RESTRICTED  
  
S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1  
 
13 January 2015  
(15-0231)  Page: 1/173  
Working Party on GATS Rules    
 
 SUBSIDIES FOR SERVICES SECTORS 
INFORMATION CONTAINED IN WTO TRADE POLICY REVIEWS 
BACKGROUND NOTE BY THE SECRETARIAT1 
Revision 
1   INTROD UCTION  ........................................................................................................ 10  
2   CONCEPTS AND ENCOUNTERED DIFFICULTIES .......................................................... 11  
3   POLICY PATTERN S .................................................................................................... 12 
TABLE 1: FORMS OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO SERVICES SECTORS - 
INFORMATION FROM TPR REPORTS ............................................................................... 13  
ANNEX 1:  LIST OF TRADE POLICY REVIEW (TPR) SECRETARIAT REPORTS 
REVIEWED IN THIS NOTE (45 IN TOTAL) ....................................................................... 22  
ANNEX 2: CONTENT OF INDIVIDUAL TRADE POLICY REVIEWS, BY SECTOR ................... 23  
1   TOURISM AND TRAVEL  RELATED SERVICES .............................................................. 24  
1.1   Costa Rica - WT/TPR/S/180/Re v.1 (3rd review, 2 August  2007)  ...................................... 24 
1.2   Indonesia - WT/TPR/S/184/Rev.1 (1st review, 6 Nove mber 2 007) .................................... 24 
1.3   Panama - WT/TPR/S/186/Rev.1 (1st review, 3 December 2007) ....................................... 25 
1.4   Cameroon - WT/TPR/S/187/Rev.1 (3rd review, 5 De cember 2007) ................................... 26 
1.5   Gabon - WT/TPR/S/188/Rev.1 (2nd review, 5 December 2007) ........................................ 26 
1.6   Peru - WT/TPR/S/189/Rev.1 (3rd review, 17 December 2007) ......................................... 27 
1.7   Organization of Eastern Cari bbean States (OECS)  - WTO Members .................................. 27 
1.7.1   Antigua and Barbuda WT/TPR/S/190/ATG/Rev.1 (2nd review, 18 Ap ril 2008) .................. 27 
1.7.2   Dominica WT/TPR/S/190/DMA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 18 April 2008) .................................. 28 
1.7.3   Grenada WT/TPR/S/190/GRD/Rev.1 (2nd review, 21 Ap ril 2008) ................................... 29 
1.7.4   Saint Kitts and Nevis WT/TPR/S/190/KNA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 21 April 2008) ................... 29 
1.7.5   Saint Lucia WT/TPR/S/190/LCA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 21 April 2008) ................................. 30 
1.7.6   Saint Vincent and the Grenadines WT/TPR/S/190/VCT/Rev.1 (2nd review, 
21 April 2008) ................................................................................................................ . 30 
1.8   Thailand - WT/TPR/S/191/Rev.1 (5th review, 6 February 2008) ....................................... 31 
1.9   Ghana - WT/TPR/S/194/Rev.1 (3rd review, 7 May 2008) ................................................. 31 
1.10   Brunei Darussalam - WT/TPR/S/196/Rev.1 (2nd review, 4 June 2008) ............................. 32 
1.11   Madagascar - WT/TPR/S/197/Rev.1 (2nd review, 28 May 2008) ...................................... 32 
1.12   Mauritius - WT/TPR/S/198/Rev.1 (3rd review,) ............................................................ 33 
                                               
1 This document has been prepared under the Secret ariat's own responsibility and without prejudice to 
the positions of Members and to their rights and obligations under the WTO. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
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  1.13   Oman - WT/TPR/S/201/Rev.1 (1st review, 5 August 2008) ............................................ 34 
1.14   Barbados - WT/TPR/S/203/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 December 2008) ................................. 35 
1.15   Jordan - WT/TPR/S/206/Rev.1 (1st review, 27 Ja nuary 2009) ........................................ 36 
1.16   Dominican Republic - WT/TPR/S/207/Rev.1 (3rd review, 3 March 2009) .......................... 38 
1.17   Switzerland and Liechtenstein - WT/TPR/S/208/Rev.1 (5th and 3rd review, 
12 March 2009) ............................................................................................................... 39 
1.17.1   Switzerland ......................................................................................................... 39 
1.17.2   Liec htenst ein ....................................................................................................... 39 
1.18   Mozambique - WT/TPR/S/209/Rev.1 (2nd review, 30 June 2009) .................................... 39 
1.19   Brazil - WT/TPR/S/212/Rev.1 (5th review, 11 May 2009) ............................................... 41 
1.20   Fiji - WT/TPR/S/213/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 June 2009) ................................................. 41 
1.21   Solomon Islands - WT/TPR/S/215/Rev.1 (2nd review, 24 June 2009) .............................. 44 
1.22   New Zealand - WT/TPR/S/216/Rev.1 (4th review, 10 July 2009) ..................................... 44 
1.23   Morocco - WT/TPR/S/217/Rev.1 (4th review, 13 August 2009) ....................................... 44 
1.24   Chile - WT/TPR/S/220/Rev.1 (4th review, 5 November 2009) ......................................... 45 
1.25   Maldives - WT/TPR/S/221/Rev.1 (2nd review, 20 April 2009) ......................................... 46 
1.26   SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3rd review, 14 December 2009) ...................................... 46 
1.26.1   Lesotho ..............................................................................................................  46 
1.26.2   Sout h Africa ........................................................................................................ 46 
1.27   Niger and Senegal - WT/TPR/S/223/Rev.1 (2nd and 3rd review, 22 December 2009) .......... 48 
1.27.1   Senegal ..............................................................................................................  48 
1.28   Georgia - WT/TPR/S/224/Rev.1 (1st review, 19 January 2010)....................................... 48 
1.29   Japan - WT/TPR/S/243/Rev.1 (10th review, 2 May 2011 ) .............................................. 48 
1.30   European Union - WT/TPR/S/248/Rev.1 (10th review, 1 August 2011) ............................ 49 
1.31   India - WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5th review, 20 Oc tober 2 011) .......................................... 49 
1.32   Turkey - WT/TPR/S/259/Rev.1 (5th review, 7 March 2012) ............................................ 50 
2   UNSPECIFIED AND/OR INTERMODAL  TRANSPORT SERVICES, AND SERVICES 
AUXILIARY TO ALL MODES OF TRANSPORT (SUCH AS STORAGE AND 
WAREHOUSE SERVICES, FREIGHT TRANSPORT AGENCY SERVICES, LOGISTICS, ETC.) ......................................................................................................................... ..... 52
 
2.1   Central African Republic - WT/TPR/S/183/Rev.1 (1st review, 30 July 2007) ....................... 52 
2.2   Panama - WT/TPR/S/186/Rev.1 (1st review, 3 December 2007) ....................................... 52 
2.3   Organization of Eastern Cari bbean States (OECS)  - WTO Members .................................. 52 
2.3.1   Antigua and Barbuda WT/TPR/S/190/ATG/Rev.1 (2nd review, 18 Ap ril 2008) .................. 52 
2.4   Ghana - WT/TPR/S/194/Rev.1 (3rd review, 7 May 2008) ................................................. 53 
2.5   Brunei Darussalam - WT/TPR/S/196/Rev.1 (2nd review, 4 June 2008) .............................. 53 
2.6   Barbados - WT/TPR/S/203/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 De cember 2008) .................................. 54 
2.7   Jordan - WT/TPR/S/206/Rev.1 (1st review, 27 January 2009) .......................................... 55 
2.8   Mozambique - WT/TPR/S/209/Rev.1 (2nd review, 30 June 2009) ...................................... 55 
2.9   Morocco - WT/TPR/S/217/Rev.1 (4th review, 13 August 2009) ......................................... 55 
2.10   Chile - WT/TPR/S/220/Rev.1 (4th review, 5 November 2009) ......................................... 56 
2.11   Maldives - WT/TPR/S/221/Rev.1 (2nd review, 20 April 2009) ......................................... 56 S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
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  2.12   SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3rd review, 14 December 2009) ...................................... 56 
2.12.1   Sout h Africa ........................................................................................................ 56 
2.13   Niger and Senegal - WT/TPR/S/223/Rev.1 (2nd and 3rd review, 22 December 2009) .......... 57 
2.13.1   Niger .................................................................................................................. 57 
2.14   Japan - WT/TPR/S/243/Rev.1 (10th review, 2 May 2011 ) .............................................. 57 
2.15   India - WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5th review, 20 Oc tober 2 011) .......................................... 58 
2.16   China - WT/TPR/S/264/Rev.1 (4th review, 20 July 2012) ............................................... 58 
2.17   Singapore - WT/TPR/S/267/Rev.1 (6th review, 18 Oc tober 2012) ................................... 58 
3   MARITIME TRANSPORT SERVICES ............................................................................. 59  
3.1   Panama - WT/TPR/S/186/Rev.1 (1st review, 3 December 2007) ....................................... 59 
3.2   Thailand - WT/TPR/S/191/Rev.1 (5th review, 6 February 2008) ....................................... 59 
3.3   Pakistan - WT/TPR/S/193/Rev.1 (3rd review, 20 May 2008) ............................................ 59 
3.4   Mexico - WT/TPR/S/195/Rev.1 (4th review, 2 May 2008 ) ................................................ 59 
3.5   Brunei Darussalam - WT/TPR/S/196/Rev.1 (2nd review, 4 June 2008) .............................. 61 
3.6   Mauritius - WT/TPR/S/198/Rev.1 (3rd review,) .............................................................. 62 
3.7   Barbados - WT/TPR/S/203/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 De cember 2008) .................................. 62 
3.8   Jordan - WT/TPR/S/206/Rev.1 (1st review, 27 January 2009) .......................................... 62 
3.9   Brazil - WT/TPR/S/212/Rev.1 (5th review, 11 May 2009 ) ................................................ 63 
3.10   Fiji - WT/TPR/S/213/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 June 2009) ................................................. 63 
3.11   Solomon Islands - WT/TPR/S/215/ Rev.1 (2nd review, 24 June 2009) ............................. 64 
3.12   New Zealand - WT/TPR/S/216/Rev.1 (4th review, 10 July 2009) ..................................... 64 
3.13   SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3rd review, 14 December 2009) ...................................... 65 
3.13.1   Sout h Africa ........................................................................................................ 65 
3.14   United States - WT/TPR/S/235/Rev.1 (10th review, 29 October 2010) ............................. 65 
3.15   Japan - WT/TPR/S/243/Rev.1 (10th review, 2 May 2011 ) .............................................. 66 
3.16   India - WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5th review, 20 Oc tober 2 011) .......................................... 66 
3.17   Turkey - WT/TPR/S/259/Rev.1 (5th review, 7 March 2012) ............................................ 67 
3.18   Singapore - WT/TPR/S/267/Rev.1 (6th review, 18 Oc tober 2012) ................................... 67 
3.19   Republic of Korea - WT/TPR/S/268/Rev.1 (6th review, 8 November 2012) ....................... 68 
3.20   Norway - WT/TPR/S/269/Rev.1 (6th review, 13 No vember 2012) ................................... 68 
4   AIR TRANSPOR T SERVICES ....................................................................................... 69  
4.1   Bahrain - WT/TPR/S/185/Rev.1 (2nd review, 23 October 2007) ........................................ 69 
4.2   Thailand - WT/TPR/S/191/Rev.1 (5th review, 6 February 2008) ....................................... 69 
4.3   Pakistan - WT/TPR/S/193/Rev.1 (3rd review, 20 May 2008) ............................................ 69 
4.4   Mexico - WT/TPR/S/195/Rev.1 (4th review, 2 May 2008 ) ................................................ 70 
4.5   Brunei Darussalam - WT/TPR/S/196/Rev.1 (2nd review, 4 June 2008) .............................. 70 
4.6   Madagascar - WT/TPR/S/197/Rev.1 (2nd review, 28 May 2008)  ....................................... 70 
4.7   Mozambique - WT/TPR/S/209/Rev.1 (2nd review, 30 June 2009) ...................................... 71 
4.8   Fiji - WT/TPR/S/213/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 June 2009) ................................................... 71 
4.9   Solomon Islands - WT/TPR/S/215/Rev.1 (2nd review, 24 June 2009) ................................ 72 S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
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  4.10   Morocco - WT/TPR/S/217/Rev.1 (4th review, 13 August 2009) ....................................... 72 
4.11   SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3rd review, 14 December 2009) ...................................... 72 
4.11.1   Sout h Africa ........................................................................................................ 72 
4.12   Niger and Senegal - WT/TPR/S/223/Rev.1 (2nd and 3rd review, 22 December 2009) .......... 73 
4.12.1   Niger .................................................................................................................. 73 
4.12.2   Senegal ..............................................................................................................  73 
4.13   Japan - WT/TPR/S/243/Rev.1 (10th review, 2 May 2011 ) .............................................. 74 
4.14   India - WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5th review, 20 Oc tober 2 011) .......................................... 74 
4.15   China - WT/TPR/S/264/Rev.1 (4th review, 20 July 2012) ............................................... 74 
4.16   Singapore - WT/TPR/S/267/Rev.1 (6th review, 18 Oc tober 2012) ................................... 75 
5   ROAD TRANSPORT SERVICES (INC LUDING PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES) ............. 76  
5.1   Gabon - WT/TPR/S/188/Rev.1 (2nd review, 5 December 2007) ........................................ 76 
5.2   Mexico - WT/TPR/S/195/Rev.1 (4th review, 2 May 2008 ) ................................................ 76 
5.3   Jordan - WT/TPR/S/206/Rev.1 (1st review, 27 January 2009) .......................................... 77 
5.4   Switzerland and Liechtenstein - WT/TPR/S/208/Rev.1 (5th and 3rd review, 
12 March 2009) ............................................................................................................... 77 
5.4.1   Liechtenstein ......................................................................................................... 77 
5.5   Fiji - WT/TPR/S/213/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 June 2009) ................................................... 77 
5.6   Morocco - WT/TPR/S/217/Rev.1 (4th review, 13 August 2009) ......................................... 78 
5.7   SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3rd review, 14 December 2009) ........................................ 78 
5.7.1   Bo tswana ............................................................................................................. 78 
5.7.2   Sout h Africa ..........................................................................................................  78 
5.8   India - WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5th review, 20 October 2011) ............................................ 79 
5.9   Republic of Korea - WT/TPR/S/268/Rev.1 (6th review, 8 November 2012) ......................... 79 
6   RAIL TRANSP ORT SERVICES ..................................................................................... 80  
6.1   Thailand - WT/TPR/S/191/Rev.1 (5th review, 6 February 2008) ....................................... 80 
6.2   Madagascar - WT/TPR/S/197/Rev.1 (2nd review, 28 May 2008)  ....................................... 80 
6.3   Jordan - WT/TPR/S/206/Rev.1 (1st review, 27 January 2009) .......................................... 80 
6.4   Switzerland and Liechtenstein - WT/TPR/S/208/Rev.1 (5th and 3rd review, 
12 March 2009) ............................................................................................................... 81 
6.4.1   Switzerland ........................................................................................................... 81 
6.5   Mozambique - WT/TPR/S/209/Rev.1 (2nd review, 30 June 2009) ...................................... 81 
6.6   SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3rd review, 14 December 2009) ........................................ 82 
6.6.1   Sout h Africa ..........................................................................................................  82 
6.7   Turkey - WT/TPR/S/259/Rev.1 (5th review, 7 March 2012).............................................. 82 
6.8   China - WT/TPR/S/264/Rev.1 (4th review, 20 July 2012) ................................................ 82 
7   FINANCIAL SERVICES ............................................................................................... 83  
7.1   Costa Rica - WT/TPR/S/180/Re v.1 (3rd review, 2 August  2007)  ...................................... 83 
7.2   Indonesia - WT/TPR/S/184/Rev.1 (1st review, 6 Nove mber 2 007) .................................... 83 
7.3   Organization of Eastern Cari bbean States (OECS)  - WTO Members .................................. 83 
7.3.1   Antigua and Barbuda WT/TPR/S/190/ATG/Rev.1 (2nd review, 18 Ap ril 2008) .................. 83 S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
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  7.3.2   Dominica WT/TPR/S/190/DMA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 18 April 2008) .................................. 84 
7.3.3   Saint Lucia WT/TPR/S/190/LCA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 21 April 2008) ................................. 84 
7.3.4   Saint Vincent and the Grenadines WT/TPR/S/190/VCT/Rev.1 (2nd review, 
21 April 2008) ................................................................................................................ . 85 
7.4   Thailand - WT/TPR/S/191/Rev.1 (5th review, 6 February 2008) ....................................... 85 
7.5   Ghana - WT/TPR/S/194/Rev.1 (3rd review, 7 May 2008) ................................................. 86 
7.6   Brunei Darussalam - WT/TPR/S/196/Rev.1 (2nd review, 4 June 2008) .............................. 86 
7.7   Madagascar - WT/TPR/S/197/Rev.1 (2nd review, 28 May 2008)  ....................................... 87 
7.8   Mauritius - WT/TPR/S/198/Rev.1 (3rd review,) .............................................................. 87 
7.9   Barbados - WT/TPR/S/203/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 De cember 2008) .................................. 87 
7.10   Switzerland and Liechtenstein - WT/TPR/S/208/Rev.1 (5th and 3rd review, 
12 March 2009) ............................................................................................................... 89 
7.10.1   Switzerland ......................................................................................................... 89 
7.11   Fiji - WT/TPR/S/213/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 June 2009) ................................................. 89 
7.12   Morocco - WT/TPR/S/217/Rev.1 (4th review, 13 August 2009) ....................................... 89 
7.13   Maldives - WT/TPR/S/221/Rev.1 (2nd review, 20 April 2009) ......................................... 90 
7.14   SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3rd review, 14 December 2009) ...................................... 90 
7.14.1   Botswana ............................................................................................................ 90 
7.15   Georgia - WT/TPR/S/224/Rev.1 (1st review, 19 January 2010)....................................... 90 
7.16   United States - WT/TPR/S/235/Rev.1 (10th review, 29 October 2010) ............................. 91 
7.17   Japan - WT/TPR/S/243/Rev.1 (10th review, 2 May 2011 ) .............................................. 92 
7.18   European Union - WT/TPR/S/248/Rev.1 (10th review, 1 August 2011) ............................ 93 
7.19   India - WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5th review, 20 Oc tober 2 011) .......................................... 94 
7.20   Turkey - WT/TPR/S/259/Rev.1 (5th review, 7 March 2012) ............................................ 95 
7.21   China - WT/TPR/S/264/Rev.1 (4th review, 20 July 2012) ............................................... 95 
7.22   Singapore - WT/TPR/S/267/Rev.1 (6th review, 18 Oc tober 2012) ................................... 96 
7.23   Republic of Korea - WT/TPR/S/268/ Rev.1 (6th review, 8 November 2012) ...................... 98 
7.24   Norway - WT/TPR/S/269/Rev.1 (6th review, 13 No vember 2012) ................................... 98 
8   SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION 
TECHNOLOGIES-RELATED SERVICES (ICT), DATA PROCESSING SERVICES AND TELEPHONE CALL CENT RE SERV ICES ............................................................................ 100
 
8.1   Panama - WT/TPR/S/186/Rev.1 (1st review, 3 December 2007) ..................................... 100  
8.2   Organization of Eastern Caribbe an States (OECS) - WTO Members ................................ 100  
8.2.1   Antigua and Barbuda WT/TPR/S/190/ATG/Rev.1 (2nd review, 18 Ap ril 2008)  ................ 100  
8.2.2   Dominica WT/TPR/S/190/DMA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 18 Ap ril 2008)  ................................ 100  
8.2.3   Saint Lucia WT/TPR/S/190/LCA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 21 April 2008) ............................... 101  
8.2.4   Saint Vincent and the Grenadines WT/TPR/S/190/VCT/Rev.1 (2nd review, 
21 April 2008) ............................................................................................................... 101 
8.3   Pakistan - WT/TPR/S/193/Rev.1 (3rd review, 20 May 2008) .......................................... 101  
8.4   Mauritius - WT/TPR/S/198/Rev.1 (3rd review,) ............................................................ 102  
8.5   Jordan - WT/TPR/S/206/Rev.1 (1st review, 27 January 2009) ........................................ 102  
8.6   Fiji - WT/TPR/S/213/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 June 2009) ................................................. 102  S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
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  8.7   SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3rd review, 14 December 2009) ...................................... 104  
8.7.1   Sout h Africa ........................................................................................................ 1 04 
8.8   India - WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5th review, 20 October 2011) .......................................... 105  
9   RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D) SERVICES .................................................... 107  
9.1   Mexico - WT/TPR/S/195/Rev.1 (4th review, 2 May 2008 ) .............................................. 107  
9.2   Brunei Darussalam - WT/TPR/S/196/Rev.1 (2nd review, 4 J une 2008)  ............................ 107  
9.3   Switzerland and Liechtenstein - WT/TPR/S/208/Rev.1 (5th and 3rd review, 
12 March 2009) ............................................................................................................. 10 7 
9.3.1   Switzerland ......................................................................................................... 107  
9.4   India - WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5th review, 20 October 2011) .......................................... 108  
10   EDUCATIONA L SERVIC ES ...................................................................................... 109  
10.1   Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) - WTO Members ............................... 109  
10.1.1   Antigua and Barbuda WT/TPR/S/190/ATG/Rev.1 (2nd review, 18 April 2008) ............... 109  
10.2   Oman - WT/TPR/S/201/Rev.1 (1st review, 5 August 2008) .......................................... 109  
10.3   Mozambique - WT/TPR/S/209/Rev.1 (2nd review, 30 June 2009) .................................. 110  
10.4   SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3rd review, 14 December 2009) .................................... 111  
10.4.1   Sout h Africa ...................................................................................................... 11 1 
10.5   India - WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5th review, 20 Octo ber 2011)  ........................................ 111  
11   HEALTH RELATED SERVICES .................................................................................. 112  
11.1   Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) - WTO Members ............................... 112  
11.1.1   Antigua and Barbuda WT/TPR/S/190/ATG/Rev.1 (2nd review, 18 April 2008) ............... 112  
11.2   Oman - WT/TPR/S/201/Rev.1 (1st review, 5 August 2008) .......................................... 112  
11.3   Barbados - WT/TPR/S/203/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 December 2008) ............................... 113  
11.4   Jordan - WT/TPR/S/206/Rev.1 (1st review, 27 January 2009) ...................................... 114  
11.5   Mozambique - WT/TPR/S/209/Rev.1 (2nd review, 30 June 2009) .................................. 114  
11.6   SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3rd review, 14 December 2009) .................................... 115  
11.6.1   Sout h Africa ...................................................................................................... 11 5 
11.7   Japan - WT/TPR/S/243/Rev.1 (10th review, 2 May 2011 ) ............................................ 116  
11.8   India - WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5th review, 20 Octo ber 2011)  ........................................ 116  
11.9   Republic of Korea - WT/TPR/S/268/Rev.1 (6th review, 8 November 2012) ..................... 117  
12   CONSTRUCTION AND RELA TED ENGINEERING SERVICES ...................................... 118  
12.1   Barbados - WT/TPR/S/203/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 December 2008) ............................... 118  
12.2   Mozambique - WT/TPR/S/209/Rev.1 (2nd review, 30 June 2009) .................................. 119  
12.3   Chile - WT/TPR/S/220/Rev.1 (4th review, 5 November 2009) ....................................... 119  
12.4   European Union - WT/TPR/S/248/Rev.1 (10th review, 1 August 2011) .......................... 119  
12.5   China - WT/TPR/S/264/Rev.1 (4th review, 20 July 2012) ............................................. 120  
13   RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL AND SPORTING SERVICES (INCLUDING 
BETTING AND GAMBLING SERVICES) ........................................................................... 121  
13.1   Costa Rica - WT/TPR/S/180/Rev.1 (3rd review, 2 August 2007) ................................... 121  
13.2   Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) - WTO Members ............................... 121  
13.2.1   Antigua and Barbuda WT/TPR/S/190/ATG/Rev.1 (2nd review, 18 April 2008) ............... 121  S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
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  13.2.2   Saint Kitts and Nevis WT/TPR/S/190/KNA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 21 Ap ril 2008 ) ............... 122  
13.2.3   Saint Vincent and the Grenadines WT/TPR/S/190/VCT/Rev.1 (2nd review, 
21 April 2008) ............................................................................................................... 122 
13.3   Barbados - WT/TPR/S/203/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 December 2008) ............................... 123  
13.4   Jordan - WT/TPR/S/206/Rev.1 (1st review, 27 January 2009) ...................................... 123  
13.5   Republic of Korea - WT/TPR/S/268/Rev.1 (6th review, 8 November 2012) ..................... 123  
14   TELECOMMUNICATI ON SERVIC ES ......................................................................... 124  
14.1   Central African Republic - WT/TPR/S/183/Rev.1 (1st review, 30 July 2007) .................... 124  
14.2   Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) - WTO Members ............................... 124  
14.2.1   Saint Lucia WT/TPR/S/190/LCA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 21 Ap ril 2008)  ............................. 124  
14.2.2   Saint Vincent and the Grenadines WT/TPR/S/190/VCT/Rev.1 (2nd review, 
21 April 2008) ............................................................................................................... 124 
14.3   Ghana - WT/TPR/S/194/Rev.1 (3rd review, 7 May 2008 ) ............................................. 124  
14.4   Brunei Darussalam - WT/TPR/S/196/Rev.1 (2nd review, 4 June 2008) ........................... 125  
14.5   Mauritius - WT/TPR/S/198/Rev.1 (3rd review,) .......................................................... 125  
14.6   Oman - WT/TPR/S/201/Rev.1 (1st review, 5 August 2008) .......................................... 126  
14.7   Dominican Republic - WT/TPR/S/207/Rev.1 (3rd review, 3 March 2009) ........................ 126  
14.8   Mozambique - WT/TPR/S/209/Rev.1 (2nd review, 30 June 2009) .................................. 127  
14.9   Guatemala - WT/TPR/S/210/Rev.1 (2nd review, 20 Ap ril 2009)  .................................... 127  
14.10   Brazil - WT/TPR/S/212/Rev.1 (5th review, 11 May 2009 ) ........................................... 128  
14.11   Fiji - WT/TPR/S/213/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 June 2009) ............................................. 128  
14.12   SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3rd review, 14 December 2009) .................................. 128  
14.12.1   Bo tswana  ........................................................................................................ 128  
14.12.2   Lesotho .......................................................................................................... 12 9 
15   AUDIOVISUAL SERVICES ....................................................................................... 130  
15.1   Mexico - WT/TPR/S/195/Rev.1 (4th review, 2 May 2008) ............................................. 130  
15.2   Fiji - WT/TPR/S/213/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 June 2009) ............................................... 131  
15.3   New Zealand - WT/TPR/S/216/Rev.1 (4th review, 10 July 2009) ................................... 133  
15.4   SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3rd review, 14 December 2009) .................................... 133  
15.4.1   Sout h Africa ...................................................................................................... 13 3 
15.5   Republic of Korea - WT/TPR/S/268/ Rev.1 (6th review, 8 November 2012) .................... 134  
16   DISTRIBUTION SERVICES (COMMISSION AGENTS', WHOLESALE TRADE OR 
RETAILING SERVICES), TRADE AN D IMPORT/EXPORT SERVICES ................................ 135  
16.1   Panama - WT/TPR/S/186/Rev.1 (1st review, 3 Dece mber 2 007) ................................... 135  
16.2   Peru - WT/TPR/S/189/Rev.1 (3rd review, 17 December 2007) ...................................... 135  
16.3   Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) - WTO Members ............................... 136  
16.3.1   Saint Lucia WT/TPR/S/190/LCA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 21 Ap ril 2008)  ............................. 136  
16.3.2   Saint Vincent and the Grenadines WT/TPR/S/190/VCT/Rev.1 (2nd review, 
21 April 2008) ............................................................................................................... 136 
16.4   Thailand - WT/TPR/S/191/Rev.1 (5th review, 6 February 2008) .................................... 137  
16.5   Brunei Darussalam - WT/TPR/S/196/Rev.1 (2nd review, 4 June 2008) ........................... 137  
16.6   Oman - WT/TPR/S/201/Rev.1 (1st review, 5 August 2008) .......................................... 137  S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 8 - 
 
  16.7   Barbados - WT/TPR/S/203/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 December 2008) ............................... 138  
16.8   Jordan - WT/TPR/S/206/Rev.1 (1st review, 27 January 2009) ...................................... 139  
16.9   Guatemala - WT/TPR/S/210/Rev.1 (2nd review, 20 Ap ril 2009)  .................................... 140  
16.10   Brazil - WT/TPR/S/212/Rev.1 (5th review, 11 May 2009 ) ........................................... 140  
16.11   Maldives - WT/TPR/S/221/Rev.1 (2nd review, 20 April 2009) ...................................... 141  
16.12   Republic of Korea - WT/TPR/S/268/Rev.1 (6th review, 8 November 2012) .................... 141  
17   REAL ESTATE  SERVICES ........................................................................................ 142  
17.1   Mexico - WT/TPR/S/195/Rev.1 (4th review, 2 May 2008) ............................................. 142  
17.2   Barbados - WT/TPR/S/203/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 December 2008) ............................... 142  
18   ENERGY RELATED SERVICES AND OT HER UTILITIES RELATED SERVICES ............. 144  
18.1   Central African Republic - WT/TPR/S/183/Rev.1 (1st review, 30 July 2007) .................... 144  
18.2   Cameroon - WT/TPR/S/187/Rev.1 (3rd review, 5 Dece mber 2007)  ............................... 144  
18.3   Gabon - WT/TPR/S/188/Rev.1 (2nd review, 5 December 2007) .................................... 144  
18.4   Brunei Darussalam - WT/TPR/S/196/Rev.1 (2nd review, 4 June 2008) ........................... 144  
18.5   Madagascar - WT/TPR/S/197/Rev.1 (2nd review, 28 May 2008) .................................... 145  
18.6   Mozambique - WT/TPR/S/209/Rev.1 (2nd review, 30 June 2009) .................................. 145  
18.7   Maldives - WT/TPR/S/221/Rev.1 (2nd review, 20 Ap ril 2009)  ....................................... 146  
18.8   Niger and Senegal - WT/TPR/S/223/Rev.1 (2nd and 3rd review, 22 December 2009) ........ 146  
18.8.1   Senegal ............................................................................................................ 1 46 
18.9   Japan - WT/TPR/S/243/Rev.1 (10th review, 2 May 2011 ) ............................................ 146  
18.10   India - WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5th review, 20 October 2011) ...................................... 147  
18.11   China - WT/TPR/S/264/Rev.1 (4th review, 20 Ju ly 2012)  ........................................... 147  
19   OTHER OR UNSPEC IFIED SERV ICES ...................................................................... 148  
19.1   Costa Rica - WT/TPR/S/180/Rev.1 (3rd review, 2 August 2007) ................................... 148  
19.2   Macao, China - WT/TPR/S/181/Rev.1 (3rd review, 8 June 2007) .................................. 149  
19.3   Indonesia - WT/TPR/S/184/Rev.1 (1st review, 6 Nove mber 2007)  ................................ 150  
19.4   Panama - WT/TPR/S/186/Rev.1 (1st review, 3 Dece mber 2 007) ................................... 150  
19.5   Cameroon - WT/TPR/S/187/Rev.1 (3rd review, 5 Dece mber 2007)  ............................... 150  
19.6   Gabon - WT/TPR/S/188/Rev.1 (2nd review, 5 December 2007) .................................... 151  
19.7   Peru - WT/TPR/S/189/Rev.1 (3rd review, 17 December 2007) ...................................... 151  
19.8   Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) - WTO Members ............................... 152  
19.8.1   Antigua and Barbuda WT/TPR/S/190/ATG/Rev.1 (2nd review, 18 April 2008) ............... 152  
19.8.2   Dominica WT/TPR/S/190/DMA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 18 Ap ril 2008)  .............................. 153  
19.8.3   Saint Kitts and Nevis WT/TPR/S/190/KNA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 21 Ap ril 2008 ) ............... 153  
19.8.4   Saint Lucia WT/TPR/S/190/LCA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 21 Ap ril 2008)  ............................. 153  
19.9   Thailand - WT/TPR/S/191/Rev.1 (5th review, 6 February 2008) .................................... 153  
19.10   Pakistan - WT/TPR/S/193/Rev.1 (3rd review, 20 May 2008) ....................................... 154  
19.11   Mexico - WT/TPR/S/195/Rev.1 (4th review, 2 May 2008)  ........................................... 154  
19.12   Brunei Darussalam - WT/TPR/S/196/Rev.1 (2nd review, 4 June 2008) ......................... 155  
19.13   Madagascar - WT/TPR/S/197/Rev.1 (2nd review, 28 May 2008) .................................. 157  S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 9 - 
 
  19.14   Mauritius - WT/TPR/S/198/Rev.1 (3rd review,) ......................................................... 157  
19.15   Oman - WT/TPR/S/201/Rev.1 (1st review, 5 Au gust 2008 ) ........................................ 158 
19.16   Barbados - WT/TPR/S/203/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 December 2008) ............................. 159  
19.17   Jordan - WT/TPR/S/206/Rev.1 (1st review, 27 January 2009) .................................... 159  
19.18   Dominican Republic - WT/TPR/S/207/Rev.1 (3rd review, 3 March 2009) ...................... 160  
19.19   Switzerland and Liechtenstein - WT/TPR/S/208/Rev.1 (5th and 3rd review, 
12 March 2009) ............................................................................................................. 16 0 
19.19.1   Swit zerland ..................................................................................................... 160  
19.20   Mozambique - WT/TPR/S/209/Rev.1 (2nd review, 30 June 2009) ................................ 161  
19.21   Guatemala - WT/TPR/S/210/Rev.1 (2nd review, 20 Ap ril 2009 ) .................................. 162  
19.22   Brazil - WT/TPR/S/212/Rev.1 (5th review, 11 May 2009 ) ........................................... 162  
19.23   Fiji - WT/TPR/S/213/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 June 2009) ............................................. 162  
19.24   Solomon Islands - WT/TPR/S/215/Rev.1 (2nd review, 24 June 2009) ........................... 163  
19.25   Morocco - WT/TPR/S/217/Rev.1 (4th review, 13 Au gust 2009)  ................................... 163  
19.26   Chile - WT/TPR/S/220/Rev.1 (4th review, 5 November 2009) ..................................... 164  
19.27   SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3rd review, 14 December 2009) .................................. 165  
19.27.1   Sout h Africa .................................................................................................... 165  
19.28   Niger and Senegal - WT/TPR/S/223/Rev.1 (2nd and 3rd review, 
22 December  2009) ....................................................................................................... 165  
19.28.1   Niger .............................................................................................................. 165 
19.28.2   Senegal .......................................................................................................... 16 5 
19.29   United States - WT/TPR/S/235/Rev.1 (10th review, 29 Octo ber 2010)  ......................... 165  
19.30   Japan - WT/TPR/S/243/Rev.1 (10th review, 2 May 2011) .......................................... 166  
19.31   India - WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5th review, 20 October 2011) ...................................... 166  
19.32   Turkey - WT/TPR/S/259/Rev.1 (5th review, 7 Ma rch 2012 ) ........................................ 167  
19.33   China - WT/TPR/S/264/Rev.1 (4th review, 20 Ju ly 2012)  ........................................... 167  
19.34   Singapore - WT/TPR/S/267/Rev.1 (6th review, 18 Oc tober 2012 ) ............................... 168  
19.35   Republic of Korea - WT/TPR/S/268/Rev.1 (6th review, 8 November 2012) .................... 168  
ANNEX 3: LIST OF REVIEWED TPR REPORTS ................................................................ 172  
 
 S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 10 - 
 
   
1  INTRODUCTION 
1.1.  Government assistance for individual econom ic activities may be granted in many different 
forms and for a variety of purposes. Responding to a request by the Working Party on GATS Rules 
(WPGR), this Note presents some empirical evidence of subsidy programmes for services sectors, 
based on information contained in WTO Trade Po licy Review (TPR) reports by the Secretariat.2 It 
includes the same content as the Secretariat Background Note of the same name of 18 March 
2013 (S/WPGR/W/25/Add.6). The only difference in the current Addendum is that, as demanded by Members, the information on subsidy measures and programmes in Annex 2 is presented for, 
and structured according to, individual services sectors. For that purpose, 18 "sectors" or "sub-
sectors" have been identified, which are also repeat ed in the overview table (Table 1). They do not 
follow any particular classification system, but rather arose from the evidence gathered from the 
TPR reports. The 18 sectors/subsectors are: 1. To urism and travel related services; 2. Unspecified 
and/or intermodal transport services, and services auxiliary to all modes of transport (such as 
storage and warehouse services, freight transport agency services, logistics, etc.); 3. Maritime 
transport services; 4. Air transport services; 5. Ro ad transport services (including public transport 
services); 6. Rail transport services; 7. Financial services; 8. Software development services, 
information and communication technologies related services (ICT), data processing services and 
telephone call centre services; 9. Research and development (R&D) services; 10. Educational services; 11. Health related services; 12. Construction and related engineering services;  13. Recreational, cultural and sporting services (including betting and gambling services);  
14. Telecommunication services; 15. Audiovisual services; 16. Distribution services (commission 
agents', wholesale trade or retailing services), trade and import/export services; 17. Real estate services; 18. Energy related services and other utilities related services; 19. Other or unspecified 
services. 
1.2.  As was the case for Note S/WPGR/W/25/ Add.6, the present document supplements the 
information provided in the Secretariat Background Note S/WPGR/W/25 (issued in January 1998) 
including its Addendums 1 to 5, and should thus be read in conjunction with them. It covers 45 
Trade Policy Reviews carried out from April 2007 to the end of 2009. For those Members for which a more recent TPR existed, the latest version was used. This was the case in nine instances, namely for: China, the European Union, India, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, 
Turkey and the United States (see also the first paragraph in  
Annex 2). New information based on the TPR reports reviewed has been added, in italics and 
colour, in the overview table already contained in the previous versions of the Note (Table 1). 
1.3.  The complete list of TPR reports reviewed in this Note is included in Annex 1. Relevant 
excerpts of individual TPR reports, on a sector-b y-sector basis, have been included in Annex 2, 
with some minor editing (notably the highlighting of  specific services sectors and subsectors and of 
the subsidy measures involved). Annex 3 at the end of the Note provides a list of the reviewed TPR 
reports for ease of reference. 
1.4.  As explained in the preceding Notes3, the compilation of information from TPR reports suffers 
from certain limitations due to the particular focus of these reports. First, the selection of Members 
for review does not reflect any subsidy related analytical purpose, but the country schedule 
established by the Trade Policy Review Body. Second, coverage and content of TPRs are largely determined by the availability of data, which in turn depends on the Secretariat's assessment of 
country-specific review priorities at the time of drafting as well as on government co-operation. As 
a result, the amount of subsidy-specific information contained in reports might vary from Member to Member. It also often varies for any given Member from one report to the other, as measures 
already covered in a previous report are not nece ssarily repeated in the following ones, in the 
absence of major policy changes between Reviews.
4 Furthermore, TPR reports may mention the 
existence of certain subsidy programmes even if these are not necessarily used in practice anymore. Conversely, the fact that some reports do not include any subsidy related information 
does not imply that such schemes do not exist in the countries concerned. Finally, TPR reports do 
                                               
2 The information added in the current document ha s been based on the revised versions of the TPR 
reports by the Secretariat.   
3 Introductions to S/WPGR/W/25,  and Add.1 to Add. 5.  
4 This makes it all the more important to read this Secretariat Background Note in conjunction with 
earlier versions.  S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 11 - 
 
  not normally attempt to assess the underlying objectives, or any possible trade-distortive effects, 
of subsidies.  
2  CONCEPTS AND ENCOUNTERED DIFFICULTIES 2.1.  The subsidy definition generally used for Trade Policy Reviews is, in most cases, based on the 
definition established by the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (ASCM). 
Accordingly, subsidies are deemed to involve a financial contribution by governments or public bodies, which confers a benefit. The TPR reports thus cover assistance granted in the form of 
direct transfers of funds, including grants, loans an d equity infusions; potential direct transfers of 
funds or liabilities (e.g. loan guarantees); gove rnment revenue foregone (e.g. fiscal incentives 
such as tax credits); supply of goods and services  other than general infrastructure; purchase of 
goods; payments to funding mechanisms; or inco me and price support. The following compilation 
focuses on "specific" subsidies, in the light of Article 2 of the ASCM. 
2.2.  While most TPR reports contain some information on subsidies, the limited level of detail 
often makes it difficult to identify, for example, the extent to which a benefit is actually being 
conferred or the identity of the recipient of the subsidy. For instance, subsidies granted to service 
suppliers in sectors such as transport (notably maritime transport and air transport services, but also road transport and rail transport services in a number of instances), energy related services 
and other utilities related services may, in fact, benefit downstream users (i.e., the service 
consumer) rather than the immediate recipient (the service supplier). Likewise, some measures may have been intended primarily to promote public policy or infrastructural objectives.
5 The 
resulting ambiguities, in turn, could affect cross-co untry comparability. It is to be noted that the 
following compilation usually does not include subsidies granted directly to service consumers (the 
latter including depositors/investors/insured persons/patients, etc.).6 
2.3.  A limited level of detail in the TPR reports has also made it difficult, in a number of instances, 
to differentiate between subsidies granted to manufacturing activities as opposed to those 
accorded to services. This has been the case notably for subsidies awarded in the context of cross-sectoral investment promotion schemes; regional development funds (to support remote or 
disadvantaged regions); programmes promoting mi cro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises 
(MSMEs); and those granted in the context of spec ial economic/free zone regimes. In the latter 
case, suppliers from a range of service sectors ma y actually qualify for benefits under a special 
economic/free zone regime, provided they export services to natural and legal persons domiciled 
abroad, or provide services to industrial companies, which are beneficiaries of the free zone 
regime. Typically these are suppliers of distribution  or marketing services, but also of transport, 
logistics, packaging, storage, inspection and cert ification services, etc. The increased reliance of 
manufacturing firms on services in the context of global value chains ("servicification"), and the 
gradually more cross-sectoral nature of government support policies make it more difficult to distinguish between subsidies aimed at manufacturing versus those intended for service activities. 
2.4.  Finally, some of the subsidies mentioned in TPR reports may be financial contributions to 
services which are beyond the scope of the GATS, i.e., services provided in the exercise of governmental authority (Article I:3(b)) or servic es excluded through the Annex on Air Transport 
Services. Accordingly, the information contained in this Note, while aimed at facilitating 
discussions, does not prejudge whether the measures listed should be considered subsidies, nor 
does it imply any judgement on the objectives they pursue or their status under the GATS. 
                                               
5 For example, the provision of basic health services  may be ensured through: (a) cost-free treatment 
in state-owned hospitals; (b) the ex tension of public funds to commer cially independent hospitals; or 
(c) government-sponsored premiums fo r basic health insurance. While conferring the same benefits to the 
same target group, such measures might be described, respectively, as  the provision of infrastructural 
services, subsidies for the health sector, and social transfers and/or subsidies for the insured or his/her 
insurance service supplier. 
6 Not included are, for instance, public measures to subsidize insurance premiums (e.g. health 
insurance) or access to transport serv ices for persons with low income.  S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 12 - 
 
  3  POLICY PATTERNS 
3.1.  The information contained in the Trade Policy Reviews assessed in this Note tends to confirm 
the general patterns identified in previous documents, although some new trends are also emerging.
 Available cumulative evidence, based on the reports reviewed both in this and past 
versions of the Note, suggests that, while subsidie s are found in a whole range of services sectors, 
WTO Members tend to concentrate their services related subsidies in five main areas: tourism and 
travel related services (81 Members concerned); transport services − especially maritime  
(36 Members) and air transport services (32 Members), but also rail (17 Members) and road 
transport services (9 Members); financial services (44 Members); telecommunication services  
(33 Members); and software development services, information and communication technologies 
related services (ICT), data processing services and telephone call centre services (30 Members). 
Public involvement thus appears to be strongest in tourism and travel related services, and in key 
infrastructural services. The high incidence of public support measures in the financial services sector, notably banking, is also likely to be linked to the financial crisis that started in 2008. 
Finally, energy related and other utilities related services, and construction and related 
engineering services have also been the object of widespread public funding, with 24 Members 
maintaining such measures. Table 1 and Annex 2 detail the findings by sector or subsector. It is 
worth recalling, however, that these results may be  influenced by the TPR reports' focus on sectors 
where politically or economically important developments are underway, as well as the availability of relevant data.
7 
3.2.  Compared to previous Reviews, two recent trends are noteworthy. Firstly, software 
development services, information and communication technologies related services (ICT), data 
processing services and telephone call centre services (30 Members concerned) have attracted a 
significant number of tax incentives or other support measures, including ones granted within 
special economic/free zones. Secondly, some Members' manufacturing operations in free zones 
(so-called " Maquiladora " or " Maquila " schemes) increasingly treat services as directly related to, 
and as an integral part of, the industrial process − a development sometimes referred to as 
"tertiarization" or "servicification". Consequent ly, these subsidy schemes tend not to distinguish 
anymore between manufacturing and service activities. Consequently, a range of service suppliers may qualify for benefits under a free zone regime provided they export services to natural and legal persons domiciled abroad, or provided they supply services to industrial companies that are 
themselves beneficiaries of the free zone regime. Se rvices incidental to manufacturing, distribution 
and trading, logistics, warehousing, packaging, storage, inspection and certification services are particularly concerned. This evolution is reflected in the significant rise of entries in the category 
"Other or unspecified services" (category 19, at the end of Table 1 and of Annex 2 respectively). 
3.3.  Concerning the types of measures used, Me mbers continued to rely on tax incentives more 
than on direct grants, as the latter usually weigh more heavily on public finances. 
Developing-country Members also often use duty-fr ee inputs as part of special economic/free zone 
regimes. 
                                               
7 As a general feature, it appears that TPR reports have reviewed financial, transport (mostly maritime 
and air transport), telecomm unication and postal services in more detail than, for example, audiovisual, 
distribution, educational, environmental, energy related, health related and freight transport agency/logistics services.  S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 13 - 
 
  Table 1: Forms of financial assistance to se rvices sectors - information from TPR reports 
 
MEASURE 
 
 Direct 
grants Preferential 
credit & 
guarantees  Equity 
injections Tax 
incentives, 
concessions 
and 
allowances Duty-free 
inputs, free 
zones & 
offshore Other & 
unspecified 
measures Number of  
WTO 
Members2 
 
SECTOR 
        
1. Tourism and 
travel related 
services Botswana 
(2nd, 2003) 
Canada Israel Czech Rep. Slovak Rep. 
Australia 
Lesotho (2
nd, 2003) 
Turkey Barbados 
(2
nd, 2008)  
Switzerland (5
th, 2009) 
Liechtenstein
(3rd, 2009)  
Fiji (2
nd, 2009) 
Morocco (4
th, 2009) 
South Africa 
(3rd, 2009)8 
India (5
th, 2011) 
 Canada 
Nigeria1 
Iceland Jamaica South Africa (2
nd, 2003) 
Trinidad & 
 Tobago Turkey Slovak Rep. Barbados 
Uganda 
Botswana (2
nd, 2003) 
Belize 
Brunei D. 
(2nd, 2008) 
Mauritius (3
rd, 2008) 
Oman 
(1st, 2008) 
Switzerland (5
th, 2009) 
Brazil (5
th, 2009)21 
South Africa 
(3rd, 2009)8 
Georgia (1
st, 2010) 
India 
(5th, 2011) 
   
 
 South 
Africa 
(2
nd, 2003) 
Burundi Nigeria  
Argentina 
Egypt Israel Jamaica Nicaragua 
Philippines 
Solomon Is. Tanzania Trinidad &  Tobago 
Uruguay 
Slovak Rep. Malawi Haiti 
Barbados 
Australia Dominican  Rep. Zambia 
(2
nd, 2002) 
Venezuela Lesotho (2
nd, 2003)  
Niger 
Senegal 
Honduras Guyana (1
st, 2003) 
Turkey 
Sri Lanka 
Singapore Benin Burkina Faso 
Mali 
Belize Suriname Korea RP Sierra Leone 
Qatar 
Paraguay Ecuador Guinea Bolivia 
Malaysia 
Djibouti China Costa Rica (3
rd, 2007) 
Panama 
(1st, 2007) 
Cameroon (3
rd, 2007) 
Gabon 
(2nd, 2007) 
Peru (3
rd, 2007) 
Antigua & B. 
(2nd, 2008) 
Dominica (2
nd, 2008) 
Grenada (2
nd, 2008) 
St. Kitts &  
 Nevis (2
nd, 2008) 
Saint Lucia (2
nd, 2008) 
St. Vincent  
 & G. Argentina  
Egypt 
India Jamaica Kenya Nicaragua 
Solomon Is. 
Tanzania Trinidad &  Tobago Turkey 
Uruguay 
Malawi Haiti Barbados 
Burundi 
Niger Senegal Honduras Bulgaria 
Guyana 
(1
st, 2003) 
Burkina Faso Belize Suriname 
Sierra Leone 
Nigeria Ecuador Philippines Guinea 
Bolivia 
Malaysia Djibouti Panama 
(1
st, 2007) 
Gabon (2
nd, 2007) 
Antigua & B. (2
nd, 2008) 
Dominica 
(2nd, 2008) 
Grenada (2
nd, 2008) 
St. Kitts  
 & Nevis 
(2nd, 2008) 
Saint Lucia (2
nd, 2008) 
St. Vincent  
 & G. 
(2nd, 2008) 
Ghana (3
rd, 2008) 
Barbados 
2nd, 2008) 
Jordan (1
st, 2009) 
Dominican  
 Republic 
(3rd, 2009)  
Mozambique (2
nd, 2009) 
Fiji (2nd, 2009) 
Morocco 
(4th, 2009) 
Senegal (3
rd, 2009) 
Turkey 
(5th, 2012) 
 Guinea1 
Lesotho 
(2nd, 2003) 
Singapore Slovenia Barbados 
The Gambia 
Chinese   Taipei Costa Rica (3
rd, 2007) 
Indonesia 
(5th, 2007) 
Thailand (5
th, 2008) 
Brunei D. 
(2nd, 2008) 
Madagascar (2
nd, 2008) 
Mauritius 
(3rd, 2008)8 
Oman (1
st, 2008) 
Mozambique (2
nd, 2009) 
New 
 Zealand (4
th, 2009)19 
Morocco (4
th, 2009) 
Maldives 
(2nd, 2009) 
Lesotho (3
rd, 2009) 
EU-27 
(10th, 2011) 
India (5
th, 2011) 
 
 
  81
 S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 14 - 
 
   
MEASURE 
 
 Direct 
grants Preferential 
credit & 
guarantees  Equity 
injections Tax 
incentives, 
concessions 
and 
allowances Duty-free 
inputs, free 
zones & 
offshore Other & 
unspecified 
measures Number of  
WTO 
Members2 
 
SECTOR 
        
(2nd, 2008)  
Thailand 
(5th, 2008) 
Ghana (3
rd, 2008) 
Brunei D. 
(2nd, 2008) 
Mauritius (3
rd, 2008) 
Oman 
(1st, 2008) 
Barbados (2
nd, 2008) 
Jordan 
(1st, 2009) 
Dominican   Republic (3
rd, 2009)  
Liechtenstein 
(3rd, 2009)  
Mozambique (2
nd, 2009) 
Fiji (2
nd, 2009) 
Solomon 
Islands (2
nd, 2009) 
Morocco 
(4th, 2009) 
Chile (4
th, 2009)21 
South Africa (3
rd, 2009)8 
Senegal 
(3rd, 2009) 
India (5
th, 2011) 
Turkey  
(5th, 2012) 
Korea RP  (6
th, 2012) 
  
  
 
 
 
2.   
Unspecified 
and/or 
intermodal transport services, and services 
auxiliary to all 
modes of transport (such as storage and 
warehouse 
services, freight transport 
agency 
services, logistics, etc.) Canada 
Czech Rep. 
Australia 
Namibia (2
nd, 2003) 
South Africa (2
nd, 2003) 
New Zealand 
Korea RP  
Panama (1
st, 2007)9 
Barbados 
(2nd, 2008) 
   
 Poland 
Barbados 
(2
nd, 2008)  
Maldives (2nd, 
2009)   Philippines  
Poland 
Korea RP 
Slovak Rep. Malawi Australia Sri Lanka 
Burkina Faso 
Suriname Japan Qatar Paraguay 
Egypt 
Djibouti China Tanzania 
Antigua & B. 
(2
nd, 2008) 
Brunei D. (2
nd, 2008) 
Barbados 
(2nd, 2008) 
Chile (4th, 2009)
21 
Niger (2
nd, 2009) 
Korea RP 
(6th, 2012) Malawi  
Venezuela 
The Gambia 
Burkina Faso Suriname Philippines Egypt 
Djibouti 
Tanzania Jordan (1
st, 2009) 
Morocco 
(4th, 2009) 
  Brunei D 
Czech Rep. 
Slovak Rep. 
Bulgaria The Gambia Sri Lanka EC (8
th, 
2007) 
Bangladesh Central   African   Republic 
(1
st, 2007) 
Ghana (3
rd, 2008) 
Brunei D. 
(2nd, 2008) 
Mozambique (2
nd, 2009) 
Maldives (2
nd, 2009) 
China  
(4th, 2012) 
  34
 S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 15 - 
 
   
MEASURE 
 
 Direct 
grants Preferential 
credit & 
guarantees  Equity 
injections Tax 
incentives, 
concessions 
and 
allowances Duty-free 
inputs, free 
zones & 
offshore Other & 
unspecified 
measures Number of  
WTO 
Members2 
 
SECTOR 
        
3.  Maritime 
transport services  Australia 
Solomon   Islands
1 
Czech Rep. Turkey 
Singapore 
Israel U.S. (8
th, 2006) 
Thailand 
(5th, 2008) 
Fiji (2
nd, 2009) 
Solomon 
Islands 
(2nd, 2009) 
New Zealand (4
th, 2009) 
U.S. 
(10th, 2010) 
Japan (10
th, 2011) 
Korea RP (6
th, 2012) 
 
 U.S. 
(8th, 2006) 
India Mexico (4
th, 2008) 
  Egypt  
Jamaica Singapore Turkey U.S. 
(8
th, 2006) 
Japan Barbados Australia 
Venezuela 
HK, China Honduras Turkey Sri Lanka 
EC  
(7
th, 2004)  
Philippines Malaysia Djibouti 
Tanzania 
Panama (1
st, 2007) 
Thailand (5
th, 2008) 
Mexico 
(4th, 2008) 
Brunei D. (2
nd, 2008) 
Mauritius 
(3rd, 2008) 
Barbados (2
nd, 2008) 
Jordan 
(1st, 2009) 
Japan (10
th, 2011) 
India (5
th, 2011)24 
Turkey 
(5th, 2012) 
Singapore (6
th, 2012) 
Korea RP 
(6th, 2012) 
Norway (6
th, 2012) Egypt  
Jamaica 
Papua NG Turkey Barbados 
Honduras 
Philippines Djibouti Chinese Taipei 
Tanzania 
Pakistan (3
rd, 2008) 
Brunei D. (2
nd, 2008) 
Barbados 
(2nd, 2008) 
Jordan (1
st, 2009) 
India 
(5th, 2011)24 
  EC (
7th, 
2004)  
Korea RP U.S. (8
th, 2006) 
India 
Australia UAE Thailand 
(5
th, 2008) 
Brunei D. (2
nd, 2008) 
Mauritius (3
rd, 2008) 
Dominican  
 Republic (3
rd, 2009) 
Brazil (5
th, 2009)21 
U.S. 
(10th, 2010) 
 
 
 
 
   36
 
 
 
4. Air 
transport services 
 Canada 
U.S. (8
th, 2006) 
Iceland 
Pakistan (3
rd, 2008) 
Madagascar (2
nd, 2008) 
Fiji 
(2nd, 2009) 
Solomon Islands 
(2
nd, 2009) 
Niger (2
nd, 2009) 
Senegal (3
rd, 2009) 
Japan  
(10th, 2011) 
   Papua NG Hungary
1 
Japan 
(10th, 
2011) 
 Egypt  
Macau, China 
Venezuela 
HK, China 
Niger Honduras Singapore Mongolia 
Paraguay 
Philippines Djibouti Canada  
Bahrain 
(2
nd, 2007) 
Thailand (5
th, 2008) 
Mexico 
(4th, 2008) 
Mozambique (2
nd, 2009) 
Morocco (4
th, 2009) 
India 
(5th, 2011)25 
Singapore (6
th, 2012) Hungary  
Papua NG 
Niger 
Honduras 
Philippines Egypt Djibouti Thailand 
(5
th, 2008) 
Niger (2
nd, 2009) 
 EC (7th, 
2004)  
EC (8th, 
2007) 
New   Zealand U.S. (8
th, 2006) 
UAE 
Colombia Thailand (5
th, 2008) 
Brunei D. 
(2nd, 2008) 
China (4th, 
2012)6bis 
 
 
  32
 S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 16 - 
 
   
MEASURE 
 
 Direct 
grants Preferential 
credit & 
guarantees  Equity 
injections Tax 
incentives, 
concessions 
and 
allowances Duty-free 
inputs, free 
zones & 
offshore Other & 
unspecified 
measures Number of  
WTO 
Members2 
 
SECTOR 
        
5.  Road 
transport (including public transport 
services) Gabon
 
(2nd, 2007)11 
Liechtenstein(3
rd, 2009)  
Fiji 
(2nd, 2009) 
Botswana (3
rd, 2009) 
India 
(5th, 2011) 
Korea RP (6
th, 2012) 
   Mexico (4th, 
2008) 
Jordan (1
st, 2009) 
Fiji 
(2nd, 2009) 
Morocco (4
th, 2009) 
India 
(5th, 2011) 
  Fiji
 
(2nd, 2009) 
India (5
th, 2011) 
 
  9  
6.  Rail 
transport services India 
Kenya Czech Rep. 
South Africa 
(2
nd, 2003) 
Turkey Thailand 
(5
th, 2008) 
Madagascar (2
nd, 2008) 
Switzerland (5
th, 2009) 
South Africa 
(3rd, 2009) 
Turkey (5
th, 2012) 
 Bolivia  Australia  
Hong Kong, 
China 
Senegal 
Mongolia Tanzania Jordan 
(1
st, 2009) 
Mozambique (2
nd, 2009) 
 Tanzania  
Jordan (1
st, 2009) 
 Slovak Rep.1 
Malawi India 
EC  
(7
th, 2004)  
Senegal China 
(4
th, 2012) 
  17
 
7.  Financial 
services Poland 
Australia 
South Africa (2
nd, 2003) 
Korea RP Argentina 
U.S. 
(10
th, 2010) 
Japan (10
th, 2011) 
EU-27 
(10th, 2011) 
   Poland 
EC (7
th, 2004)  
U.S. Slovak Rep. Costa Rica (3
rd, 2007) 
Thailand 
(5th, 2008) 
Ghana (3
rd, 2008) 
Switzerland 
(5th, 2009) 
Maldives (2nd, 
2009) U.S. (10
th, 2010) 
Japan 
(10th, 2011) 
EU-27  (10
th, 2011) 
 
   
 
  HK, China
 
Norway 
Slovak   Rep. Turkey Korea RP 
China 
Indonesia (5
th, 2007) 
Thailand (5
th, 2008) 
U.S.(10th, 
2010) Japan (10
th, 
2011) 
EU-27 
(10th, 
2011) India 
(5
th, 2011) 
Korea RP (6
th, 2012) 
Norway (6
th, 2012) 
 
   Singapore
 
Tanzania 
U.S. Poland Korea RP Malaysia 
India 
Barbados Australia Rwanda Paraguay 
Egypt 
Trinidad &  Tobago Guinea Bolivia 
Djibouti 
Kyrgyz Rep. Uganda Canada 
Costa Rica 
(3
rd, 2007) 
Ghana (3
rd, 2008) 
Madagascar 
(2nd, 2008) 
Switzerland (5
th, 2009) 
China (4
th, 2012)26 
Singapore 
(6th, 2012) 
 Jamaica  
Singapore 
Tanzania Trinidad &  Tobago
1 
St. Vincent  
 & G 
Barbados The Gambia Saint Lucia Egypt 
Guinea 
Djibouti Chinese Taipei Tanzania  
Antigua & B. 
(2
nd, 2008)13 
Dominica (2
nd, 2008)13 
Saint Lucia 
(2nd, 2008)13 
St. Vincent   & G. (2
nd, 2008)13 
Barbados 
(2nd, 2008) 
Morocco (4
th, 2009)13 
Botswana (3
rd, 2009)13 
Georgia (1
st, 2010)13 
Singapore (6
th, 2012) 
 Korea RP 
Czech Rep. 
Slovak Rep. India Barbados Japan 
Brunei D. 
(2
nd, 2008) 
Maldives (2
nd, 2009) 
Turkey 
(5th, 2012) 
Norway (6
th, 2012) 
  
 44
 S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 17 - 
 
   
MEASURE 
 
 Direct 
grants Preferential 
credit & 
guarantees  Equity 
injections Tax 
incentives, 
concessions 
and 
allowances Duty-free 
inputs, free 
zones & 
offshore Other & 
unspecified 
measures Number of  
WTO 
Members2 
 
SECTOR 
        
8. Software 
development services, information and 
communica-
tions technologies related 
services (ICT), 
data processing services and telephone call 
centre 
services Canada 
Australia Turkey Panama (1
st, 2007) 
Barbados 
(2nd, 2008) 
South Africa (3
rd, 2009)22 
 
  Jamaica 
Barbados (2
nd, 2008)  
  Canada  
Egypt Korea RP Slovak Rep. Australia 
Sri Lanka 
Belize Philippines Malaysia 
Djibouti 
U.S. (8
th, 2006) 
Antigua & B. (2
nd, 2008) 
Dominica 
(2nd, 2008) 
Saint Lucia (2
nd, 2008) 
St. Vincent  
 & G. 
(2nd, 2008) 
Pakistan (3
rd, 2008) 
Brunei D. 
(2nd, 2008) 
Mauritius (3
rd, 2008) 
Barbados 
(2nd, 2008) 
Jordan (1
st, 2009) 
Fiji (2
nd, 2009) 
India 
(5th, 2011) 
Korea RP  (6
th, 2012) 
 Jamaica  
Trinidad &  
 Tobago1 
Uruguay The Gambia 
Belize 
Philippines Malaysia Djibouti   
Saint Lucia 
(2
nd, 2008) 
St. Vincent   & G. (2
nd, 2008) 
Pakistan 
(3rd, 2008) 
Brunei D. (2
nd, 2008) 
Jordan 
(1st, 2009) 
India (5
th, 2011) 
  Korea RP 
Panama (1
st, 2007) 
Pakistan (3
rd, 2008) 
Fiji 
(2nd, 2009) 
  30
 
9.  Research & 
development 
(R&D) services    Mexico  
(4th, 2008) 
Brunei D. (2
nd, 2008) 
India (5
th, 2011) 
Korea RP  
(6th, 2012) 
  Switzerland  
(5th, 2009) 
 6 
10.  
Educational services  Oman
 
(1st, 2008)   Antigua & B.  
(2nd, 2008) 
Oman 
(1st, 2008)   Oman  
(1st, 2008) 
Mozambique 
(2nd, 2009) 
India (5
th, 2011) 
 5 
11. Health 
related services Barbados
 
(2nd, 2008) 
Jordan 
(1st, 2009) 
 Oman  
(1st, 2008) 
Barbados 
(2nd, 2008)   Antigua & B.  
(2nd, 2008) 
Oman 
(1st, 2008) 
Barbados (2
nd, 2008) 
Jordan 
(1st, 2009) 
India (5
th, 2011)21 
Korea RP  (6
th, 2012) 
 Jordan  
(1st, 2009) 
 Brunei D.  
(2nd, 2008) 
Oman 
(1st, 2008) 
Mozambique (2
nd, 2009) 
India 
(5th, 2011) 
 8 S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 18 - 
 
   
MEASURE 
 
 Direct 
grants Preferential 
credit & 
guarantees  Equity 
injections Tax 
incentives, 
concessions 
and 
allowances Duty-free 
inputs, free 
zones & 
offshore Other & 
unspecified 
measures Number of  
WTO 
Members2 
 
SECTOR 
        
12. 
Construction and related engineering services U.S. 
(8
th, 2006) 
Australia Chile (3
rd, 2003) 
Barbados 
(2nd, 2008) 
Mozambique (2
nd, 2009)19 
Chile (4th, 2009)
8 & 21 
China (4
th, 2012) 
 Argentina 
Poland Chinese Taipei Barbados (2
nd, 2008)  Argentina  
Bolivia Trinidad &   Tobago Turkey 
Korea RP 
Poland India Australia 
Venezuela 
Niger Sri Lanka Burkina Faso Suriname 
Mongolia 
Djibouti U.S. (8
th, 2006) 
Barbados 
(2nd, 2008)8 
Mozambique (2
nd, 2009) 19 
 Brunei D.  
India 
Niger Burkina Faso Suriname 
Djibouti 
Mozambique (2
nd, 2009)19 
 EU-27 
(10th, 2011) 
 24 
13. 
Recreational, 
cultural and 
sporting services (including betting and 
gambling 
services) Canada 
Korea RP 
Norway 
Australia  Jamaica 
 Bolivia  
Costa Rica 
(3rd, 2007) 
Australia Niger Senegal Honduras 
Sri Lanka 
Antigua & B. (2
nd, 2008)  
St. Kitts   & Nevis 
(2
nd, 2008) 
Saint Lucia (2
nd, 2008) 
Jordan 
(1st, 2009) 
Korea RP  (6
th, 2012) 
 Bolivia  
Israel 
Niger 
Senegal Honduras Chinese Taipei Antigua & B. 
(2
nd, 2008) 
Saint Lucia (2
nd, 2008) 
St. Vincent   & G. 
(2
nd, 2008) 
Jordan (1
st, 2009) 
  19  
14. 
Telecommuni-cation services Singapore
 
Australia 
Venezuela 
El Salvador 
Canada Botswana (2
nd, 2003) 
Namibia 
(2nd, 2003) 
Chile (3
rd, 2003) 
U.S. 
(7th, 2003) 
Ghana (3
rd, 2008)6 
Oman (1
st, 2008)6 
Guatemala 
(2nd, 2009)6 
Brazil (5
th, 2009)6 
Botswana 
(3rd, 
2009)6bis 
Lesotho (3
rd. 2009)6 
 Barbados  
(2nd, 2008) 
  Venezuela  
Singapore Burkina Faso 
Korea RP 
Mongolia Paraguay Nigeria 
Philippines 
Egypt Tanzania  Trinidad &  
 Tobago1 
Mozambique 
The Gambia 
Burkina Faso Philippines Egypt 
Tanzania 
Saint Lucia (2
nd, 2008) 
 Niger 
The Gambia Iceland 
Chinese  
 Taipei Central   African  
 Republic 
(1
st, 
2007)6bis 
Mauritius (3
rd, 
2008)6bis 
Dominican  
 Republic (3
rd, 
2009)6bis 33 S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 19 - 
 
   
MEASURE 
 
 Direct 
grants Preferential 
credit & 
guarantees  Equity 
injections Tax 
incentives, 
concessions 
and 
allowances Duty-free 
inputs, free 
zones & 
offshore Other & 
unspecified 
measures Number of  
WTO 
Members2 
 
SECTOR 
        
15. 
Audiovisual services  Argentina 
Canada EC (7
th, 2004)  
Australia 
New Zealand 
The Gambia Fiji (2
nd, 2009) 
Korea RP 
(6th, 2012) 
    
 Canada  
Jamaica 
Tanzania Korea RP Singapore 
Benin 
Burkina Faso Paraguay U.S. 
(8
th, 2006) 
Mexico (4
th, 2008) 
Fiji (2
nd, 2009) 
New Zealand 
(4th, 2009) 
South Africa (3
rd, 2009) 
 Jamaica  
Tanzania 
Burundi Burkina Faso  EC (
7th, 
2004)  
Chinese   Taipei South Africa 
(3
rd, 2009) 
  20
 
16. 
Distribution 
services, trade and import/export services Australia 
Barbados 
(2
nd, 2008)  Turkey 
Brazil 
(5th, 2009)21 
Maldives (2nd, 
2009)   Trinidad  &  
 Tobago Korea RP Australia Venezuela Honduras 
Sri Lanka 
Japan Brunei D. (2
nd, 2008) 
Barbados 
(2nd, 2008) 8 
Oman (1
st, 2008) 
Korea RP (6
th, 2012)8 
 Tanzania  
El Salvador 
Honduras Bulgaria The Gambia Sri Lanka 
Chinese Taipei 
Panama (1
st, 2007)7 
Peru  (3
rd, 2007) 7 
Saint Lucia (2
nd, 2008)13 
St. Vincent   & G. (2
nd, 2008)13 
Oman (1
st, 2008) 
Guatemala (2
nd, 2009) 
India 
(5th, 2011)4 
 Thailand  
(5th, 2008)8 
Brunei D. 
(2nd, 2008) 
Maldives (2
nd, 2009) 
 
 21 
17. Real estate 
services Australia India 
  Canada  
Japan Australia Mexico (4
th, 
2008) 
Barbados (2
nd, 2008) 
 Trinidad &  
 Tobago  6  
18. Energy 
related 
services and 
other utilities related services Australia 
Turkey 
Gabon 
(2
nd, 2007)10 
Brunei D. (2
nd, 2008)15 
Madagascar 
(2nd, 2008) 15 
Maldives (2
nd, 2009) 
   Madagasca r 
Slovak Rep. 
Haiti 
Australia Sri Lanka Mongolia Nigeria 
Egypt 
China Costa Rica (3
rd, 2007) 
Cameroon 
(3rd, 2007) 
China (4
th, 2012) 
 The Gambia  
Egypt 
 Brunei D. 
India 
El Salvador 
Bulgaria U.S. (7
th, 2003) 
The Gambia 
Angola 
Bangladesh Canada Central  
 African  
 Republic (1
st, 2007)5 
Gabon (2
nd, 2007) 
Senegal 
(3rd, 2009)12 
India (5
th, 2011) 
 24 S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 20 - 
 
   
MEASURE 
 
 Direct 
grants Preferential 
credit & 
guarantees  Equity 
injections Tax 
incentives, 
concessions 
and 
allowances Duty-free 
inputs, free 
zones & 
offshore Other & 
unspecified 
measures Number of  
WTO 
Members2 
 
SECTOR 
        
19. Other o r 
unspecified services Australia 
New Zealand Turkey Tunisia Gabon 
(2
nd, 2007)12 
Pakistan 
(3rd, 2008)8 
Madagascar 
(2nd, 2008)12 
Barbados 
(2nd, 2008)16 
Jordan (1
st, 2009)12  
Dominican 
Republic (3
rd, 2009)8 
Switzerland  
(5th, 2009)12 
Mozambique (2
nd, 2009)12 
Niger (2
nd, 2009)23 
Senegal 
(3rd, 2009)23 
   Australia 
Bangladesh Turkey Czech Rep. Uganda 
Panama 
(1
st, 2007)8 
Thailand (5
th, 2008)8 
Pakistan (3
rd, 2008)8 
Mexico (4
th, 2008)8 
Brunei D. 
(2nd, 2008) 
Oman  
(1st, 2008)14 
Barbados (2
nd, 2008)8 
Dominican  
 Republic (3
rd, 2009)8 
Solomon Islands 
(2
nd, 2009) 
Brazil (5
th, 2009)21 
 
 
  Canada
 Singapore  
Korea RP 
Australia Venezuela Senegal 
Honduras 
Benin Burkina Faso Belize 
Suriname 
Jamaica Paraguay Egypt Trinidad &  
 Tobago 
Tunisia Guinea Malaysia Djibouti 
U.S. 
(8
th, 2006) 
China Uganda Costa Rica
 
(3rd, 2007) 3 
Cameroon (3
rd, 2007) 
Antigua & B. 
(2nd, 2008) 
Dominica (2
nd, 2008) 
St. Kitts   & Nevis 
(2
nd, 2008) 
Saint Lucia. (2
nd, 2008) 
St. Vincent   & G. 
(2
nd, 2008) 
Thailand (5
th, 2008)8 
Mexico 
(4th, 2008)14 
Mauritius 
(3rd, 2008) 14 
Oman (1
st, 2008) 14 
Barbados 
2nd, 2008) 
Switzerland (5
th, 2009) 
Mozambique 
(2nd, 2009)12 
Guatemala (2
nd, 2009)4 
Solomon Islands 
(2
nd, 2009) 
Singapore (6
th, 2012) 
Korea RP 
(6th, 2012)8 
 Hungary  
Singapore 
Dominica Saint Lucia St. Vincent 
 & G. 
Mauritania Burundi Senegal 
Honduras 
The Gambia Rwanda Burkina Faso Belize 
Suriname 
Jamaica  Egypt Trinidad &   Tobago 
Tunisia 
Guinea Malaysia Djibouti Chinese Taipei 
Costa Rica
4 
(3rd, 2007) 
Indonesia (5
th, 2007)4 
Peru 
(3rd, 2007) 
Saint Lucia (2
nd, 2008)13 
Thailand 
(5th, 2008) 
Madagascar (2
nd, 2008)4 
Mauritius (3
rd, 2008) 14 
Oman 
(1st, 2008) 14 
Guatemala (2
nd, 2009)4 
Morocco 
(4th, 2009)4 
Chile (4th, 2009)
4 
Maldives 
(2nd, 2009) 
India (5
th, 2011)4 
Turkey (5
th, 2012)4 
Korea RP (6
th, 2012)4 
   Brunei D. 
Czech Rep. Mauritius Slovak Rep. El Salvador 
The Gambia 
HK, China Macao,   China 
(3
rd, 2007) 
Panama (1
st, 2007)8 
Gabon (2
nd, 2007)18 
Pakistan (3
rd, 2008)8 
Mexico  
(4th, 2008)8 
& 14 
Jordan 
(1st, 2009)18 
Dominican   Republic (3
rd, 2009) 8 
EU-27 (10th, 
2011)12 & 6bis 
China (4th, 
2012)12 
 
   63
 
1 Subsidy programme envisaged. 
2 Counting multiple occurrences as one, and also th e EU-27 as one. 
3 Notably educational, scientific and technological services. 4 In the context of a special economic zone or free zone regime. Service suppliers from a range of 
sectors may qualify for benefits under a free zone re gime, provided they export services to natural 
and legal persons domiciled abroad, or provide services to industrial companies, which are 
beneficiaries of the free zone regime. Examples of services sectors ma y be, depending on the S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 21 - 
 
  Member involved: distribution/trading, logistics, warehousing, packaging, storage, inspection, 
certification, etc. Suppliers of certain services sectors may be explicitly excluded (for example, 
financial or professional services). 
5 Unspecified "public services" in the electricity and water sectors. 6 Universal service funding mechanism. 6bis Unspecified universal service funding mechanism. 7 In particular logistics and distribution services. 
8 Incentives given to micro and/or small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs and/or SMEs). 9 Intermodal transport and logistics. 10 Public services su ch as electricity. 
11 Urban transport services. 12 Universal postal services. In the case of Switzerland: subsidy covers  only the delivery of newspapers 
with subscription. 
13 Offshore (or so-called "int ernational") institutions. 
14 Notably industry supporting services such as, for example, industrial process services (services for 
the processing, transformation or repair of g oods imported temporarily)  and export services. 
15 Subsidies provided for water and energy. 16 Grants for export promotion and marketing in overseas markets. 
17 Pipeline transportation; distribution services  for water, gas, and petroleum derivatives. 
18 Postal services/dependence on government subsidies of the national post company. 19 Funding of promotional activity only. 20 Banking. 21 Support limited to specific remo te, disadvantaged or rural areas, usually (but not always) provided 
in the framework of regional development funds. 
22 Business Process Outsourcing and Offshoring (BPO and O). 
23 State aid for postal services. 24 Notably incentives for ship-repair units. 25 Airports. 26 Securities investment and fund development. 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
 S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 22 - 
 
  ANNEX 1:  LIST OF TRADE POLICY REVIEW (TPR) SECRETARIAT REPORTS REVIEWED IN 
THIS NOTE (45 IN TOTAL) 
2007  
180 Costa Rica (3rd review)   
181 Macau, China (3rd review)  
182 India (4th review) 249 India (5th review, 20 October 2011) 
183 Central African Republic  
184 Indonesia (5th review)  
185 Bahrain (2nd review)  
186 Panama (1st review)  
187 Cameroon (3rd review)  
188 Gabon (2nd review)  
189 Peru (3rd review)  
190 OECS (2nd review)  
191 Thailand (5th review)  
  
2008  
192 Turkey (4th review) 259 Turkey (5th review, 7 March 2012)  
193 Pakistan (3rd review)  
194 Ghana (3rd review)  
195 Mexico (4th review)  
196 Brunei Darussalam (2nd review)  
197 Madagascar (2nd review)  
198 Mauritius (3rd review)  
199 China (2nd review) 264 China (4th review, 20 July 2012)  
200 United States (9th review) 235 United States (10th review, 29 October 2010)  
201 Oman (1st review)  
202 Singapore (5th review) 267 Singapore (6th review, 18 October 2012)  
203 Barbados  
204 Republic of Korea (5th review) 268 Republic of Korea (6th review)  
205 Norway (5th review) 269 Norway (6th review, 13 November 2012)  
206 Jordan  
207 Dominican Republic (3rd review)  
208 Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
(5th+3rd review)  
209 Mozambique (2nd review)  
  
2009  
210 Guatemala (2nd review)  
211 Japan (9th review) 243 Japan (10th review, 2 May 2011)  
212 Brazil (5th review)  
213 Fiji (2nd review)  
214  European Communities (9th review) 248 European Union (10th review, 1 August 2011)  
215 Solomon Islands (2nd review)  
216 New Zealand (4th review)  
217 Morocco (4th review)  
218 Guyana (2nd review)  
219 Zambia (3rd review)  
220 Chile (4th review)  
221 Maldives (2nd review)  
222 SACU (3rd review)  
223 Niger and Senegal (2nd + 3rd review)  
224 Georgia (1st review)  S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 23 - 
 
  ANNEX 2: CONTENT OF INDIVIDUAL TRADE POLICY REVIEWS, BY SECTOR 
1. The content of this Annex is taken directly, with some minor editing (notably the highlighting 
of specific services sectors and/or subsidy measures involved), from individual TPR reports published since the last update of the Note in March 2007. This Annex analyses the TPR reports 
contained in documents WT/TPR/S/180 to 224, replaced by the latest available reports for those 
nine Members that have been reviewed twice during the period from April 2007 to November 2012, namely: the United States (WT/TPR/S/235, 10
th review), Japan (WT/TPR/S/243, 
10th review), the European Union (WT/TPR/S/248, 10th review), India (WT/TPR/S/235, 5th review), 
Turkey (WT/TPR/S/259, 5th review), China (WT/TPR/S/264, 4th review), Singapore 
(WT/TPR/S/267, 6th review), the Republic of Korea (WT/TPR/S/268, 6th review) and Norway 
(WT/TPR/S/235, 6th review). The list of TPR reports can be found in Annex 1. 
2. References hereafter deal with subsidy measures and programmes, past or present, usually 
for individual services sectors. Also included is information on generally-available cross-sectoral subsidies, provided the latter can also be grante d to certain services sectors or sub-sectors. 
Examples of such generally available subsidies are those awarded in the context of investment 
promotion schemes, regional development funds (to support remote/disadvantaged regions), research and development programmes, or special/free economic zones. 
3. Universal service obligations and/or funding mechanisms, typically occurring in sectors such 
as telecommunications, postal or transport services, have been included in this Note only if, according to the information available, they seemed to entail some kind of financial contribution by the state.
1 H o w e v e r ,  t h i s  d o e s  n o t  i m p l y  per se  that a subsidy is necessarily involved, as it 
depends whether a financial contribution compensates, or overcompensates, for the additional 
expenditures entailed by the provision of the universal service.2 Unfortunately, the information 
contained in TPR reports is usually not precise enough to allow an accurate determination in that 
respect. Tax and other incentives or benefits enjoyed by offshore companies have also been 
included. Finally, company-internal cross-subsidization between monopoly and market-oriented activities in sectors such as transport, telecommunications and utilities (water, energy) has not 
been included. 
                                               
1 When the universal service fund is not fi nanced by contribution s from the operators. 
2 It is to be noted that, with respect to telecommunications, currently 90 Members have undertaken 
Reference Paper obligations in their schedules that contain disciplines on the universal service measures. Paragraph 3 of the Reference Paper stipulates that: "Any Member has the right to define the kind of universal 
service obligation it wishes to maintain. Such oblig ations will not be regarded as anti-competitive per se , 
provided they are administered in a transparent, non- discriminatory and competitively neutral manner and are 
not more burdensome than necessa ry for the kind of universal se rvice defined by the Member." 
 
 S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 24 - 
 
  1  TOURISM AND TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES 
1.1  Costa Rica - WT/TPR/S/180/Rev.1 (3rd review, 2 August 2007) Pp. 64-65, para. 189 and Table III.12 
Table III.12 gives details concerning the tax incentives to promote production and investment in 
addition to those granted under Law No. 7293. […]. 
Table III.12 
Other tax incentives 
[…] 
Beneficiaries: Companies engaged in tourism  activities. 
Benefits: Vary depending on the activity: accommodation, air transport, water transport,  incoming 
travel agencies  and car rental  firms. Includes exemption from all taxes and charges applicable to the 
import or purchase in Costa Rica (with the exception of  the sales tax) of articles essential for the operation 
and establishment of hotel services; spare parts for the operation of ships; articles for construction, 
extension or modification of quays or other ports fo r tourists. Exemption from taxes and charges, with the 
exception of customs duty, for the import of public  transport vehicles with a minimum capacity of 
15 passengers and the import or purchase of vessels in Costa Rica. Supply of fuel at competitive prices for 
the air transport of passengers.  Exemption of 50% on the total amount obtained by applying the taxes 
in force on the import of motor vehicles solely intended for rental to tourists. 
Legal framework: Law No. 6990 of 15 July 1985 (Law on Incentives for Tourism Development), Decree 
No. 24836 of 5 December 1995, and Decree No. 25148 of 20 March 1996 (regulating car rental for Costa Rican and foreign tourists).  
Beneficiaries: Buyers of new vehicles  for the remunerated transport of persons by  taxi. 
Benefits: Exemption of 60% on all taxes of any kind paid in order to import or upon import. 
Legal framework: Law No. 7969 of 22 December 1999.  
[…] 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
 
P. 66, para. 192 
(b) Financing programmes and other incentives 
The tourism  sector is given non-tax incentives which include access to promotion and technical 
advice programmes and the promotion programmes of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute ( Instituto 
Costarricense de Turismo  – ICT).3 […]. 
1.2  Indonesia - WT/TPR/S/184/Rev.1 (1st review, 6 November 2007) 
P. 96, para. 82 
(iv) Tourism The Government is heavily involved  in the tourism industry. It owns the main domestic and 
international airline as well as another large airline, Merpati. It is also involved in travel agencies and local hotel groups. The Government is involved in promoting  tourism under several themes in 
parallel with the effort to improve Indonesia as th e one of the most varied destinations. As stated 
in the National Tourism Strategic Plan, the vision of stakeholders in Indonesian tourism 
                                               
3 Decree No. 25226 of 15 March 1996 (Regulation of Tourism Enterprises and Activities). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 25 - 
 
  development is to achieve a tourism capability that strengthens national identity and unity, 
increases the nation's well-being and promotes friendship among nations.4 The promotion of 
tourism is complex, involving a number of bodies and stakeholders, although the Indonesian Culture and Tourism agency has overall control. 
1.3  Panama - WT/TPR/S/186/Rev.1 (1
st review, 3 December 2007) 
P. ix, para. 20 
Panama maintains numerous incentive schemes, in addition to export subsidies, that target micro 
and small businesses, research and development  projects, as well as specific sectors such as 
agriculture, forestry, mining, and tourism.  By and large, such schemes seek to assist the 
production of goods by granting tariff or other ta x concessions. There are no estimates of the net 
benefits to the economy of these incentives. A reassessment of the nature and number of such 
schemes with a view to their possible rationalization could contribute to greater transparency and 
efficiency in their use; it might also permit the redeployment of fiscal resources towards areas such as education and infrastructure. 
P. 65, para. 221 
[…] Law No. 8 of 14 June 1994 establishes tax incentives for tourism  activities, mainly in order to 
promote foreign investment in this sector. The incentives granted include total exemption from: 
income tax for a period of 15 years; real estate tax for a period of 20 years; import duties on 
materials and furniture needed by the investment company to meet its building and equipment requirements, provided the goods are not produced in sufficient quality and quantity in Panama; taxes and fees for the use of wharves and airports built by the investment company, for a period 
of 20 years; and tax on the income that creditors can generate in tourism investment operations. 
Pp. 65-66, para. 224 
The National Strategic Plan for the Development of Science, Technology and Innovation 
2006-2010, implemented by the Government through Cabinet Resolution No. 104 of 
21 December 2005, is coordinated by the Secretaría National de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación  
(National Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat – SENACYT). This Plan structures 
SENACYT's activities, the aim of which is to su pport the development of science, technology and 
innovation for the purpose of modernizing the publ ic, private and academic sectors and increasing 
their productivity. The Plan recognizes five core sectors for innovation and technological modernization in the private sector: intermodal transport and logistics, information technology, 
biosciences,  tourism,  and agro-industry.
5 The main action taken within the context of the Plan 
includes: establishing funds, open to competitive bidding, for promoting research, development and innovation; the implementation of innovation and technological modernization projects in 
priority areas; the strengthening of conglomerates; and innovation capacity-building at enterprise 
level. 
                                               
4 The plan recognizes that tourism is also a source of  increasing stress on frag ile ecosystems and culture 
environment because it concentrates on vulnerable natu ral and cultural sites. Fo r the last few years, the 
development of cultural tourism in Indonesia has focused away from the mass tourism approach to the special interest approach, which generally involves "three pillars of sustainability": ecologically and environmentally friendly, socio-culturally friendly, and economically efficient. 
5 Cabinet Resolution No. 11 of 2 February 2007 establishing and adopting the National Strategic Plan for 
the Development of Science, Technology and Innovation 2006-2010. Available for consultation at: 
http://www.senacyt.gob.pa/media/documentosDireccio nGestion/Plan%20Estrategico%20actualizacion%20200
7.pdf S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 26 - 
 
  1.4  Cameroon - WT/TPR/S/187/Rev.1 (3rd review, 5 December 2007) 
P. 97, para. 118 
(iii) Tourism The Investment Charter allows general tax incentiv es to be agreed upon to attract investment 
(both national and foreign). According to the authorities, specific measures for tourism have not 
yet been adopted. […]. 
1.5  Gabon - WT/TPR/S/188/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 5 December 2007) 
P. 51, para. 4 
Gabon has an under-exploited potential for the provision of services. It is hoped to develop 
ecotourism in order to profit from the extraordinary wealth of fauna and flora to be found in Gabon's forests. In 2002, the State established a network of national parks and protected areas, 
and Gabon is, after Costa Rica, the country that has protected the largest percentage of its 
territory. Hotel infrastructure development  is subsidized , but the sites are poorly served by 
the transport services and there are few good roads. […]. 
P. 68, para. 67 and Table IV.7 
[…] Under the National Investment Charter (Cha pter II(4)), the Government has introduced fiscal 
and customs measures to encourage large-scale hotel investments6, in excess of 
CFAF 1.8 billion7, as well as smaller investments (Table IV.7).8 In return, tourism enterprises and 
those participating exclusively in an approved project undertake to give priority to recruiting Gabonese workers and to comply with environmental protection standards. 
                                               
6 Ordinance No. 02/2000 of 12 February 2000. In particular, exemption from corporation tax during the 
implementation of the project and the first eight years of operation; exemption from corporation tax on half 
the taxable profits for the next eight years; exemptio n from property tax on new buildings for ten years; 
exemption from business license fees for the first five years of operatio n; a ten-year exemption from customs 
duties and import taxes on new equi pment, tools, capital goods, and means of transport used for tourism 
purposes; and exemption from VAT on capital goods and personalized su pplies for approved  tourist hotel 
enterprises (Article 166, General Code of Direct and Indirect Taxes (January 2007 edition)). 
7 Article 12, Rectified Finance Law 2002. 
8 Income tax credit corresponding to 5% of the amount , excluding tax, of the investment for a period of 
five years (Article 10, Finance Law 2003). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 27 - 
 
  Table IV.7 
Fiscal and customs incentives for investment in tourism, June 2007 
Conditions of approval: 
The construction and/or equipping of tourist accommodation, facilities on tourist sites, tourism promotion  
and transport facilities, facilities for the operat ion of pleasure craft, and extensions thereto. 
Fiscal and customs concessions for investments in excess of CFAF 1.8 billion: 
Exemption from corporation tax (IS) or personal inco me tax during the period of construction of the  
project and the eight years of operation following comple tion of construction of the approved project, and  
a 50% reduction on the corresponding taxable profit s during the eight years following the end of the  
exemption period; 
Carry-over of losses recorded during  the exemption period to set agai nst profits made during the first  
three years of operation of the project; 
Exemption from withholding tax for payments made during the period of construction of the project and  
the first ten years of operation; Exemption from the payment of business lice nce fees for a period of five years; 
Ten-year exemption from property tax for new constr uction, and progressive application of the tax over
 
four years (20, 40, 60, and 80%); 
Exemption from customs duties and taxes on (new) plant and equipment for a period of ten years; 
Exemption from VAT on capital goods and personalized  supplies for approved tourist hotel enterprises. 
Fiscal and customs concessions for investments of less than CFAF 1.8 billion: 
Income tax credit corresponding to 5% of the amount  of the investment, excluding tax, for five years.  
Source: Ordinance No. 2/2000 of 12 October 2000, General Code of Direct and Indirect Taxes (January 2007 
edition). 
 
1.6  Peru - WT/TPR/S/189/Rev.1 (3rd review, 17 December 2007) 
P. 56, para. 194 
The Law for Investment Promotion in the Amazon Region (Law No. 27037) provides tax benefits  
in the form of reductions or exemptions  from income tax and general sales tax for firms in 
various departments engaging in […] and tourism,  among others. The benefits include a reduction 
of income tax to either 10 or 5%; exemption from that tax and other partial or complete exemptions from indirect taxes, as well as from other levies such as the special tax on net assets or municipal taxes. 
1.7  Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) - WTO Members
9 
1.7.1  Antigua and Barbuda  WT/TPR/S/190/ATG/Rev.1 (2nd review, 18 April 2008) 
P. 28, paras. 130-131 
(ii) Incentives and assistance The Government offers numerous concessions to investors, particularly if the investment is 
substantial. The main objectives are to promote investment in the country and develop domestic 
capacity in business, and to facilitate the establishment of investment. Decisions on the granting of 
concessions are made by Cabinet, based on criteria laid out in the various incentives laws (see below). 
Current legislation on incentives includes the Aid to Pioneer Industries Act, the Fiscal Incentives 
Act and a number of sector-specific incentives schemes, in particular for tourism , for example the 
Hotel Aid Act (Cap 204) (Chapter IV(3)(vi)). 
                                               
9 OECS Members: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Gren ada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Saint 
Vincent and the Grenadines. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 28 - 
 
  P. 43, paras. 223-224 
(vi) Tourism 
Antigua and Barbuda offers a variety of tax incentives  to domestic and foreign property 
developers. According to the authorities, no fi gures are available on the revenue forgone as 
a result of the benefits provided. Under the Hotel Aid Act 195210, developers may import building 
materials and equipment duty free , or drawback customs duties already paid, subject to obtaining 
a license from the Cabinet. Unde r Income Tax (Amendment) Act No. 4 of 2003, new hotels and the 
expansion of existing ones after January 2003, are eligible for relief from corporate income tax  
for seven to 25 years, depending on the number of new rooms created.11 
In 2005, to encourage development of accommodation for the Cricket World Cup, tax 
concessions  were granted for building new and renovating existing tourist accommodation. These 
concessions included income tax holidays of up to 25 years depending on the number of rooms; 
relief on stamp duty on transfer of land, property , and non-citizens' landholding license fees, based 
on the number of rooms; a percentage tax credit for financial institutions, based on the size of the 
investment; a waiver of custom duty  and consumption tax on imports of building materials and 
equipment; and the right to tax-free repatriation of capital, royalties, dividends, and profits.12 
Incentives may also be granted under project-specific legislation. 
1.7.2  Dominica WT/TPR/S/190/DMA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 18 April 2008) 
P. 10, paras. 40 and 42 
[…] The Government's strategy for the past 20 plus years has been attracting foreign investors by 
offering various incentive schemes;  […]. 
Incentive regimes for foreign investors are governed chiefly by Fiscal Incentives Act, No. 42 of 
1973 (as amended), Hotel Aids Act Cap 85, Vol. 4 of the Revised Laws of Dominica, the Income 
Tax Act, Cap 61, Vol. 1 of the Revised Laws, and Value Added Tax Act No. 7 of 2005 
(see Chapter III(3)(ii)). Although the Government places particular emphasis on tourism,  […] and 
information technology,  investment in any other sector  of economic activity is welcome and 
may be eligible for incentives if the proposed investment meets policy and legislative 
requirements. Horizontal incentives for foreign investors are also in place with respect to 
exemptions from foreign exchange remittance limitations under the Foreign Exchange Control Act. 
P. 18, para. 80 
(c) Tariff and tax concessions 
Two of Dominica's incentives schemes also grant import duty concessions and exemptions  for 
imports of goods to be used in approved industries. Fiscal Incentives Act No. 42 of 1974 (as amended) provides import duty relief on raw materials and inputs, materials, tools, plant, 
machinery and building materials, and the Hotel  Aid Act, as amended by Hotel (Amendments) Aid 
Act No. 21 of 1991 provides for the duty-free importation  of building materials and articles of 
hotel equipment for the construction or equipment of hotels. 
P. 30, para. 137  
(ii) Incentives and assistance 
Under Fiscal Incentives Act No. 42 of 1973 as am ended by Act No. 3 of 1992 and Act No. 3 of 
1994, a tax holiday of up to 15 years  may be granted for the manufacture of approved products 
by approved enterprises […]. Among the Government's favoured sectors are hotels and ancillary 
                                               
10 Hotel Aid Act 1952 (as amended). Viewed at: http://www.laws.gov.ag/acts/chapters/cap-204.pdf . 
11 Income Tax (Amendment) Act 2003. Viewed at: http://www.laws.gov.ag/acts/2003/a2003-4.pdf . 
Prior to the 2003 amendment to the Income Tax Act, income tax relief granted for the construction and 
development of hotels was granted under the Hotel Aid Act. 
12 The Cricket World Cup Projects (Incentives) Act, 2005. Viewed at: http://www.laws.gov.ag/acts/ 
2005/a2005-20.pdf . S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 29 - 
 
  services,  […], information and communication technology,  and any other sector  that has 
the potential to provide employment. 
P. 48, para. 242 
(v) Tourism 
Under the Hotels  Aid Act (1991) and the Fiscal Incentives Act, the Minister responsible for tourism 
may grant licences to investors constructing hotels (of not less than five bedrooms) to import building materials and articles of hotel equipment free of all customs duties.  […] Under the 
Income Tax Act, No.37, 1982, as amended by Act No. 12 of 1997, income tax exemptions  are 
available to property developers for the construc tion and extension of hotels; this tax relief is 
available for a maximum of 20 years. […]. 
1.7.3  Grenada WT/TPR/S/190/GRD/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 21 April 2008) 
P. 50, para. 244 
(vi) Tourism 
Grenada offers fiscal incentives  to encourage the development or renovation of hotels  of 
ten rooms or more. Under the Hotels Aid Act of 195 4, goods for the construction and equipment of 
hotels, with a minimum of ten rooms, may be imported duty free.  […] The Hotels Aid Act, and the 
duty relief offered under the Act in its current form, pertains only to hotels and is unclear with 
respect to villa-style developments, which are the current trend. This has led to the uneven 
application of tax incentives and a case-by-case approach.13 
1.7.4  Saint Kitts and Nevis WT/TPR/S/190/KNA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 21 April 2008) 
P. 8, para. 36 
[…] In order to attract foreign investment, the Government offers a range of incentives  to 
potential investors, particularly in the areas of tourism  and hotel accommodation , and […]. 
Fiscal incentives for foreign investment are gr anted under the Fiscal Incentives Act of 1974 and 
also available under different acts for investment in the tourism  sector (Chapter III(3)(ii)). […]. 
P. 15, para. 71 
[…] The Fiscal Incentives Act of 1974 provides  import duty relief  on raw materials and inputs, 
materials, tools, plant, machinery, and building materials. The Hotels Aid Act,  as amended by the 
Hotels Aid (Amendment) Act (1998), provides for duty-free imports of building materials and 
articles of hotel equipment for the construction or equipment of hotels. […]. 
P. 23, paras. 115 and 118 
St. Kitts and Nevis employs incentives schemes  in order to attract investment, encourage new 
employment opportunities, and promote diversific ation of the economy. […]. The incentives 
available are generally holidays on income tax an d profits, and import duty exemptions. […]. 
There are sector-specific incentives for tourism , as included in the Income Tax Act No. 17 of 
1966; and the Hotels Aid  (Amendment) Act (1998); (Chapter IV(3)(vi)). Tax waivers are also 
granted on a case-by-case basis to foreign investors for the construction of infrastructure, with 
preference given to the construction of hotels, casinos,  and villas. These incentives are decided by 
Cabinet […]. 
                                               
13 OECD (2006). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 30 - 
 
  1.7.5  Saint Lucia WT/TPR/S/190/LCA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 21 April 2008) 
P. 9, para. 38 
The Government has identified information technology,  […], hotel development,  […], and 
financial services  as priorities for expansion and investment. Incentives  to potential investors 
are offered through tax holidays and other tax concessions (see Chapter III(3)(ii)). […]. 
P. 17, para. 70 
The Government used tax and tariff concessions  a s  a n  i n s t r u m e n t  t o  h e l p  p r e p a r e  f o r  t h e  
2007 Cricket World Cup. Various forms of tax relief were granted under laws such as the Cricket 
World Cup (Tourism Accommodation) Incentives Act No. 6 of 2005, and the Cricket World Cup (Tourism Accommodation) Incentives (Amendment) Act No. 27 of 2006, among others. 
P. 30, para. 124 
The Special Development Areas Act No. 2 of 1998 […] offers special incentives to investors 
carrying out or financing development activities in  the less developed areas. Qualifying activities 
include the development of conference centres,  residential complexes, and commercial or 
industrial buildings; the improvement or expansion of tourism -related services; […]. Incentives 
available include exemption from income tax on interest received in respect of a loan to an approved developer, and exemptions from th e payment of import duty, stamp duty, and 
consumption tax on inputs for construction or renovation. […]. 
p. 49, para. 214 
(v) Tourism  
Under the Tourism Incentives  Act No. 7 of 1996, corporation tax exemptions for up to 15 years 
may be granted for approved tourism products by the Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, with 
the approval of the Cabinet.14 The Minister may also grant investors a permit to import specified 
building materials, articles or equipment free of  customs duty  and consumption tax, or 
drawback on duties already paid.15 
1.7.6  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines WT/TPR/S/190/VCT/Rev.1 (2nd review, 
21 April 2008) 
P. 24, para. 110 
National Investment Promotion Incorporated (NIPI) (Chapter II) acts as an export and investment 
promotion agency. […]. The five priority  sectors identified by the NES are: tourism;  information 
communication technology  (e.g. improved connectivity); […] and creative industries 
(e.g. music). Among the activities that may be called fo r in the NES are trade fairs, a website, 
and national branding. Two legislative proposals that are in the early stages of development would provide support for these activities: a Small Bu siness Development Bill 2007, and an Information 
and Communication Technology Services  Investment Incentives Bill, 2007. 
P. 27, para. 122 
[…] Incentives are granted under Fiscal Incentives Act No. 5 of 1982, and under Hotels  Aid Act 
(Cap 339 and 340 of the Laws of St. Vincen t and the Grenadines, Revised Edition, 1990), 
(see Chapter IV). 
                                               
14 According to the authorities, approved tourism prod ucts include any service or facility considered to 
be a tourism project such as hote ls, restaurants and refurbishments. 
15 Organization of American States (OAS) online information. Viewed at: http://www.oas.org/ 
TOURISM/incentives/st-lucia.rtf . S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 31 - 
 
  Pp. 45-46, para. 236 
(vi) Tourism 
Tourism development is one of the priority areas in which the Government is encouraging 
investment.16 Under Hotels Aid Act No. 16 of 1988, tax concessions  include the waiver or 
drawback of customs duties and consumption taxes on imports of building materials and 
equipment as well as advertising and promotional material related to the tourist industry. Between 2001 and 2006, total revenue forgone as a result of customs duty relief under the Hotel Aid Act 
was EC$1.6 million. Over the same period, an additional EC$751,000 of revenue was forgone as 
a result of other tax relief for purposes connected with tourism. Income tax holidays are available for the development of new hotels and apartment-hotels (of not less than five rooms for citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and not less than ten rooms for other persons) or for 
improvement and expansion. […]. The income tax holiday is for nine to 15 years, depending on the 
number of rooms created. […]. 
1.8  Thailand - WT/TPR/S/191/Rev.1 (5
th review, 6 February 2008) 
P. 132, paras. 110-111 
(vi) Tourism 
[…] The Board of Investment offers tax and other inve stment incentives  for hotels  with more 
than 100 rooms. However, firms located in zones 1 and 2 will receive only non-tax incentives, 
while those located in zone 3, except 18 least deve loped provinces, will receive only import duty 
exemption on machinery. These incentives are gr anted to both domestic and foreign investors. 
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), a state agency, handles tourism promotion.17 Its 
Thailand Tourism Promotion Policies for 2003-2006 include five main objectives: to promote  
tourism as a major instrument for improving the economy; to promote and develop proactive 
marketing operations; to promote cooperation with all parties both domestic and international in 
tourist market promotion and development; to strive for organizational, management, and personnel skills; and to accelerate the development of an information technology system that 
facilitates e-tourism.
18 
1.9  Ghana - WT/TPR/S/194/Rev.1 (3rd review, 7 May 2008) 
P. 65, para. 113 
(v) Tourism 
Hotels, guest houses, and other accommodation establishments and tour operators licensed by the 
Ghana Tourist Board are eligible for certain tariff and tax concessions.  As decided by the Ghana 
Investment Promotion Centre in June 2005, tariff and VAT exemptions  are granted on, 
inter alia , imports of capital and office equipment, furniture, and passenger vehicles. In addition, 
hotels that have between two and five stars are exempt from corporate tax  for five years. 
                                               
16 NIPI (2007). 
17 WTO (2003). 
18 Tourism Authority of Thailand (2006). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 32 - 
 
  1.10  Brunei Darussalam - WT/TPR/S/196/Rev.1 (2nd review, 4 June 2008) 
P. 31, Box II.2 
Box II.2: Brunei Economic Development Boar d's economic diversification strategy 
The Brunei Economic Development Board's (BEDB) economic diversification strategy is designed to create 
long-term business and employment opportunities for Bruneians. It is currently focusing on developing 
downstream oil and gas industries, particularly on it s Sungai Liang Industrial Park (SPARK) and planning 
the development of a globally competitive port on Pu lau Muara Besar, supported by an export processing 
zone for logistics, distribution and light to medium manufacturing industries. In addition to industrial site 
development, in 2003 the BEDB sponsored a study to identify industry clusters with the potential for growth. Subsequently, four industry  clusters were prioritized: transportation and logistics; business 
services; financial services; and  hospitality and tourism.  The BEDB collaborates with various lead 
agencies to develop these clusters. 
The BEDB's main objectives are to: stimulate the gr owth and development of the economy by promoting 
Brunei Darussalam as an investment destination; develop plans to attract foreign and local investment in industries and skill-intensive services that enjoy good  export-market prospects; promote and assist in the 
development of industrial activities; encourage foreign and local industries to invest in new technology, automation, training, research, and product development acti vities; and support the development of local 
entrepreneurs and SMEs. 
[…] 
Source:  Authorities of Brunei Darussalam. 
 
Pp. 57-58, paras. 86 and 88 
(d) Assistance for small- and medium-sized enterprises  
As part of its efforts to increase private sector participation in the economy, the Government has 
continued to encourage the development of small- and medium-sized  enterprises (SMEs),  
which make up 98% of enterprises in the country and account for 58% of Brunei's total employment in the private sector. Financial assistance  for SMEs consists of the Enterprise 
Facilitation Scheme (EFS), a financing scheme  developed by the Enterprise Development Centre 
in the MIPR, and the Micro-credit Financing Scheme  (MFS); the EFS and MFS provide maximum 
loans  per enterprise of B$1.5 million and B$30,000, respectively. Under the EFS, priority is given 
to enterprises operating […] as well as operators of tourism  activities in Brunei. […]. The loans  
are at a favourable rate of interest of 4%, repayable over seven years for EFS projects and 
four years for MFS loans.  
The Government is taking a "proactive" approach to diversifying the country's sources of economic 
growth and creating opportunities for SMEs. As noted in the previous chapter, the Brunei Economic 
Development Board (BEDB), formed in 2001, aims to attract FDI and promote joint ventures – targeting US$4.5 billion in new investment and at least 6,000 new permanent jobs by 2008. BEDB 
has a two-prong strategy: to develop a number of industry clusters, including tourism, 
transportation and logistics, and financial services; and to develop a port and industrial complex at Pulau Muara Besar […]. 
1.11  Madagascar - WT/TPR/S/197/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 28 May 2008) 
P. 73, para. 85 
(ii) Tourism 
[…] Having identified them as having considerable development potential, the World Bank's IGP 
project has identified three priority zones for development, including two devoted to tourism  […]. 
In 2003, a master plan for tourism in Madagascar, incorporating sustainable management, was adopted. In order to encourage the development of  eco-tourism, tourism land reserves have been S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
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  set up (Isalo is the first, eight others are set up and more are being established).19 In order to 
facilitate access to land by foreign investors (Chapter II(4)), the land is bought by the Ministry 
in charge of tourism and becomes the subjec t of an international invitation to tender20; 
investment in this subsector is subject to the ordinary law regime, but foreign promoters may 
utilize the services of the GUIDE when setti ng up their businesses (Chapter II(4)). […].  
1.12  Mauritius - WT/TPR/S/198/Rev.1 (3rd review,) 
P. 63, para. 105 
(v) Export promotion and assistance The Government has also set up an SME Partnership Fund  of MUR 200 million to promote the 
creation, restructuring, and consolidation of SMEs. It aims to, among other things, improve exporters' international connections, through joint development of Mauritius's country brand. It 
invests in productive sectors, such as industry, industry supporting services,  agri-industry, 
tourism.  Its main goals include moving industries from production-push to a market-driven 
approach, helping develop sector strategies, an d generally improving the business environment. 
Pp. 110-111, paras. 146-148 
(iv) Tourism 
Mauritius expects tourism to remain a strong growth pillar of its economy […]. Low-impact and 
high-spending tourism has been further promoted through the "low-density and low-rise" hotel 
development policy and the priority given to hotel projects of the highest standards (the 4- and 5-
star categories). It is to achieve this objective by, inter alia , further broadening and diversifying 
the tourist product portfolio by promoting eco-tourism  and cultural tourism, as well as leisure and 
recreational activities. The Government also intends to develop Mauritius as a duty-free 
shopping destination  (Chapter III(ii)). All this is to be accompanied by continuous liberalization 
of air traffic (including further relaxing its non-charter policy) (section (iii)(b) above). In addition, 
Cabinet agreed in 2005 to open up inbound tour operator services to foreign investors and 
promoters. Mauritius also intends to position itself as a potential cruise hub. Currently, a cruise jetty (the first) is being constructed and is expected to be completed by end 2007.
21  
The 2007/08 Budget introduced several measures, including setting up Events Mauritius 
Limited,  which will organize special activities to enhance the image of Mauritius as a destination; 
earmarking MUR 300 million for the Mauritius Tourism Promotion  Authority (MTPA) (see below); 
and MUR 35 million for the branding exercise, visi bility campaign, investing in the upgrading and 
rehabilitation of historical sites and infrastructure. All these measures are to be capped by 
a Tourism Strategy to be developed by March 2008. 
Fiscal incentives  (duty and tax concessions and rebates)  granted to hotel  promoters during 
the period under review were revised by the Finance Act 2006, through the abolition of the Hotel 
Management Services Scheme, and the Hotel Deve lopment Scheme (Table AIII.2), as part of 
government efforts to reform the investment re gime (Chapter II(5)). Currently, two incentive 
schemes benefit the tourism subsector: the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS)22, introduced in 2002 
to encourage the purchase of luxury villas by non-residents; and the Real Estate Scheme (RES)23, 
introduced in 2007, to create opportunities for small landowners to participate in real estate development. The schemes are grouped together under the label of Real Estate Development 
                                               
19 Ministry of the Econom y, Trade and Industry, " Madagascar, une île paradisiaque, offre à tous les 
investisseurs qui veulent entrer dans le tourisme, une grande opportunité " (Madagascar, a paradise island, 
offers all investors in to urism a great opportunity) http://www.meci.gov.mg/index.php? 
option=com_content&task= blogcategory&id=106&Itemid=282  [3 January 2008]. 
20 Consulted at: http://www.tourisme.gov.mg/ . 
21 MPA online information, "Strategy & Port Development". Viewed at: 
http://www.mauport.com/strategy . 
22 The Scheme was introduced by the Investment Promotion (Integrated Reso rt Scheme) Regulations 
2002, which were replaced in November 2007 by the Investment Promotion (Real Estate Development 
Scheme) Regulations 2007. 
23 The Investment Promotion (Real Estate Development Scheme) Regulations 2007. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 34 - 
 
  Schemes (REDS). Concessionary interest rates on loans for the construction  or upgrading of 
hotel facilities are offered to SMEs by  the Development Bank of Mauritius. 
1.13  Oman - WT/TPR/S/201/Rev.1 (1st review, 5 August 2008) 
P. 38, paras. 69-71 
(i) Incentives Oman offers various investment incentives to national and foreign investors. Their purpose is to 
encourage investments, in order to promote the country's development objectives, including the 
regional development programme; and introduce new industries, products, and technologies.
24 
 
In addition to import duty concessions (section (2)(iv)(d) above), other general incentives  
available, to national and foreign investors include: exemption from tax on profits  for five years 
(renewable for another five years); long-term use of land at favourable rates25; subsidized 
electricity, water, and natural gas  for production26; and soft loans  for up to ten years, with 
a moratorium period of up to three years, at a subsidized interest rate.  Both new and expansion 
projects in […] tourism, education,  and health  are eligible for soft loans provided by the Oman 
Development Bank (ODB). 
The ODB, 100% government-owned, is Oman's primary financial development institution.27 It 
grants soft loans  to all projects. The loans must not exce ed 100% of the paid-up capital of the 
project if it is located in the Muscat area (except Quriyat), and 130% of the capital if it is outside. In all cases, the maximum loan is RO 1 million, for a period of up to ten years. ODB charges an interest rate of 9% per year (6% is subsidized by the government and 3% is payable by the 
borrower), with flexible grace periods (of up to two years) and repayment terms (of up to 
ten years). 
P. 63, para. 70 
The two state-owned specialized banks, Oman Ho using Bank (OHB) and Oman Development Bank 
(ODB), have been in operation since 1977. OHB provides finance mainly through long-term soft housing loans. ODB is principally engaged in providing loans to development projects in key 
activities, such as […] health, tourism  […]. The interest rate on loans and advances charged by 
ODB is subsidized by the Government (Chapter III (3)(iv) and ((4)(i)).
28 ODB also acts as agent on 
behalf of the Government in terms of: (i) distribution and collection of public soft loans; (ii) disbursement of amounts from the Agriculture and Fisheries Development Fund; and (iii) 
disbursement and collection of SANAD Fund loans.
29 
                                               
24 Ministry of Commerce and Industry  online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.brunet.bn/php/kharti/invest1.htm . 
25 Oman offers land in the four industrial estates of Rusayl, Rays ut, Sohar, and Nizwa at RO 0.25 
per square meter/year for the first fi ve years, and thereafter at RO 0.5 per square meter/year. The land is 
initially leased for 25 years, renewable up to 99 years on completion of the initial lease period. The maximum 
size of a plot in the industrial estates is 4,500 square  meters. If a bigger area is required, adjoining plots can 
be leased together (Ministry of Commerce an d Industry online info rmation. Viewed at: 
http://www.brunet.bn/php/kharti/invest2.htm ). 
26 Electricity for industrial purposes is charged at  RO 0.024 per kWh from May to August, and RO 0.012 
per kWh from September to April; water costs RO 0.003 per gallon; and the price of natural gas is RO 0.0205 per cubic meter (Ministry of Commerce and Industry online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.brunet.bn/php/kharti/invest2.htm ). 
27 The ODB was established in April 1997 as a public  joint-stock company by merging the Development 
Bank of Oman (founded in 1979), and Oman Agricultur e and Fisheries Bank (founded in 1981). In March 2006, 
ODB became a Société Anonyme  through Sultani Decree No. 18/2006 (ODB online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.odboman.net/history.htm ). 
28 In 2006, new financial lending limits were introduced allowing ODB to grant soft loans for up to 
RO 1 million for a single project at an interest rate  of 3% per year. The maximum limit on soft loans is 
RO 3 million to joint-stock companies that have o ffered 40% of their shares for public subscription. 
29 The SANAD Fund, inter alia , supports work seekers (vocational and craftsmen) by establishing 
individual and family self-employment projects (Ministry of Information online information. Viewed at: http://www.omanet.om/english/misc/omanise2.asp ). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 35 - 
 
  P. 73, para. 116 
(v) Tourism 
The Government is active in the tourism subsector, including financing  new and expansion 
projects through soft loans  (Chapter III(4)(i)). According to the authorities, the Government 
grants tourism-related investment incentives  following a feasibility study, and provided the 
project is in line with the overall vision of the count ry. Although there is no official taxation system 
for the subsector, all hotel bills include a 4% tourism tax and a 5% municipality tax. 
1.14  Barbados - WT/TPR/S/203/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 December 2008) 
P. 14, para. 19 
Investors (including foreign) may benefit from a number of incentives  administered by the 
Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and Energy and the Ministry of Tourism , in coordination with 
Invest Barbados (the BIDC, prior to 2008) (Chapter III(4)(ii)).30 
P. 42, para. 98 
(iv) Duty and tax concessions, including subsidies 
Tax and duty concessions are also granted in support of exports of services  under the Hotel Aids 
Act and other legislation in favour of the tourism industry (Chapter IV(4)(v)). There are no foreign 
trade zones or free ports in Barbados. 
P. 44, para. 113 and pp. 45-46, paras. 116-118 
(ii) Incentives and other government assistance 
The Government of Barbados administers a number of incentives schemes,  particularly tax 
incentives  and, to a lesser extent, financial assistance.  Some schemes are destined mainly to 
exporting industries (Chapter III(3)), but others are targeted also or mainly at domestic 
companies supplying the domestic or regional market s. Assistance is available to companies in an 
array of sectors, from agri-food and manufacturing to tourism  and financial services. 
Under the Small Business Development Act of 1999, companies whose business is deemed to be of 
significant socioeconomic benefit to Barbados are entitled to a number of benefits. These include: an exemption from withholding tax  on dividends and interest earned on investment by small 
businesses; exemption from import duty  on plant and equipment imported for use in the 
business; exemption from withholding tax  on dividends and interest earned on investment in 
an approved small business or in any fund approved for investment in small businesses; exemption from stamp duty ; and a deduction of corporation tax  of an amount equal to 20% 
of actual expenditure in respect of the use of te chnology, market research, and any other activity 
that is, in the opinion of the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, directly related to the development of the business. Approved small businesses may also receive technical assistance to start, continue 
or expand operations. Revenue forgone under the Small Business Development Act of 1999 during 
2002-06 totalled BDS$1.32 million. 
Potential beneficiaries may be active in: agriculture, forestry, and related activities; fishing; 
manufacturing; construction; and a number of service  activities, including entertainment, 
financial services, health care,  hotel, restaurants, tourism, personal care services, real estate, 
transport, storage and communication services, wholesale and retail trade.  
Additionally, an approved small business may apply for loan guarantee cover under the Credit 
Guarantee Scheme  through any commercial bank or financial institution with access to the 
                                               
30 Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs an d Energy online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.bidc.com/barbados_link.cfm?WebLink=27 . S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 36 - 
 
  Scheme.31 The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Small Busi nesses is sponsored by the Central Bank of 
Barbados.32 The scheme is designed to offer protecti on to commercial banks and other credit 
institutions approved by the Central Bank against insolvency and other possible losses in respect of the credit granted to small enterprises. […]. During 2002-07, 73 businesses were able to access 
guarantees totalling BDS$4 million under this scheme. 
Pp. 75-76, paras. 103-106 
(v) Tourism 
The Government of Barbados offers a number of tax incentives  to the tourism industry. These 
fall mainly under the legislative framework of the Tourism Development Act Cap. 341 which replaces the Hotels Aid Act (1956), but also under the Special Development Areas Act (see below). Total revenue forgone as a result of these pr ogrammes amounted to BDS$16.7 million in 2007 
(around US$8.4 million); and BDS$17.3 million in 2006 (US$8.7 million). 
The Tourism Development Act Cap 341 (2002) widened the application of tax incentives to include 
not only tourist accommodation,  but also restaurants, recreational facilities, 
tourism-related services, cultural  and natural sites,  and any other tourism project.  These 
tax incentives include customs duty exemptions  for the import of building materials and a range 
of furniture and fixtures.
33 Owners or operators of tourism products are eligible for various income 
tax concessions  and are exempted from import duties, VAT and the environmental levy. 
Investors (persons providing loans, other than commercial banks) are eligible for an investment tax credit to be offset against tax payable. Investors also enjoy exemption from income tax. […]. The authorities note that terms and conditions attached to tax concessions do not include 
requirements to employ Barbadian nationals. 
Under the Special Development Areas Act, developers involved in constructing, renovating or 
refurbishing buildings  related to certain tourism activities in specific areas of the country are 
eligible to be exempt from certain taxes. Tax exemptions  relate to the payment of import duties, 
the environmental levy and VAT on inputs for building works. Investors making loans for such projects are also exempt from income tax on the interest received. 
The Enterprise Growth Fund Limited provides funding for certain small-scale tourism projects  
through the Small Hotels Investment Fund (SHIF) , and the Tourism Loan Fund. Through the SHIF, 
the Small Hotels of Barbados Inc. and its members may apply for loans  to assist with marketing, 
management, procurement of joint services and refurbishment. The repayment period is ten years 
at a 5% interest rate. One-quarter of the initial funding for the SHIF was provided by the 
Government (BDS$5 million), and the rest was raised by the private sector. Through the Tourism Loan Fund, loans are provided for refurbishing and upgrading hotels of 75 rooms or less and 
facilities for historical, cultural, and natural heritage attractions. The interest rate is 5.5%. The 
Government set up this fund with an initia l contribution of BDS$30million (US$15 million).
34 The 
authorities confirm that funding is available equally to citizens, residents, and foreigners. 
1.15  Jordan - WT/TPR/S/206/Rev.1 (1st review, 27 January 2009) 
P. 45, para. 100 
Under Article 13D, investments in industrial, commercial,  and services  projects established in 
the free zones  enjoy: (i) exemption from income taxes of the project's profits on goods exported 
outside the Kingdom, transit trade, and sales or transfers of goods within the free zone; profits 
from sales of goods on the domestic market are excluded from the exemption; (ii) exemption from  
income and social services taxes on salaries to non-Jordanian employees; (iii) exemption from 
customs duties and other taxes and fees (except service and rental charges) for goods imported 
                                               
31 Beneficiaries must be incorporated under the Co mpanies Act and approved as a small business in 
accordance with the Small Business Development Act, or meet some eligibility criteria, including: sales not over BD$2 million, and paid capital not over BD $1 million, and be majo rity Barbadian-owned. 
32 Central Bank of Barbados (2008). 
33 The list of furniture and fixtures that may be impo rted duty free is listed in the Second Schedule to 
the Act. 
34 Enterprise Growth Fund Limited online information. Viewed at: http://egfl.bb . S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 37 - 
 
  into or exported from the free zone; (iv) exempt ion from licensing fees and urban property taxes 
for construction projects; and (v) exemption from customs duties on goods produced in the free 
zone and offered for sale in the domestic market: the exemption is limited to the cost of materials 
and manufacturing expenses, provided this value is approved by the Free Zone Committee . 
P. 46, paras. 104 and 108 
(b) Aqaba Special Economic Zone 
The Aqaba Special Economic Zone was launched in 2001 as a duty-free, low-tax, development 
zone, to serve as a model for sustainable development and to position Jordan as a leading 
business hub and tourism  destination in the region. The zone spreads over 375 square kilometres 
and Jordan's entire coast line of 27 km. […]. 
The Aqaba Development Corporation was established in 2004 as the investment arm of the ASEZA 
and is responsible for developing assets, infrastructure, and utilities within the economic zone, 
including the port of Aqaba and the city's international airport. The backbone of the zone is services, notably tourism, trade, and logistics services; its industrial base is small. […]. 
P. 47, paras. 113-115  
(4) M EASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(i) Incentives 
[…] Investments along the shores of the Dead Sea and 5km inland are classified as zone A for the 
hotel  subsector, with 25% exemptions. […]. The exemptions may rise to 100% in certain areas, 
subject to approval by the Council of Ministers.35 The exemption period is ten years but can be 
extended. 
The following components of investments are exempt from customs duties, sales tax, and 
other fees and charges,  with the exception of municipal fees and taxes (Articles 2 and 6): 
imports of fixed assets (for 3 years)36; imports of spare parts up to 15% of the import value of the 
fixed assets (for 10 years); and fixed assets need ed for expansion, provided this results in an 
increase in production of at least 25%. 
Projects in the following sectors and sub-sectors are eligible for the exemptions under the 
Investment and Promotion Law: agriculture; call centers; conventions and exhibition centers; 
hospitals;  hotels; leisure and recreational compounds; industry; maritime transport; railways; 
pipeline transportation; and distribution services for water, gas, and petroleum derivatives. Projects in the hotel  and hospital subsectors are granted these exemptions once every seven 
years for purchases of furniture and supplies for renewal purposes (Article 8). 
P. 92, para. 153 
(iv) Tourism 
Investments in the tourism  industry are eligible for incentives  under the Investment Promotion 
Law (Chapter III(4)(i)). For investment projects  at Aqaba, the Aqaba Special Economic Zone 
incentive scheme also applies (Chapter III(3)(v)). Restaurants outside hotels, travel agency and 
tour operator services, and specialized tourist transportation services are subject to a foreign 
equity ceiling of 50%, as under th e GATS commitments (Table II.3). 
                                               
35 WTO document WT/ACC/JOR/33, 3 December 1999, paragraph 20. 
36 The exemptions also cover any increase in the value of the fixed assets resulting from price increases, 
freight charges or changes in exchange rates. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 38 - 
 
  1.16  Dominican Republic - WT/TPR/S/207/Rev.1 (3rd review, 3 March 2009) 
P. 65, para. 222 
(d) Other support and instruments The Tourism Development (Law No. 158-01 of 2001)  and amendments thereto (Law No. 184-02 of 
November 2002) are intended to promote the development of tourism  in priority regions (see 
Chapter IV(5)(vii)). According to a study by the Dominican authorities, the fiscal cost of implementing the Tourism Development Law is estimated to be RD$1.066 billion 
(US$31.4 million)
37 […]. 
Pp. 103-104, paras. 150, 155 and 157 
(vii) Tourism Tourism performs a vital function in generating jobs and hard currency and attracting foreign 
investment. […]. Investors in certain tourism  projects are given various tax incentives  such as 
exemption from import taxes and income tax and must employ Dominican professionals. The cost of these incentives to the Treasury will am ount to RD$1,066 millio n (some US$32.2 million) 
in 2008. 
Law No. 158-01 offers tax incentives  to investors in tourism  projects located in "low-growth 
areas" ( polos de escaso desarrollo ) and "new poles in high-potential provinces and localities".
38 
The Law provides for exemption from duties and other taxes resulting from the importation of 
products needed to launch a project and various other national and municipal taxes, such as those relating to the constitution of company capital and capital increases, the transfer of property rights, and construction.
39 It also establishes exemption from income tax and allows companies 
engaged in activities other than tourism to deduct their investment in a tourism project from their 
net taxable income.40 
The Ministry of Finance estimates that the value of tax concessions  granted to the tourism sector 
will amount to RD$1,066 million (about US$32.2 million) in 2008.41 
                                               
37 Idem. 
38 Law No. 158-01 of 9 October 2001 establishing the Law on the promotion of tourism development for 
low-growth areas and new poles in high potential provin ces and localities and creating the Official Tourism 
Promotion Fund. 
39 Ibid., Article 4. 
40 Article 6, paragraph II. 
41 Ministry of Finance (2007). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 39 - 
 
  1.17  Switzerland and Liechten stein - WT/TPR/S/208/Rev.1 (5th and 3rd review, 
12 March 2009) 
1.17.1  Switzerland P. 129, para. 165 
(vi) Tourism Switzerland Tourism, a public corporation, is in charge of marketing and promotional activities; its 
annual budget is some Sw F 73 million of which Sw F 46 million comes from the federal budget. 
Innotour is a programme of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs to improve the quality of 
and promote innovation in Switzerland's tourism subsector. Between 2003 and 2007, Sw F 28 million were spent on a total of 60 projects in areas such as quality management and reservation systems. The Swiss Society for Hotel Credit (Société suisse de crédit hôtelier), 
a state-owned corporation, provides subprime loans  to small- and medium-sized companies 
investing in tourist areas. 
1.17.2  Liechtenstein 
P. 73, para. 138 
(i) Incentives and other assistance 
In Liechtenstein, 80% (Sw F 15 million) of public transportation costs are financed with public 
funds. Support is also granted to Liechtenstein Tourismus, a state institution in charge of 
promoting tourism  […]. 
P. 129, para. 168 
(vi) Tourism 
[…] Liechtenstein Tourismus, a state institution established by the Tourism Law of 2000, is the 
main promotional agency responsible for marketing tourism  in Liechtenstein. It is financed by 
annual public support  of Sw F 750,000 and revenue derived from the accommodation tax 
(Sw F 3 per night per person). Certain promotional activities are coordinated with Switzerland. 
Tourism activities are also marketed by local tourism initiatives and the municipalities. 
1.18  Mozambique - WT/TPR/S/209/Rev.1 (2nd review, 30 June 2009) 
Pp. 23-24, para. 44 and Table II.2 
(iii) Investment incentives42 
The Code of Fiscal Benefits offers national and fo reign investors the same set of generic incentives, 
including: customs duty exemptions; tax credits;  and accelerated depreciation for new 
immovable assets (Table II.2). Additional benefits are available to investments in agriculture, 
tourism,  and large-scale projects (at least US$500 m illion), and subject to the creation of 
employment, in Rapid Development Zones (ZRDs), and IFZs (Chapter III(3)(vi)). 
                                               
42 Decree No. 16/2002 of 27 June 2002. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 40 - 
 
  Table II.2 
Investment incentivesa, 2008 
Sector  Type of incentive 
Available to all approved investment projects:  
  Exemption from payment of import duties  on equipment included in class "K" 
of the Customs Tariff Schedule, but only when the goods to be imported are either not produced within the territory of Mozam bique or, if produced, do not satisfy the 
specific purpose or operational characteristi cs required or inherent in the nature of 
the project and particular activity to be developed and carried out; 
Investment tax credit equal to 5% of the total investment realized (exceptions apply, e.g. passenger vehi cles), for five years; 
Tax credit for the professional training of Mozambican workers, up to a maximum 
of 5% of taxable income, for the first five years of operation; 
Accelerated depreciation for new immovable assets; 
Tax deductible expenditure, 100% in Maputo and 150% in the provinces, for the 
construction and rehabilitation of road s, railways, airports, mail delivery, 
telecommunications, water supply, electric energy, schools, hospitals, and other works, for 10 years; Exemption from stamp tax for the alteration of the share capital and the articles of association, for the first five years of operation; Reduction of 50% in the rate of the real property transfer tax (SISA) for acquisition of immovable property used in […] hotel industry , provided the 
property is acquired within the first thr ee years from the date of authorization of 
the investment   
 […] 
 
Hotels and tourism Investment tax credit equal to 8% of the total investme nt realized, for five tax 
years (including passenger vehicles) 
Large-scale investment 
projects (> US$500 
million or investments 
in public domain infrastructure carried out under the regime 
of a concession)
b Generally available benefi ts for 10 years, plus: Investment tax credit  of 5-10% 
of the total investment realized (with exceptions, e.g. passenger vehicles), rising 
to 10-15% if located in Gaza, Sofala , Manica, Tete, Zambézia and Nampula 
Provinces, and to 15-30% if located in Cabo Delgado, Inhambane and Niassa 
Province 
Rapid Development Zones
c Investment tax credit of 20% of the total investment realized (with exceptions, 
e.g. passenger vehicles), for the first five years of operation; 
Exemption from the real proper ty transfer tax (SISA) fo r acquisition of immovable 
property used in industry, agri-industry and hotel  industry, provided the property 
is acquired within the first three years from the date the investment was 
authorized 
a Industrial Free Zones are separately regulated (C hapter III(3)(vi), as well as mining and petroleum 
(Chapter IV(3)). 
b Investments in agriculture, aquaculture, live stock agriculture and fo restry; agro-industry; 
manufacturing; construction of railway, road, port  and airport infrastructur e and related equipment; 
tourism activities.  The project must create at least 500 jobs or induce the creation of at least 
1,000 jobs within three years, and must contribute to  the reduction of regional imbalances by choice 
of location. Large-scale investment project benefits cannot be cumulated with the additional benefits for approved investment projects in advanced technology, agri culture or in hotels and tourism. 
c Zambezi Valley, Niassa Province, Nacala District, Moçambique Island and Ibo Island. Activities in 
agriculture, forestry, aquaculture,  livestock raising, lumber production; game animal exploitation; 
water supply; electric energy generation, tran smission, and distribution; telecommunications; 
construction of public utility infrastructure; hous ing; agricultural infrastructure; hotels; tourism-
related infrastructure; infrastructure for commer ce; industry; cargo and passenger transport; 
education; health. 
Source: WTO Secretariat, based on the English translation of Decree No. 16/2002 of 27 June 2002. Viewed 
at: http://www.mozbusiness.gov.mz/dow nload.php?view.6 [16 June 2008]. 
 S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 41 - 
 
  P. 74, para. 82 
(iv) Tourism 
Investment in tourism is covered by the Investment Code, and incentives  are provided under the 
Code of Fiscal Benefits (Chapter II(4)). Touris m activities are regulated under a law adopted in 
200443, which requires suppliers of different tourism  products and services  t o  b e  l i c e n s e d ,  
subject to the payment of fees, and to observe stan dards of quality, as laid down by the Ministry 
of Tourism. […]. 
1.19  Brazil - WT/TPR/S/212/Rev.1 (5th review, 11 May 2009) 
Pp. 77-78, paras. 281-282 
Funds for financing the north-east, north, and mid-west regions (FNE/FNO/FCO) 
The constitutional funds to finance productive activities in the north, north-east and mid-west 
regions (FNE/FNO/FCO) were created by Law No. 7,827 of 27 September 1989, as amended by Law 
No. 10,177 of 12 January 2001. Their aim is to contribute to the social and economic development 
of these regions. […]. 
The beneficiaries of loans backed by constitutional fund resources  are producers, companies, 
and production cooperatives that carry out […] tourism, infrastructure, commerce  and service 
sectors  of the north, north-east and mid-west regions. […]. Decree No. 6,367, of 30 January 2008 
fixes annual interest rates at 5% to 8.5% for rural operations, and 6.75% to 10% for other 
agri-industry, industrial operations, infrastructure,  tourism, commerce, and services.44 These 
rates may be subject to a reduction of 15% fo r payments until the due date, or 25% if the 
beneficiary operates in the north east semi-arid area. 
1.20  Fiji - WT/TPR/S/213/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 June 2009) 
P. xi, para. 29 
Other extensive tax incentives, also of dubious economic merit, are intended to encourage 
investment, often targeting priority sectors (e.g. tourism and audiovisual industry), and are 
sometimes subject to minimum local-content or ex port requirements. These, including widespread 
generous tax holidays, were recently extended , and a new tourism package will replace the 
scheme that terminates at the end of 2008. […].  
P. 41, para. 51 
(iii) Incentives 
All exporters, including of services,  receive generous income tax exemptions intended to 
encourage investment.45 […]. Registered foreign (and domestic) investors must apply to the Fiji 
Islands Customs and Revenue Authority (FIRCA) for duty and tax concessions, including for 
tourist-related  benefits under the Hotels Aid Act (previously administered by the Ministry of 
Tourism).  […]. The FTIB promotes the Kalabu ICT Park for establishing back-office operations by 
providing a ten-year tax holiday to firms setting up software development business processing 
operations. 
                                               
43 Law No. 4/2004 of 17 June 2004 replaced Law No. 14/99 of 1 November 1999. 
44 Ministry of Integration onli ne information. Viewed at: 
http://www.integracao.gov.br/fundos/f undos_constitucionais/index.asp. 
45 However, a foreign investor survey showed so me 75% of investment pr ojects catered for the 
domestic market (FIAS, 2005a, p. 20). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 42 - 
 
  P. 72, para. 86 
(ii) Investment incentives  
[…] Moreover, the 2009 Budget extended such incentives, including: a new tourism  incentive 
package including 10-year tax holidays (extendable to  20 years if Fijian indigenous participation is 
at least 25%) to replace the previous scheme that expired at end 2008; […].  
P. 73, para. 89 
(iii) Other forms of pr oduction assistance 
[…] Investors in new hotels,  including renovations and refurbishment of existing hotels, may elect 
to receive a subsidy of 7% of the project's total capital expenditure (excluding cost of land) in lieu of the 55% investment allowance (Hotels Aid Act). […]. 
P. 86, para. 8 
IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR (1) I
NTRODUCTION  
[…] Tourism,  which is suffering from political developments, benefits from generous taxation 
concessions; a new tourism incentives package was announced in the 2009 Budget, again 
involving substantial investment allowances and tax holidays. 
Pp. 117-118, para. 114 
(vi) Tourism Tourism  has benefited from generous taxation conce ssions, with the SLIP package extended until 
end-2008 to be replaced from 2009 with a possibly more generous scheme, also including tax holidays, announced in the 2009 Budget (Chapter III).
46 Current arrangements comprise standard 
allowances and a hotel incentives package. Standard allowances cover a 55% investment 
allowance on total capital expenditure provided  revenue is not shifted offshore; a 150% tax 
deduction on expenditure for environmental protection and community support; and a 125% tax 
deduction on expenditure to upgrade public infrastructure e.g. roads, sewage systems and water 
supplies. The hotel incentive package consists of a seven-year tax holiday for capital investments of at least F$10 million and import duty exempt ions on all capital goods, including plant, 
machinery and equipment, used in the investment project. The incentives to apply from 2009 
consist of two parts: a Standard Allowance, which provides for an investment allowance of 55% on total capital expenditure (provided no revenues are shifted offshore); and a Hotel Incentive package, which grants a ten-year tax holiday on projects of at least F$7 million, as well as import 
duty exemption on all capital goods not available in Fiji.
47 Increased hotel and gambling turnover 
taxes apply (Chapter III). The industry is also  assisted by a number of customs incentives 
e.g. 10% tariff on building materials, furnitur e, and fittings, and no import excise tax. 
                                               
46 FIRCA had estimated that the tax incentives for tourism had cost F$93 million in revenue forgone 
from 1998-03 (FRC, 2004). 
47 The 13-year tax holiday provided for investments in the newly established Tax Free Region will be 
increased to 20 years on hotel developments with at least 25% equity by indigenous Fijian land owners. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 43 - 
 
  Appendix Tables, pp. 135-137, Table AIII.1 
Table AIII.1 
Main investment incentives, November 2008 
Sector Details 
A. Tariff and other concessions 
Tourist -related 
activities Facilities subject to Short Life Investme nt package (SLIP) may import plant and 
machinery (excluding furniture and motor vehicles) exempt fro m all duties until 
end-2008. To be replaced by 2009 Hotel Incentive Package (announced in 2009 Budget) that will allow all capital goods (including capital equipment, plant and 
machinery) not available in Fiji to be imported duty free. Concessionary tariffs 
apply under Code 235 (Customs Tariff Act) of 10% on building materials, furnishing 
and fittings, equipment including front offi ce equipment, room amenities, kitchen 
and dining room, and equipment and utensils (in 2007 concessions only applied if goods unavailable domestically); of 3% for specialized boats an d vessels including 
water sports equipment unavailable locally; and of 5% on heavy plant and machinery for developing resorts if re-exported after completion.  
[…]  
[…] 
Tourism -related 
businesses  Tourism-related investment receive a 55% investment allowance on total capital 
expenditure in new hotels including renovations, refurbishments and extensions as well as international retiree facilities (Eleventh Schedule, Income Tax Act). It must be claimed within five years of completing the building (any excess can be carried forward for eight years). Extended to 2009 (2009 Budget).  
[…] 
C. Income tax holidays and exemptions 
Tourism -related 
activities As an alternative to the investment allowanc e tourist facilities are eligible for a tax 
holiday of 20 years (full SLIP) or 10 years (half SLIP), introduced in 1996. It covers 
construction by end 2008 of new hotels, re tirement facilities an d hospital resorts, 
with a minimum investment of F$40 million (full SLIP) or F$10-40 million (half SLIP), excluding land. To be replaced in 2009 by 2009 Hotel Incentive Package (announced in 2009 Budget), which includes a ten-year tax holiday for capital investments of at least F$7 million. Hotel developments in Vanua Levu and the maritime islands with minimum 25% Fijian indigenous equity will receive 20-year tax holiday.  
[…]  
Small and micro 
enterprises (SMEs) From 2006, SMEs in agriculture […], tourism  (sea cruise and river tour operators, 
sea tour operators) and supportive projec ts are exempt from income tax subject to 
a maximum annual turnover threshold of F$300,000 (increased from F$200,000 from 2008). 
[…]  
D.  Special depreciation and deduction provisions  
  
Tourist -related 
activities Facilities subject to SLIP or the investment allowance may claim a special 
depreciation allowance in each of the fifteen years immediately succeeding the year of expenditure (excluding land). 
[…]  
E. Other 
Tourist -related 
businesses Facilities subject to the SLIP or the inve stment allowance may carry forward losses 
for up to 13 years but only against income  from that hotel bu siness (standard carry 
forward of losses is eight years). 
[…]  
Notes: Includes measures announced in the 2009 Budget, which are generally scheduled to operate from 
2009.  
Source: Ministry of Finance and National Planning (2008), Economic and Fiscal Update: Supplement to the 
2009 Budget Address , November, pp. 111-5. Viewed at: 
http://www.mfnp.gov.fj/Documents/2009_Budget_Supplement.pdf, and information supplied by the Fijian authorities. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 44 - 
 
  1.21  Solomon Islands - WT/TPR/S/215/Rev.1 (2nd review, 24 June 2009) 
Pp. 40-41, paras. 106 and 109  
(iii) Incentives A wide range of tax exemptions are available to  businesses. Under authorizing legislation, the 
authorities have wide discretion in granting exemptions, but guidelines issued in 2006 seek to 
reduce that discretion. Some income tax exemptions are granted on the basis of domestic-value-added criteria; others are available for specific activities, including hotels  and 
agricultural and fisheries firms. […]. 
Under the Income Tax Act, firms may apply for additional income tax exemptions, including 
a 200% deduction of training and education expenses, and a 150% deduction of domestic transport costs. Also, tourist hotels, resorts, and related projects  are eligible for a five-year 
income tax exemption. […]. 
1.22  New Zealand - WT/TPR/S/216/Rev.1 (4
th review, 10 July 2009) 
P. 95, para. 79 
(v) Tourism Local governments are also active participants in the tourism industry. They fund promotional 
activities, mainly through regional tourism organizations (RTOs) […]. 
1.23  Morocco - WT/TPR/S/217/Rev.1 (4
th review, 13 August 2009) 
Pp. 113-114, para. 160 and Table IV.9 
(iii) Tourism Given the importance of tourism, investors are offered various incentives. Thus, they can take 
advantage of tax concessions, State financing, and other benefits  made available by the 
Investment Charter (Chapter II(5)), the Finance Laws and the Hassan II Fund or by specific provisions (Table IV.9). The measures adopted since Morocco's previous TPR include the 
establishment of three investment fund management companies: H Partners, a subsidiary of 
Attijariwafa Bank specializing in capital investment (established in 2005), Madaef belonging to the CDG (established in 2006) and Actif Invest, a subsidiary of the Banque marocaine du commerce 
extérieur  - BMCE (Moroccan Foreign Trade Bank) (established in 2004), the latter being Morocco's 
leading real estate and tourism fund manager. The public and parapublic sectors are expected to contribute to their capital. 
Table IV.9 
System of incentives for investment in tourism 
 Description 
Registration fees Reduction in the fees for establishing to urism companies, with a rate of 0.5% 
 Exemption from registration fees for pu rchase deeds for land to be used for 
investment projects within a maximum period of 36 months 
 Reduced rate of 1% for registration fees for emphyteutic leases on properties to be 
used for hotels and ancillary buildings 
 Reduced registration fees for the sale of businesses 
Customs duties Exemption for investme nts amounting to DH 20 million or more under agreements 
concluded with the Government 
Corporation tax (IS) and general income tax (IGR) Total exemption from IS or IGR on the part of the taxable base corresponding to the 
turnover of hotel companies in foreign cu rrency over a period of five years and a 
50% reduction as fro m the sixth year 
 Reduction of 50% in IS for five years for all companies setting up in the following S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 45 - 
 
   Description 
provinces: Larache, Nado r, Tangiers, Asilah, and Tétouan, among others 
 Reduction of 50% in the IS, without any time limit, for any company setting up in 
the province of Tangiers, which can be combined with the aforementioned benefits 
VAT Exemption for capital goods, equipment an d tools, purchased lo cally or imported, 
entered in a capital asset account and used for operating purposes  
 Rate reduced to 10% for hote l enterprises, with right to  deduction in respect of 
lodging, restaurant, and hotel and tourist facility letting operations  
Business tax and urban tax Total exemption, for a period of five year s, for investment in business creation and 
for any additional investment or extension 
Financing Partial State participation, through investment agreements, in the expenditure 
associated with the purchase of the land, the completion of the external 
infrastructure and professional traini ng for enterprises whose investment 
programme is very considerable by re ason of: the amount (more than DH 
200 million), the number of jobs created, the location, the technology or its contribution to the protection of the environment 
 Subsidy equal to 50% of the cost of the land (with a ceiling at a maximum of DH 
250/m.²) for hotel investors for the purchase of sites for tourist facilities  
 Investment credit for building, extensio n and renovation projects, within the 
framework of agreements conclude d with the banking institutions 
 Availability to developers of land for serv icing tourist resorts an d areas at attractive 
prices, as well as the total funding or participation in the cost of off-site infrastructure needed to supply drinking water and power or create road links 
 Guarantee from the Loan Guar antee Fund for loans intended to finance investment 
projects initiated by young Moroccan entrep reneurs, acting individually or through 
companies and cooperatives 
 Credit for renovation through the Fonds de rénovation des unités hôtelières,  
"RENOVOTEL" (Hotel Unit Renovation Fund), at  a preferential interest rate of 2% per 
annum (excl. VAT) (with a ceiling fixed by categories of accommodation) 
Other benefits Free convertibility guaranteeing foreign investors total freedom to transfer profits 
net of tax (capital, capital gains and income) 
 Reduction of 100% on dividends and ot her yields from holdings received by 
enterprises 
 Reduction and exemptions fo r capital gains and profits ma de when disposing of or 
selling fixed assets 
 Ceiling of DH 50 million on the basis used to calculate the rental value of taxable 
investment 
 State funding of the off-si te infrastructure needed to develop new tourist areas 
 Partial State funding of hotel staff training. 
Source: WTO (2003), EPC Maroc; and Ministry of Tourism, online information, Axes stratégiques  (Strategic 
Outlines). Viewed at: http://www.tourinvest.ma/ma in.php?Id=15&lang=fr; and information provided 
by the Moroccan authorities. 
 
1.24  Chile - WT/TPR/S/220/Rev.1 (4th review, 5 November 2009) 
Pp. 66-67, para. 209 
(a) Support for regional development Tax credits There are also special tax and tariff incentives for activities in Tierra del Fuego and in Antarctic 
territory (Law No. 19.149). These are available to […] transport, […] and tourism  companies 
producing goods or services  that include a minimum of 25%, by value, of local labour and inputs. 
The concessions, which are planned to remain in force until 2035 (or 2036 in some zones), include exemption from first category income tax, VAT on sales and import duties. There is an additional S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 46 - 
 
  credit equivalent to 20% of the value of sales made by these companies in the rest of Chile.48 It is 
estimated that the cost of tax and tariff incentives under these programmes in 2009 will be Ch$1.18 billion (US$2 million).
49 
1.25  Maldives - WT/TPR/S/221/Rev.1 (2nd review, 20 April 2009) 
P. 28, para. 51 
(v) State-owned enterprises 
State involvement in the economy is widespread, with some 37 state-owned enterprises operating 
in various sectors of the economy, including […] tourism  (Table III.3). SOEs account for 36% of 
GDP.  
P. 38, para. 36 (i) Tourism 
Since 2004, 68 islands or lands have been leased out for development.
50 Among these, five resorts 
are operational, while 19 are expected to become operational in 2010. To encourage faster development, the Government has provided incentives  s u c h  a s  r e l i e f  w i t h  r e g a r d  t o  b u i l d i n g  
completion times, deferment of rent, and deferment of performance bonds.
51 These incentives are 
applicable to all islands and lands leased since 2005. 
1.26  SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3rd review, 14 December 2009) 
1.26.1  Lesotho 
P. 192, para. 204 
(iv) Tourism The development of tourism  activities is a key policy objective in Lesotho. […] Some of the main 
goals are: improving the packaging and presentati on of existing attractions; supporting and 
promoting tourism  investment and facilitating small medium and macro enterprises (SMMEs) and 
community-based tourism ; and ensuring that the infrastructure is adequate and is further 
developed.
52  
1.26.2  South Africa P. 368, para. 311 
(v)  Tourism Various incentive schemes are also in place, aimed at improving tourism services  (Table AIII.4). 
In 2005, the DEAT, in partnership with TBCSA, issued the Tourism BEE Scorecard and Charter (based on the Black Economic Empowerment strategy) to ensure that opportunities and benefits 
from tourism will extend to black South Africans.
53 The Tourism Enterprise Programme launched in 
200054, was institutionalized in 2008 as the Tourism Enterprise Partnership, to ensure the 
                                               
48 Law No. 18.392 of 14 January 1985 (amended by Law No. 19.606 of 14 April 1999), and Law 
No. 19.149 of 6 July 1992 (amended by Law No. 19.270 of 6 December 1993). 
49 Information provided by the Chilean authorities. 
50 Of these, 49 are leased to private parties, 9 are leased to the Maldives Tourism Development 
Corporation and 10 islands have been allocated to the Airports Investments Maldives. 
51 A performance bond is a surety bond issued by an insurance company or bank to guarantee 
satisfactory completion of a project by a contractor. 
52 Ministry of Tourism, Environment, and Culture (2007). 
53 Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (2005a) and (2005b). 
54 The programme was launched in 2000 for four years. It was funded by Business Trust and the DEAT. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 47 - 
 
  sustainability of the long-term support to SMMEs.55 Financial assistance in the form of 
preferential loans  is provided through the Development Bank of South Africa to SMEs involved in 
tourism; and through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to medium and large tourism projects.
56 IDC provides financing  for green-field and expansion projects in the tourism sector of 
R 1 million or more. […]. Three incentive programmes are also made available to the tourism 
sector by the DTI: the Tourism Support Programme (TSP), a targeted incentive  programme to 
support the development of tourism enterprises th at will stimulate job creation and encourage 
investment in tourism by offering grants57; the Cooperatives Incentive Scheme, a generic incentive 
scheme to stimulate the creation and effective operation of cooperatives; and the Black Business Suppliers Development Programme, aimed at stimulating black economic empowerment (Table AIII.4). 
Pp. 399-400, Appendix Table AIII.4 (extracts) 
Table AIII.4 
Incentive schemes, 2009 
Scheme: objective Criteria  Type of incentive 
Investment support    
[…]   
Tourism   
[…]   
Tourism Development Finance: 
develop and expand the tourism industry by providing finance for commercial projects in the medium to large sector of the tourism industry; increase participation in projects related to the 2010 Soccer World Cup An economically viable business 
plan with adequate financial support from shareholders;  minimum financing requirement of R 1 million Medium-term finance in the form 
of loans, equity, and quasi-equity for the creation or upgrading and renovation of tourist facilities (including hotels, and conference and convention centres); interest rates are competitive, risk 
related, and are based on the prime bank overdraft rate  
Tourism Schemes: develop tourism, in particular eco-tourism .. Capital for development of new or 
existing tourism facilities 
Tourism Support Programme: offer a grant up to 30% of an investment to establish or expand existing operations in South Africa Applicant must be a registered 
legal entity in South Africa in terms of the Companies Act; available to local- and foreign-owned enterprises, and granted for qualifying inve stment costs of 
furniture, equipm ent, vehicles, 
land, and buildings of up to R 200 million Maximum: R 30 million 
.. Not available. 
Source: Department of Trade and Industry online in formation, "Offerings: In centives and Development 
Finance". Viewed at: http://www.dti.gov.za [20 Febr uary 2009]; Department of Trade and Industry 
online information, "Offerings: Information, Advice, and Facilitation: National Industrial Participation Programme". Viewed at: http://www.thedti.gov.za/offerings/offering.asp?offeringid=127 [6 March 2009]; Mbendi Information Service online information, "South Africa: Incentives". Viewed at: http://www.mbendi.com/land/af/sa/p0027.htm  [20 February 2009]; and Industrial Development 
Corporation  online information. Available at: http:// www.idc.co.za/default.asp [29 January 2009]; 
and South Africa Info online information, "Spatial Development Initiatives". Viewed at: 
http://www.southafrica.info/doing_business/economy/development/sdi.htm [24 February 2009]; 
DATC online information, "The  Programme". Viewed at: http:/ /www.dact.co.za programme.asp; 
TradeInvest South Africa online information, "Foreign Investment Grant (FIG)". Viewed at: 
http://www.tradeinvestsa.co.za/incentives/983081.htm  [6 March 2009]; TradeInvest South Africa 
online information, "Film Indust ry Rebate Scheme". Viewed at: 
                                               
55 Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (2005a); and Tourism Enterprise Partnership online 
information. Viewed at: http://www.tep.co.za/index.php [24 March 2009]. 
56 Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (2005a). 
57 Department of Trade and Industry (2008c). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 48 - 
 
  http://www.tradeinvestsa.co.za/incentives/983076.htm  [6 March 2009]. WTO (2003), Trade Policy 
Review: SACU , Geneva; Department of Trade and Indu stry online information, "Regulatory 
Environment: Industrial Development Zones". Viewed at: http://www.dti.gov.za/investing/regulatoryenvironment.htm [4 March 2009]; Department of Trade and Industry online information, "Export Marketin g and Investment Assistance Scheme". Viewed at: 
http://www.dti.gov.za/offerings/offering.asp?offeringid=204 [20 February 2009]; and information provided by the South African authorities.  
 
1.27  Niger and Senegal - WT/TPR/S/223/Rev.1 (2nd and 3rd review, 
22 December 2009) 
1.27.1  Senegal 
P. 226, para. 229 
(iv) Tourism 
[…] Opportunities for hotel  investment in Senegal are highly dependent on these tourist zones. 
The Investment Code sets a minimum eligibility th reshold of CFAF 100 million for the granting of 
customs duty, fiscal and social incentives  to undertake a tourism project (Chapter II). […]. 
1.28  Georgia - WT/TPR/S/224/Rev.1 (1st review, 19 January 2010) 
P. 48, para. 58 
(b) State aid The authorities note that government economic programmes, including those aimed at industry 
assistance, are open and transparent and selection is on a competitive basis. The "Cheap Credit" 
programme, implemented in 2008, allocated GEL 62 mil lion to 117 projects to develop activities in 
agriculture, food processing, handicrafts, and tourism.  The number of new jobs and indirect 
beneficiaries from the projects exceeds 32,000 persons. […]. 
1.29  Japan - WT/TPR/S/243/Rev.1 (10
th review, 2 May 2011) 
P. 62, paras. 114 and 116 
(ii) Subsidies and other financial assistance Japan has notified various specific subsidy programmes to the WTO. In its latest notification, Japan 
indicated 68 subsidy schemes to assist agricu lture, forestry, and fisheries, industry, finance , and 
transport  sectors.
58 […] 
Under the new Growth Strategy, adopted by the Cabinet on 18 June 2010, the Government has 
concentrated its resources into the developm ent of "seven strategic areas" (environment  and 
energy, medical and health care, economic integration with other Asian countries, tourism  and 
revitalization of regional economies, science and technology, human resources, and financial 
services).59 The strategy indicates that potential demand is largest in these seven areas.60 
Although the details of implementing measures are yet to be decided, the strategy suggests a 
possible policy to "pick winners".61  
                                               
58 WTO document G/SCM/N/186/JPN, 25 June 2009. 
59 Prime Minister's Office online information. View ed at: http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/kan/topics/ 
sinseichou01_e.pdf [14 October 2010]. 
60 Cabinet Office online information. Viewed at : http://www5.cao.go.jp/kei zai2/2010/0618 reference.pdf 
[14 October 2010]. 
61 National Policy Unit online information. Viewed at: http:// www.npu.go.jp/policy/policy04/pdf/ 
20100618_shinseityou_gaiyou_eigo.pdf [14 October 2010]. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 49 - 
 
  1.30  European Union - WT/TPR/S/248/Rev.1 (10th review, 1 August 2011) 
P. 76, para. 185 
Assistance provided under the temporary framework was not sector specific. Thus, there are no 
consolidated data on the volume of aid under the temporary framework disaggregated by 
economic sector. Nonetheless, some parts of member States' fiscal stimulus packages targeted 
particular economic sectors. According to one estimate, one-third of all measures introduced by member States under the European Economic Recovery Plan were sector specific. The automobile 
sector, along with tourism  and construction received the largest share of sectoral support […]. 
1.31  India - WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5
th review, 20 October 2011) 
Pp. 174-175, para. 184 and Table IV.13 
(v) Tourism 
[…] In 2002, the [Ministry of Tourism, MoT] launched the National Tourism Policy to make tourism 
a major engine of economic growth. The key obje ctives of the policy are to increase India's 
competitiveness in the world tourism market; im prove, expand, and market tourism products 
effectively; and develop world-class tourism infrastructure.62 To support  these objectives, the 
MoT launched 14 schemes,  in particular the Product/Infrastructure Development for Destinations 
and Circuits, to develop tourism products and infrastructure for mega projects and rural tourism63; 
and the Market Development Assistance  Scheme , to promote India as a tourism destination. 
These two schemes accounted for 76% of the Mini stry's total outlays in 2010/11. Other schemes 
are aimed at capacity building in tourism-related activities (Table IV.13).64 
Table IV.13 
Selected support schemes for tourism, 2011 
(Rs million) 
 Objective Assistance Outlay 
2010/11  
Scheme for Product/Infrastructure Deve lopment for Destinations and Circuits  
Major destinations and circuits development  
 Develop new tourism products 
to the world standard Ministry of Tourism bears 100% of the project 
cost or a maximum of Rs 250 million for destination 
development and Rs 500 million for circuit development 5,450 
Rural Tourism Infrastructure Development 
 Develop rural tourisma Maximum of Rs 5 million 70 
Scheme of Assistance for Large Reve nue Generating Projects (revised)  
 Large projects with a tourism 
impactb Grant  to prepare the detailed project report, up to 50% 
of the actual cost, subject to a maximum of Rs 2.5 million per project; Amount of subsidy  for private sector/public private 
partnership projects determ ined through a competitive 
bidding process by the concerned state governments/union territory administrations; Subsidy  capped at Rs 500 million, subject to 
a maximum of 25% of total project cost or 50% of equity contribution of the pr omoters, whichever is lower 150 
[…] 
                                               
62 Ministry of Tourism online informat ion, "Policy and Schemes". Viewed at: http://tourism.gov.in/ . 
63 Mega projects refer to "the deve lopment of destinations/circuits of national importance in a holistic 
and integrated manner" (Ministry of Tourism, 2010a). 
64 For details, see Ministry of Tourism online information, "P olicy and Scheme". Viewed at: 
http://tourism.gov.in/ . See also Ministry of Tourism (2010b). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 50 - 
 
   Objective Assistance Outlay 
2010/11  
Market Development Assistance Scheme for Promotion of Domestic Tourism  
 Unexploited potential for 
domestic tourists Approved tourism service providers would be provided 
financial assistance  on travel expenses by air only, 
subject to a ceiling of Rs 30,000 per trip. Trips must be with Air India or alliance partner .. 
[…]    
.. Not available. 
a The following activities may be taken up under the Scheme: improvement of village surroundings 
and access roads; illumination in villages; impr ovement in solid-waste management and sewerage 
management; procurement of equipment directly re lated to tourism (e.g. water sports, adventure 
sports, and eco-friendly modes of transport for mo ving within the tourism zone); refurbishment of 
the monuments; reception centres; and tourist accommodation. 
b Tourist trains, cruise vessels, cruise terminals, convention centres, golf courses open for domestic 
and international tourists, health and rejuvenation facilities, last-mile connectivity to tourist destinations (air and cruise including heli-tourism) etc., would qualify for assistance. 
c IHM: Institute of Hotel Management; FCIs: Food Cr aft Institutes; IITTM: Indian Institute of Tourism 
and Travel Management; and ITIs: Industrial Training Institutes. 
Source: Ministry of Tourism online information, "Policy and Schemes". Vi ewed at: http://tourism.gov.in; and 
Ministry of Tourism (2010), India Tourism Statistics 2009 , November. Viewed at: 
http://tourism.gov.in/ . 
P. 177, para. 191 
In 2010, India estimated a shortage of some 150,000 hotel rooms, in particular in the budget 
category.65 As a result, the MoT has advised "land-owning agencies" and state governments to put 
land aside for the construction of hotels and to allow construction contracts on public-private 
partnerships or revenue-sharing basis. Since 2001, subsidized  loans  have been available for 
construction of budget accommodation hotels  under the Incentive to Accommodation 
Infrastructure Scheme; in 2010-11, Rs 100 billion were allocated under the scheme.66 Access to 
credit for the development of hotels has been increased and offered at reduced interest rates67; 
[…].68 Tax incentives  are available for hotel development under the Income Tax Act: a five-year 
tax holiday  is granted to new 2- to 4-star hotels located in the National Capital Territory of Delhi 
(and some neighbouring districts69) which started operations between 1 April 2007 and 
1 July 201070; and to 2- to 4-star hotels starting operation in UNESCO World Heritage sites71 
between 1 April 2008 and 31 March 2013.72 In addition, as of 2010, capital expenditure in new 
hotels is fully deductible  for income tax purposes.73 
1.32  Turkey - WT/TPR/S/259/Rev.1 (5th review, 7 March 2012) 
P. 106, para. 100 
(iv) Tourism 
The Government provides a number of incentives  for investments in tourist  facilities, including 
the allocation of public land on 49-year leases, the provision of water and electricity at low rates, tax exemptions on imported goods,  as well as exemptions from VAT and other taxes  on 
                                               
65 Ministry of Finance (2011a). 
66 Ministry of Tourism (2010b). 
67 Ministry of Tourism (2010a). 
68 Ministry of Tourism (2009). 
69 Faridabad, Gurgaon, Gautam Budh Nagar, and Ghaziabad (Ministry of Tourism, 2009). 
70 Originally the incentive was granted for hotels developed up to 31 March 2010. An extension to 
31 July 2010 was granted to speed up the construction of the accommodation needed for the Commonwealth Games in October 2010 ( The Financial Express , "Tourism ministry seeks 5-yrs tax holiday extension for Games 
hotels till July 31", 20 January 2010). 
71 Excluding Delhi and Mumbai districts. 
72 Ministry of Tourism (2010a). 
73 Ministry of Finance (2011a). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 51 - 
 
  purchases of local products. Many tourism projects are being contemplated as 
public-private-sector partnerships, constructed on a build-operate-transfer or similar basis.  
 S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 52 - 
 
  2  UNSPECIFIED AND/OR INTERMODAL TRANSPORT SERVICES, AND SERVICES 
AUXILIARY TO ALL MODES OF TRANSPORT (SUCH AS STORAGE AND WAREHOUSE SERVICES, FREIGHT TRANSPORT AGENCY SERVICES, LOGISTICS, ETC.) 
2.1  Central African Republic - WT/TPR/S/183/Rev.1 (1
st review, 30 July 2007) 
P. 44, para. 63 
(iii) Incentives 
[…] Public services  such as electricity  (Chapter IV(3)(iii)), water  (Chapter IV(3)(iv)), 
transport  (Chapter IV(5)(i)) and fixed telecommunications  (Chapter IV(5)(iii)) also benefit 
from government support. 
2.2  Panama - WT/TPR/S/186/Rev.1 (1st review, 3 December 2007) 
Pp. 65-66, para. 224 
The National Strategic Plan for the Development of Science, Technology and Innovation 
2006-2010, implemented by the Government through Cabinet Resolution No. 104 of 21 December 2005, is coordinated by the Secretaría National de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación  
(National Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat – SENACYT). This Plan structures 
SENACYT's activities, the aim of which is to su pport the development of science, technology and 
innovation for the purpose of modernizing the publ ic, private and academic sectors and increasing 
their productivity. The Plan recognizes five core sectors for innovation and technological 
modernization in the private sector: intermodal transport and logistics, information 
technology, biosciences, tourism,  and agro-industry.
74 The main action taken within the 
context of the Plan includes: establishing funds, open to competitive bidding, for promoting 
research, development and innovation; the implementation of innovation and technological 
modernization projects in priority areas; the strengthening of conglomerates; and innovation capacity-building at enterprise level. 
2.3  Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) - WTO Members
75 
2.3.1  Antigua and Barbuda  WT/TPR/S/190/ATG/Rev.1 (2nd review, 18 April 2008) 
P. 29, para. 135 
The [Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA)] started functioning in May 2007. Its 
mandate is to attract foreign direct investment and build, foster, and support local investment. The ABIA gives priority to tourism  development, financial services,  business support 
(call centres, etc.), information/computer technology, health and wellness, education, 
logistics (e.g. transhipment), and […]. The ABIA also aims to create a level playing field for all 
investors, local or foreign, administer standard criteria as laid down in the Investment Authority Act for the grant of incentives  and concessions, and respond in a timely manner to applications 
for investment certificates and incentives. […]. 
 
                                               
74 Cabinet Resolution No. 11 of 2 February 2007 establishing and adopting the National Strategic Plan 
for the Development of Science, Technology and Innovation 2006-2010. Available for consultation at: http://www.senacyt.gob.pa/media/documentosDirecc ionGestion/Plan%20Estrategico%20actualizacion%20200
7.pdf 
75 OECS Members: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Gr enada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and 
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 53 - 
 
  2.4  Ghana - WT/TPR/S/194/Rev.1 (3rd review, 7 May 2008) 
P. 37, para. 75 
(i) Incentives (a) Research and development 
[…] The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), established in 1968, is a statutory 
organization responsible for coordinating scientific and industrial research. It has 13 research institutes and centres under its control, and covers both agricultural and manufacturing research 
on, inter alia , […] and transportation.  […] 
2.5  Brunei Darussalam - WT/TPR/S/196/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 4 June 2008) 
P. 31, Box II.2 
Box II.2: Brunei Economic Development Boar d's economic diversification strategy 
The Brunei Economic Development Board's (BEDB) economic diversification strategy is designed to create 
long-term business and employment opportunities for Bruneians. It is currently focusing on developing 
downstream oil and gas industries, particularly on it s Sungai Liang Industrial Park (SPARK) and planning 
the development of a globally competitive port on Pu lau Muara Besar, supported by an export processing 
zone for logistics, distribution and light to medium manufacturing industries. In addition to industrial site 
development, in 2003 the BEDB sponsored a study to identify industry clusters with the potential for 
growth. Subsequently, four indust ry clusters were prioritized: transportation and logistics ; business 
services; financial services; and hospitality and tourism. The BEDB collaborates with various lead agencies to develop these clusters. 
The BEDB's main objectives are to: stimulate the gr owth and development of the economy by promoting 
Brunei Darussalam as an investment destination; develop plans to attract foreign and local investment in industries and skill-intensive services that enjoy good  export-market prospects; promote and assist in the 
development of industrial activities; encourage foreign and local industries to invest in new technology, automation, training, research, and product development acti vities; and support the development of local 
entrepreneurs and SMEs. 
[…] 
Source:  Authorities of Brunei Darussalam. 
 
P. 31, para. 49 
(ii) Incentives In January 2001, the Sultan issued the Investment Incentives Order 2001 and the Income Tax Act 
(Amendment) Order 2001, which contained reforms designed to stimulate investment. The first 
made application for tax incentives simpler for corporations and the second broadened the tax 
incentives.  The Investment Incentives Order 2001 provides for a number of incentives , mainly 
in the form of tax exemptions  for companies that have been granted "Pioneer Status" and for the 
expansion of established enterprises. Administration of the legislation is under the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources. Longer corporate tax relief periods are provided to promote the 
establishment of industries; the emphasis is on  pioneer enterprises, including high-technology 
industries, export-oriented manufacturing and services, research and development,  
transhipment,  and activities that support the introduction of new technology into 
Brunei Darussalam. Any limited company with a Pioneer Status Certificate will be granted an 
exemption from corporate income tax (normally le vied at a rate of 30%), for between two and 
five years depending on the level of investment on capital assets. The exemption begins on the first day of production and may be extended to 20 years. Pioneer Status companies are also 
exempted from customs duty on plant, ma chinery, and equipment for their premises, 
and on raw materials  that are not available in Brunei and are to be used in the production of the 
pioneer products. Tax incentives are also provid ed for the expansion of an enterprise already 
established in Brunei. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 54 - 
 
  Pp. 57-58, paras. 86 and 88 
(d) Assistance for small- and medium-sized enterprises  
As part of its efforts to increase private sector participation in the economy, the Government has 
continued to encourage the development of small- and medium-sized  enterprises (SMEs),  
which make up 98% of enterprises in the country and account for 58% of Brunei's total 
employment in the private sector. Financial assistance  for SMEs consists of the Enterprise 
Facilitation Scheme (EFS), a financing scheme  developed by the Enterprise Development Centre 
in the MIPR, and the Micro-credit Financing Scheme  (MFS); the EFS and MFS provide maximum 
loans  per enterprise of B$1.5 million and B$30,000, respectively. Under the EFS, priority is given 
to enterprises operating […] as well as operator s of tourism activities in Brunei. […]. The loans  are 
at a favourable rate of interest of 4%, repayabl e over seven years for EFS projects and four years 
for MFS loans. […]. 
The Government is taking a "proactive" approach to diversifying the country's sources of economic 
growth and creating opportunities for SMEs. As noted in the previous chapter, the Brunei Economic 
Development Board (BEDB), formed in 2001, aims to attract FDI and promote joint ventures – 
targeting US$4.5 billion in new investment and at least 6,000 new permanent jobs by 2008. BEDB has a two-prong strategy: to develop a number of industry clusters, including tourism,  
transportation and logistics,  and financial services; and to develop a port and industrial 
complex at Pulau Muara Besar […]. 
2.6  Barbados - WT/TPR/S/203/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 16 December 2008) 
Pp. 45-46, paras. 116-118 
(ii) Incentives and other government assistance Under the Small Business Development Act of 1999, companies whose business is deemed to be of 
significant socioeconomic benefit to Barbados are entitled to a number of benefits. These include: 
an exemption from withholding tax  on dividends and interest earned on investment by small 
businesses; exemption from import duty  on plant and equipment imported for use in the 
business; exemption from withholding tax  on dividends and interest earned on investment in 
an approved small business or in any fund approved for investment in small businesses; 
exemption from stamp duty ; and a deduction of corporation tax  of an amount equal to 20% 
of actual expenditure in respect of the use of te chnology, market research, and any other activity 
that is, in the opinion of the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, directly related to the development 
of the business. Approved small businesses may also receive technical assistance to start, continue 
or expand operations. Revenue forgone under the Small Business Development Act of 1999 during 2002-06 totalled BDS$1.32 million. 
Potential beneficiaries may be active in: agriculture, forestry, and related activities; fishing; 
manufacturing; construction; and a number of service activities, including entertainment,  financial 
services, health care, hotel, restaurants, tourism, personal care services, real estate, transport, 
storage  and communication services, wholesale and retail trade.  
Additionally, an approved small business may apply for loan guarantee cover under the Credit 
Guarantee Scheme  through any commercial bank or financial institution with access to the 
Scheme.
76 The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Small Busi nesses is sponsored by the Central Bank of 
Barbados.77 The scheme is designed to offer protecti on to commercial banks and other credit 
institutions approved by the Central Bank against insolvency and other possible losses in respect of the credit granted to small enterprises. […]. During 2002-07, 73 businesses were able to access 
guarantees totalling BDS$4 million under this scheme. 
                                               
76 Beneficiaries must be incorporated under the Co mpanies Act and approved as a small business in 
accordance with the Small Business Development Act, or meet some eligibility criteria, including: sales not 
over BD$2 million, and paid capital not over BD $1 million, and be majo rity Barbadian-owned. 
77 Central Bank of Barbados (2008). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 55 - 
 
  2.7  Jordan - WT/TPR/S/206/Rev.1 (1st review, 27 January 2009) 
P. 45, para. 100 
Under Article 13D, investments in industrial, commercial,  and services  projects established in 
the free zones  enjoy: (i) exemption from income taxes of the project's profits on goods exported 
outside the Kingdom, transit trade, and sales or transfers of goods within the free zone; profits 
from sales of goods on the domestic market are excluded from the exemption; (ii) exemption from  
income and social services taxes on salaries to non-Jordanian employees; (iii) exemption from 
customs duties and other taxes and fees (except service and rental charges) for goods imported 
into or exported from the free zone; (iv) exempt ion from licensing fees and urban property taxes 
for construction projects; and (v) exemption from customs duties on goods produced in the free 
zone and offered for sale in the domestic market: the exemption is limited to the cost of materials 
and manufacturing expenses, provided this value is approved by the Free Zone Committee . 
P. 46, paras. 104 and 108 
(b) Aqaba Special Economic Zone 
The Aqaba Special Economic Zone was launched in 2001 as a duty-free, low-tax, development 
zone, to serve as a model for sustainable development and to position Jordan as a leading business hub and tourism destination in the region . The zone spreads over 375 square kilometres 
and Jordan's entire coast line of 27 km. […]. 
The Aqaba Development Corporation was established in 2004 as the investment arm of the ASEZA 
and is responsible for developing assets, infrastructure, and utilities within the economic zone, including the port of Aqaba and the city's international airport. The backbone of the zone is 
services, notably tourism,  trade, and logistics services ; its industrial base is small. […]. 
2.8  Mozambique - WT/TPR/S/209/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 30 June 2009) 
P. 43, para. 60 
(4) Measures Affecting Production and Trade (i) Incentives […] State-owned enterprises supplying fuel (Chapter IV(3)(i)), electricity and water 
(Chapter IV(3)(ii)), transportation services  (Chapter IV(5)(iii)), fixed-line telecommunication 
and postal services (Chapter IV(5)(ii)), and health  and educational services, may also benefit from 
state aid,  as does agriculture (Chapter IV(2)(ii)). The authorities finance subsidies from the 
budget, supported each year by contributions from Mozambique's Program Aid Partners (PAPs); US$774.3 million has been pledged for 2009.
78  
2.9  Morocco - WT/TPR/S/217/Rev.1 (4th review, 13 August 2009) 
Pp. 59-60, para. 96 
(a) Free export zones 
The ZFT79 covers 345 hectares and comprises an industrial in-bond zone and a logistical zone . It 
is operated by the Tangiers Free Zone Company (TFZ), a consortium made up of Moroccan private entities.
80 Companies wishing to set up in this zone must be engaged in at least one of the 
following sectors: agro-industry; textiles and leather; chemicals and related industries; the metal, 
                                               
78 Africa News , "Mozambique donor partners pledge U$774.3 in grants". Viewed at: 
http://www.apanews.net/apa.php?page=print_eng&id_article=64962 [2 October 2008]. 
79 The ZFT was created by Decree No. 2-96-511 of 10 November 1997; its rules of procedure were 
approved by a Ministerial Order of 5 June 2000. It was set up under the priority programme for infrastructure, 
which also planned another 300-hectare ZFE project in Nador (Decree No. 2-96-512, of 20 November 1997). 
80 These are: BCM, BMCE, SNI, the African Insurance Company, the Royal Moroccan Insurance Company 
and the Moroccan Inter-Prof essional Retirement Fund. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 56 - 
 
  engineering, electrical or electronics industries; or in services  related to the aforementioned 
activities.81 […] 
2.10  Chile - WT/TPR/S/220/Rev.1 (4th review, 5 November 2009) 
Pp. 66-67, para. 209 
(a) Support for regional development Tax credits There are also special tax and tariff incentives for activities in Tierra del Fuego and in Antarctic 
territory (Law No. 19.149). These are available to […] transport,  […] and tourism companies 
producing goods or services  that include a minimum of 25%, by value, of local labour and inputs. 
The concessions, which are planned to remain in force until 2035 (or 2036 in some zones), include exemption from first category income tax, VAT on sales and import duties. There is an additional 
credit equivalent to 20% of the value of sales made by these companies in the rest of Chile.
82 It is 
estimated that the cost of tax and tariff incentives under these programmes in 2009 will be Ch$1.18 billion (US$2 million).
83 
2.11  Maldives - WT/TPR/S/221/Rev.1 (2nd review, 20 April 2009) 
P. 28, paras. 51-52 
(v) State-owned enterprises 
State involvement in the economy is widespread, with some 37 state-owned enterprises operating 
in various sectors of the economy, including trade, finance, transport , fishing, utilities, and 
tourism (Table III.3). SOEs account for 36% of GDP.  
Certain SOEs operate as statutory or de facto monopolies, while others are subsidized , giving 
them an advantage over the private sector. These advantages include preferential rates and fees 
for state land, and government guarantees for domestic and external loans. It would appear that most of SOEs are not run efficiently and are incurring losses; therefore, they are a significant drain 
on the resources of the Government. […]. However, some of the SOEs have been mandated to 
provide commercially non-viable services in line with government objectives. 
2.12  SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3
rd review, 14 December 2009) 
2.12.1  South Africa 
P. 399, Appendix Table AIII.4 (extracts) 
Table AIII.4 
Incentive schemes, 2009 
Scheme: objective Criteria  Type of incentive 
Investment support    
[…]   
                                               
81 Decree No. 2-96-511 of 10 November 1997, creating the Tangiers Free Export Zone. 
82 Law No. 18.392 of 14 January 1985 (amended by Law No. 19.606 of 14 April 1999), and Law 
No. 19.149 of 6 July 1992 (amended by Law No. 19.270 of 6 December 1993). 
83 Information provided by the Chilean authorities. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 57 - 
 
  Scheme: objective Criteria  Type of incentive 
Transport   
Transport promotion: promote 
entrepreneurship, facilitate transport links and access to financial services in transport services (road freight, logistic , 
maritime, aviation, and bus sector) An economically viable business 
plan; minimum loan of R 1 million; minimum of R 500,000 for bridging facilities; and R 5 million for equity-related transactions .. 
.. Not available. 
Source: Department of Trade and Industry online in formation, "Offerings: In centives and Development 
Finance". Viewed at: http://www.dti.gov.za [20 Febr uary 2009]; Department of Trade and Industry 
online information, "Offerings: Information, Advice, and Facilitation: National Industrial Participation Programme". Viewed at: http://www.thedti.gov.za/offerings/offering.asp?offeringid=127 [6 March 2009]; Mbendi Information Service online information, "South Africa: Incentives". Viewed at: http://www.mbendi.com/land/af/sa/p0027.htm  [20 February 2009]; and Industrial Development 
Corporation  online information. Available at: http:// www.idc.co.za/default.asp [29 January 2009]; 
and South Africa Info online information, "Spatial Development Initiatives". Viewed at: 
http://www.southafrica.info/doing_business/economy/development/sdi.htm [24 February 2009]; DATC online information, "The Programme". Viewed at: http://www.dact.co.za/  programme.asp; 
TradeInvest South Africa online information, "Foreign Investment Grant (FIG)". Viewed at: 
http://www.tradeinvestsa.co.za/incentives/983081.htm  [6 March 2009]; TradeInvest South Africa 
online information, "Film Indust ry Rebate Scheme". Viewed at: 
http://www.tradeinvestsa.co.za/incentives/983076.htm  [6 March 2009]. WTO (2003), Trade Policy 
Review: SACU , Geneva; Department of Trade and Indu stry online information, "Regulatory 
Environment: Industrial Development Zones". Viewed at: http://www.dti.gov.za/investing/regulatoryenvironment.htm [4 March 2009]; Department of Trade and Industry online information, "Export Marketin g and Investment Assistance Scheme". Viewed at: 
http://www.dti.gov.za/offerings/offering.asp?offeringid=204 [20 February 2009]; and information provided by the South African authorities.  
 
2.13  Niger and Senegal - WT/TPR/S/223/Rev.1 (2nd and 3rd review, 
22 December 2009) 
2.13.1  Niger 
P. 112, para. 181 
(ii) Transportation 
The transport  subsector has been particularly affected by the various revisions of the Investment 
Code aimed at increasing its attractiveness, including an exemption from tax on industrial and 
commercial profits (BIC). 
2.14  Japan - WT/TPR/S/243/Rev.1 (10th review, 2 May 2011) 
P. 62, para. 114 
(ii) Subsidies and other financial assistance Japan has notified various specific subsidy programmes  to the WTO. In its latest notification, 
Japan indicated 68 subsidy schemes to assist […] finance, and transport  sectors.
84 […]. 
                                               
84 WTO document G/SCM/N/186/JPN, 25 June 2009. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 58 - 
 
  2.15  India - WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5th review, 20 October 2011) 
Pp. 82-83, paras. 149 and 151, and Table III.18 
Special economic zones (SEZs) […] Firms established in an SEZ benefit from seve ral incentives subject to generating net foreign 
exchange earnings within five years of operatio n (Table III.18). SEZ units are exempt from various 
taxes, including income tax, central sales tax, mi nimum alternate tax, dividend distribution tax, 
service tax, and from a series of state taxes (i .e. sales tax, stamp duty, and electricity duty) 
(Table III.18).
85 […]. 
As at end 2010, India had 374 SEZs with 3,245 units producing manufactured goods and providing 
services and  warehousing  for a total investment of US$43 billion and 644,073 employees. As at 
end 2010, India had 374 SEZs with 3,245 units producing manufactured goods and providing 
services and warehousing for a total investme nt of US$43 billion and 644,073 employees. […]. 
2.16  China - WT/TPR/S/264/Rev.1 (4th review, 20 July 2012) 
P. 175, para. 355 
(ix) Logistics services The Bohai Bay Region has high logistics demand and freight traffic; Shandong Province has the 
highest freight traffic volume in China. Logistics activities in Tianjin, the economic centre of North 
China, are currently centred around Tianjin Airport and the Binhai New Area, which consists of the 
Tianjin Port and the Tianjin Economic Techno logical Development Area (TEDA). The central 
government has identified logistics as a key growth area for the city, and strongly supported  
municipal plans to develop the Binhai New Area and enhance the city's logistics infrastructure. […]. 
2.17  Singapore - WT/TPR/S/267/Rev.1 (6
th review, 18 October 2012) 
P. 43-44, para. 73 and Box III.1 
Major new incentive schemes introduced over the review period are summarized in Box III.1. […]. 
As noted in Singapore's previous Review, there ar e no publicly available studies on tax revenue 
foregone as a result of tax incentives offered.  
Box III.1: New incentive schemes, 2008-12 
Fiscal incentives  
[…]  
Tax incentives for 
ship brokers and forward freight agreement (FFA) traders  
Introduced in 2010 Budget. Concessionary corporate income tax rate of 10% (on 
incremental income derived from ship brokin g and FFA trading) for ship brokers and 
FFA traders. Scheme is for a five-year period (April 2010 to March 2015). Scheme has been subsumed under the Maritime Sector Incentive (see Chapter IV(2)(iv)). 
[…]  
Source: Singapore Budgets 2008-2010. IRAS online information. Viewed at: http://www.iras.gov.sg . 
 
                                               
85 SEZ Rules 2006, as amended; SEZ Act 2005; and SEZ online information, "About SEZs: facilities and 
incentives". Viewed at: http://sezindia.nic.in/about-fi.asp . S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 59 - 
 
  3  MARITIME TRANSPORT SERVICES 
3.1  Panama - WT/TPR/S/186/Rev.1 (1st review, 3 December 2007) 
P. 78, para. 9 
Panama's ship register is the largest in the world. Registration gives tax benefits  such as 
exemption from profits tax. 
P. 100, para. 133 
(b) Maritime transport services 
Registration [in the Panama register of ships] confers fiscal benefits  such as exemption from tax 
on profits earned from the activity carried out.  Law No. 25 of 3 June 2002 allows an additional 
rebate of up to 25% on the annual tax per tonne and 50% on the annual consular fee for a period of four years for registered entities that operate at least four newly-built vessels with a minimum 
of over 50,000 GRT up to 100,000 GRT; for grou ps of four ships exceeding 100,000 GRT, the 
additional annual tax rebate is up to 35%. In order to obtain these advantages, the owners must undertake to keep the vessels under Panamanian registration for a period of four years. Law 
No. 36 of 6 July 1995 also allows reductions for the registration of groups of ships (at least three) 
or for large vessels, which may be 20 or 50% depending on the tonnage. 
3.2  Thailand - WT/TPR/S/191/Rev.1 (5
th review, 6 February 2008) 
(v) Transport 
Pp. 129-130, para. 99 
(b) Maritime transport […] Many promotional measures  are in place to attract Thai operators to fly the Thai flag, these 
include administrative, tax relief, and funding measures.
86 […]. The objective is to provide 
more flexibility to Thai ship owners du e to the shortage of Thai seafarers. 
3.3  Pakistan - WT/TPR/S/193/Rev.1 (3rd review, 20 May 2008) 
Pp. 106-107, para. 100 
(a) Shipping 
[…] Ships (including floating craft, tugs, dre dgers, survey vessels) bought or chartered by 
a Pakistani entity and flying the country's flag are exempt  from import duties  and surcharges 
until 2020 provided they are not demolished within 5 years. […]. 
3.4  Mexico - WT/TPR/S/195/Rev.1 (4th review, 2 May 2008) 
Pp. 79-82, para. 256 and Table III.12 
(iii) Incentives (a) Overview Other programmes give tax concessions for specified activities such as […] air and maritime 
transport , and the cinematographic industry. Fiscal assistance is also given for acquiring 
equipment to combat contamination and for technological research and development activities (Table III.12). 
                                               
86 The authorities indicate that details on these promotional measures are available in the Maritime 
Department online information (www.m d.go.th), but no such information wa s available in the English version 
of this site. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 60 - 
 
  Table III.12 
Tax incentives for the promotion of economic activities 
Institution Name of the programme Description 
[…] 
Ministry of 
Finance and Public Credit (SHCP)  
Technological development  
Deduction from income tax of the contributions made to 
technological research and development funds. 
 Tax incentives for the 
cinematographic industry Tax incentive for companies investing in national 
cinematographic production. 
 Incentives for public 
transport of passengers or freight Tax incentive for persons purcha sing diesel fuel for their 
final consumption to be used in vehicles exclusively intended for the public or private transport of passengers or freight. 
 Incentives for land transport 
of freight or passengers Tax incentive for persons exclusively engaged in land 
transport of freight or passengers and in private 
transport of freight or passengers. 
 Incentives for the merchant 
marine  Tax incentive for persons pu rchasing special marine 
diesel fuel to be used in vessels for merchant marine 
activities. 
 Incentives for commercial 
corporations building or buying real estate Tax incentive for companies building or buying real 
estate. 
Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) Duty-free import of anti-
contamination equipment The exemption only applies if the equipment to be 
imported cannot be substitu ted by equipment produced 
or that could be produced in Mexico. Subject to prior 
authorization by the SE. 
 Accelerated depreciation of 
equipment to be used to prevent or control 
contamination Incentive for companies purchasing equipment to be 
used to prevent or control contamination of the environment; 95.7 to 100% of the value of the purchase 
of the asset can be depreciated. 
Source:  Information provided by the Mexican authorities (October 2007). 
 
 
P. 132, para. 183 
(v) Maritime transport 
In mid-2006, the Federal Government created the Mexican Merchant Marine Development Fund 
(Fondemar) with a view to helping Mexican shipping companies to obtain financing for buying, 
building or modernizing vessels for maritime traffic.  In each case the SCT must determine 
Fondemar's level of participation in the credit risk through guarantees . According to 
information provided by the authorities, the resources allocated to Fondemar amounted to 
117 million pesos (US$10.7 million). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 61 - 
 
  3.5  Brunei Darussalam - WT/TPR/S/196/Rev.1 (2nd review, 4 June 2008) 
P. 31, Box II.2 
Box II.2: Brunei Economic Development Boar d's economic diversification strategy 
The Brunei Economic Development Board's (BEDB) economic diversification strategy is designed to create 
long-term business and employment opportunities for Bruneians. It is currently focusing on developing 
downstream oil and gas industries, particularly on it s Sungai Liang Industrial Park (SPARK) and planning 
the development of a globally competitive port on Pulau Muara Besar, support ed by an export processing 
zone for logistics, distribution and light to medium manufacturing industries. In addition to industrial site 
development, in 2003 the BEDB sponsored a study to identify industry clusters with the potential for growth. Subsequently, four industry  clusters were prioritized: transportation and logistics; business 
services; financial services; and hospitality and tourism. The BEDB collaborates with various lead agencies to develop these clusters. 
The BEDB's main objectives are to: stimulate the gr owth and development of the economy by promoting 
Brunei Darussalam as an investment destination; develop plans to attract foreign and local investment in industries and skill-intensive services that enjoy good  export-market prospects; promote and assist in the 
development of industrial activities; encourage foreign and local industries to invest in new technology, automation, training, research, and product development acti vities; and support the development of local 
entrepreneurs and SMEs. 
[…] 
Source:  Authorities of Brunei Darussalam. 
 
Pp. 57-58, paras. 86 and 88 
(d) Assistance for small- and medium-sized enterprises  
As part of its efforts to increase private sector participation in the economy, the Government has 
continued to encourage the development of small- and medium-sized  enterprises (SMEs),  
which make up 98% of enterprises in the country and account for 58% of Brunei's total 
employment in the private sector. Financial assistance  for SMEs consists of the Enterprise 
Facilitation Scheme (EFS), a financing scheme  developed by the Enterprise Development Centre 
in the MIPR, and the Micro-credit Financing Scheme  (MFS); the EFS and MFS provide maximum 
loans  per enterprise of B$1.5 million and B$30,000, respectively. Under the EFS, priority is given 
to enterprises operating […] as well as operator s of tourism activities in Brunei. […]. The loans  are 
at a favourable rate of interest of 4%, repayabl e over seven years for EFS projects and four years 
for MFS loans.  
The Government is taking a "proactive" approach to diversifying the country's sources of economic 
growth and creating opportunities for SMEs. As noted in the previous chapter, the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), formed in 2001, aims to attract FDI and promote joint ventures – 
targeting US$4.5 billion in new investment and at least 6,000 new permanent jobs by 2008. BEDB 
has a two-prong strategy: to develop a number of industry clusters, including tourism,  
transportation and logistics, and fi nancial services; and to develop a port and industrial complex 
at Pulau Muara Besar […]. 
 
P. 78, para. 49 
(5) S ERVICES  
(i) Overview 
[…] Recognizing the importance of services for economic growth, the Government aims to 
transform Brunei into a service hub for trade and tourism (SHuTT). The SHuTT programme would 
promote  trade, travel, business, and communications in and through Brunei. The programme was 
intended to further develop Brunei's infrastruc ture, including upgrading facilities at Brunei 
International Airport; expanding Muara Port, Brunei's main port , and increasing capacity in the S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 62 - 
 
  telecommunications services network to increase pe netration rates, as well as expanding coverage 
by the domestic and international postal services. 
3.6  Mauritius - WT/TPR/S/198/Rev.1 (3rd review,) 
Pp. 106-107, paras. 132-133 
(a) Maritime Mauritius' own merchant fleet is of 75,000 grt (Table IV.14). Ship registration and mortgaging are 
regulated by the Mauritius Merchant Shipping Act 1986 and the Mauritius Shipping (Amendment) 
Act 1992.
87 The Minister is empowered to exempt  any class of ship from any of the requirements 
laid down under the Act. A new Merchant Shipping  Act has been elaborated, and introduced in the 
National Assembly. Its main declared objectives are to ensure that shipping operations and practices are conducted according to international safety norms to enhance maritime safety and 
security, to protect conditions of engagement, employment, work and living on board, and to 
safeguard interests of ship owners, op erators, passengers, and cargo. […]. 
Several fiscal exemptions  are granted under the marine legislation. Vessels registered in 
Mauritius are exempt from tax on freight earnings.  The personnel working on board 
a Mauritian flag ship is exempted from income tax , and the requirement of a work permit for 
foreigners is waived. Ships' stores, consumables, spare parts, and bunkers are exempted from 
customs and excise duties. No capital gains tax  is payable upon the sale or transfer of a ship 
or of the shares in a shipping company, and no estate duty is payable up on inheritance of shares in a shipping company.
88 
3.7  Barbados - WT/TPR/S/203/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 December 2008) 
Pp. 74, para. 98 
(b) Maritime transport 
Under the Shipping Incentives Act Cap. 90A (as amended by the Shipping (Incentives) 
(Amendment) Act 2005-5), approved shipping companies are entitled to a number of tax 
benefits,  when involved in the operation or leasing of ships for carriage of passengers or cargo, 
commercial shipping and boating in the tourist industry, the leasing of ships or in shipbuilding, 
including the reconstruction, alteration, refitting, equipping, maintenance or repair of ships. These 
benefits include: duty-free imports  of ships or any articles to be used in reconstruction, etc. of 
ships and exemption from tax  on dividends and interest. An approved shipping company is any 
company that is engaged in shipping activities, or that is wholly owned by the Crown or in which 
the Government has a majority interest. According to the authorities, the purpose of the Act was 
to encourage the development of a shipping indust ry in Barbados, and an indigenous industry for 
ship repairs. 
3.8  Jordan - WT/TPR/S/206/Rev.1 (1st review, 27 January 2009) 
P. 47, paras. 113-115  
(4) M EASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(i) Incentives 
Under the Investment Promotion Law, Jordan is di vided into zones A, B, and C. Investments in 
zone C, the least developed area, receive the high est level of exemptions from income and social 
                                               
87 The following are allowed to own and register ships under the Mauritian flag: citizens of Mauritius; 
companies incorporated in Mauritius and effectively contro lled by Mauritian citizens; companies incorporated in 
Mauritius or abroad, with the approval of the relevant  authorities; companies holding a Category 1 Global 
Business Licence, provided their shipping activities ar e carried out exclusively outside Mauritius. These persons 
or companies can also register a foreign ship under the Ma uritian flag if the ship is bareboat chartered to them 
for at least 12 months. 
88 Republic of Mauritius (undated c). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 63 - 
 
  services taxes (75%). All agricultural, maritime transport,  and railway investments are classified 
as Zone C, irrespective of location. […]. Inve stments along the shores of the Dead Sea and 5km 
inland are classified as zone A for the hotel subs ector, with 25% exemptions. […]. The exemptions 
may rise to 100% in certain areas, subject to approval by the Council of Ministers.89 The 
exemption period is ten years but can be extended. 
The following components of investments are exempt from customs duties, sales tax, and 
other fees and charges,  with the exception of municipal fees and taxes (Articles 2 and 6): 
imports of fixed assets (for 3 years)90; imports of spare parts up to 15% of the import value of the 
fixed assets (for 10 years); and fixed assets need ed for expansion, provided this results in an 
increase in production of at least 25%. 
Projects in the following sectors and sub-sectors are eligible for the exemptions under the 
Investment and Promotion Law: agriculture; call centers; conventions and exhibition centers; 
hospitals; hotels; leisure and recreational compounds; industry; maritime transport; railways; 
pipeline transportation; and distribution services for water, gas, and petroleum derivatives. 
Projects in the hotel and hospital subsectors ar e granted these exemptions once every seven years 
for purchases of furniture and supplies for renewal purposes (Article 8). 
P. 87, para. 127 
(iii) Transport (a) Maritime transport The [Jordan Maritime Authority (JMA)] is also responsible for the registration of vessels flying the 
Jordanian flag. A number of incentives  are offered: exemption from income tax for shipping 
management companies registered in Jordan; 10% reduction on berthing fees, and exemption 
from anchorage and waiting fees collected by the Port of Aqaba. Under its GATS schedule, Jordan 
has reserved the right to offer preferential servic e fees to Jordanian ships for pilotage, berthing, 
and docking. […]. 
3.9  Brazil - WT/TPR/S/212/Rev.1 (5
th review, 11 May 2009) 
P. 137, para. 223 
The domestic shipping  industry also benefits from other incentives.  Under Provisional Measure 
No. 2,158-35 of 24 August 2001, EBNs' Freight receipts from the international transportation of merchandise in ships registered in the REB are exempt from the PIS and COFINS taxes. The construction, maintenance, repair, and modernization of REB-registered ships  in Brazilian 
shipyards benefit from the same fiscal treatment granted to exports of industrial goods in general 
(e.g. reimbursement of domestic indirect taxes). 
3.10  Fiji - WT/TPR/S/213/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 16 June 2009) 
P. 12, para. 21 
(ii) Privatization and reform  of state-owned enterprises 
State-owned enterprises (SOEs) conduct many business activities, e.g. sugar production, ship 
building, shipping,  forestry , banking, insurance and finance,  power generation, sea ports, air 
transport, rice milling, cattle raising, crop pr oduction and aquaculture, telecommunications and 
newspapers (Chapter III(4)(viii)). […]. Government support  to SOEs via loans, standing debt 
guarantees, equity injections, and ad hoc explicit and timely guarantees on individual debt 
instruments entail substantial government contingent liabilities.  
                                               
89 WTO document WT/ACC/JOR/33, 3 December 1999, paragraph 20. 
90 The exemptions also cover any increase in the value of the fixed assets resulting from price increases, 
freight charges or changes in exchange rates. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 64 - 
 
  P. 81, para. 118 
(viii) State-owned entities and privatization 
Government supports SOEs via loans, standing debt guarantees (e.g. activated by Fiji Sugar 
Corporation in 2001), equity injections (e.g. Amalgamated Telecom Holdings in 2000), and ad hoc 
explicit and timely guarantees on  individual debt instruments. Fiji Development Bank borrowings 
are government guaranteed. Government contingent liabilities from SOE guarantees rose to F$3.3 billion at end 2007 (56% of GDP), mainly relating to […] Fiji Maritime and Ports 
Authority  (F$41.4 million) […]. 
P. 85, para. 7 
IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR (1) I
NTRODUCTION  
[…] A 21.9% subsidy was recently introduced for bus operators from July to end 2008. 
Non-profitable [ sea shipping ] routes are serviced by government subsidies paid to tendered 
private operators. […]. 
P. 114, para. 101 
(b) Maritime transport 
[…] A Shipping  Franchise Subsidy Scheme,  introduced in 2003, provides regular and reliable 
shipping services on non-viable routes […]. Th e services are provided by the Fiji Shipping 
Corporation Ltd by contracting out to commercial operators. […]. 
3.11  Solomon Islands - WT/TPR/S/215/Rev.1 (2nd review, 24 June 2009) P. 64, para. 97 
(iv) Maritime transport and ports Maritime transport is key for Solomon Islands' international and domestic trade. […] Solomon 
Islands subsidizes certain domestic routes, considering that they cannot be operated on 
a commercial basis but are essential for social and economic reasons. […].  
P. 65, para. 107 
Solomon Islands does not regulate tariffs for international or domestic maritime transport.  It 
subsidizes certain domestic maritime transport services, recognizing that many routes are 
essential for social and economic reasons, but cannot be operated on a commercial basis. The 
Ministry of Infrastructure Development determin es the operators and routes targeted by the 
subsidy. The amount of the subsidy is the cost of  service less the revenue received from passenger 
and cargo fees. […]. 
3.12  New Zealand - WT/TPR/S/216/Rev.1 (4th review, 10 July 2009) 
P. 93, para. 71 
(b) Maritime transport In May 2008, the Government announced its strategy for coastal shipping , under which it seeks 
to increase the share of coastal shipping in inte r-regional trade to 30% by 2040. As part of the 
strategy, the Government established a sea freight development unit, in March 2008, which acts 
as a focal point for the industry. In addition, access to funding  (NZ$36 million over four years) 
and information gathering and dissemination is being improved. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 65 - 
 
  3.13  SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3rd review, 14 December 2009) 
3.13.1  South Africa P. 399, Appendix Table AIII.4 (extracts) 
Table AIII.4 
Incentive schemes, 2009 
Scheme: objective Criteria  Type of incentive 
Investment support    
[…]   
Transport   
Transport promotion: promote 
entrepreneurship, facilitate transport links and access to financial services in transport services (road freight, logistic, maritime , aviation, and bus 
sector) An economically viable business 
plan; minimum loan of R 1 million; minimum of R 500,000 for bridging facilities; and R 5 million for equity-related transactions .. 
.. Not available. 
Source: Department of Trade and Industry online in formation, "Offerings: In centives and Development 
Finance". Viewed at: http://www.dti.gov.za [20 Febr uary 2009]; Department of Trade and Industry 
online information, "Offerings: Information, Advice, and Facilitation: National Industrial Participation Programme". Viewed at: http://www.thedti.gov.za/offerings/offering.asp?offeringid=127 [6 March 2009]; Mbendi Information Service online information, "South Africa: Incentives". Viewed at: http://www.mbendi.com/land/af/sa/p0027.htm  [20 February 2009]; and Industrial Development 
Corporation  online information. Available at: http:// www.idc.co.za/default.asp [29 January 2009]; 
and South Africa Info online information, "Spatial Development Initiatives". Viewed at: 
http://www.southafrica.info/doing_business/economy/development/sdi.htm [24 February 2009]; DATC online information, "The Programme". View ed at: http://www.dact.co.za/ programme.asp; 
TradeInvest South Africa online information, "Foreign Investment Grant (FIG)". Viewed at: 
http://www.tradeinvestsa.co.za/incentives/983081.htm  [6 March 2009]; TradeInvest South Africa 
online information, "Film Indust ry Rebate Scheme". Viewed at: 
http://www.tradeinvestsa.co.za/incentives/983076.htm  [6 March 2009]. WTO (2003), Trade Policy 
Review: SACU , Geneva; Department of Trade and Indu stry online information, "Regulatory 
Environment: Industrial Development Zones". Viewed at: 
http://www.dti.gov.za/investing/regulatoryenvironment.htm [4 March 2009]; Department of Trade and Industry online information, "Export Marketin g and Investment Assistance Scheme". Viewed at: 
http://www.dti.gov.za/offerings/offering.asp?offeringid=204 [20 February 2009]; and information provided by the South African authorities.  
 
3.14  United States - WT/TPR/S/235/Rev.1 (10th review, 29 October 2010) 
P. 102, para. 92 
(ii) Maritime transport (b) Regulatory framework  The regulatory framework for maritime transport in  the United States has not changed during the 
review period. […]. In addition, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) of the Department of 
Transportation is responsible for certain maritime regulations, programmes that promote  the 
use of waterborne transportation and its integration with other segments of the transportation system, and the viability of the U.S. merchant marine.  MARAD is also responsible for a variety 
of programmes involving ships and shipbuilding, port operations, environment, and safety. […]. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 66 - 
 
  P. 103, para. 98 
(c) Water-borne trade  
The United States administers a number of mari time transport programmes related to national 
defence: 
− The Maritime Security Program (MSP) provides a fixed payment  to operators of 
domestically flagged vessels  under the Maritime Security Act of 2003.  
− Annual spending of up to US$156 million was authorized for FY2006-08, US$174 for 
2009-11; and US$186 for FY2012-1591; In FY2009, 59 vessels received MSP payments 
totalling US$166.5 million, or an averag e of US$2.8 million per vessel; […]. 
3.15  Japan - WT/TPR/S/243/Rev.1 (10th review, 2 May 2011) 
P. 90, para. 59 
(iii) Transport (a) Maritime transport The Government continues to provide support to  Japanese flag carriers  under the international 
ship regime.
92 It also continues to provide a tonnage tax, adopted in 2008, under which a 
company may calculate its corporate tax based on assumed profit per net tonne of vessels flying the Japanese flag. The presumably lower tonnage tax is applicable instead of the corporate tax and 
is an incentive  for shipping companies. An internationally operating shipping company must 
submit a plan that ensures stable international maritime transport to the MLIT; this must be 
approved by the Minister before the tonnage tax can be applied. As of March 2010, 11 companies had been approved by the MLIT to apply the tonnage tax. 
3.16  India - WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5
th review, 20 October 2011) 
P. 91, paras. 175 and 177 
(4) M EASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(i) Incentives 
(a) Tax incentives India provides a number of tax incentives aimed at promoting investment. Under the Income Tax 
Act 1961, tax incentives  are provided to several sectors (Section 35AD) and to disadvantaged 
areas. […] The authorities noted that several tax incentive programmes have been phased out since 2007 (Table III.22). During the period under review, revenue forgone due to incentives amounted to some US$27.94 billion (Table AIII.8). 
[…] The Income Tax Act 1961 provides additional incentives, including for the shipping 
companies  (Section 33AC) […].
93 
                                               
91 MARAD online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.marad.dot.gov/ships_shipping_landing _page/domestic_shipping/Domestic_Shipping.htm  
[March 2010]. 
92 For details, see WTO document WT/TPR/S/211/Rev.1, 12 May 2009. 
93 Ministry of Finance (2007a). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 67 - 
 
  P. 164, paras. 141-142 
(iv) Transport 
(a) Maritime transport Shipping 
Imports of repair materials by ship-repair  units registered with the [Directorate General of 
Shipping, DGS] are exempt  from customs duties, and domestic goods are exempt from excise 
duties.
94 The recent budget extended some of the incentives , including duty-free imports of spare 
parts and other items used for repairs, provided for ocean going vessels owned by ship-owners 
registered in India.95 
In an attempt to develop coastal shipping, certain concessions  are granted to operators, 
e.g. relaxation in customs procedures96, and lower charges at ports.97 Coastal vessels enjoy a 40% 
reduction on various tariffs and in cargo handling fees (except for vessels transporting thermal 
coal, crude oil, and petroleum/oil/lubricants).98 
3.17  Turkey - WT/TPR/S/259/Rev.1 (5th review, 7 March 2012) 
P. 103, para. 84 
(iii) Transport 
(a) Maritime transport 
[…] In addition to the special tax incentives  offered through the international register, flying the 
Turkish flag allows the vessels to perform cabotage operations in Turkish waters and a 10% price preference in bidding for the transport of public cargoes or strategic raw materials.
99 […].  
3.18  Singapore - WT/TPR/S/267/Rev.1 (6th review, 18 October 2012) 
P. 71, para. 54, Table IV.7 and para. 55 
(iv) Transport 
(a) Maritime transport 
To develop Singapore as a leading international maritime centre, the MPA collaborates with 
industry partners to provide shipping companies with a one-stop location for port, shipping, and other maritime activities, as well as services  in ship management, ship financing, marine 
insurance, ship broking, maritime legal services, and marine and offshore engineering. Singapore 
has consolidated all tax incentive schemes  for the maritime sector under the Maritime Sector 
Incentive (Table IV.7).  
                                               
94 Press note 1990 series No. SY-22013/7/89-SBR, 10 October 1990. 
95 Ministry of Finance (2011b). 
96 Notification of 7 October 1997 and Public Notice No. 190/97 of 20 October 1997 exempt coastal ships 
from the provisions of Sections 92, 94, 97, and 98(1) of the Customs Act 1962. Hence coastal ships are not required to file a bill of entry when loading at ports or  a bill of entry at discharge ports, or to obtain written 
permission before leaving a port. 
97 Planning Commission (2008). 
98 Information provided by the authorities. 
99 Pursuant to the Cabotage Law, merchant maritime  transport and passenger services, pilotage, and all 
other port services may only be provided by Turkish-flag ships. For fu rther details regarding the incentives and 
privileges, see WTO (2003) and WTO (2007).   S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 68 - 
 
  Table IV.7 
Main features of the Maritime Sector Incentive, 2011  
Name of award Major benefits 
MSI-Singapore Registry of Ships (MSI-
SRS) Qualifying income derived from operating or chartering of a 
Singapore-registered ship outside the port limits of Singapore is tax-exempt.   
MSI-Approved International Shipping 
Enterprise (MSI-AIS) 
 Qualifying income derived by an  approved company from operating 
or chartering of Singapore- and foreign-flagged vessels outside the 
port limits of Singapore is tax exempt  for up to 10 years, with the 
possibility of extension for further periods of 10 years up to a total 
of 30 years.  
MSI-Shipping-related Support Services (MSI-SSS)  
 MSI-Maritime Leasing (MSI-ML) Qualifying incremental  income derived from the provision of 
shipping -related support services by  an approved company is 
eligible for a concessionary tax rate  of 10% for five years. 
An approved ship/container inve stment vehicle be nefits from 0%, 
5% or 10% tax on qualifying income for 5 years. The approved manager benefits from a concessionary tax rate  of 10% for 5 
years.  
Source: Singapore authorities. 
 
The MPA also provides maritime companies with other support schemes,  such as the 
S$100 million Maritime Innovation and Technology (MINT) Fund and the S$100 million Maritime 
Cluster Fund (MCF), to encourage maritime resear ch and development, as well as manpower and 
business development needs.  
3.19  Republic of Korea - WT/TPR/S/268/Rev.1 (6th review, 8 November 2012) 
P. 150, paras. 123-124 
(vi) Transport 
(a) Maritime transport 
The Government does not intervene directly in pr oviding shipping services, but provides various 
financing and tax schemes  to assist shipping companies; no data on budgetary costs of these 
schemes since 2008 were available from the authorities. […].  
Vessels registered at the Jeju and Seogwipo ports in Jeju island benefit from local tax breaks  
relating to acquisition and property taxes. […]. 
3.20  Norway - WT/TPR/S/269/Rev.1 (6th review, 13 November 2012) 
P. 110, para. 133 
(iii) Maritime transport […] A system of net salaries  for ships' crews employed on NOR-registered vessels has also 
been continued. Thus, Norway's tax regime for shipping companies is comparable to those applied 
by EU member states and compatible with the state aid rules in the EEA. The Norwegian Maritime 
Strategy, presented by the Government in 2007, advocates global regulation of the maritime 
industries to prevent tax competition.
100 Norway would back international initiatives to reduce 
state tax subsidies to maritime transport.  
                                               
100 Ministry of Trade and Industry (2007). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 69 - 
 
  4  AIR TRANSPORT SERVICES 
4.1  Bahrain - WT/TPR/S/185/Rev.1 (2nd review, 23 October 2007) 
P. 74, paras. 128 and 132  
(b) Air transport 
The following incentives  are granted to promote Bahrain's airport as a regional hub: (i) landing 
and parking fees are free of charge for two years for new airline entrants; (ii) exemption of air navigation fees for two years; and (iii) 50% of charges are paid by air cargo (on an unlimited 
basis). 
According to the authorities, Bahrain adopts a multiple designation approach in its bilateral 
negotiations; this allows more than one carrier from a state to operate the permitted services. Benefits, including special rebate s, discounts, and incentives for landing, take-off, and 
parking charges, are provided to airlines on a case-by-case basis. Some classes of aircraft are 
exempt by law from payment of these charges; th ese include aircraft of the Kingdom of Bahrain, 
of the United Nations and its agencies, the League of Arab States and its agencies, aircraft used 
without remuneration, and any other aircra ft that may be exempted by the CAA.
101 
4.2  Thailand - WT/TPR/S/191/Rev.1 (5th review, 6 February 2008) 
(v) Transport 
P. 131, paras. 105-106 
(c) Air transport 
Since January 2004, Thai AirAsia, a Thai-Malaysian  joint-venture low-cost airline, has benefited 
from BOI investment privileges such as tax exemptions  for eight years, including taxes on 
machinery imports.102 These incentives  are available to all airlines requesting investment 
promotion within the air transport service category  under BOI Announcement No. 2/2543 
(2000), which provides for incentives, such as import duty exemption  on machinery regardless 
of zones, corporate income tax exemptions, and other incentives according to zones, to all "priority 
activities" (Chapter III). 
[…] Thai Airways International benefits  from regulations that require civil servants and officers of 
government-related agencies to use its services. 
4.3  Pakistan - WT/TPR/S/193/Rev.1 (3rd review, 20 May 2008) 
P. 107, para. 101 
(b) Air transportation 
[…] Government subsidies apply to certain of [the state-owned Pakistan International Airways 
(PIA)]'s loss-making socio-economic routes.103 
                                               
101 Ministry of Transportation, Civil Aviation Affairs, Civil Aviation Law, (Article 119). 
102 EIU (2006b). 
103 World Bank (2005a), p. 21. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 70 - 
 
  4.4  Mexico - WT/TPR/S/195/Rev.1 (4th review, 2 May 2008) 
P. 81, para. 256  
(iii) Incentives (a) Overview 
Other programmes give tax concessions for specified activities such as […] air and maritime 
transport , and the cinematographic industry. Fiscal assistance is also given for acquiring 
equipment to combat contamination and for technological research and development activities […]. 
4.5  Brunei Darussalam - WT/TPR/S/196/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 4 June 2008) 
P. 78, para. 49 
(5) S ERVICES  
(i) Overview 
[…] Recognizing the importance of services for economic growth, the Government aims to 
transform Brunei into a service hub for trade and tourism (SHuTT). The SHuTT programme would promote trade, travel, business,  and communications in and through Brunei. The programme was 
intended to further develop Brunei's infrastruc ture, including upgrading facilities at Brunei 
International Airport;  expanding Muara Port, Brunei's main port, and increasing capacity in the 
telecommunications services network to increase pe netration rates, as well as expanding coverage 
by the domestic and international postal services. 
4.6  Madagascar - WT/TPR/S/197/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 28 May 2008) 
P. 42, para. 48 
(i) Incentives 
[…] Public services, such as electricity (Cha pter IV(3)(iii), water (Chapter IV(3)(iv)), air and rail 
transport  (Chapter IV(5)(i)) and postal (Chapter IV(5)(iii)) services, also benefit from State aid , 
as does agriculture (Chapter IV(2)(ii)). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 71 - 
 
  4.7  Mozambique - WT/TPR/S/209/Rev.1 (2nd review, 30 June 2009) 
P. 23, Table II.2 
Table II.2  
Investment incentivesa, 2008 
Sector  Type of incentive 
Available to all approved investment projects:  
  Exemption from payment of import duties  on equipment included in class "K" 
of the Customs Tariff Schedule, but only when the goods to be imported are either 
not produced within the territory of Mozam bique or, if produced, do not satisfy the 
specific purpose or operational characteristi cs required or inherent in the nature of 
the project and particular activity to be developed and carried out; 
Investment tax credit equal to 5% of the total investment realized (exceptions apply, e.g. passenger vehi cles), for five years; 
Tax credit for the professional training of Mozambican workers, up to a maximum 
of 5% of taxable income, for the first five years of operation; 
Accelerated depreciation for new immovable assets; 
Tax deductible expenditure, 100% in Maputo and 150% in the provinces, for the construction and rehabilitation of roads, railways, airports , mail delivery, 
telecommunications, water supply, electric energy, schools, hospitals, and other works, for 10 years; Exemption from stamp tax for the alteration of the share capital and the articles of association, for the first five years of operation; 
[…]   
  
a Industrial Free Zones are separately regulated (C hapter III(3)(vi), as well as mining and petroleum 
(Chapter IV(3)). 
Source: WTO Secretariat, based on the English translation of Decree No. 16/2002 of 27 June 2002. Viewed 
at: http:// www.mozbusiness.gov.mz/d ownload.php?view.6 [16 June 2008]. 
 
4.8  Fiji - WT/TPR/S/213/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 June 2009) 
P. 12, para. 21 
(ii) Privatization and reform  of state-owned enterprises 
State-owned enterprises (SOEs) conduct many business activities, e.g. sugar production, ship 
building, shipping, forestry, banking, insurance and finance, power generation, sea ports, air 
transport , rice milling, cattle raising, crop production and aquaculture, telecommunications and 
newspapers (Chapter III(4)(viii)). […]. Government support  to SOEs via loans, standing debt 
guarantees, equity injections,  and ad hoc explicit and timely guarantees on individual debt 
instruments entail substantial government contingent liabilities.  
P. 116, para. 106 
(c) Air transport 
[…] In 2004, Government approved air subsidies to  airlines  operating on identified 
uneconomical routes; the subsidy was based on an open one-year tender to all licensed air 
operators in Fiji. The amount of the subsidy was some F$0.3 million in 2007. Eight uneconomical 
routes are subsidized (Vanuabalavu, Cicia, Moala, Koro, Gau, Lakeba, Ono-i-Lau, and Rotuma). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 72 - 
 
  4.9  Solomon Islands - WT/TPR/S/215/Rev.1 (2nd review, 24 June 2009) 
P. 66, para. 108 
(v) Air transport and airports […] The State owns the only national airline, which is in a weak financial position partly because it 
continues to service non-viable domestic routes. The country's only international airport 
(Honiara International) is owned and managed by the State. 
4.10  Morocco - WT/TPR/S/217/Rev.1 (4
th review, 13 August 2009) 
P. 109, para. 146 
(d) Air transport 
Since 2005, ONDA has introduced an incentives poli cy to develop air traffic. These measures will 
remain in effect until 2012 and include reductions of up to 100% on certain types of airport fees 
for establishing new routes or increasing flight frequencies. Tax reductions  (ranging from 5 to 
20%) are also granted depending on the number of movements per year on the international network within the context of major account measures. Tax reductions ranging from 2 to 6% are 
granted depending on the flight volumes handled by each airport, as volume incentives. […]. 
4.11  SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3
rd review, 14 December 2009) 
4.11.1  South Africa 
P. 399, Appendix Table AIII.4 (extracts) 
Table AIII.4 
Incentive schemes, 2009 
Scheme: objective Criteria  Type of incentive 
Investment support    
[…]   
Transport   
Transport promotion: promote 
entrepreneurship, facilitate transport links and access to financial services in transport services (road freight, logistic, maritime, aviation , and bus 
sector) An economically viable business 
plan; minimum loan of R 1 million; minimum of R 500,000 for bridging facilities; and R 5 million for equity-related transactions .. 
.. Not available. 
Source: Department of Trade and Industry online in formation, "Offerings: In centives and Development 
Finance". Viewed at: http://www.dti.gov.za [20 Febr uary 2009]; Department of Trade and Industry 
online information, "Offerings: Information, Advice, and Facilitation: National Industrial Participation Programme". Viewed at: http://www.thedti.gov.za/offerings/offering.asp?offeringid=127 [6 March 
2009]; Mbendi Information Service online information, "South Africa: Incentives". Viewed at: 
http://www.mbendi.com/land/af/sa/p0027.htm  [20 February 2009]; and Industrial Development 
Corporation  online information. Available at: http:// www.idc.co.za/default.asp [29 January 2009]; 
and South Africa Info online information, "Spatial Development Initiatives". Viewed at: 
http://www.southafrica.info/doing_business/economy/development/sdi.htm [24 February 2009]; DATC online information, "The Programme". View ed at: http://www.dact.co.za/ programme.asp; 
TradeInvest South Africa online information, "Foreign Investment Grant (FIG)". Viewed at: 
http://www.tradeinvestsa.co.za/incentives/983081.htm  [6 March 2009]; TradeInvest South Africa 
online information, "Film Indust ry Rebate Scheme". Viewed at: 
http://www.tradeinvestsa.co.za/incentives/983076.htm  [6 March 2009]. WTO (2003), Trade Policy 
Review: SACU , Geneva; Department of Trade and Indu stry online information, "Regulatory 
Environment: Industrial Development Zones". Viewed at: S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 73 - 
 
  http://www.dti.gov.za/investing/regulatoryenvironment.htm [4 March 2009]; Department of Trade 
and Industry online information, "Export Marketin g and Investment Assistance Scheme". Viewed at: 
http://www.dti.gov.za/offerings/offering.asp?offeringid=204 [20 February 2009]; and information provided by the South African authorities.  
 
4.12  Niger and Senegal - WT/TPR/S/223/Rev.1 (2nd and 3rd review, 
22 December 2009) 
4.12.1  Niger 
P. 86, para. 85 
(i) Incentives […] Some public utility goods and services  such as […] air transport services  (Chapter IV(5)(i)) 
[…] also receive State aid (Chapter IV(3)(ii)). […]. 
P. 116, para. 196 
(b) Air transport 
Niger is of the view that air transport is essential to its economic and social development and 
therefore has adopted a new Investment Code and regulations under the framework of the WAEMU. Air transport  enjoys import and export incentives  among other measures. These 
measures cover the movement of capital, profits ta x, the open skies policy, and a reduction in the 
rate of aeronautical charges and in the aircraft refuelling price.
104 
4.12.2  Senegal P. 183, para. 96 
(4) Measures Affecting Production and Trade (i) Incentives […]. Some public utility goods and services  such as electricity (Chapter IV(3)(iii), social water 
connections (Chapter IV(3)(iv)), air transport services  (Chapter IV(5)(i)), and postal services 
(Chapter IV(5)(iii)) also receive State support (Chapter IV(3)(ii)). […].  
P. 223, para. 216 
(c) Air transport Since 2001, Air Sénégal International (ASI) has been 51% owned by Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and 
49% by the State of Senegal.
105 As at July 2001, ASI had a deficit of around CFAF 12 billion. In 
October 2007, the Senegalese Ministry responsible for air transport had announced the 
Government's decision to alter the company's shareh olding to allow the State to hold a majority of 
ASI shares and refloat  the company with a capital of between CFAF 20 and 24 billion.106 
                                               
104 Ministry of Transport (undated). 
105 The agreement between RAM and Senegal, signed in 2000, is scheduled to end in 2010. Viewed at: 
http://www.air-senegal-international .com/index.php?pg= compagnie&m=3. 
106 Radio France internationale , "Air Sénégal international dans la tourmente", 10 April 2009. Viewed at: 
http://www.rfi.fr/actufr/articles/112/article_80024.asp . S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 74 - 
 
  4.13  Japan - WT/TPR/S/243/Rev.1 (10th review, 2 May 2011) 
P. 91, paras. 64-66 
(b) Air transport A significant development during the review period was the bankruptcy of Japan Airlines (JAL)  
and its subsequent rescue  by the Government. JAL had reportedly been carrying legacy costs, 
which had resulted in the airline having to negotiate three rescue deals with banks and the Government since 2001. The global financial crisis in 2008 resulted in further significant losses for 
JAL. It had become obvious by the end of 2009 that unless radical reforms were instituted the 
airline would be bankrupt.  
The Government decided to rescue JAL and directed  the airline to submit a restructuring plan. 
However, a change in Government in August 2009 resulted in the restructuring plan being 
scrapped. Under, a new plan, announced in No vember 2009, as a condition of government 
support, the Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corporation of Japan (ETIC) would assume control of JAL. In January 2010, JAL made a formal applicatio n for support from ETIC and filed a petition for 
the commencement of reorganization proceedings under the Corporate Reorganization Law. It 
submitted a restructuring plan that aims to return  the airline to profitability by 2012. Measures 
[…]. 
Under the plan, ETIC will inject over ¥300 billion in equity, and ETIC and the Development Bank of 
Japan will provide lines of credit  amounting to ¥600 billion. JAL stocks will be de-listed, and ETIC 
will assume control and ownership of the airline.
107 […].  
4.14  India - WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5th review, 20 October 2011) 
P. 167, para. 157 
(b) Air transport 
FDI in airport projects is allowed up to 100% under the automatic route for Greenfield projects; 
and up to 100% for existing projects, subject to governmental approval beyond 74% and to 
sectoral regulations notified by the Ministry of Ci vil Aviation and Security clearance (Table AII.4). 
Private domestic partners in airport projects are granted full tax exemption for ten years.108 
4.15  China - WT/TPR/S/264/Rev.1 (4th review, 20 July 2012) 
P. 157, para. 258 
(5) S ERVICES  
(iv) Transport 
(c) Air transport  
According to the Chinese authorities, there is no specific support or subsidy policy for domestic 
airlines except for support to national airlines opening feeder routes to connect remote areas or 
areas with backward economic development, so as to ensure universal service.  […]  
                                               
107 ETIC is obliged to sell its shares of JAL within three years of the capital injection. 
108 Kacker (undated). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
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  4.16  Singapore - WT/TPR/S/267/Rev.1 (6th review, 18 October 2012) 
Pp. 71-72, para. 57 
(b) Air transport Overview 
[…] The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) […] has launched a new incentive scheme  
(Aviation Development Fund) to enhance the compet itiveness of the Singap ore aviation industry. 
 S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
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  5  ROAD TRANSPORT SERVICES (INCLU DING PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES) 
5.1  Gabon - WT/TPR/S/188/Rev.1 (2nd review, 5 December 2007) 
P. 42, para. 46 
(4) M EASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(i) Incentives 
[…] Public services such as electricity  (Chapter IV(3)(iii)), water (Chapter IV(3)(iv)), urban 
transport services  (Chapter IV(5)(i)) and postal services  (Chapter IV(5)(iii)) also receive State 
support. The privatization programme has also written off the liabilities of the companies 
concerned (section (iv)). 
5.2  Mexico - WT/TPR/S/195/Rev.1 (4th review, 2 May 2008) 
P. 82, Table III.12 
Table III.12 
Tax incentives for the promotion of economic activities 
Institution Name of the programme Description 
[…] 
Ministry of 
Finance and Public Credit (SHCP)  
Technological development  
Deduction from income tax of the contributions made to 
technological research and development funds. 
 Tax incentives for the 
cinematographic industry Tax incentive for companies investing in national 
cinematographic production. 
 Incentives for public 
transport of passengers or freight  Tax incentive for persons purcha sing diesel fuel for their 
final consumption to be used in vehicles exclusively intended for the public or private transport of passengers or freight. 
 Incentives for land 
transport of freight or passengers  Tax incentive for persons exclusively engaged in land 
transport of freight or passengers and in private transport of freight or passengers. 
 Incentives for the merchant 
marine Tax incentive for persons pu rchasing special marine 
diesel fuel to be used in vessels for merchant marine 
activities. 
 Incentives for commercial 
corporations building or buying real estate Tax incentive for companies building or buying real 
estate. 
Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) Duty-free import of anti-
contamination equipment The exemption only applies if the equipment to be 
imported cannot be substitu ted by equipment produced 
or that could be produced in Mexico. Subject to prior 
authorization by the SE. 
 Accelerated depreciation of 
equipment to be used to prevent or control contamination Incentive for companies purchasing equipment to be 
used to prevent or control contamination of the environment; 95.7 to 100% of the value of the purchase of the asset can be depreciated. 
Source:  Information provided by the Mexican authorities (October 2007). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
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  5.3  Jordan - WT/TPR/S/206/Rev.1 (1st review, 27 January 2009) 
P. 89, para. 134  
(b) Road transport […] Under a Council of Ministers decision, incentives  are provided for the modernization of the 
road freight transport  fleet, including exemptions from general sales taxes and registration fees 
for trucks exceeding 20 tonnes.
109 […]. 
5.4  Switzerland and Liechten stein - WT/TPR/S/208/Rev.1 (5th and 3rd review, 
12 March 2009) 
5.4.1  Liechtenstein P. 73, para. 138 
(i) Incentives and other assistance 
In Liechtenstein, 80% (Sw F 15 million) of public transportation  costs are financed with public 
funds. Support is also granted to Liechtenstein Tourismus, a state institution in charge of promoting tourism […]. 
P. 128, para. 162 
(v) Transport 
(b) Overland transport 
[…] Public transport  throughout the country is offered by privately owned Liechtenstein 
Busanstalt, which receives subsidies for its services. […]. 
5.5  Fiji - WT/TPR/S/213/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 June 2009) 
P. 85, para. 7 
IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR (1) I
NTRODUCTION  
[…] A 21.9% subsidy was recently introduced for bus operators  from July to end 2008. […]. 
P. 113, para. 98 
(v) Transport 
(a) Road 
[…] In lieu of increased bus fares in light of risi ng fuel costs, the Government introduced a 21,9% 
subsidy to bus operators  from July to end 2008. They also benefit from long-standing 
concessions and rebates, including an F$0.18 cents per litre fuel concession and tariff/tax concessions on new chassis/engines and identifiable fixtures and components.
110 The revenue 
forgone from these concessions/rebates totalled F$2.6 million from January to May 2008. […].  
                                               
109 Ministry of Transport (2005) . 
110 Fiji Government , Press Release, Government to provide su bsidy to bus operators , 3 July 2008. The 
concessions/rebates provided by Government to the bu s industry amounted to F $2.6 million for the period 
January to May 2008. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
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  5.6  Morocco - WT/TPR/S/217/Rev.1 (4th review, 13 August 2009) 
P. 104, para. 121 
(ii) Transport (a) Road transport 
In order to lower transport costs, the Government is continuing to provide various tax breaks,  
such as exemption from VAT on international transport operations and the supply of related services; exemption from VAT on imported coaches, lorries and equipment needed for 
international road transport activities; exemption from VAT on purchases of coaches, lorries and 
related capital goods; imposition of a minimum customs tariff (2.5%) on imports of trailers for the transport of textiles and clothing products for export; and refund of VAT on the diesel fuel used by public road transport companies and enterprises en gaged in the road transport of goods on their 
own account. 
5.7  SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3
rd review, 14 December 2009) 
5.7.1  Botswana 
P. 121, para. 261 
(a) Road transport 
[…] Government subsidies, limited to two retu rn trips per week per customer, are paid on 
a performance basis to bus operators to encourage operators to provide rural services. […]. 
5.7.2  South Africa P. 399, Appendix Table AIII.4 (extracts) 
Table AIII.4 
Incentive schemes, 2009 
Scheme: objective Criteria  Type of incentive 
Investment support    
[…]   
Transport   
Transport promotion: promote 
entrepreneurship, facilitate transport links and access to financial services in transport services (road freight, logistic, maritime, aviation, and bus 
sector) An economically viable business 
plan; minimum loan of R 1 million; minimum of R 500,000 for bridging facilities; and R 5 million for equity-related transactions .. 
.. Not available. 
Source: Department of Trade and Industry online in formation, "Offerings: In centives and Development 
Finance". Viewed at: http://www.dti.gov.za [20 Febr uary 2009]; Department of Trade and Industry 
online information, "Offerings: Information, Advice, and Facilitation: National Industrial Participation Programme". Viewed at: http://www.thedti.gov.za/offerings/offering.asp?offeringid=127 [6 March 2009]; Mbendi Information Service online information, "South Africa: Incentives". Viewed at: http://www.mbendi.com/land/af/sa/p0027.htm  [20 February 2009]; and Industrial Development 
Corporation  online information. Available at: http:// www.idc.co.za/default.asp [29 January 2009]; 
and South Africa Info online information, "Spatial Development Initiatives". Viewed at: 
http://www.southafrica.info/doing_business/economy/development/sdi.htm [24 February 2009]; DATC online information, "The Programme". View ed at: http://www.dact.co.za/ programme.asp; 
TradeInvest South Africa online information, "Foreign Investment Grant (FIG)". Viewed at: 
http://www.tradeinvestsa.co.za/incentives/983081.htm  [6 March 2009]; TradeInvest South Africa S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 79 - 
 
  online information, "Film Indust ry Rebate Scheme". Viewed at: 
http://www.tradeinvestsa.co.za/incentives/983076.htm  [6 March 2009]. WTO (2003), Trade Policy 
Review: SACU , Geneva; Department of Trade and Indu stry online information, "Regulatory 
Environment: Industrial Development Zones". Viewed at: http://www.dti.gov.za/investing/regulatoryenvironment.htm [4 March 2009]; Department of Trade and Industry online information, "Export Marketin g and Investment Assistance Scheme". Viewed at: 
http://www.dti.gov.za/offerings/offering.asp?offeringid=204 [20 February 2009]; and information provided by the South African authorities.  
 
5.8  India - WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5th review, 20 October 2011) 
Pp. 170-171, para. 170 and Table IV.12 
(c) Overland transport Road transport Domestic and foreign investors may bid for "concession contracts" (Table IV.11). Contractors must 
pay an annual nominal fee (Rs 1) to the NHAI throughout the concession period; they may benefit 
from a number of incentives  (Table IV.12) […]. 
Table IV.12 
Selected incentives to ro ad concessionaires, 2011 
Grants of up to 40% of the cost of the project  (including for projects of high economic importance but  
not commercially viable). 
100% tax holiday in any ten-year peri od out of 20 years in operation. 
Exemption from the service tax  for certain activities re lated to road constructiona. 
Exemption from import duties on imports  of high capacity equipment to be used in the construction of  
roads. 
Basic customs duty of 0% for imports of goods to be used in specific projects. 
a Commercial or industrial construction servic es; site formation and clearance, excavation, 
earthmoving, and demolition serv ices; work contract services; and management, maintenance, and 
repair services. 
Source: National Highways Authority of India (2010), Guidelines for Invest ment in Road Sector , 22 July. 
Viewed at: http://www.nhai.org/doc/22July10/nhai.pdf ; and Ministry of Road and Highways online 
information, "National Highways Development Projects (NHDP)". Viewed at: 
http://morth.nic.in/index3.asp?langid=2&sublink2id=173 . 
 
Goods transport agencies are liable for the service tax (10%).111 However, road transport of fruits, 
vegetables, eggs, milk, food grains, and pulses is exempt.112 Exemptions  also apply to individual 
consignments not exceeding a value ranging from Rs 750 to Rs 1,500; and to specific taxable 
services when provided by a Goods Transport Agency (GTA). 
5.9  Republic of Korea - WT/TPR/S/268/Rev.1 (6th review, 8 November 2012) 
P. 152-153, para. 133 
(c) Land transport 
[…] Bus companies receive partial subsidies for losses,  in the form of matching central-local 
government funds (total support provided to buses was ₩ 174 billion in 2011), and, along with 
taxi operators, receive a portion of the fuel tax revenue back as a subsidy; this amounted to ₩ 940 billion in 2011.  
                                               
111 An education cess (2%) and a secondary and hi gher education cess (1%) apply on the payable 
service tax. For details, see Central Board of Excise an d Customs online information, "Service Tax: Service 
Profile". Viewed at: http://www.cbec.gov.in/cae1-english.htm . 
112 Service Tax Notifications Nos. 4/2010, 27 February 2010; and 33/2004, 3 December 2004. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
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  6  RAIL TRANSPORT SERVICES 
6.1  Thailand - WT/TPR/S/191/Rev.1 (5th review, 6 February 2008) 
P. 129, para. 95 
(v) Transport 
(a) Railway 
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) operates and maintains Thailand's rail services. […]. Despite 
legal provisions requiring the Government to reimburse SRT for its annual losses,  it does not 
normally allocate the full amount, which causes cash flow shortages for the SRT. 
6.2  Madagascar - WT/TPR/S/197/Rev.1 (2nd review, 28 May 2008) 
P. 42, para. 48 
(i) Incentives 
[…] Public services, such as electricity (Chapter  IV(3)(iii), water (Chapter IV(3)(iv)), air and rail 
transport  (Chapter IV(5)(i)) and postal (Chapter IV(5)(iii)) services, also benefit from State aid , 
as does agriculture (Chapter IV(2)(ii)). 
6.3  Jordan - WT/TPR/S/206/Rev.1 (1st review, 27 January 2009) 
P. 47, paras. 113-115  
(4) M EASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(i) Incentives Under the Investment Promotion Law, Jordan is di vided into zones A, B, and C. Investments in 
zone C, the least developed area, receive the high est level of exemptions from income and social 
services taxes (75%). All agricultural, maritime transport and railway  investments are classified 
as Zone C, irrespective of location. […]. Inve stments along the shores of the Dead Sea and 5km 
inland are classified as zone A for the hotel subs ector, with 25% exemptions. […]. The exemptions 
may rise to 100% in certain areas, subject to approval by the Council of Ministers.
113 The 
exemption period is ten years but can be extended. 
The following components of investments are exempt from customs duties, sales tax, and 
other fees and charges,  with the exception of municipal fees and taxes (Articles 2 and 6): 
imports of fixed assets (for 3 years)114; imports of spare parts up to 15% of the import value of 
the fixed assets (for 10 years); and fixed assets needed for expansion, provided this results in an 
increase in production of at least 25%. 
Projects in the following sectors and sub-sectors are eligible for the exemptions under the 
Investment and Promotion Law: agriculture; call centers; conventions and exhibition centers; hospitals; hotels; leisure and recreational compounds; industry; maritime transport;  railways; 
pipeline transportation; and distribution services for water, gas, and petroleum derivatives. 
Projects in the hotel and hospital subsectors ar e granted these exemptions once every seven years 
for purchases of furniture and supplies for renewal purposes (Article 8). 
                                               
113 WTO document WT/ACC/JOR/33, 3 December 1999, paragraph 20. 
114 The exemptions also cover any increase in the value of the fixed assets resulting from price 
increases, freight charges or changes in exchange rates. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
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  6.4  Switzerland and Liechten stein - WT/TPR/S/208/Rev.1 (5th and 3rd review, 
12 March 2009) 
6.4.1  Switzerland Pp. 70, para. 128 
(i) Incentives and other assistance […] In 2006, contributions to the old-age insurance,  the disability insurance, health and social 
assistance accounted for 45% of total federal subsidies of Sw F 30 billion, followed by transport  
(18%), research and development (1 5%), and agriculture (12%). […]. 
Pp. 127-128, paras. 158-159 
(v) Transport (b) Overland transport 
Reform of the Swiss rail system is to be achiev ed in two steps. […]. The second phase of rail 
reform, for which legislation is currently under preparation, is aimed at increasing interoperability with railway systems of neighbouring countries and reforming financial support  for the railway 
system. 
The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is a joint-stock company fully owned by the Confederation; it 
remains under the supervision of the Federal Council. SBB holds exclusive rights over 
long-distance passenger services. In exchange for this privilege, it is assigned specified basic tasks 
by the Federal Council, in particular a regular supply of basic rail transport services throughout the country. The Swiss Confederation and cantons also provide financial assistance  to rail transport 
suppliers for services ordered by the public authorities. The Confederation's total financial 
support  amounted to Sw F 2.9 billion in 2007, of which Sw F 1.7 billion was paid to SBB. […]. 
6.5  Mozambique - WT/TPR/S/209/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 30 June 2009) 
P. 23, Table II.2 
Table II.2 
Investment incentivesa, 2008 
Sector  Type of incentive 
Available to all approved investment projects:  
  
  Exemption from payment of import duties  on equipment included in class "K" 
of the Customs Tariff Schedule, but only when the goods to be imported are either not produced within the territory of Mozam bique or, if produced, do not satisfy the 
specific purpose or operational characteristi cs required or inherent in the nature of 
the project and particular activity to be developed and carried out; 
Investment tax credit equal to 5% of the total investment realized (exceptions 
apply, e.g. passenger vehi cles), for five years; S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 82 - 
 
  Sector  Type of incentive 
 Tax credit for the professional training  of Mozambican workers, up to a maximum 
of 5% of taxable income, for the first five years of operation; 
Accelerated depreciation for new immovable assets; 
Tax deductible expenditure, 100% in Maputo and 150% in the provinces, for the 
construction and rehabilitation of roads, railways , airports, mail delivery, 
telecommunications, water supply, electric energy, schools, hospitals, and other works, for 10 years; Exemption from stamp tax for the alteration of the share capital and the articles of association, for the first five years of operation; 
[…] 
 
a Industrial Free Zones are separately regulated (C hapter III(3)(vi), as well as mining and petroleum 
(Chapter IV(3)). 
Source: WTO Secretariat, based on the English translation of Decree No. 16/2002 of 27 June 2002. Viewed 
at: http:// www.mozbusiness.gov.mz/d ownload.php?view.6 [16 June 2008]. 
 
6.6  SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3rd review, 14 December 2009) 
6.6.1  South Africa P. 365, para. 304 
(c) Land transport South Africa's passenger rail companies (South African Rail Commuter Corporation, Metrorail, and 
Shosholoza Meyl) merged recently into the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA).
115 
PRASA provides commuter rail services in urban metropolitan areas, and regional and 
long-distance passenger services. Commuter rail services  continue to be subsidized but remain 
insufficient.116 […]. 
6.7  Turkey - WT/TPR/S/259/Rev.1 (5th review, 7 March 2012) 
P. 104, para. 90 
(c) Rail transport The Turkish State Railways (TCDD) has a de jure  monopoly in providing rail passenger and freight 
transport services in Turkey. The TCDD owns and operates the entire railway system. The 
reorganization and restructuring of the loss-making  TCDD has been a key area of reform under 
the Ninth Development Plan (2007-2013). […].  
6.8  China - WT/TPR/S/264/Rev.1 (4
th review, 20 July 2012) 
P. 159, para. 270 
(iv) Transport 
(d) Rail transport services  
Trade regime  […] The rail price-setting mechanism will be further reformed as will the mechanisms for 
investment in and financing of rail construction and for the subsidization of public rail 
transport services.  […].    
 
                                               
115 Department of Transport (2008b). 
116 Total subsidies amounted to R 329 million for FY 2007/08 (Department of Transport, 2008b). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
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  7  FINANCIAL SERVICES 
7.1  Costa Rica - WT/TPR/S/180/Rev.1 (3rd review, 2 August 2007) P. 92, para. 102 
(v) Financial services 
The predominance of State-owned banks results fr om regulatory and fiscal asymmetries, including 
a government guarantee on all their liabilities  (there is no deposit insurance for private 
banks). In addition, private banks are required to ho ld at least 17% of their short-term deposits in 
State banks at below-market interest rates (see below)117 to be able to receive deposits from the 
public; and there is an 8% tax exemption on retu rns at maturity for holders of fixed-term dollar 
deposit certificates issued by State banks. On the other hand, the authorities indicated that the 
State banks, for their part, are subject to costly  and cumbersome public procurement procedures. 
P. 92, para. 103 
A regulatory framework that does not provide for the supervision of banks based abroad, together 
with a number of operational facilities  and the  possibility of avoiding tax payments on certain 
operations performed abroad,  have continued to provide incentives  for financial activities 
conducted through offshore banks  – entities legally established abroad but owned by Costa Rican 
financial groups. Offshore banks conduct most of their deposit-taking and lending activities with 
Costa Rican residents. […]. 
7.2  Indonesia - WT/TPR/S/184/Rev.1 (1st review, 6 November 2007) 
Pp. 84-85, para. 52 and p. 87, para. 58 
(i) Financial services 
Indonesia's banking sector collapsed in the wake of the 1997-98 financial and economic crises as 
a result of its huge accumulation of bad debt. Si nce then more than 50% of (2000) GDP has been 
spent to recapitalize  the banks and put them on a solid footing. […]. 
[Bank Indonesia (BI)] has moved towards full compliance with the Basel Core Principles for 
Banking Supervision […]. Regulation and supervision of the sector has been strengthened considerably and the blanket guarantee on bank deposits,  which has existed since the crisis, is 
being gradually phased out since a deposit insurance scheme was put in place in 2004. […]. 
7.3  Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) - WTO Members
118 
7.3.1  Antigua and Barbuda  WT/TPR/S/190/ATG/Rev.1 (2nd review, 18 April 2008) 
P. 29, para. 135 
The [Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA)] started functioning in May 2007. Its 
mandate is to attract foreign direct investment and build, foster, and support local investment. The ABIA gives priority to tourism  development, financial services,  business support 
(call centres, etc.), information/computer technology, health and wellness, education, 
logistics (e.g. transhipment), and […]. The ABIA also aims to create a level playing field for all 
investors, local or foreign, administer standard criteria as laid down in the Investment Authority 
Act for the grant of incentives  and concessions, and respond in a timely manner to applications 
for investment certificates and incentives. […]. 
                                               
117 IMF (2004). 
118 OECS Members: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Gr enada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and 
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 84 - 
 
  P. 39, paras. 195-196 
(b) Offshore fina ncial services 
International banks and insurance  companies, require a licence. They enjoy complete tax 
exemption,  guaranteed by the Government for 50 years from establishment, as well as total 
exemption from exchange control, and are allowed to issue bearer shares. There are 
17 international banks registered in Antigua and Barbuda, and 12 international insurance companies. 
[…] International banks may only conduct transactions in currencies other than those of CARICOM 
members. International banks and insurance comp anies are precluded from any active trade or 
business within Antigua and Barbuda or any other CARICOM member state, […]. 
7.3.2  Dominica WT/TPR/S/190/DMA/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 18 April 2008) 
P. 30, para. 137  
(ii) Incentives and assistance 
Under Fiscal Incentives Act No. 42 of 1973 as am ended by Act No. 3 of 1992 and Act No. 3 of 
1994, a tax holiday of up to 15 years  may be granted for the manufacture of approved products 
by approved enterprises […]. Among the Government's favoured sectors are hotels and ancillary 
services,  […], information and communication technology,  and any other sector  that has 
the potential to provide employment. 
P. 50, para. 253 
(vii) Other offshore services The operations of offshore companies, other th an banks and insurance companies, are regulated 
by International Business Company Act No. 10 of 1996. […]. They are granted a 20-year tax 
holiday from the date of incorporation, and are not subject to the Exchange Control Ordinance. There are 11,796 international business companies registered in Dominica. […]. 
7.3.3  Saint Lucia WT/TPR/S/190/LCA/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 21 April 2008) 
P. 9, para. 38 
The Government has identified information technology,  […], hotel development,  […], and 
financial services  as priorities for expansion and investment. Incentives  to potential investors 
are offered through tax holidays and other tax concessions (see Chapter III(3)(ii)). […]. 
P. 45, paras. 190 and 192 
(b) Offshore fina ncial services 
Up to date information was not available on the number of offshore banks and international 
insurance companies registered in St. Lucia. Offshore financial services are regulated by the Ministry of International Financial Services. 
The main legislation governing offshore banking in St. Lucia is the International Banks Act No. 42 
of 1999 (as amended by Act No. 2 of 2003) and the main legislation governing offshore insurance 
companies is the International Insurance Act, No. 38 of 1999 (as amended by Act No. 3 of 2003). 
[…]. Under the International Business Companies Act, international business companies are not 
subject to exchange controls and may elect to be exempt from income tax or liable for income tax at a rate of 1% on the chargeable income of the company. […]. 
 S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 85 - 
 
  7.3.4  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines WT/TPR/S/190/VCT/Rev.1 (2nd review, 
21 April 2008) 
P. 41, para. 207 
(iii) Financial services 
 
[…] Offshore banks benefit from various tax and duty exemptions, for a minimum of 25 years from 
the date the licence is granted. 
P. 42, para. 211 
Under the Act, international insurance companies are exempt from all taxes and stamp duty for 
a minimum of 25 years from the date the certificate of tax exemption is issued. This exemption is renewable indefinitely. 
Pp. 47-48, paras. 246-247 
(viii) Other offshore services 
International business companies (IBCs) must be incorporated under the International Business 
Companies Act No. 18 and Act No. 38 of 1996 (a s amended in 2002). IBCs are regulated and 
licensed by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Offshore Finance Authority. 
In addition to offshore banks and international insurance companies, other offshore companies 
include: 16 mutual funds, 13 mutual fund  managers, and 114 trusts. There are also 
6,632 registered international business companies (IBCs).119 No information was available on 
the contribution of offshore activities to employment, investment, or government revenue. 
7.4  Thailand - WT/TPR/S/191/Rev.1 (5th review, 6 February 2008) 
P. 78, para. 97 
(i) Taxation 
(b) Direct taxes 
[…] One noteworthy tax incentive outside the purview of the BOI involves the low tax rate of 
10% granted to International Banking Facilities (IBFs)  in an attempt to develop Thailand's 
financial sector. This incentive, by implicitly subsidizing foreign exchange borrowing by Thai 
enterprises, was probably one of the factors that exacerbated the financial crisis in 1997. In 2006, 
the Thai Government adjusted the incentive scheme for IBFs by repealing the incentive for out-in 
facilities, but continuing the incentive for out-out facilities120, which are operated in the Domestic 
Banking Unit.  […]. 
P. 121, para. 64 
(iii) Banking, finance and insurance 
During the period under review, banks maintained [minimum capital adequacy ratio, CAR] in 
excess of minimum requirements: […]. This development was, inter alia , due to continued 
improvement in operations of financial institutions, the recapitalization  of certain banks, […]. 
                                               
119 International Financial Services Industry, St. Vincent and the Grenadines online information. Viewed 
at: http://www.stvincentoffshore.com/industry.htm . 
120 The authorities indicate that "out-out banking faci lity" means: accepting de posits or borrowing in 
foreign currencies from sources outside Thailand for the purpose of lendin g in foreign currencies outside the 
country; and accepting deposits or borrowing in Thai baht from foreig n banks or overseas branches of 
commercial banks for the purpose of lending in Thai baht  to foreign banks or overseas branches of commercial 
banks. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 86 - 
 
  7.5  Ghana - WT/TPR/S/194/Rev.1 (3rd review, 7 May 2008) 
P. 21, para. 10 
A number of incentives are being provided to attract foreign direct investment into critical areas, 
including the energy,  financial, and telecommunications  sectors. Commercial lending rates are 
relatively high, and the Government has set up the Export Development Fund (EDF) to provide 
loans to the private sector at reasonable rates. 
7.6  Brunei Darussalam - WT/TPR/S/196/Rev.1 (2nd review, 4 June 2008) 
P. 31, Box II.2 
Box II.2: Brunei Economic Development Boar d's economic diversification strategy 
The Brunei Economic Development Board's (BEDB) economic diversification strategy is designed to create 
long-term business and employment opportunities for Bruneians. It is currently focusing on developing 
downstream oil and gas industries, particularly on it s Sungai Liang Industrial Park (SPARK) and planning 
the development of a globally competitive port on Pu lau Muara Besar, supported by an export processing 
zone for logistics, distribution and light to medium manufacturing industries. In addition to industrial site 
development, in 2003 the BEDB sponsored a study to identify industry clusters with the potential for growth. Subsequently, four industry  clusters were prioritized: transportation and logistics; business 
services; financial services ; and hospitality and tourism. The BE DB collaborates with various lead 
agencies to develop these clusters. 
The BEDB's main objectives are to: stimulate the gr owth and development of the economy by promoting 
Brunei Darussalam as an investment destination; develop plans to attract foreign and local investment in industries and skill-intensive services that enjoy good  export-market prospects; promote and assist in the 
development of industrial activities; encourage foreign and local industries to invest in new technology, automation, training, research, and product development acti vities; and support the development of local 
entrepreneurs and SMEs. 
[…] 
Source:  Authorities of Brunei Darussalam. 
 
Pp. 57-58, paras. 86 and 88 
(d) Assistance for small- and medium-sized enterprises  As part of its efforts to increase private sector participation in the economy, the Government has 
continued to encourage the development of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up 98% of enterprises in the country and account for 58% of Brunei's total employment in 
the private sector. Financial assistance  for SMEs consists of the Enterprise Facilitation Scheme 
(EFS), a financing scheme  developed by the Enterprise Development Centre in the MIPR, and 
the Micro-credit Financing Scheme  (MFS); the EFS and MFS provide maximum loans  per 
enterprise of B$1.5 million an d B$30,000, respectively. Under the EFS, priority is given to 
enterprises operating […] as well as operators of tourism activities in Brunei. […]. The loans  are at 
a favourable rate of interest of 4%, repayable over seven years for EFS projects and four years for 
MFS loans.  
The Government is taking a "proactive" approach to diversifying the country's sources of economic 
growth and creating opportunities for SMEs. As noted in the previous chapter, the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), formed in 2001, aims to attract FDI and promote joint ventures – 
targeting US$4.5 billion in new investment and at least 6,000 new permanent jobs by 2008. BEDB 
has a two-prong strategy: to develop a number of industry clusters, including tourism, transportation and logistics, and financial services;  and to develop a port and industrial complex 
at Pulau Muara Besar […]. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 87 - 
 
  7.7  Madagascar - WT/TPR/S/197/Rev.1 (2nd review, 28 May 2008) 
P. 21, para. 41  
(4) I NVESTMENT  
[…] Microfinance institutions  are granted fiscal incentives  under the ordinary law regime in 
order to stimulate the supply of their services (Chapter IV(5)(iv)).121 
7.8  Mauritius - WT/TPR/S/198/Rev.1 (3rd review,) 
P. 113, para. 160 
(v) Professional services During the period under review the Scheme to Attract Professi onals for Emerging Sectors  
(SAPES) was introduced by the Investment Promotion (SAPES) Regulations 2002 with the aim of providing professional services of a high standa rd to investors. The sectors covered under SAPES 
included ICT and financial services . Incentives granted included three-year contracts or 
permission to set-up an office or practice in Mauritius; three-year work and residence permits to professionals and their spouses; possibility for permanent residence in Mauritius; exemption  
from payment of duties and taxes on ho usehold and personal effects imported;  and the 
possibility to acquire an immovable property for personal residence. The authorities considered that the scope of the scheme was too limited, and it was repealed by the Business Facilitation 
(Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006, which allows for freer mobility for foreigners to work and live 
in Mauritius. SAPES professionals are nevertheless en titled to exercise their rights acquired under 
the repealed provision. 
7.9  Barbados - WT/TPR/S/203/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 16 December 2008) 
P. 44, para. 113 and pp. 45-46, paras. 116-117 
(ii) Incentives and other government assistance 
The Government of Barbados administers a number of incentives schemes,  particularly tax 
incentives  and, to a lesser extent, financial assistance.  Some schemes are destined mainly to 
exporting industries (Chapter III(3)), but others are targeted also or mainly at domestic companies supplying the domestic or regional market s. Assistance is available to companies in an 
array of sectors, from agri-food and manufacturing to tourism and financial services.  
Under the Small Business Development Act of 1999, companies whose business is deemed to be of 
significant socioeconomic benefit to Barbados are entitled to a number of benefits. These include: an exemption from withholding tax  on dividends and interest earned on investment by small 
businesses; exemption from import duty  on plant and equipment imported for use in the 
business; exemption from withholding tax  on dividends and interest earned on investment in 
an approved small business or in any fund approved for investment in small businesses; 
exemption from stamp duty ; and a deduction of corporation tax  of an amount equal to 20% 
of actual expenditure in respect of the use of te chnology, market research, and any other activity 
that is, in the opinion of the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, directly related to the development 
of the business. Approved small businesses may also receive technical assistance to start, continue 
or expand operations. Revenue forgone under the Small Business Development Act of 1999 during 2002-06 totalled BDS$1.32 million. 
Potential beneficiaries may be active in: agriculture, forestry, and related activities; fishing; 
manufacturing; construction; and a number of service  activities, including entertainment,  
financial services, health care, hotel, restaurants, tourism, personal care services, real estate, 
transport, storage and communication services, wholesale and retail trade. 
                                               
121 These are exempt from the IBS of 30% and from the minimum flat-rate tax over the first five fiscal 
years and, in the case of those that are not mutual in stitutions, an additional 50% reduction on the IBS is 
applied up to the 10th fiscal year. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 88 - 
 
  P. 67, para. 53 and p. 69, para. 62 
(ii) Banking and insurance 
There are separate regimes for domestic and exempt (offshore)  companies. At end 2007 there 
were 30 domestic insurance companies, five of  them foreign owned. At end 2007, 459 exempt 
(offshore) insurance companies were licensed in Barbados of which 164 were active. 
Offshore banks are exempt  from various taxes,  including: capital gains taxes and other direct 
taxes on profits and gains; withholding tax; taxes on dividends, increases on the value of property, 
and other assets; and transfer of securities. The Act states that income tax may be payable on 
profits ranging on a sliding scale from 2.5% to 1% with higher profits attracting lower tax rates. Offshore banks are not exempt from payment of service or utility charges, which include charges relating to incorporation, registration or licensin g. At the Minister's discretion, offshore banks are 
eligible for customs duty exemptions  on equipment or fixtures essential for doing business in 
Barbados. Exchange controls do not apply to offshore banks. 
P. 69, paras. 63 and 67 
(c) Insurance legal framework As with banking, separate regimes apply to domestic insurance companies and exempt 
(offshore)  insurance companies, with the exception of "qualifying insurance companies" 
(see below). 
Companies licensed under the Exempt Insurance Act are exempt from income tax, withholding 
taxes, corporate taxes on capital gains, taxes on the transfer of assets or securities, and stamp duty on capital. They are not subject to ex change controls. Companies may underwrite both 
general and long-term risks under the same licence.
122 All risks and premiums must originate 
outside Barbados. […]. 
Pp. 79-80, paras. 126-127 and Table IV.4 
(vii) Other offshore services As at end 2007, a total of 3,334 international (offshore) companies were licensed to conduct 
business from Barbados. […]. As noted by the authorities, these increased numbers can be partly 
attributed to increased interest in investments into China from U.S. and Canadian investors 
(see Table IV.4). 
Specific legislation applies to each of the various types of offshore company set out in Table IV.4. 
International Business Companies are governed by the International Business Companies Act, 
Cap. 77. Exempt (offshore) insurance companies and offshore banks are governed by the Exempt 
Insurance Act 308A and the International Financial Services Act of 2002, respectively (see section (iii) above). […]. 
Table IV.4 
Offshore companies registered in Barbados, 2002-07 
 Total number of International Business Entities 
(of which new international registrations/licenses) 
 2002 2003  2004  2005  2006 2007 
International business 
companies 1,994 
(296) 1,726  
(274) 2,137  
(297) 2,323  
(372) 2,714 
(391) 2,488  
(506) 
Exempt insurance companies 187 
(11) 184 
(15) 183 
(13) 194 
(9) 202 
(8) 164 
(9) 
Exempt insurance management 
companies 31 
(3) 27 
(1) 24 
(1) 30 
(3) 31 
(1) 24 
(1) 
Societies with restricted liability 165 104  240 258 391 417  
                                               
122 BIDC (2005). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 89 - 
 
   Total number of International Business Entities 
(of which new international registrations/licenses) 
 2002 2003  2004  2005  2006 2007 
(40) (31) (64) (42) (133) (151) 
Offshore banks 56 
(3) 53 
(2) 55 
(4) 55 
(0) 59 
(4) 57 
(5) 
Foreign sales corporationsa 829 400 182 170 91 54 
International Trusts (registered) 84 119 112 117 127 130 
 (84) (51) (14) (13) (10) (3) 
Total entities 3,346 2,613  2,933  3,147  3,615 3,334 
a No new licences since 2001, the figures relate to renewed registrations. The authorities expect that 
the FSC regime will be phased out over time. 
Source: Information provided by The Ministry of Fore ign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Business. 
 
7.10  Switzerland and Liechten stein - WT/TPR/S/208/Rev.1 (5th and 3rd review, 
12 March 2009) 
7.10.1  Switzerland 
P. 112, para. 87 
(a) Banking and fund management services 
The 24 cantonal banks, which are fully or partly owned by the cantons, concentrate on credit, 
deposit business, and mortgages in their local areas123; they account for over 30% of domestic 
banking business; 21 cantons guarantee  their bank's liabilities.  In addition, cantonal banks 
benefit from preferential treatment regarding capital requirements and  taxation.  However, 
these special rules have been under examination for a number of years with a view to eventually 
abolishing them. […]. 
7.11  Fiji - WT/TPR/S/213/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 June 2009) 
P. 12, para. 21 
(ii) Privatization and reform  of state-owned enterprises 
State-owned enterprises (SOEs) conduct many business activities, e.g. sugar production, ship 
building, shipping, forestry, banking, insurance and finance,  power generation, sea ports, air 
transport, rice milling, cattle raising, crop pr oduction and aquaculture, telecommunications and 
newspapers (Chapter III(4)(viii)). […]. Government support  to SOEs via loans, standing debt 
guarantees, equity injections,  and ad hoc explicit and timely guarantees on individual debt 
instruments entail substantial government contingent liabilities.  
7.12  Morocco - WT/TPR/S/217/Rev.1 (4th review, 13 August 2009) 
P. 122, para. 194 
(a) Banking services 
Offshore banks  benefit from several tax incentives, such as exemption from registration fees and 
stamp duty on deeds when constituting or increasing capital or purchasing property (headquarters and branches), provided that these remain on their assets balance sheets for ten years. They are 
also exempt from VAT on the local purchase of capital goods and supplies, and from duties and 
taxes on imported equipment, furniture and capital goods needed for their operations. Dividends paid to shareholders, as well as interest on customers' deposit accounts and investments in 
convertible foreign currencies and on loans granted by offshore banks are also exempt from levies. 
[…]. 
                                               
123 Each canton, except for Solothurn and Appenz ell Ausserrhoden, has its own cantonal bank. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 90 - 
 
  7.13  Maldives - WT/TPR/S/221/Rev.1 (2nd review, 20 April 2009) 
P. 28, paras. 51-52 
(v) State-owned enterprises State involvement in the economy is widespread, with some 37 state-owned enterprises operating 
in various sectors of the economy, including trade, finance , transport, fishing, utilities, and 
tourism (Table III.3). SOEs account for 36% of GDP.  
Certain SOEs operate as statutory or de facto monopolies, while others are subsidized , giving 
them an advantage over the private sector. These advantages include preferential rates and fees 
for state land, and government guarantees for domestic and external loans. It would appear that most of SOEs are not run efficiently and are incurring losses; therefore, they are a significant drain on the resources of the Government. […]. However, some of the SOEs have been mandated to 
provide commercially non-viable services in line with government objectives. 
7.14  SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3
rd review, 14 December 2009) 
7.14.1  Botswana 
P. 93, para. 126 
(4) Measures Affecting Production and Trade 
(i) Incentives 
[…] Botswana does not provide special tax incentives for companies that export, except offshore 
financial services  companies.  
Pp. 114-115, para. 227 
(a) Banking 
The Botswana International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), a subsidiary of the state-owned 
Botswana Development Corporation, was established in 2003 to develop cross-border financial 
services. The services must be provided for clients outside Botswana and in foreign currencies.124 
Incentives  for companies operating within the IFSC include a corporate tax rate of 15% 
guaranteed until 2020, exemption from domestic capital gains and withholding taxes; tax exemption for collective investment undertakings; and access to Botswana's network of double 
taxation treaties. […].  
7.15  Georgia - WT/TPR/S/224/Rev.1 (1
st review, 19 January 2010) 
Pp. 47-48, para. 56 and Table III.5 
(ii) Incentives 
(a) Special taxation regimes 
According to the authorities, no specific incentives are currently envisaged under Georgian tax 
legislation. There are, however, special taxation regimes  for international financial 
companies,  international companies operating in a free industrial zone and for free 
warehouse companies  (Table III.5). Under the Law on free industrial zones and the Tax Code of 
Georgia, companies registered and operating in fr ee industrial zones are exempted from VAT and 
                                               
124 Offshore financial services include: banking and fi nancing operations transacted in foreign currency; 
broking and trading of securities denominated in fo reign currency; investment  advice; management and 
custodial functions in relation to collective investment  schemes; insurance and rela ted activities; registrar and 
transfer agency services; exploitation of intellectual  property; development and su pply of computer software 
for use in the provision of the above services; and accounting and financial ad ministration activities. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 91 - 
 
  property tax. The import of foreign goods into free industrial zones is exempted from VAT and 
customs duties. The term International Financial Company (IFC) is defined  in the Tax Code 
as a financial company  receiving no more than 10% of total revenue from activities in Georgia. 
Under the Code, profits gained by an IFC from it s financial operations are exempted from profit 
tax.  
Table III.5 
Special taxation regimes, 2009 
Type of tax International financial 
company International company 
operating in a free 
industrial zone Free warehouse 
company 
Corporate income tax 0% 0% 0% 
Value added tax 0% 0% 0% 
Customs duties 0%, 5% or 12% 0% 0% 
Property tax up to 1% 0% up to 1% 
Personal income tax 20% 20% 20% 
Source: Georgian authorities. 
 
P. 73, para. 52 
(ii) Financial services (e) Financial regulatory framework […] A new law – the Global Competitiveness of the Financial Services Sector Act – was approved 
by Parliament in March 2008 to modernize the financ ial sector including: […] and (iv) developing 
an international financial centre to attract foreign funding by offering tax exemptions to large 
international financial companies  whose activity in Georgia does not exceed 10% of their 
financial turnover (Box IV.1). 
7.16  United States - WT/TPR/S/235/Rev.1 (10
th review, 29 October 2010) 
Pp. 95-96, paras. 64-66 
(2) F INANCIAL SERVICES  
(iii) Policy actions in response to the crisis 
The immediate measures taken fall into the following categories: (1) guarantees of bank 
liabilities;  (2) retail deposit guarantees; (3) central bank assistance measures; (4) bank 
recapitalization through equity investments  by private investors and Government;  (5) 
open-market or negotiated acquisitions of illiquid or otherwise undesirable assets from weakened 
financial institutions; and (6) assistance to individual financial institutions. 
On 3 October 2008, the U.S. President signed into law the Emergency Economic Stabilization 
Act of 2008 (EESA), which provided budgetary author ization of up to US$700 billion to respond to 
the crisis. This authorization was utilized through the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) , 
which enabled the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase, and to make and fund commitments to 
purchase troubled assets from any financial institutions. […] Foreign institutions established and 
regulated in the United States were therefore, in principle, eligible for relief. In May 2010, the Department of the Treasury notified Congress that the projected lifetime cost of TARP would total 
US$105.4 billion.
125 
                                               
125 U.S. Department of the Treasury (2010), Troubled Assets Relief Program: Monthly 105(a) Report 
May 2010, 10 June. Viewed at: http://www.financialstability.gov/docs/May%202010%20105(a)%20Report_final.pdf . S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 92 - 
 
  To meet the goals of the EESA, the Treasury es tablished several programmes under the TARP, and 
defined eligibility guidelines for each programme. According to the application guidelines for the Capital Purchase Program, the largest single program under TARP, and the TARP Capital Assistance Program, "applicants must be established and operating in the United States and may not be 
controlled by a foreign bank or company".
126 Similarly, according to the "summary of terms" for 
the TARP Legacy Loans Program, banks or savings associations owned or controlled by a foreign 
bank or company are not eligible to participate in this programme.127 According to the U.S. 
authorities, this approach was based on the rationale that: U.S. subsidiaries of foreign banks that 
needed additional capital should initially look to their parent banks; and the financial regulator of the country where the parent bank is subject to comprehensive consolidated supervision are best 
positioned to determine the overall strength of the financial conglomerate. The U.S. authorities 
also note that this principle is well established in international banking supervision and regulation, 
as set out, for example, in the Basel Committee’s Concordat.
128 
7.17  Japan - WT/TPR/S/243/Rev.1 (10th review, 2 May 2011) 
P. 62, paras. 114 and 116 
(ii) Subsidies and other financial assistance 
Japan has notified various specific subsidy programmes  to the WTO. In its latest notification, 
Japan indicated 68 subsidy schemes to assist […] finance , and transport sectors.129 […]. 
Under the new Growth Strategy, adopted by the Cabinet on 18 June 2010, the Government has 
concentrated its resources into the development of "seven strategic areas" (environment and 
energy, medical and health care, economic integration with other Asian countries, tourism and 
revitalization of regional economies, science and technology, human resources, and financial 
services) .130 The strategy indicates that potential demand is largest in these seven areas.131 
Although the details of implementing measures are yet to be decided, the strategy suggests a 
possible policy to "pick winners".132  
P. 87, paras. 42-43 
(a) Banking 
To mitigate the impact of the crisis, the authorities took a number of measures to ensure the 
smooth flow of credit as well as shoring up bank s' balance sheets. Measures taken by the Bank of 
Japan include: an increase in outright purchases of government bonds and facilitation of bank lending to the corporate sector
133; introduction of a "special funds supplying operation" in 
January 2009, which provided banks with unlimited funds  at the policy rate and expanded the 
range of corporate financing instruments that could be used as collateral for such funds; resumption of the purchase of equities held by banks by the Bank of Japan in February 2009
134; 
and the provision of subordinated loans to banks that were engaged in international operations. 
                                               
126 Application Guidelines for TARP Ca pital Purchase Program. Viewed at: 
http://www.financialstab ility.gov/docs/CPP/appl ication-guidelines.pdf ; and Application Guidelines for Capital 
Assistance Program. Viewed at: http://www.financialstability.g ov/docs/CAP_App-Guidelines.pdf .  
127 Legacy Loans Program Summ ary of Terms. Viewed at: 
http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/eports/legacy_loans_terms.pdf. 
128 Principles for the Supervision of  Bank’s Foreign Establishments.  
129 WTO document G/SCM/N/186/JPN, 25 June 2009. 
130 Prime Minister's Office online information. View ed at: http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/kan/topics/ 
sinseichou01_e.pdf [14 October 2010]. 
131 Cabinet Office online information. Vi ewed at: http://www5.cao.go.jp/keizai2/2010/0618 
reference.pdf [14 October 2010]. 
132 National Policy Unit online information. Viewed at: http:// www.npu.go.jp/policy/policy04/pdf/ 
20100618_shinseityou_gaiyou_eigo.pdf [14 October 2010]. 
133 Prior to December 2008, outright purchases of go vernment bonds were at ¥14.4 trillion annually; 
this increased to ¥21.6 trillion annually in March 2009. 
134 Between February 2009 and April 2010, the Bank of Japan had bought equities worth ¥387.8 billion 
from banks. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 93 - 
 
  Action taken by the FSA included allowing the Banks Shareholding Purchase Corporation to 
purchase equities held by banks, and raising the up per limit on such purchases to ¥20 trillion. This 
measure was expected to improve the capital posi tion of the banking sector. The Act on Special 
Measures for Strengthening Financial Functions was reactivated and its conditions relaxed in 
December 2008. The Act provides a framework for the injection of public funds in depository 
institutions.  Since the Act's revival, three institutions have received a total of ¥121 billion under 
its provisions. Capital adequacy requirements for banks were also relaxed until March 2012, so 
that large changes in the capital adequacy ratio do not hamper intermediation functions. In 
addition, the Financial Revival Programme, which started in 2002, has continued to provide support  to the financial sector through grants for losses, injection of capital, and purchase 
of assets.  […]. 
7.18  European Union - WT/TPR/S/248/Rev.1 (10
th review, 1 August 2011) 
Pp. 73-74, paras. 173-175 
(c) Assistance in response to the financial and economic crisis 
Following the onset of the financial crisis in 2008, the Commission issued several communications 
providing guidance on the design and impl ementation of state aid in support of banks.135 The 
communications cover public guarantees, recapitalization measures, impaired asset relief, 
and "restructuring aid".  […] According to the Commission, the objective of the guidance is to 
ensure that emergency measures granted to maintain financial stability "guarantee a level playing-field between banks located in different Member States as well as between banks who receive public support and those who do not".
136 
Between October 2008 and October 2010, the Commission authorized state aid measures for the 
financial sector in 22 member States on the basis of Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU.
137 The "maximum volume" of this state aid totalled nearly €4,590 billion, or 
some 40% of EU-27 GDP.138 Around three-quarters was in the form of guarantees,  including the 
blanket guarantees  covering all bank debts adopted by Denmark and Ireland. According to the 
Commission, member States relied principally on guarantee measures, because they had a 
"stabilising effect for the financ ial sector without weighing heavily on the public finances as 
opposed to more interventionist instruments such as recapitalisations or the cleaning of impaired assets".
139 Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom accounted for nearly 
70% of approved state aid for the financial sector. 
The "amount actually used" of state aid in 2009, which reflects the volume of aid implemented by 
member States, totalled €1,107 billion, or around 9% of EU-27 GDP. Approximately three quarters 
corresponds to guarantees,  under general schemes and ad hoc interventions in support of 
individual financial institutions.  
                                               
135 See Communication from the Commission – The applic ation of State aid rules to measures taken in 
relation to financial institutions in the context of the current global financial crisis (OJ C 270, 25 October 2008); Communication from the Commission – The recapitalisation of financial institutions in the current financial crisis: limitation of aid to the minimum necessary and safeguards against undue distortions of competition 
(OJ C 10, 15 January 2009); Communication from the Commission on the treatment of impaired assets in the Community banking sector (OJ C 72, 26 March 2009); and Communication from the Commission on the return 
to viability and the assessment of the restructuring measures in the financia l sector in the current crisis under 
the State aid rules (OJ C 195, 19 August 2009). 
136 European Commission (2009a). 
137 European Commission document COM(2010) 701, 1 December 2010. Viewed at: http://eur-
lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2010:0701:FIN:EN:PDF . 
138 The maximum volume is the upper limit of suppo rt approved by the Commission; it does not 
represent the amounts handed to financial institutions. 
139 European Commission document SEC(2010) 1462 final, 1 December 2010. Viewed at: http://eur-
lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=SEC:2010:1462:FIN:EN:PDF . S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 94 - 
 
  P. 121, paras. 64-65 
(2) T RADE IN SERVICES  
(ii) Financial services (c) Response to the global financial crisis 
The Commission published guidance to the member States in October and December 2008 to 
ensure that support to financial institutions in response to the financial crisis does not unduly distort competition by allowing beneficiary banks to have access to capital and funding without 
differentiating beneficiary banks according to their risk profiles. In December 2008, the 
Commission also adopted a temporary framework for state-aid measures to support access to finance applicable horizontally to all sectors. The temporary framework was modified in 2009, and replaced by a new temporary framework in December 2010. Between October 2008 and 
October 2010, the Commission approved aid schemes of 22 member States pursuant to the 
temporary framework. The maximum volume of  Commission-approved measures from the 
beginning of the crisis until 1 October 2010, in cluding the schemes and ad hoc interventions, 
amounts to €4,590 billion, or some 40% of  EU-27 GDP for 2009 (C hapter III(3)(iii)(c)).
140 In its 
assessments, the Commission has evaluated all measures against the criteria for compliance with state-aid rules, in particular the principle of non- discrimination, to preserve the proper functioning 
of the internal market.  
[…] Assistance could, for example, take the form of asset purchase, swaps, insurance, guarantees 
or a combination of such measures. The measures  would be elaborated and implemented by the 
member States, but subject to assessment and approval by the Commission.  
7.19  India - WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5
th review, 20 October 2011) 
P. 140, para. 60  
(3) S ERVICES  
(ii) Financial services  
(a) Banking India's banking sector continues to be dominated by public sector banks (PSBs) , which account 
for approximately 73.7% of the sector's total asse ts. […]. An important issue during the period 
under review was the recapitalization  of PSBs , for which the 2010/11 Budget provided Rs 
165 billion to help banks maintain a Tier I ca pital adequacy ratio in excess of 8%. […]. 
P. 148, para. 86 
Other financial institutions The financial situation of [regional rural banks, RRBs], reported as difficult in the last review, 
improved in 2009/10, partly as a result of their restructuring, amalgamation, and 
recapitalization,  along with the application of the pruden tial regulatory requirements to RRBs. 
[…]. The Committee noted that to meet this goal, a recapitalization  of Rs 22 billion was required 
for 40 of the 82 RRBs, and recommended that the amount be released in two instalments: 
Rs 13.38 billion in 2010/11 and Rs 8.63 billion in 2011/12; and an additional Rs 7 billion be kept to 
meet the additional capitalization needs of th e weaker RRBs of the north-eastern and eastern 
regions. 
                                               
140 European Commission document COM(2010) 701final, 1 December 2010. Viewed at: http://eur-
lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2010:0701:FIN:EN:PDF .   S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 95 - 
 
  7.20  Turkey - WT/TPR/S/259/Rev.1 (5th review, 7 March 2012) 
Pp. 98-99, para. 67 and Box IV.1 
(i) Banking […] The Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (SDIF) was given a key role in the protection of public 
rights and the management and disposal of asse ts of banks entering into administration or 
liquidation procedures (Box IV.1). The overhaul  of the Turkish banking system, including the 
restructuring of public banks, is estimated to have cost the Government some US$53.6 billion.  
Box IV.1: Turkey's Savings Deposit Insurance Fund  
Established in 1983 to ensure deposits, and granted an additional role to strengthen and restructure banks 
(in 1994), the SDIF originally reported to the Central Bank of Turkey. The Banking Law adopted in 1999 transferred the representation and administration of the SDIF to the newly founded BRSA. The SDIF became 
a separate legal entity in 2003.  
In all, 25 banks were taken over by the SDIF be tween 1994 and 2003. The banks were resolved through 
merger, sale, or direct liquidation. Among the 25 bank s, 6 were under direct li quidation, 4 were sold 
directly, 6 were disposed of through mergers, 1 was me rged with a public bank, and 8 were transferred to 
the "Joint Fund Bank Inc.", which is limited to operations directly related to asset liquidation as a "transition bank".  
The average settlement process for the banks taken ov er by the SDIF was 14 months, except for the 6 
banks in the process of liquidation and the Joint Fund Bank Inc. The losses of the banks transferred to 
the SDIF  totalled US$23.2 billion, and the resources transferred to the banks by the SDIF amounted to 
US$30.2 billion, including nearly US$6.6 billion in depositor compensation following the collapse of a major bank in 2003. The balance sheet of the Joint Fund Bank  Inc. has been scaled down significantly since 2006. 
At the end of 2009, the bank's loan portfolio had been  reduced to TL 193 million, including TL 61 million in 
non-performing loans. As of the end of 2010, the SDIF had collected US$19.7 billion from the resolved banks.  
The SDIF guarantees deposits up to TL 50,000 per customer (per bank) in lira, foreign currency or gold. 
Membership in the scheme is compulsory for all banks accepting deposits in Turkey. The SDIF is funded by a risk-based premium collected quarte rly from the participating banks. If necessary, the SDIF may also 
borrow government securities from the Treasury, receive advances from the Central Bank, or collect insurance premiums in advance.  At the end of 2010, the 36 member banks held deposits 
totalling US$401.5 billion, of which US$99.5 billion was insured. The SDIF reserve amounted to US$5.4 billion.  
Source:    BRSA (2010),  From Crisis to Financial Stability Turkey Experience,  Working Paper (Revised Third 
edition), 3 September. Viewed at: http: //www.bddk.org.tr/WebSites i/english/Reports/ 
Working_Papers/8675from_crisis _to_financial_stability _turkey_experience_3rd_ed.pdf; and the SDIF. 
 
7.21  China - WT/TPR/S/264/Rev.1 (4th review, 20 July 2012) 
P. 67, para. 183 
(3) M EASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(i) Taxation and tax incentives (d) Tax incentives 
Under the Enterprise Income Tax Law, incentives are given to enterprises investing in less 
developed regions, such as western China, and fo r  i n v e s t m e n t  i n  a c t i v i t i e s  e n c o u r a g e d  b y  t h e  
Government, such as […] securities investment and fund development.  […]. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 96 - 
 
  7.22  Singapore - WT/TPR/S/267/Rev.1 (6th review, 18 October 2012) 
P. 43-44, para. 73 and Box III.1 
(3) M EASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(i) Incentives 
Major new incentive schemes introduced over the review period are summarized in Box III.1. […]. 
As noted in Singapore's previous Review, there ar e no publicly available studies on tax revenue 
foregone as a result of tax incentives offered.  
Box III.1: New incentive schemes, 2008-12 
Fiscal incentives  
[…]   
Incentive to promote 
insurance and 
re-insurance broking activities Introduced in 2008 Budget. 10% tax rate (for up to ten years) on fees and 
commissions of qualifying direct and re insurance brokers from insurance broking 
and advisory services to non-Singapore-ba sed clients. Incentive valid until March 
2013 and administered by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).  
[…]  
Source: Singapore Budgets 2008-2010. IRAS online information. Viewed at: http://www.iras.gov.sg . 
 
(2) Services 
P. 58, paras. 11 and 12 
(ii) Financial services 
The MAS offers various incentives to financial institutions (Table IV.3). The main tax incentive  is 
the Financial Sector Incentive (FSI), which offers concessionary tax rates of 12% or 10% or 5% on 
income from qualifying activities that are important to Singapore's financial sector growth. Financial institutions (both foreign and national) may obtain these incentives if they meet the qualifying criteria. The MAS monitors the effectiveness of all incentives through a series of post-
implementation reviews, which are neither published nor publicly available. 
Singapore has evolved into a major asset-management  centre over the past few years, with assets 
reaching S$1.4 trillion in 2010 (up from S$891 billion at end 2006), 80% was from international 
sources. The Government and the MAS are enco uraging the development of a fund-management 
industry to attract well-recognized firms to Si ngapore. Fund managers approved under the FSI-
Fund Management award are accorded a concessionary corporate tax rate of 10% on income 
from fees and commissions  derived from qualifying funds managed, investment advisory 
services provided or loans of securities arranged by such managers in Singapore.
141 
Pp. 59-60, Table IV.3 
Table IV.3 
Incentives schemes offered by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, 2012 
Scheme and summary description Changes over review period 
Asset Securitization Renewed in the 2008 Budget until 2013. 
                                               
141 Specific requirements for obtaining AFM status include that the activities pursued should be 
important to Singapore's financial-sector development objectives. The AFM scheme merged into the FSIF, which entered into effect in January 2004. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 97 - 
 
  Scheme and summary description Changes over review period 
 
Fund Management Incentive Scheme 
Qualifying funds benefit from a tax exemption  on 
specified income from designated investments, subject 
to investor residency conditions The 2009 Budget introduced an enhanced tier 
that does not impose any investor residency 
conditions, subject to the fund meeting certain 
economic commitments. The scheme is open to fund vehicles in the form  of companies, trusts, 
and limited partnerships. All fund management schemes expire 31 March 2014. 
Locally Administered Trust (i.e. Domestic Trust) 
Tax exemption  for specified income (by qualifying local 
trusts and eligible underlying holding companies that are administered by a trustee co mpany in Singapore) that 
would not have been taxable if received directly by any individual None 
 
Tax incentive for trustee company 
Tax concession  on qualifying fee income derived by an 
approved trustee company from providing trustee services to certain trusts (i.e. trusts under a foreign 
trust scheme) As a result of the 2011 Budget, a sunset clause of 
31 March 2016 was imposed on the scheme and an incentive tenure of 10 years was introduced to the recipients of this scheme. The scope of qualifying activities was also expanded. 
Foreign Trust 
Tax exemption  on specified inco me from designated 
investments received by the foreign trust None 
Foreign Charitable Purpose Trusts 
Tax exemption on specifie d income from designated 
investments made by qualifying charitable-purpose trusts or their eligible holding companies None 
Financial Sector Incentive Scheme (FSI) 
A) Tax concessions  on income derived from FSI-
Standard Tier and FSI-Enhanced Tier qualifying activities in the debt capital market, equity capital market, treasury, fund management, and headquarter services, etc. 
 
 
 Renewed in the 2008 Budget for 2009-13, and 
enhanced to give 5% concessionary tax rate for five years on income from Sharia compliant activities. As a result of the 2010 Budget, the list of incentivized activities was updated. Over the review period various schemes were subsumed under the FSI scheme: the Commodities 
Derivatives Traders (CDT) scheme; the Futures 
Members of the Singapore Exchange (SGX).   
Financial Sector Incentiv e Headquarter Services 
(FSI-HQ) Scheme 
10% concessionary tax rate  on qualifying income 
derived from providing qualifying services to qualifying network companies Enhanced in the 2009 Budget to, inter alia , grant 
withholding tax exemption (on an application basis) on interest payments on qualifying loans taken by a FSI-HQ company. 
Offshore Insurance Business Incentive 
10% tax (for up to 10 years) on qualifying income 
derived from an offshore in surance business conducted 
in Singapore 
  Enhanced in the 2008 Budget to provide 5% 
concessionary tax rate (for  five years) on income 
from offshore Islamic insurance. Approval period 2008-13. 
As a result of 2010 Budget, the scheme 
(excluding the offshore Islamic concession) was extended until 2015.  
Tax incentive for Captive Insurers and Tax 
Incentive for Marine Hull and Liability Insurers 
Tax exemption on qualifying income derived by 
approved captive insurers/i nsurers from marine hull and 
liability insurance business, for up to 10 years As a result of the 2011 Budget, the tax incentive 
for captive insurers was extended until 31 March 2018, while a sunset clause of 31 March 2016 was introduce for the tax incentive for marine hull and liability insurers. For both incentives, an award renewal framework was introduced for incentive recipients with  effect from February 
2011. 
Tax incentive for Specialised Insurers 
Tax exemption on qualifying income derived by 
approved insurers from a qualifying offshore specialized insurance business for five years As a result of the 2011 Budget, the scheme was 
extended until 31 August 2016. An award renewal framework was introduced for incentive recipients. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 98 - 
 
  Scheme and summary description Changes over review period 
Bond Market Incentives 
Tax exemption on income from (a) qualifying debt 
securities (QDS) and (b) trading in Singapore 
Government Securities  by primary dealers As a result of the 2008 Budget, the scheme was 
extended until 2013. The scheme was also enhanced to exempt all investors from income 
tax on qualifying income derived from Islamic 
bonds and debt securities of at least ten years. 
Withholding Tax Exemption Regime for Banks 
Banks may benefit from withholding tax exemption on interest and other qualifying  payments made to their 
branches or other banks outside Singapore Liberalized as a result of the 2011 Budget. A 
withholding tax exemption is granted on interest and other qualifying payments made by banks and finance companies to all non-resident persons. A sunset clause of 31 March 2021 was also imposed on the scheme. 
Incentive Schemes fo r Project Finance 
Package of tax incentives for promoting project finance targeted at investors, intermediaries, and financing vehicles As a result of the 2011 Budget, these schemes 
(excluding FSI-PF) were extended until 2017. 
Source: Information provided by the authorities of Singapore.  
7.23  Republic of Korea - WT/TPR/S/268 /Rev.1 (6th review, 8 November 2012) 
P. 139, para. 84 
(iv) Financial services 
(a) Banking and finance Restructuring 
Since the 1997 financial crisis, financial sector restructuring has been focused on improving the 
financial infrastructure. Between November 1997 and June 2010, total government support  for 
financial restructuring was ₩ 168.6 trillion, of which ₩ 63.5 trillion was used for recapitalization,  
₩ 38.5 trillion for the purchase of non-performing loans, and ₩ 30.3 trillion for the payment of 
deposit insurance claims.
142 […].  
7.24  Norway - WT/TPR/S/269/Rev.1 (6th review, 13 November 2012) 
P. 105, paras. 111-112 
IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
(6) S ERVICES  
(i) Financial services 
Despite strong credit growth and aggressive lending practices during 2004-07, Norwegian financial 
institutions were able to tackle the effects of the global financial crisis with only moderate 
government intervention  compared with other countries. […] Two weeks later, Parliament 
authorized the Ministry of Finance to swap government securities against collateral or in 
return for Norwegian covered bonds  (OMF) within a limit of NKr 350 billion. The Government 
followed up with the launch of a credit package in February 2009, including the establishment of a 
Government Bond Fund with capital of NKr 50 billion, and a State Finance Fund  (also with capital 
of NKr 50 billion).143 The purpose of the two funds was to help banks maintain normal lending to 
enterprises and households. As deposits were al ready considered sufficiently insured through the 
                                               
142 Bank of Korea (2010). 
143 Banks seeking capital injections from the State Fi nance Fund would have to accept disciplines on 
executive pay and bonuses.   S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 99 - 
 
  Norwegian Banks' Guarantee Fund (Box IV.2), no  extension of existing guarantees was deemed 
necessary.144  
Following the approval of the capitalization scheme by the EFTA Surveillance Authority, the State 
Finance Fund began operations in May 200 9 and set a deadline for applications for capital 
injections  of 30 September 2009. In all, 28 banks were  granted funding totalling NKr 4.1 billion. 
As the capital provided was relatively expensive and introduced caps on, inter alia, the payment of 
dividends, banks had an incentive to replace these contributions with equity or other forms of 
market-based funding on commercial terms in a normal functioning market. During 2010 and 
2011, ten banks chose to repay in full the capital received from the State Finance Fund, and the outstanding capital of the Fund totalled NKr 631.3 million at the end of 2011.
145  
 
                                               
144 However, intervention was required with the co llapse of one Icelandic-owned Norwegian bank and 
the Norwegian branch of another Icelandic bank in October 2008. Glitnir Bank ASA was sold to a group of 
Norwegian savings banks, while Kaupthing Bank hf  NUF was wound-up and all deposits repaid.   
145 Ministry of Finance (2012).   S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 100 - 
 
  8  SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION 
TECHNOLOGIES-RELATED SERVICES (ICT), DATA PROCESSING SERVICES AND TELEPHONE CALL CENTRE SERVICES 
8.1  Panama - WT/TPR/S/186/Rev.1 (1
st review, 3 December 2007) 
Pp. 65-66, para. 224 
The National Strategic Plan for the Development of Science, Technology and Innovation 
2006-2010, implemented by the Government through Cabinet Resolution No. 104 of 
21 December 2005, is coordinated by the Secretaría National de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación  
(National Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat – SENACYT). This Plan structures SENACYT's activities, the aim of which is to su pport the development of science, technology and 
innovation for the purpose of modernizing the publ ic, private and academic sectors and increasing 
their productivity. The Plan recognizes five core sectors for innovation and technological 
modernization in the private sector: intermodal transport and logistics, information 
technology, biosciences, tourism,  and agro-industry.
146 The main action taken within the 
context of the Plan includes: establishing funds, open to competitive bidding, for promoting 
research, development and innovation; the implementation of innovation and technological modernization projects in priority areas; the strengthening of conglomerates; and innovation 
capacity-building at enterprise level. 
8.2  Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) - WTO Members
147 
8.2.1  Antigua and Barbuda  WT/TPR/S/190/ATG/Rev.1 (2nd review, 18 April 2008) 
P. 29, para. 135 
The [Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA)] started functioning in May 2007. Its 
mandate is to attract foreign direct investment and build, foster, and support local investment. The ABIA gives priority to tourism  development, financial services,  business support 
(call centres, etc.), information/computer technology, health and wellness, education, 
logistics (e.g. transhipment), and […]. The ABIA also aims to create a level playing field for all 
investors, local or foreign, administer standard criteria as laid down in the Investment Authority 
Act for the grant of incentives  and concessions, and respond in a timely manner to applications 
for investment certificates and incentives. […]. 
8.2.2  Dominica WT/TPR/S/190/DMA/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 18 April 2008) 
P. 10, paras. 40 and 42 
[…] The Government's strategy for the past 20 plus years has been attracting foreign investors by 
offering various incentive schemes;  […]. 
Incentive regimes for foreign investors are governed chiefly by Fiscal Incentives Act, No. 42 of 
1973 (as amended), Hotel Aids Act Cap 85, Vol. 4 of the Revised Laws of Dominica, the Income 
Tax Act, Cap 61, Vol. 1 of the Revised Laws, and Value Added Tax Act No. 7 of 2005 (see Chapter III(3)(ii)). Although the Government places particular emphasis on tourism,  […] and 
information technology,  investment in any other sector  of economic activity is welcome and 
may be eligible for incentives if the proposed investment meets policy and legislative requirements. Horizontal incentives for foreign investors are also in place with respect to exemptions from foreign exchange remittance limitations under the Foreign Exchange Control Act. 
                                               
146 Cabinet Resolution No. 11 of 2 February 2007 establishing and adopting the National Strategic Plan 
for the Development of Science, Technology and Innovation 2006-2010. Available for consultation at: http://www.senacyt.gob.pa/media/documentosDireccio nGestion/Plan%20Estrategico%20actualizacion%20200
7.pdf 
147 OECS Members: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Gr enada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and 
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 101 - 
 
  P. 30, para. 137  
(ii) Incentives and assistance 
Under Fiscal Incentives Act No. 42 of 1973 as am ended by Act No. 3 of 1992 and Act No. 3 of 
1994, a tax holiday of up to 15 years  may be granted for the manufacture of approved products 
by approved enterprises […]. Among the Government's favoured sectors are hotels and ancillary 
services,  […], information and communication technology,  and any other sector  that has 
the potential to provide employment. 
8.2.3  Saint Lucia WT/TPR/S/190/LCA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 21 April 2008) 
P. 9, para. 38 
The Government has identified information technology,  […], hotel development,  […], and 
financial services  as priorities for expansion and investment. Incentives  to potential investors 
are offered through tax holidays and other tax concessions (see Chapter III(3)(ii)). […]. 
8.2.4  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines WT/TPR/S/190/VCT/Rev.1 (2nd review, 
21 April 2008) 
P. 24, para. 110 
National Investment Promotion Incorporated (NIPI) (Chapter II) acts as an export and investment 
promotion agency. […]. The five priority sectors identified by the NES are: […] information 
communication technology  (e.g. improved connectivity); […].  Among the activities that may be 
called for in the NES are trade fairs, a website, and national branding. Two legislative proposals 
that are in the early stages of development would provide support for these activities: a Small Business Development Bill 2007, and an Information and Communication Technology Services 
Investment Incentives Bill, 2007. 
8.3  Pakistan - WT/TPR/S/193/Rev.1 (3
rd review, 20 May 2008) 
Pp. 60-61, para. 91 and Table III.4 
(iv) Export subsidies (b) Sector-specific schemes A number of sector-specific schemes also assist exports  (Table III.4). Exports of computer 
software and IT-related services  are exempt from income tax until end-June 2016 (from 
1 July 2003). […]. 
Table III.4 
Sectoral export subsidies, 2006/07 
Export/industry Description 
[…]  
IT services or enabled services, 
computer software Income exempt from tax for the period 1 July 2003 until 
30 June 2016 
Source:  Government of Pakistan, Trade Policy , various years. 
P. 108, para. 106 
(iv) Information technology and software development 
Pakistan has continued to promote development of information technology and computer software, 
with particular export focus. Development has been assisted by several tax, financial, and S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 102 - 
 
  regulatory incentives  e.g. exemption from income tax on software exports until end-June 2016, 
allowing 100% foreign equity, […]. 
8.4  Mauritius - WT/TPR/S/198/Rev.1 (3rd review,) 
P. 61, para. 95 
(iv) Export subsidies, and duty and tax concessions In 2001, the Government announced plans to create an information techno logy (IT) free-
trade zone  (with digital parks across the country) that would offer the latest available 
technological facilities. It also announced a series of fiscal incentives,  including a five-year tax 
holiday. Construction of the Mauritius Cyber City (the Ebene Cyber City) started in 2004, with financial assistance from India; as of early 2006, it had attracted 25 operators. All ICT 
companies  (including those in the Ebene Cyber City) continue to enjoy tax holiday  during the 
grandfathering period. 
P. 113, para. 160 
(v) Professional services 
During the period under review the Scheme to Attract Professi onals for Emerging Sectors  
(SAPES) was introduced by the Investment Promotion (SAPES) Regulations 2002 with the aim of providing professional services of a high standa rd to investors. The sectors covered under SAPES 
included ICT and financial services. Incentives granted included three-year contracts or permission 
to set-up an office or practice in Mauritius; three-year work and residence permits to professionals and their spouses; possibility for permanent residence in Mauritius; exemption  from payment of 
duties and taxes on household and personal effects imported;  and the possibility to acquire 
an immovable property for personal residence. The authorities considered that the scope of the 
scheme was too limited, and it was repealed by the Business Facilitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006, which allows for freer mobility for foreigners to work and live in Mauritius. SAPES 
professionals are nevertheless entitled to exercise their rights acquired under the repealed 
provision. 
8.5  Jordan - WT/TPR/S/206/Rev.1 (1
st review, 27 January 2009) 
P. 47, para. 115  
(4) M EASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(i) Incentives Projects in the following sectors and sub-sectors are eligible for the exemptions under the 
Investment and Promotion Law: agriculture; call centers ; conventions and exhibition centers; 
hospitals;  hotels;  leisure and recreational compounds; industry; maritime transport; railways; 
pipeline transportation; and distribution services for water, gas, and petroleum derivatives. 
Projects in the hotel and hospital subsectors ar e granted these exemptions once every seven years 
for purchases of furniture and supplies for renewal purposes (Article 8). 
8.6  Fiji - WT/TPR/S/213/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 16 June 2009) 
P. xiv, para. 40 
[…] The IT and audiovisual  sectors  receive substantial tax concessions, to be increased from 
2009. […]. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 103 - 
 
  P. 41, para. 51 
(iii) Incentives 
All exporters, including of services,  receive generous income tax exemptions intended to 
encourage investment.148 […]. Registered foreign (and domestic) investors must apply to the Fiji 
Islands Customs and Revenue Authority (FIRCA) for duty and tax concessions, including for 
tourist-related benefits under the Hotels Aid Act (previously administered by the Ministry of Tourism).  […]. The FTIB promotes the Kalabu ICT Park for establishing back-office operations by 
providing a ten-year tax holiday to firms setting up software development  business processing 
operations. 
P. 72, para. 85 
(ii) Investment incentives  
Generous investment incentives apply by way of income tax concessions (Sixth Schedule of the 
Income Tax Act) (Table AIII.1). Incentives are seen as an integral part of Fiji's industrial policy of increasing investment and exports, and seemingly deliver substantial assistance. Many incentives 
were part of the Government's Investment Incentives package introduced in 2001. Some apply 
more generally to businesses while more generous incentives target activities or sectors. For 
example, the Fiji Islands Audiovisual Commission (FIAVC), formed in 2002 to develop the 
audiovisual industry (FIAVC Act 2002), administers tax incentives. The ICT/IT industries  also 
receive general incentives from January 2006 until end-2012. […]. 
Pp. 135-136, Appendix Table AIII.1 
Table AIII.1 
Main investment incentives, November 2008 
Sector Details 
[…]  
B. Investment allowance  
Agricultural, forestry, 
marine, rural manufacturing and information technology Businesses may claim a 40% investment allowance on capital asset purchased 
(excluding land, buildings, passenger cars and trading stock) above F$50,000 annually. It began in 2001 and was extended from end 2005 to end 2008. Eligible taxpayers include […] information technology (IT) businesses, 
including call centres  (ticketing, ordering and reservation services), 
database records and list management, data entry and processing, 
website development and management,  software programming and 
design, tele-medicine, and internet services provision  (retailing and 
wholesaling of IT products, and the sale, care, repair or service of any item are 
excluded). Extended until 2011 (2009 Budget).  
                                               
148 However, a foreign investor survey showed so me 75% of investment pr ojects catered for the 
domestic market (FIAS, 2005a, p. 20). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 104 - 
 
  Sector Details 
[…] 
C. Income tax holidays and exemptions 
ICT/IT activities 10-year tax holidays apply to companies located in any ICT Economic Free 
Zones (temporary studio city zones) to develop software or to operate ICT call 
centres.g Two zones have been declared in Suva (ATH located in Riffle Range, 
Vatuwaqa, and USP in Statham Street Vatuwaqa). The 2007 Budget declared the Kalabo Tax Free Zones an ICT zone to  enable ICT businesses to receive a 
10-year tax holiday provided they em ployed at least 50 staff for any six 
months of the financial year and export  at least 60% of sales (operates from 
January 2007 until end-2016). ICT firms locating outside zones receive income tax exemptions ranging from 80% to  40% depending on employee size.
h 
Anomalies on incentives available inside and outside the Kalabu Zone to be rectified from 2009 and tax holiday extended to 13 years (2009 Budget).  
[…]  
g ICT businesses include call centres (ticketing, orde ring and reservation servic es), data base records 
and list management, data entry and processing, web site develo pment and management, software 
programming and design, tele-medicine services, internet services but not the retailing and 
wholesaling of IC products and the sale , care, repair or service of any item. 
h Firms employing at least 101 employees receive an exemption of 80% of their income, employing at 
least 60 to 100 60%, and from 10 to 59 employees 40%.  
Notes: Includes measures announced in the 2009 Budget, which are generally scheduled to operate from 
2009.  
Source: Ministry of Finance and National Planning (2008), Economic and Fiscal Update: Supplement to the 
2009 Budget Address , November, pp. 111-5. Viewed at: 
http://www.mfnp.gov.fj/Documents/2009_Budget_Supplement.pdf, and information supplied by the Fijian authorities. 
8.7  SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3rd review, 14 December 2009) 
8.7.1  South Africa P. 389 and p. 398, Appendix Table AIII.4 (extracts) 
Table AIII.4 
Incentive schemes, 2009 
Scheme: objective Criteria  Type of incentive 
Investment support    
[…]   
Business Process 
Outsourcingand Offshoring (BPO and O)
a: create 
employment opportunities   
 Incentive is offered to local and 
foreign investors in projects aimed to serve offsho re clients; 
the applicant: must be 
a registered legal entity in South 
Africa; must be a taxpayer in good standing and; must have an accepted investment project; the project: can involve the start up or an expansion of an existing operation; apply and be approved prior to the start of commercial operations; and establish an 
operation that creates employment for at least 200 people by the end of its Investment grant  ranging 
between R 37,000 and R 60,000; and a training grant to a maximum of R 12,000 per agent S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 105 - 
 
  Scheme: objective Criteria  Type of incentive 
2nd year in operation 
[…]   
Franchising: traditional and non-
traditional areas (e.g. […]  
communication and IT; […]  An economically viable business 
plan; minimum facility amount of R 1 million  Financing for a maximum of six 
years; repayments tailored to suit the borrower's cash flow 
a Effective from 6 December 2006 to 31 March 2011. 
Source: Department of Trade and Industry online in formation, "Offerings: In centives and Development 
Finance". Viewed at: http://www.dti.gov.za [20 Febr uary 2009]; Department of Trade and Industry 
online information, "Offerings: Information, Advice, and Facilitation: National Industrial Participation Programme". Viewed at: http://www.thedti.gov.za/offerings/offering.asp?offeringid=127 [6 March 2009]; Mbendi Information Service online information, "South Africa: Incentives". Viewed at: http://www.mbendi.com/land/af/sa/p0027.htm  [20 February 2009]; and Industrial Development 
Corporation  online information. Available at: http:// www.idc.co.za/default.asp [29 January 2009]; 
and South Africa Info online information, "Spatial Development Initiatives". Viewed at: 
http://www.southafrica.info/doing_business/economy/development/sdi.htm [24 February 2009]; DATC online information, "The Programme". View ed at: http://www.dact.co.za/ programme.asp; 
TradeInvest South Africa online information, "Foreign Investment Grant (FIG)". Viewed at: 
http://www.tradeinvestsa.co.za/incentives/983081.htm  [6 March 2009]; TradeInvest South Africa 
online information, "Film Indust ry Rebate Scheme". Viewed at: 
http://www.tradeinvestsa.co.za/incentives/983076.htm  [6 March 2009]. WTO (2003), Trade Policy 
Review: SACU , Geneva; Department of Trade and Indu stry online information, "Regulatory 
Environment: Industrial Development Zones". Viewed at: 
http://www.dti.gov.za/investing/regulatoryenvironment.htm [4 March 2009]; Department of Trade and Industry online information, "Export Marketin g and Investment Assistance Scheme". Viewed at: 
http://www.dti.gov.za/offerings/offering.asp?offeringid=204 [20 February 2009]; and information provided by the South African authorities.  
 
8.8  India - WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5th review, 20 October 2011) 
Pp. 84-85, para. 155 and Table III.20 
Export-oriented units (EOUs) 
As in the case of the SEZs, [Export Oriented Units (EOUs)] are exempt from various taxes, 
including income tax, until 31 March 2011 (Table III.20).149 […]. 
Table III.20 
Incentives granted to EOUs, 2011 
Inputs are exempt from customs duty. 
Exemption from customs and central excise duties on  import/local procurement of capital goods, raw 
materials, consumables, spares, packing material, etc. 
Reimbursement of central sales tax. 
Corporate/income tax holiday until 31 March 2011. 
Reimbursement of duty paid on fuel s procured from domestic oil compan ies as per the rate of drawback. 
No import licences are required. 
Import of second-hand capital goods are allowed. 
Supplies from the DTA to EOUs are deemed exports and are exempt from payment of the excise duty. 
50% of production may be sold in the domestic mark et on payment of duty, generally 25%, plus a 100% 
additional customs duty. 
100% FDI investment through automatic route. 
Source: Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (2010), National Manufacturing Policy: A Discussion 
Paper . Viewed at: http://dipp.nic.in/NMP_Discu ssionPaper/NMP_DiscussionPaper_2010.pdf; and 
Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs, Circular No. 77, 6 July 2009. 
 
                                               
149 Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs, Circular No. 77, 6 July 2009. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 106 - 
 
  Pp. 85-86, para. 158 and Table III.21  
In 2009/10, India had 2,553 EOUs, manufacturing goods and providing services, excluding 
trading, which is not allowed.150 […]. 
Table III.21 
Exports from EOUs, 2007-10  (US$ b illion, unless otherwise specified) 
Sectors 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 
Textiles and garments, yarn 1.73 1.20 0.79 
Computer software 1.20 0.75 0.89 
Electronics hardware 1.15 1.19 0.98 
Engineering goods 4.74 4.14 3.18 
Chemicals and pharmaceuticals 24.02 23.69 4.52 
Leather and sports goods 0.18 0.18 0.17 
Gems and jewellery 2.33 0.93 1.04 
Plastic, rubber, and synthetic 0.38 0.37 0.32 
Foods and agri and forest products 0.93 1.02 0.90 
Miscellaneous 5.30 5.01 4.86 
Total 41.96 38.47 17.64 
Percentage share of EO Us exports of India's 
total exports  25.7 20.8 9.9 
Note: The figures do not include the export performan ce of Software Technology Park of India (STPI) 
units.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities. 
                                               
150 Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs online information, "How to set-up an Export Oriented 
Unit". Viewed at: http://www.eouindia.gov.in/eou_settingup.htm. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 107 - 
 
  9  RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D) SERVICES 
9.1  Mexico - WT/TPR/S/195/Rev.1 (4th review, 2 May 2008) 
P. 81, para. 256  
(iii) Incentives 
(a) Overview 
Other programmes give tax concessions for specified activities such as […] air and maritime 
transport, and the cinematographic industry. Fiscal assistance is also given for acquiring 
equipment to combat contamination and for technological research and development 
activities  […]. 
9.2  Brunei Darussalam - WT/TPR/S/196/Rev.1 (2nd review, 4 June 2008) 
P. 31, para. 49 
(ii) Incentives In January 2001, the Sultan issued the Investment Incentives Order 2001 and the Income Tax Act 
(Amendment) Order 2001, which contained reforms designed to stimulate investment. The first 
made application for tax incentives simpler for corporations and the second broadened the tax 
incentives.  The Investment Incentives Order 2001 provides for a number of incentives , mainly 
in the form of tax exemptions  for companies that have been granted "Pioneer Status" and for the 
expansion of established enterprises. Administration of the legislation is under the Minister of 
Industry and Primary Resources. Longer corporate tax relief periods are provided to promote the establishment of industries; the emphasis is on  pioneer enterprises, including high-technology 
industries, export-oriented manufacturing and services,  research and development, 
transhipment, and activities that support the introduction of new technology into 
Brunei Darussalam. Any limited company with a Pioneer Status Certificate will be granted an exemption from corporate income tax (normally le vied at a rate of 30%), for between two and 
five years depending on the level of investment on capital assets. The exemption begins on the 
first day of production and may be extended to 20 years. Pioneer Status companies are also 
exempted from customs duty on plant, ma chinery, and equipment for their premises, 
and on raw materials  that are not available in Brunei and are to be used in the production of the 
pioneer products. Tax incentives are also provid ed for the expansion of an enterprise already 
established in Brunei. 
9.3  Switzerland and Liechten stein - WT/TPR/S/208/Rev.1 (5
th and 3rd review, 
12 March 2009) 
9.3.1  Switzerland Pp. 70-71, para. 128 
(i) Incentives and other assistance […] In 2006, contributions to the old-age insurance,  the disability insurance, health and social 
assistance accounted for 45% of total federal subsidies of Sw F 30 billion, followed by transport 
(18%), research and development  (15%), and agriculture (12%). […]. 
P. 73, para. 136 
(i) Incentives and other assistance Government-financed or subsidized research and development  programmes are also open to 
foreign companies with operations in Switzerland. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 108 - 
 
  9.4  India - WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5th review, 20 October 2011) 
P. 91, para. 175, Table III.22 and para. 177 
(4) Measures Affecting Production and Trade (i) Incentives 
(a) Tax incentives 
India provides a number of tax incentives aimed at promoting investment. Under the Income Tax 
Act 1961, tax incentives  are provided to several sectors (Section 35AD) and to disadvantaged 
areas. […] The authorities noted that several tax incentive programmes have been phased out 
since 2007 (Table III.22). During the period under review, revenue forgone due to incentives amounted to some US$27.94 billion (Table AIII.8). 
Table III.22 
Tax incentives phased out, 2006-10 
Tax incentive Income Tax 
Act 1961, 
Section Date 
[…]   
Profit-linked tax deduction provided to companies carrying on scientific 
research and development   80IB 2006/07 
[…]   
Source: Information provided by the Indian authorities. 
 
The Income Tax Act 1961 provides […] deductions for revenue and capital expenditure (other than 
for land) on scientific research  (under Section 35).151 […].152 
 
                                               
151 Income Tax Act 1961, as amended. 
152 Ministry of Finance (2007a). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 109 - 
 
  10  EDUCATIONAL SERVICES 
10.1  Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) - WTO Members153 
10.1.1  Antigua and Barbuda  WT/TPR/S/190/ATG/Rev.1 (2nd review, 18 April 2008) 
P. 29, para. 135 
The [Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA)] started functioning in May 2007. Its 
mandate is to attract foreign direct investment and build, foster, and support local investment. The ABIA gives priority to tourism  development, financial services,  business support 
(call centres, etc.), information/computer technology, health and wellness, education, 
logistics (e.g. transhipment), and […]. The ABIA also aims to create a level playing field for all 
investors, local or foreign, administer standard criteria as laid down in the Investment Authority Act for the grant of incentives  and concessions, and respond in a timely manner to applications 
for investment certificates and incentives. […]. 
10.2  Oman - WT/TPR/S/201/Rev.1 (1
st review, 5 August 2008) 
P. 38, paras. 69-71 
(i) Incentives Oman offers various investment incentives to national and foreign investors. Their purpose is to 
encourage investments, in order to promote the country's development objectives, including the 
regional development programme; and introduce new industries, products, and technologies.
154 
 In addition to import duty concessions (section (2)(iv)(d) above), other general incentives  
available, to national and foreign investors include: exemption from tax on profits  for five years 
(renewable for another five years); long-term use of land at favourable rates
155; subsidized 
electricity, water, and natural gas  for production156; and soft loans  for up to ten years, with 
a moratorium period of up to three years, at a subsidized interest rate.  Both new and expansion 
projects in […] tourism, education,  and health  are eligible for soft loans provided by the Oman 
Development Bank (ODB). 
The ODB, 100% government-owned, is Oman's primary financial development institution.157 It 
grants soft loans  to all projects. The loans must not exce ed 100% of the paid-up capital of the 
project if it is located in the Muscat area (except Quriyat), and 130% of the capital if it is outside. In all cases, the maximum loan is RO 1 million, for a period of up to ten years. ODB charges an interest rate of 9% per year (6% is subsidized by the government and 3% is payable by the 
borrower), with flexible grace periods (of up to two years) and repayment terms (of up to 
ten years). 
                                               
153 OECS Members: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Gr enada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and 
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. 
154 Ministry of Commerce and Industry  online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.brunet.bn/php/kharti/invest1.htm . 
155 Oman offers land in the four industrial estates of Rusayl, Rays ut, Sohar, and Nizwa at RO 0.25 
per square meter/year for the first fi ve years, and thereafter at RO 0.5 per square meter/year. The land is 
initially leased for 25 years, renewable up to 99 years on completion of the initial lease period. The maximum 
size of a plot in the industrial estates is 4,500 square  meters. If a bigger area is required, adjoining plots can 
be leased together (Ministry of Commerce an d Industry online info rmation. Viewed at: 
http://www.brunet.bn/php/kharti/invest2.htm ). 
156 Electricity for industrial purposes is charged at  RO 0.024 per kWh from May to August, and RO 0.012 
per kWh from September to April; water costs RO 0.003 per gallon; and the price of natural gas is RO 0.0205 per cubic meter (Ministry of Commerce and Industry online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.brunet.bn/php/kharti/invest2.htm ). 
157 The ODB was established in April 1997 as a public  joint-stock company by merging the Development 
Bank of Oman (founded in 1979), and Oman Agricultur e and Fisheries Bank (founded in 1981). In March 2006, 
ODB became a Société Anonyme  through Sultani Decree No. 18/2006 (ODB online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.odboman.net/history.htm ). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 110 - 
 
  10.3  Mozambique - WT/TPR/S/209/Rev.1 (2nd review, 30 June 2009) 
P. 23, Table II.2 
Table II.2 
Investment incentivesa, 2008 
Sector  Type of incentive 
Available to all approved investment projects:  
  Exemption from payment of import duties  on equipment included in class "K" 
of the Customs Tariff Schedule, but only when the goods to be imported are either 
not produced within the territory of Mozam bique or, if produced, do not satisfy the 
specific purpose or operational characteristi cs required or inherent in the nature of 
the project and particular activity to be developed and carried out; 
Investment tax credit equal to 5% of the total investment realized (exceptions apply, e.g. passenger vehi cles), for five years; 
Tax credit for the professional training of Mozambican workers, up to a maximum 
of 5% of taxable income, for the first five years of operation; 
Accelerated depreciation for new immovable assets; 
Tax deductible expenditure, 100% in Maputo and 150% in the provinces, for the construction and rehabilitation of road s, railways, airports, mail delivery, 
telecommunications, water supply, electric energy, schools , hospitals, and other 
works, for 10 years; Exemption from stamp tax for the alteration of the share capital and the articles of association, for the first five years of operation; 
[…]   
  
a Industrial Free Zones are separately regulated (C hapter III(3)(vi), as well as mining and petroleum 
(Chapter IV(3)). 
Source: WTO Secretariat, based on the English translation of Decree No. 16/2002 of 27 June 2002. Viewed 
at: http:// www.mozbusiness.gov.mz/d ownload.php?view.6 [16 June 2008]. 
 
P. 43, para. 60 
(4) M EASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(i) Incentives […] State-owned enterprises supplying fuel (Chapter IV(3)(i)), electricity and water 
(Chapter IV(3)(ii)), transportation services (Chapter IV(5)(iii)), fixed-line telecommunication and 
postal services (Chapter IV(5)(ii)), and health and  educational services,  may also benefit from 
state aid,  as does agriculture (Chapter IV(2)(ii)). The authorities finance subsidies from the 
budget, supported each year by contributions from Mozambique's Program Aid Partners (PAPs); US$774.3 million has been pledged for 2009.
158  
                                               
158 Africa News , "Mozambique donor partners pledge U$774.3 in grants". Viewed at: 
http://www.apanews.net/apa.php?page=print_eng&id_article=64962 [2 October 2008]. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 111 - 
 
  10.4  SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3rd review, 14 December 2009) 
10.4.1  South Africa P. 398, Appendix Table AIII.4 (extracts) 
Table AIII.4 
Incentive schemes, 2009 
Scheme: objective Criteria  Type of incentive 
Investment support    
[…]   
Health care  and education  […] An economically viable business 
plan; minimum financing requirement is R 1 million; compliance with the international environmental standards Shareholders/owners expected to 
make a significant financial contribution, generally 35% of total assets for going concerns and 45%-50% for start-ups, depending on the industry norms and risk profile  
[…]   
Source: Department of Trade and Industry online in formation, "Offerings: In centives and Development 
Finance". Viewed at: http://www.dti.gov.za [20 Febr uary 2009]; Department of Trade and Industry 
online information, "Offerings: Information, Advice, and Facilitation: National Industrial Participation Programme". Viewed at: http://www.thedti.gov.za/offerings/offering.asp?offeringid=127 [6 March 2009]; Mbendi Information Service online information, "South Africa: Incentives". Viewed at: http://www.mbendi.com/land/af/sa/p0027.htm  [20 February 2009]; and Industrial Development 
Corporation  online information. Available at: http:// www.idc.co.za/default.asp [29 January 2009]; 
and South Africa Info online information, "Spatial Development Initiatives". Viewed at: 
http://www.southafrica.info/doing_business/economy/development/sdi.htm [24 February 2009]; DATC online information, "The Programme". View ed at: http://www.dact.co.za/ programme.asp; 
TradeInvest South Africa online information, "Foreign Investment Grant (FIG)". Viewed at: 
http://www.tradeinvestsa.co.za/incentives/983081.htm  [6 March 2009]; TradeInvest South Africa 
online information, "Film Indust ry Rebate Scheme". Viewed at: 
http://www.tradeinvestsa.co.za/incentives/983076.htm  [6 March 2009]. WTO (2003), Trade Policy 
Review: SACU , Geneva; Department of Trade and Indu stry online information, "Regulatory 
Environment: Industrial Development Zones". Viewed at: 
http://www.dti.gov.za/investing/regulatoryenvironment.htm [4 March 2009]; Department of Trade 
and Industry online information, "Export Marketin g and Investment Assistance Scheme". Viewed at: 
http://www.dti.gov.za/offerings/offering.asp?offeringid=204 [20 February 2009]; and information provided by the South African authorities.  
 
10.5  India - WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5th review, 20 October 2011) 
P. xii, para. 19 
India grants direct and indirect assistance to various sectors. Most central government subsidies 
are destined for agriculture. […] The states also  provide additional subsidies, especially for basic 
services  such as education and health, electricity, and water. 
 S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 112 - 
 
  11  HEALTH RELATED SERVICES 
11.1  Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) - WTO Members159 
11.1.1  Antigua and Barbuda  WT/TPR/S/190/ATG/Rev.1 (2nd review, 18 April 2008) 
P. 29, para. 135 
The [Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA)] started functioning in May 2007. Its 
mandate is to attract foreign direct investment and build, foster, and support local investment. The ABIA gives priority to tourism  development, financial services,  business support 
(call centres, etc.), information/computer technology, health and wellness, education, 
logistics (e.g. transhipment), and […]. The ABIA also aims to create a level playing field for all 
investors, local or foreign, administer standard criteria as laid down in the Investment Authority Act for the grant of incentives  and concessions, and respond in a timely manner to applications 
for investment certificates and incentives. […]. 
11.2  Oman - WT/TPR/S/201/Rev.1 (1
st review, 5 August 2008) 
P. 38, paras. 69-71 
(i) Incentives 
Oman offers various investment incentives to national and foreign investors. Their purpose is to 
encourage investments, in order to promote the country's development objectives, including the 
regional development programme; and introduce new industries, products, and technologies.160 
 In addition to import duty concessions (section (2)(iv)(d) above), other general incentives  
available, to national and foreign investors include: exemption from tax on profits  for five years 
(renewable for another five years); long-term use of land at favourable rates
161; subsidized 
electricity, water, and natural gas  for production162; and soft loans  for up to ten years, with 
a moratorium period of up to three years, at a subsidized interest rate.  Both new and expansion 
projects in […] tourism, education,  and health  are eligible for soft loans provided by the Oman 
Development Bank (ODB). 
The ODB, 100% government-owned, is Oman's primary financial development institution.163 It 
grants soft loans  to all projects. The loans must not exce ed 100% of the paid-up capital of the 
project if it is located in the Muscat area (except Quriyat), and 130% of the capital if it is outside. In all cases, the maximum loan is RO 1 million, for a period of up to ten years. ODB charges an interest rate of 9% per year (6% is subsidized by the government and 3% is payable by the 
borrower), with flexible grace periods (of up to two years) and repayment terms (of up to 
ten years). 
                                               
159 OECS Members: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Gr enada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and 
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. 
160 Ministry of Commerce and Industry  online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.brunet.bn/php/kharti/invest1.htm. 
161 Oman offers land in the four industrial estates of Rusayl, Rays ut, Sohar, and Nizwa at RO 0.25 
per square meter/year for the first fi ve years, and thereafter at RO 0.5 per square meter/year. The land is 
initially leased for 25 years, renewable up to 99 years on completion of the initial lease period. The maximum 
size of a plot in the industrial estates is 4,500 square  meters. If a bigger area is required, adjoining plots can 
be leased together (Ministry of Commerce an d Industry online info rmation. Viewed at: 
http://www.brunet.bn/php/kharti/invest2.htm). 
162 Electricity for industrial purposes is charged at  RO 0.024 per kWh from May to August, and RO 0.012 
per kWh from September to April; water costs RO 0.003 per gallon; and the price of natural gas is RO 0.0205 per cubic meter (Ministry of Commerce and Industry online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.brunet.bn/php/kharti/invest2.htm). 
163 The ODB was established in April 1997 as a public  joint-stock company by merging the Development 
Bank of Oman (founded in 1979), and Oman Agricultur e and Fisheries Bank (founded in 1981). In March 2006, 
ODB became a Société Anonyme  through Sultani Decree No. 18/2006 (ODB online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.odboman.net/history.htm). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 113 - 
 
  P. 63, para. 70 
The two state-owned specialized banks, Oman Ho using Bank (OHB) and Oman Development Bank 
(ODB), have been in operation since 1977. OHB provides finance mainly through long-term soft housing loans. ODB is principally engaged in providing loans to development projects in key 
activities, such as […] health, tourism  […]. The interest rate on loans and advances charged by 
ODB is subsidized by the Government (Chapter III (3)(iv) and ((4)(i)).
164 ODB also acts as agent 
on behalf of the Government in terms of: (i) distribution and collection of public soft loans; (ii) 
disbursement of amounts from the Agriculture and Fisheries Development Fund; and (iii) 
disbursement and collection of SANAD Fund loans.165 
11.3  Barbados - WT/TPR/S/203/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 December 2008) 
Pp. 45-46, paras. 116-118 
(ii) Incentives and other government assistance Under the Small Business Development Act of 1999, companies whose business is deemed to be of 
significant socioeconomic benefit to Barbados are entitled to a number of benefits. These include: 
an exemption from withholding tax  on dividends and interest earned on investment by small 
businesses; exemption from import duty  on plant and equipment imported for use in the 
business; exemption from withholding tax  on dividends and interest earned on investment in 
an approved small business or in any fund approved for investment in small businesses; 
exemption from stamp duty ; and a deduction of corporation tax  of an amount equal to 20% 
of actual expenditure in respect of the use of te chnology, market research, and any other activity 
that is, in the opinion of the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, directly related to the development 
of the business. Approved small businesses may also receive technical assistance to start, continue 
or expand operations. Revenue forgone under the Small Business Development Act of 1999 during 2002-06 totalled BDS$1.32 million. 
Potential beneficiaries may be active in: agriculture, forestry, and related activities; fishing; 
manufacturing; construction; and a number of service activities, including entertainment,  financial 
services, health care , hotel, restaurants, tourism, personal care services, real estate, transport, 
storage and communication services, wholesale and retail trade.  
Additionally, an approved small business may apply for loan guarantee cover under the Credit 
Guarantee Scheme  through any commercial bank or financial institution with access to the 
Scheme.
166 The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Small Businesses is sponsored by the Central Bank 
of Barbados.167 The scheme is designed to offer protection to commercial banks and other credit 
institutions approved by the Central Bank against insolvency and other possible losses in respect of the credit granted to small enterprises. […]. During 2002-07, 73 businesses were able to access 
guarantees totalling BDS$4 million under this scheme. 
                                               
164 In 2006, new financial lending limits were introduced allowing ODB to grant soft loans for up to 
RO 1 mllion for a single project at an interest rate of 3% per year. The maximum limit on soft loans is 
RO 3 million to joint-stock companies that have o ffered 40% of their shares for public subscription. 
165 The SANAD Fund, inter alia , supports work seekers (vocational and craftsmen) by establishing 
individual and family self-employment projects (Ministry of Information online information. Viewed at: http://www.omanet.om/english/misc/omanise2.asp ). 
166 Beneficiaries must be incorporated under the Co mpanies Act and approved as a small business in 
accordance with the Small Business Development Act, or meet some eligibility criteria, including: sales not 
over BD$2 million, and paid capital not over BD $1 million, and be majo rity Barbadian-owned. 
167 Central Bank of Barbados (2008). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 114 - 
 
  11.4  Jordan - WT/TPR/S/206/Rev.1 (1st review, 27 January 2009) 
P. 47, para. 115  
(4) M EASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(i) Incentives 
 
Projects in the following sectors and sub-sectors are eligible for the exemptions under the Investment and Promotion Law: agriculture; call centers; conventions and exhibition centers; 
hospitals ; hotels;  leisure and recreational compounds; industry; maritime transport; railways; 
pipeline transportation; and distribution services for water, gas, and petroleum derivatives. Projects in the hotel and hospital  subsectors are granted these exemptions once every seven 
years for purchases of furniture and supplies for renewal purposes (Article 8). 
P. 94, para. 156 
[…] The private sector manages over half of the hospitals in Jordan.168 Hospitals are eligible for 
incentives  under the Investment Promotion Law (Chapter III(4)(i)). The corporate income tax for 
hospitals is 15%. 
11.5  Mozambique - WT/TPR/S/209/Rev.1 (2nd review, 30 June 2009) 
P. 23, Table II.2 
Table II.2 
Investment incentivesa, 2008 
Sector  Type of incentive 
Available to all approved investment projects:  
  
  Exemption from payment of import duties  on equipment included in class "K" 
of the Customs Tariff Schedule, but only when the goods to be imported are either 
not produced within the territory of Mozam bique or, if produced, do not satisfy the 
specific purpose or operational characteristi cs required or inherent in the nature of 
the project and particular activity to be developed and carried out; 
Investment tax credit equal to 5% of the total investment realized (exceptions apply, e.g. passenger vehi cles), for five years; 
Tax credit for the professional training of Mozambican workers, up to a maximum 
of 5% of taxable income, for the first five years of operation; 
Accelerated depreciation for new immovable assets; 
Tax deductible expenditure, 100% in Maputo and 150% in the provinces, for the construction and rehabilitation of road s, railways, airports, mail delivery, 
telecommunications, water supply, electric energy, schools, hospitals , and other 
works, for 10 years; Exemption from stamp tax for the alteration of the share capital and the articles of association, for the first five years of operation; 
[…] 
 
a Industrial Free Zones are separately regulated (C hapter III(3)(vi), as well as mining and petroleum 
(Chapter IV(3)). 
Source: WTO Secretariat, based on the English translation of Decree No. 16/2002 of 27 June 2002. Viewed 
at: http:// www.mozbusiness.gov.mz/d ownload.php?view.6 [16 June 2008]. 
 
                                               
168 Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (2007), p. 164. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 115 - 
 
  P. 43, para. 60 
 
(4) M EASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(i) Incentives 
[…] State-owned enterprises supplying fuel (Chapter IV(3)(i)), electricity and water 
(Chapter IV(3)(ii)), transportation services (Chapter IV(5)(iii)), fixed-line telecommunication and postal services (Chapter IV(5)(ii)), and health and educational  services,  may also benefit from 
state aid,  as does agriculture (Chapter IV(2)(ii)). The authorities finance subsidies from the 
budget, supported each year by contributions from Mozambique's Program Aid Partners (PAPs); 
US$774.3 million has been pledged for 2009.
169  
11.6  SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3rd review, 14 December 2009) 
11.6.1  South Africa 
P. 398, Appendix Table AIII.4 (extracts) 
Table AIII.4 
Incentive schemes, 2009 
Scheme: objective Criteria  Type of incentive 
Investment support    
[…]   
Health care and education 
(manufacturing of medical equipment, medical schemes administration and management, medical and dental practices 
activities, clinics and related 
services, hospital services, human health services ) An economically viable business 
plan; minimum financing requirement is R 1 million; compliance with the international 
environmental standards Shareholders/owners expected to 
make a significant financial contribution, generally 35% of total assets for going concerns and 45%-50% for start-ups, 
depending on the industry norms 
and risk profile  
[…]   
Source: Department of Trade and Industry online in formation, "Offerings: In centives and Development 
Finance". Viewed at: http://www.dti.gov.za [20 Febr uary 2009]; Department of Trade and Industry 
online information, "Offerings: Information, Advice, and Facilitation: National Industrial Participation Programme". Viewed at: http://www.thedti.gov.za/offerings/offering.asp?offeringid=127 [6 March 2009]; Mbendi Information Service online information, "South Africa: Incentives". Viewed at: http://www.mbendi.com/land/af/sa/p0027.htm  [20 February 2009]; and Industrial Development 
Corporation  online information. Available at: http:// www.idc.co.za/default.asp [29 January 2009]; 
and South Africa Info online information, "Spatial Development Initiatives". Viewed at: 
http://www.southafrica.info/doing_business/economy/development/sdi.htm [24 February 2009]; DATC online information, "The Programme". View ed at: http://www.dact.co.za/ programme.asp; 
TradeInvest South Africa online information, "Foreign Investment Grant (FIG)". Viewed at: 
http://www.tradeinvestsa.co.za/incentives/983081.htm  [6 March 2009]; TradeInvest South Africa 
online information, "Film Indust ry Rebate Scheme". Viewed at: 
http://www.tradeinvestsa.co.za/incentives/983076.htm  [6 March 2009]. WTO (2003), Trade Policy 
Review: SACU , Geneva; Department of Trade and Indu stry online information, "Regulatory 
Environment: Industrial Development Zones". Viewed at: http://www.dti.gov.za/investing/regulatoryenvironment.htm [4 March 2009]; Department of Trade and Industry online information, "Export Marketin g and Investment Assistance Scheme". Viewed at: 
http://www.dti.gov.za/offerings/offering.asp?offeringid=204 [20 February 2009]; and information provided by the South African authorities.  
 
                                               
169 Africa News , "Mozambique donor partners pledge U$774.3 in grants". Viewed at: 
http://www.apanews.net/apa.php?page=print_eng&id_article=64962 [2 October 2008]. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 116 - 
 
  11.7  Japan - WT/TPR/S/243/Rev.1 (10th review, 2 May 2011) 
P. 62, para. 116 
(ii) Subsidies and other financial assistance Under the new Growth Strategy, adopted by the Cabinet on 18 June 2010, the Government has 
concentrated its resources into the developm ent of "seven strategic areas" (environment  and 
energy, medical  and health care , economic integration with other Asian countries, tourism and 
revitalization of regional economies, science and technology, human resources, and financial 
services).
170 The strategy indicates that potential demand is largest in these seven areas.171 
Although the details of implementing measures are yet to be decided, the strategy suggests a 
possible policy to "pick winners".172  
11.8  India - WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5th review, 20 October 2011) 
P. xii, para. 19 
India grants direct and indirect assistance to various sectors. Most central government subsidies 
are destined for agriculture. […] The states also  provide additional subsidies, especially for basic 
services  such as education and  health, electricity, and water. 
P. 91, para. 175, Table III.22 and para. 177 
(4) Measures Affecting Production and Trade 
(i) Incentives 
(a) Tax incentives 
India provides a number of tax incentives aimed at promoting investment. Under the Income Tax 
Act 1961, tax incentives  are provided to several sectors (Section 35AD) and to disadvantaged 
areas. […] The authorities noted that several tax incentive programmes have been phased out since 2007 (Table III.22). During the period under review, revenue forgone due to incentives 
amounted to some US$27.94 billion (Table AIII.8). 
Table III.22 
Tax incentives phased out, 2006-10 
Tax incentive Income Tax 
Act 1961, 
Section Date 
[…]   
Profit-linked tax deduction pr ovided to the business of operating and 
maintaining a hospital in rural areas  80IB 2008/09 
[…]   
Source: Information provided by the Indian authorities. 
 
                                               
170 Prime Minister's Office online information. View ed at: http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/kan/topics/ 
sinseichou01_e.pdf [14 October 2010]. 
171 Cabinet Office online information. Vi ewed at: http://www5.cao.go.jp/keizai2/2010/0618 
reference.pdf [14 October 2010]. 
172 National Policy Unit online information. Viewed at: http:// www.npu.go.jp/policy/policy04/pdf/ 
20100618_shinseityou_gaiyou_eigo.pdf [14 October 2010]. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 117 - 
 
  […] In 2009, a new section (35AD) was introduced in the Income Tax Act 1961, which provides 
investment-linked deduction of 100% of capital expenditure (other than on land, and financial instruments) […]. This incentive was extended to the hotel,  hospital, and slum rehabilitation 
sectors in 2010.
173 
11.9  Republic of Korea - WT/TPR/S/268/Rev.1 (6th review, 8 November 2012) 
Pp. 86-87, para. 145 
(4) M EASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(i) Taxation 
(c) Tax incentives […] SMEs benefit substantially from tax incentives.
174 SMEs in wholesale, retail,  medical services, 
or auto repairs located in non-metropolitan areas receive a 5% rate reduction. SMEs also receive 
larger tax incentives than those generally availa ble, for example, much larger tax credits for 
investment in technology and human resource development.  
 
                                               
173 Ministry of Finance (2007a). 
174 See WTO document WT/TPR/S/204/Rev.1, 4 December 2008 for more details. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 118 - 
 
  12  CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED ENGINEERING SERVICES 
12.1  Barbados - WT/TPR/S/203/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 December 2008) 
Pp. 45-46, paras. 116-118 
(ii) Incentives and other government assistance 
Under the Small Business Development Act of 1999, companies whose business is deemed to be of 
significant socioeconomic benefit to Barbados are entitled to a number of benefits. These include: an exemption from withholding tax  on dividends and interest earned on investment by small 
businesses; exemption from import duty  on plant and equipment imported for use in the 
business; exemption from withholding tax  on dividends and interest earned on investment in 
an approved small business or in any fund approved for investment in small businesses; exemption from stamp duty ; and a deduction of corporation tax  of an amount equal to 20% 
of actual expenditure in respect of the use of te chnology, market research, and any other activity 
that is, in the opinion of the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, directly related to the development of the business. Approved small businesses may also receive technical assistance to start, continue 
or expand operations. Revenue forgone under the Small Business Development Act of 1999 during 
2002-06 totalled BDS$1.32 million. 
Potential beneficiaries may be active in: agriculture, forestry, and related activities; fishing; 
manufacturing; construction;  and a number of service activities, including entertainment,  
financial services, health care, hotel, restaurants,  tourism, personal care services, real estate, 
transport, storage and communication services, wholesale and retail trade.  
Additionally, an approved small business may apply for loan guarantee cover under the Credit 
Guarantee Scheme  through any commercial bank or financial institution with access to the 
Scheme.
175 The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Small Businesses is sponsored by the Central Bank 
of Barbados.176 The scheme is designed to offer protection to commercial banks and other credit 
institutions approved by the Central Bank against insolvency and other possible losses in respect 
of the credit granted to small enterprises. […]. During 2002-07, 73 businesses were able to access guarantees totalling BDS$4 million under this scheme. 
                                               
175 Beneficiaries must be incorporated under the Co mpanies Act and approved as a small business in 
accordance with the Small Business Development Act, or meet some eligibility criteria, including: sales not 
over BD$2 million, and paid capital not over BD $1 million, and be majo rity Barbadian-owned. 
176 Central Bank of Barbados (2008). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 119 - 
 
  12.2  Mozambique - WT/TPR/S/209/Rev.1 (2nd review, 30 June 2009) 
P. 23, Table II.2 
Table II.2  
Investment incentivesa, 2008 
Sector  Type of incentive 
Available to all approved investment projects:  
  
  Exemption from payment of import duties  on equipment included in class "K" 
of the Customs Tariff Schedule, but only when the goods to be imported are either not produced within the territory of Mozam bique or, if produced, do not satisfy the 
specific purpose or operational characteristi cs required or inherent in the nature of 
the project and particular activity to be developed and carried out; 
Investment tax credit equal to 5% of the total investment realized (exceptions apply, e.g. passenger vehi cles), for five years; 
Tax credit for the professional training of Mozambican workers, up to a maximum 
of 5% of taxable income, for the first five years of operation; 
Accelerated depreciation for new immovable assets; 
Tax deductible expenditure, 100% in Maputo and 150% in the provinces, for the construction and rehabilitation of roads , railways, airports, mail delivery, 
telecommunications, water supply, electric energy, schools, hospitals, and other works, for 10 years; Exemption from stamp tax for the alteration of the share capital and the articles of association, for the first five years of operation; 
[…] 
 
a Industrial Free Zones are separately regulated (C hapter III(3)(vi), as well as mining and petroleum 
(Chapter IV(3)). 
Source: WTO Secretariat, based on the English translation of Decree No. 16/2002 of 27 June 2002. Viewed 
at: http:// www.mozbusiness.go v.mz/download.php?view.6  [16 June 2008]. 
 
12.3  Chile - WT/TPR/S/220/Rev.1 (4th review, 5 November 2009) 
P. 69, para. 219 
Fund for the Promotion and Development of Remote Areas 
In order to assist the development of disadvanta ged regions in the far north and south of Chile, 
the Fondo de Fomento y Desarrollo de las Regiones Extremas  (Fund for the Promotion and 
Development of Remote Areas)177 provides financial assistance for small- and medium-sized 
enterprises  wishing to invest in these regions. The Fund operates on an annual basis and is 
approved each year under the Finance Law. It is only available to small- and medium-sized 
producers of goods and services  in the construction […] sectors. […] 
12.4  European Union - WT/TPR/S/248/Rev.1 (10th review, 1 August 2011) 
P. 74, para. 177 
Apart from support to the financial sector, member States provided support for the real economy, 
mostly within the broader framework of the European Economic Recovery Plan, adopted in December 2008 to ensure a coordinated EU response to the crisis.
178 The Plan called on member 
States to devote 1.2% of GDP to counter the effe cts of the crisis and adopt short-term measures 
in support of employment, infrastructure, construction,  and business. As part of the Plan, the EU 
adopted in early 2009 a "temporary framework" allowing member States to provide state aid in 
                                               
177 The Fund was set up in 1980 pursuant to Decree La w No. 3.529 of the Ministry of Finance. Decree 
No. 15 of 1981 laid down the terms for the Fund and it was amended by Law No. 19.606 of March 1999. 
178 European Commission document COM(2008) 800 final, 26 November 2008. Viewed at: http://eur-
lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2008:0800:FIN:EN:PDF . S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 120 - 
 
  response to "the exceptional difficulties of companies to obtain finance" until the end of 2010.179 
Like the communications on bank support, the temporary framework is based on the consideration that the severity of the crisis justifies, for a limited period, state-aid measures on the basis of Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. 
P. 76, para. 185 
Assistance provided under the temporary framework was not sector specific. Thus, there are no 
consolidated data on the volume of aid under the temporary framework disaggregated by 
economic sector. Nonetheless, some parts of member States' fiscal stimulus packages targeted 
particular economic sectors. According to one estimate, one-third of all measures introduced by member States under the European Economic Recovery Plan were sector specific. The automobile sector, along with tourism and construction  received the largest share of sectoral support […]. 
12.5  China - WT/TPR/S/264/Rev.1 (4
th review, 20 July 2012) 
Pp. 69-70, paras. 195 and 197 
(b) Assistance to the energy sector and to undertakings aimed at environmental protection 
 
[…] Construction  projects for electricity generation from renewable energy benefit from 
subsidized loans.180 
Under the Golden Sun Demonstration Project181, which aims to provide assistance for construction 
projects of solar power generation, construction  investment may receive grants up to 50% for 
power generation and distribution and up to 70% for projects in remote regions not covered by the national power grid.
182 Grants are also accorded to projec ts to build solar power panels for 
buildings in urban and rural areas.183  
 
                                               
179 Communication from the Commissi on-Temporary Community framework  for State aid measures to 
support access to finance in the curre nt financial and economic crisis (OJ C 83, 7 April 2009); and European 
Commission press release IP/08/1993, "State aid: Commission adopts temporary framework for Member States to tackle effects of credit squeeze on real economy", 17 December 2008. Viewed at: http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/1993 . 
180 The State Development Planning Commission (SDPC) and the Ministry of Science and Technology 
(MOST) Joint Circular on Issues Concerning Further Support to Renewable Energy  Development (in Chinese). 
Viewed at: http://www.crein.org.cn/paperfiles/paper/state-document/SDPC/002.htm .   
181 Ministry of Finance Circular Cai Jian 2009/129, 23 March 2009. Viewed at: http://www.gov.cn/ 
zwgk/2009-03/26/content_1269258.htm. 
 182 To be eligible for the assistance, projects must, inter alia , be selected in a regional 
implementation programme for the Golden Sun Demonstration Project, and each individual project's capacity must be less than 300kW.   
183 To be eligible, each individual project's capacity must not be less than 50kW. Grants at the rate of 
¥20/W are accorded to projects deemed to integrate opto-electronic parts into building materials or construction parts. Grants at the rate of ¥15/W are accorded to projects deemed to integrate opto-electronic 
parts into the surface of buildings. Fo r details, see Interim Administration Measures for Fiscal Subsidy Fund for 
Optoelectronic Application Buildi ngs (in Chinese). Viewed at: http://www.gov.cn/zwgk/2009-03/26/ 
content_1269258.htm.  S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 121 - 
 
  13  RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL AND SPORTI NG SERVICES (INCLUDING BETTING AND 
GAMBLING SERVICES) 
13.1  Costa Rica - WT/TPR/S/180/Rev.1 (3rd review, 2 August 2007) Pp. 62-64, paras. 186-188 and Table III.11 
(iii) Incentives Costa Rica grants incentives in favour of numerous economic sectors, usually through tax 
incentives or financing programmes. In 2005, over 200 laws gave tax exemptions.
184 At the end of 
2006, the Ministry of Finance was working on a draf t law on transparency and rationalization of the 
exemption regimes with the intention of reducing the number of exemptions allowed. 
(a) Tax incentives A large number of laws allow tax exemptions. The Judiciary has estimated that these exemptions 
foster greater socio-economic equality.
185 […]. With regard to profits tax, in 2005 the Government 
relinquished C 95,500 million in taxes (US$199.9 million) from free zones, cooperatives and mutual assistance organizations (C 80,800 million, C 5,900 million and C 8,800 million 
respectively). There has been no study to qu antify the overall economic impact of these 
exemptions, even though at the end of 2006 a study on the impact of free zones was being 
prepared. 
Tax exemptions are governed by the Law Regula ting Tax Exemptions, Waivers and Exceptions 
(Law No. 7293 of 31 March 1992 and amendments th ereto). This Law refers specifically to the 
exemptions granted to domestic industry and fo r imports, listing the benefits granted under 
various laws and for particular products (Table III.11). […]. 
Table III.11 
Some tax incentives included in Law No. 7293 
Product Benefit Operation 
benefiting 
[…]   
Public events ( sports events, theatre and 
cinema,  when the latter are showing films for 
children) 
Advertising services  on radio stations and 
rural newspapers 
[…] Exemption from the General Sales 
Tax pursuant to Law No. 6826 of 8 November 1982 and amendments thereto (Law on the General Sales Tax) Import and local 
sales 
Source:  WTO Secretariat, on the basis of Law No. 7293 of 31 March 1992 (Law Regulating Tax Exemptions, 
Waivers and Exceptions). 
 
13.2  Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) - WTO Members186 
13.2.1  Antigua and Barbuda  WT/TPR/S/190/ATG/Rev.1 (2nd review, 18 April 2008) 
P. 26, para. 123 
The only free zone in operation is the Free Trade and Processing Zone […]. According to the OECD, 
the license fees received from sports book and internet gambling  represent the main source of 
                                               
184 Comptroller-General of the Republic (2005a). 
185 Idem (2002). 
186 OECS Members: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Gr enada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and 
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 122 - 
 
  revenues from the free trade zone.187 Nevertheless, the size of these operations has declined 
considerably in recent years. Between 1999 and 2003, the number of licensed casino operators  
fell from 119 (with 3,000 employees) to 28 (with fewer than 500 employees). 
P. 29, para. 135 
The [Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA)] started functioning in May 2007. Its 
mandate is to attract foreign direct investment and build, foster, and support local investment. The ABIA gives priority to tourism  development, financial services,  business support 
(call centres, etc.), information/computer technology, health and wellness, education, 
logistics (e.g. transhipment), and […]. The ABIA also aims to create a level playing field for all 
investors, local or foreign, administer standard criteria as laid down in the Investment Authority Act for the grant of incentives  and concessions, and respond in a timely manner to applications 
for investment certificates and incentives. […]. 
P. 46, paras. 236-237 
(viii) Other offshore services 
[…] These companies enjoy the same tax exemptions as offshore financial services companies 
(see above), with the exception of an income tax of 3% introduced in 2001, which they must pay.
188 They must have a registered office and a registered agent in Antigua and Barbuda. 
Information was not available on the total number of non-financial offshore business companies 
registered in Antigua and Barbuda, nor on the forms of business they are engaged in. 
At May 2007, there were 44 licences issued for the operation of interactive wagering and/or 
gaming  in Antigua and Barbuda, for 25 such companies. […]. 
13.2.2  Saint Kitts and Nevis WT/TPR/S/190/KNA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 21 April 2008) 
P. 23, para. 118 
There are sector-specific incentives for tourism , as included in the Income Tax Act No. 17 of 
1966; and the Hotels Aid  (Amendment) Act (1998); (Chapter IV(3)(vi)). Tax waivers are also 
granted on a case-by-case basis to foreign investors for the construction of infrastructure, with preference given to the construction of hotels, casinos,  and villas. These incentives are decided by 
Cabinet […]. 
13.2.3  Saint Vincent and the Gren adines WT/TPR/S/190/VCT/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 
21 April 2008) 
P. 24, para. 110 
National Investment Promotion Incorporated (NIPI) (Chapter II) acts as an export and investment 
promotion agency. […]. The five priority  sectors identified by the NES are: tourism;  information 
communication technology  (e.g. improved connectivity); […] and creative industries 
(e.g. music). Among the activities that may be called fo r in the NES are trade fairs, a website, 
and national branding. Two legislative proposals that are in the early stages of development would provide support for these activities: a Small Bu siness Development Bill 2007, and an Information 
and Communication Technology Services  Investment Incentives Bill, 2007. 
                                               
187 OECD (2006), p. 24. 
188 This tax was introduced by The Internatio nal Business Corporation (Amendment) Act, 2001. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 123 - 
 
  13.3  Barbados - WT/TPR/S/203/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 December 2008) 
P. 45, paras. 116-117 
(ii) Incentives and other government assistance Under the Small Business Development Act of 1999, companies whose business is deemed to be of 
significant socioeconomic benefit to Barbados are entitled to a number of benefits. These include: 
an exemption from withholding tax  on dividends and interest earned on investment by small 
businesses; exemption from import duty  on plant and equipment imported for use in the 
business; exemption from withholding tax  on dividends and interest earned on investment in 
an approved small business or in any fund approved for investment in small businesses; exemption from stamp duty ; and a deduction of corporation tax  of an amount equal to 20% 
of actual expenditure in respect of the use of te chnology, market research, and any other activity 
that is, in the opinion of the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, directly related to the development 
of the business. Approved small businesses may also receive technical assistance to start, continue 
or expand operations. Revenue forgone under the Small Business Development Act of 1999 during 
2002-06 totalled BDS$1.32 million. 
Potential beneficiaries may be active in: agriculture, forestry, and related activities; fishing; 
manufacturing; construction; and a number of service activities, including entertainment , 
financial services, health care, hotel, restaurants,  tourism, personal care services, real estate, 
transport, storage and communication services, wholesale and retail trade.  
13.4  Jordan - WT/TPR/S/206/Rev.1 (1
st review, 27 January 2009) 
P. 47, para. 115  
(4) M EASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(i) Incentives 
 
Projects in the following sectors and sub-sectors are eligible for the exemptions under the 
Investment and Promotion Law: agriculture; call centers; conventions and exhibition centers; hospitals;  hotels;  leisure and recreational compounds ; industry; maritime transport; railways; 
pipeline transportation; and distribution services for water, gas, and petroleum derivatives. 
Projects in the hotel and hospital subsectors ar e granted these exemptions once every seven years 
for purchases of furniture and supplies for renewal purposes (Article 8). 
13.5  Republic of Korea - WT/TPR/S/268/Rev.1 (6
th review, 8 November 2012) 
P. 87, para. 148 
(ii) Financial assistance  
(a) Loans, guarantees, and other financial measures 
State-owned financial institutions have a major role in assisting Korea's industrial development. 
State intervention dominates the large venture capital market, which benefits mainly SMEs. 
Venture capital is invested through venture capital firms (VCFs) and limited partnership funds 
(LPFs). Since 2005, the Fund of Funds, has invested  in LPFs and contributed to the formation of 
the private venture investment market. In late 2011, the Fund of Funds amounted to ₩ 1.36 trillion ( ₩ 630.1 billion in 2007), was mostly financed by government funds, and had 
invested in five areas (SMEs, culture,  broadcasting, movies, patents). The number of venture 
corporations increased from 7,967 in 2004 to 24,645 in 2010.  
 S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 124 - 
 
  14  TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES 
14.1  Central African Republic - WT/TPR/S/183/Rev.1 (1st review, 30 July 2007) 
P. 44, para. 63 
(iii) Incentives 
[…] Public services  such as electricity  (Chapter IV(3)(iii)), water  (Chapter IV(3)(iv)), 
transport  (Chapter IV(5)(i)) and fixed telecommunications  (Chapter IV(5)(iii)) also benefit 
from government support. 
P. 65, para. 79 
(iii) Telecommunications and postal services189 
[…] The obligation to provide universal  fixed telephony services  is in principle the responsibility 
of SOCATEL, but how they are to be financed is not specified. Such obligations are not yet 
applicable to mobile telephony. […]. 
14.2  Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) - WTO Members190 
14.2.1  Saint Lucia WT/TPR/S/190/LCA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 21 April 2008) 
P. 43, para. 177 
(ii) Telecommunications 
[…] Telecom operators are eligible for fiscal incentives:  under Cabinet Conclusion No. 797 of 
2002, they are eligible for 100% waiver of impo rt duty and consumption tax on equipment and 
materials for the establishment and construction of new telecommunications networks subject to verification of the list of equipment and materi als by the Ministry of Communications, Works, 
Transport and Public Utilities prior to importation. […]. 
14.2.2  Saint Vincent and the Gren adines WT/TPR/S/190/VCT/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 
21 April 2008) 
P. 36, para. 177 
(ii) Telecommunications […] The Information and Communication Technology Services Investment Incentives Bill, which is 
currently before Parliament, would allow approved companies duty-free  imports of material and 
equipment for the provision of information and communication technology services. […]. 
14.3  Ghana - WT/TPR/S/194/Rev.1 (3
rd review, 7 May 2008) 
P. 21, para. 10 
[…] A number of incentives are being provided to attract foreign direct investment into critical 
areas, including the energy,  financial, and telecommunications  sectors. Commercial lending 
rates are relatively high, and the Government has set up the Export Development Fund (EDF) to provide loans to the private sector at reasonable rates. […]. 
                                               
189 French Embassy in Cameroon, Economic Mission in Yaoundé (2006b); Ministry of Communications, 
Post and Telecommunications (undated). 
190 OECS Members: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Gr enada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and 
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 125 - 
 
  P. 62, para. 92 
(a) Telecommunication 
In order to promote universal access  to telecommunication services, the Government instituted 
the Ghana Investment Fund for Telecommunications (GIFTEL) in 2004.191 GIFTEL's primary 
responsibility is to facilitate investment in information and communication technology in under-
served areas; priority is given to projects that seek to increase basic rural connectivity and access to broadband services. To date, GIFTEL has supported  the establishment of 77 community 
information centers and 44 common telecommunication facilities in under-served areas. GIFTEL's 
operations are financed by contributions from operators who must pay 1% of their net profit; additional resources may be allocated by Parliament.  Projects identified by GIFTEL are 
announced publicly and allocated by open tender. 
14.4  Brunei Darussalam - WT/TPR/S/196/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 4 June 2008) 
P. 56, para. 82 
(a) Subsidies 
As noted in the previous report, Brunei notified the Secretariat in 1997 that it maintains 
no subsidies that are notifiable pursuant to Article XVI:1 of GATT 1994, or Article 25 of the 
Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures.192 Subsidies, nevertheless, appear to be 
provided for […] water, energy, and telecommunications services . In addition, housing, 
education, and medical care are provided free of charge. […]. 
P. 78, para. 49 
(5) S ERVICES  
(i) Overview 
[…] Recognizing the importance of services for economic growth, the Government aims to 
transform Brunei into a service hub for trade and tourism (SHuTT). The SHuTT programme would 
promote trade, travel,  business, and  communications  in and through Brunei. The programme 
was intended to further develop Brunei's infrastructure, including upgrading facilities at Brunei International Airport; expanding Muara Port, Brunei 's main port, and increasing capacity in the 
telecommunications  services network to increase penetration rates, as well as expanding 
coverage by the domestic and international postal services. 
14.5  Mauritius - WT/TPR/S/198/Rev.1 (3
rd review,) 
P. 102, para. 118 
(ii) Telecommunications The ICT Act also provides for the Universal Service Fund (USF).  Regulations to establish the 
USF are being finalized. The ICTA worked out an interim payment mechanism, i.e. a special 
account under its general fund, in September 2003. Currently, universal services consist mainly in 
sustaining the below-cost access tariffs of the incumbent operator through payment from the special account. However, a more comprehensive proc edure is expected to be made effective upon 
the adoption of the USF regulations.  
                                               
191 Ministry of Communications (2004). 
192 WTO document G/SCM/N/1/BRN/1, 18 March 1997. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 126 - 
 
  14.6  Oman - WT/TPR/S/201/Rev.1 (1st review, 5 August 2008) 
P. 66, para. 83 and p. 68, para. 90 
(iii) Telecommunications and postal services  
The general policy for the subsector aims to, inter alia : expand the provision of 
telecommunications services to cater for the need s of economic and social development; set up 
the telecoms universal service requirements; encourage investment in the telecommunications 
industry; introduce competition; and safeguard and develop Oman's interests internationally.193 
Under Articles 38 and 39 of the Telecommunicati ons Regulatory Act, the [Telecommunication 
Regulatory Authority (TRA)] is to float an open tender for licensing universal services 
requirements  as set up by the MTC, with subsidies  to the incumbent to be financed by the 
Treasury . If there are no bidders, Omantel will provide the services and have the right to receive 
subsidies for the related net cost as determined by the Act. In addition, Omantel will continue to 
provide its existing services, including 200 addi tional villages without subsidies from the 
Treasury.194  
14.7  Dominican Republic - WT/TPR/S/207/Rev.1 (3rd review, 3 March 2009) 
P. 91, para. 78 
(ii) Telecommunications 
(b) Legal and institutional framework  
INDOTEL is also responsible for administering the Fondo de Desarrollo de las Telecommunicaciones 
– FDT (Telecommunications Development Fund), which was set up to finance 
telecommunications projects in low-income areas  with funds from the CDT. In 2007, FDT 
resources amounted to RD$759 million (about US$23 million). 
                                               
193 Article 3 of Sultani Decree No. 30/2002, 12 March 2002. 
194 The services specified are: to expand telecom se rvices and networks in defined areas according to 
their geographical location, or number of inhabitants, and to establish public tele com centres, including the 
installation of public payphones in these areas; to provide maritime telecom services; and to provide telecom services to person with special needs. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 127 - 
 
  14.8  Mozambique - WT/TPR/S/209/Rev.1 (2nd review, 30 June 2009) 
P. 23, Table II.2 
Table II.2 
Investment incentivesa, 2008 
Sector  Type of incentive 
Available to all approved investment projects:  
  
  Exemption from payment of import duties  on equipment included in class "K" 
of the Customs Tariff Schedule, but only when the goods to be imported are either not produced within the territory of Mozam bique or, if produced, do not satisfy the 
specific purpose or operational characteristi cs required or inherent in the nature of 
the project and particular activity to be developed and carried out; 
Investment tax credit equal to 5% of the total investment realized (exceptions apply, e.g. passenger vehi cles), for five years; 
Tax credit for the professional training of Mozambican workers, up to a maximum 
of 5% of taxable income, for the first five years of operation; 
Accelerated depreciation for new immovable assets; 
Tax deductible expenditure, 100% in Maputo and 150% in the provinces, for the construction and rehabilitation of road s, railways, airports, mail delivery, 
telecommunications , water supply, electric energy, schools, hospitals, and other 
works, for 10 years; Exemption from stamp tax for the alteration of the share capital and the articles of association, for the first five years of operation; 
[…] 
 
a Industrial Free Zones are separately regulated (C hapter III(3)(vi), as well as mining and petroleum 
(Chapter IV(3)). 
Source: WTO Secretariat, based on the English translation of Decree No. 16/2002 of 27 June 2002. Viewed 
at: http:// www.mozbusiness.go v.mz/download.php?view.6  [16 June 2008]. 
 
P. 43, para. 60 
(4) M EASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(i) Incentives […] State-owned enterprises supplying fuel (Chapter IV(3)(i)), electricity and water 
(Chapter IV(3)(ii)), transportation services (Chapter IV(5)(iii)), fixed-line telecommunication 
and postal  services  (Chapter IV(5)(ii)), and health and educational services, may also benefit 
from state aid,  as does agriculture (Chapter IV(2)(ii)). The authorities finance subsidies from the 
budget, supported each year by contributions from Mozambique's Program Aid Partners (PAPs); US$774.3 million has been pledged for 2009.
195  
14.9  Guatemala - WT/TPR/S/210/Rev.1 (2nd review, 20 April 2009) 
P. 88, para. 80 
(ii) Telecommunications 
The Government has given priority to the dissemination of information technology and 
telecommunications to rural areas and areas with poor service. The strategy is aimed at encouraging the private sector to make availabl e to each municipality at least one broadband 
Internet access point and to ensure that all rural localities have at least one public telephone. 
A fund, FONDETEL, financed from State resources,  has also been established for the purpose 
of subsidizing the telephone service in low-in come rural or urban areas.  Parties interested in 
                                               
195 Africa News , "Mozambique donor partners pledge U$774.3 in grants". Viewed at: 
http://www.apanews.net/apa.php?page=print_eng&id_article=64962 [2 October 2008]. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 128 - 
 
  receiving subsidies must submit specific telephony projects to FONDETEL. FONDETEL analyses all 
investment projects, giving priority to those likely to yield a greater social return. 
14.10  Brazil - WT/TPR/S/212/Rev.1 (5th review, 11 May 2009) 
P. 131, para. 184 
(iii) Telecommunications (b) Regulatory framework Telecom operators under a concession (the public regime) are mandated to provide universal and 
continuous services.
196 […]. The Universal Telecommunications Services Fund (FUST) was 
established to complement universalization efforts; FUST is funded, inter alia , by the federal 
budget  and compulsory contributions by the operators. The Fund reached some R$6 billion 
(US$3.3 billion) at the beginning of 2008. 
14.11  Fiji - WT/TPR/S/213/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 June 2009) 
P. 12, para. 21 
(ii) Privatization and reform  of state-owned enterprises 
State-owned enterprises (SOEs) conduct many business activities, e.g. sugar production, ship 
building, shipping, forestry, banking, insurance and finance, power generation, sea ports, air transport, rice milling, cattle raising, crop production and aquaculture, telecommunications  and 
newspapers (Chapter III(4)(viii)). […]. Government support  to SOEs via loans, standing debt 
guarantees, equity injections,  and ad hoc explicit and timely guarantees on individual debt 
instruments entail substantial government contingent liabilities.  
P. 81, para. 118 
(viii) State-owned entities and privatization 
Government supports SOEs via loans, standing debt guarantees (e.g. activated by Fiji Sugar 
Corporation in 2001), equity injections (e.g. Amalgamated Telecom  Holdings in 2000), and ad hoc 
explicit and timely guarantees on  individual debt instruments. Fiji Development Bank borrowings 
are government guaranteed. […]. 
14.12  SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3rd review, 14 December 2009) 
14.12.1  Botswana 
Pp. 118-119, para. 248 
(a) Telecommunications Universal services  in rural areas are subsidized . All operators may tender to supply and 
operate infrastructure, with a subsidy, in the rural areas under the Rural Telecommunications 
Programme. A draft Universal Access and Service Policy, which is under consideration, proposes the establishment of a Universal Service Fund.
197 […].  
                                               
196 Law No. 9,472 of 16 July 1997 (LGT). 
197 The services are to cover fixed and mobile te lephony, internet, data , radio and television 
broadcasting, an d print media. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 129 - 
 
  14.12.2  Lesotho 
P. 188, para. 187 
(ii) Telecommunications […] The [Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA)] manages the licensing system for fixed and mobile 
telecommunications and has set out relevant fees under the (Licensing Fees) rules of 2008. Under 
section 48 of the LTA Act 2000 (as amended), LCA established the Universal Access Fund  (UAF) 
to ensure that the network infrastructure and communications services are expanded throughout 
Lesotho, including in remote areas. The LCA commissioned a communications demand study 
in 2004 to help network providers by identifying commercially viable areas. It also aimed to bridge the efficiency-gap.
198 The LCA is implementing the universal access strategy with a view to 
addressing the access gap199, and network operators' first contribution has been received. In 
addition, the LCA has put aside funds  as seed capital to start the universal access fund, and will 
contribute 25% of its annual surplus funds towards the UAF. 
 
                                               
198 Efficiency gap is the difference between what markets are actually achieving and what they could 
achieve if regulatory barriers were removed and regulation were used to  provide incentives (information 
provided by the Lesotho authorities). 
199 An access gap occurs when some  areas or population groups are not served by the market without 
intervention, even if the market is operating efficientl y and is fully liberalized (information provided by the 
Lesotho authorities). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 130 - 
 
  15  AUDIOVISUAL SERVICES 
15.1  Mexico - WT/TPR/S/195/Rev.1 (4th review, 2 May 2008) 
Pp. 81-82, para. 256 and Table III.12 
(iii) Incentives 
(b) Tax incentives 
Other programmes give tax concessions for specified activities such as […] air and maritime 
transport, and the cinematographic industry . Fiscal assistance is also given for acquiring 
equipment to combat contamination and for technological research and development activities 
(Table III.12). 
Table III.12 
Tax incentives for the promotion of economic activities 
Institution Name of the programme Description 
[…] 
Ministry of 
Finance and Public Credit (SHCP)  
Technological development  
Deduction from income tax of the contributions made to 
technological research and development funds. 
 Tax incentives for the 
cinematographic industry  Tax incentive for companies investing in national 
cinematographic production . 
 Incentives for public 
transport of passengers or freight Tax incentive for persons purcha sing diesel fuel for their 
final consumption to be used in vehicles exclusively intended for the public or private transport of passengers or freight. 
 Incentives for land transport 
of freight or passengers Tax incentive for persons exclusively engaged in land 
transport of freight or passengers and in private transport of freight or passengers. 
 Incentives for the merchant 
marine Tax incentive for persons pu rchasing special marine 
diesel fuel to be used in vessels for merchant marine 
activities. 
 Incentives for commercial 
corporations building or buying real estate Tax incentive for companies building or buying real 
estate. 
Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) Duty-free import of anti-
contamination equipment The exemption only applies if the equipment to be 
imported cannot be substitu ted by equipment produced 
or that could be produced in Mexico. Subject to prior 
authorization by the SE. 
 Accelerated depreciation of 
equipment to be used to prevent or control contamination Incentive for companies purchasing equipment to be 
used to prevent or control contamination of the environment; 95.7 to 100% of the value of the purchase of the asset can be depreciated. 
Source:  Information provided by the Mexican authorities (October 2007). 
 S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 131 - 
 
  15.2  Fiji - WT/TPR/S/213/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 June 2009) 
P. xi, para. 29 
Other extensive tax incentives, also of dubious economic merit, are intended to encourage 
investment, often targeting priority sectors (e.g. tourism and  audiovisual industry) , and are 
sometimes subject to minimum local-content or ex port requirements. These, including widespread 
generous tax holidays, were recently extended , and a new tourism package will replace the 
scheme that terminates at the end of 2008. […].  
P. xiv, para. 40 
[…] The IT and audiovisual sectors  receive substantial tax concessions, to be increased from 
2009. […]. 
P. 72, para. 85 
(ii) Investment incentives  Generous investment incentives apply by way of income tax concessions (Sixth Schedule of the 
Income Tax Act) (Table AIII.1). Incentives are seen as an integral part of Fiji's industrial policy of 
increasing investment and exports, and seemingly deliver substantial assistance. Many incentives 
were part of the Government's Investment Incentives package introduced in 2001. Some apply more generally to businesses while more generous incentives target activities or sectors. For 
example, the Fiji Islands Audiovisual Commission (FIAVC), formed in 2002 to develop the 
audiovisual  industry (FIAVC Act 2002), administers tax incentives. The ICT/IT industries also 
receive general incentives from January 2006 until end-2012. […]. 
Pp. 136-137, Appendix Table AIII.1 
Table AIII.1 
Main investment incentives, November 2008 
Sector Details 
[…]  
Film-making and 
audiovisual activities Tax incentives (Sixth Schedule, Income Tax Act) include income tax 
exemptions for making F1 or F2 audiov isual products, subject to meeting local 
content and certain minimum local expenditure requirements.b Net income 
from F1 productions (i.e. made "wholly or substantially" in Fiji with "significant" local content is exempt from tax until th e taxpayer receives a 60% return on 
capital (normal tax applies thereafter).
c Net income from F2 productions (i.e. 
where the entity has secured distribution in at least two "significant" international markets and a guaranteed minimum investment return is exempt 
from tax until the taxpayer receives a 50%  return on capital (thereafter taxed 
at normal rates).
d Licensed audiovisual producers are exempt from tax on 
income derived from production performed in a studio city zone (an area declared by the Minister for the purpose of developing infrastructure, services 
and resources for the audiovisual indust ry and tourist attractions, hotels, 
residential accommodation, sporting facilities and amusement parks).
e The 
Minister also can exempt or reduce the tax rate for certain periods income of 
"qualifying employees" where considered  expedient for developing the film-
making industry.f Approved individuals derivi ng income from audiovisual 
productions, including wages, fees and royalties, are also exempt from tax. 
Income from sale of a company or business in a studio city business within eight years is taxable at 20% if sold wi thin two years, 15% within four years, 
10% within six years, and 2.5% within eight years. Film tax rebate of 15% raised to 35% from 2009 (2009 Budget). 
[…]  
Film-making and audiovisual activities Capital expenditure on F1 and F2 audi ovisual productions are subject to an 
immediate 150% or 125% income tax deduction, respectively. Immediate deduction of 200% for contributions to the Fiji International Film Festival being held in 2010 (2009 Budget).  S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 132 - 
 
  Sector Details 
[…]  
Film-making and 
audiovisual activities As an alternative to other tax incentives, audiovisual producers are entitled to 
a 15% tax credit or rebate on qualifying production expenditure (as under Division 4) incurred in Fiji. Since January 2004, the requirement was minimum spending in Fiji of F$250,000 (F$50,000 before 2004). If the qualifying Fiji expenditure on the film exceeds F$ 25 million the maximum allowable tax 
rebate is F$3.75 million. The claimant of  the rebate must ha ve been the sole 
company either carrying out or making the arrangements fo r carrying out all 
the activities necessary for making the film. If the total qualifying production expenditure was below F$25 million then the company's total qualifying Fiji production expenditure must be at least 35% of the firm's total production expenditure on the film.
i Fiji residents that do not hold a Fijian broadcasting 
license in radio or television or non-residents are eligible.  
[…]  
b  Production activities explicitly include computer software as well as intera ctive websites and other e-
commerce and telecommunications operations for use solely in relation to eligible audiovisual products. The development of e-commerce websites  and e-commerce businesses used solely for 
audiovisual activities are deemed  to be audiovisual products. 
c  For an audiovisual production that commenced  between 2001 and end-2006, the minimum share of 
the project's budget to be spent in Fiji was 35% for large format or feat ure movies and broadcast 
television programmes; 45% for direct to vide o programmes or video di sc programmes; and 50% 
for audio recordings or computer programs. These shares were increased for project's commencing 
from 2007 until end-2010 to 55%, 75% and 80%, respectively. From 2011 these shares will be reduced to 65%, 85% and 80%, respectively. 
d Guaranteed minimum level of return from international distribution must be from 2001 to end-2006 
5% for large format films; 15% for feature films; 20% for broadc ast television programmes; 25% 
for direct to video programmes or video disk programmes; and 15% for an audio recording or 
computer programs. From 2007 until end-2008 th e rates were increased to 25%, 35%, 40%, 45% 
and 30%, respectively, and from 2009 a uniform minimum rate of 45% is to apply to all audiovisual 
productions. Also, to be eligible, the minimum share of the budget to be spent in Fiji must be 35% for large format and feature films or broadcast television programmes, 40% for direct to video 
programmes or video disk programmes, and 45% fo r audio recordings or computer programs for 
investment between 2001 and end 2006; 45%, 55% and 60%, respectively, for investment from 2007 until end-2010; and 55%, 65% and 65%, respectively, for investment from 2011.  
e To be eligible, Fiji citizens and non-citizens must earn audiovisual earnings pre-tax of F$100,000 in 
the year of assessment and hold assets in the zone in that year of at least F$250,000 (including land). A non-citizen must be resident in the zone  for at least 60 days in the assessment year and 
maintain a permanent place of residence in the zone. Citizens must be a reside nt in the zone for at 
least 183 days in the assessment year, or 60 days if they derive at least 80% of audio visual earnings from outside Fiji, and maintain a pe rmanent place of residence in the zone.  
f Non-resident employees of a fi lm company that are in Fiji un der contract to make a film.  
i  Where the firm's total qualifying expenditure on  the film was at least F$25 million, the company 
must have carried out or arranged to be carried ou t all the activities in the Fiji Islands that were 
necessary to make the film.  
Notes: Includes measures announced in the 2009 Budget, which are generally scheduled to operate from 
2009.  
Source: Ministry of Finance and National Planning (2008), Economic and Fiscal Update: Supplement to the 
2009 Budget Address , November, pp. 111-5. Viewed at: 
http://www.mfnp.gov.fj/Documents/2009_Budget_Supplement.pdf, and information supplied by the Fijian authorities. 
 S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 133 - 
 
  15.3  New Zealand - WT/TPR/S/216/Rev.1 (4th review, 10 July 2009) 
P. 60, para. 90 
(4) O THER MEASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(i) Taxation 
(c) Tax incentives 
New Zealand's tax system has relatively few concessions by international standards as a result of 
its broad-base-low-rate approach to tax policy. However, in addition to tariff and excise duty 
concessions (sections (2)(iii)(e) and (4)(ii)(b)) under certain concessionary treatment, the timing 
of capital expenditure deductions (e.g. for R&D) is accelerated (e.g. in respect of capital equipment used in petroleum and mineral mining, forestry, and film productions ).  
15.4  SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3
rd review, 14 December 2009) 
15.4.1  South Africa 
P. 398, Appendix Table AIII.4 (extracts) 
Table AIII.4 
Incentive schemes, 2009 
Scheme: objective Criteria  Type of incentive 
Investment support    
[…]   
Location Film and TV 
production  Incentive 
  Rebate available to foreign-owned 
qualifying productions with qualifying South African production expenditure (QSAPE) of R 12 million and above Rebate calculated as 15% of 
QSAPE;  maximum rebate capped at R 10 million 
Media and motion pictures  
(motion pictures, broadcasting, printing, post-production, publishing, advertising, and music) An economically viable business 
plan Minimum financing requirement: R 1 million  
South African Film and TV 
production  and Co production 
Incentive Rebate available to qualifying; 
South African production and official treaty co-productions with total production budgets of R 2.5 million and above Rebate calculated as 35% of first 
R 6 million of the QSAPE; thereafter 25% for the remainder;
 
rebate is capped at R 10 million 
[…]   
Source: Department of Trade and Industry online in formation, "Offerings: In centives and Development 
Finance". Viewed at: http://www.dti.gov.za [20 Febr uary 2009]; Department of Trade and Industry 
online information, "Offerings: Information, Advice, and Facilitation: National Industrial Participation Programme". Viewed at: http://www.thedti.gov.za/offerings/offering.asp?offeringid=127 [6 March 2009]; Mbendi Information Service online information, "South Africa: Incentives". Viewed at: http://www.mbendi.com/land/af/sa/p0027.htm  [20 February 2009]; and Industrial Development 
Corporation  online information. Available at: http:// www.idc.co.za/default.asp [29 January 2009]; 
and South Africa Info online information, "Spatial Development Initiatives". Viewed at: 
http://www.southafrica.info/doing_business/economy/development/sdi.htm [24 February 2009]; DATC online information, "The Programme". View ed at: http://www.dact.co.za/ programme.asp; 
TradeInvest South Africa online information, "Foreign Investment Grant (FIG)". Viewed at: 
http://www.tradeinvestsa.co.za/incentives/983081.htm  [6 March 2009]; TradeInvest South Africa 
online information, "Film Indust ry Rebate Scheme". Viewed at: 
http://www.tradeinvestsa.co.za/incentives/983076.htm  [6 March 2009]. WTO (2003), Trade Policy 
Review: SACU , Geneva; Department of Trade and Indu stry online information, "Regulatory 
Environment: Industrial Development Zones". Viewed at: S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 134 - 
 
  http://www.dti.gov.za/investing/regulatoryenvironment.htm [4 March 2009]; Department of Trade 
and Industry online information, "Export Marketin g and Investment Assistance Scheme". Viewed at: 
http://www.dti.gov.za/offerings/offering.asp?offeringid=204 [20 February 2009]; and information provided by the South African authorities.  
 
15.5  Republic of Korea - WT/TPR/S/268 /Rev.1 (6th review, 8 November 2012) 
P. 87, para. 148 
(ii) Financial assistance  (a) Loans, guarantees, and other financial measures State-owned financial institutions have a major role in assisting Korea's industrial development. 
State intervention dominates the large venture capital market, which benefits mainly SMEs. 
Venture capital is invested through venture capital firms (VCFs) and limited partnership funds 
(LPFs). Since 2005, the Fund of Funds, has invested  in LPFs and contributed to the formation of 
the private venture investment market. In late 2011, the Fund of Funds amounted to 
₩ 1.36 trillion ( ₩ 630.1 billion in 2007), was mostly financed by government funds, and had 
invested in five areas (SMEs, culture, broadcasting, movies,  patents). The number of venture 
corporations increased from 7,967 in 2004 to 24,645 in 2010.  
 S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 135 - 
 
  16  DISTRIBUTION SERVICES (COMMISSION AGENTS', WHOLESALE TRADE OR 
RETAILING SERVICES), TRADE AND IMPORT/EXPORT SERVICES 
16.1  Panama - WT/TPR/S/186/Rev.1 (1st review, 3 December 2007) 
P. ix, para. 19 
The Colon Free Zone (ZLC) grants similar benefits to those provided under the [Export Processing 
Zones, ZPE] regime. Although the ZLC aims to encourage both commercial and industrial activities, in practice only service  and re-export operations take place in it. The ZLC functions as 
a global logistical and distribution  centre, and accounts for just over three quarters of Panama's 
total merchandise exports. 
16.2  Peru - WT/TPR/S/189/Rev.1 (3
rd review, 17 December 2007) 
P. 54, para. 183 and Table III.6 
(b) Free zones 
Peru offers tax benefits through the Export, Processing, Industry, Marketing and Service  Centres 
(CETICOS) of Ilo, Matarani and Paita, and the Tacna Free Zone (ZOFRATACNA) (Table III.6). In 
mid-2005, Peru abolished the export requirements for obtaining benefits under these 
schemes.200 […]. 
Table III.6 
Main elements of CETICOS and ZOFRATACNA, March 2007 
 CETICOSa ZOFRATACNA 
Main 
legislationb Legislative Decree No. 842 (30.08.1996); 
Legislative Decree No. 865 (27.10.1996); Legislative Decree No. 864 (27.10.1996); Law No. 26953 (22.05.1998); Supreme Decree No. 023-96-ITINCI (04.01.1997) Law No. 27688 (28.03.2002); 
Supreme Decree No. 011-2002-MINCETUR (17.12.2002); Supreme Decree No. 002-2006-MINCETUR (11.02.2006); Supreme Decree No. 021-2003-MINCETUR (03.09.2003); 
Supreme Decree No. 005-2007-
MINCETUR (15.04.2007) 
General objectives
c To develop the northern and southern zones 
of Peru by promoting private investment in 
infrastructure and productive activity To contribute to sustainable 
socio-economic development of the Department of Tacna through investment and technological development 
Main benefits Exemption from tariff duties and other taxes 
levied on imports; Exemption from Income Tax, IGV, Municipal Promotion Tax and ISC until 2012 Exemption from tariff duties and other 
taxes levied on imports until 2022; exemption from Inco me Tax, IGV, 
Municipal Promotion Tax and ISC 
                                               
200 Thirteenth complementary, repealing, and final provision of Law No. 28569, of 5 July 2005. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 136 - 
 
  Activities 
authorized Manufacturing, except for products classified 
in ISIC Rev 2 categories 3114 (apart from the preparation of products based on fish meal), 3115, 3118, 3122, 3530 and 3720 (apart from refined copper piping and accessories of refined copper piping), and those that have 
recorded exports of over US$15 million in 1996 (applicable only to tariff headings listed in Supreme Decree No. 005-97-ITINCI); maquila  and assembly activities; processing, 
repair and packaging of merchandise;  
and storage, distribution, marketing and 
other services related to the aforementioned activities  Manufacturing except for products 
classified in ISIC Rev 2 categories 3114, 3115, 3118, 3122, 3530 and 3720 (apart from agribusiness products from the region); maquila ; 
storage, distribution and other services 
a Only refers to provisions applicable to the CE TICOS at Ilo, Matarani and Paita; the CETICOS at 
Loreto, established by Law No. 26953 of 22 May 1998, was not operating in mid-2007. 
b Excluding amendatory legislation. c As indicated in the law. 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
 
16.3  Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) - WTO Members201 
16.3.1  Saint Lucia WT/TPR/S/190/LCA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 21 April 2008) 
Pp. 50-51, paras. 222-224 
(vii) Other offshore services 
Offshore companies, otherwise known as international business companies (IBCs) in St. Lucia are 
regulated by International Business Companies Act No. 40 of 1999. 
Types of IBCs located in St. Lucia include holding companies; personal investment companies; 
import/export companies; prof essional service companies;  intellectual property holding 
companies; and, finance companies. No information was available on the number of offshore 
companies operating in St. Lucia. 
[…] IBCs are exempt from taxes  (unless they elect to be liable for income tax of 1% on the 
chargeable income of the company), as well as st amp duty, and they are not subject to exchange 
controls.  
16.3.2  Saint Vincent and the Gren adines WT/TPR/S/190/VCT/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 
21 April 2008) 
P. 47, para. 246 
(viii) Other offshore services 
International business companies (IBCs) must be incorporated under the International Business 
Companies Act No. 18 and Act No. 38 of 1996 (a s amended in 2002). IBCs are regulated and 
licensed by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Offshore Finance Authority. 
                                               
201 OECS Members: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Gr enada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and 
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 137 - 
 
  16.4  Thailand - WT/TPR/S/191/Rev.1 (5th review, 6 February 2008) 
P. 134, para. 122 
(vii) Distribution services In recent years, the Department of Business Development of the Ministry of Commerce has also 
taken steps to help  small retailers  run their business more competitively by providing them with 
training and operation plans,  for example with respect to logistics and supply chain 
management and the establishment of networks among manufacturers, wholesalers, and small 
retailers. A state-backed firm, Allied Retail Trade, was set up to help  small retailers through such 
means as financial aid and the building up of bargaining power. 
16.5  Brunei Darussalam - WT/TPR/S/196/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 4 June 2008) 
P. 31, Box II.2 
Box II.2: Brunei Economic Development Boar d's economic diversification strategy 
The Brunei Economic Development Board's (BEDB) economic diversification strategy is designed to create 
long-term business and employment opportunities for Bruneians. It is currently focusing on developing 
downstream oil and gas industries, particularly on it s Sungai Liang Industrial Park (SPARK) and planning 
the development of a globally competitive port on Pu lau Muara Besar, supported by an export processing 
zone for logistics, distribution  and light to medium manufacturing industries. In addition to industrial site 
development, in 2003 the BEDB sponsored a study to identify industry clusters with the potential for growth. Subsequently, four industry  clusters were prioritized: transportation and logistics; business 
services; financial services; and hospitality and tourism. The BEDB collaborates with various lead agencies to develop these clusters. 
The BEDB's main objectives are to: stimulate the gr owth and development of the economy by promoting 
Brunei Darussalam as an investment destination; develop plans to attract foreign and local investment in industries and skill-intensive services that enjoy good  export-market prospects; promote and assist in the 
development of industrial activities; encourage foreign and local industries to invest in new technology, automation, training, research, and product development acti vities; and support the development of local 
entrepreneurs and SMEs. 
[…] 
Source:  Authorities of Brunei Darussalam. 
 
16.6  Oman - WT/TPR/S/201/Rev.1 (1st review, 5 August 2008) 
P. 37, paras. 67-68 
(v) Free zones 
Oman has two free zones: the Al Mazuna free zone (AMFZ) inaugurated on 24 November 1999202, 
and the Salalah free zone (SFZ) established under Sultani Decree 62/2006.203 Under the Free 
Zones Law and its rules and regulations204, the incentives  provided include: a lease for 30 years 
(renewable for another 30 years); 100% foreign ownership; duty-free imports of all raw 
materials and capital goods;  no minimum capital investment requirement; no taxes on profits 
or dividends for 30 years; no tax on personal income;  minimum Omanization requirement 
level of 10% instead of the standard level of 35% for industrial projects; and flexible customs 
                                               
202 The AMFZ, located about 260 km from the Salalah Port and near the Yemen border, is not very 
active given its land-locked situation, but it is the most important trade access between Oman and Yemen. The AMFZ is managed by the Public Establishment for Indust rial Estates (PEIE), and contains 22 businesses and an 
exhibition area over 450 ha (Ministry of Commerce and Industry, 2005b). 
203 The SFZ is at the port of Salalah, 18 km south of  Salalah city. The SFZ is being developed in various 
phases over an area of 2,000 ha and, when completed, will have up to 4.4 million twenty foot equivalent unit (TEU) per year capacity. It will provide a mix of industrial, warehousing, logistics, office  facilities, retail outlets, 
resort, and residential space. Operat ions permitted in the SFZ are: tr ading, distribution, warehousing, 
assembling, processing/packaging, logistics, and services  (Salalah Free Zone online  information. Viewed at: 
http://www.sfzco.com ; and Ministry of Commer ce and Industry, 2003). 
204 Sultani Decree No. 56/2002. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 138 - 
 
  procedures. Bonded warehouses may also be used for storage, provided certain customs 
procedures are fulfilled. According to the authorities, no distinction is made between locally and foreign-owned companies in respect of access to the free zones or bonded warehouses. The 
relevant customs duties must be paid on sales of products from the free zones on the GCC market 
(including Oman). Up to 30% of free-zone production can be sold on the domestic market,  
i.e. at least 70% must be exported. 
The SFZ issues five types of licences: (i) general trading licences  allow holders to import, 
export, distribute , and store all items as provided for by the free zone rules and regulations; 
(ii) trading  licences permit holders to import, export, distribute, and store items specified on the 
licence; (iii) industrial licences allow holders to import raw materials, carry out the manufacture of specified products, and export the finished product; (iv) service licences  permit holders to carry 
out the services  specified in the licence, within the free zone
205; and (v) national licences are 
designed for manufacturing companies with at least 51% GCC ownership or shareholding, and minimum value-added of 40%.
206 […]. 
16.7  Barbados - WT/TPR/S/203/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 December 2008) 
Pp. 45-46, paras. 116-118 
(ii) Incentives and other government assistance 
Under the Small Business Development Act of 1999, companies whose business is deemed to be of 
significant socioeconomic benefit to Barbados are entitled to a number of benefits. These include: an exemption from withholding tax  on dividends and interest earned on investment by small 
businesses; exemption from import duty  on plant and equipment imported for use in the 
business; exemption from withholding tax  on dividends and interest earned on investment in 
an approved small business or in any fund approved for investment in small businesses; exemption from stamp duty ; and a deduction of corporation tax  of an amount equal to 20% 
of actual expenditure in respect of the use of te chnology, market research, and any other activity 
that is, in the opinion of the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, directly related to the development of the business. Approved small businesses may also receive technical assistance to start, continue 
or expand operations. Revenue forgone under the Small Business Development Act of 1999 during 
2002-06 totalled BDS$1.32 million. 
Potential beneficiaries may be active in: agriculture, forestry, and related activities; fishing; 
manufacturing; construction; and a number of service activities, including entertainment,  financial 
services, health care, hotel, restaurants, tourism,  personal care services, real estate, transport, 
storage and communication services, wholesale and retail trade . 
Additionally, an approved small business may apply for loan guarantee cover under the Credit 
Guarantee Scheme  through any commercial bank or financial institution with access to the 
Scheme.
207 The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Small Businesses is sponsored by the Central Bank 
of Barbados.208 The scheme is designed to offer protection to commercial banks and other credit 
institutions approved by the Central Bank against insolvency and other possible losses in respect 
of the credit granted to small enterprises. […]. During 2002-07, 73 businesses were able to access guarantees totalling BDS$4 million under this scheme. 
Pp. 79-80, paras. 126-128 and Table IV.4 
(vii) Other offshore services As at end 2007, a total of 3,334 international (offshore) companies were licensed to conduct 
business from Barbados. […]. As noted by the authorities, these increased numbers can be partly 
                                               
205 The type of service must conf orm to the parent company's licence issued by the economic 
department or municipality of the relevant region in Oman. 
206 National licences allow the holder the same status as a local GCC company inside Oman. 
207 Beneficiaries must be incorporated under the Co mpanies Act and approved as a small business in 
accordance with the Small Business Development Act, or meet some eligibility criteria, including: sales not 
over BD$2 million, and paid capital not over BD $1 million, and be majo rity Barbadian-owned. 
208 Central Bank of Barbados (2008). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 139 - 
 
  attributed to increased interest in investments into China from U.S. and Canadian investors 
(see Table IV.4). 
Specific legislation applies to each of the various types of offshore company set out in Table IV.4. 
International Business Companies  are governed by the International Business Companies Act, 
Cap. 77. Exempt (offshore) insurance companies and offshore banks are governed by the Exempt 
Insurance Act 308A and the International Financial Services Act of 2002, respectively (see section (iii) above). […]. 
Table IV.4 
Offshore companies registered in Barbados, 2002-07 
 Total number of International Business Entities 
(of which new international registrations/licenses) 
2002 2003  2004  2005  2006 2007 
International business companies 1,994 
(296) 1,726
 
(274) 2,137  
(297) 2,323  
(372) 2,714 
(391) 2,488  
(506) 
Exempt insurance companies 187 
(11) 184 
(15) 183 
(13) 194 
(9) 202 
(8) 164 
(9) 
Exempt insurance management 
companies 31 
(3) 27 
(1) 24 
(1) 30 
(3) 31 
(1) 24 
(1) 
Societies with restricted liability 165 
(40) 104 
(31) 240 
(64) 258 
(42) 391 
(133) 417 
(151) 
Offshore banks 56 
(3) 53 
(2) 55 
(4) 55 
(0) 59 
(4) 57 
(5) 
Foreign sales corporationsa 829 400 182 170 91 54 
International Trusts (registered) 84 119 112 117 127 130 
 (84) (51) (14) (13) (10) (3) 
Total entities 3,346 2,613  2,933  3,147  3,615 3,334 
a No new licences since 2001, the figures relate to renewed registrations. The authorities expect that 
the FSC regime will be phased out over time. 
Source: Information provided by The Ministry of Fore ign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Business. 
 
International business companies carrying on the business of international manufacturing or 
international trade and commerce from within Barbados are governed by the International 
Business Companies Act, Cap. 77. IBCs benefit from a number of tax benefits,  including a lower 
rate of corporate income tax, of 2.5% to 1%, with lower rates applying to higher levels of profit; 
tax concessions for employment of non-resident sp ecially qualified individuals; tax exemption for 
dividends and other payments, as well as withholding tax; and tax exemptions for the specified transfer of assets. IBCs are not subject to exchange controls. Imports of machinery and equipment are also exempt from certain taxes and duties. […]. 
16.8  Jordan - WT/TPR/S/206/Rev.1 (1
st review, 27 January 2009) 
P. 45, para. 100 
Under Article 13D, investments in industrial, commercial,  and services  projects established in 
the free zones  enjoy: (i) exemption from income taxes of the project's profits on goods exported 
outside the Kingdom, transit trade, and sales or transfers of goods within the free zone; profits 
from sales of goods on the domestic market are excluded from the exemption; (ii) exemption from  
income and social services taxes on salaries to non-Jordanian employees; (iii) exemption from 
customs duties and other taxes and fees (except service and rental charges) for goods imported 
into or exported from the free zone; (iv) exempt ion from licensing fees and urban property taxes 
for construction projects; and (v) exemption from customs duties on goods produced in the free 
zone and offered for sale in the domestic market: the exemption is limited to the cost of materials 
and manufacturing expenses, provided this value is approved by the Free Zone Committee . S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 140 - 
 
  P. 46, paras. 104 and 108 
(b) Aqaba Special Economic Zone 
The Aqaba Special Economic Zone was launched in 2001 as a duty-free, low-tax, development 
zone, to serve as a model for sustainable development and to position Jordan as a leading 
business hub and tourism destination in the region . The zone spreads over 375 square kilometres 
and Jordan's entire coast line of 27 km. […]. 
The Aqaba Development Corporation was established in 2004 as the investment arm of the ASEZA 
and is responsible for developing assets, infrastructure, and utilities within the economic zone, 
including the port of Aqaba and the city's international airport. The backbone of the zone is services, notably tourism,  trade , and logistics services ; its industrial base is small. […]. 
P. 47, para. 115  
(4) M EASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(i) Incentives Projects in the following sectors and sub-sectors are eligible for the exemptions under the 
Investment and Promotion Law: agriculture; call centers; conventions and exhibition centers; 
hospitals;  hotels;  leisure and recreational compounds; industry; maritime transport; railways; 
pipeline transportation; and distribution services for water,  gas, and petroleum derivatives . 
[…] 
16.9  Guatemala - WT/TPR/S/210/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 20 April 2009) 
P. 58, para. 135 
Free Trade and Industrial Zone (ZOLIC) 
This programme is covered by Decree No. 22-73 of 21 March 1973 and its purpose is to promote 
economic development in the Department of Izabal , taking advantage of its geographical situation 
as Guatemala's only door onto the Atlantic Ocean. Benefits under this regime include exemption 
from income tax on income derived from activities as an administrator or user in the Free Trade 
and Industrial Zone (ZOLIC) and exemption from tariffs and VAT on the import of machinery, 
equipment, spare parts, components and accessories needed for production. The beneficiaries of 
these incentives are trading  and/or industrial firms  operating under this special regime. The 
programme is for a period of ten years. There is no statistical information on this programme. 
16.10  Brazil - WT/TPR/S/212/Rev.1 (5th review, 11 May 2009) 
Pp. 77-78, paras. 281-282 
Funds for financing the north-east, north, and mid-west regions (FNE/FNO/FCO) The constitutional funds to finance productive activities in the north, north-east and mid-west 
regions (FNE/FNO/FCO) were created by Law No. 7,827 of 27 September 1989, as amended by Law 
No. 10,177 of 12 January 2001. Their aim is to contribute to the social and economic development 
of these regions. […]. 
The beneficiaries of loans backed by constitutional fund resources  are producers, companies, 
and production cooperatives that carry out […] tourism,  infrastructure,  commerce and service 
sectors of the north, north-east and mid-west regions. […]. Decree No. 6,367, of 30 January 2008 fixes annual interest rates at 5% to 8.5% for rural operations, and 6.75% to 10% for other agri-industry, industrial operations, infrastructure,  tourism,  commerce, and services.
209 These 
                                               
209 Ministry of Integration onli ne information. Viewed at: 
http://www.integracao.gov.br/fundos/f undos_constitucionais/index.asp. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 141 - 
 
  rates may be subject to a reduction of 15% fo r payments until the due date, or 25% if the 
beneficiary operates in the north east semi-arid area. 
16.11  Maldives - WT/TPR/S/221/Rev.1 (2nd review, 20 April 2009) 
P. 28, paras. 51-52 
(v) State-owned enterprises State involvement in the economy is widespread, with some 37 state-owned enterprises operating 
in various sectors of the economy, including trade , finance, transport, fishing, utilities, and 
tourism (Table III.3). SOEs account for 36% of GDP.  
Certain SOEs operate as statutory or de facto monopolies, while others are subsidized , giving 
them an advantage over the private sector. These advantages include preferential rates and fees 
for state land, and government guarantees for domestic and external loans. It would appear that 
most of SOEs are not run efficiently and are incurring losses; therefore, they are a significant drain 
on the resources of the Government. […]. However, some of the SOEs have been mandated to provide commercially non-viable services in line with government objectives. 
16.12  Republic of Korea - WT/TPR/S/268/Rev.1 (6
th review, 8 November 2012) 
Pp. 86-87, para. 145 
(4) M EASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(i) Taxation 
(c) Tax incentives […] SMEs benefit substantially from tax incentives.
210 SMEs in wholesale, retail,  medical 
services, or auto repairs located in non-metropolitan areas receive a 5% rate reduction. SMEs also 
receive larger tax incentives than those generally available, for example, much larger tax credits 
for investment in technology and human resource development.  
 
                                               
210 See WTO document WT/TPR/S/204/Rev.1, 4 December 2008 for more details. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 142 - 
 
  17  REAL ESTATE SERVICES 
17.1  Mexico - WT/TPR/S/195/Rev.1 (4th review, 2 May 2008) 
P. 82, Table III.12 
Table III.12 
Tax incentives for the promotion of economic activities 
Institution Name of the programme Description 
[…] 
Ministry of 
Finance and 
Public Credit 
(SHCP)  
Technological development  
Deduction from income tax of the contributions made to 
technological research and development funds. 
 Tax incentives for the 
cinematographic industry Tax incentive for companies investing in national 
cinematographic production. 
 Incentives for public 
transport of passengers or freight Tax incentive for persons purcha sing diesel fuel for their 
final consumption to be used in vehicles exclusively intended for the public or private transport of passengers or freight. 
 Incentives for land transport 
of freight or passengers Tax incentive for persons exclusively engaged in land 
transport of freight or passengers and in private transport of freight or passengers. 
 Incentives for the merchant 
marine Tax incentive for persons pu rchasing special marine 
diesel fuel to be used in vessels for merchant marine 
activities. 
 Incentives for commercial 
corporations building or 
buying real estate  Tax incentive for companies building or buying real 
estate. 
Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) Duty-free import of anti-
contamination equipment The exemption only applies if the equipment to be 
imported cannot be substitu ted by equipment produced 
or that could be produced in Mexico. Subject to prior 
authorization by the SE. 
 Accelerated depreciation of 
equipment to be used to prevent or control contamination Incentive for companies purchasing equipment to be 
used to prevent or control contamination of the environment; 95.7 to 100% of the value of the purchase of the asset can be depreciated. 
Source:  Information provided by the Mexican authorities (October 2007). 
 
17.2  Barbados - WT/TPR/S/203/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 December 2008) 
Pp. 45-46, paras. 116-118 
(ii) Incentives and other government assistance 
Under the Small Business Development Act of 1999, companies whose business is deemed to be of 
significant socioeconomic benefit to Barbados are entitled to a number of benefits. These include: 
an exemption from withholding tax  on dividends and interest earned on investment by small 
businesses; exemption from import duty  on plant and equipment imported for use in the 
business; exemption from withholding tax  on dividends and interest earned on investment in 
an approved small business or in any fund approved for investment in small businesses; 
exemption from stamp duty ; and a deduction of corporation tax  of an amount equal to 20% S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 143 - 
 
  of actual expenditure in respect of the use of te chnology, market research, and any other activity 
that is, in the opinion of the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, directly related to the development of the business. Approved small businesses may also receive technical assistance to start, continue 
or expand operations. Revenue forgone under the Small Business Development Act of 1999 during 
2002-06 totalled BDS$1.32 million. 
Potential beneficiaries may be active in: agriculture, forestry, and related activities; fishing; 
manufacturing; construction; and a number of service activities, including entertainment,  financial 
services, health care, hotel, restaurant s, tourism, personal care services, real estate , transport, 
storage and communication services, wholesale and retail trade.  
Additionally, an approved small business may apply for loan guarantee cover under the Credit 
Guarantee Scheme  through any commercial bank or financial institution with access to the 
Scheme.
211 The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Small Businesses is sponsored by the Central Bank 
of Barbados.212 The scheme is designed to offer protection to commercial banks and other credit 
institutions approved by the Central Bank against insolvency and other possible losses in respect 
of the credit granted to small enterprises. […]. During 2002-07, 73 businesses were able to access 
guarantees totalling BDS$4 million under this scheme. 
 
                                               
211 Beneficiaries must be incorporated under the Co mpanies Act and approved as a small business in 
accordance with the Small Business Development Act, or meet some eligibility criteria, including: sales not 
over BD$2 million, and paid capital not over BD $1 million, and be majo rity Barbadian-owned. 
212 Central Bank of Barbados (2008). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 144 - 
 
  18  ENERGY RELATED SERVICES AND OTHER UTILITIES RE LATED SERVICES 
18.1  Central African Republic - WT/TPR/S/183/Rev.1 (1st review, 30 July 2007) 
P. 44, para. 63 
(iii) Incentives 
[…] Public services  such as electricity  (Chapter IV(3)(iii)), water  (Chapter IV(3)(iv)), 
transport  (Chapter IV(5)(i)) and fixed telecommunications  (Chapter IV(5)(iii)) also benefit 
from government support. 
18.2  Cameroon - WT/TPR/S/187/Rev.1 (3rd review, 5 December 2007) 
P. 82, para. 61 
(i) Petroleum and gas products (c) Gas 
[…] During the first 10 years of exploitation, persons undertaking gas transportation, 
distribution, storage and processing  activities are exempted from customs duties, taxes and 
fees on imports of the equipment to be allocated and used in such activities. They also benefit 
from the possibility of accelerated depreciation. […]. 
18.3  Gabon - WT/TPR/S/188/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 5 December 2007) 
P. 42, para. 46 
(4) M EASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(i) Incentives […] Public services such as electricity (Chapt er IV(3)(iii)), water (Chapter IV(3)(iv)), urban 
transport services (Chapter IV(5)(i)) and postal services (Chapter IV(5)(iii)) also receive State 
support. The privatization programme has also written off the liabilities of the companies 
concerned (section (iv)).  
18.4  Brunei Darussalam - WT/TPR/S/196/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 4 June 2008) 
P. 56, para. 82 
(a) Subsidies 
As noted in the previous report, Brunei notified the Secretariat in 1997 that it maintains 
no subsidies that are notifiable pursuant to Article XVI:1 of GATT 1994, or Article 25 of the 
Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures.213 Subsidies, nevertheless, appear to be 
provided for […] water, energy,  and telecommunications services. In addition, housing, 
education, and medical care are provided free of charge. […]. 
                                               
213 WTO document G/SCM/N/1/BRN/1, 18 March 1997. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 145 - 
 
  18.5  Madagascar - WT/TPR/S/197/Rev.1 (2nd review, 28 May 2008) 
P. 42, para. 48 
(i) Incentives […] Public services, such as electricity  (Chapter IV(3)(iii), water  (Chapter IV(3)(iv)), air and rail 
transport (Chapter IV(5)(i)) and postal (Chapter IV(5)(iii)) services, also benefit from State aid , 
as does agriculture (Chapter IV(2)(ii)). 
18.6  Mozambique - WT/TPR/S/209/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 30 June 2009) 
P. 23, Table II.2 
Table II.2 
Investment incentivesa, 2008 
Sector  Type of incentive 
Available to all approved investment projects:  
  
  Exemption from payment of import duties  on equipment included in class "K" 
of the Customs Tariff Schedule, but only when the goods to be imported are either not produced within the territory of Mozam bique or, if produced, do not satisfy the 
specific purpose or operational characteristi cs required or inherent in the nature of 
the project and particular activity to be developed and carried out; 
Investment tax credit equal to 5% of the total investment realized (exceptions apply, e.g. passenger vehi cles), for five years; 
Tax credit for the professional training of Mozambican workers, up to a maximum 
of 5% of taxable income, for the first five years of operation; 
Accelerated depreciation for new immovable assets; 
Tax deductible expenditure, 100% in Maputo and 150% in the provinces, for the construction and rehabilitation of road s, railways, airports, mail delivery, 
telecommunications, water supply, electric energy , schools, hospitals, and 
other works, for 10 years; 
Exemption from stamp tax for the alteration of the share capital and the articles of 
association, for the first five years of operation; 
[…] 
 
a Industrial Free Zones are separately regulated (C hapter III(3)(vi), as well as mining and petroleum 
(Chapter IV(3)). 
Source: WTO Secretariat, based on the English translation of Decree No. 16/2002 of 27 June 2002. Viewed 
at: http:// www.mozbusiness.gov.mz/d ownload.php?view.6 [16 June 2008]. 
 
 P. 43, para. 60 
(4) Measures Affecting Production and Trade 
(i) Incentives […] State-owned enterprises supplying fuel (Chapter IV(3)(i)), electricity and water  
(Chapter IV(3)(ii)), transportation services (Chapter IV(5)(iii)), fixed-line telecommunication and 
postal services (Chapter IV(5)(ii)), and health and educational services, may also benefit from state aid,  as does agriculture (Chapter IV(2)(ii)). The authorities finance subsidies from the 
budget, supported each year by contributions from Mozambique's Program Aid Partners (PAPs); 
US$774.3 million has been pledged for 2009.
214  
                                               
214 Africa News , "Mozambique donor partners pledge U$774.3 in grants". Viewed at: 
http://www.apanews.net/apa.php?page=print_eng&id_article=64962 [2 October 2008]. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 146 - 
 
  18.7  Maldives - WT/TPR/S/221/Rev.1 (2nd review, 20 April 2009) 
P. 7, para. 17 
[…] However, some SOEs, such as the electricity and water companies , both of which provide 
subsidized services , are loss-making enterprises, and are thus a drain on the Government's 
already limited resources, […]. 
P. 28, paras. 51-52 
(v) State-owned enterprises 
State involvement in the economy is widespread, with some 37 state-owned enterprises operating 
in various sectors of the economy, includ ing trade, finance, transport, fishing, utilities,  and 
tourism (Table III.3). SOEs account for 36% of GDP.  
Certain SOEs operate as statutory or de facto monopolies, while others are subsidized , giving 
them an advantage over the private sector. These advantages include preferential rates and fees 
for state land, and government guarantees for domestic and external loans. It would appear that most of SOEs are not run efficiently and are incurring losses; therefore, they are a significant drain 
on the resources of the Government. […]. However, some of the SOEs have been mandated to 
provide commercially non-viable services in line with government objectives. 
18.8  Niger and Senegal - WT/TPR/S/223/Rev.1 (2
nd and 3rd review, 
22 December 2009) 
18.8.1  Senegal P. 183, para. 96 
(4) M EASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(i) Incentives 
[…]. Some public utility  goods and services  such as electricity  (Chapter IV(3)(iii), social 
water connections  (Chapter IV(3)(iv)), air transport se rvices (Chapter IV(5)(i)), and postal 
services (Chapter IV(5)(iii)) also receive State support (Chapter IV(3)(ii)). […].  
18.9  Japan - WT/TPR/S/243/Rev.1 (10th review, 2 May 2011) 
P. 62, para. 116 
(ii) Subsidies and other financial assistance Under the new Growth Strategy, adopted by the Cabinet on 18 June 2010, the Government has 
concentrated its resources into the developm ent of "seven strategic areas" (environment  and 
energy , medical and health care, economic integration with other Asian countries, tourism and 
revitalization of regional economies, science and technology, human resources, and financial 
services).
215 The strategy indicates that potential demand is largest in these seven areas.216 
Although the details of implementing measures are yet to be decided, the strategy suggests a 
possible policy to "pick winners".217  
                                               
215 Prime Minister's Office online information. View ed at: http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/kan/topics/ 
sinseichou01_e.pdf [14 October 2010]. 
216 Cabinet Office online information. Vi ewed at: http://www5.cao.go.jp/keizai2/2010/0618 
reference.pdf [14 October 2010]. 
217 National Policy Unit online information. Viewed at: http:// www.npu.go.jp/policy/policy04/pdf/ 
20100618_shinseityou_gaiyou_eigo.pdf [14 October 2010]. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 147 - 
 
  18.10  India - WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5th review, 20 October 2011) 
P. xii, para. 19 
India grants direct and indirect assistance to various sectors. Most central government subsidies 
are destined for agriculture. […] The states also  provide additional subsidies, especially for basic 
services  such as education and health,  electricity, and water . […]. 
18.11  China - WT/TPR/S/264/Rev.1 (4th review, 20 July 2012) 
P. 65, para. 170 
(3) M EASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(i) Taxation and tax incentives (a) Overview Since 2011, preferential taxes  have been granted on energy-management contract projects for 
eligible energy services companies,  in accordance with the Notice of the Ministry of Finance and 
the State Administration of Taxation on Issues Concerning the Value-added Tax, Business Tax and Enterprise Income Tax Policies for Promoting the Development of the Energy Services Sector 
(Cai Shui 110/2010). Energy services compan ies that meet prescribed conditions on 
contract-based energy management projects are exempted from the business tax and the 
value-added tax. 
 
 S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 148 - 
 
  19  OTHER OR UNSPECIFIED SERVICES 
19.1  Costa Rica - WT/TPR/S/180/Rev.1 (3rd review, 2 August 2007) P. ix, para. 15 
Costa Rica maintains numerous incentive schemes in addition to exports subsidies, with fiscal 
incentives and tax exemptions granted under around 200 different laws. At end-2006, the Ministry 
of Finance was working on a draft law on transpar ency and rationalization of incentive regimes. 
P. 16, para. 21 
Most-favoured-nation treatment is guaranteed to fo reign investors under the provisions of bilateral 
investment treaties, free trade agreements and the GATS. Foreign investors are eligible for the same incentives  as those granted to Costa Rican enterprises (see Chapter III). 
Pp. 53-54, paras. 141, 145 and Table III.8  
(iv) Subsidies and other export-related tax benefits 
(b) Free Zone Regime Free zones are the most important export promotion instruments in Costa Rica. The principal legal 
provisions are contained in the Law on the Free Zone Regime No. 7210 of 23 November 1990, 
amendments thereto, and its implementing regulations.
218 The latter are contained in Executive 
Decree No. 29606-H-COMEX of 18 June 2001 and amen dments thereto. Other relevant provisions 
on free zones can be found in the General Customs Law No. 7557 of 20 October 1995, Section I, 
Chapter V, and amendments thereto219; the implementing regulations for the General Customs 
Law, Chapter X; and Executive Decree No. 25270-H of 28 June 1996 and amendments thereto.220 
Incentives under the Free Zone Regime include: (i) exemption from all taxes and consular fees on 
imports of raw materials, spare parts, packing materials and other products, machinery, 
equipment, replacement parts, fuel and oil; (ii) exemption from all tax relating to the export or 
re-export of products; (iii) exemption from paymen t of tax on capital and net assets and payment 
of the land tax; (iv) exemption from sales and consumption tax on purchases of goods and 
services; (v) exemption from all taxes on profits;  (vi) exemption from any municipal or business 
tax. Companies situated in relatively less-developed areas, which came under the Free Zone 
Regime prior to 8 October 2003, also have the right to a credit of 10% of the amount paid as 
salaries during the year immediately preceding; this percentage falls by two percentage points per annum until the benefit expires in the fifth year, i.e. in 2008. Export processing companies which, on completion of four years of operations, reinvest in Costa Rica may be given an additional 
exemption from payment of income tax for a percentage corresponding to the ratio of the 
reinvestment to the original investment. 
                                               
218 The main amendments to Law No. 7210 are: Law No. 8262 of 2 May 2002 (amending Article 23 of 
Law No. 7210); Law No. 7830 of 22 September 1998; Law No. 4924 of 17 September 1997; Law No. 7638 of 30 October 1996; Law No. 7535 of 1 August 1995; and Law No. 7467 of 20 December 1994. 
219 The amendments to the General Customs Law No. 7557 of 20 October 1995 are: Law No. 7900 of 
3 August 1999; Law No. 8373 of 4 August 2003; and Law No. 8419 of 28 June 2004. 
220 Executive Decree No. 25295 of 17 June 1996, Executive Decree No. 26285 of 18 August 1997, 
Executive Decree No. 26961 of 30 March 1998, Decree No. 27717 of 23 February 1999, Executive Decree 
No. 28242 of 30 September 1999, Executive Decree No. 28976 of 27 September 2000, Executive Decree No. 31667-H of 5 March 2004, and Executive Decree No. 32098 of 23 September 2004. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 149 - 
 
  Table III.8 
Free Zone Regime incentives 
Type of incentive Feat ures and time-limits 
Exemption from taxes on capital and net 
assets, the land taxa and the property 
transfer tax Valid for 10 years 
Exemption from all profits tax and any 
other tax for which the taxable base is determined according to gross or net earnings, dividends paid to shareholders or revenue or sales For companies based in "relatively more developed areas", the 
exemption is 100% for eight years and 50% for the following four years. For companies based in "relatively less-developed areas", the exemption is 100% for up to12 years and 50% for the following six years. Export-processing companies which reinvest in Costa Rica after 
completion of four years of operation under the Regime are 
eligible for a further exemption of 75% for up to four years depending on the amount reinvested. 
Exemption from all municipal or business taxes Ten years 
a Law No. 7509 on property tax of May 1995 abolished exemption from the land tax. 
  
19.2  Macao, China - WT/TPR/S/181/Rev.1 (3rd review, 8 June 2007) 
P. 46, paras. 64-66 
(4) M EASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(ii) Non-tax incentives and other forms of assistance (a) Non-tax incentives The Government continues to provide a number of incentives, other than tax measures, mainly in 
the form of support for investment pr ojects and interest rate subsidies. 
Under Decree-Law No. 49/85/M, investment in Macao, China is encouraged through repayable or 
non-repayable subsidies for the following activities: manufacturing of new products that involve 
high economic risk; research and development pr ojects that further Macao, China's industrial 
development; and the installation of anti-pollution  equipment and its operation.  […]. 
According to the authorities, the estimated valu e of the subsidies for 2001-05 was P 30.2 million. 
Under Decree-Law No. 23/98/M, investors may be nefit from government-funded interest rate 
subsidies ranging from 4% to 6%
221, on private bank pataca loans for buying or leasing new 
equipment or the construction or leasing of industrial buildings.222 The entitlement period ranges 
from one to four years. […]. The specified industries are: fisheries; manufacturing; wholesaling 
and agency businesses  except for motor vehicles and heavy motorcycles; cargo storage; 
warehousing; forwarding agencies and lo gistics-related businesses; communications 
and providers of services to enterprises.  Interest rebates in 2004 were granted mainly to 
enterprises engaged in manufacturing and fisheries activities, and the loans were used primarily to 
purchase or rent new facilities. […]. 
                                               
221 The interest rate subsidies offered are 4% to 5%  for the construction, installation or lease of 
industrial facilities; 6% for investments made to improve working conditions or safety standards; 4% for the purchase or lease of new cargo vehi cles, and 5% to 6% for the purchase  and renovation of new facilities. 
Macao Yearbook 2005 , p. 203. 
222 The subsidy takes the form of a reduction in the bank's commercial rate. For example, a commercial 
rate of 10% might be reduced to 6%, the 4%  reduction being funded  by the Government.  From 2001 to 2005, 
the estimated value of the subsidies was P 30.2 million for total bank loans of more than P 600 million. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 150 - 
 
  P. 60, para. 14 
(3) S ERVICES  
[…] The Government has also introduced an offshore  tax scheme aimed at overseas companies 
that do not have their market and customer base in the territory. It offers competitive tax 
incentives, including exemption from  income taxes and stamp duties,  three years' 
exemption from salaries taxes for managers and technicians, and the use of non-Macao SAR currency for business activities. 
19.3  Indonesia - WT/TPR/S/184/Rev.1 (1
st review, 6 November 2007) 
P. 57, para. 82 
(iii) Export assistance (c) Free-trade export zones and similar schemes 
Indonesia has seven bonded zones and 40 industrial estates.
223 Goods may be imported into 
a bonded zone and then re-exported without payment of tariffs, unless the goods are sent into the regular customs territory of Indonesia. Bonded zo nes are intended for the processing of goods and 
materials, including their design, engineering, sorting, init ial inspection, and packaging. 
They allow businesses to defer payment of import duties while storing, exhibiting, selling, packing 
and re-packing or processing goods originating ou tside Indonesia. Location in one of Indonesia's 
industrial estates offers a simplified application process for building and related permits and a way 
around complex rules on land use. […]. 
19.4  Panama - WT/TPR/S/186/Rev.1 (1
st review, 3 December 2007) 
P. 64, paras. 216-218 
(b) Other fiscal and financial incentives Law No. 33 of 25 July 2000 contains support measures and incentives for promoting the 
strengthening, consolidation and self-sustainability of micro, small- and medium-sized enterprises 
(MSMEs). The Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Authority (AMPYME), established by Law 
No. 8 of 29 May 2000, is the authority responsible for implementing Law No. 33 of 2000 […].
224 
The Authority provides support for company fo rmation and the implementation of training 
programmes; it also acts as an intermediary with the financial system to facilitate access to 
credit.225 However, the Law authorizes the State to establish the financial, customs and fiscal 
support programmes it considers appropriate for facilitating and promoting MSME activities. The authorities have acknowledged that in practice this has not happened. 
Law No. 33 of 2000 established a Guarantee Fund, administered by the Authority, for 
guaranteeing loans  and for training and technical assistance  for micro and small businesses, 
with annual funding of at least B 5 million deposited in the National Bank of Panama. […]. 
19.5  Cameroon - WT/TPR/S/187/Rev.1 (3
rd review, 5 December 2007) 
P. 23, paras. 47 and 49  
[It is unclear whether services sectors are covered, or not.] 
                                               
223 Industrial estates are widespread, though 32 are on the main Java island. Locations include 
Bintan island, Medan (North Sumatr a), Banten (Java), Bekasi, Bogor an d Tangerang (West Java), Semarang 
(Central Java) and Makassar (South Sulawesi). There is  also a transnational bonded zone – called Sijori – 
comprising Singapore, Johor (Malaysia) and Riau (Sumatra) in Indonesia. 
224 Law No. 33 of 2000 covers MSMEs active in the goods and services  sector. 
225 For example, in 2001, AMPYME signed such  an agreement (Agreement No. 002-01) with 
MULTICREDIT BANK, a bank which established a financing programme especially for MSMEs. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 151 - 
 
  […] The [Investment] Charter also provides for three types of incentive:  promotion (including 
activities such as organizing events and missions, management of a range of opportunities, and marketing the country's potential); facilitation (consisting, inter alia , of assistance in completing 
formalities); and support  (consisting in the main of technical or financial support for forming or 
taking over companies and developing exports). The fiscal incentives  include lower customs 
duties, zero VAT on exports and refund of VAT collected on investments and the operating costs of exporting companies; as well as special incentives for research and development, vocational 
training, and environmental protection. The Char ter also envisages the creation of economic 
zones. 
Under the 1990 Code, companies can benefit from the following: the basic regime (for 
eight years); the SME regime (for ten years); the strategic enterprises regime (for 17 years); 
or the Free Zone Regime (Chapter III(3)(vi)). Under the basic regime, the benefits  include fiscal 
incentives  such as exemption from the registration tax on capital-increase instruments and leases 
for property to be used for professional purpos es, and from transfer tax on the purchase of 
property, land or buildings. Companies can also receive a 50% reduction in company tax (IS), the 
tax on industrial and commercial profits (BIC), and the proportional tax on income from movable capital (TPRCM). The SME regime and the strategic enterprises regime provide the same benefits , 
but for longer periods. In order to take advantag e of the SME regime, at least 35% of the capital 
must be held by Cameroonian nationals.
226 
P. 57, para. 118 
(ii) Incentives 
Pursuant to the Investment Charter adopted in 2002227, technical or financial support  may be 
given to promote investment, with the aim of promoting sustainable growth and creating employment. Support is given notably for setting up and taking over companies, and for 
developing exports. […]. 
19.6  Gabon - WT/TPR/S/188/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 5 December 2007) 
P. 42, para. 46 
(4) M EASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(i) Incentives […] Public services such as electricity  (Chapter IV(3)(iii)), water (Chapter IV(3)(iv)), urban 
transport services  (Chapter IV(5)(i)) and postal services  (Chapter IV(5)(iii)) also receive State 
support. The privatization programme has also written off the liabilities of the companies 
concerned (section (iv)). 
19.7  Peru - WT/TPR/S/189/Rev.1 (3
rd review, 17 December 2007) 
P. 54, para. 183 and Table III.6 
(b) Free zones 
Peru offers tax benefits through the Export, Processing, Industry, Marketing and Service  Centres 
(CETICOS) of Ilo, Matarani and Paita, and the Tacna Free Zone (ZOFRATACNA) (Table III.6). In 
mid-2005, Peru abolished the export requirements for obtaining benefits under these schemes.
228 […]. 
                                               
226 For further details on these incentives, see WTO (2001). 
227 Law No. 2002/2004 of 19 April 2002, on the Investment Charter in the Republic of Cameroon. 
228 Thirteenth complementary, repealing, and final provision of Law No. 28569, of 5 July 2005. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 152 - 
 
  Table III.6 
Main elements of CETICOS and ZOFRATACNA, March 2007  
 CETICOSa ZOFRATACNA 
Main 
legislationb Legislative Decree No. 842 (30.08.1996); 
Legislative Decree No. 865 (27.10.1996); 
Legislative Decree No. 864 (27.10.1996); Law No. 26953 (22.05.1998); Supreme Decree No. 023-96-ITINCI (04.01.1997) Law No. 27688 (28.03.2002); 
Supreme Decree No. 011-2002-
MINCETUR (17.12.2002); Supreme Decree No. 002-2006-MINCETUR (11.02.2006); Supreme Decree No. 021-2003-MINCETUR (03.09.2003); Supreme Decree No. 005-2007-MINCETUR (15.04.2007) 
General objectives
c To develop the northern and southern zones 
of Peru by promoting private investment in 
infrastructure and productive activity To contribute to sustainable 
socio-economic development of the Department of Tacna through investment and technological development 
Main benefits Exemption from tariff duties and other taxes 
levied on imports; Exemption from Income Tax, IGV, Municipal Promotion Tax and ISC until 2012 Exemption from tariff duties and other 
taxes levied on imports until 2022; exemption from Inco me Tax, IGV, 
Municipal Promotion Tax and ISC 
Activities authorized Manufacturing, except for products classified 
in ISIC Rev 2 categories 3114 (apart from the preparation of products based on fish meal), 3115, 3118, 3122, 3530 and 3720 (apart from refined copper piping and accessories of refined copper piping), and those that have 
recorded exports of over US$15 million in 
1996 (applicable only to tariff headings listed 
in Supreme Decree No. 005-97-ITINCI); maquila  and assembly activities; processing, 
repair and packaging of merchandise;  
and storage, distribution, marketing and 
other services related to the aforementioned activities  Manufacturing except for products 
classified in ISIC Rev 2 categories 3114, 3115, 3118, 3122, 3530 and 3720 (apart from agribusiness products from the region); maquila ; 
storage, distribution and other services 
a Only refers to provisions applicable to the CE TICOS at Ilo, Matarani and Paita; the CETICOS at 
Loreto, established by Law No. 26953 of 22 May 1998, was not operating in mid-2007. 
b Excluding amendatory legislation. c As indicated in the law. 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
 
19.8  Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) - WTO Members229 
19.8.1  Antigua and Barbuda  WT/TPR/S/190/ATG/Rev.1 (2nd review, 18 April 2008) 
P. 29, para. 135 
The [Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA)] started functioning in May 2007. Its 
mandate is to attract foreign direct investment and build, foster, and support local investment. 
The ABIA gives priority to tourism  development, financial services,  business support 
(call centres, etc.), information/computer technology, health and wellness, education, 
logistics (e.g. transhipment), and […]. The ABIA also aims to create a level playing field for all 
investors, local or foreign, administer standard criteria as laid down in the Investment Authority 
Act for the grant of incentives  and concessions, and respond in a timely manner to applications 
for investment certificates and incentives. […]. 
                                               
229 OECS Members: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Gr enada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and 
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 153 - 
 
  19.8.2  Dominica WT/TPR/S/190/DMA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 18 April 2008) 
P. 10, paras. 40 and 42 
[…] The Government's strategy for the past 20 plus years has been attracting foreign investors by 
offering various incentive schemes;  […]. 
Incentive regimes for foreign investors are governed chiefly by Fiscal Incentives Act, No. 42 of 
1973 (as amended), Hotel Aids Act Cap 85, Vol. 4 of the Revised Laws of Dominica, the Income 
Tax Act, Cap 61, Vol. 1 of the Revised Laws, and Value Added Tax Act No. 7 of 2005 
(see Chapter III(3)(ii)). Although the Government places particular emphasis on tourism,  […] and 
information technology,  investment in any other sector  of economic activity is welcome and 
may be eligible for incentives if the proposed investment meets policy and legislative requirements. Horizontal incentives for foreign investors are also in place with respect to 
exemptions from foreign exchange remittance limitations under the Foreign Exchange Control Act. 
P. 30, para. 137  
(ii) Incentives and assistance 
Under Fiscal Incentives Act No. 42 of 1973 as am ended by Act No. 3 of 1992 and Act No. 3 of 
1994, a tax holiday of up to 15 years  may be granted for the manufacture of approved products 
by approved enterprises […]. Among the Government's favoured sectors are hotels and ancillary 
services,  […], information and communication technology,  and any other sector  that has 
the potential to provide employment. […]. 
19.8.3  Saint Kitts and Nevis WT/TPR/S/190/KNA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 21 April 2008) 
P. 23, para. 115 
St. Kitts and Nevis employs incentives schemes  in order to attract investment, encourage new 
employment opportunities, and promote diversific ation of the economy. […]. The incentives 
available are generally holidays on income tax an d profits, and import duty exemptions. […]. 
19.8.4  Saint Lucia WT/TPR/S/190/LCA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 21 April 2008) 
Pp. 50-51, paras. 222-224 
(vii) Other offshore services 
Offshore companies, otherwise known as international business companies (IBCs) in St. Lucia are 
regulated by International Business Companies Act No. 40 of 1999. 
Types of IBCs located in St. Lucia include holding companies; personal investment companies; 
import/export companies; prof essional service companies;  intellectual property holding 
companies; and, finance companies. No information was available on the number of offshore 
companies operating in St. Lucia. 
[…] IBCs are exempt from taxes  (unless they elect to be liable for income tax of 1% on the 
chargeable income of the company), as well as st amp duty, and they are not subject to exchange 
controls. […].  
19.9  Thailand - WT/TPR/S/191/Rev.1 (5th review, 6 February 2008) 
P. 80, paras. 100-101 
(ii) Investment incentives 
[…] The BOI recognizes the need to remove impediments to investment rather than relying on 
widely used tax incentives; the authorities indicate that this is the BOI's long-term goal. […]. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 154 - 
 
  Maximum tax and duty privileges  are given to regions or areas with low income and inadequate 
investment facilities. SMEs  with minimum investment capital of B 1 million (excluding cost of land 
and working capital) are eligible for promotion incentives.  
Under the Investment Promotion Act B.E. 2520 (1977), Amendment No. 2 (1991) and Amendment 
No. 3 (2001), the BOI continues to have a wide-ranging influence on the formulation and 
implementation of investment promotion policies. The BOI, inter alia , authorizes the granting of 
tax and non-tax measures; main tax incentives include exemptions from import duties  for 
machinery or raw materials, and corporate tax exemptions,  and main non-tax measures include 
special permission for approved investments to be majority foreign-owned and to own land. […]. In 2006, 33% of BOI-approved projects were 100% foreign-owned investments and 42.3% were joint ventures
230; 28.5% of these projects were export-oriented and involved […] services and 
infrastructure  […]. 
19.10  Pakistan - WT/TPR/S/193/Rev.1 (3rd review, 20 May 2008) 
P. 72, para. 124 
Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) […] The Government's first SME policy, approved in January 2007, highlights logistical and 
infrastructural support  and the need to lower costs of "doing  business", such as by providing an 
improved business environment, easier credit access, human resource development, and 
support for technology up-grading and marketing.  The State Bank issued new prudential 
regulations for SME financing in 2004 to raise credit access by SMEs. Banks can now extend 
cash-flow lending to them using personal guarantees. The SME Bank was restructured and is 
expected to be privatized in 2007/08. The SME Business Support Fund makes grants  to SMEs of 
up to PRs 1.8 million, on a shared-cost basis. […]. 
19.11  Mexico - WT/TPR/S/195/Rev.1 (4
th review, 2 May 2008) 
P. 67, paras. 181-183 
(iv) Tariff and tax concessions 
[…], on 1 November 2006 the Decree on the Promotion of the Manufacturing and In-Bond 
Assembly ( Maquiladora ) Industry and Export Services (IMMEX ) was published, amalgamating 
the Maquila and PITEX programmes into a single instrument that gradually came into force as of 13 November 2006.
231 […] The IMMEX Programme is for an indefinite period. 
The IMMEX Decree redefines the Maquila concept to include not only the industrial process or 
services for the processing, transformation or repair of goods imported temporarily before 
returning abroad , but also the supply of export services.  Sub-manufacturing operations are 
defined as industrial processes or services directly related to manufacturing  in a company 
with an IMMEX Programme, carried out by a person other than the latter company's owner.  
Consequently, sub-manufacturing does not only include processes that complement manufacturing for export but also complete processes provided that they are related to the operations of an 
IMMEX company. 
The IMMEX Programme can be authorized in several forms; in addition to those included under the 
former Maquila scheme (industrial, services,  accommodation and holding companies), a new form 
has been introduced called "tertiarization"  (shift towards the tertiary sector), which allows 
a company that does not have its own produc tion facilities to engage in manufacturing 
through third parties registered in the programme.  The purpose is to respond to new 
business needs such as outsourcing and to encour age the integration of small- and medium-sized 
enterprises into the export market. 
                                               
230 BOI online statistics. Viewed at: 
http://www.boi.go.th/english/download/boi_statistics/28/0612_app_en.pdf [14 February 2007]. 
231 Decree amending the provisions on the promotion an d operation of the in-bond assembly industry for 
export, published in the Official Journal of the Federation of 1 November 2006. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 155 - 
 
  P. 70, paras. 199-200 
(v) Export financing, in surance and guarantees 
Financial support for the export sector is still mainly through the Banco Nacional de Comercio 
Exterior  – BANCOMEXT (National Foreign Trade Bank), which acts as the Federal Government's 
development bank specializing in financing and pr omoting exports and has its own legal status and 
assets. 
BANCOMEXT gives short-, medium- and long-term lo ans, and guarantees and insurance to direct 
or indirect exporters, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises.  The main instruments 
used by the Bank to provide financial support are: loans to exporting companies to finance their working capital, export sales and export-related in vestment projects; lines of credit for importers 
of Mexican goods and services; insurance, collateral and pre- and post-export guarantees for 
commercial financing; as well as other financial services to facilitate export transactions such as 
letters of credit and trust fund services […]. 
P. 71, paras. 203-204 
The sectors with the major share of BANCOMEXT fi nancing from January to June 2007 were (their 
percentage of the total is shown in brackets): the agricultural sector (30.2), services (24.1),  
electrical-electronics sector (10.9), and building materials (8.5).232 
Through its subsidiary Bancomext Insurance, BANCOMEXT provides export credit insurance and 
guarantees to support exports and facilitate acce ss to credit. The guarantees protect exporters and 
commercial banks from the risk of default on the credit granted from the start of production until 
the goods or services for export are marketed. 
P. 85, para. 263 
(c) Financial support and other programmes 
Apart from the credit granted by development ba nks, financial support is also given through 
credits, payments and, in some instances, risk  capital for social, technological development and 
environmental protection projects and is channelled through special funds and trust funds managed by various Federal Government agencies and organizations.
233 
19.12  Brunei Darussalam - WT/TPR/S/196/Rev.1 (2nd review, 4 June 2008) 
P. 1, para. 1 
[…] The Government provides a wide range of free or heavily subsidized public services and 
employs 25% of the labour force.234 […]. 
                                               
232 Data provided by BANCOMEXT. 
233 The CIPI publishes information about these programmes online. Consulted at: 
http://www.cipi.gob.mx/html/bo dy_programas_de_apoyo.htm. 
234 The authorities consider that government subs idies have helped to lower household income 
inequality in Brunei as measured by the Gini Coefficient, which declined from 0.413 in 1998 to 0.401 in 2005. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 156 - 
 
  P. 31, Box II.2 
Box II.2: Brunei Economic Development Boar d's economic diversification strategy 
The Brunei Economic Development Board's (BEDB) economic diversification strategy is designed to create 
long-term business and employment opportunities for Bruneians. It is currently focusing on developing 
downstream oil and gas industries, particularly on it s Sungai Liang Industrial Park (SPARK) and planning 
the development of a globally competitive port on Pulau Muara Besar, support ed by an export processing 
zone for logistics, distribution  and light to medium manufacturing in dustries. In additi on to industrial 
site development, in 2003 the BEDB sponsored a study to identify industry clusters with the potential for growth. Subsequently, four indust ry clusters were prioritized: transportation and logistics;  business 
services; financial services; and hospitality and tourism.  The BEDB collaborates with various lead 
agencies to develop these clusters. 
The BEDB's main objectives are to: stimulate the gr owth and development of the economy by promoting 
Brunei Darussalam as an investment destination; develop plans to attract foreign and local investment in industries and skill-intensive services that enjoy good  export-market prospects; promote and assist in the 
development of industrial activities; encourage foreign and local industries to invest in new technology, automation, training, research, and product development acti vities; and support the development of local 
entrepreneurs and SMEs. 
[…] 
Source:  Authorities of Brunei Darussalam. 
 
P. 31, para. 49 
(ii) Incentives 
In January 2001, the Sultan issued the Investment Incentives Order 2001 and the Income Tax Act 
(Amendment) Order 2001, which contained reforms designed to stimulate investment. The first made application for tax incentives simpler for corporations and the second broadened the tax 
incentives.  The Investment Incentives Order 2001 provides for a number of incentives , mainly 
in the form of tax exemptions  for companies that have been granted "Pioneer Status" and for the 
expansion of established enterprises. Administration of the legislation is under the Minister of 
Industry and Primary Resources. Longer corporate tax relief periods are provided to promote the 
establishment of industries; the emphasis is on  pioneer enterprises, including high-technology 
industries, export-oriented manufacturing and services, research and development, 
transhipment,  and activities that support the introduction of new technology  into 
Brunei Darussalam. Any limited company with a Pioneer Status Certificate will be granted an 
exemption from corporate income tax (normally le vied at a rate of 30%), for between two and 
five years depending on the level of investment on capital assets. The exemption begins on the 
first day of production and may be extended to 20 years. Pioneer Status companies are also 
exempted from customs duty on plant, ma chinery, and equipment for their premises, 
and on raw materials  that are not available in Brunei and are to be used in the production of the 
pioneer products. Tax incentives are also provid ed for the expansion of an enterprise already 
established in Brunei. […]. 
P. 33, para. 6 
Brunei continues to use extensive tax and other incentives  to encourage investment in priority 
sectors and production for export. In the abse nce of personal and value-added taxes, the 
corporate tax remains a leading instrument of industrial policy, offering tax exemptions  for up to 
eight years for companies investing in a broad range of activities under the pioneer status 
programme; these exemptions are aimed at developing small- and medium-sized enterprises 
(SMEs),  which make up nearly 95% of  enterprises in Brunei. […]. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 157 - 
 
  19.13  Madagascar - WT/TPR/S/197/Rev.1 (2nd review, 28 May 2008) 
P. 22, Table II.3 
(4) I NVESTMENT  
Table II.3 
Fiscal regulations under the industri al free zone regime , December 2007 
 Fiscal regulation 
1 – Enterprises   
(a) Company profits tax (IBS)  
- Promotion/exploitation enterprise 
(EPE) Exempt for 15 years, thereafter liable to IBS at 10% 
- Industrial processing enterprise 
(EIT) Exempt for 5 years, thereafter liable to IBS at 10% 
- Intensive basic production 
enterprise (EPIB) Exempt for 5 years, thereafter liable to IBS at 10% 
- Service enterprise (ES) Exempt for 2 years, thereafter liable to IBS at 10% 
(b) Professional tax Exempt 
2 – Persons   
(a) Taxes on distributed dividends 10% without grace period 
(b) Taxes on salaries Maximum of 35% of  the taxable base (for expatriates) 
3 – Goods   
(a) Customs duty and import tax Exempt 
(b) Value-added tax General principle: al l VAT payments to be the subject of 
automatic reimbursement 
(c) Export duties and taxes Exempt 
(d) Excise duty Exempt 
Source: Malagasy authorities. 
 
P. 42, para. 48 
(i) Incentives (postal services)  
[…] Public services, such as electricity (Chapter IV(3)(iii), water (Chapter IV(3)(iv)), air and rail 
transport (Chapter IV(5)(i)) and postal  (Chapter IV(5)(iii)) services , also benefit from State aid , 
as does agriculture (Chapter IV(2)(ii)). 
19.14  Mauritius - WT/TPR/S/198/Rev.1 (3rd review,) 
Pp. 61-62, para. 97 
To be eligible for the Freeport Scheme235, activities (see Table AIII.2) must be carried out for re-
export or export of goods, for the development of  the freeport zone, or for the provision of goods 
and services  by freeport operators to freeport developers and other freeport operators. However, 
subject to authorization by the Board of Investme nt, some exceptions are allowed, including the 
provision of goods and services  (of up to 20% of the total value of production) to a person 
outside the freeport zone. Companies operating in the freeport may be 100% foreign owned. The 
Mauritius Freeport Authority was merged with the BOI in 2005. 
                                               
235 Freeport facilities were initially established un der the Freeport Act 1992, then repealed and enacted 
again as the Freeport Act 2001, and by the Freeport Act 2004. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 158 - 
 
  Pp. 62-63, paras. 103 and 105 
(v) Export promotion and assistance 
Enterprise Mauritius was set up in 2005 to help businesses to expand into regional and 
international markets, and at the same time develop their internal capability to meet the 
challenges of international competition, with the aim of diversifying Mauritian exports. It is 
a partnership between the public and private sector  with representatives from both groups on the 
board, and has a limited liability company structure. Its activities focus on promoting exports, 
supporting enterprise development, and providing competitive intelligence. Its focus is on 
manufacturing and non-financial, non-tourism exportable services.  Its services to facilitate 
exports of Mauritian-made products include provision of country briefs and market intelligence reports, assistance in the development of new products for existing or new markets, conducting 
market tests of sample products with potentia l buyers, dealing with issues regarding trade 
barriers, organizing activities such as trade fairs, buyer/seller meetings, one-to-one meetings in important countries, provision of a web-based marketing and e-Commerce transaction platform, 
and access to offshore resources for conducting market research.
236 It is financed by the State.  
The Government has also set up an SME Partnership Fund  of MUR 200 million to promote the 
creation, restructuring, and consolidation of SMEs. It aims to, among other things, improve 
exporters' international connections, through joint development of Mauritius's country brand. It 
invests in productive sectors, such as industry, industry supporting services, agri-industry, 
tourism. Its main goals include moving industries from production-push to a market-driven approach, helping develop sector strategies, an d generally improving the business environment. 
19.15  Oman - WT/TPR/S/201/Rev.1 (1
st review, 5 August 2008) 
P. 37, paras. 67-68 
(v) Free zones 
Oman has two free zones: the Al Mazuna free zone (AMFZ) inaugurated on 24 November 1999237, 
and the Salalah free zone (SFZ) established under Sultani Decree 62/2006.238 Under the Free 
Zones Law and its rules and regulations239, the incentives  provided include: a lease for 30 years 
(renewable for another 30 years); 100% foreign ownership; duty-free imports of all raw 
materials and capital goods;  no minimum capital investment requirement; no taxes on profits 
or dividends for 30 years; no tax on personal income;  minimum Omanization requirement 
level of 10% instead of the standard level of 35% for industrial projects; and flexible customs 
procedures. Bonded warehouses may also be used for storage, provided certain customs 
procedures are fulfilled. According to the authorities, no distinction is made between locally and foreign-owned companies in respect of access to the free zones or bonded warehouses. The 
relevant customs duties must be paid on sales of products from the free zones on the GCC market 
(including Oman). Up to 30% of free-zone production can be sold on the domestic market,  
i.e. at least 70% must be exported. 
The SFZ issues five types of licences: (i) general trading licences  allow holders to import, export, 
distribute, and store all items as provided for by the free zone rules and regulations; (ii) trading licences permit holders to import, export, distribute, and store items specified on the licence; (iii) industrial licences allow holders to import raw materials, carry out the manufacture of 
specified products, and export the finished product; (iv) service licences  permit holders to carry 
                                               
236 Enterprise Mauritius homepage at http://www.enterprisemauritius.biz . 
237 The AMFZ, located about 260 km from the Salalah Port and near the Yemen border, is not very 
active given its land-locked situation, but it is the most important trade access between Oman and Yemen. The AMFZ is managed by the Public Establishment for Indust rial Estates (PEIE), and contains 22 businesses and an 
exhibition area over 450 ha (Ministry of Commerce and Industry, 2005b). 
238 The SFZ is at the port of Salalah, 18 km south of  Salalah city. The SFZ is being developed in various 
phases over an area of 2,000 ha and, when completed, will have up to 4.4 million twenty foot equivalent unit (TEU) per year capacity. It will provide a mix of industrial, warehousing, logistics, office  facilities, retail outlets, 
resort, and residential space. Operat ions permitted in the SFZ are: tr ading, distribution, warehousing, 
assembling, processing/packaging, logistics, and services  (Salalah Free Zone online  information. Viewed at: 
http://www.sfzco.com; and Ministry of Commerce and Industry, 2003). 
239 Sultani Decree No. 56/2002. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 159 - 
 
  out the services  specified in the licence, within the free zone240; and (v) national licences are 
designed for manufacturing companies with at least 51% GCC ownership or shareholding, and minimum value-added of 40%.
241 […]. 
19.16  Barbados - WT/TPR/S/203/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 December 2008) 
P. vii, para. 2 
Barbados' applied MFN tariff stands at a relative ly high average of 16.2%. This creates an 
anti-export bias, which Barbados has tried to offset through a wide array of fiscal and other 
incentive programmes  targeting the production of both goods and services. […]. 
P. 22, para. 6 
[…] In addition to export-support programmes, producers of goods and services  may benefit from 
tax breaks or other forms of assistance.  Although the direct fiscal cost of such assistance does 
not appear to be high, reassessing the many ince ntive programmes in place with a view to their 
possible rationalization could contribute to greater transparency and efficiency in their use, reduce 
the distortion of incentives, and help address Barbados' fiscal situation. 
P. 42, paras. 95-97 
(iv) Duty and tax concessions, including subsidies 
The Societies with Restricted Liability programme provides similar incentives as those granted to 
[international business companies (IBCs)]. The programme has its legal base on the Societies with 
Restricted Liability (SLR) Act of 1995, which cr eated a hybrid entity, with the features of 
a company as well as a partnership, to provide offshore services.  There is a guaranteed 
concessions period of 30 years. The programme is administered by the International Business 
Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Business and the 
Commissioner of Inland Revenue. 
The subsidies  under SRL programme, including revenue forgone and income tax credit,  
totalled BDS$2.58 million in 2005/06, and (seven companies benefited); the accumulated benefits 
between 2002/03 and 2005/06  were BDS$33.4 million. 
In 2005 Barbados put in place an Export Prom otion and Marketing Fund, under the Export 
Promotion and Marketing Fund Act, 2005-20. The Fund provides financial support in the form of 
grants to public and private sector entities that export or promote the sale of Barbadian goods and 
services  in overseas markets. As at 31 December 2007, grants for a total of BDS$12.9 million 
(US$6.5 million) had been approved. 
19.17  Jordan - WT/TPR/S/206/Rev.1 (1st review, 27 January 2009) 
Pp. 86-87, para. 121  
(b) Postal and courier services 
[…]. The main objectives are to maintain the provision of universal postal services but with 
increased private-sector participation; to reduce the dependence of the Jordan Post Company on government subsidies;  and to stimulate private-sector investment through progressive market 
liberalization. […]. The Government does not intend  to interfere with the provision and conditions 
of service outside the universal services area. 
                                               
240 The type of service must conf orm to the parent company's licence issued by the economic 
department or municipality of the relevant region in Oman. 
241 National licences allow the holder the same status as a local GCC company inside Oman. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 160 - 
 
  19.18  Dominican Republic - WT/TPR/S/207/Rev.1 (3rd review, 3 March 2009) 
Pp. 63-64, paras. 215-216 
(iii) Incentives (b) Support for the development of micro, small- and medium-sized enterprises 
The Dominican Republic promotes the development of micro, small- and medium-sized enterprises 
(MSMEs) through financial support, training and te chnical assistance. The National Council for the 
Promotion of and Support to Micro, Small and Medi um-Sized Enterprises, belonging to the SEIC, is 
responsible for drafting and coordinating policy in this area and administers the PROMIPYME, 
one of the major programmes supporting smal l enterprises. The PROMIPYME provides 
comprehensive support, both financial and non-financial; its services include commercial loans for working capital, for building and extending buildi ngs and for purchasing machinery, equipment and 
vehicles for the business. It also offers technica l assistance, management training and consultancy 
services to companies. 
PROMIPYME loans are given to industrial, agro-industrial, commercial and services  enterprises. 
The maximum amount of credit is RD$3 mi llion (US$88,235); the terms range from 6 to 
60 months, and the annual interest rates are 8% for industry and agro-industry, 12% for the business sector and 13.5% for services.
242 […]. The authorities have explained that the 
PROMIPYME's interest rates are subsidized  by the Government with the aim of reviving the MSME 
sector […]. 
19.19  Switzerland and Liechten stein - WT/TPR/S/208/Rev.1 (5th and 3rd review, 
12 March 2009) 
19.19.1  Switzerland 
P. 36, para. 65 
(5) I NVESTMENT REGIME  
Cantons may grant tax breaks (including full tax holidays) for a maximum of ten years to newly 
created enterprises.243 In addition, the Swiss Confederation may grant tax breaks for the federal 
corporate income tax244, to industrial enterprises, or those providing services  to them, that create 
or redirect employment; and to projects that meet the criteria established under the law for 
regional economy. In general, the length and extent  of the federal tax breaks are directly linked to 
and dependent on the cantonal ones. Many cantons also offer incentives for investment financing such as guarantees; interest subsidies; loans at re duced interest rates or even interest-free loans; 
one-time contributions; and incentives for the pu rchase of land and premises (e.g. favourable 
conditions; cost contributions for the planning and development of land; and cost contributions for reuse of premises).
245 Different subsidy programmes for businesses are also available 
(Chapter III(4)(i)).  
P. 73, para. 135 
(i) Incentives and other assistance 
Swiss  Post receives an annual subsidy for the delivery of newspapers with subscription. The 
annual subsidy was reduced from Sw F 80 million and fixed at Sw F 30 million in January 2008. 
                                               
242 Information viewed on line 28 March 2008 at: http://www.promipyme.gov.do. 
243 Article 23 of RS 642.14. 
244 Article 12 of the Federal Law on regional poli cy of 6 October 2006, that entered in force on 
1 January 2008. 
245 Osec (2008). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 161 - 
 
  P. 124, para. 139 
(iv) Postal services 
[…] Swiss Post receives an annual subsidy from the Federal Government for the delivery of 
newspapers with subscription; the subsidy was reduced from Sw F 80 million to Sw F 30 million in 
January 2008. […]. 
19.20  Mozambique - WT/TPR/S/209/Rev.1 (2nd review, 30 June 2009) 
P. 23, Table II.2 
Table II.2 
Investment incentivesa, 2008 
Sector  Type of incentive 
Available to all approved investment projects:  
  Exemption from payment of import duties  on equipment included in class "K" 
of the Customs Tariff Schedule, but only when the goods to be imported are either 
not produced within the territory of Mozam bique or, if produced, do not satisfy the 
specific purpose or operational characteristi cs required or inherent in the nature of 
the project and particular activity to be developed and carried out; 
Investment tax credit equal to 5% of the total investment realized (exceptions apply, e.g. passenger vehi cles), for five years; 
Tax credit for the professional training of Mozambican workers, up to a maximum 
of 5% of taxable income, for the first five years of operation; 
Accelerated depreciation for new immovable assets; 
Tax deductible expenditure, 100% in Maputo and 150% in the provinces, for the construction and rehabilitation of roads, railways, airports, mail delivery , 
telecommunications, water supply, electric energy, schools, hospitals, and other works, for 10 years; Exemption from stamp tax for the alteration of the share capital and the articles of 
association, for the first five years of operation; 
 
[…]   
a Industrial Free Zones are separately regulated (C hapter III(3)(vi), as well as mining and petroleum 
(Chapter IV(3)). 
Source: WTO Secretariat, based on the English translation of Decree No. 16/2002 of 27 June 2002. Viewed 
at: http:// www.mozbusiness.gov.mz/d ownload.php?view.6 [16 June 2008]. 
 
P. 43, para. 60 
(4) M EASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(i) Incentives 
[…] State-owned enterprises supplying fuel (Chapter IV(3)(i)), electricity and water 
(Chapter IV(3)(ii)), transportation services (Chapter IV(5)(iii)), fixed-line telecommunication and  
postal services  (Chapter IV(5)(ii)), and health and educational services, may also benefit from 
state aid,  as does agriculture (Chapter IV(2)(ii)). The authorities finance subsidies from the 
budget, supported each year by contributions from Mozambique's Program Aid Partners (PAPs); 
US$774.3 million has been pledged for 2009.246  
                                               
246 Africa News , "Mozambique donor partners pledge U$774.3 in grants". Viewed at: 
http://www.apanews.net/apa.php?page=print_eng&id_article=64962 [2 October 2008]. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 162 - 
 
  19.21  Guatemala - WT/TPR/S/210/Rev.1 (2nd review, 20 April 2009) 
P. 57, para. 130 
(iv) Subsidies and other export concessions Free zones 
The Free Zones Law gives firms situated in a zone the following benefits: exemption from tariffs 
and VAT on imports; exemption from ISR for a period of five years for trading companies and ten years for industrial and services  companies and management firms; exemption from VAT on 
sales between free zones or within them. […] 
 19.22  Brazil - WT/TPR/S/212/Rev.1 (5
th review, 11 May 2009) 
Pp. 77-78, paras. 281-282 
Funds for financing the north-east, north, and mid-west regions (FNE/FNO/FCO) The constitutional funds to finance productive activities in the north, north-east and mid-west 
regions (FNE/FNO/FCO) were created by Law No. 7,827 of 27 September 1989, as amended by Law 
No. 10,177 of 12 January 2001. Their aim is to contribute to the social and economic development 
of these regions. […]. 
The beneficiaries of loans backed by constitutional fund resources  are producers, companies, 
and production cooperatives that carry out […] tourism, infrastructure, commerce  and service 
sectors  of the north, north-east and mid-west regions. […]. Decree No. 6,367, of 30 January 2008 
fixes annual interest rates at 5% to 8.5% for rural operations, and 6.75% to 10% for other agri-industry, industrial operations, infrastructure,  tourism, commerce, and services.
247 These 
rates may be subject to a reduction of 15% fo r payments until the due date, or 25% if the 
beneficiary operates in the north east semi-arid area. 
P. 81, para. 300 
(d) Other credit schemes The BNDES also maintains a number of schemes that facilitate access to credit at preferential 
conditions. Operations under these credit lines may be carried out directly by the BNDES, or 
through accredited financial institutions. […]. Other eligible projects: implementation, expansion, 
and modernization of fixed assets; offering or development of services for export;  foreign 
commercialization of eligible goods; […]. 
19.23  Fiji - WT/TPR/S/213/Rev.1 (2
nd review, 16 June 2009) 
P. 41, para. 51 
(iii) Incentives 
All exporters, including of services,  receive generous income tax exemptions intended to 
encourage investment.248 […].  
                                               
247 Ministry of Integration onli ne information. Viewed at: 
http://www.integracao.gov.br/fundos/f undos_constitucionais/index.asp. 
248 However, a foreign investor survey showed so me 75% of investment pr ojects catered for the 
domestic market (FIAS, 2005a, p. 20). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 163 - 
 
  19.24  Solomon Islands - WT/TPR/S/215/Rev.1 (2nd review, 24 June 2009) 
P. 41, para. 114 
(iii) Incentives Solomon Islands Government provides ad hoc assistance to state-owned enterprises , for 
example through preferential loans, loan guarantees, and tax exemptions.
249 I n  g e n e r a l ,  t h e  
purpose is to provide relief to enterprises in financial difficulty. 
19.25  Morocco - WT/TPR/S/217/Rev.1 (4th review, 13 August 2009) 
P. 59, paras. 93-94 
(iv) Export subsidies, promotion and support 
Morocco gives several incentives to enterprises whose activities are export-oriented.  These 
include fiscal incentives under the Investment Charter250, the free export zones (ZFEs) regime and 
customs regimes (REDs), as well as exchange facilities (i.e. accounts in convertible DH or in 
foreign currency) and export insurance. 
Under the Investment Charter, ente rprises exporting either goods or services  are eligible for total 
exemption from corporation tax (IS) and income tax (IR) for five years, after which there is a 50% 
reduction in the IS (for that part of turnover that is exported) and a 20% reduction in IR.251 […] In 
general, exports (including export services) are exempt (without any right to deduction) from 
payment of VAT. 
Pp. 59-60, paras. 95-97 and Table III.6 
(a) Free export zones Free export zones (ZFEs) were created by La w No. 19-94 of 26 January 1995. […] At present, 
there is one ZFE operating in Morocco, situated in Tangiers, the ZFT. Another two are being 
established, one in Nador and the other in Tangiers airport. Four more ZFEs are planned in the Tangiers-Mediterranean Special Development Zone; they will deal only with logistics.  
The ZFT
252 covers 345 hectares and comprises an industrial in-bond zone and a logistical zone. It 
is operated by the Tangiers Free Zone Company (TFZ), a consortium made up of Moroccan private entities.
253 Companies wishing to set up in this zone must be engaged in at least one of the 
following sectors: agro-industry; textiles and leather; chemicals and related industries; the metal, 
engineering, electrical or electronics industries; or in services  related to the aforementioned 
activities.254 In 2008, there were 379 companies in all in the Tangiers ZFE, with a total turnover of 
over €1 billion and 42,367 employees. At the end of December 2007, the sectoral breakdown of 
the companies there (353 in all) was as follows: services (146);  metal, electrical and engineering 
industries, particularly the automotive and aeronautical industries (90); textiles and leather (78); chemicals and related industries (28) and agro-industry (11). 
                                               
249 International Finance Corporation and The World Bank Group (2005). 
250 Dahir No. 1-95-213 of 8 November 1995, enacting Framework Law No. 18-95 containing the 
Investment Charter. 
251 The Investment Charter defines th e general framework determining the limits of the incentives that 
may be granted. For example, enterprises exporting goods or services are eligible fo r tax incentives that may 
extend to full exemption from corporatio n tax (IS) and income tax (IR) for the amount of their turnover that is 
exported over a period of five years, and then a 50%  reduction. For enterprise s exporting services, these 
exemptions and reductions only apply to that part of the turnover expo rted and paid in foreign currency. 
252 The ZFT was created by Decree No. 2-96-511 of 10 November 1997; its rules of procedure were 
approved by a Ministerial Order of 5 June 2000. It was set up under the priority programme for infrastructure, 
which also planned another 300-hectare ZFE project in Nador (Decree No. 2-96-512, of 20 November 1997). 
253 These are: BCM, BMCE, SNI, the African In surance Company, the Royal Moroccan Insurance 
Company and the Moroccan Inter-Professional Retirement Fund. 
254 Decree No. 2-96-511 of 10 November 1997, creating the Tangiers Free Export Zone. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 164 - 
 
  In order to be eligible for ZFE status, enterprises must export the majority of their production; 
services  enterprises working with free zone enterprises are also given ZFE status. […] Goods 
entering or leaving ZFEs are exempt from all du ties and taxes on imports, exports, production, 
movement or consumption. There are also a certain number of other fiscal measures (Table III.6). 
The benefits given to these enterprises may not be  cumulated with other benefits under different 
legislative provisions on investment. Likewise, reduced rates of tax may not be cumulated with other tax benefits. Enterprises are free, however,  to opt for the most beneficial tax regime. 
Table III.6 
Fiscal incentives given to  free export zones (ZFE) 
Tax Benefit 
Registration and stamp duty Exemptio n for acts relating to the constitu tion or increase of capital for 
companies established in ZFEs. 
Exemption for land purchased to carry  out investment projects in ZFEs, 
provided that it remains the property  of the enterprise for 10 years as 
of the date of approval. 
Corporation tax (IS) Total exemption for the fi rst five years of operation and a rate of 
8.75% (instead of the usual rate of 30%) for 20 consecutive years following the fifth year of total exemption. 
Income tax (IR) Total exemption for the first five years of operation and a reduction of 
80% on the tax payable for the subsequent 20 years. 
Deduction at source for revenue from shares, capital participation and similar earnings. Exemption for dividends and other si milar share revenue when paid to 
non-residents. 
Such dividends and revenue are subjec t to a 7.5% flat rate for the IS 
or the IR when pa id to residents. 
Value added tax (VAT) Exemption with the righ t to deduction for products delivered and 
services supplied to ZFEs and comi ng from the territory where tax is 
payable. 
Professional taxa Exemption from this tax for the 15 years immediately following the 
start of operations. 
a In December 2006, the professional tax replaced the tax on business licences and the urban tax. 
Source: Directorate-General of Taxation, Le dispositif d'incitations fiscales  (The tax incentives scheme). 
Viewed at: http://www.invest.gov.ma/upload/10f/1003/incitations%20_fiscales_%20Francais_%202007.pdf  
 
19.26  Chile - WT/TPR/S/220/Rev.1 (4th review, 5 November 2009) 
P. 67, paras. 210-211 
Free zones 
Ministry of Finance Decree No. 341 of 1997 establis hes two free zones: one in the port of Iquique 
in the far north of Chile and the other in Punta Ar enas in the south. The revised, coordinated and 
consolidated text of the Decree can be found in DF L No. 2 of the Ministry of Finance, published on 
10 August 2001.255 Any type of activity  can be carried out in the free zones of Iquique and 
Punta Arenas, but mining, fishing and financial services are not eligible  for the concessions 
offered there. 
Management companies and firms setting up in the free zones are exempt from payment of tariffs, 
VAT and other charges on imports, first category income tax under the Income Tax Law, and 
payment of VAT on goods and services for all their operations within the zone. 
                                               
255 DFL No. 2 was the subject of some amendments under Law No. 19.827 of 31 August 2002, Law 
No. 20.122 of 28 September 2006, and Law No. 20.320 of 31 December 2008. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 165 - 
 
  19.27  SACU - WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3rd review, 14 December 2009) 
19.27.1  South Africa P. 318, para. 134 
(iv) Export subsidies, finance, and assistance 
South Africa also offers subsidized medium- and long-term loans to promote the export/import of 
capital goods and services.  Financing facilities offered by banks and financial institutions, such as 
the Industrial Development Corporation of South Af rica Limited (IDC), are enhanced by the credit 
insurance cover and interest support from the government-owned Export Credit Insurance 
Corporation of South Africa (ECIC). The ECIC enables exporters of capital goods and services  to 
offer extended credit facilities to foreign buyers by underwriting bank loans and investments outside the country. 
19.28  Niger and Senegal - WT/TPR/S/223/Rev.1 (2
nd and 3rd review, 
22 December 2009) 
19.28.1  Niger 
P. 86, para. 85 
(i) Incentives 
[…] Some public utility goods and services  such as […] and postal services  (Chapter IV(5)(iii)) 
[…] also receive State aid (Chapter IV(3)(ii)). […]. 
19.28.2  Senegal P. 183, para. 96 
(4) M EASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(i) Incentives 
[…]. Some public utility goods and services  such as electricity (Chapter IV(3)(iii), social water 
connections (Chapter IV(3)(iv)), air tran sport services (Chapter IV(5)(i)), and postal services  
(Chapter IV(5)(iii)) also receive State support (Chapter IV(3)(ii)). […].  
19.29  United States - WT/TPR/S/235/Rev.1 (10th review, 29 October 2010) 
P. 63, para. 199 
(iv) Subsidies and other government assistance (a) General features Government assistance to businesses is granted at the federal level, as well as by state and local 
governments. The main instruments of support are tax benefits, direct payments,  and credit 
programmes. Tax benefits have traditionally been the main form of federal government support 
to business. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 166 - 
 
  19.30  Japan - WT/TPR/S/243/Rev.1 (10th review, 2 May 2011) 
P. 62, para. 116 
(ii) Subsidies and other financial assistance Under the new Growth Strategy, adopted by the Cabinet on 18 June 2010, the Government has 
concentrated its resources into the development of "seven strategic areas" ( environment and 
energy, medical and health care, economic integration with other Asian countries, tourism and revitalization of regional economies, science and technology, human resources, and financial 
services).
256 The strategy indicates that potential demand is largest in these seven areas.257 
Although the details of implementing measures are yet to be decided, the strategy suggests a 
possible policy to "pick winners".258  
19.31  India - WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5th review, 20 October 2011) 
Pp. 82-83, paras. 149 and 151, and Table III.18 
Special economic zones (SEZs) 
Firms established in an SEZ benefit from severa l incentives subject to generating net foreign 
exchange earnings within five years of operatio n (Table III.18). SEZ units are exempt from various 
taxes, including income tax, central sales tax, mi nimum alternate tax, dividend distribution tax, 
service tax, and from a series of state taxes (i .e. sales tax, stamp duty, and electricity duty) 
(Table III.18).259 […]. 
As at end 2010, India had 374 SEZs with 3,245 units producing manufactured goods and 
providing services and warehousing for a total investment of US$43 billion and 
644,073 employees. As at end 2010, India had 374 SEZs with 3,245 units producing manufactured 
goods and providing services and warehousing for a total investment of US$43 billion and 
644,073 employees. […]. 
Table III.18 
Incentives granted to SEZ units, 2011 
Duty-free imports/domestic procurement of goods for development, operatio n, and maintenance of 
SEZ units. 
100% income tax exemption for SEZ units for the first five years, 50% for the next five years, and 50% of 
the ploughed-back export profit for the next five years. 
Exemption from minimum alternate tax. 
Exemption from the central sales tax. 
Exemption from the service tax. 
Exemption from the state sales tax and other levies (e.g. stamp duty and electricity duty) as extended by the respective state government. 
                                               
256 Prime Minister's Office online information. View ed at: http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/kan/topics/ 
sinseichou01_e.pdf [14 October 2010]. 
257 Cabinet Office online information. Vi ewed at: http://www5.cao.go.jp/keizai2/2010/0618 
reference.pdf [14 October 2010]. 
258 National Policy Unit online information. Viewed at: http:// www.npu.go.jp/policy/policy04/pdf/ 
20100618_shinseityou_gaiyou_eigo.pdf [14 October 2010]. 
259 SEZ Rules 2006, as amended; SEZ Act 2005; and SEZ online information, "About SEZs: facilities and 
incentives". Viewed at: http://sezindia.nic.in/about-fi.asp. S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 167 - 
 
  External commercial borrowing by SEZ units up to US$500 million in one year without any maturity 
restriction through recognized banking channels. 
100% FDI investment through automatic route. 
Single-window clearance for central and state level approval procedures. 
Source: Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (2010), National Manufacturing Policy: A Discussion 
Paper . Viewed at: http://dipp.nic.in/NMP_Discuss ionPaper/NMP_DiscussionPaper_2010.pdf; SEZ 
Rules 2006, as amended; SEZ Act 2005; and SEZ online information, "About SEZs: facilities and incentives". Viewed at: http://sezindia.nic.in/about-fi.asp. 
 
 19.32  Turkey - WT/TPR/S/259/Rev.1 (5
th review, 7 March 2012) 
P. 68, paras. 102 and 103 
(iv) Free zones, special economic areas 
Financial incentives available to free-zone companies include exemption from payment of 
customs duties and fees; exemption from  corporate, income, and value-added taxes;  free 
repatriation of profits; 100% repatriation of capital without prior permission; and absence of 
foreign exchange restrictions. New arrangements for tax incentives in the free zones were introduced under Law No. 5084 of 29 January 2004 on the Encouragement of Investments and 
Employment. Pursuant to Law No. 5084, all exemptions except those already accorded to 
established firms were to be terminated by 31 December 2008. However, according to Law No. 5810 of 12 November 2008 (amending Law No. 3218) only free-zone users operating under a 
production licence may be exempted from income and corporate taxes. This exemption applies 
until the end of the taxation period of the year  in which Turkey becomes a full member of the 
EU.
260  
Enterprises established in the free zones are active in a wide range of areas, including 
high-technology products, leather goods, and storage  facilities. All industrial, commercial  and 
service  operations deemed appropriate by the Supreme Planning Board may be conducted in the 
Free Zones, under Article 10 of the Free Zones Regulation. Offshore banking and insurance 
business is not allowed. […]. 
19.33  China - WT/TPR/S/264/Rev.1 (4th review, 20 July 2012) 
Pp. 68-69, paras. 189-190 
(ii) Subsidies and other government assistance261 
(a) General features The use of subsidies and other government assist ance appear to be an important feature of 
China's trade policy making. However, because of  the limited information made available to the 
Secretariat, it is difficult to confirm this. In general, very few details are available on China's 
subsidies and other government assistance, particularly at the sub-central level, on their type and size, the financial outlays involved, and the ob jectives of the programmes and their results. 
Government assistance to business is granted at the central and sub-central (e.g. provincial) 
levels. The main instruments of support are direct grants, subsidized loans, and tax benefits,  
which include exemption or reduction of value-added tax, enterprise income tax, and import 
duties.  
                                               
260 Free zone users obtaining an operating licence other than for production after 6 February 2004 do 
not benefit from income and corporate tax exemptions. For tenants holding an operating licence on that date, 
the corporate tax exemption has remained applicable fo r the period of validity of  the operating licence, 
whereas income tax on wages became payable as from 2009.   
261 The use of the term "subsidies" in this report is no t confined to the definition provided in Article 1 of 
the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures.    S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 168 - 
 
  P. 168, para. 322 
(vii) Postal and courier services 
[…] At present, the scope of postal enterprises' exclusive rights is being specified by relevant 
authorities. The state subsidizes  the postal enterprises for the provision of universal postal 
services,  which are defined as the delivery of correspondence, printed matters not heavier than 
5 kg, and parcels not heavier than 10 kg each, and postal remittance. A universal postal service fund will be set up to support the provision of universal postal services. […]. 
19.34  Singapore - WT/TPR/S/267/Rev.1 (6
th review, 18 October 2012) 
P. 41-42, para. 68 
(3) M EASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(i) Incentives 
Singapore maintains a wide array of incentive schemes in the form of tax incentives and grants  
to assist companies. These, inter alia , are intended to encourage Singapore-based companies to 
expand and internationalize production; invest in research and development (R&D) and training; 
promote investment in technology; access procurement opportunities and support the 
development of small and medium sized enterprise s (SMEs) and start-up companies. A number of 
incentive schemes are also geared towards making Singapore attractive as a centre for services 
activities  and a base for global or regional headquarters.  
P. 77, para. 74 
(v) Professional services (b) Developments over the review period (2008-12) 
Incentives  have been introduced to encourage law practices to do more international services 
work from Singapore. As a result of the 2010 Budget, the Development and Expansion incentive 
(DEI) scheme was extended to international legal services. The incentive is open to law practices 
that are incorporated as companies in Singapore. Law practices awarded the incentive will enjoy a 
10% concessionary tax rate  for a period not exceeding 5 years on their qualifying income 
derived from the provision of international legal services in Singapore, in excess of a base 
(Chapter III(3)(i)). 
19.35  Republic of Korea - WT/TPR/S/268/Rev.1 (6
th review, 8 November 2012) 
P. 39, para. 61 
(7) F OREIGN INVESTMENT REGIME  
Korea provide a range of tax incentives  for FDI (Table II.2), for limited periods, and on an MFN 
basis to foster a more favourable business climate for new foreign-invested companies, particularly 
during the initial stages of their investment in Korea. These generally consist of: full and partial 
corporate income tax concessions  for up to seven years (since 2005); similar concessions on 
various local taxes  (acquisition, property, and property taxes); and full exemptions from 
customs duties  (customs, special excise, and value-added taxes) on imported capital goods for 
up to three years. Following the 2010 amendment to the Special Tax Treatment Control Law, the 
cumulative tax incentive is limited to an aggregate of 50%-70% of the investment amount and ₩ 10 million per new employee (up to a maximum of 20% of the investment amount).
262 The 
                                               
262 Previously, the Special Tax Treatm ent Control Law waived corporate income tax for certain types of 
high-tech FDI and investment in certain foreign-inve stment zones. The waiver was full exemption for the 
first five years, with a 50% waiver in the sixth and seventh years (EIU, 2011a). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 169 - 
 
  incentives apply to "greenfield" FDI (where no previous investment exists)263, and foreign stock 
acquisitions in eligible advanced-technology investments and industry-supporting service 
industries.  […] Minimum FDI levels for these tax incentives apply to firms established in foreign 
investment zones (FIZs), free-trade zones (FTZs), free economic zones (FEZs), etc. (Table II.2). 
The scope of these incentives was expanded as of January 2011, to cover the services sector 
activities in these special economic zones264; furthermore, the MKE aims to extend tax 
incentives to the services  sector by the end 2012 by amending relevant legislation. 
Pp. 40-41, Table II.2 
Table II.2 
Summary of FDI tax incentives, 2012 
(a) National tax (corporation tax, income tax) and local taxa (acquisition tax, property 
tax) reduction 
Business category Investment amount Reduction period and 
details Remarks 
1. Industry support service & high degree technology 
business Seven years in total 
according to the following 
ratio (amount multiplied by the foreign investment 
ratio) 
- 100% for five years after 
income creation 
- 50% for next two years With more than 
ten employees with 
Master's degree or 
above 2. Businesses in stand-alone-type foreign investment 
zones (FIZ)b 
Manufacturing Over US$30 million 
Tourism Over US$20 million 
Logistics Over US$10 million 
R&D Over US$2 million 
3. Businesses in complex-type foreign investment zones 
(FIZ)  Five years in total according 
to the following ratio 
(amount multiplied by the 
foreign investment ratio) 
- 100% for three years after 
income creation  
- 50% for next two years  
Manufacturing Over US$10 million  
4. Businesses in free-trade zones (FTZ)   
Logistics Over US$5 million  
5. Businesses in free economic zones   
Manufacturing Over US$10 million  
Tourism Over US$10 million  
Logistics Over US$5 million  
Medical institution Over US$5 million  
6. Free economic zone (FEZ) developer   
– Over US$30 million; over 50% of 
foreign shares and US$500 million 
on business costs  
7. Businesses in business city development zone   
Manufacturing Over US$10 millionc  
Engineering  
Additional 
communication   
Information processing 
& other computer 
operation-related 
businesses  
Science & technology 
service  
Tourism  
Culture industry  
Various facilities  
Renewable energy 
generation   
R&D Over US$2 milliond  
Logistics Over US$5 millione  
8. Business city developer   
                                               
263 The number of FDI-driven greenfield projects concluded in Korea increased from 88 in 2008 to 112 
in 2010 (UNCTAD, 2011b). 
264 The Government has long pushed for the expansion of  tax incentives to the services sector, including 
the medical industry, in order to encourage inward FDI in the sector (MKE informat ion, "Free Economic Zone 
Promotion Plan", 1 September 2010, and "Modification of the Enforcement Decree on the FDI Act", 5 October 2010, cited in UNCTAD, 2011b). S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 170 - 
 
  Business category Investment amount Reduction period and 
details Remarks 
– Over US$30 million; over 50% of 
foreign shares and US$500 million 
on business costs  
JEJU INTERNATIONAL FREE CITY    
9. Businesses in Jeju high-tech science and technology 
complex  Five years in total 
(unrelated to foreign 
investment ratio) 
- 100% for three years after 
income creation 
- 50% for next two years On condition of entry by 
31 December 2012, reduction only for national tax 
Bio engineering  
Information 
communication  
Culture industry  
High-tech and products  
10. Businesses in Jeju investment promotion district  On condition of entry by 
31 December 2012 Tourism Over US$5 million 
Culture industry 
Various facilities 
Renewable energy 
generation 
Electronics, electrical, 
information, new material, 
and bio engineering 
industries 
Foreign educational 
institutionsf 
Medical institutions 
11. Businesses in free-trade zones   On condition of entry by 
31 December 2012 Manufacture Over US$10 million with more 
than 100 full-time employees  
Logistics Over US$5 million  
12. Jeju investment promotion district developers  Five years in total according 
to the following ratio 
(amount multiplied by the 
foreign investment ratio) 
- 100% for three years after 
income creation 
- 50% for the next two 
years  
– Over 50% of foreign shares and 
US$100 million on business costs  
– Over US$10 million  
 
 
(b) Exemption of tariffs, special excise tax, value-added tax, etc. 
Business category Taxes Items Remarks 
Industry support service  & high 
degree technology business Tariff; special excise 
tax; value-added tax Capital goods imported with 
invested cash or as investment object On condition of import 
within  five years from 
the day of declaring foreign investment 
Businesses in stand-alone type foreign invested zones (FIZ) Tariff; special excise 
tax; value-added tax 
Businesses in complex-type foreign invested zones (FIZ) Tariff 
Businesses in free trade zones (FTZ) 
Businesses in free economic zones 
(FEZ) 
Free economic zone (FEZ) developer 
Jeju International free city    
Businesses in Jeju high-tech science and technology complex Tariff Tariff reduced goods under 
Item 5, paragraph 1, Article 90 of the Customs Law for use in R&D On condition of import 
by 31 December 2012 
Businesses in Jeju investment promotion district Tariff Goods for which import 
declarations are made within 
three years from the day of 
designation as Jeju investment promotion district, which has been checked by the director of the Jeju 
International Free City 
Development Center S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 171 - 
 
  a According to the local government regulations, the period of local tax reduction may be extended up 
to 15 years, or the reduction ratio may be increased. 
b Free-export zones (Iksan, Massan) are considered as stand-alone-type fore ign investment zones, 
with no limitations on investment amou nt for establishing factory facilities. 
c On condition of entry before 31 December 2012, a choice is given between this reduction and the 
business city development zone related reduction of  national and local tax "regardless of foreign 
investment ratio" upon an investment of over ₩ 10 billion. 
d On condition of entry before 31 December 2012, a choice is given between this reduction and the 
business city development zone related reduction of  national and local tax "regardless of foreign 
investment ratio" upon an investment of over ₩ 2 billion. 
e On condition of entry before 31 December 2012, a choice is given between this reduction and the 
business city development zone related reduction of  national and local tax "regardless of foreign 
investment ratio" upon an investment of over ₩ 5 billion. 
f Foreign education institution and international high school. 
Source: WTO document WT/TPR/S/204/Rev.1, 4 December 2008; and information provided by the Korean 
authorities.  
 
P. 90, para. 161 
(iii) State-owned enterprises and privatization  
State involvement in the economy (Table III.4) persists despite recent privatization efforts, 
particularly in the services  s e c t o r  ( C h a p t e r  I V ) .  [ … ] .  N o  r e c e n t  d a t a  w e r e  a v a i l a b l e  f r o m  t h e  
authorities on employment by SOEs (88,000 in 2008) or their assets (US$267 billion in 2008) or 
data relating to their contribution to GDP, th eir incidence in domestic production and trade 
(domestic, foreign), losses  occurred by their operations, and budget outlays provided to cover 
them  (since 2008).  
 S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
- 172 - 
 
  ANNEX 3: LIST OF REVIEWED TPR REPORTS 
COUNTRY DOCUMENT SYMBOL OF TPR 
1. Costa Rica WT/TPR/S/180/Rev.1 (3rd review, 2 August 2007) 
2. Macao, China WT/TPR/S/181/Rev.1 (3rd review, 8 June 2007) 
3. Central African Republic WT/TPR/S/183/Rev.1 (1st review, 30 July 2007) 
4. Indonesia WT/TPR/S/184/Rev.1 (1st review, 6 November 2007) 
5. Bahrain WT/TPR/S/185/Rev.1 (2nd review, 23 October 2007) 
6. Panama WT/TPR/S/186/Rev.1 (1st review, 3 December 2007) 
7. Cameroon WT/TPR/S/187/Rev.1 (3rd review, 5 December 2007) 
8. Gabon WT/TPR/S/188/Rev.1 (2nd review, 5 December 2007) 
9. Peru WT/TPR/S/189/Rev.1 (3rd review, 17 December 2007) 
10. Organization of Eastern Caribbean  States (OECS) - WTO Members 
10.1.  Antigua and Barbuda WT/TPR/S/190/ATG/Rev.1 (2nd review, 18 April 2008) 
10.2.  Dominica WT/TPR/S/190/DMA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 18 April 2008) 
10.3.  Grenada WT/TPR/S/190/DMA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 21 April 2008) 
10.4.  St Kitts and Nevis WT/TPR/S/190/KNA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 21 April 2008) 
10.5.  St Lucia WT/TPR/S/190/LCA/Rev.1 (2nd review, 21 April 2008) 
10.6.  St Vincent and the 
Grenadines WT/TPR/S/190/VCT/Rev.1 (2nd review, 21 April 2008) 
11. Thailand WT/TPR/S/191/Rev.1 (5th review, 6 February 2008) 
12. Pakistan WT/TPR/S/193/Rev.1 (3rd review, 20 May 2008) 
13. Ghana WT/TPR/S/194/Rev.1 (3rd review, 7 May 2008) 
14. Mexico WT/TPR/S/195/Rev.1 (4th review, 2 May 2008) 
15. Brunei Darussalam WT/TPR/S/196/Rev.1 (2nd review, 4 June 2008) 
16. Madagascar WT/TPR/S/197/Rev.1 (2nd review, 28 May 2008) 
17. Mauritius WT/TPR/S/198/Rev.1 (3rd review,) 
18. Oman WT/TPR/S/201/Rev.1 (1st review, 5 August 2008) 
19. Barbados WT/TPR/S/203/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 December 2008) 
20. Jordan WT/TPR/S/206/Rev.1 (1st review, 27 January 2009) 
21. Dominican Republic WT/TPR/S/207/Rev.1 (3rd review, 3 March 2009) 
22. Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein WT/TPR/S/208/Rev.1 (5th and 3rd review, 12 March 2009) 
23. Mozambique WT/TPR/S/209/Rev.1 (2nd review, 30 June 2009) 
24. Guatemala WT/TPR/S/210/Rev.1 (2nd review, 20 April 2009) 
25. Brazil WT/TPR/S/212/Rev.1 (5th review, 11 May 2009) 
26. Fiji WT/TPR/S/213/Rev.1 (2nd review, 16 June 2009) 
27. Solomon Islands WT/TPR/S/215/Rev.1 (2nd review, 24 June 2009) 
28. New Zealand WT/TPR/S/216/Rev.1 (4th review, 10 July 2009) 
29. Morocco WT/TPR/S/217/Rev.1 (4th review, 13 August 2009) 
30. Guyana WT/TPR/S/218/Rev.1 (2nd review, 10 August 2009) 
31. Zambia WT/TPR/S/219/Rev.1 (3rd review, 8 October 2009) 
32. Chile WT/TPR/S/220/Rev.1 (4th review, 5 November 2009) 
33. Maldives WT/TPR/S/221/Rev.1 (2nd review, 20 April 2009) 
34. SACU WT/TPR/S/222/Rev.1 (3rd review, 14 December 2009) 
34.1.  Botswana  S/WPGR/W/25/Add.7/Rev.1 
 
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  COUNTRY DOCUMENT SYMBOL OF TPR 
34.2.  Lesotho  
34.3.  Namibia  
34.4.  South Africa  
34.5.  Swaziland  
35. Niger and Senegal WT/TPR/S/223/Rev.1 (2nd and 3rd review, 22 Dec. 2009) 
36. Georgia WT/TPR/S/224/Rev.1 (1st review, 19 January 2010)90  
37. United States WT/TPR/S/235/Rev.1 (10th review, 29 October 2010) 
38. Japan WT/TPR/S/243/Rev.1 (10th review, 2 May 2011) 
39. European Union WT/TPR/S/248/Rev.1 (10th review, 1 August 2011) 
40. India WT/TPR/S/249/Rev.1 (5th review, 20 October 2011) 
41. Turkey WT/TPR/S/259/Rev.1 (5th review, 7 March 2012) 
42. China WT/TPR/S/264/Rev.1 (4th review, 20 July 2012) 
43. Singapore WT/TPR/S/267/Rev.1 (6th review, 18 October 2012) 
44. Republic of Korea WT/TPR/S/268/Rev.1 (6th review, 8 November 2012) 
45. Norway WT/TPR/S/269/Rev.1 (6th review, 13 November 2012 
 
 
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