient and better poverty 
targeted social safety nets.  
2.12.   Furthermore, the G overnment continues its tireless efforts to enhance the education and 
health systems. In fac t, a new Law on a comprehensive health insurance scheme was adopted  by 
Parliament last December.  
2.13.   In tandem with these measures, the G overnment adopted the "Industry and Trade 
development strategy 2016 -2020 " that re volves around 5 major pillars: Industrial 
Development; Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises  and Entrepreneurship Development; Exports 
Development; Upgrade of Technical and Vocational Education and Training; Governance and 
Institutional Development.  The main goals of this comprehensive strategy are:  
1. Increasing the annual industrial growth rate to 8%.  
2. Increasing the contribution rate of industrial product to Gross Domestic Product from 18% to 
21%.  
3. Increasing private sector micro, small and medium enterprises sector 's contribution to GDP 
by 10% . 
4. Increasing the growth rate of exports to 10% annually while e mploying 3 million people  by 
2020. 
2.14.   To this end, we have adopted a number of measures to attract national and foreign 
investments in the industrial sector in Egypt. Furthermore, we have recently l aunched the WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  industrial investment map  which includes around 4,800 investment oppo rtunities available in 
8 different industrial sectors in different areas  of Egypt . 
2.15.   The results of our strategy within 2016 -2017 are:  
 Launching 28.5 million square meters of in dustrial l and for new industrial projects.  
 Moving on the right track towards achieving our goal of establishing 22 specialized industrial 
clusters by 2020; we successfully completed Leather and Pla stic Cities, moreover launched 
furniture as well as two te xtile cities.  
 Introducing over 500 ready -made licensed industrial complexes and building 4400 more this 
year for small industry.  
 New 2654 factories were established with an average 3.7 factories per day, reaching total 
investments of 62.4 billion Egyptian  pounds while offering 80 thousand direct job 
opportunities.  
2.16.   Acknowledging the vital role MSMEs play in the Egyptian  economy, the G overnment 
established the "MSMEs Development Authority " as an independent body with a mandate to 
lead nat ional MSME policymaking, providing  low-cost technical support, including capacity -building, 
sectoral guidance, financial assistance and facilitate access to soft credit.  
2.17.   A new MSME 's law is under discussion in the Cabinet with better definition for SME 's and 
strong i ncentives for informal sector to move to formal one. 
2.18.   In parallel, Egypt executed a set of mega projects , mainly:  
 The doubling of Suez Canal and establish ing Economic Zone s along the corridor.  
 Adding 5,000 kms to the  road network.  
 Adding 50% of the power ge nerated historically in Egypt in the spend of the last couple of 
years . 
 Building  twelve cities in which  three of them are large cities, including  the new 
Administrative Capital.  
 Building 3 new ports and upgrading another 3.  
 The launch of Egypt 's planned ag ricultural mega -project; a  new and ambitious plan for the 
reclamation of 1.5 million acres of desert land.  
 Offering 28.5 million square meters of industrial land for investment, 3 times more than 
what we offered from 2007 to 2015.  
 the Golden Triangle proje ct in Southern Egypt,  which aims at establishing an economic, 
mining and touristic area on the coast  of the Red Sea.  
2.19.   As an outcome of the ongoing economic reforms, the Government of Egypt has revised in 
the beginning of 2018 its economic growth forecast fo r the fisc al year 2017 -18 to be up to 
5.3-5.5% as compared to the previous forecast of 4.8%, resulting in Egypt 's outlook for the period 
2020-2024 to reach 6% average real GDP growth.  
2.20.   Moving to Egypt 's trade policy, and despite the fact that we are focusing on boosting 
industry, it is our strong belief that international trade remains paramount to our economic 
development and raises  the standards of living of our people, thus, our long -term trade policy 
objectives are  focused on further integrating into the global economy, enhancing market access at 
the national, bilateral, regional and international levels.  WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  2.21.   In achieving this, the G overnment of Egypt created a new national trade promotion 
organization, the Export Devel opment Authority (EDA)  under the Ministry of Trade and 
Industry.  
2.22.   In addition , an export development strategy has been adopted with focus on specific sectors 
which have a competitive edge and high potential.  
2.23.   Egypt has also made huge efforts to ensure better  integration into the world economy . 
According to the WTO statistics, Egypt had a trade (goods and commercial services) to GDP ratio 
of approximately 33.5% in 2016. However, it is our near -term trade policy objective to boost this 
figure to 45% in 2020 and  to reduce our current account deficit to around 3% of GDP.  
2.24.   In this context, Egypt has taken some bold steps with respect to trade in goods , 
tariffs reflected around 1% of fiscal revenues in 2017 and will decline gradually over the long run 
in terms of fiscal importance. We have also been committed to the enhancement of trade 
facilitation . 
2.25.   This was evident from Egypt 's accession to the World Customs Organization 's revised Kyoto 
Convention on the simplification and harmonization of customs procedures in 2008. It was also 
most recently reflected in its ratification of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) earlier in 
2017 and transposing it into the national Law.  
2.26.   Furthermore, the Government of Egypt has also activated in 2017 a Single Administrative 
Document (SAD) system for import and export processes as a preliminary step towards the 
eventual implementation of an electronic single -window sy stem.  
2.27.   This is in addition to extensive capacity -building efforts and investments in strengthening 
the Risk Management systems at Egypt 's border conformity assessment body between 2005 and 
2016, which resulted in major improvements in the processing time fo r several border clearance 
processes.  
2.28.   We have also managed to reduce the number of documents required to implement an 
import transaction into Egypt from 11 documents in 2016 to 6 documents in 2017. Similarly, the 
number of documents required to execute an export transaction declined from 9 documents in 
2016 to 5 documents in 2017.  
2.29.   We are aiming to finalize new rules by 2019 that will reduce the number of documents 
required to carry out import or export transactions to be not more than 3 in total.  
2.30.   Moreover, in the context of the enhancement of the quality infrastructure and the 
competitiveness of Egyptian products, we have continued our efforts to harmonize our technical 
regulations, conformity assessment procedures and SPS measures with in ternational ones. 
Further, the G overnment of Egypt has worked hard to bring together all of the different national 
bodies involved in matters of food safety , in particular, into a single agency.  
2.31.   This has finally resulted in the establishment in 2017 of Egypt 's National Food Safety 
Authority (NFSA),  a body which is under transitional functionality in 2017 and which will be fully 
functional by 2019.  
2.32.   On trade in s ervices , there have been some remarkable developments in a number of 
sectors including the increase in the share of f oreign banks in Egypt  (foreign -controlled 
banks and branches of foreign banks) increased from 15.4% in 2005 to 27% in 2015. Additionally, 
since 2005, Egypt has issued several licenses for both 3G and 4G generation network bandwidths 
to both domestic and fo reign operators.  
2.33.   Besides, considerable investments have been made since 2005 to develop the Suez Canal 
Economic Zone (SCEZ), and in particular, for logistics, including port -related logistics, 
warehousing, distribution and other services.  
2.34.   A number of nati onal projects have also been carried out from roads to rail to logistics zones 
in order to address some of our more prominent transport bottlenecks, which have driven up the WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  cost of trading and distribution and reduced mobility. Egypt is doing more than fi xing 
problems . We are working to overhaul the entire  transportation platform with the ultimate goal of 
positioning Egypt as a major transit and trading corridor for both air and sea transportation.  
2.35.   Egypt also undertook a number of enabling policies to enha nce trade performance  
including the establishment of Egypt 's Consumer Protection Agency (ECPA) in 2007, the full 
operationalization of the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA),  and the establishment of the 
Regulatory Authority on Road Transport in 2012.  
2.36.   This is in addition to the establishment of Specialized Economic Courts entitled to handle 
cases of economic or commercial nature, the enhanced enforcement of the Intellectual property 
rights law, and enhanced enforcement of environmental laws  as well . 
2.37.   On th e bilateral and regional fronts,  Egypt recognizes the important role of regional and 
bilateral trade arrangements in enhancing free trade. In this context, I would like to stress that 
African econ omic integration remains a time -honoured priority for Egypt.  
2.38.   To this end, the Egyptian G overnment attaches great impo rtance to both the Tri -Partite Free 
Trade A greement (TFTA) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) negotiations. We are 
also working on deepening the Common Market for Eastern and Southern  Africa (COMESA) 
arrangement. Similarly, Egypt remains active in deepening the Greater Arab Free Trade Area 
(GAFTA).  
2.39.   As regards the multilateral front,  Egypt acknowledges the vitality of the multilateral 
trading system as an essential stepping -stone towards deeper integration of Developing and Least 
Developed Countries into the global economy, and it is with  this developmental perspective that  
Egypt enga ges in almost all discussions and negotiations taking place within the framework of the 
WTO.  
2.40.   Having said that, the G overnment of Egypt remains committed to continue working with its 
trading partners towards a str engthened multilateral trading s ystem that remains resilient to the 
changes of the global economy, while maintaining at its heart, the special developmental needs of 
Developing and Last Developed Members.  
2.41.   Egypt stresses the importance of the active engagement of all the WTO M embers  
post our elevent h Ministerial conference  held in Buenos Aires last year to ensure achieving a 
win-win outcome for all M embers that meets the aspiration of our people . 
2.42.   Standing among such distinguished gathering today, I would like to conclude my statement 
by referring to the latest report issued by the IMF in January 2018 on the performance of the 
Egyptian economy.  
2.43.   As per the report , GDP growth rate rebounded from 3.5 % in 2015/16 to 4.2 % in 2016/17, 
and is projected to strengthen further to 4.8 % in 2017/18 and to 6 % in the  medium term.  
2.44.   The primary fiscal deficit narrowed from 3.5 % of GDP in 2015/16 to 1.8 % of GDP in 
2016/17, and is projected to turn into a surplus of 0.2 % of GDP in 2017/18. In addition, the 
exchange rate has started to stabilize despite the volatility it ha s displayed in the early days of 
floatation, and inflation is projected to keep on declining until reaching a single digit number by 
2020.  
2.45.   However, we are fully aware of the challenges we are still facing against our strategic 
developmental goals, on the t op of which are unemployment and i nflation,  and it is the approach 
of our G overnment to address these challenges in the most open, transparent and inclusive 
manner.  
2.46.   I thank you all for giving me the time and the opportunity to briefly demonstrate Egypt 's 
reform efforts and strategic vision.  
2.47.   Let me as well extend my thanks and appreciation for my team on all the efforts they have 
demonstrated during this review.  WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  2.48.   Meanwhile, the Egyptian delegation remains fully ready to respond to any further inquiries 
and questions raised by the distinguished participants in this meeting.  
2.49.   Thank you very much Mr. Chairman.  
  WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  
3.1.  First of all, I wish to thank H.E. Tarek Kabil, Minister of Trade and Industry for leading the 
Egyptian d elegation in its fourth WTO Trade Policy Review. Your presence in this process, 
accompanied by a strong and impressive d elegation representing various Ministries and 
Government bodies responsible for national rules making in trade and trade -related issues, 
demonstrates Egypt 's commitment, not only to this review process, but also to the WTO broadly.  
3.2.  This is the fourth review process for Egypt since it joined the WTO twenty -three years ago in 
June 1995. After thirteen years since the last review in 2005, the multilateral trading system is 
here again to interact and discuss trade and trade -related policy concerns with the distinguished 
Egyptian authorities.  
3.3.  It is a privilege to act as discussant for this trade policy review of Egypt, and at the outset, I 
thank the delegation of Egypt for giving me this opportunity.  
3.4.  We recall that the WTO – or the preceding international bodies that aimed to regulate 
internat ional trade practices – was formed in the spirit to encourage cooperation in trade and to 
ensure that trade flows as smoothly, pre dictably and freely as possible,  as well a s to prevent 
conflicts between M embers.  
3.5.  Peace and security issues, and how they bec ome a factor in altering  a Member economy 's 
macro economic situation, were recently evident in Egypt. Back in 2011, which fall within the time 
period for this review process, the growth of trade decelerated and investment flocked out from 
Egypt as the natio n embarked on a new internal consolidation process.  
3.6.  This socio -political transformation phase has altered Egypt 's course of development planning 
and have affected trade -related investment goals. However, Egypt  showed much resilient, as the 
Government capit alizes on the challenges being faced in devising reform program mes to balance 
between goals for economic development and economic growth, as well as for market 
liberalization.  
3.7.  Egypt 's constant and active participation in the rules -based multilateral system, throughout 
the implementation of these reform program mes, are of great importance; especially in ensuring 
that domestic steps being undertaken are WTO consistent. And to that end, it is encouraging to 
see the significant progress Egypt has made in facing this challenge.  
3.8.  I'd like to cover four topics in my remarks, as follows: firstly, I will briefly elaborate on 
Egypt 's macroeconomic environment; second, I will briefly highlight Egypt 's trade and investment 
profile; third, I will briefly touch upon Egypt 's participation in multilateral and regional trade 
agreements; and lastly, I will address trade -related reforms . 
Macroeconomic e nvironment  
3.9.  Turning first to Egypt 's macroeconomic environment, Egypt has sustained economic growth 
during the period under  review although it was interrupte d in 2011 -2013.  
3.10.   As highlighted in the Secretariat 's report, real GDP expanded at an annual rate of 4.5% over 
the 2005/06 up to 2016/17 periods with a caveat of growth deceleration, in the aftermath of the 
2011 internal pol itical transformation, that is growth slowe d down to 3.2% over the 
2010/11 -2015/16 period.  
3.11.   In recent years, growth has accelerated again, on the basis of successful Government 
reform program me aimed at stimulating a higher rate of economic growth and impro ving the 
business environment focused at raising standard of living, poverty alleviation, and reducing 
unemployment.  
3.12.   Going specific into Egypt 's reform program mes, I also wish to highlight that over the review 
period, Egypt is putting in place a more libe ral market economy, despite the strong presence of 
the State in the economy in the near past. For example, the Sustainable Development Strategy WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  (also known as the SDS or the "Egypt Vision 2030 ") strives towards increasing private sector 
participation in li ght of production being concentrated amongst large public sector enterprises.  
3.13.   Additionally, in terms of trade policy reform program me, the Egyptian G overnment has put 
in place the SDS -consistent program me called the Industrial Development Strategy (or the IDS). 
The IDS, which is implemented for five years starting in 2016 up to 2020, aims at making Egypt 
an industrial economy in the MENA region, as well as at making Egypt a main export hub for 
medium -technology manufactured products by 2025 – thus, paving t he way for Egypt to further 
diversify its export base.  
Trade and investment p rofile  
3.14.   Now let me turn to discussing the trade and investment profile of Egypt. After having 
studied the Secretariat and Government of Egypt r eport s, I concur that the Egyptian ec onomy is 
highly trade -oriented. And, as we all know now, the service s, manufacturing and agriculture 
sectors dominate the Egyptia n economy with a share of 55.3%, 17.1%,  11.9% to GDP 
respectively. The main contributor to the services earning is the remittan ces from the Egyptians 
working overseas and travel and tourism.  
3.15.   In terms of merchandise export, in 2016, mineral products take up 15.7% share of total 
export; second largest export share goes to vegetables products with 12.5%; and third largest is 
export of precious stones and metals with 11.8%.  
3.16.   Let's recap; the large st merchandise contribution to total export is one : mineral  products 
such as fuel products ; two: vegetable products ; and three : precious stones and metals . Now let 's 
compare this ranking with that in 2011, one : also mineral products, but  at twice the perce ntage 
amount ; two: chemicals and textile and textile articles ; and  three : machinery and electrical 
equipment . Hence, it is apparent that throughout the course of 13 years of this review period, 
Egypt succeeded in diversifying away from exporting mineral/fu el products, into exporting less of 
mineral products and more of food/vegetable products, more of precious stones and more 
machinery and electrical equipment. It shows the successful of the industry and trade 
development strategy implemented by the Ministr y of Trade and Industry.  
3.17.   And with whom does Egypt engage in merchandise trade? In terms of ranking of export 
destination Egypt 's exports go  to: one: the EU ; two : the United Arab Emirates; three : Saudi 
Arabia ; and four : Turkey . In terms of ranking of import  origin, Egypt 's imports come  from: one : 
the EU ; two: China ; and three : Asian countries . 
3.18.   On tariff policy, based on schedule LXIII (63) Egypt has bound 99.3% of its tariff lines, 
consisting mostly of ad valorem  rates ranging from 0% to 3000% and some non -ad valorem  tariff. 
The average bound tariff is 37.2%, however , average bound tariff for agriculture products are 
96.4% higher compare d to non -agriculture products. The Go vernment of Egypt implemented MFN 
Applied Rate lower than its bound rate with a large gap. On 30 November 2016, the Go vernment 
of Egypt introduced a Presidential Decree No. 538/2016 which set s 51.6% average rate for 
agriculture products, with the highest ad valorem  rate applying to cereal and preparation 30.3%. 
However, Egypt 's commitment s in Trade Agreement with some M embers of the WTO have been 
gradually reducing its effective rate of protection and supporting increased trade and FDI.  
3.19.   We now discuss Egypt 's services export. Recalling services sector dominates the share in 
GDP, it is logic al to conclude that Egypt has been traditionally a net exporter of services. Within 
the services sector, retail distribution (including food and beverages establishment) as well as real 
estate services have led growth by a substantial margin, underlining t he phenomenal five -fold 
increase in the total financial value of consumer spending in Egypt since 2005. However, over the 
13 years of review period, the services balance to the current account has deteriorated 
significantly – leading to current account def icit. 
3.20.   Based on the Secretariat report, we found that Egypt is a relatively active user of trade 
remedy measures and the number of investigation substantial ly increased. From 2005 to 
June 2017, Egypt has initiated 31 AD investigations, 16 of which resulted in the imposition of 
definitive AD duties. During the same period , Egypt initiated 14 safeguard investigations, imposed 
provisional measures in all and final measures on ly to three prod ucts. There are, however – as in WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  the case for other countries – opportu nities for improvement which could avoid activity as 
deterrent to trade.  
3.21.   Investment is the remedy to t rade deficit, and the Egyptian G overnment has been steadfast 
in addressing disincentives to the inflow of investment. There have been important changes to  
Egypt 's investment regime since the last TPR. There is the new Investment Law, as well as new 
investment regulations aims at updating Egypt 's investment regime and incentives schemes to 
attract more investment – not only from the traditional sources in th e EU, the USA, and Arab 
countries, but also from other new sources (both foreign and domestic source s). As a result, FDI 
inflows have  been rebounded during 2013 -2016 period even though it is lower than 2005 -2007 
figures.  
3.22.   Raising transparency and building m arket confidence are among Governments ' measures to 
support attract its reform program me. FDI inflows in large infrastructure projects, such as the 
Suez Canal Development Project, will surely reinvigorate the canal 's capacity in contributing much 
more to s ervices sector remittances.  
Participation in the multilateral and regional a greements  
3.23.   Over the review period, Egypt has deepened its engagement with the multilateral trading 
system and participated in various FTAs and plurilateral agreements.  
3.24.   Under the WTO, and since the last TPR, Egypt accepted the Protocol amending the TRIPS 
Agreement in April 2008 and entered into force in Egypt in January 2017. In December 2014, 
Egypt notified its category A commitments of the TFA; and the Egyptian Parliame nt approved the 
TFA in June 2017. Egypt has also been active in numerous ministerial conferences in seeking the 
conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda, including through submission of proposals on 
agriculture, NAMA, S&DT, dispute settlement, rules, serv ices, and trade facilitation.  
3.25.   In line with the rules of negotiation , Egypt is actively engaged in the negotiation of rules in 
light of Paragraph 28 of the Doha Declaration: improving the Agreement on Implementation of 
Article VI off GATT 1994 and on Subsid ies and Countervailing Measures.  
3.26.   In addition to its engagement at the multilateral level, Egypt has also focused on 
strengthening regional economic ties with other  Arab countries and African countries. Under Agadir 
agreement and Pan Arab Free Trade Area Ag reement , the M embers have been eliminated import 
duties for goods originating in and coming directly from Arab Countries.  
3.27.   As a member of COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) , Egypt with 
13 other m ember States eliminated tariff on COMESA originating products as well as implemented 
a monetary harmonization program me to reach a full -fledge monetary union by 2025.  
Trade -related r eforms  
3.28.   The Secretariat and Government r eport s specify in detail a number of trade -related reforms 
that Egypt has un dertaken during the review period. In this respect, I wish to highlight a few 
reforms.  
3.29.   The economic dimension of 2030 Sustainable Development provides a clear vision and focus 
on a singular over -arching economic target by 2030. It will help foreign investo r to invest by 
enhancing of regulatory and business environment. It is also reforming the energy sector 
(including petroleum, gas and electricity) by improving efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas 
emission.  
3.30.   The investment guarantees and incentives law (L aw No. 72/2007) gives exemption to 
producers and exporters in free zones from all inspection and registration procedures as stipulated 
in Decree No.  770/2005 and Law No. 121/1982. Further reforms in outside  free Zones areas will 
improve  ease of doing business  in Egypt and attract  more investor s. WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  Conclusion  
3.31.   This Trade Policy R eview is taking place in the context of a rapidly evolving global  economic 
and trade environment,  and amidst our joint effort to follow up with what were achieved during 
MC-11. 
3.32.   These reforms being undertaken, and the related achievements attained, have significant 
potential to further strengthen Egypt 's institutional economic framework. It is very important that 
Egypt keep s implementing these carefully planned reforms to enhance its in tegration into the 
multilateral trading  system  and to build further resilience against future political and economic 
transformation.  
3.33.   Let's see how trade can contribute towards not only raising per capita income, but also 
countering the trend of rising shar e of the Egyptian population living under the poverty line and 
reducing the size of the informal economy.  
3.34.   I look forward to listening to Members ' views and knowing more about Members ' questions 
including follow -up questions. I wish Egypt a successful Trade  Policy R eview. I thank you Chair.  
  WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  4   STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S 
INDIA  
4.1.  During the period und er review from 2005 -06 to 2016 -17 the real GDP of Egypt grew at an 
average rate of 4.5%. In this period there have been phases of growth slowing down, however, in 
recent  years Egypt has been able to sustain and accelerate the pace of growth. The per capita GDP 
of Egypt has also increased from US$1514 in 2005 -06 to US$3462 in 2015 -16, though it is 
expected to come down to US$2508 in 2016 -17 due to currency depreciation. Eg ypt also relies on 
remittances from abroad, Swiss Canal revenues as well as on travel and tourism. The challenges 
for Egypt include addressing poverty, unemployment, fiscal deficit, public debt and diversification 
of the economy.  
4.2.  We commend the Government of Egypt for the various measures it has been taking to 
sustain economic growth and attract investments. These include implementing a reform 
programme, various macroeconomic measures, improving governance and Egypt 's investment 
regime. Under its 2030 Susta inable Development Strategy Egypt has also set an objective to 
elevate from a lower middle -income economy to a higher middle -income economy.  
4.3.  India and Egypt share historic, close and friendly relations and in recent years there have 
been regular high -level exchanges between both countries. Strengthening of trade and economic 
relations is an important pillar of our bilateral relations. Bilateral trade between both countries 
stood at US$3.23 billion in 2016 -17. There is considerable potential to expand our tr ade ties in 
areas including textiles, automobiles, minerals, chemical fertilizers, pharmaceuticals and 
agriculture sector. Investments between both countries are also growing with several Indian 
companies operating in Egypt in areas including textiles, pow er, specialized chemicals, 
pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, healthcare and auto components. Egyptian companies have 
also invested in India in areas including power equipment, paints and construction industry.  
4.4.  We had posed a number of questions to Egypt for  the TPR and are thankful for the responses, 
which would be reviewed by our authorities. However, I wish to highlight the following concerns:  
 Indian pharmaceutical companies face procedural difficulties for registration of drugs due to 
the complex certific ation regime in Egypt.  
 Recently, Egypt has imposed a ban on import of three -wheelers from India.  
 New guidelines have been issued for making it mandatory for foreign manufacturers to 
register with Egyptian Organization of Export and Import Control for export of certain items 
which is making exports procedurally difficult and cumbersome for companies.  
 While investments of Indian companies are growing in Egypt many of them are also facing 
difficulties for obtaining work permits for professionals due to th e restrictions being imposed 
by Egypt.  
 Lastly, in a number of tender floated by Egyptian public -sector companies restrictions have 
been imposed on Indian companies to participate in the bidding process.  
4.5.  We hope that the authorities in Egypt would look into  these issues for constructive resolution 
as they impinge upon our growing economic and important ties.  
4.6.  To conclude, we look forward to working closely with the authorities of Egypt for further 
expanding and harnessing the potential of our trade and invest ment ties for mutual benefit. We 
wish the delegation of Egypt a productive and successful TPR.  
OMAN  
4.7.  Egypt is a country with a lot of untapped economic potential. It has a relatively large 
population, a highly educated and skilled workforce, and a geostrate gic location that makes it the 
linchpin linking Africa to Asia. As such, it is no surprise that Egypt is considered to be the most 
important country in the Arab world - and rightly so.  
4.8.  Egypt is located in a region that is rife with many challenges. It is vital therefore that Egypt, 
as well as other similarly situated developing countries, be given the needed flexibility to liberalize WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  trade in accordance with their level of development and economic needs. Egypt 's economic 
stability remains essential to ensu re the stability of the region as a whole  
4.9.  We are pleased to note that Egypt 's economy has, on the whole, performed well since its last 
review in 2005 - its GDP having grown at an annual average rate of 4.5%, despite a challenging 
environment. This is due in large part to Egypt 's success in diversifying its economy, which has 
helped Egypt in confronting the challenges of the political events that ensued in 2011. We 
commend Egypt 's policies that have gone a long way in furthering economic diversification.  
4.10.   On the bilateral front, Omani -Egyptian relations date back to ancient history – 
archaeological research indicates that trade between the two peoples goes as far back as three 
millennia, where evidence suggests that Omanis used to export the precious frankinc ense to the 
Egyptian Pharaohs who required it for the embalmment process. Oman and Egypt continue to 
share cultural, political and trade relations at a very high level. Egypt is an important trading 
partner for Oman. As recently as two weeks ago, the Presi dent Abdulfatah Al -Sisi visited Oman 
accompanied by a high level delegation. During this visit the two sides discussed means to 
enhance cooperation in various areas, including in trade and investment. Although the total value 
of bilateral trade over the pa st few years has remained fairly static, we expect it to grow in the 
near future.  
4.11.   The delegation of Oman compliments Egypt on its commitment to the multilateral trading 
system, which it considers to be an important feature of its overall trade and investm ent policy. 
Egypt supports an open, fair and rules -based trading system and is an active participant in 
negotiations. Egyptian delegates in Geneva contribute actively in the regular work of the WTO and 
regularly chair WTO Committees. Egypt is an important and active member of the Arab League 
and the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA).  
4.12.   We note that according to the Secretariat Report, Egypt has since its last review in 2005 
implemented a number of changes to its tariff system that have resulted in tariff c uts and 
reduction in the number of tariff bands. The report indicates that this trend was reversed in 2011 
and that a number of import tariffs have increased since. Particularly because of the economic 
challenges that arose in the aftermath of the politica l events that took place during that year. The 
report further indicates that, as a result, in 2017 some applied MFN rates exceeded their bindings. 
Oman sympathizes with the challenges that Egypt had to go through, and continues to go through, 
and understan ds that these are exceptional circumstances. We therefore encourage others to show 
their understanding in this regard as well.  
4.13.   In closing, the delegation of Oman wishes the delegation of Egypt a very successful Trade 
Policy Review.  
CANADA  
4.14.   Canada is pleased  to participate in Egypt 's fourth WTO trade policy review and extends a 
warm welcome to Minister Kabil and the entire delegation from Cairo.  
4.15.   I would like to begin by applauding Egypt on the results of its economic reform efforts 
initiated in 2014. Since th en, Egypt 's GDP per capita has almost doubled, the fiscal deficit has 
relatively declined, and balance -of-payments and foreign currency reserves have begun to 
improve. Egypt 's commitment to implementing these economic reforms has enabled trade to hold 
steady amidst a difficult political and security environment.  
4.16.   As a trade -oriented economy, Egypt 's commitment to the multilateral trading system and 
the importance it puts on increased participation in regional and preferential trade agreements are 
well noted . Canada appreciates that Egypt actively pursues its interests in WTO negotiations and 
often plays an important role as a representative of regional and like -minded partners. In this 
regard, we urge Egypt to join and bring its perspective to discussions on  some of the issues raised 
at the Eleventh Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires, namely on Micro, Small and Medium -Sized 
Enterprises, on Trade and Women 's Economic Empowerment, and on E -Commerce.  
4.17.   Canadian -Egyptian commercial relations are broad in scope  and our two -way trade has been 
relatively stable over the last five years, with two -way trading reaching $1.3 billion in 2016. WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  Canada has sizable investments in Egypt in the field of petrochemicals and oil and gas, with the 
potential for growth in several  other sectors, given improvements in the Egyptian economy.  
4.18.   Egypt 's prime location, its large low -cost labour force and its strong productivity growth are 
factors working in its favour. Canada welcomes changes made to Egypt 's investment regime which 
provides incentives and preferential import duty rates, and efforts to make its customs 
administration more efficient and transparent. However, despite Egypt 's recent, more favourable 
economic outlook, Egypt still faces many challenges. Future economic gro wth and stability will 
depend on a number of conditions, such as a lasting commitment to instituting economic reforms, 
including making relevant laws business friendly, making major improvements to institutional 
effectiveness and the development of a more effective commercial legal system. This is why it is 
imperative that the aggressive reform program in Egypt must continue.  
4.19.   To build on recent success, Egypt will need to maintain prudent macroeconomic policies and 
broaden its growth -enhancing reforms. Ind eed, further recovery of economic sectors and tourism 
revenues in particular should help Egypt 's deficit and hard currency reserves. In addition, Egypt 
needs to continue to expand and diversify its economy, attract more foreign investment and 
improve confi dence through greater transparency and predictability in its economic environment. 
Allow me to highlight specific areas that will contribute to Egypt 's economic success through 
enhanced trade and investment:  
4.20.   First, Egypt 's ranking of 128 in the World Bank 's 2018 Ease of Doing Business rankings 
suggests that there is significant room for improvement on the predictability and transparency of 
regulations an d business processes in Egypt. Indeed, Canadian companies continually note that 
the business environment  in Egypt remains a challenge.  Improving its business climate would help 
Egypt increase foreign investment and growth opportunities.  
4.21.   Second, Canada encourages Egypt to improve its procurement process in order to make 
information more accessible and provide clear guidelines for the decision -making process. 
Transparent, rules -based reasoning for cancelling tenders would also help to improve openness 
and predictability in Egypt 's business climate.  
4.22.   Third, while Egypt has taken steps to reduce monopolist ic practices, the Egyptian State and 
large public sector enterprises, most notably the military, still have a strong presence in the 
economy. This indirect monopoly may lead to a suboptimal allocation of resources and risk 
crowding out dynamic elements wit hin the public sector. Egypt would benefit from adopting a more 
market -oriented approach.  
4.23.   Fourth, in terms of steps that can be taken at the WTO, Egypt is encouraged to bring its 
trade defence legislation into conformity with WTO Agreements. We also encour age Egypt to join 
the Agreement on Government Procurement and to reconsider the suggested 15% preference for 
Egyptian bidders which might lead to inefficiencies. We also encourage Egypt to ratify and 
implement the Agreement on Trade Facilitation. In additi on, we would like hear more about 
Egypt 's plans to simply its tariff regime.  
4.24.   Fifth, Egypt has taken a variety of measures to address corruption and reduce its 
devastating impact on the economy. We commend Egypt for these efforts, but we note that Egypt 
still ranks 108th out of 176 in Transparency International 's 2016 Corruption Perceptions Index. We 
welcome Egypt 's continuing efforts in combatting corruption.  
4.25.   In conclusion, Canada expects that Egypt 's continued implementation of improved trade and 
economic  policies, including in the five areas mentioned above, will be most fruitful. Canada 
wishes Egypt the best of luck as it continues with its laudable efforts towards economic reform and 
we look forward to reviewing Egypt 's responses to the advance written questions we submitted.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.26.   The EU wishes firstly to commend Egypt 's resilience in spite of a troubled and challenging 
regional context. The EU acknowledges that Egypt is going through significant domestic 
challenges; nevertheless, Egypt has sho wed continued commitment towards the multilateral 
trading system, balancing the internal and exogenous shocks.  WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  4.27.   Egypt has demonstrated this commitment through deep economic reform to enable it to 
harness international trade as a lever for growth. These ref orms included cutting subsidies, 
floating the national currency and significant investment in infrastructure. Changes were also 
made to improve the business climate in order to attract investment.  
4.28.   Today, Egypt 's projected growth rate is very positive alth ough high unemployment persists 
and poverty alleviation remains a primary concern. In order to preserve this overall positive 
trajectory and begin to resolve these systemic problems, the EU encourages Egypt to continue to 
implement deep and lasting economi c reform and fully supports Egypt 's objectives to foster a more 
participatory role of the private sector in the economy, to diversify exports and to stimulate 
investment.  
4.29.   At the bilateral level, the EU and Egypt enjoy a free trade area through our Associa tion 
Agreement and the EU is Egypt 's primary import and export partner. Since the coming into force of 
the Agreement, EU -Egypt trade more than doubled from €11.8 billion in 2004 to €27.3 billion in 
2016. Egypt is also engaged in regional negotiations and c ollaboration elsewhere, including 
deepening the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) arrangement as well as 
the Greater Arab Free Trade Area.  
4.30.   Despite these decidedly positive aspects, the EU considers that Egypt should invest further 
in certain areas to enhance its trading environment.  
4.31.   The issues raised in our written questions are confirmed by EU operators as obstacles to 
trade. Today , I will l ist only some of them.   
4.32.   Firstly, the EU notes with concern that Decree 43/2016 has made imports of twenty -four 
categories of goods more difficult, in that (inter alia), shipments must come from registered 
manufacturers or trademark owners. Registration is an onerous process, and comes in addition to 
the requirement of compulsory pre -shipment inspection. While the EU understands that these 
measures were implemented in the midst of serious foreign currency shortages, foreign currency 
levels are now at their r ecord high, covering 8 months of imports. In the spirit of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement, the EU thus expects that these measures will be lifted.  
4.33.   Indeed, the EU welcomes Egypt 's ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the 
activation of the Single Administrative Document system. Furthermore, the EU also recog nizes 
Egypt 's continuous efforts towards reducing the documentary burden on businesses in this 
context. Nevertheless, we note that the Category A commitments cover only 20.1% of all 
commi tments under the TFA. In this re spect, the EU would invite the G overn ment of Egypt to 
re-visit those commitments.  
4.34.   Secondly, the EU considers that aligning SPS requirements to international standards and 
minimising their restrictiveness is a key prerequisi te to improving Egypt 's trading environment; 
this is why we have requested clarifications on a number of SPS measures, relating to (inter alia) 
moisture levels in wheat and yeast levels in cheese, avian influenza measures for day -old chicks 
and reference c ountry lists for infant milk.  
4.35.   Thirdly, although Egypt has taken certain steps to improve the efficiency and transparency 
of its customs administration, the EU believes that further action is required to remove the 
remaining hurdles. Notably, the EU would encourage improving certain customs procedures, in 
particular the requirement to send certain customs documents through banks, and to avoid that 
the vast majority of imports are still processed through the more cumbersome "red channel ". 
These examples tend  to negate Egypt 's efforts elsewhere to simplify the customs process.   
4.36.   Finally, the EU appreciates the efforts Egypt has made to update its notifications as part of 
the present review and would encourage Egypt to continue doing it on a constant basis.  
4.37.   On behalf of the EU, I look forward to a constructive exchange of views during this review. I 
wish the Egyptian delegation every success during its Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  SWITZERLAND  
4.38.   It is of course difficult to embark on reforms without having stabilized a volatile situation 
first. Stabilization has therefore been at the forefront of Egyptian economic policy efforts. Indeed, 
the pernicious predicament of what is commonly known as "twin deficit " is being addressed head 
on by the Egyptian authorities. The rece nt floating of the currency and a fiscal consolidation 
programme will certainly help reduce both the current account and the budget deficit.  
4.39.   Spreads in the financial markets have already come down which is always a good indicator 
of a successful stabiliza tion policy. This achievement should provide the necessary breathing space 
to harness the forces needed for long -term economic reform.  
4.40.   Egypt 's reform plans are comprehensive and far -reaching. Two of their aspects have in 
particular caught the attention of  the Swiss delegation. One is the industrial policy to turn Egypt 
into a primary export base for medium -technology industrial goods. The other is the revision of the 
Egyptian public procurement law to catch up with best international practices.  
4.41.   Turning to  the industrial policy first, it seems to us that experience in many countries shows 
that any such undertaking harbours the temptation of favouring certain industrial sectors at the 
expense of others. This in order to nurture national champions. Unfortunat ely, preferential 
treatment of this kind often does not yield the desired outcome. A more promising approach would 
probably entail the creation of propitious overall conditions in which business in general may 
flourish. Having looked at Egypt 's near -term industrial vision, we get the impression that Egyptian 
economic policy is providing incentives to a wide range of operators. Still, the process appears 
selective.  
4.42.   Now the excellent report drawn up by the secretariat demonstrates that – when it  comes to 
public procurement – public tenders are open to both Egyptian and foreign suppliers, even though 
a 15 % price preference may be granted to Egyptian products. We welcome the announcement of 
the Egyptian authorities to introduce new procurement met hods in line with modern practice. We 
encourage Egypt to underpin such a reform by considering participating in the GPA.  
4.43.   Government procurement is of special interest not least on account of the preponderant role 
still played by the state in the Egyptian economy. We commend the government of Egypt for 
envisaging more participation of the private sector. Indeed, we feel that a general rollback of the 
frontiers of the state could give Egypt 's trade perspectives a positive boost.  
4.44.   Egypt is an important tradin g and investment partner for many members of the WTO. Yet 
there is much trade potential, which remains untapped. Doing business with Egypt is in many ways 
encumbered by excessive red tape and a lack of transparency.  
4.45.   Recently issued decrees appear to compo und the problem. These decrees have on the one 
hand brought about an increase of MFN applied tariffs of up to 60 % on certain items. Moreover, 
imports of a plethora of products are now subject to an additional and burdensome registration 
requirement. We al so noted that some applied tariffs exceed bound rates.  
4.46.   Such policies can make it more difficult for Egypt to become integrated into regional or 
global value chains. They may make it more difficult for much needed products or input materials 
to enter the l ocal economy where they might contribute to value -added transformation or become 
a competitive re -export item.  
4.47.   We have submitted a couple of questions in writing as we remain concerned about the 
stringent quality and registration requirements introduced by  Decree No. 43/2016. The responses 
given to our queries allay some of our misgivings. We thank Egypt for making extra efforts to add 
clarity to a hitherto rather opaque implementation of the requirement for exporters to be 
registered with the GOEIC. A publ icly accessible database of registered companies would no doubt 
provide the highest degree of transparency. Further improvements in customs clearance and 
release times – as announced by Egypt - would also be welcome.  
4.48.   For we value Egypt as a precious tradi ng partner. The free trade agreement, which we 
concluded with Egypt together with our partners of EFTA, constitutes a landmark in our bilateral WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  trade relations. We are pleased to buttress the implementation of the agreement with a series of 
trade supportin g seminars to enable Egyptian operators to reap more fully the benefits of this vital 
trade liberalization enterprise.  
4.49.   In concluding, we wish the distinguished delegation of Egypt a very successful outc ome of 
this trade policy review .   
COLOMBIA  
4.50.   Colombia a nd Egypt have had diplomatic relations since 1947 and have maintained a fairly 
amicable trading relationship since that date. Historically, although trade volumes between us 
have not been very high, trade itself is fairly dynamic and diverse. For example, in 2016 and 2017 
the leading exports from Colombia to Egypt were in the non -mining/energy sector, and products 
such as "machine parts suitable for use solely or principally with boring or sinking machinery" and 
"drill pipes of iron or steel" took their pla ce alongside more traditional products such as unroasted 
coffee, gelatin and gelatin derivatives, and plantains and bananas.  
4.51.   It is clear from the report by the Secretariat that the Egyptian economy is developing in a 
positive direction. For example GDP per  capita increased from US$1,514 in 2005 -2006 to 
US$3,462 in 2015 -2016, although it has fallen significantly over the last year owing to the 
depreciation of the Egyptian pound. We understand that this was the result of the introduction of 
the new exchange -rate regime based on floating currencies. In the view of the delegation of 
Colombia the new exchange -rate regime is worthy of note as it will make it easier for Egypt to stay 
on its growth path.  
4.52.   Egypt has maintained a high average rate of growth in GDP – as much as 4.5% – over the 
period 2016 -2017, and even in difficult spells it never fell below 3.5%. The level of economic 
diversification is admirable and we should note that in 2015 -2016 the services sector was the 
largest contributor to GDP at 55.3%, where as the share of manufactures was 17.1% and 
agriculture 11.9% during the same period. Also noteworthy are Egypt's diverse exports, and 
although mineral fuels dominate, other products such as vegetables, precious stones and metals, 
chemicals and textiles als o account for a considerable share.  
4.53.   Looking forward, like many other developing countries, Egypt faces the challenges of 
reducing unemployment and poverty. To that end, the report notes the work being done by 
Government, including important programmes on s ocial protection and safety nets, and the 
Sustainable Agricultural Development Strategy Towards 2030 that aims to improve standards of 
living in all regions. Additionally, the report notes the large share of the economy  represented by 
the informal sector, especially as an employer of younger people. The formalization of the 
economy is a challenge that many developing countries like ours face, and it would be interesting 
to share successful experiences in this area.  
4.54.   Egypt is an active participant in the WTO.  It is party to the Agreement on Trade in Civil 
Aircraft, and to the Information Technology Agreement (ITA), and has ratified the 
Trade  Facilitation Agreement. We note the work done to provide notifications in various areas, 
including 227  TBT notifications  and 80  SPS notifications. We would encourage Egypt to continue 
with this effort in transparency and to extend it to the import licensing regime.  
4.55.   The Secretariat report notes the growing importance for Egypt of preferential trade 
agreements, whether signed  or under negotiation. It would be interesting to hear about the 
outlook in this area, especially in relation to new trade priorities and subject coverage.  
4.56.   We note with interest the Government's stress on encouraging greater participation by 
private busine ss as reflected in its new Law on Investment. Additionally, the report points to the 
reforms introduced under Law No.  72/17 and its implementing regulations, including incentives in 
the form of deductions, preferential import duty rates, tax exemptions and  others.  
4.57.   The report also notes the Egyptian Government's interest in promoting the use of free zones 
that give preference to exporters when granting benefits. In Colombia's view it is important to 
expand on how these benefits are applied under the framewor k of multilateral commitments.  WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  4.58.   Colombia has posed questions on Egypt's recent economic development, its international 
trade agreements, investment regime, tariff structure and customs procedures, all highly relevant 
matters to the Organization. One area th at is of interest to Colombia is how to combat and prevent 
illicit trade. The Secretariat report notes that Egypt's Customs Authority is pressing forward with 
activities to promote legitimate trade and combat illegal trade and we believe it is important to  
share these experiences with other Members.  
4.59.   In closing Colombia wishes Egypt every success in its Trade Policy Review and encourages 
Ambassador  Youssef and his mission team to continue their active role at the WTO for a 
multilateral trading system that wo rks in a better, more inclusive fashion.  
CHILE  
4.60.   Chile takes special interest in this fourth review of Egypt's trade policy. Formal bilateral 
relations between Chile and Egypt were established more than 80  years ago and the historical 
hallmarks of this tie between us are its particular stability, an absence of disputes and our close 
cooperation at international forums.  
4.61.   In this Trade Policy Review exercise Chile has posed 15  questions in areas including 
safeguards, investment, services (telecommunications, po st, and air transport), import 
prohibitions and requirements, and sanitary and phytosanitary matters. We very much welcome 
the replies we have received.  
4.62.   On trade relations, Chile and Egypt have developed an important bond, the most recent 
milestone being t he signature at Cairo on 28  March  2017 of the Memorandum of Understanding on 
Trade Cooperation enabling our bilateral relations to be constructed on the basis of current 
challenges and needs. The first meeting of the Trade Committee established under the M oU was 
held in December  2017 in Santiago  de Chile, where the authorities of both parties agreed to work 
on areas including the promotion of exports and investment, health requirements, agricultural 
innovation and clean energy. These steps were taken with a  view to producing an action plan to 
enhance our economic trading relationship and encourage approaches between the private sectors 
of both parties.  
4.63.   We further note that at regional level, Egypt is one of two African country Observers at the 
Pacific Allian ce, where it has expressed particular interest in developing cooperation in the areas of 
agriculture and fisheries, medicine, energy, climate change and tourism. We hope that that 
partnership will develop over the coming years.  
4.64.   The trading relationship bet ween Chile and Egypt is consistent with WTO rules because so 
far there is no preferential agreement governing ties between us in this area.  
4.65.   Even so, trade with Egypt is important and is becoming more dynamic, especially within the 
African continent and the  countries of the Middle East. The annual growth in bilateral trade 
between Chile and Egypt averaged 1.6% during the period 2011 -2016. Exports to Egypt over that 
time grew by 23%. The main exports to Egypt include copper cathodes, timber, dried plums, and 
fungicides. Imports from Egypt in 2016 were 24% lower than in 2011, and this is something we 
must reverse for our mutual benefit. The main imports into Chile from Egypt include carpets, 
trousers, beans, and singlets.  
4.66.   The performance of Chilean investment i n Egypt has been interesting and the total stock 
already stands at over US$580  million.  
4.67.   Moving onto the development process that Egypt has been implementing in recent years, 
there have been significant structural reforms, especially under the 2030 Sustainable Development 
Strategy, which in economic terms aims to achieve high -middle -income economy status through 
raising the population's per capita GDP, delivering national infrastructure projects, opening up to 
foreign investment and improving th e regulatory and business environment to enable the country's 
economic development.  WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  4.68.   Also of particular interest is the target of reducing public debt to 50% of GDP, achieving 
growth of around 7%, reducing unemployment to 5% and introducing more efficient e nergy use by 
lowering energy intensity by at least 14%  
4.69.   Additionally, we are very interested to note the importance that Egypt has attached to the 
role of small and medium -sized enterprises in its business development policies. Egypt's 
experience in this ar ea could contribute positively to the conversations currently under way at the 
WTO, and the Chilean delegation therefore invites Egypt to join the Informal Working Group on 
Micro, Small and Medium -Sized Enterprises set up by a significant group of WTO Memb ers to 
pursue promoting the integration of production units of this kind into international trade.  
4.70.   As I have already stated, there are significant areas of overlap between Chile and Egypt and 
therefore we hope that we will be able to continue to build clos er bilateral relations in the fields of 
policy, trade and culture.  
4.71.   Moreover, as a result of this dialogue we hope to continue to work together, to contribute 
jointly to the defence of the rules -based multilateral trading system and to strengthen the role o f 
the WTO as the central body in global trade.  
4.72.   We wish Egypt a successful Trade Policy Review.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.73.   The United States would like to welcome the delegation from Egypt on the occasion of the 
government 's fourth WTO Trade Policy Review.  A dozen years  have passed since the previous 
review in 2005, and the Egyptian G overnment has made significant changes to its economic model 
since 2006, including the promu lgation of a new constitution. So, this review is particularly 
important, and the United States wo uld like to thank Egypt and the Secretariat for their work in 
compiling reports that have helped explain these changes and other trade issues, and we are 
grateful for their thoroughness.  We wish to thank Egypt for its responses to our written questions.  
4.74.   The Secretariat report notes that Egypt 's economy has faced many external and internal 
challenges in the intervening years stemming from an extended per iod of instability. Since 2014, 
Egypt, working with the IMF, has undertaken notable reforms, including flo ating the Egyptian 
pound, tax reform, fuel subsidy reform, and further privatization steps.  
4.75.   Furthermore, Egypt ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement in 2017, and adopted a new 
investment law, which offers further incentives, reduces bureaucracy, and s implifies and enhances 
investment processes  to promote foreign investment.  Egypt has eliminated some customs fees and 
charges on imports, and has be gun to implement the TFA. The United States applauds these 
efforts and will assist where possible in helping  Egypt meet these new commitments.  
4.76.   However, the Secretariat also notes that weak growth and limited foreign exchange earnings 
have led Egypt to adopt a number  of trade restrictive policies.  Raising tariffs on a broad range of 
imported consumer goods and im posing onerous registration requirements for foreign 
manufactures seeking to export to Egypt, among other measures, can reduce consumer choice 
and raise the costs of living for all Egyptians.   
4.77.   The United States is consistently looking to enhance relations  with partners willing to 
remove trade barriers and ope n their markets to our exports.  We believe Egypt shares our goals, 
and we hope to strengthen our relationship under our bilateral Trade and I nvestment Framework 
Agreement. Although we see great commercial potential in the Egyptian market, reforms are still 
needed. Egypt 's economy has improved and, in our view, the need for these trade restrictive 
measures intended to conserve hard currency has passed; allowing them to remain  in place may 
send a signal that E gypt is not open for business.  
4.78.   Many of the questions we posed for this Trade Policy Review reflect our desire to encourage 
Egypt to increase transparency and predictability in its import policies and the protection and 
enforcement of intellectual property rights, as these steps will help Egypt attract more  foreign 
trade and investment. For example, Egypt adopted a number of complex certification and quality 
control requirements on many products, while asserting that it is c ommitted to relying on WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  standards that conform to the TBT Agreement.  The United States wishes to learn more about 
Egypt 's ongoing initiatives in this context.  
4.79.   The United States also wishes to learn more about Egypt 's plans to set up a new food safety 
agenc y, in an effort to adopt scientific approaches to sanita ry and phytosanitary measures. We 
continue to have concerns that U.S. agricultural exports, specifically corn seeds developed through 
agricultural biotechnology and seed potatoes, face unwarranted tra de barriers, including delayed 
approvals and importation bans.  Further, Egypt 's import bans on poultry parts, and its refusal to 
allow the use of Codex -approved veterinary drugs in imported meat products raise questions of 
Egypt 's WTO compliance.  The Unite d States asks whether Egypt plans to abandon these 
requirements, and if not, requests that Egypt to provide scientific risk assessments and work with 
the United St ates to resolve these issues.  Additionally, the United States encourages Egypt to give 
greate r attention to submitting notifications to the WTO with respect to its import licensing regime.  
4.80.   The United States remains concerned about inadequate enforcement of intellectual property 
rights (IPR), particularly with respect to the prevalence of pirated a nd counterfeit goods, includin g 
software, music, and videos. The United States looks forward to learning more about Egypt 's plans 
on IPR protection, as strong intellectual property protections are critical to creating a 
business -friendly environment.  
4.81.   In closing, we would also note Egypt has shown commitment to the WTO as an important 
element o f its economic growth strategy.  We would like to commend Egypt for undertaking 
substantial economic reforms and for joining th e Trade Facilitation Agreement.  We are, of course, 
committed to working with our Egyptian colleagues to strengthen and deepen our trade and 
investment relationship, and we wish Egypt a successful Trade Policy Review.  
JAPAN  
4.82.   Before mentioning the Egyptian trade policies, let me touch upon our bila teral relationship. 
Although our relationship has a long history, since President El -Sisi visited Japan in 2016, our 
diplomatic relationship has developed dramatically. Particularly, we are pleased to see the steady 
implementation of the "Egypt -Japan Educa tion Partnership ", which was announced by President 
El-Sisi and Prime Minister Abe on that occasion. In addition to the Education Partnership, we are 
supporting the ongoing project of building the Great Museum of Egypt. It is our sincere hope to 
further de velop these strong ties between us.  
4.83.   The Egyptian economy is now in the course of recovery after the political turmoil in 2011. 
The Secretariat report notes that the annual rate of growth has been accelerated to more than 4% 
since 2014. Japan is aware that this is due to your expansionary fiscal policy, which led to strong 
consumption and investment expenditure, and your economic reform programme. Both of these 
initiatives are commendable.  
4.84.   In terms of your trade policies, Japan positively evaluates the Egypt ian efforts to strengthen 
the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its center. Although Egypt has not yet participated 
in the GPA, you are an important participant in the WTO agreements, such as the ITA. Among 
other achievements, we heard that the d omestic procedure for the TFA has been completed, and 
we expect that Egypt will soon make Category B or C notification. We are looking forward to your 
participation in ongoing discussions on modern trade issues, such as e -commerce, in order to 
strengthen t he multilateral trading system in the WTO.  
4.85.   As for regional trade agreements, we are aware that Egypt has joined several regional trade 
agreements including the EFTA, the preferential agreements with MERCOSUR and Turkey, the 
PAFTA and the COMESA. We hope th at Egypt will continue its effort to liberalize trade, and also 
hope that your efforts on regional trade agreements will eventually complement and reinforce the 
multilateral trading system.  
4.86.   Before concluding, Japan would like to briefly touch upon several concerns we have.  
4.87.   First, we have concerns with some of your labour and employment regulations. For 
example, the percentage of foreign workers cannot exceed 10% of all workers, although the 
percentage can be 25% in the free zones. Strict regulation on femal e participation in the labour WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
- 23 - 
 
  market during the night is also one of our concerns. Moreover, we are concerned with the uniform 
requirement of HIV testing to foreign workers. Long examination periods to issue work permits to 
foreign workers is also of serio us concern to us. We encourage the Government of Egypt to 
reassess its labour and employment regulations with a view to creating a more attractive market 
to foreign investors.  
4.88.   The second issue is about your new regulation on invoices of import settlement. As far as 
we understand, the Central Bank of Egypt (CBR) issued an official notice that foreign exporters are 
required to send their Shipping Documents such as commercial invoices to domestic commercial 
banks in Egypt through foreign banks. Before this not ification, foreign exporters were allowed to 
send Shipping Documents directly to importers in Egypt. Also, we are concerned with your 
requirement that consular documents be accompanied by shipping documents. Japan is concerned 
that complicated import proce dures hinder international trade with Egypt and discourage Egyptian 
importers to do business with us. In this regard, Japan requests the Government of Egypt and the 
CBR to publish the CBR 's official notification to the domestic banks, and hopes that this 
requirement will be eased in order to facilitate international trade.  
4.89.   Other than the points I mentioned above, we expect your efficient and fair implementation 
of the Ministerial Decree No. 43/2016. To date, it has been extremely time consuming to complete 
procedures under this Ministerial Decree so our impression is that it hinders business efficiency.  
4.90.   In conclusion, I would like to express our strong wish for continued cooperation between 
Egypt and Japan. We wish Egypt a successful and fruitful TPR.  
INDONESIA  
4.91.   Indonesia applauds Egypt for the economy 's high resilience to unconducive social and 
political  circumstances, macroeconomic imbalances which described the Egyptian economy during 
the last TPR has over time been transformed among others into real GDP expansion, into income 
per capita increment, into export -based diversification and into an increased investors ' confidence. 
We are encouraged with these parameters and we wish the Government of Egypt further success 
in the implementation of the Egypt V ision 2030 Strategy.  
4.92.   Bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Egypt has gone a long way. The Egyptian 
Government is one of the first few who recognized Indonesia 's independence of 1945. In the last 
five years, in the period between 2012 and 2016, whic h is covered within the time -frame of this 
review period, Egypt and Indonesia have been enjoying a good bilateral trade relationship. 
Average yearly trade within that five -year period reached over US$1.3 billion . Despite sharp 
fluctuations in both exports and imports figures throughout the five-year period between 2012 and 
2016, the average value  of bilateral trade recorded a positive growth of 4.69 per year. The figure 
is encouraging and Indonesia highly values this productive trade relationship with Egypt . 
4.93.   Hence, there are some concerns that Indonesia tries to raise since the start of this review 
process. Concerns that w here addressed would ensure  the sustainability of this mutually beneficial 
trade relationship. Among these concerns are two majors stated in the Secretariat report, namely 
Ministerial  Decree N° 25 /2016 and Ministerial Decree N° 538 /2016. We regret  to say that these 
measures have raised customs tariffs on at least 16 of our export products, including 2 of our main 
exports into Egypt, which are paper products and vehicle tyres.  
4.94.   Indonesia continues to support Egypt 's commitment to lowering tariff, th us Indone sia 
encourages Egypt to respond  by expediting the issuance of a new applied tariff.  
4.95.   Additionally, many business practitioners  are facing hardship in coping with the 
implementation of Ministerial Decree N°  43/2016 which requires  importers to regis ter with GOEIC . 
On this, we encourage the Egyptian Government to put in place follow -up detailed technical 
regulations that would better guide business practitioners  in budgeting their time and financial 
cost. 
4.96.   We have addressed these details on these conce rns in our written questions. They include, 
amon g others, issues related to lagg ing notifications, including notification s on import licensing, on WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  the complex tariff system, on special conditions for export restrictions as well as for import 
restrictions, and on additional costs related to import licensing and registration.  
4.97.   We thank Egypt for the replies to these advance written questions which we received 
yesterday late afternoon. We are looking into them, we will be submitting follow -up questions to 
these  answers and we will be doing so within this TPR process.  
4.98.   The Indonesian delegation will be in touch with the Geneva -based Egyptian delegation and 
Indonesia wishes to use this opportunity to convey much appreciation to H.E. Ambassador 
Youssef. We commend H .E. Ambassador and his Geneva -based  delegation on the excellent 
cooperation accorded to the delegation of Indonesia in Geneva and for their very active 
engagement in various issues of common concern.  
4.99.   Lastly, Indonesia wishes much success to Egypt in this f ourth Trade Policy Review.  
NEW  ZEALAND  
4.100.   New Zealand has an active interest of Egypt 's trade and investment policies and 
congratulates Egypt on the introduction and implementation of an ambitious economic reform 
programme over recent years. It is clear that  these efforts have started to generate positive 
macroeconomic signals through attracting investment, stimulating domestic competition and 
innovation.  
4.101.   The floating of the Egyp tian pound, implementation of a  new system of GST and cutting of 
subsidies were difficult but necessary reforms, and the country appears to be facing a brighter 
economic future as a result of the Government 's willingness to tackle structural imbalances built 
up over previous decades.  
4.102.   Specifically, New Zealand has welcomed the way in which Egypt has worked to reduce and 
eliminate fossil fuel subsidies while also prioritizing the development of large scale renewable 
energy projects. While there is still  some way to go, this commitment redu ces distortions, and 
enhances trade flows, as well as greatly improving the environment. As we did during MC11, New 
Zealand would like to underline the significance that we attach to this issue for all WTO Members.  
4.103.   Egypt 's ambitious targets to increase agr icultural and fisheries production should also be 
celebrated. New Zealand stands ready to assist Egypt and we have already begun cooperation in 
the agricultural sector. At the same time, however, we encourage Egypt to ensure development of 
this sector is d one so sustainably, and through the implementation of effective land, water and 
quota management systems, to ensure these successes are lasting and deliver net economic 
gains.  
4.104.   While Egypt has demonstrated its commitment to open trade, some concerns remain,  and 
our written questions submitted in the context of this TPR address some of those concerns. We 
note from the Secretariat 's report, for example, that despite tariff reform in recent years, tariffs on 
certain agricultural items, including fish products, have increased. We encourage Egypt to extend 
its tariff reforms to the fisheries sector, as an effective means to lower the cost of production, 
remove incentives to illegal and unregulated fishing, and increase local industry competitiveness.  
4.105.   As a WTO Memb er who relies on international trade in agricultural products for its 
prosperity, New Zealand also has a particular interest in ensuring that food regulatory systems are 
science -based and implemented consistent with the SPS Agreement. We note that the SPS 
Agreement calls on WTO Members to base their measures on international standards. We are 
interest to learn more, through this TPR, about the extent to which Egypt 's standards and technical 
regulations are based on international standards, including those o f the International Organization 
for Standardization (ISO) and the Codex Alimentarius for food products.  
4.106.   In that context, we also welcome the establishment of a National Food Safety Authority in 
Egypt. This will streamline the regulatory process for food a nd agricultural imports and will 
hopefully promote the modernization of Egypt 's food regulatory legislation.  WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  4.107.   We also note from the Secretariat 's report that "the presence of the Egyptian State in the 
economy remains strong " and that "the productive structu re of the Egyptian economy is skewed 
towards large public -sector enterprises, which may result, on occasions, in a sub -optimal allocation 
of resources ". We echo the Secretariat 's recommendation of adopting a more market -oriented 
approach to economic policy  implementation, and welcome Egypt 's commitment to a more 
participatory role in the economy for the private sector under the Sustainable Development 
Strategy (SDS) "Egypt Vision 2030 ". 
4.108.   In conclusion, the reports by the Government of Egypt and the Secretari at illustrate that 
there is a good trajectory of economic reform in Egypt that should generate positive trade, 
economic and environmental effects. We welcome Egypt 's commitment to the multilateral trading 
system and look forward to further building our pos itive trading relationship.  
AUSTRALIA  
4.109.   We have warm relations with Egypt based on longstanding ties. Egypt is an important 
regional trade partner for Australia, and was Australia 's 53rd largest merchandise trading partner in 
2016-17. Our primary exports to Egypt have been agricultural products, and imports have included 
floor coverings, clothing and motor vehicles.  
4.110.   Australia commends Egypt 's efforts to rebuild its economy following a period of political 
upheaval from 2011. We recognize that Egypt has undertaken difficult but important reforms to 
improve its economic outlook. We recognize that significant work remains, and support Egypt 's 
efforts to continue these economic and structural reforms.  
4.111.   Australia also commends Egypt 's efforts to improve its in vestment environment, including 
through the introduction of a new investment law in May 2017. In 2017, Egypt was ranked 128th in 
the World Bank 's Ease of Doing Business report. These changes to Egypt 's investment regime will 
help to make Egypt a more compe titive investment destination.  
4.112.   Egypt has ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement and notified its Category A 
commitments. We encourage Egypt to provide its Category B and C notifications as soon as 
possible to assist with the implementation of this agree ment.  
4.113.   For this review, Australia has submitted a number of written questions relating to Egypt 's 
trade, investment and taxation regime. We look forward to Egypt 's response to these questions.  
4.114.   Australia wishes Egypt a successful and constructive trade policy review.  
REPUBLIC  OF MOLDOVA  
4.115.   The Republic of Moldova appreciates Egypt 's commitment to strengthening the multilateral 
trading s ystem in the interest of all WTO Member States and its active participation in the regular 
work of the WTO and in trade neg otiations.  
4.116.   We are pleased to notice that since its last Trade Policy Review, Egypt 's GDP growth has 
accelerated, especially following the implementation of the reform programme aimed at fostering 
growth, improving governance, investment climate and busine ss environment, which will restore 
macroeconomic stability and competitiveness of the Egyptian economy.  
4.117.   We welcome the adoption of Egypt 's Sustainable Development Strategy "Egypt Vision 
2030" and of the Industrial Development Strategy, particularly the emp hasis given to the 
participatory role of the private sector, the development for MSMEs, innovation promotion and 
energy conservation. We appreciate Egypt 's efforts in the implementation process of this strategy 
and we express our confidence that Egypt will  continue adopting a more market -oriented approach 
to its economic policy. We also notice the positive evolution in the diversification of Egypt 's 
economy, as well as its export base during the review period.  
4.118.   In agricultural sector, we take note of the fa ct that the main target of the agricultural 
policy of Egypt is to ensure the supply of food to the entire population at reasonable prices and WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  encourage Egypt to further seek improving its current policy with a view of eliminating inefficient 
subsidies and finding the right balance in order to reduce trade barriers.  
4.119.   We congratulate Egypt on reforming its customs administration in order to increase 
efficiency and transparency through several trade facilitation measures, such as: reducing the 
number of docume nts required for import and export and their electronic presentation, activating 
the Authorized Economic Operator system, introducing x -ray devices in most customs posts. We 
also congratulate our Egyptian partners on the establishment of the Ministerial St eering Council for 
Egyptian Trade Facilitation and stand ready to exchange experiences on the functioning of the 
national trade facilitation committees between our countries. We encourage Egypt to further 
strengthen the reforms initiated in the area of tra de facilitation, including the adoption of a 
comprehensive Customs Law based on the TFA and the Kyoto Convention. We believe that the 
creation of an Egyptian National Single Window system will represent an important tool to develop 
customs controls and inc rease trade flows. As a country attaching a high importance to the 
implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, the Republic of Moldova stands ready to share 
and exchange experiences with Egypt in this area.  
4.120.   We also encourage Egypt to consider join ing plurilateral trade agreements, such as the 
Government Procurement Agreement.  
4.121.   Moldova has addressed several questions to Egypt regarding the customs procedures and 
clearance control inspection, trade facilitation, import licensing regime and government 
procurement system. We thank Egypt for providing answers to our questions.  
4.122.   We welcome the participation of Egypt in several preferential trade agreements which play 
an increasingly important role in its trade policy. The Republic of Moldova would also like  to 
reiterate its interest in signing a Free Trade Agreement with the Arab Republic of Egypt. There is 
an increased interest from Moldovan producers, and a positive feedback and support from the 
Egyptian Agricultural Export Council to establish trade relat ions between the Republic of Moldova 
and Egypt.   
4.123.   Even if at the current stage, commercial relations between Moldova and Egypt register 
modest values, we believe that a Free Trade Agreement will boost our trade flows and will improve 
trade indicators for b oth countries.  
4.124.   The current main exported products of Moldova to Egypt are wheat, maize, sunflower oil, 
soy beans, walnuts, animal feed and apples. The current main imported products by Moldova from 
Egypt are medications, polymers of propylene, tobacco sub stitutes, fruit and vegetables.  
4.125.   The Moldovan part deems Free Trade Agreements as a new platform for a further opening 
of trade and an effective approach to integrate into global economy and strengthen trade 
cooperation with other countries, such as countri es from North Africa and Middle East. A Free 
Trade Agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the Arab Republic of Egypt will create new 
opportunities for Moldovan and Egyptian exporters, farmers, businesses and consumers, by 
eliminating barriers in tra de. The Government of the Republic of Moldova has already presented an 
initial proposal of a Free Trade Agreement to the Government of Egypt and we stand ready to 
engage in consultations with the Egyptian side in order to discuss all the aspects of an FTA.  
4.126.   The Republic of Moldova is confident that the 4th exercise of the trade policy review will 
help Egypt assess the impact of its trade and economic policies on sustainable and robust trade 
growth to the benefit of its citizens, as well as of the world econo my. 
4.127.   We look forward to continue further strengthening our bilateral relations with Egypt and we 
wish to the Egyptian Delegation the utmost success during this trade policy review cycle.  
UKRAINE  
4.128.   Ukraine is  closely monitoring the economic development of Egypt. Ukraine is interested in 
strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation, in particular within the WTO. Analysis of 
trade and economic relations between Ukraine and Egypt demonstrates an upward trend and WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  opportunity for further development, in such spheres as agriculture, tourism, energy, industry and 
pharmaceuticals.  
4.129.   Egypt is the Ukraine 's biggest trading partner in Africa, the total turnover in goods 
between our countries amounted to almost US$2 billion in 2017. The main commodity groups are: 
ferrous metals; oils and fats; grain crops; sugar; meat; tobacco etc. The volume of trade in 
services between Ukraine and Egypt amounted to around US$105 million.  
4.130.   Within this TPR exercise Ukraine has submi tted a range of issues of specific interest on the 
following topics:  
 customs procedures;  
 import registration regulations and licensing requirements;  
 anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures;  
 sanitary and phytosanitary measures, in particular forms of veterinary certificates for products 
of animal or plant origin.  
 We also attach particular importance to such topics, as:  
 government procurement;  
 domestic support measures in agriculture;  
 export duties on sugar and feed components;  
 long-term nation al investment policy;  
 implementation of public -private partnership;  and 
 free trade agreements.  
4.131.   Furthermore, we would like to express our continuing interest in the simplification (or 
abolishment) of requirements of Egypt for consular legalization of the g oods' origin certificates, 
issued by the authorized bodies and submitted for customs clearance upon import from Ukraine, 
based on the principle of reciprocity 0  (questions by Ukraine 9 -12).  
4.132.   Ukraine would also like to express its explicit interest in the s implification of the 
registration process of foreign exporting companies, which currently creates additional technical 
barriers for access of Ukrainian exporters to the Egyptian market (questions 1 -7, 14-21). 
4.133.   Among these issues our experts are particularly  interested in getting clarification from 
Egypt on implementation mech anism of Ministerial Decree No. 43/2016 regarding the Amendment 
of the Rules Organizing the Registration of the Factories Qualified to Export Products to Egypt and 
its compliance with th e WTO TBT Agreement.  
4.134.   We are grateful to Egypt for the responses to the Ukraine 's set of questions, which we are 
reviewing closely.  
4.135.   In conclusion, I would also like to express our appreciation to the delegation of Egypt for 
their hard work in preparing for  this TPR.  
4.136.   On behalf of Ukraine,  I wish Egypt a very productive and successful Trade Policy Review 
and look forward to further strengthening our bilateral relations.  
BRAZIL  
4.137.   Brazil congratulates Egypt for its robust economic performance since the last trade  policy 
review, with GDP expanding at an annual average rate of 4.5%. The ambitious economic reform 
programme being implemented since 2014 has helped stimulate economic growth and has 
considerably improved the business environment.  
4.138.   Brazil welcomes the trade policy progress Egypt has made since its last review in 2005. We 
appreciate Egypt 's commitment to the multilateral trading system and to the goals of this 
Organization. Brazil notes with satisfaction that the Trade Facilitation Agreement was approved  by 
Egypt 's Parliament and ratified by the President. In this context, we welcome Egypt 's efforts to 
make customs administration more efficient and transparent – including by means of the 
activation of the Authorized Economic Operator system – and we expec t that new legislation, 
already drafted, will allow for full implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement.  WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  4.139.   Brazil encourages Egypt to keep improving the transparency of its trade policies. We have 
taken notice of the fact that, as stated in the Secre tariat 's report, pending notifications were 
submitted to the WTO during the review process, including some in agriculture. But we also noted 
that, according to the Secretariat, Egypt has not yet submitted any notifications with respect to its 
import licens ing regime.  
4.140.   Brazil would also like to call attention to the large gap between tariffs applied to 
agricultural products and those applied to non -agricultural goods. As noted in the Secretariat 's 
report, in 2017, protection granted to agricultural products r emained high, with an average tariff 
of 51.6% while tariffs on non -agricultural products were generally lower, averaging 13%. Some 
extremely high tariff peaks are also a matter of concern.  
4.141.   Egypt is a very important partner for Brazil. From 2016 to 2017, ou r exports to Egypt 
increased by 41% and those of Egypt to Brazil increased by 65%. Exports in 2017 amounted to 
US$2.4 billion, which is about 26% of our exports to Africa. 3% of all Egyptian imports in 2016 
originated in Brazil.  
4.142.   Brazil is committed to furt her strengthening our bilateral trade relations. The entry into 
force, last July, of the MERCOSUR -Egypt FTA and the economic recovery under way in Brazil will 
open new opportunities for our economic agents, in both directions.  
4.143.   The MERCOSUR -Egypt FTA, the f irst between Brazil and an Arab country, will promote full 
liberalization of trade in industrial, agricultural and processed agricultural commodities, with very 
few exceptions. Egypt and MERCOSUR have just recently notified the Agreement to the WTO.  
4.144.   This FTA is already generating a positive dynamics: just recently, at the beginning of 
February, the first meeting of the Brazil -Egypt Business Council was held in Cairo.  
4.145.   We look forward to building these solid foundations in order to continue to enhance our 
integration and trade relations, as well as a closer dialogue with Egyptian trade authorities on 
topics of mutual interests.  
4.146.   We have submitted a set of questions on Egypt 's trade measures and policies. We thank 
the Egyptian delegation for the answers provide d, which will be conveyed to our Capital.  
4.147.   Let me conclude by wishing the Egyptian delegation a successful Trade Policy Review.  
CHINA  
4.148.   We note that Egypt generally maintained a strong positive average annual growth of more 
than 4.5% during the period under r eview. This growth is mainly attributed to its expansionary 
fiscal policy, diversified economy and aggressive economic reform. However, we have to admit 
that many challenges remain to be resolved for Egypt to fully exploit its growth potential and 
achieve more economic and social development, such as the need to further diversify its exports, 
reduce foreign investment barriers, improve employment opportunities for women and youth, and 
address the poverty and inequality challenges.  
4.149.   We encourage Egypt to furt her improve its business climate through concrete measures, 
such as simplifying clearance procedures, undertaking FDI reforms and improving transparency in 
particular. It is encouraging that Egypt has ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement last Julys an d 
we wait for its formal submission to the WTO. We are also confident that, with the smooth 
implementation of Industrial Development Strategy 2016 -2020, Egypt will become a leading 
regional industrial economy. In this regard, we also call upon other WTO Me mbers to provide 
necessary assistance to facilitate its domestic action.  
4.150.   On the bilateral front, China and Egypt enjoy very close economic ties. It is stated in the 
Secretariat 's report that China has been an important trading partner for Egypt. According to the 
statistics, though the total volume of bilateral trade for year 2017 are note available, trade figure 
for the first eleven months in 2017 witnessed a positive sign, in particular a 65% year -on-year 
increase of China 's imports from Egypt. In order to  better understand the latest development of 
Egypt 's trade policy, we have raised some questions, covering areas of foreign investment, export WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  restriction and prohibition, trade defense measures, supporting policies to industries, visa 
requirements for for eign affiliates. We appreciate the Egyptian delegation for their responses and 
will study them carefully.  
4.151.   As the largest trading partner and the closest friend of Africa, China commits itself to 
cooperate with Africa countries through concrete measures in a wide range of areas, such as 
infrastructure, agriculture, development and research, poverty reduction. We are willing to develop 
a comprehensive trade and investment relationship with all Members and seek to import various 
products they could provide. In  this regard, I would like to invite all WTO Members to the first 
China International Import Exhibition to be held in Shanghai this November.  
4.152.   On the multilateral front, China commends the positive role of Egypt in supporting the 
multilateral trading system  and safeguarding the developmental interests of developing 
economies, by aligning its position with the African Group and the ACP countries. China shares 
with Egypt that special and differential treatments are vital for the smooth integration of 
developin g members into the world economy. China is willing to work closely with Egypt and other 
WTO Members towards a strengthened multilateral trading system that remains resilient to the 
changes of the global economy, while maintaining the special needs of devel oping and least -
developed members at heart.  
4.153.   Let me conclude by wishing the Egyptian colleagues a successful review and a nice stay in 
Geneva.  
RUSSIAN  FEDERATION  
4.154.   We commend the progress made by Egypt in terms of improving its trade po licies and 
practices si nce the l ast Trade Policy Review in 2005. The Russian Federation appreciates Egypt 's 
active engagement in a wide range of activities at the WTO.  
4.155.   Egypt is one of Russia 's important trading partners. Our countries enjoy fruitful bilateral 
economic relationship. According to the Russian customs statistics, our turnover in 2017 had 
increased by more than 60% in comparison to 2016 and had boasted diversified commodity 
nomenclature. The main products of Russia 's export to Egypt are machinery and equipme nt, 
wheat, ferrous metals, lumber, sunflower oil, paper and oil products. Russia imports from Egypt 
oranges, textile and clothing, potatoes, onion and garlic.  
4.156.   Unfortunately, our bilateral trade in services has dropped significantly last year. In this 
regar d, we look forward to finding new opportunities to increase our bilateral trade turnover in 
different spheres of services, not just in tourism.  
4.157.   Let me highlight our fruitful bilateral cooperation in the  field of nuclear energy. On 
19 November 2015, an inte rgovernmental agreement on the construction and operation of nuclear 
power plants and an intergovernmental agreement on Russia 's granting Egypt a state export credit 
for these purposes were signed in Cairo. On 31 December 2016, our countries signed a major  
commercial contract for the construction of nuclear power plants. In August 2017, Russia and 
Egypt agreed on long term contracts for the life cycle of nuclear power plants, including for the 
supply of nuclear fuel, assistance in the operation of the plant  and management of used nuclear 
fuel. 
4.158.   Prior to this review, the Russian Federation has submitted a number of advance written 
questions to Egypt. We are now carefully studying the provided answers. We would also appreciate 
if Egypt could provide more inform ation concerning its agricultural regime and safeguards 
procedures, as well as information regarding Egypt 's plans regarding the implementation of the 
Trade Facilitation Agreement.  
4.159.   To conclude, let me reiterate that the Russian Federation and the Arab Repu blic of Egypt 
have important common interests, and our bilateral relations are strong. We would like to thank 
the delegation of Egypt, the Secretariat and, of course, our esteemed discussant, for their hard 
work and wish partners from Egypt a successful tr ade review.  
  WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  DOMINICAN  REPUBLIC  
4.160.   The first matter of note upon reading the Report by the Secretariat is that despite the 
political unrest of 2011, growth in real GDP averaged 4.5% as a result of an expansionary fiscal 
policy that led to strong consumption and investment expenditure, and an economic reform 
programme aimed at fostering growth. However, in the view of the Dominican Republic, attention 
should be paid to the high rate of unemployment of around 12% – higher for young people and 
women, and poverty  reduction since the share of the population living below the poverty line has 
risen in the last few years and poverty alleviation continues to be one of Egypt's major challenges.  
4.161.   Conversely we are pleased to note that the Egyptian economy has become more 
diversified, with the services sector contributing most in terms of GDP share (55.3% in 2015 -
2016), employment, and exports, with one of the main drivers being tourism.  
4.162.   We congratulate Egypt, on continuing its reform process during the period under review 
with a view to making its customs administration more efficient and transparent, by reducing the 
number of documents required for import and export processes and allowing them to be submitted 
electronically. A new Draft Customs Law is currently being exami ned to incorporate the 
amendments needed to implement the TFA and the Kyoto Convention, among other aspects. The 
Dominican  Republic notes with interest that some changes have already been introduced to 
facilitate trade. These include activating the Authori zed Economic Operator (AEO) system, 
introducing X -ray devices in most customs posts to facilitate customs control and reduce release 
times, and implementing an e -freight import and export system for air freight. Additionally, 
a Ministerial Steering Council  for Egyptian Trade Facilitation (EgyTrade) has been established, 
aiming ultimately to establish an Egyptian National Single Window (ENSW) system.  
4.163.   We very much welcome the fact that Egypt has efficient competition legislation and that it 
is party to most o f the intellectual property conventions.  
4.164.   Finally, we have put questions to Egypt on the import licensing regime, customs provisions 
and other matters and await the replies with interest. In closing we would like to congratulate 
Egypt on this review and wish the country the best for the future.  
THAILAND  
4.165.   Thailand and Egypt have maintained the close and cordial bilateral relations for over sixty 
years. In 2014, we celebra ted the sixtieth Anniversary of our diplomatic relations.  
4.166.   Egypt and Thailand have worke d cooperatively at different levels and in different areas. 
The Trade Agreement between both sides was signed in 1984 and the Agreement on the 
Promotion and Protection of Investments was signed in 2000. In ad dition, we established the 
Thai-Egyptian Joint Commission in 1989. These partnerships have strengthened our relations and 
enhanced economic opportunities between the two countries.  
4.167.   In terms of trade, Egypt has been Thailand 's second largest trading partner in Africa. In 
2017, total trade between the tw o countries amounted to US$771 million. Thailand 's exports 
valued at US$685 million, with machinery, rubber, vehicles and parts as major products. It is 
important to highlight that Thailand 's imports from Egypt has constantly increased by 58% per 
year on a verage since 2014. Last year, Thailand 's imports valued at US$86 million with iron, steel, 
fertilizers, cotton yarn, and machinery as key products.  
4.168.   We acknowledge the growth of Egypt 's real GDP at an annual average rate of 4.5% from 
2005 to 2017. The accel erated growth in recent years was driven by an expansionary fiscal policy 
that led to strong consumption and investment expenditure, and an economic reform programme.  
4.169.   Thailand commends Egypt 's active participation in the multilateral trading system, both i n 
the regular work of the WTO and in various negotiations. Egypt is a party to the Agreement on 
Trade in Civil Aircraft, and to the In formation Technology Agreement. In April 2008, Egypt notified 
the WTO that it had accepted the Protocol Amending the TRIPS  Agreement. In June 2017, Egypt 
ratified domestically the Trade Facilitation Agreement, but has still to submit to the WTO its WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  instrument of acceptance of the Agreement. Moreover, Egypt submitted a number of notifications 
to the WTO during the review perio d. 
4.170.   We welcome the continuous efforts of Egypt in promoting trade and investment facilitation. 
For instance, the introduction of the new law and regulations on investment in 2017 aimed at 
updating Egypt 's investment regime and incentives schemes to attract more investment. The 
reform process during the review period made its customs administration more efficient and 
transparent, by reducing the number of required documents and allowing their presentation 
electronically. In addition, it is interesting to note  that Egypt has accepted the WTO Code of Good 
Practice for the Preparation, Adoption and Application of Standards.  
4.171.   In this review, Thailand submitted a number of questions to Egypt, covering the policies 
and measures of our interests such as tax privilege under the Companies Law, the establishment 
of a new business, customs valuation, the justification of exceeding tariff bindings in 46 lines, 
import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing. We would like to thank Egypt for the timely 
responses to our ques tions and we will study them in detail with great interest.  
4.172.   In conclusion, we wish Egypt every success in this Trade Policy Review.  
ECUADOR  
4.173.   The delegation of Ecuador is most interested in this fourth Trade Policy Review given the 
importance of the bilatera l relations that we have and wish to enhance with Egypt.  
4.174.   We note from the Report by the Secretariat that in the period 2016 -2017 the Egyptian 
economy posted average annual growth in real GDP of 4.5%, a resumption of the growth rate the 
country had maintain ed from 2005 to 2011 when the economy began to slow down as a result of 
political unrest. We note that the recovery of the Egyptian economy has accelerated on the basis 
of an expansionary fiscal policy that led to strong consumption and investment expendit ure. The 
Government is seeking to strengthen the recovery with an ambitious reform programme aimed at 
stimulating economic growth and improving the business environment.  
4.175.   We also recognize that the Egyptian Government is fully entitled to maintain an active  
public policy to regulate competition. There is no question that in developing countries this can be 
necessary in order to ensure that the greater level of economic activity is to the benefit of most of 
the population.  
4.176.   Where foreign trade is concerned we note that raw materials are significant among Egypt's 
exports. Here it is worth noting the trade policy objectives set out in Egypt's Industrial 
Development Strategy 2016 -2020, namely to help Egypt become a leading industrial economy in 
the Middle East and  North Africa region and a main export hub for medium -technology 
manufactured products by 2025. We note the importance attached to the role of microenterprises 
and small and medium -sized enterprises to that end. We would also like to express our interest i n 
hearing in greater detail how the public -private partnerships scheme works in Egypt.  
4.177.   We acknowledge all the efforts that the Egyptian Government has been making towards 
the country's economic recovery. We are confident that the measures taken and Egypt's  
development strategy will produce better living conditions for its people.  
4.178.   Moving on to trade policies and practices, it is worth noting that Egypt's tariff lines have 
been bound. Moreover, the use of preferential quotas and other non -tariff measures such  as 
technical regulations, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, where the risk -analysis process is not 
always expeditious, can restrict effective access to the Egyptian market. Several of the questions 
that Ecuador has raised with Egypt relate to these are as. 
4.179.   We appreciate the trade between our countries. It should be noted that where Ecuador is 
concerned, according to figures from the Ecuadorean Central Bank, in 2016 exports to Egypt stood 
at US$13.2  million and imports at US$1.7  million, resulting in a su rplus for Ecuador of 
US$11.4  [million]. The main exports were bananas and shrimps. Regrettably, the situation in 2017 
was rather different. Between January and November  2017 exports to Egypt collapsed, generating 
a deficit. Total exports barely amounted to  US$2.6  million, while imports stood at US$4.4  million. WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  Therefore we must request that a careful analysis is conducted into the application of regulations 
that could become measures that restrict international trade.  
4.180.   The areas of concern to Ecuador include  Presidential Decree No.  25 of 2016 under which 
Egypt increased tariffs on close to 600  imported items including bananas, where the tariff rose 
from 20% to approximately 40%. Also of concern is Decree No.  43 of January  2016 to the extent 
that it is difficu lt to implement. We would encourage Egypt to introduce appropriate regulations to 
provide implementation guidance.  
4.181.   Before concluding, we thank the delegation of Egypt in advance for its replies to the 
questions we have raised on some specific aspects of it s trade policy; they will provide important 
information to strengthen bilateral relations in the area of external trade. Finally, we wish Egypt 
success in this policy review.  
MALAYSIA  
4.182.   It is commendable that Egypt has managed to maintain  the annual average rate of 4.5% 
for its GDP over the period of 2005 to 2017, although growth began to decelerate in 2011 in the 
aftermath of political turmoil. With the growth rate of 5.6% through 2016, Egypt has emerged as 
top 10 fastest -growing large -population economies worldwide over the period 2015 -2016. It is also 
pleased to hear that Egypt 's positive expectation for 2017/2018.  
4.183.   Since its last Trade Policy Review in 2005, Egypt has undertaken various reforms to 
enhance the competitiveness and develop the country 's economy. We welcome the efforts by 
Egypt undertaking reforms, in the area of investment – which include the adoption of a new 
Investment Law and its regulations, the implementation of large infrastructure projects; as well as 
reforms in custo ms administration making it more efficient and transparent. We look forward to 
receiving further information on the latest progress of Egypt 's structural reform initiatives.  
4.184.   At the multilateral f ront, Egypt has been an active M ember of the WTO and a strong  
advocate of the multilateral trading system. In this regard, we appreciate Egypt for her 
contribution to the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and her ratification of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement (TFA). We do hope Egypt will continue her efforts as well as her 
commitments at the multilateral front.  
4.185.   Malaysia 's bilateral trade with Egypt has been positive but there is still room to grow. 
Among the 54 African countries, Egypt was Malaysia 's 3rd largest trading partner, 3rd largest 
export destination  and 5th largest import source.  
4.186.   Malaysia notes the various initiatives undertaken by Egypt to facilitate trade, including 
efforts on simpli fication of customs procedures and reduction in documentation. Nevertheless, we 
would like to gain more insight from Egypt on the new rules and requirement under the Egyptian 
General Organisation for Export and Import Control (GOEIC). We would also be interested to hear 
more in the import prohibition and licensing regime of Egypt. Such, we look forward to the 
responses.  
4.187.   To conclude, we wish the delegation of Egypt a very productive and successful f ourth Trade 
Policy Review.  
KINGDOM  OF SAUDI  ARABIA  ON BEHALF  OF THE ARAB  GROUP  
4.188.   Despite the daunting challenges faced by Egypt due to socio -political transformation 
between 2011 and 2013, the Egyptian economy remained resilient and open. There are positive 
signs of economic recovery. Measures taken by the Egyptian authorities, since 2016 to stabilize 
the economy and rebuild market confidence, are increasingly yielding results. Acc ording to the 
World Bank 2017 report, the economy is gradually improving with the annual growth reaching 
4.5% in 2015/2016. The overall budget deficit declined in the first half of 2017 to 5.4 % of GDP, 
down from 6.4 % in the same period last year. Meanwhile , current account deficit narrowed in 
dollar terms supported by non -oil exports and tourism receipts. Unemployment rate slipped to 
11.3% in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to 12.4 % in the same period of 2016, specifically 
among Egypt 's youth and inclu ding more women in labo ur force.   WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  4.189.   Economic recovery during the review period has been supported by the improvement of 
trade balance, increasing FDIs, lower inflation rate, growth rates for manufacturing, extraction 
industries, ICT, and domestic trade. In addition, tourism is showing positive signs.  
4.190.   The Arab group welcomes the efforts of Egypt in sustaining macroeconomic stability and 
pursuing an open and transparent trade and investment regime. There are a number of reasons to 
be optimistic about the posi tive economic transformation of the country especially after the large 
stimulus structural reforms undertaken by the government in different sectors such as, public 
sector, finance, tax and subsidy systems, tariff lines, pricing and competition, customs pr ocedures 
and investment.  
4.191.   The Arab Group commends Egypt for its Sustainable Development Strategy "Egypt Vision 
2030" and for its ambitious Industrial Development Strategy for 2016 -2020 and trusts that all 
these hard efforts will contribute to sustainable ec onomic development for the direct benefit of its 
population.  
4.192.   We are also happy to note that in order to identify concrete steps towards enhancing the 
investment climate and ease of doing business, Egypt has set out a series of regulatory packages 
between 2 015 and 2017 including a new Investment Law and several amendments in investment 
related laws.  
4.193.   In addition to being a firm supporter of a rule -based and transparent multilateral trading 
system, Egypt has been active in negotiating a number of bilateral and  regional trade agreements.  
4.194.   To conclude, Egypt proved its commitment to support the world trading system and the 
WTO and demonstrated its desire to continue to play an active role in the promotion of free and 
open trade.  
4.195.   In this regard, the Arab Group appreciates the active role  of H. E. Ambassador Alaa 
Yousse f and Mr. Ahmad Al Lubaidi, Chief of the Commercial Office and his experts in WTO 
negotiations and other activities at large.  
4.196.   We wish Egypt a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
KINGDOM  OF SAUDI  ARABIA  
4.197.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia commends Egypt for maintaining its strategy to diversify its 
economy, improve its trade performance and its well -educated labo ur force capacities and 
liberalize its foreign trade regime even in difficult times.   
4.198.   We also welcome the "Egypt Vision 2030 " which is a roadmap for making Egypt a 
sustainable, competitive, fair and knowledge based economy.  
4.199.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Egypt are not only neighbo urs enjoying brotherly 
outstanding relations but prominent trading partners, their trade relations go back several 
centuries in time. Today, the bilateral trade ties are being steadily expanded and further 
strengthened by continuous interaction and cooperation. Egypt is one of Saudi Arabia 's most 
important trading partner s at the level of the Arab region. Bilateral trade between Egypt and Saudi 
Arabia surpassed US$4 billion in 2016. Egyptian exports to the Kingdom include; steel and 
agricultural products; while Egyptian imports from the Kingdom include; oil products and 
chemicals.  
4.200.   Saudi Arabia is the biggest Arab investor in Egypt with total investments US$6 billion 
distributed among 3420 projects in various fields, such as: contracting, housing, IT, 
telecommunications, agriculture, tourism and transport. On the other hand,  Egypt 's investments in 
the Kingdom amount to US$2.5 billion in  1300 projects in the fields of  contracting, 
telecommunications, healthcare and industry.  
4.201.   As an original M ember of the WTO, Egypt is an active Member of this O rganization and an 
active support er of the multilateral trading system. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia wishes to seize WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  this opportunity to congratulate the Government of Egypt for the impressive economic 
achievements and developments.  
4.202.   I wish Egypt a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
BURUN DI 
4.203.   Burundi welcomes the excellent relations of friendship and cooperation between Benin and 
Egypt since the signature on 22  March  1986 of the General Agreement on Economic and Technical 
Cooperation that was ratified on 6  July 1987. The Agreement provided f or sustained cooperation in 
various areas such as health, education, trade, transport, agriculture and livestock, security and 
many others.  
4.204.   Since then, cooperation between Egypt and Burundi has grown satisfactorily as a result of 
several meetings and visit s at Presidential and Ministerial level, as well as between other senior 
officials from both countries.  
4.205.   Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between us, Egypt has stood with Burundi 
during challenging times through various development projects, for which Burundi is most grateful.  
4.206.   In the reports supplied by Egypt and the Secretariat of the WTO Burundi notes that despite 
the unprecedented political and economic challenges faced by Egypt in recent years, the country 
nonetheless has implemented its e conomic reform programme to strengthen trade at world level. 
This is illustrated by the fact that Egypt's real GDP expanded to an annual average rate of 4.5% 
over the 2005/2006 -2016/2017 period, despite the upheaval in the country between 2011 and 
2013. Ad ditionally, annual average GDP growth slowed to 3.2% over the 2010/11 -2015/16 period 
before accelerating in recent years as the result of an expansionary fiscal policy that led to strong 
consumption and investment expenditure, and an economic reform progra mme aimed at fostering 
growth.  
4.207.   Dynamism in investment and infrastructure have also helped to stimulate the economy. 
This has strengthened Egypt's capacity to serve as a major hub for the manufacture and export of 
goods and to serve as a major location for the development and delivery of value -added services 
because services are the mainstay of Egypt's economy, employment and exports.  
4.208.   However, despite the recent acceleration of growth, Egypt's unemployment rate is still 
around 12%, with rates higher among young people and women. Furthermore, despite an increase 
in per capita income, the share of the population living below the poverty line has increased in the 
last few years and poverty alleviation continues to be one of the major challenges facing the 
Egyptian Government.  
4.209.   In spite of this, the delegation of Burundi welcomes the fact that Egypt is determined to 
create a trade -friendly environment. It also welcomes the fact that the Government is continuing 
to promote and facilitate trade in order to optimize  the allocation of the country's limited 
resources. It achieves this by integrating trade into various sectoral policies and strategies as set 
out in Egypt's 2030  Sustainable Development Strategy. Moreover, the Government is continuing to 
deliver reforms t o improve the business environment. These reforms, which focus on operating 
licences, the workforce and trade expansion aim to improve the competitiveness of the economy 
through investment, productivity, business development and employment. Burundi would 
encourage Egypt to go even further to achieve the shared targets set for the whole of Africa.  
4.210.   Burundi also notes that Egypt's agricultural policy is still focused on the Sustainable 
Agricultural Development Strategy Towards 2030 although its share of GDP ha s fallen over recent 
decades. The delegation of Burundi encourages Egypt to continue to take measures to keep 
agriculture in the foreground especially as it remains a strategically critical pillar of the Egyptian 
economy and a major employer.  
4.211.   Egypt views t he way forward for the multilateral trading system and the WTO currently to 
be premised upon ensuring that Members do not reverse the cumulative gains made since 1995, 
regardless of the domestic pressures of neo -protectionism that some Members face.  WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  4.212.   This s hows that in that context, Egypt is still firmly committed to the WTO system, to its 
rules, frameworks and objectives, including those objectives that recognize that international 
economic relations in general – and international trade specifically – shoul d be conducted with a 
view to raising standards of living, ensuring full employment and enhancing the means for doing 
so in a manner consistent with the respective needs and concerns at different levels of economic 
development.  
4.213.   In the same context, in orde r to demonstrate its commitment to guaranteeing the 
liberalization of the global trade system and improve trade facilitation, Egypt ratified the WTO 
Trade Facilitation Agreement and introduced a system using a single administrative document in 
order to con tinue improving trade facilitation processes, with a special emphasis on digital 
modalities to reduce costs and time for transactions for all parties. Burundi would encourage Egypt 
to redouble its efforts to present its instrument of acceptance.  
4.214.   Where the multilateral trading system is concerned Burundi, like Egypt, is of the view that 
in order to make a better contribution to the negotiations undertaken under the legacy of the 
agenda agreed at the various Ministerial Conferences, it is first necessary to s trengthen the 
technical capacities of developing and least developed countries in new areas of dialogue before 
new negotiations, so as to reduce the risk that insufficient technical competences may impede the 
pace or degree of progress at the multilateral level.  
4.215.   In closing, Burundi reiterates its intention to continue its fruitful relations with Egypt and 
wishes it every success in this, its fourth Trade Policy Review.  
SINGAPORE  
4.216.   In 2017, total bilateral trade between Singapore and Egypt amounted to SGD 660 million, 
which was an increase of 23% over the previous year. Singapore has varied investments in Egypt, 
ranging from transport and logistics, oil and gas, to retail shoe stores. One such Singaporean 
company is Charles & Keith, which has set up shoe stores  in Egypt, including one in the Mall of 
Arabia in Cairo.  
4.217.   Since 2014, GDP growth in Egypt has accelerated on the basis of an expansionary fiscal 
policy, which has led to strong consumption and investment expenditure. GDP growth has also 
been boosted by Egyp t's economic reform programme aimed at fostering growth, improving 
governance and the investment climate. We are encouraged by these developments and urge 
Egypt to sustain its efforts in this direction.  
4.218.   We welcome Egypt 's "firm commitment to the WTO and th e multilateral trading system, to 
its rules framework and to its objectives " as indicated in the Government report (WT/TPR/G/367, 
paragraph 1.1). We further welcome Egypt 's objective to raise its real per capita Gross National 
Income classification from th e lower -middle -income economy grouping to the higher -middle -
income economy grouping by 2030, including through deep and further engagement in 
international trade.  
4.219.   We note that Egypt has ratified domestically the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in 
June 2 017. We look forward to Egypt submitting to the WTO its instrument of acceptance of the 
TFA very shortly. As for the Agreement on Government Procurement, while Egypt is not a party, 
Egypt could consider taking part as an observer as a first step.  
4.220.   In the ar ea of tariffs, we observe that while Egypt 's applied MFN rates are in most cases 
considerably lower than bound rates, some 46 lines exceeded their bindings in 2017. In this 
respect, we urge Egypt to bring its applied tariffs into conformity with its bound commitments. We 
also encourage Egypt to submit its outstanding notifications to the WTO with respect to its import 
licensing regime.  
4.221.   Finally, we are happy to note that H.E. Tarek Kabil was recently in Singapore two weeks 
ago to discuss bilateral economic c ooperation and trust that he had a fruitful trip. We would like to 
take this opportunity to wish Egypt every success in its 4th Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  UNITED  ARAB  EMIRATES  
4.222.   I seize this opportunity to pay tribute to H.E. the Ambassador Alaa Zakaria Youssef for his 
leadership, active participation and substantive contribution to the work of the WTO, along with his 
team.  
4.223.   Egypt has undertaken commendable efforts to restore stability in its economic situation 
and to recover from the aftermath of the pol itical turmoil this WTO M ember has faced since 2011. 
Of course this is a long and painstaking process, but the Egyptian Government, while maintaining 
its historical commitment to the multilateral trading system, is making every effort to implement 
an economic ref orm programme within its national Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS), 
namely "Egypt Vision 2030 ".  
4.224.   The objective of this ambitious plan, as it is pointed out in the report of the Secretariat, 
aims at enhancing growth, stimulating employment and narrowi ng budget deficit, in addition to 
fostering and diversifying export -oriented industry.  
4.225.   Egypt has always been a strong defender of the Multilateral Trading System, and a firm 
believer in the WTO as the main forum to negotiate multilateral trade rules, as w ell as the 
centrality of development of the WTO 's work.  
4.226.   Egypt remains one of the key partners of the UAE. Cooperation between our two countries 
cover sectors related to communication, banking, real estate, tourism and information technology.  
4.227.   In closing, the delegation of the UAE wishes Egypt a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
SRI LANKA  
4.228.   My delegation commends the continuous efforts of Egypt in recovering the economic 
slowdown shown, despite uncertain political, security, and policy environment prevaile d within the 
country as well as in the region since 2011. We have observed that the growth has accelerated in 
recent years on the basis of an expansionary fiscal policy and an economic reform programme 
aimed at fostering growth. In this regard, we recogniz e the second wave of reforms which is 
currently under way to improve governance and the investment climate. We believe that the 
Egypt 's Sustainable Development Strategy "Egypt Vision 2030 " will pave the way in the 
achievement of targeted growth and reducti on of fiscal deficit.  
4.229.   We note with great appreciation the ongoing reform process of simplifying the customs 
administration prior to ratifying the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Certain restrictive measure 
on importation on quality control, inspection, licensing requirement, quantitative restrictions and 
certain administrative formalities appeared to have been trade restrictive.  
4.230.   Let me briefly reflect on the bilateral trade and other economic relations between the two 
countries. During the period from 20 10-16, the trade between the two countries has increased 
over 100%. This is mostly owing to increase in imports sourced from Egypt to Sri Lanka. However, 
Sri Lanka continues to enjoy a trade surplus of the bilateral trade, except in few years. The highest 
total trade between the two countries were recorded in 2012. Sri Lanka 's exports to Egypt are 
equally dominated by Desiccated coconut for confectionary industry and tea with a share of 30% 
each, followed by pneumatic tyres that contribute for 10% of export s. Trading of these selected 
goods has been regular. The main import s of products from Egypt are essential oils and resinoids 
used for cosmetic preparations followed by chemical products and fresh fruits.  Occasional imports 
of fertilizers and sugar from Eg ypt have also been recorded. In the 1970 's, Egypt had been the 5th 
largest export destination for Sri Lanka.  
4.231.   Sri Lanka 's bilateral trade and economic relations with Egypt dates back to the 80 's. An 
Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement has been sign ed in 1987 paving the way for 
setting up of a Joint Committee to address broader and specific trade issues which was upgraded 
to a Ministerial level Joint Commission in 1996. This commission also builds a forum for discussions 
on cultural exchange and tour ism. Both countries celebrated tis 60 years of diplomatic relations in 
2017.  WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  4.232.   My delegation values Egypt 's active engagement in the multilateral trade negotiations. We 
also take this opportunity to appreciate the contribution made by the Geneva based Egypti an 
delegation. We sincerely wish a successful conclusion of Egypt 's 4th Trade Policy Review.  
KINGDOM  OF BAHRAIN  
4.233.   Egypt has been an important and historic regional partner of Bahrain, sharing a strong 
economic and cultural relationship that stretches back decades. The value of our total bilateral 
non-oil trade reached over US$267 m illion in 2017, with Egypt being a ma jor destination for 
Bahraini aluminium products.  
4.234.   This trade has been cemented by a number of bilateral economic agreements such as a 
bilateral trade promotion agreement, an investment promotion agreement, a recently signed 
double taxation agreement, as wel l being parties to the Pan -Arab Free Trade Area (PAFTA).  
4.235.   We are delighted to see from the report that Egypt has been able to maintain a fast 
growing well -diversified economy which has grown by an average of 4.5% during the period under 
review, backed by a strong services sector.  
4.236.   This of course comes after Egypt has gone through significant changes and faced a number 
of challenges during the lo ng period under review, such as  a period political instability which has 
resulted in a growing youth unemployment ra te. 
4.237.   However, despite those challenges, and through the current leadership, we are pleased to 
see that Egypt 's economy has been restructured to take on a more market -oriented approach, 
with plans to allow beneficial private sector involvement in the economy . 
4.238.   Looking forward, we view great interest and opportunity in investment in Egypt and its 
untapped potential for attracting Foreign Direct Investment. As the report shows, it has made 
significant progress in fostering the investment climate.  
4.239.   I cannot conclu de without highlighting Egypt 's role as a long standing and strong supporter 
of the WTO and the multilateral trading system. As an active member in various WTO negotiations, 
as well as through their leading role in the League of Arab States, Egypt has alwa ys worked hard 
to safeguard the rights of developing countries.  
4.240.   Finally, we would like to thank the discussant for their remarks and active discussion and 
the WTO secretariat for their efforts in preparing the detailed report.  
GHANA  
4.241.   Ghana associates itself  with the statement  made by South Africa on behalf of the African 
Group.  
4.242.   Let me begin by commending Egypt for its place in the top 10 f astest growing 
large-population economies which could not have come without much effort culminating in a real 
Gross Domes tic Product (GDP) growth rate of over 5.6% through 2016. This exceeds the 
International Monetary Fund 's (IMF) 2016 -17 GDP growth estimate by 20%.  
4.243.   The Government of the Republic of Ghana and the Government of the Arab Republic of 
Egypt have signed an agreem ent desiring to create favourable con ditions for greater economic 
cooperation between them, and in particular, for the encouragement and reciprocal protection of 
investments by investors in each other 's territory, but this agreement remained to be 
implemen ted.  
4.244.   Even though Ghana and Egypt have very close traditional relations and historical ties, it did 
not move much beyond the memories of the "good old days " of the first president of Ghana, 
Dr Kwame Nkrumah and the then President of Egypt, H.E Abdul Gamel Nasser. However, in recent 
years both countries have called for fruitful and mutually beneficial relations between them. In 
furtherance of this, a business forum was held in Ghana, in October 2017, to strengthen our 
mutual cooperation through the pro motion  of trade and investment.  WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  4.245.   Available statistics from COMTRADE for 2016 indicates that Ghana 's exports to Egypt was 
US$15.3 million representing less than 1% of Ghana 's total exports although this represents 4.8 % 
increase over the 2012 figures. Ghana 's imp orts from Egypt amounted to US$ 69.4 million 
representing less than 1% (0.6%) of Ghana 's total imports. The major trading products include 
minerals, pharmaceutical products, machinery, cereals, electrical and electronics, aluminium 
articles, rubber products , cotton etc. It is desired that trade between our two countries will expand 
in the near future.  
4.246.   Available  data indicates that about 12 –20% of Africa 's trade is intra -regional, while it is 
22% for South America, 40 % for North America, 50 % for Asia and 70 % for Western Europe. This 
emphasizes the need for Africa to deepen its intra -regional trade and the Continental Free Trade 
Area (CFTA) agreement is a unique opportunity to drive Africa 's transformation and development.  
4.247.   The role of Egypt in both the Triparti te and Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) 
negotiations, as well as in the deepening of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa 
(COMESA) arrangement, and the making of African economic integration a high political and 
economic long -term priority, are therefore worthy of note.  
4.248.   At the Multilateral level, Egypt has demonstrated its openness to international trade with 
reduced tariffs which constituted only around 1% of total revenues in 2016. The history of Egypt 
and its contributions to world trade,  and to a fair and equitable MTS is well known and 
commendable. The ratification of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in 2017 and its 
transposition into national law as well as the acceptance of the Protocol amending the TRIPS 
Agreement earlier in  April 2008 are ample demonstration.  
4.249.   Egypt is an active participant in the multilateral trading system as a party to the 
Information Tec hnology Agreement and the pluri lateral Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft and 
has submitted a number of notifications  to the different WTO Committees during the period under 
review. Indeed Egypt 's role in the WTO African Group as focal point and var ious fora cannot be 
underrated.  
4.250.   As the reports indicate, Egypt has undertaken aggressive economic reforms since the last 
review, including slashing subsidies, floating the national currency and massive national 
investment in infrastructure which have stimulated the economy and strengthened its capacity to 
serve as a major hub for the manufacture and export of medium -technology goods and delivery of 
value -added services in a range of sectors.  
4.251.   As 2017 investment figures suggest, Egypt ranked second in FDIs receipts in Africa in 
2016, a 17.1% increase over the previous year.  
4.252.   Egypt has also undertaken of number of initiatives which  require mention and 
commendation, including;  
 The special rules put in place to facilitate the access to simplified industrial licensing 
processes through the I DA that are tailored for MSMEs.  
 The services provided at multiple regional outreach centres by Ministry of Investment and 
International Cooperation (MIIC) to support MSME inco rporation.  
 The provision of special assistance and facilitation of support for entrepreneurship and MSME 
assistance sought by women, youth and the physically challenged by all national institutions.  
 The reduction in the entire process for industrial license from over 600 days in 2005 to 
under 7 days in 2017 for over 80% of applications, with no application requiring more than 
30 days to process in all cases.  
4.253.   Despite the recent acceleration of growth, Egypt 's unemployment rate remains at around 
12%, and even higher among young persons and women. Furthermore, despite an increase in per 
capita income, the share of the population living under the poverty line has increased in the la st 
few years and poverty alleviation continues to be one of Egypt 's major challenges.  
4.254.   As indicated in the reports, Egypt 's potential for attracting foreign investors and fostering 
domestic investment remains largely untapped. Indeed, its FDI inflows averag ed some US$6 billion 
per year during 2013 -16 compared with an annual average of around US$9 billion in 2005 -07.  WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  4.255.   Finally, Ghana encourages Egypt to address these challenges and continue the review of its 
trade and investment policies and measures to reap t he full potential of its open economy.  
4.256.   In conclusion, my delegation congratulates Egypt on the fourth Trade Policy Review and 
wishes them a successful outcome.  
MAURITIUS  
4.257.   We commend the bold economic vision of the Government of Egypt reflected in the 2030 
Sustainable Development Strategy (2030 SDS), which caters for improvement in regulatory and 
business environment under an environmentally sustainable economic model.  
4.258.   Mauritius and Egypt share longstanding trade ties. A significant percentage of our COMESA 
imports is sourced from Egypt. Continued improvement in trade facilitation processes is vital in 
order to remove non -tariff barriers and trade obstacles, especially in the areas of registration 
requirement and custom procedures, with a view to enhancing tr ade between our two countries.  
4.259.   In this context, we welcome measures such as the establishment of the Egyptian Export 
Development Agency and its important role in spearheading regulatory reform, including 
streamlining import and export procedures, as well a s the activation of the Single Administrative 
Document (SAD) system fo r import and export processes. We encourage Egypt to pursue its 
efforts towards the eventual implementation of an electronic window system.  
4.260.   We also wish to commend Egypt for its active l eadership in the negotiation processes of 
the Tripartite and Continental Free Trade Area and we also appreciate the commitment of Egypt to 
completing the outstanding talks as soon as possible.  
4.261.   Finally, Mauritius wishes a successful trade policy review to t he delegation of Egypt.  
GUATEMALA  
4.262.   Guatemala and Egypt have maintained solid trade relations for several decades. 
Guatemala's main export is cardamom, which accounts for 95% of our total exports to Egypt. 
Imports include plastic materials and articles at 47 %, followed by paper and paperboard at 26%, 
articles of clothing at 12% and pharmaceuticals at 9%.  
4.263.   Apart from trade, Guatemala and Egypt have signed two agreements on cultural, technical 
and scientific cooperation and established an Executive Programme of Cooperation in 2006.  
4.264.   Insofar as today's review proper is concerned, we note the wording of Egypt's 
2030 Sustainable Development Strategy and the three key pillars underpinning it: the economy, 
society and the environment. The strategy aims to raise Egypt i nto the higher -middle -income 
economy category by 2030.  
4.265.   As part of the Strategy, the Government of Egypt has adopted a precise, sound approach 
to public and private investment.  
4.266.   Another point to note is the inclusion among Egypt's priorities of an improved i nvestment 
climate that will generate a good environment for competition; this in turn will incentivize 
innovation, research and the creation of production chains that can contribute to the country's 
economic growth. The entry into force of the new Law on I nvestment guarantees the application of 
reciprocal national treatment, and the use of electronic systems to promote Investors' Service 
Centres to make licence application procedures more efficient by reducing the grant lead time. 
Measures of this kind resu lted in Egypt receiving US$8.1  billion in foreign investment in 2016, 
making it the African country in receipt of the second highest amount of investment.  
4.267.   On MSMEs, the Government has established interinstitutional alliances in order to set up 
supplementar y programmes to motivate and support traditional and innovative business 
initiatives. It has established the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency as the 
policy -making body in this area. Additionally, the Central Bank of Egypt has allocated  a fund of 
LE 200,000 for investment projects involving MSMEs.  WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  4.268.   With respect to sustainability policy, Egypt has drawn up policy lines based on good 
environmental and ecological practice in order to raise awareness both about improving and 
conserving the en vironment, and about energy efficiency.  
4.269.   Egypt has adopted technological measures as part of its trade policy to enable it to comply 
efficiently with trade facilitation commitments, for example the reduction in the numbers of 
documents required in import and export procedures.  
4.270.   In order to increase the number of exports, the Government of Egypt has established the 
Export Development Agency which not only conducts promotional activities but also works with the 
private sector to identify regulatory reforms th at could improve exports, and global environments 
where there might be market opportunities.  
4.271.   The long -term aim of Egypt's tariff policy is to establish an environment in which tariffs are 
not a barrier to consumers.  
4.272.   In relation to intellectual property, we  note the establishment of specialized 
Economic  Courts, strengthening adequate enforcement of IP rights.  
4.273.   Finally, Guatemala acknowledges the efforts made by Egypt during the period under review 
in this report and wishes the delegation here today every succ ess in its Trade Policy Review.  
CENTRAL  AFRICAN  REPUBLIC  ON BEHALF  OF THE LDC GROUP   
4.274.   From the reports it is clear that Egypt's policy to encourage economic growth and 
development is an ambitious one that is rooted in vitality.  
4.275.   Despite the disturbances expe rienced by Egypt between 2011 and 2013, the country's 
Gross  Domestic Product was positive. Leaving aside the period of stress, it grew by an average of 
5.6% between 2005 and 2016. The sectors that contributed most to the country's wealth were, in 
order: se rvices with 55.3% of GDP, manufacturing with 17.1%, and agriculture with 11.9%.  
4.276.   However, Egypt's aim is to strengthen its development features and to that end it drew up 
the 2030  Sustainable Development Strategy which is constructed on three pillars: one e conomic 
pillar, one social and one environmental. In this instance, the aim is to increase real per capita 
income to that of the higher -middle -income economy grouping, as defined by the World Bank. 
Egypt also aims to achieve a situation where exports contr ibute at least 25% of GDP growth.  
4.277.   Another of Egypt's goals is to reduce its fiscal deficit significantly and to improve the 
distribution among the population of income from economic activities and trade in order to reduce 
inequalities.  
4.278.   The LDC Group wholeh eartedly encourages Egypt in the steps it has taken to strengthen its 
economy. This includes in particular greater industrialization to make the country one of Africa's 
export hubs for medium -technology manufactured products, more industrialization is also  a top 
priority for LDCs.  
4.279.   To that end Egypt has a specific industrial development authority that has responsibility for 
supplying specialist services to local businesses to enable them to develop in a nurturing 
environment. In addition to technical and cap acity-building support and preferential access to 
credit for businesses, the Egyptian authorities also intend to act in other aspects. This model could 
also be used as a template by the LDCs.  
4.280.   Those aspects include the trade facilitation policy and the Gove rnment's commitment to 
continue facilitating export or import procedures. One such example is the forthcoming cut in the 
number of documents required, just over three by 2019, will be conducive to local businesses and 
industries.  
4.281.   Agriculture is also a prio rity for the Egyptian Government and for the LDCs, reflecting its 
vital importance for the economy and employment. In 2009 Egypt launched a 
Sustainable  Agricultural Development Strategy Towards 2030 based on the sustainable use of WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  natural agricultural reso urces, greater competitiveness of agricultural products, and better food 
security.  
4.282.   Finally, the LDC Group would like to thank the Government of Egypt sincerely for its 
ongoing support in multilateral negotiations and for the importance of taking the develo pment 
dimension and the special situation of the LDCs into full account in the multilateral trade forum.  
4.283.   By way of support for the LDC economies it should also be noted that Egypt goes to the 
effort of facilitating access to its markets by granting LDCs ta riff reductions on applied rates of 
10% to 20% for around 100 products. In addition, duty -free access is granted to around 
50 raw materials (mainly minerals).  
4.284.   The LDC Group hopes that in future trade relations with Egypt could be even deeper still.  
4.285.   On behalf of the LDC Group, the Central  African  Republic wishes Egypt every success with 
its economic policy initiatives and its Trade Policy Review.  
GABON  
4.286.   Although Egypt's report highlights that it underwent an extensive political and economic 
crisis between  2011 and 2013, the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) nonetheless grew by 
5.6% until 2016 as a result of Government reforms to various business sectors.  
4.287.   The reforms included cuts in subsidies, the shift to a flexible exchange rate, enhanced 
infrastruc ture, sustained policies in investment, entrepreneurship, industry, commerce, and the 
establishment of a system of Economic Courts, a Competition Authority and a National Food Safety 
Authority.  
4.288.   With a view to raising Egypt from the lower -middle -income econ omy grouping to the 
higher -middle -income economy grouping, in March  2015 the Government set about a vast 
Sustainable Development Strategy: Egypt Vision 2030.  
4.289.   The programme's aims include raising Egypt's real per capita Gross National Income (GNI), 
halving the national debt, achieving a national deficit equivalent to 5% of GDP and reducing 
unemployment to 5% of the population of working age.  
4.290.   Additionally, in February  2016 the Egyptian authorities adopted a four -year 
Industrial  Development Strategy (IDS) focu sing on the industrial development of micro, small and 
medium -sized enterprises (MSMEs), the promotion of exports and innovation, and improvement of 
the business environment. There were also several flagship measures to attract foreign direct 
investment su ch as the Companies Law that exempts companies and their shareholders from all 
duties and taxes.  
4.291.   Gabon welcomes the support Egypt shows for the multilateral trading system under the 
WTO as demonstrated by its active participation in the negotiations under way. To that end Gabon 
strongly encourages Egypt to deposit its instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on 
Trade  Facilitation (TFA) with the WTO, which it ratified in June  2017.  
4.292.   Gabon welcomes the excellent relations of cooperation between our two countr ies which 
underpin South -South cooperation.  
4.293.   Diplomatic relations between Gabon and Egypt were established in 1973 by the 
late Presidents Omar  Bongo  Ondimba and Anwar  el-Sadat. The relations have continued to develop 
following visits by Heads of State to both capitals. The most recent economic partnership 
agreement between our two countries dates from 16  August  2016. It covers several sectors 
including timber, fisheries, a gri-food, cement and mineral resources.  
4.294.   The agreement aims both to increase the volume of trade between us and to boost the 
already valuable cooperation between Gabon and Egypt that stems from around 20  agreements in 
place between us in the areas of health , education and security.  WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  4.295.   The delegation of Gabon wishes Egypt every success in its Trade Policy Review.  
PAKISTAN  
4.296.   Pakistan and Egypt enjoy very cordial bilateral relations. The bilateral trade of around 
US$200 million between Egypt and Pakistan is not refl ective of the immense trade potential that 
exists between our two countries. Pakistan and Egypt face similar security, political, social and 
economic challenges, we can greatly empathize with Egypt 's reform effort.  
4.297.   Pakistan appreciates that, despite huge c hallenges, Egypt 's real GDP expanded at an 
annual average rate of 4.5% over the 2005/06 -2016/17 period. GDP per capita increased from 
US$1,514 in 2005/06 to US$2,508 in 2016/17.  
4.298.   It is worth noting that Egypt 's economy is diversified. The services sector is  the mainstay 
of the economy in terms of GDP share which was 55.3% in 2015/16.  
4.299.   The share of agriculture in GDP has been declining and reached 11.9% in 2015/16, while 
the contribution of manufacturing to GDP was 17.1% in 2015/16.  
4.300.   Pakistan appreciates Egypt 's reform programmes aimed at stimulating economic growth 
and improving the business environment. The first wave of reforms focused on re -balancing the 
macroeconomic situation, and included various fiscal, monetary and exchange rate policy 
measures. A secon d wave of reforms is currently under way to improve governance and the 
investment climate. The achievement on all these fronts is very impressive.  
4.301.   Remittances from oversea which were US$17.1 billion in 2015/16, as well as travel and 
tourism and Suez Canal revenues, are of primary importance for the Egyptian economy, all these 
three avenues are facing challenges.  
4.302.   Egypt 's export base has become more diversified during the review period: the share of 
exports of fuel products declined from 43% of total exports in 2005 to 14.3% in 2016. Despite 
this, fuel remains Egypt 's single most important export product, followed by vegetables, precious 
stones and metals, chemicals, and textiles. Egypt 's merchandise exports in 2016 were 
US$22.5  billion. In 2016, the European Union was Egypt 's main export destination. Merchandise 
imports amounted to US$58.1 billion in 2016. Machinery and electrical equipment is the single 
most important import group.  
4.303.   In June 2017, Egypt ratified domestically the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), its 
Category A commitments have been notified since January 2015 and the authorities are currently 
working on Category B and C commitments. Membership looks forward to Egypt 's submission of 
instrument of acceptance of the TF Agreement to the WTO, we  are confident that the ratification of 
the TFA will further spur up Egypt 's reform effort.  
4.304.   During the period under review, Egypt continued making its customs administration more 
efficient and transparent, by reducing the number of documents required for i mport and export 
processes and allowing their presentation electronically. Egypt 's simple average applied MFN tariff 
rate was 19.1% in 2017, slightly down from 20% in 2005, but higher than 16.5% in 2012. Some 
two thirds of all tariff lines face rates of 10 % or lower.  
4.305.   There have been important changes to Egypt 's investment regime since its last Trade 
Policy Review in 2005. The new law and regulations aim at updating Egypt 's investment regime 
and incentives schemes to attract more investment. Egypt 's foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows 
averaged US$6 billion per year during 2013 -16. 
4.306.   Egypt is a member of most of the main international treaties on intellectual property rights 
(IPRs). In April 2008, Egypt notified the WTO that it had accepted the Protocol Amen ding TRIPS 
Agreement. The Intellectual Property Law N°. 82/2002 is a unified law that covers the major areas 
referred to in the TRIPS Agreement.  
4.307.   Egypt has a large banking sector. There are no legal limitations to the number of licences 
that can be granted,  but there is a policy of consolidation of existing banks. Licences are open -WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  ended. Egypt has a well -developed insurance sector. Insurance companies must take the form of 
joint stock companies and have a minimum capital of Egyptian Pounds 60 million. Branc hes of 
foreign insurance companies are not allowed.  
4.308.   Egypt is an important market for telecommunication services in view of the size of its 
population. Mobile telecommunications services are open to foreign investment. Egypt has a liberal 
aviation policy wi th few restrictions. Maritime transport is the main means of transportation used 
for Egypt 's international trade. The Suez Canal is of a vital economic importance for Egypt, as it 
generated US$5.12 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2015/16, accounting for 9.8% of total external 
account receipts.  
4.309.   Despite being severely affected by events in the past few years, tourism continues to be a 
key service in Egypt as it employs, directly and indirectly, 12.6% of the total work force and is one 
of the main earners of  foreign exchange. The sector is largely open to foreign investment and the 
authorities are trying to promote it through the incentives contained in the new Investment Law.  
4.310.   The measures taken and achievements made vis -à-vis Ease of Doing Business and pro -
reform policies of Egypt are commendable and are great learning for other developing countries 
facing similar challenges.  
4.311.   We are appreciative of Egypt 's role in the upholding of the multilateral trading system. In 
the WTO, Egypt has been a vocal and very im portant voice for development, its role as coordinator 
of NFIDCs has been most commendable.  
4.312.   We wish Egypt a very successful and fruitful Trade Policy Review.  
EL SALVADOR  
4.313.   Despite the events that Egypt has had to deal with in recent years, and the challenges  it 
faces today such as poverty reduction, its Gross Domestic Product has continued to grow.  
4.314.   Egypt's economy receives considerable support in services and tourism. Its performance is 
the result of the reform programme aimed at stimulating economic growth a nd improving the 
business environment that the Government initiated in 2014. The delegation of El  Salvador notes 
with satisfaction the efforts made to modernize customs and customs processes, although 
significant challenges await in relation to the review of import tariffs and other restrictions.  
4.315.   Within the Organization, we take a very favourable view of Egypt's compliance with its 
commitments to transparency, and almost all of its notifications are up to date.  
4.316.   At the bilateral level we do appreciate the tr ade relations between El  Salvador and Egypt, 
which for exports are mainly paper and paperboard products, textured yarns, paper bags and 
sweaters of man -made fibre, and for imports plates, sheets, and film of plastics, and we hope to 
continue to strengthen our relations in the future.  
4.317.   It now only remains for us to congratulate Egypt and wish it every success in this exercise 
and the years to come.  
ARGENTINA  
4.318.   Argentina is most interested to note the economic development undergone by Egypt where 
economic reforms such as cuts to subsidies, floating the national currency, investment in 
infrastructure and an expansive fiscal policy have driven growth despite external economic shocks.  
4.319.   We welcome the measures adopted to stimulate economic growth, improve the bu siness 
environment, increase private sector participation and increase Foreign Direct Investment.  
4.320.   In relation to bilateral trade, Argentina notes that Egypt participates in preferential 
agreements with MERCOSUR and is in the process of negotiating a Draft Agreement on 
Customs  Cooperation and Assistance.  WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  4.321.   Argentina's main exports are products of agricultural origin and/or raw materials. Top of 
the list is corn in grain form, which accounts for 37% of the four chief export products, followed by 
soya bean flour  and "pellets" (28%), beans (15%) and unrefined soya bean oil (14%).  
4.322.   In 2015 Argentine imports were mainly fuels, gas oil (43%), urea (22%) and 
superphosphates (11%).  
4.323.   Between 2015 and 2017 Argentina recorded average exports of US$1,374  million, and 
average  imports of US$16  million, yielding a trade surplus in our favour of US$1,358  million.  
4.324.   Argentina also notes Egypt's active participation in the multilateral trading system, both in 
the regular work of the WTO and in the Doha Development Round negotiations.  
4.325.   In conclusion, while reiterating our appreciation of this new opportunity to exchange points 
of view and comments on the trade policy and practice of Egypt, we would like to draw attention 
once again to the importance of this exercise in transparency from  every point of view, and to wish 
the authorities a successful conclusion to this review.  
URUGUAY  
4.326.   Uruguay has friendly and constructive relations with Egypt in the various spheres of our 
bilateral relations, both at the political and economic or trade leve ls and in the field of cooperation 
and culture.  
4.327.   Since the last review of Egypt's trade policies in 2005, the political and trade relationship 
between Uruguay and Egypt has become stronger.  
4.328.   In September  2015 the President of Uruguay, Dr  Tabaré  Vázquez, held  a meeting with the 
President of Egypt, Mr  Abdel  Fattah  el-Sisi, during which they exchanged views on the possibility 
of generating greater opportunities for cooperation and trade between our two countries.  
4.329.   Additionally, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of  Uruguay, Mr  Rodolfo  Nin Novoa, held a 
meeting with President  Al-Sisi in December  2016 during which they analysed new avenues for 
cooperation in agriculture and cattle farming and for encouraging more business meetings and 
greater promotion of investment o pportunities.  
4.330.   The trade balance between Uruguay and Egypt has fluctuated since the last review period. 
In 2012 and 2015 it was markedly in surplus in Uruguay's favour, and Uruguayan exports to the 
Egyptian market grew on average 10% per year between 2011 a nd 2016.  
4.331.   Uruguayan exports to Egypt comprise mainly live cattle, which accounted for over 60% of 
all exports in 2016. Another important product is wool, not carded or combed. In total, milk and 
cream, meat by -products and butter account for 10%.  
4.332.   Imports fr om Egypt are mainly products such as mineral or nitrogenous chemical 
fertilizers, which accounted for 39% of the total in 2016. Pipes and mineral or nitrogenous 
chemical fertilizers account for 26% and 21% respectively; lowest on the list are electric heat ers 
and stranded wire, ropes, cables, plaited bands, slings of iron or steel which together 
comprise  5%. 
4.333.   Uruguay would like to draw attention to Egypt's Industrial Development Strategy 
2016-2020 which sets trade policy targets to help Egypt become a leadin g industrial economy in 
the Middle East and North Africa region.  
4.334.   One of those targets is the industrial development of micro, small and medium -sized 
enterprises and raising MSMEs' contribution to GDP. Additionally, Egypt established a new 
governmental agen cy to provide support to MSMEs with a budget in 2017 of about LE  5 billion.  
4.335.   Uruguay commends the work Egypt has done in this field and encourages it to join the 
Informal Working Group on Micro, Small and Medium -Sized Enterprises so that we can join forces 
in working towards the successful integration of MSMEs into international trade.  WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  4.336.   Finally, we would like to reaffirm our interest in continuing to work to achieve a positive 
outcome to the Ministerial Conference and to protect the multilateral trading syste m based on 
predictable, transparent and balanced rules.  
4.337.   Uruguay wishes Egypt every success in its fourth Trade Policy Review.  
REPUBLIC  OF TAJIKISTAN  
4.338.   Diplomatic relations between Tajikistan and Egypt were established in 1992.  
4.339.   The issues related to the devel opment of friendly relations and cooperation between the 
two countries have been considered at the meeting of President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon , 
with the President of Egypt during the State visit of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan to 
Egypt in February 2007.  
4.340.   Head of Tajik State, Emomali Rahmon, in his speech, emphasized the importance of 
relationship between the two countries, including the following: "A friendly and economic 
relationship with Egypt along with other Arab countries, from the  perspective of the regional and 
international policy among the important directions of foreign policy of Tajikistan ". 
4.341.   Constructive exchange of views was held on the expansion of political, economic, 
investment and trade cooperation.  
4.342.   Following the official  negotiations, a number of documents were signed which have laid the 
foundation to legal treaty basis of cooperation between Tajikistan and Egypt. During 2016 -17, 
Tajikistan 's foreign trade turnover with Egypt amounted to US$3.6 million, export constitutes  
US$19.2 thousand and import US$3.5 million.  
4.343.   The expansion of trade cooperation with Egypt is in the interests of both States. In this 
regard, it is important to make use of available opportunities for the development of trade 
relations between Tajikistan and Egypt.  
4.344.   I would like to point out a number of important areas of cooperation between Tajikistan 
and Egypt, including production of medicines, rehabilitation and construction of irrigation 
networks, establishment of joint ventures for geological explorat ion and development of mineral 
resources, processing of fruit and vegetables, cotton fiber processing, textile and leather 
production, food industry, education, tourism and so on.  
4.345.   This fourth Trade Policy Review of Egypt provides an excellent opportunity t o get 
acquainted and improve our understanding of its trade regime.  
4.346.   I would like to highlight some key pints of TP R reports. Rapid macroeconomic 
development in Egypt since 2005 was briefly interrupted by a rare transitory shock of popular 
socio-political transformation between 2011 and 2013, temporarily impeding the pace of economic 
growth. Since 2014, however, the economy has accelerated and exceeded the expectations of key 
observers. Aggressive economic reforms, including slashing subsidies, floating the  national 
currency and massive national investment in infrastructure have all resulted in stimulating the 
economy. This has strengthened Egypt 's capacity to serve as a major hub for the manufacture and 
export of medium -technology goods and to serve as a ma jor location for the development and 
delivery of value -added services in a range of sectors. Egypt 's macroeconomic development since 
2005 has averaged a real GDP growth rate of over 5.6% through 2016, placing it among the top 
10 fastest -growing large -popul ation economies worldwide over the period 2005 -16. The main 
components of Egypt 's productive GDP are services, manufacturing and agriculture, which 
respectively accounted for 55.3%, 17.4% and 11.9% of GDP in 2015/2016. Despite the recent 
acceleration of gr owth, Egypt 's unemployment rate remains at around 12%. Furthermore, the 
share of the population living under the poverty line has increased in the last few years and 
poverty alleviation continues to be one of Egypt 's major challenges.  
4.347.   Egypt, as an active Member of the WTO, has taken the commitment to improve trade 
facilitation processes. This commitment to improve trade facilitation was most recently reflected in 
its ratification of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement earlier in 2017.  WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  4.348.   Egypt has participat ed in eleven WTO disputes since 1995 as a third party, and it is 
commendable that has neither filed any complaint nor been a respondent to any dispute since 
2011.  
4.349.   My delegation acknowledges Egypt 's continued pursuit of trade liberalization in a 
multilatera l as well as regional and bilateral context. Egypt 's contribution to and constructive 
involvement in various areas of the work and negotiations of the WTO is also remarkable. We also 
acknowledge the Egyptian efforts to improve the business environment and liberalize foreign 
trade. At the 10th WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi, Egypt together with its trading partners 
played an important role towards ensuring that the needs of Net Food Importing Developing 
Countries were adequately addressed in the Minis terial Decisions on Agriculture.  
4.350.   We are confident that Egypt continues to undertake further trade policy and structural 
reforms to improve its overall efficiency and to maintain an open WTO -consistent trade and 
investment regime to secure sustainable growt h. 
4.351.   In conclusion, I wish Egypt a very productive and successful Trade Policy Review exercise.  
SOUTH  AFRICA  ON BEHALF  OF THE AFRICAN  GROUP   
4.352.   At the outset, we would like to commend the Government of Egypt for its commitment to 
the WTO and to a fair and equit able multilateral trading system. Egypt continues to be a pro -active 
participant in all WTO Ministerial conferences since the Organization 's establishment, and has 
continuously engaged positively in different negotiations in its capacity as an individual W TO 
Member and as a member of various groupings including the African Group within which Egypt 
plays a leading role as the group 's focal point in agriculture and NAMA negotiations.  
4.353.   We note that despite the unprecedented political and economic challenges fac ing Egypt 
since 2011, Egypt continued to implement an economic reform programme that confirms its 
commitment to keep trade open and increased integration into the global economy, with an 
objective to further strengthen the economy by improving export capac ity, increasing the 
competitiveness of exports. Aggressive economic reforms, including slashing subsidies, floating the 
national currency and massive national investment in infrastructure have all resulted in stimulating 
the economy. This has strengthened Egypt 's capacity to serve as a major hub for the manufacture 
and export of medium technology goods and to serve as a major location for the development and 
delivery of value -added services in a range of sectors.  
4.354.   At the macroeconomic level, most key economi c indicators suggest that the more 
challenging impacts of Egypt 's recent socio political transformation phase b etween 2011 and 2013 
are over. GDP  growth rate of  over 5.6% through 2016, places  it among the top 10 fastest -growing 
large population economies w orldwide over the period 2005 -16. 
4.355.   We also comment the Government of Egypt for its strong commitment to industrialization 
and structural transformation, which are among the key pillars of the continental overarching 
objectiv es under The Africa Agenda 2063 –The Africa We Want that calls for the structural 
transformation of the continent 's economies to create shared growth, decent jobs and economic 
opportunities for all, through Enhancing the Productivity Agenda for Africa, as an essential engine 
for industria lization, progressively enhancing the competitiveness of the continent in the global 
economy, and promoting macroeconomic policies that facilitate growth, employment creation, 
investments and industrialization.  
4.356.   In this context, the GoE 2030 sustainable dev elopment strategy, near -term industrial 
policy seeks to: (1) make Egypt a leading industrial economy in the MENA region and the primary 
export base for medium tech nology industrial goods by 2025;  (2) to foster an environment of 
innovation that can facilita te indu strial research and development;  (3) to leverage energy 
efficiency within production processes as an instrument to enha nce national competitiveness;  and 
(4) to more rapidly acquire greater technical know -how and engage a higher proportion of 
semi-skilled labour in the industrial sector.  
4.357.   To translate this near -term policy into measurable objectives, the Egyptian Ministry of 
trade and industry has put in place a series of five -year Trade and Industrial Development WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  Strategies, with the current cycle (20 16-20) focused on five key objectives by 2020: (1) industrial 
development ; (2) export development and competitiveness;  (3) MSM E development;  (4) technical 
and vocational lab our development and integration;  and (5) business climate continuous 
improvement.  
4.358.   We also acknowledge the GoE achievement in the area of FDIs, series of regulatory 
packages have been put into force between 2015 and 2017, including a new Investment Law that 
replaced the previous legislation. The new law guarantees reciprocal national trea tment, 
consolidates several procedural elements involved in the application process for various licences, 
including using E -Systems, further empowers key institutions to provide the required services in a 
single location. All these steps and reforms made E gypt Africa 's top investment destination in 
2018.  
4.359.   Regarding regional integration in our continent, the African Group notes with satisfaction 
that African economic integration remains a very high potential and economic long term priority for 
Egypt. We welco me the leading role Egypt is currently playing in the Continental Free Trade Area 
(CFTA) negotiations process that will bring together fifty -four African countries with a combined 
population of more than one billion people and a combined gross domestic pro duct of more than 
US$3.4 trillion; the main objectives of the CFTA being to create a single continental market for 
goods and services, with free movement of business persons and investments, and thus pave the 
way for accelerating a full economic integratio n of Africa. Egypt also plays a pivotal role in 
deepening the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and was one of the 
first African countries to sign and ratify the Tri -Partite Free Trade Agreement (TFTA).  
4.360.   Finally, it is our collective h ope as African Group that with this impressive economic 
performance and the commitment of the current leadership, the Egyptian economy will soon 
overcome all challenges and will continue to engage in a steady economic structural 
transformation for the bene fit of the Egyptian people. And we wish the delegation of Egypt a very 
successful Trade Policy Review.  
KENYA  
4.361.   At the outset, my delegation would like to associate itself with the statement made by the 
distinguished Representative of South Africa  on behalf o f the African Group.  
4.362.   Kenya enjoys strong and longstanding economic and trade relations with Egypt. The 
relation has deepened over many years of diplomatic and high -level interaction. Both countries are 
members of COMESA and COMESA -EAC-SADC Tripartite FTA, which are Africa 's largest trade 
blocs. The two countries are also actively engaged in the ongoing Continental Free Trade Area 
(CFTA) negotiations, which is one of the key initiatives in the industrialization and economic 
development of Africa.  
4.363.   Kenya comme nds Egypt for its overall economic performance during the review period. We 
note from the Secretariat 's report that Egypt registered growth in its real GDP at an annual 
average rate of 4.5% due to having a strong consumption, investment expenditure and vib rant 
economic reform programmes. This growth is particularly commendable given the political 
situation the Government faced in 2011.  
4.364.   Kenya also notes that Egypt 's economy is diversified with the services being an important 
sector contributing 55.3% of GDP in 2015/16 and posting a high contribution to employment and 
exports. We therefore encourage full implementation of existing reforms aimed at strengthening 
this important sector.  
4.365.   Kenya welcomes Egypt 's commitment to the multilateral trading system and its active role 
and participation in the WTO work, including negotiations. Egypt is also an active member of the 
African Group and we encourage that it continues to play a leadership role in this group on trade 
matters, among others.  
4.366.   Kenya applauds the positive changes made by Egypt in the investment sector during the 
review period. The new law on investment and the repealed Investment Guarantees and Incentive WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  Law now gives foreign investors a choice to invest in Egypt either under the  Companies Law or the 
Investment Law.  
4.367.   Egypt has also implemented many reform programmes aimed at stimulating economic 
growth and improving the business environment. These include introduction of the value -added 
tax, a shift in the exchange rate regime, red uction of energy subsidies, and other ongoing reform 
programmes to improve the governance and the investment climate. We encourage Egypt to 
sustain these reforms in line with its Vision 2030.  
4.368.   On the bilateral front, Egypt remains and important partner for Kenya. In 2015, the two 
countries signed a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) which established a Joint Trade Committee 
aimed at strengthening and developing economic and commercial relations.  
4.369.   Kenya exports a limited number of products to Egypt. Kenya exports  to Egypt are 
dominated by tea at 85% of the total exports in 2016. Nevertheless, the total volume of trade 
between Kenya and Egypt stood at about US$506 million in 2016 while the highest value was 
US$597 million in 2012. During the review period, the trad e balance was in favour of Egypt. We 
believe that there is scope to deepen our bilateral ties through greater economic cooperation.  
4.370.   Finally, Kenya wishes the delegation of Egypt a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
THE STATE  OF KUWAIT  
4.371.   We associate oursel ves with the statement made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on beh alf 
of the Arab Group, and take  this opportunity to thank the WTO S ecretariat and the delegation of 
Egypt for their work and report.  
4.372.   The State of Kuwait welcomes Egypt commitment to the WTO and the importance of its 
role in safeguarding the multilateral trade system, and to ensure a fair, transparent, and 
predictable rules -based system.  
4.373.   The S tate of Kuwait appreciates Egypt 's active in the negotiations of interest to developing 
countries and  LDCs, and its vital role on enhancing special and differential treatment for 
developing countries to ensure their smooth integration into the world economy.  
4.374.   Also we would like to congratulate  Egypt for its commitment to the continuous 
improvement of trade  facilitation processes, and economic policies.  
4.375.   Kuwait -Egypt relations have been growing steadily throughout history at all levels, and 
especially at commercial level. The strength of relations between the two countries stems from the 
fraternal ties betwe en the two peoples to extend bridges of cooperation in all fields.   
4.376.   We wish Egypt every success in its Fourth Trade Policy review.  
PERU  
4.377.   Peru welcomes the progress Egypt has made in its economic development in the period 
under review, which includes sustai ned economic growth, reforms to attract investment and the 
rise in the contribution of manufacturing to domestic production. Where trade is concerned, the 
delegation of Peru welcomes the steps the Egyptian Government is making towards trade 
facilitation, e specially in relation to the creation of specialized export promotion agencies and the 
establishment of phytosanitary standards that are compatible with international rules. Similarly, 
we appreciate Egypt's active engagement at this Organization where it h as a prominent role, and 
its participation in various regional trade agreements.  
4.378.   Although we have not raised any questions as part of this Review, we support the points 
made by other delegations on the importance of continuing to move Egypt's trade and inv estment 
policy towards greater levels of openness and liberalization. Egypt enjoys huge international 
recognition because of its long, rich history, its important role among the Arab countries and in the 
international community, and its strategic location on international trade routes. The delegation of 
Peru is confident that these distinctive attributes, coupled with a stable macroeconomic policy, WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  growing openness and a trade system protected by commitments under the multilateral trading 
system, will lead Egypt to even greater economic success at its next Trade Policy Review.  
4.379.   In concluding the delegation of Peru would like to wish the Egyptian delegation a successful 
Trade Policy Review.  
JORDAN  
4.380.   We congratulate Egypt for the improvement in its economy despite the challenges it is 
facing. Egypt is succeeding in implementing economic reforms and in continuing efficient 
development and trade policies aiming at stimulating the economy and further integrating it into 
the global economy.  
4.381.   The 2030 sustainable development strategy and its economic dimension provide a clear 
vision for economic development, and we wish Egypt all success in its implementation.  
4.382.   We commend Egypt 's commitment towards its WTO obligations, and its constructive role in 
the efforts to str engthen the multilateral system.  
4.383.   The brotherly and historical relations that Jordan and Egypt enjoy are a symbol of a 
successful and fruitful partnership.  
4.384.   Our bilateral trade is governed by a number of agreements, mainly the Pan Arab Free 
Trade Area (PAFTA ) and the Agadir Agreement.  
4.385.   The bilateral trade between Jordan and Egypt amounted to US$573 million in 2016, where 
Jordan 's exports to Egypt reached US$99 million in 2016. While Jordan 's imports from Egypt 
amounted to US$474 million for the same period.  
4.386.   Jordan attaches great importance to its relations with Egypt and has always been keen to 
further expand our good bilateral economic ties on all levels, which always hold further promising 
opportunities ahead for both countries.  
4.387.   Finally, we wish Egypt all pr osperity and a successful Trade Policy Review.  
CHAD  
4.388.   Chad endorses the statements delivered by South Africa on behalf of the African Group and 
by the Central  African  Republic on behalf of the LDCs.  
4.389.   The report demonstrates Egypt's clearly stated political determination since the first wave 
of reforms which were focused on rebalancing the macroeconomic situation. It was illustrated by 
the introduction of the value added tax, now raised to a rate of 14%; the shift in the exchange 
rate regime from a peg to the  US dollar to a full float of the Egyptian pound; the broadening of the 
tax base; the reduction of energy subsidies; and the containment of public sector salary increases. 
In addition, other economic and trade reforms were implemented alongside a 
Sustainab le Agricultural Development Strategy Towards 2030 addressing the competitiveness of 
agricultural products.  
4.390.   The delegation of Chad welcomes all the initiatives launched by the Egyptian Government 
to make Egypt a strong economy.  
4.391.   Chad also welcomes Egypt's ap proach to the multilateral trading system, especially the fact 
that trade, like any dynamic relationship, must be regarded as a constructive, forward -looking 
process.  
4.392.   It is clear that today, through the choices it has made and the trade policy it has deliv ered, 
Egypt is helping to breathe new life into the process of multilateral trade liberalization. That 
process involves among other factors, the simplification of external trade procedures, the 
establishment of an environment conducive to the development o f business and investment, the WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  expansion of trade and economic relations, and the Government's vision to make Egypt a hub for 
innovation, manufacturing and the export of high -technology, high value added goods.  
4.393.   The delegation of Chad welcomes Egypt's deter mination to meet notification requirements, 
and its commitment to fulfilling its WTO obligations  
4.394.   Egypt is an important partner for Chad in several areas, including education, health, 
security, infrastructure, agriculture, cattle farming and the increasing volume of trade between our 
two countries. Evidence of this includes the official visit by the President of Chad to Egypt and his 
Egyptian counterpart's official visit to Chad.  
4.395.   The two Heads of State agreed to reactivate "as soon as possible" the joint coo peration 
committee to assess and expedite the implementation of the various terms of military and 
economic agreements concluded between our two countries. Our fruitful and mutually beneficial 
partnership clearly demonstrates the pan -African will that has a lways typified the policy of both 
countries' highest authorities and is evidence of the bonds of fellowship between the Egyptian and 
Chadian peoples.  
4.396.   Chad welcomes the significant efforts made by Egypt to revitalize trade and the 
multilateral trading syste m. The delegation of Chad would encourage Egypt to continue with its 
efforts and wishes it every success in its Trade Policy Review.  
NIGERIA  
4.397.   Nigeria is pleased to note from the Secretariat r eport that Egypt 's real GDP expanded at an 
annual average rate of 4.5% over the 2005/06 -2016/17 period, due to an expansionary fiscal 
policy that led to strong consumption and investment expenditure, and an economic reform 
programme aimed at fostering growth. The reforms have helped enhanced the Egyptian business 
environ ment and have produced balanced and inclusive growth. To alleviate the adverse effects of 
the economic reforms on the poor and vulnerable, the Gov ernment has also adopted 
social -protection and safety -net mitigating measures and have intensified efforts to move away 
from inefficient and generalized subsidies to more efficient and better poverty -targeted social 
safety nets.  
4.398.   We welcomed the Egypt Vision 2030, which is a comprehensive development plan 
introduced in March 2015 that seeks to foster GDP growth and  employment and gradually reduce 
the budget deficit. The aim of the Vision 2030 is to help Egypt become a leading industrial 
economy in the Middle East and North Africa region and a main export hub for medium -technology 
manufactured products by 2025.The Eg yptian trade policy objectives as set out in the Industrial 
Development Strategy (IDS) for 2016 -2020, in accordance with Egypt 's Sustainable Development 
Strategy (SDS) "Egypt Vision 2030 ". The IDS covers the following areas: industrial development 
for micr o, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); export promotion and import rationalization; 
innovation promotion; energy conservation; the development of technical and vocational 
education; and improvement of the business climate. The main goals are to accelerat e industrial 
growth, increase the contribution of MSMEs to GDP, spur export growth and create productive 
jobs. To help implement the Vision, we call on Egypt 's development partners to provide adequate 
funding and technical assistance.  
4.399.   Consistent with its r ights under the WTO, Egypt has used the anti -dumping Agreement to 
initiate investigations during the period under review. We believe that the Agreement can be used 
a key tool for development, through which developing countries can protect their industries.  In this 
context, we call on Egypt to use its capacity to help African countries understand and use t he 
Agreement.  
4.400.   On the bilateral relations, Nigeria and Egypt have cordial and steady trade relationship for 
decades and have been sustained by mutual intere sts and friendship of our peoples. The volume of 
trade between the Nigeria and Egypt is around US$100 million, which can be improved through 
working together so that we can leverage on the enormous potentials that exist.  
4.401.   As an important Member of the WTO, Egypt we look forward to furth er collaboration in the 
work of the WTO. We wish the delegation of Egypt a successful trade policy review.  WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  SOUTH  AFRICA  
4.402.   South Africa joins the African Group and other Members in welcoming the Minister of Trade 
and Industry, Hi s Excellency Mr. Tarek Kabil, to Geneva and to the WTO. We also extend greetings 
to his delegation.  
4.403.   We take the floor to congratulate Egypt for successfully pursuing its work in preparing for 
this TPR. We fully recognise the difficulties and challenges Egy pt has had to confront in recent 
years and express ou r solidarity with the Egyptian G overnment and people as you work to 
overcome those.  
4.404.   The strides Egypt has taken in the last two or so years in rebuilding its economy are all the 
more remarkable given th e domestic challenges and the fragility and unevenness of the global 
economic recovery.  
4.405.   We are particularly impressed by the dedicated focus Egypt has given to pursuing a revival 
of its industrial base through well thought -out industrial development polic y and strategy. Trade 
policy and strategy should support that effort to sustain socio -economic progress.  
4.406.   In a few weeks, at the upcoming AU Summit in Kigali, African governments will launch the 
Continental FTA. We are also making progress on completing the  work of the Tripartite FTA that 
co-joins SADC, COMESA and the EAC. These efforts will contribute to deepening integration and 
development across the continent.  
4.407.   As markets become increasingly integrated across Africa, we will need to give greater 
attentio n to promoting industrial development across Africa, including through the development of 
regional value chains so that all African countries can benefit from more open markets.   
4.408.   We look forward to working with Egypt and other AU Members on this project a nd ensuring 
that the WTO supports those efforts. Again, we congratulate Egypt for a successful TPR.  
YEMEN 
4.409.   The delegation of Yemen would like to thank you for inviting us to this meeting on the 
fourth Trade Policy Review of Egypt. I would like to add that the Egyptian delegation to Geneva 
plays a very active role in the activities of the WTO, including the negotiations to the 
11th Ministerial Conference led by His  Excellency Ambassador  Alaa Youssef, who assumed his role 
less than one month before the conference.  
4.410.   Yemen appreciates its excellent cultural, economic and trade relations with Egypt, which is 
one of our valued trading partners. This meeting is a valuable opportunity to gain a better 
understanding of Egypt's trade, economic and investment poli cies, and the extensive reforms that 
it has introduced over the last few years. The reports presented as part of this review cycle clearly 
illustrate the positive development of policies and openness in every respect as well as Egypt's full 
commitment to t he multilateral trading system. The Government and Secretariat Reports roundly 
confirm the enormous reforms that have been made since the last review. The Egyptian economy 
has performed well despite challenges and is committed to pursuing a liberal trade r egime. 
Consequently the economy experienced solid growth despite some difficulties caused chiefly by 
unfavourable external factors. Meanwhile, Egypt has taken several measures to further liberalize 
various goods and services sectors as well as investment. The goals for national development and 
ambitious economic growth are part of its 2030  Sustainable Development Strategy. The key 
objective is to raise the standard of living of 100  million people by becoming a higher -middle 
income economy by 2030. The polit ical determination of Egypt's rulers to attain and surpass that 
goal is clear to see. The delegation of Yemen welcomes the efforts made by Egypt and its well 
established policies for a more open economy that will benefit its people, the region and the worl d. 
4.411.   This meeting has been very useful for recognizing and encouraging new measures that will 
contribute to and sustain Egypt's generally positive economic performance. Consequently the 
delegation of Yemen urges the WTO Members to support Egypt's strategy to  develop and advance 
its trade policies in the years to come. I wish you every success in this exercise.  WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  UGANDA  
4.412.   Uganda associate itself with the statement made by South Africa on behalf of the African 
Group.  
4.413.   We note with satisfaction the many reforms being  undertaken by the Egyptian 
Government, particularly in the laws concerning land and agriculture, investment, and industry; 
and also measures on financial services. We also note efforts being made in infrastructural 
reforms, covering civil service, health and others affecting civil society in general, and private 
sector in particular. We believe all these reforms are meant to better the living standard of the 
Egyptian people.  
4.414.   Egypt 's role in the multilateral trading system and its commitment to the values o f regional 
economic integration is fully recognized and very much appreciated. However, we thing Egypt 
should do something about the reform in the Customs Law, which we understand is rather old, the 
law of the year 1953, and which appears to adversely affe ct the other members of the regional 
economic integration of COMESA.  
4.415.   Egypt and Uganda are both members of the COMESA and above all, members of the Nile 
Basin Organization. As such, they have very close links with each other in a number of areas and 
fields,  including trade. For example, Uganda was exporting goods to Egypt worth US$5.8 million 
before the 2011 political revolts. These exports comprised fish fillet, coffee and tobacco, amongst 
others. More recently, Uganda and Egypt agreed to form joint busines s ventures encompassing 
agriculture, tourism and industry.  
4.416.   It is worthy to note that the consularization measures undertaken by the Egyptian 
authority tend to negatively affect the need for air trade between Egypt and some members of the 
economic integrati on, COMESA. Members of COMESA are supposed to be exempt from exports tax.  
4.417.   Nevertheless, my delegation notes with appreciation the good performance of the Egyptian 
economy, with the GDP growth rate of 4.5%. We only believe and trust that this growth is 
inclusive for all the Egyptian people.  
4.418.   I conclude this statement by wishing Egypt a successful 2018 Trade Policy Review.  
TUNISIA  
4.419.   First, Tunisia endorses the statements delivered by Saudi  Arabia on behalf of the 
Arab Group and by South Africa on behalf of the A frican Group.  
4.420.   The delegation of Tunisia commends Egypt for the considerable effort it has made since the 
last review of its trade policy to pursue its policy of economic and commercial liberalization 
through measures including:  
 further opening up its econo my and promoting competitiveness;  
 continuing to reduce tariff protection and simplifying external trade procedures;  
 creating an environment conducive to the development of investment; and  
 expanding and diversifying its trade and economic relations through the conclusion of free 
trade agreements with its main partners.  
4.421.   We are delighted to note that Egypt experienced growth despite the socio -political 
transition it has been undergoing since 2011.  
4.422.   The various legislative measures taken by the Egyptian Governme nt clearly illustrate the 
Egyptian authorities' will and determination to move forward with liberalization in conformity with 
WTO principles and rules.  
4.423.   Tunisia and Egypt enjoy excellent relations of friendship and cooperation at bilateral, 
subregional, reg ional and multilateral levels. These relations were further cemented following the 
signature of an agreement establishing a free trade area between the two countries, and the 
conclusion of the Agadir Agreement between Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan and Morocco.  WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  4.424.   The 16th session of the Joint Tunisian -Egyptian High Commission held in Cairo in 
November  2017 was successful in achieving the signature of ten  cooperation agreements, 
including in the areas of customs, renewable energy and investment.  
4.425.   Tunisia and Egypt, two developing countries that have experienced political changes since 
2011, share the same point of view on a large number of the negotiating topics under the 
Doha Agenda and work together for better inclusion of the development dimension in the 
outcomes of those negotiations.  
4.426.   Finally the delegation of Tunisia must congratulate the Egyptian delegation on the 
important role it plays within the WTO, demonstrating its commitment to the multilateral trading 
system.  
4.427.   We wish our Egyptian friends every success in  this Trade Policy Review.  
IRAQ  (OBSERVER)   
4.428.   We commend Egypt for the achievements that have been accomplished by its economic 
reforms and the adaptation of efficient development and trade policies despite the challenges that 
face the country. As Egypt is a lways an important and active member of the Arab league, the 
Pan-Arab Free Trade A rea and the WTO.  
4.429.   Additionally, we highly recognize Egypt 's commitment to the multilateral trading system 
which has provided a good model for the developing cou ntries and the Middle -East and N orth 
Africa.  
4.430.   Finally, we wish Egypt all prosperity and a successful Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF EGYPT  AND ADDITIONAL COMME NTS 
5.1.  At the outset I would like to express my utmost appreciation to you and to H.E Ambassador 
Sondang Anggraini for your statements and remarks made throughout our TPR meetings.  
5.2.  I would also like to sincerely thank all the delegations that have submitted written questions 
or raised concerns during the first day of the meeting , we have re ceived 381 written questions 
until the first session, and we responded in writing to them all including the questions we received 
on Tuesday.  
5.3.  However, thr ee delegations submitted follow -up questions yesterday and this morning, and 
while we thank them for t heir interest, the points raised require further study by the capital 
experts. Therefore , we will respond to these follow -up questions within the agreed timelines set in 
the rules of procedures of the TPR.  
5.4.  In addition, we are particularly grateful to all t he delegations that have shown support and 
acknowledgement to the economic reform efforts in Egypt.  
5.5.  The qu estions and concerns raised by M embers clearly indicate the interest many countries 
share with regard to Egypt 's trade policies, and overall economic performance.  
5.6.  Allow me to address the main issues and concerns raised by delegations during the first 
session of the TPR, namely:  
 The investment climate;  
 The banking s ector;  
 Depositing the instrument of TFA ratification;  
 Simplifying customs procedures and t ariffs;  
 SPS and TBT ; 
 Transparency and notification requirements;  
 Intellectual property rights  enforcement . 
5.7.  On the investment climate in Egypt, the new Investment Law 72/2017 grants an array of tax 
and non -tax incentive schemes, and all investments are guaranteed national treatment. In 
addition, an administrative unit "Investor Service Centre " is established under GAFI 's auspices to 
provide an electronic services system.  
5.8.  Furthermore, the new law enhances transparency through several elements including 
creating databases and maps for available investment opportunities as well as the target 
investment projects and activities. In addition to availing an Investors ' Guide for procedures, 
docum ents, licenses and permits, etc.  The official forms related to the i nvestment affairs have 
been standardized and made available electronically. Decisions by the authority concerning 
facilitating procedures and speeding up of services have been enforced.  
5.9.  On the banking sector, it is properly and adequately regulated by the Central Bank of Egypt 
(CBE) through an efficient Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP) including Internal 
Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP) as CBE requires all banks to present their ICAAP 
report annually including  a stress test as an integral part of said report.  
5.10.   The supervisory regime is based on a set of prudential regulations that are in line with 
international best practices including applied Basel III in line with Basel committee time line, 
Liquidity risk regulation (LCR & NSFR),  Concentration risk, along with other regulations regarding 
acquisition finance and developer finance risks where all of them are given higher risk weight in 
calculating risk weighted assets in Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR). Accordingly, transition of risk 
from the parent company to their branches and subsidiaries in Egypt is considered a minimal risk.  
5.11.   In relation to the requirement of the intervention of a foreign and Egyptian bank in import 
documentation instead of the exchange of documents between the imp orter and exporter directly; 
the CBE is currently revising its instruction issued in December 2016 in an attempt to simplify it in 
the near future.  WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  5.12.   On depositing the instrument of ratification of the TFA, great efforts were exerted. It has 
been ratified on  22 June 2017 by Presidential Decree No. 149/2017. Egypt is currently taking the 
necessary steps at the national level to deposit the instrument in accordance with the unified 
model document.  
5.13.   On the s implification of cu stoms procedures, the Egyptian G overn ment has undertaken 
massive efforts in this regard, including the reduction of the number of documents required for 
import and export processes, allowing their submission electronically, starting on the 
implementation of a Single Administrative Document (S AD), and issuing advance rulings with 
respect to tariff classification and rates. Other simplification measures have been adopted like 
following Integrated Supply Chain Management (ISCM) procedures, using x -ray scanning devices, 
applying a risk management system with the aim of reducing further release.  
5.14.   In addition, Egypt started a national project with the objective of creating the Egyptian 
National Single Window (ENSW) system.  
5.15.   With respect to tariffs, Egypt is in the process of issuing its applied tariffs according to the 
Harmonized system HS2017. In this context, Egypt will ensure the simplification of the tariff 
structure including having an applied tariff at the bound rates o r below for both WTO and non -WTO 
Members. Noting that in the limited cases where the applied tariff exceeds the bound rate, the 
Egyptian Law guarantees that WTO M embers would benefit from the lower rate.  
5.16.   Furthermore, on high tariffs on tobacco products and  alcoholic beverages , it is important to 
note that these are imposed within the limits of the bound rates and are maintained for legitimate 
objectives including health and religious reasons.  
5.17.   On SPS and TBT, Egypt has taken vast steps on the road of alignme nt with International 
standards, guidelines and recommendations , and will continue o n this path. Egypt is also taking 
the necessary steps to ensure the full functionality of Egypt 's National Food Safety Authority 
(NFSA) by 2019 including the modernization of its food regulatory l egislation. Furthermore, Egypt 
is currently formulating it s National Biosafety law and working towards the establishment of a fully 
operational National Biosafety Framework (NBF).  
5.18.   On concerns over Ministerial Decree No.  43/2016, it  is impor tant to note that the Egyptian 
Government has taken the appropriate measures to speed up the registration process and make it 
more transparent. Furthermore, it should be highlighted that Egypt i s currently reviewing all 
trade -related measures and regulations with a view to enhancing the business environment and 
facilitating trade.  
5.19.   On transparency, Egypt is fully committed to fulfil its notification obligations in the context 
of the various WTO Agreements. This is apparent from the increase in the n umber of notifications 
since 2005 in the areas of SPS, TBT, trade in services, trade remedies and recently a griculture. 
However, Egypt recognizes that more needs to be do ne in this area. To this end, we are currently 
taking stock of all the trade -related m easures and regulations that have not been previously 
notified in order to prepare and submit the appropriate notifications in the context of the relevant 
WTO committees.  
5.20.   On intellectual property r ights, Egypt acknowledges the significant contribution of I PR to 
investment, growth and development. And in this vein, Egypt has undertaken enormous efforts in 
different aspects affecting the IPR environment, including the organization of major awareness 
campaigns with the aim of increasing the public awareness of  IPR issues.  
5.21.   Moreover, the G overnment established specialized departments for enforcement actions, 
entitled to combat counterfeit and pirated products in the local market through investigating 
complaints and conducting raids to seize products infringing IP  rights. In addition to the 
enforcement efforts carried out at the borders through applying IPR Border Measures.  
5.22.   Furthermore, the national IP bodies continuously try to facilitate and shorten the procedures 
for registrations and examination. The national b odies have also signed various agreements and 
MoUs with international bodies and counterpart foreign IP offices, aiming at mutual cooperation 
and facilitation of searching mechanisms and registrations.  WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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  5.23.   Additionally, in order to keep pace with the internati onal developments in the IP 
environment, Egypt is keen on observing the new issues that arise continuously in various IP 
forums, and discussing their compatibility and applicability to the Egyptian IPR regime. As well as 
considering accession to internatio nal IP treaties that will further promote the IP regime in Egypt.  
5.24.   In conclusion, we would like once again to assert on our appreciation of the opportunity this 
TPR gave us to shed some light on the developments the Egyptian economy has witnessed in the 
past 13 years since our last TPR in 2005, and to elaborate on Egypt 's efforts to take the necessary 
measures to address the concerns and inquiries of our trade partners.  
5.25.   It is only through such active engagement and constructive discussions that we can furthe r 
promote a profound -established multilateral trading s ystem based on the principle of 
transparency.  
5.26.   In the meanwhile, the Egyptian delegation welcomes further comments or inquiries by a ny 
of the esteemed delegations.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.27.   This 4th TPR of Egypt has been a ve ry constructive review. From my observation, the 
number of M embers ' questions and statements throughout this review is among t he biggest one. It 
reveals the M embership strong interest in Egypt engagement in the WTO.  
5.28.   On the other hand, Egypt 's positive engagement in this review, including it s responses to 
questions submitted by Members – demonstrate s its ongoing commitment to the multilateral 
trading s ystem and highlight s the positive development Egypt has taken to improve its trad e and 
investment environment since the last review , especially after the socio-political transformation 
period.  
5.29.   I will start by sharing a few reflections on the interventions and statement from Members 
and follow by Egypt 's response.  
5.30.   On questi ons and state ments by Members, M embers raised several issues among others:  
1. A number of Members commended Egypt for its overall achievement in reforming its 
economy after interrupted by a rare transitory shock of popular socio -political 
transformation. The reforms have helped enhanced the Egyptian business environment 
and have produce d balanced and inclusive growth.  
2. Members also view great interest and opportunity in investment in Egypt and its untapped 
potential for attracting Foreign Direct Investment, which has made s ignificant progress in 
fostering the investment climate.  
3. Most Members welcomed Egypt commitment in the m ultilate ral trading s ystem and its 
active role and participation in WTO work, including ratification of Protocol Amending 
TRIPS Agreement, and domestic ratification of TFA and activation of a Single 
Administrative Document System. Some Members look forward to Egypt submitting to the 
WTO its instrument of acceptance of the TFA and encourage Egypt to provide its catego ry 
B and C notification shortly.  
4. Severa l Members suggest Egypt to use its capacity to help neighbouring countries 
understand and use AD Agreement, given that Egypt has used the anti -dumping 
Agreement to initiate some investigations  during the period under review.  
5. On Customs administration, a Member has congratulated Egypt on reforming its customs 
administration in order to increase efficiency and transparency through sever al trade 
facilitation measures.  
6. Some Member s sought clarification on Egypt 's applied MFN rates that in most cases 
considerabl y lower than bound rates, and some 46 lines exceeded the bindings in 2017.  
7. With regard to some Laws and Presi dential Decrees, several M embers also raised concerns 
to these measures, which have led Egypt to adopt a number of trade restrictive policy and 
a number of complex certification and quality control requirement on some products and 
made imports of goods more difficult.  
5.31.   On Egy pt's response, I was encouraged  by Min ister Kabil statement to remain committed to 
the multilateral trading s ystem despite the hard time it has passed through over the past few WT/TPR/M/ 367 • Egypt  
 
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  years and the need of Egyptian to continue working toward strengthening the multilateral trading 
system that remains resilient to the changes of the global economy.  
5.32.   The effective implement ation of Egypt 's ambitious economy reform will be critical;  especially 
the program me identified  by Egypt align s strongly with the concerns raised by Members d uring 
this review, among other n ew invest ment law, import registry law, v alue-added tax, industria l 
licensing law, etc.  
5.33.   I was pleased to hear that Egypt will take on board the com ments from Members during this 
review  as well as follow -up questions , and to continue an active dialogue with its trading partners.  
5.34.   On a personal note, please let me conclude by saying how grateful I am for  the opportunity 
to act as the d iscussant for Egypt 4th Trade Policy Review.  
5.35.   In conclusion, the trade pol icy review process provides an i mportant mechanis m for 
strengthening each Member 's commitment to the multilateral tradin g system, and I am gla d to 
have participated in this r eview.  I thank you, C hair. 
BENIN 
5.36.   The delegation of Benin endorses the statement made by South Africa on behalf of the 
African Group.  
5.37.   In terms of the economy, during the period under review, Egypt's performance was 
encouraging with real growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) averaging more than 5.6% until 
2016. Globally this result ranks the country among the ten highly populated economies with the 
quickest growth over the period 2005 -2016. For the pe riod 2020 -2024 the Egyptian Government 
projection for average real GDP growth is in the 5% -6% range.  
5.38.   Entry taxation contributes barely 1% of Egypt's GDP, indicating significant tariff reductions 
and a high capacity for mobilizing domestic fiscal resources.  
5.39.   The delegation of Benin congratulates the Egyptian Government on the efforts it has made 
to diversify the economy, especially in the services sector, in particular in logistics, storage, retail 
distribution and real estate services.  
5.40.   Egypt's significant contribution to universal civilization and the world economy is obvious. 
Humanity's first knowledge of Egypt was from the Pharaohs who had the inspired idea of building a 
canal to facilitate trade between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. Today the Suez C anal is an 
important tool in world trade facilitation and Egypt's third greatest source of revenue. When the 
Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) comes into force and the Suez Canal is enlarged to become 
the world's largest, Egypt will draw greater benefit f rom both the substantial outcomes of the 
reforms and its achievements in the area of trade and the economy.  
5.41.   The delegation of Benin congratulates Egypt on its constructive commitment to the process 
of establishing the CFTA.  
5.42.   The delegation of Benin thanks t he Secretariat of the WTO and the Egyptian Government for 
the very informative reports drawn up for this session of the Trade Policy Review of Egypt.  
5.43.   We wish Egypt every success, including in this  Trade Policy R eview.  
UKRAINE  
5.44.   Ukraine would like to thank Eg ypt for the comprehensive replies ' package (consisting of 
more than 30 pages) to our advance written questions, which we are  now reviewing . 
5.45.   Bearing in mind further strengthening of our trade relations and ensuring greater 
multilateral transparency, Ukraine  is seeking further clarification on the following issues, in 
particular:  WT/TPR/M/367 • Egypt  
 
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   procedure of consular legalization of the certificates of origin of goods;  
 mandatory registration of exporte rs in Egypt in accordance with Decree No. 43/2016 
Regarding the Amendment  of the Rules Organizing the Registration of the Factories Qualif ied 
to Export Products to Egypt ; and 
 anti-dumping investigation against imports of steel rebar.  
5.46.   We are going to submit follow -up questions in due course.  
5.47.   Ukraine looks forward to further fru itful cooperation between our countries and please 
accept my wish for a safe travel  to those returning to capital.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.48.   The EU would like to thank the delegation of Egypt for the replies provided and we also 
noted the considerable interest in thi s TPR and Members ' general appreciation to the economic 
reform programme implemented since 2015. In particular, the EU listened with interest the 
presentation made by Egypt on the first day on it's the several "mega -projects " undertaken in 
recent years, involving the Suez Canal and economic zones, road networks, new cities, new ports 
and upgrading others.  We also take note of the statement today and the information provided.  
5.49.   The EU would like to encourage Egypt to continue wi th the reforms it has in the pipeline 
paying attention to the need of further diversification of its economy.  
5.50.   The EU would also like to thank the delegation of Egypt for the responses received and for 
the additional information provided today including to the questions we put forward on the first 
day in our statement.  
5.51.   However, we consider  that some of our initial questions were only partially replied. For this 
reason, we have  submitted a number of follow -up questions covering the areas where the EU 
traders encounter the most of the problems.  
5.52.   It could be noted that the follow -up questions cover in particular customs procedures and 
sanitary and phytosanitary issues, areas of concerns raised by several other Members on the first 
day.  
5.53.   The EU would  like to  under line to be particularly interested in receiving detailed replies to its 
follow -up questions and is confident that this TPR will help Egypt in better understanding the areas 
in need of reforms and to ensure that they are favourable for attaining its economi c objectives 
while respecting its international commitments.  
5.54.   We thank Egypt for its participation in this exercise.  
INDONESIA  
5.55.   Once more Chair, on behalf of the Indonesian delegation, I would like to convey 
appreciation to the delegation of Egypt, for the good cooperation and communication  throughout 
this trade policy review process and for the statement delivered today.  
5.56.   On tha t note, we would like to notify  that we have submitted  twenty (20) additional 
follow -up questions, seeking further clarif ication  to the di scussion conducted last Tuesday and to 
our advance written questions.  
5.57.   I wish His Excellency, Minister Tarek Kabil, a productive, remaining stay in Geneva; and a 
safe flight back to Cairo, both to His Excellency, and to his capital -based Egyptian dele gation.  
5.58.   Last but not leas t, the Indonesian delegation  wishes to thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the 
excellent conduct of this important review process.  
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  UNITED  STATES  
5.59.   The United States would like to thank the delegation of Egypt for their constructive 
participation in the TPR process, as well as the Secretariat for their excellent preparation for this 
trade policy review. Thank you as well to the Egyptian delegation for this morning 's statement and 
to Ambassador Anggraini 's capable insights as discussan t. 
5.60.   The United States would like to thank Egypt for its answers to our previously submitted 
questions. The United States has submitted follow -up questions on the topics of labelling 
requirements, state trading enterprises, export financing and copyrights an d related rights. We 
look forward to receiving Egypt 's responses in due course.  
5.61.   The United States looks forward to working with our Egyptian colleagues to strengthen and 
deepened our trade and investment relationship. Please accept our best regards and our  wish for 
safe travel to those returning to capital.  
HEAD  OF DELEGATION  
5.62.   Thank you Mr. Chairman for giving me the floor once again. Thanks to all the delegations 
who took the floor today: Benin, Ukraine, EU, Indonesia and the United States. The Egyptian 
delegation is very grateful for the opportunity to offer active closing remarks.  
5.63.   I would like to say that this exercise was very constructive and beneficial for us. We highly 
appreciate this TPR process as it showed to a great extend how we are doing from our  partner s' 
perspectives.  
5.64.   Egypt noted with careful detail all the points that were raised by the Members in this 
process and we are very grateful for the concerns, encouragements and support we received in 
more than 50 statements that were made by the Membe rs and Observers who intervened in this 
review.  
5.65.   Mr. Chairman, there is more than one message that Egypt wants to deliver through the 4th 
TRP review. The first one, to hold our TPR during this time after 13 years from the last review it is 
a message that Eg ypt sends to its trade partners that Egypt is keen on letting them know as much 
as possible about the condition of its trade and ongoing related procedures and institutional 
reform. The second message is that as a Member of the WTO  since its establishment  in 1995 and 
earlier as a contracting party to the GATT, Egypt remains committed to the multilateral trading 
system. The third message, we are fully aware of the challenges we are still facing against our  
strategic developments goal on the top of which are unemployment and inflation and it is the 
approach of our Government to address these challenges in the most open, transparent and 
inclusive manner. My final message to all our partners is that Egypt, as a stable and open market 
economy is doing more than j ust fixing problems. Egypt through  its trade and industry 
development strategy has a clear and solid and sustainable determination to advance the economy 
and to move with fast and fastidious steps to create a better business climate that is appropriate 
to the private sector, particularly micro, small and medium -size enterprises and integrating them 
into the local and global supply chain.  
5.66.   Regarding the additional questions we received on Tuesday, we answered all of them and 
for the follow -up questions we rec eived  them yesterday evening and we reserve our right to 
answer them within the time -frame indicated in the rules of procedure of the Trade Policy Review 
Body.  
5.67.   Again Mr. Chairman, thank you very much and thanks to Ambassador Anggraini and to the 
WTO Secret ariat led by our good friend Willy Alfaro. My especial thanks to our team: Angelo, 
Pierre, Ricardo, Mena Hassan and Mrs. Sharon Morris. Thank you for attending the TPR of Egypt.  
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  The fourth Trade Policy Review of Egyp t, which has taken place 13 years after the previous 
one, has provided us the  opportunity to deepen  our understanding of its trade and investment 
policies and practices, and to collectively appreciate the challenges it has faced in recent years . 
I would li ke to thank the Egyptian delegation, led by H.E. Mr. Tarek Kabil, Minister of Trade and 
Industry, for its engagement throughout this Review . I would also like to thank the discussant, 
H.E. Ambassador Sondang Anggraini of Indonesia  for her insightful remarks, and all the 
delegations that took the floor for their valuable contributions. Th e 380 questions submitted by 
21 Members and the interventions by 50  delegations, are evidence of the importance attached to 
Egypt 's trade and inves tment policies and practices.  
6.2.  In their interventions, Members commended Egypt for its sustained economic growth since its 
previous Review in 2005 , which has averaged 4.5% annually in the last twelve years . Although 
GDP growth slowed down in 2011, in recent  years economic activity has accelerated on the basis 
of an expansionary fiscal policy. Members remarked that, since 2014,  Egypt has undertaken 
notable reforms, including floating the Egyptian pound, tax reform, fuel subsidy reform, and 
further privatizati on steps . Nonetheless, it was noted that Egypt faces important challenges, 
notably reducing its relatively high unemployment rate and poverty alleviation. In this regard, 
Members took note that Egypt is implementing an ambitious economic reform program me that 
stems from its National Development Strategy (Egypt Vision 2030), that seeks to promote the 
participation of the private sector in the economy so as to foster GDP growth, and further address 
its external and fiscal imbalances. Additionally, the Industr ial Development Strategy 2016 -20 aims 
at making Egypt a leading industrial economy in the Middle East and North Africa region and a 
main export hub for medium -technology manufactured products by 2025, thus paving the way for 
Egypt to further diversify its trade.  
6.3.  Egypt was commended by Members for being a  strong advocate of the multilateral trading 
system , as witnessed by  its active participation in the WTO . In particular, Members recognized  
Egypt 's participation in the Information Technology Agreement (ITA)  and its ratification of the 
Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement . Members noted that Egypt had completed the domestic 
ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and invited it to submit its instrument of 
acceptance to the WTO and to notify its Cate gory B and C commitments as soon as possible.  Some 
Members invited Egypt to join in the MSME Initiative launched at the last Ministerial Conference. 
Efforts to update its WTO notifications as part of the present review were noted with appreciation 
and Egyp t was encouraged to continue to submit notifications on a regular basis.  
6.4.  Members recognized Egypt 's important efforts to improve its business climate and further 
liberalize foreign investment restrictions, including the introduction of a new Investment Law  and 
its regulations in 2017, as well as reforms in customs administration, making it more efficient and 
transparent. It was noted, however, that more needs to be done to improve the business 
environment, including further simplifying customs procedures, i mproving the risk assessment 
system, reducing red tape and increasing transparency.  
6.5.  Egypt was praised for reducing its general average tariff compared to 2005. However, it was 
noted that the 2017 tariff average was higher than in 2011. Also, several Members pointed out 
that tariff peaks remained in place in agriculture. Several Members sh owed concerns with respect 
to the increase of some tariff rates to 60% and called for their reduction. Noting that tariff bindings 
appeared to be exceeded by applied rates for 46 tariff headings, Members urged Egypt to take 
action to ensure that all applie d rates remained within their bound levels.  
6.6.  Several Members raised questions regarding Egypt 's extensive use of import licensing and 
invited Egypt to notify its regime to the WTO. Egypt was also encouraged to review import 
registration and other regulatory requirements, which some Members considered an obstacle to 
trade. Some concerns were express ed regarding the frequent use of trade contingency measures, 
in particular anti -dumping and safeguard measures. Members invited Egypt to reform other 
measures that may restrict trade, including complex certification and quality control requirements 
on many  products . Egypt was also requested to align its SPS requirements to international 
standards. Members enquired about Egypt 's plans to create a food safety agency and to modernize 
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  6.7.  Members welcomed the changes implemented wit h respect to government procurement, 
namely the steps adopted to encourage private sector participation in the procurement process 
and the introduction of new procurement methods. They noted, however, that the 15% preference 
granted to domestic suppliers a nd products  remained in place,  and enquired about plans to 
eliminate this preference. Noting the strong participation of the State in the economy, some 
Members were of the view that this could lead to a suboptimal allocation of resources and 
encouraged Egy pt to adopt a more market -oriented approach .  
6.8.  Some questions were asked about the enforcement of intellectual property rights, particularly 
with respect to the prevalence of pirated and counterfeit goods, including software, music, and 
videos. In this rega rd, Egypt was encouraged to increase transparency and predictability in the 
protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, to help it attract more foreign trade and 
investment.  
6.9.  Egypt has provided answers to the advance written questions raised  by Members. This TPR 
will be successfully concluded once Egypt has replied to all outstanding questions that emerged 
during the meeting, in a month 's time. I am certain that the constructive comments and discussion 
held during this Review will prove usefu l to Egypt as it continues on the path of implementing 
policies to achieve sustainable growth and reduce poverty while at the same time improving the 
business climate and enhancing competitiveness.  
__________