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WT/TPR/W/76
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Trade Policy Review Body   
 
*In Original language only/En langue original e seulement/En el idioma original solamente . 
  BARBADOS  
DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING* HELD ON 27 AND 29 JANUARY 2015 
Delegations are invited to submit factual corrections, if any, on their own statement to the 
Secretariat (Mrs Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , or to tprd@wto.org ) no later 
than 24 February 2015. 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales 
 
BARBADE  
PROJET DE COMPTE RENDU DE LA RÉUNION* TENUE LES 27 ET 29 JANVIER 2015 
Les délégations sont invitées à soumettre leurs éventuelles corrections factuelles concernant leurs 
propres déclarations au Secrétariat (Mme Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , ou 
tprd@wto.org ) le 24 février 2015 au plus tard. 
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales 
 
BARBADOS  
PROYECTO DE ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN* CELEBRADA LOS DÍAS 27 Y 29 DE ENERO DE 2015 
Las delegaciones pueden enviar a la Secretaría (Sra. Barbara Blanquart: 
barbara.blanquart@wto.org , o tprd@wto.org ) a más tardar el 24 de febrero de 2015 las 
correcciones fácticas que deseen introducir en sus propias declaraciones. 
 
 
_______________ 
 WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
BARBADOS  
DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING 
Chairperson: H.E. Mrs. Mariam MD Salleh 
CONTENTS 
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAI RPERSON ....................................................... 3  
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF BARBADOS .................................. 5  
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT ................................................................................ 8  
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS ........................................................................................ 12  
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF BARBADOS AND ADDITIONAL 
COMMENTS ..................................................................................................................... 30  
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAI RPERSON ......................................................... 34  
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by Barbados are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/308/Add.1 and will be available 
online at http://www.wto.org/englis h/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm. WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
1.1.  The third Trade Policy Review of Barbados was held on 27 and 29 January 2015. The 
Chairperson H.E. Mrs Mariam MD Salleh (Malaysia)  welcomed the delegation of Barbados headed 
by Senator the Honourable Maxine McClean, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; the 
rest of the delegation, including H.E. Ambassador Marion Vernese Williams, Permanent 
Representative of Barbados to the WTO; other colleagues from the mission in Geneva; and the discussant, H.E. Ms Tan Yee Woan (Singapore). 
1.2.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of th e Trade Policy Reviews and the main elements of 
the procedures for the meeting. The report by Barbados was contained in document WT/TPR/G/308 and that of the WT O Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/308. 
1.3.  Questions by the following delegations had been submitted in writing at least two weeks in 
advance and had been transmitted to the delegation of Barbados: China; Guatemala; Canada; the 
European Union; Peru; Turkey; Brazil; Mexico an d Thailand. The following delegations submitted 
written questions after the two-week deadline: Colombia; Trinidad and Tobago; and the 
United States. 
1.4.  During the review period, Barbados had been severely affected by the global economic crisis, 
which had resulted in a sharp decline in tourism receipts. GDP had contracted sharply in 2009, had 
grown at very moderate rates between 2010 and 2013, and had contracted again in 2014. 
1.5.  As the Secretariat report noted, Barbados' fiscal position remained precarious. During the 
period under review Barbados had registered larg e fiscal deficits, which had risen to 12.7% of GDP 
in 2013/14. The mounting fiscal deficit had led to an increase in the debt to GDP ratio to over 
126%. To redress this situation, the Government of Barbados had undertaken a fiscal 
consolidation programme, which was expected to lead to a decline in the deficit this year and in the medium run, and to restore fiscal sustainability. The Chairperson was sure Members would like 
to know more details regarding measures undertaken. 
1.6.  On the external front, Barb ados had been running persistent external current account deficits 
during the review period. In 2013, the deficit had reached 11.6% of GDP, up from 9.6% in 2008, 
mainly due to falling tourism receipts and an increasingly negative investment income balance. 
1.7.  Barbados was an active Member of CARICOM and through its participation in it had 
subscribed a number of trade agreements. A sign ificant development during the review was the 
CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) which had been signed in October 2008, 
and had been ratified by Barbados in July 2014. Barbados was still in the process of making the 
legal adjustments required for a full implementation of the EPA. 
1.8.  The Chairperson was pleased to note that Barbados had made considerable progress with 
respect to the adoption of trade facilitation measures. Customs clearance could be done 
electronically and mechanisms for advanced ruling were in place. A risk assessment was in place, with merchandise channelled through four lanes according to risk, including a "blue" lane, for 
post-clearance assessment.  
1.9.  However, as some Members had noted in th eir questions, Barbados continued to maintain a 
dual licensing regime that favoured imports from other CARICOM partners. It was interesting to hear from Barbados what the rationale for maintaining such a system was. 
1.10.  During the period under review, Barb ados had continued to implement a number of 
incentives programmes targeted solely or partly at the promotion of exports. Five of these programmes had been notified to the WTO. Barbados had also notified to the WTO the internal 
steps that it needed to undertake to bring these subsidies into conformity with the SCM Agreement 
by 31 December 2015. It interested Members to hear about the latest steps undertaken for the dismantlement of these programmes, as the deadline approached. 
1.11.  Agriculture played in general a small role in the economy, except the sugar industry, which 
provided the raw material for Barbados' main export  product, rum. A National Agricultural Strategy 
was currently under development, with main em phasis on food security, and on boosting WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  production and productivity. Also, the authorities were considering expanding the scope of 
sugar-related activities to include the production of ethanol and electricity generation. 
1.12.  The Chairperson was sure that these topics and themes, and many more would be touched 
upon in greater detail at the deliberations on the first and second day of the meeting.  
1.13.  She also noted that a podcast would be made of this TPRB meeting. WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF BARBADOS (SENATOR THE 
HONOURABLE MAXI NE MCCLEAN) 
2.1.  It is a distinct honour for me to be here  at the World Trade Organization, representing the 
Government and people of Barbados on the occa sion of Barbados' third Trade Policy Review.  
2.2.  Barbados welcomes the opportunity to discuss the trade policies which would have guided 
Barbados' economy over the last six years with you the Members of the World Trade Organization. We look forward to sharing with you our perspe ctive on how we have managed to weather the 
challenges which we have encountered during this time period. We also look forward to hearing 
your comments on the review. 
2.3.  Since Barbados' last trade policy review in 2008, the world has gone through an 
unprecedented economic recession and this has had deleterious effects on many countries, 
particularly small vulnerable economies like Barbados. 
2.4.  On the surface, if you only look at the st atistics, Barbados is a middle income country with a 
high per capita income and human development index. The reality, however, is that Barbados is a 
small vulnerable open economy and we possess the characteristics of the same in terms of small 
size, limited resources, susceptibility to external economic and financial shocks and vulnerability to natural disasters. In this regard, it is evident that many of the larger developed countries are 
showing signs of economic recovery. Unfortunately, we have come to recognize that a time lag of 
a few years is required for us to show the same positive signs.   
2.5.  Barbados' economy was challenged during the period under review. The economic recession, 
which came about as a result of circumstances beyond our control, has had a particularly huge 
impact on our major foreign exchange earner: tourism. There was a marked decrease in tourist 
arrivals and tourist spend.   
2.6.  We are beginning to see modest improvements in the tourism sector. The Government has 
used this time period to redefine our strategy  for the sector. Barbados has developed a Tourism 
Master Plan, intended to be Government's blueprint for the industry and a guide for all stakeholders. The Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) has been restructured to bring equal focus to 
product development and promotion. Major invest ments have commenced in this area and are 
contributing to the diversification in this sector. Barbados remains one of the most beautiful islands in the world, with very hospitable and sociable people, a relaxing environment with an enviable climate. The fact that Barbados has been able to weather this economic storm so well is 
testimony to the resilience of the country and its people.  
2.7.  Our trade policies have sought to bring balance to the economy and to diversify from the 
mainstay of sugar and tourism. Barbados has done much to encourage the growth of 
manufacturing and the international business and financial services sectors. The Government is 
repositioning the Barbados Investment and Development Cooperation (BIDC) to make a more significant contribution to the development of the industrial sector, the focus being on developing a 
high value manufacturing sector. The Government has established the Business and Trade 
Facilitation Committee which seeks to ensure that th ere is greater efficiency in the system and to 
expedite the process of facilitating and operating business in Barbados.  
2.8.  At the national level, there is agreement on the way forward for the economy and the 
vehicles which are required to take us there. Barbados has instituted a Medium Term Growth and 
Development Strategy for the period 2013-2020. The theme for this strategy is "Adjustment, Reform, Recovery and Sustainability". It speaks to how the Government sees the process of 
achieving our growth targets.  
2.9.  At the national level, this Growth an d Development Strategy 2013-2020 charts a clear 
direction for our sustainable green economic growth and development priorities over the next eight 
years. It defines government's plan to institute a sequence of managed structural adjustments and 
reforms which are critical to the country's sustainable economic, human and social development over the planning horizon 2013-2020.  WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  2.10.  In response to the high energy costs th at have plagued all sectors, the Government has 
instituted a comprehensive set of policies to enco urage the use of more renewable energy and the 
development of energy efficient projects and pr ogrammes to reduce energy cost and insulate 
businesses from price volatility. 
2.11.  The positive economic impacts of the adjustment and reform activities will facilitate our 
recovery and return to a sustained path of growth . In this Growth and Development Strategy, it is 
proposed that growth should be managed on the ba sis of annual targets agreed to by the social 
partnership, with the progress and achievement of the aforementioned targets being closely 
monitored and controlled. The Social Partnership comprises the Government, the private sector, and the labour movement.   
2.12.  I am pleased to inform that the developm ent and the implementation of the Medium Term 
Growth and Development Strategy is bearing fruit and we are beginning to see light at the end of 
the tunnel. The short term fiscal consolidation programme, which was a part of the Strategy, has been effective in improving the foreign exchange market. Overall economic activity has improved 
and there are projections for positive growth to be  recorded in the economy this year and beyond. 
Barbados remains highly vulnerable to the vagaries of the international economy but we have made a commitment to productivity, efficiency, co mpetitiveness and service excellence which will 
see us through the storm. 
2.13.  A pivotal element of the national medium term Fiscal Consolidation and Economic Reform 
Programme is the Government's intention to build better operational synergies and efficiencies in the functions of central government and statutory entities. This is being undertaken not only to 
assist in cutting the Government's overall expenditure but to assist in building operational 
platforms to allow for a higher quality of service delivery to the public at less cost.  
2.14.  In spite of the challenges which Barbados has faced, as a result of the crisis, Barbados 
remains open to free trade. The country has not resorted to any protectionist measures. Barbados 
continues to show its commitment to free trade and trade liberalization both in its actions in the WTO and through bilateral trade relations. Barb ados joined with the CARIFORUM Region to 
negotiate, sign and implement the Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union. The 
expected benefits from the full implementation  of this agreement are numerous and Barbados 
forges ahead with its full implementation of this and all other bilateral trading arrangements. 
2.15.  I am pleased to inform you that Barbados recently completed a review of its foreign policy, 
of which trade is a critical component. This review reinforced the importance of participation in 
trade at the global level. Even though Barbad os produces a number of high quality goods and 
services, we are small and as such often unable to achieve the economies of scale which would 
enable us to participate more favourably in the international market. This underscores the need for 
more effective Aid for Trade and for technical assistance in Trade Facilitation to enable small economies like Barbados to better integrate into the global market place.  
2.16.  We made significant progress in Bali but our work is not finished. I implore fellow Members 
to seek to urgently conclude the remainder of the Doha Development Agenda. We must employ additional effort to establish the Post-Bali work programme. Of great significance must be the work programme for small and vulnerable economies. I know that all the Members here recognize that 
SVEs require a special dispensation in order to allow us to actively participate in the global trading 
system. The level of trade of these small countries can in no way distort the overall trade of the world but the impact and effect of world trade on our small countries is substantial.  
2.17.  Barbados, like all other small developing  countries, has been confronted with difficult 
financial and economic circumstances during the review period. However, Barbados still remains a preferred place from which to do business. We are an OECD approved domicile with a 
well-educated population, with over 98% literacy ra te. A high quality of life has been maintained 
and Barbados remains a safe jurisdiction in which to live and operate.  
2.18.  In closing, I wish to reiterate that Barbados has instituted policies and programmes which 
are designed to stabilize the country and place it on a pathway to progress, growth and 
development. We are working to achieve some of our targets this year as we pursue Adjustment, 
Reform, Recovery and Sustainability.    WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  2.19.  We take this opportunity to express our th anks to the staff of the Secretariat and commend 
them on a very comprehensive report. We would like to congratulate WTO Members on the valuable work they are doing. We know arriving at consensus can be quite challenging and we note the progress in that regard. The Governme nt of Barbados remains committed to the process 
of managed, fair and equitable trade liberalization and achieving better transparency.   WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT 
Introduction 3.1.  Barbados is a small island country in the Caribbean with a population of only 286,000. 3.2.  It has an open economy which is highly dependent on imports. In 2013, merchandise imports 
and exports were respectively about 40% and 18% of GDP. Barbados' main merchandise exports 
were fuels, food and chemicals. The main import s were fuels and food which account for nearly 
50% of total imports.  
3.3.  Given its size, geography and open economy, Barbados is highly vulnerable to external 
shocks, and the 2008 financial crisis was no exception. 
3.4.  Notwithstanding the grave challenges posed by the global crisis, Barbados has continued to 
sustain a high quality of well-being for its people as evidenced by its ranking at 59 (out of 180) in 
the UNDP's 2014 Human Development Report. 
Developments since Barbados' last TPR in 2008 Some aggregate statistical indicators 
3.5.  Since its last TPR in 2008, the full effects of the global crisis continue to unfold and to impact 
significantly on Barbados' economy. 
3.6.  GDP contracted sharply in 2009, and has been growing at very moderate rates since 2010. It 
is expected to contract by some 1% in 2014, before recovering slightly in 2015. 
3.7.  Current account deficit reached 11.6% of GDP in 2013, compared with 9.6% in 2008. Both 
the trade and services balances worsened. 
3.8.  Barbados' fiscal deficits continue to worsen resulting in rising public debt. Though 
expenditure had remained steady as a percentage of GDP, there has been a decline in revenue as 
a share of GDP, caused by the reduction in tax revenue, and various tax incentives to help businesses. 
Overall policy orientation 
3.9.  Barbados' overall economic policy orientatio n continues to be open and outward looking, in 
order to derive benefits for growth and developmen t. There are few barriers or restrictions to trade 
and investment. The Government nurtures a business-friendly operational environment in general, 
and provides various incentives and credit in some cases. Barbados is committed to the multilateral trading system (MTS) embodied in the WTO. Deeper regional integration in the context 
of the CARICOM continues to be of primary importance. The bilateral economic agreements 
concluded between CARICOM and non-CARICO M partners are also very important. 
Services 3.10.  Services accounts for about 78.7% of GDP. Tourism is by far the most important economic 
sector which also attracts the most foreign investment, and earns the most foreign exchange. 
Tourism has important spill-over effects on activities including construction and manufacturing. Tourism and related activities contribute to over 50% of GDP. However, following the global crisis, 
tourist arrivals and expenditure dropped significantly. 
3.11.  Finance and business services contributed to about 30% of its GDP. Barbados has a 
well-developed and open financial services sector. The onshore financial sector comprises commercial banks, trust and finance companies, credit unions and insurance companies. The 
off-shore financial sector comprises banks, captive insurers, holding companies and management 
companies. In addition, there are nearly 4,000 international business companies licensed in Barbados. WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  3.12.  The onshore banking system was particularly  affected by the global crisis but its banks 
remain well capitalized. The offshore sector remained profitable with satisfactory capital adequacy. The insurance sector was affected by the collapse of CLICO, a regional insurance group with a subsidiary in Barbados. 
Manufacturing 
3.13.  The manufacturing sector's contribution to GDP ranged from 7.2% to 6.1% during the 
period under review. Despite the numerous incentives  programmes at its disposal and strong tariff 
protection for certain products, the manufacturing sector contracted by 30% in volume terms 
between 2007 and 2012. 
Agriculture 3.14.  Agriculture's share of GDP ranged between  1.4% and 1.6%. Although its share of GDP is 
small, Barbados considers agriculture an important sector for food security reasons, and also as a 
potential source of foreign exchange earnings thro ugh exports. Accordingly, a National Agricultural 
Strategy to boost food security and agriculture production and productivity is currently being 
developed. 
Trade and trade-related policy changes – by measure 3.15.  Tariffs. During the period under review, there were no increases of applied rates to the 
bound tariffs of products from WTO Members. 97.1 % of tariff lines are bound. Duty-free treatment 
is granted to imports from CARICOM countries. Tariff preferences are also given to Colombia, 
Cuba, the Dominican Republic and the EU which have signed trade or economic agreements with CARICOM. 
3.16.  Incentive programmes for export promotion. There continued to be incentive programmes 
aimed at promoting exports. Five of these programmes have been notified to the WTO. Barbados 
also grants other tax and tariff concessions under a number of programmes. There are also a 
number of credit facilities available to businesses.  
3.17.  Competition policy. Since its last review, Barbados has continued to encourage competitive 
markets through competition policy and consumer protection enforcement activities, as well as 
utilities regulation. The competition authority has been granted ample investigative powers and a 
strong enforcement mandate. 
3.18.  Trade facilitation. Barbados has made considerable progress in adopting trade-facilitation 
measures. Customs clearance can be carried out electronically and mechanisms for advanced 
ruling are in place, as is risk assessment, with merchandise channelled through four lanes 
according to risk. 
3.19.  Government procurement. Government procurement rules were modified in 2011. Contracts 
of over US$100,000 are now procured by open tendering. A new procurement law aimed at 
enhancing transparency and efficiency is currently  being drafted. Barbados is not a party to the 
WTO GPA. 
3.20.  Intellectual Property (IP). Barbados' IP legislation covers all major areas contained in the 
TRIPS Agreement. There were no major changes to  its IP legislation during the review period. 
However, Barbados is currently reviewing this legislation so as to enable it to join certain WIPO agreements. Barbados is also considering legal changes with regard to geographical indications. 
3.21.  Others. During the period under review , Barbados did not institute any anti-dumping, 
countervailing or safeguard measures against any products entering its borders from WTO 
Members. Barbados removed a number of products  from import licenses. The licensing regime 
continues to favour imports from CARICOM partners . No quantitative restrictions were imposed.  WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  Commitment to the multilateral trading system 
3.22.  Barbados is an original Member of the WTO, and is an active participant in the WTO. 
Barbados is a strong advocate of the interest s of the Group of Small, Vulnerable Economies 
(SVEs). For example, Barbados' Permanent Representative Dr. Marion Williams and her team 
played a constructive role in the shaping of the special and differential treatment provisions in the 
Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). 
Deeper regional integration; and entering in to various other economic agreements with 
parties outside of the region. 
3.23.  Regional integration and bilateral agreements. Barbados is a founding member of the 
CARICOM. Participation in the CARICOM, and th e bilateral trade agreements between CARICOM 
and other partners are of utmost importance. Of particular economic significance is the 
CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement. CARICOM has bilateral trade agreements with 
Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela. 
3.24.  Other preferential schemes. Barbados is also a beneficiary from the following unilateral and 
non-reciprocal schemes: the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) schemes; the Caribbean 
Basin Initiative (CBI), under which Barbados is eligible for duty-free access to the U.S. subject to rules of origin; and CARIBCAN, under which most exports originating in Barbados and other 
CARICOM countries enjoy duty-free access to Canada. CARIBCAN will expire soon, and is set to be 
replaced by a reciprocal Canada-CARICOM FTA which is being negotiated. 
Potential areas for further discussion 3.25.  Following are some thoughts on potential ar eas for further discussion at this TPR. They are 
presented in no particular order. 
3.26.  CARICOM vs non-CARICOM import licensing requirements. Barbados' import licensing 
regime favours imports from CARICOM partners. Members may find it useful to learn more about 
the differences between the requirements for CARICOM members compared with non-CARICOM 
partners. 
3.27.  Applied and Bound tariffs. Barbados' average applied tariff in 2014 was 15.9%, which was 
above the CARICOM average. Barbados' average bound  tariff rate is 87%, five times higher than 
its average applied rate. Narrowing the gap by re duction of tariff peaks would contribute towards 
enhancing the predictability of Barbados' trade regime. 
3.28.  Trade facilitation. Barbados has made significant steps to enhance trade facilitation. Bearing 
in mind its significant contribution in shaping the final outcome of the TFA, Barbados may wish to 
ratify the TFA in time for the 10th WTO Ministerial Conference, to help bring the TFA into force as 
soon as possible. 
3.29.  Government Procurement. At an appropri ate time, Barbados may wish to accede to the 
GPA.  
3.30.  Regulatory regime. Barbados ranks a relatively low 106 (out of 189) in the World Bank's 
Ease of Doing Business Index for 2014. This seems to imply that there is room for improvement in 
Barbados' regulatory regime to help firms to start up and operate in the country. 
3.31.  Revitalize the current ec onomic mainstays. Measures are underway to revitalize the current 
economic mainstays of tourism, manufacturing and agriculture. 
3.32.  Broaden the economic base. Barbados has come a long way in diversifying from a 
mono-crop economy at its independence in 1966, when the sugar industry constituted 60% of 
GDP. This notwithstanding, Barbados' current economic base is still relatively narrow, with the 
tourism sector and related activities responsible for over 50% of economic activity, and 
government and financial services accounting for most of the rest. There could be room for further broadening of Barbados' economic base. WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  3.33.  Expand the pool of economic partners. In concert with CARICOM, Barbados may wish to 
expand its pool of economic partners to includ e new regions. During the period under review, 
Barbados has already sent delegations to explore opportunities in Brazil, Costa Rica and Panama. Barbados may wish to step up these efforts, including to the Asia-Pacific and Africa. 
3.34.  Fiscal policy. Fiscal consolidation is a priority for the Government. Tough measures have 
already begun to be taken in accordance with its medium-term strategy to address the fiscal 
situation. These include, on the one hand, increasing revenue, for example, through increases in 
VAT; and on the other hand, reducing expendit ure, for example, by removing government 
subsidies on diesel. 
The way forward The Government's response 
3.35.  The Government realizes that structural changes are needed to restore growth and 
macroeconomic stability in the medium-term. Focus will be placed on improving productivity, diversifying the economy, as well as achieving fiscal consolidation and debt sustainability. Hence, 
in partnership with the labour representatives and the private sector, the Government has set out 
the Medium-Term Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS) 2013-2020, which sets out a sequence of managed structural adjustments and reforms which are critical to the country's 
sustainable economic, human and social development. 
3.36.  The Government has begun to implement the MGDS as shown by the examples already 
referred to. I would also highlight some of the measures undertaken in respect of the key tourism sector. These include enhancing the capacity of hoteliers to improve significantly on their facilities, 
undertaking new marketing initiatives, and working to boost airlift out of the U.S. and the 
Canadian markets. 
Conclusion 
3.37.  Within a few decades from its independence, Barbados transformed from a low-income 
single-crop economy, into an economy built on tourism and offshore banking that generates one of the highest per capita incomes in Latin America. Barbados continues to rank high on the UNDP's 
Human Development Index. It is also no accident that corruption is low – Barbados ranks 17 out of 
175 countries and territories in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index for 2014. This is the same rank as Hong Kong China, Ireland and the U.S. Barbados is ranked 55, out 
of 144, in the WEF's Competitiveness Index for 2014-2015. Barbados' resilience, strong 
fundamentals, openness to trade and investment and close integration into the world economy will 
help it to weather the current crisis. It enjoys political, social and economic stability, which has translated into good governance, well-functioning institutions, a well-educated population and 
good infrastructure. 
3.38.  I would like to conclude by wishing Barb ados a successful TPR, and a smooth and effective 
implementation of its MGDS for Barbados' continued growth and development. WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS 
CHINA 4.1.  China noted that Barbados, as a small and vulnerable economy, has been negatively 
influenced by the global economic recession over the past six years, with its economic 
development undergoing great difficulties. Howeve r, the Government of Barbados has taken a 
serious of targeted measures, noticeably Medi um Term Growth and Development Strategy, to 
promote domestic structural reform so as to achieve its sustainable development. China 
commends the efforts made by Barbados in balanc ing its financial deficit and exchange rates, 
which is enabling Barbados to return to the road of growth and development. 
4.2.  As mentioned in the Secretariat's report, the Government of Barbados seeks to attract 
foreign investment by offering a favourable business environment and a number of incentive 
schemes. These measures include Barbados' decent basic infrastructures and well-educated labour 
force. What's more, Barbados has achieved si gnificant progress in trade facilitation, and 
maintained an overall open trade regime. All the above measures have laid solid foundation for 
Barbados to conduct foreign trade and economic cooperation. 
4.3.  The Government of China attaches importance in developing friendly relations and 
cooperation with Barbados, within which economic and trade relations are essential parts. The 
bilateral trade has maintained fast growth in the recent years, and the export and import trade 
value between the two countries in the first 11 months of 2014 totalled US$80.8 million, an increase of 14% over the same period of 2013. 
4.4.  China is willing to deepen economic and trade cooperation with Barbados at multilateral, 
regional and bilateral platforms including WTO and China-Caribbean Economic and Trade 
Cooperation Forum. 
GUATEMALA 
4.5.  Guatemala valora su relación con Barbados, país con el que comparte una importante 
cercanía geográfica y a su vez reconoce la existencia de un potencial significativo para incrementar sus lazos comerciales. Prueba de ello, fue la reunión sostenida entre las autoridades barbadenses y 
guatemaltecas en septiembre del año pasado, en la que se abordaron cuestiones de interés 
regional y se discutieron vías concretas para facilitar los intercambios comerciales entre ambos países. Históricamente, nuestro flujo comercial se ha basado en el intercambio de bienes agrícolas y manufacturados. Sin embargo, consideramos importante continuar evaluando opciones para 
ampliar la gama de productos y servicios intercambiados y fomentar las inversiones.  
4.6.  En relación con la evaluación del día de hoy, consideramos muy positiva la implementación 
llevada a cabo por Barbados, de medidas destinadas a fortalecer la facilitación del comercio, la 
puesta en marcha de programas para incrementar la competitividad, así como el mantenimiento 
de un régimen comercial con pocos obstáculos en términos generales y su activa participación en el ámbito multilateral del comercio. Por otro lado, nos preocupa el fuerte impacto que ha tenido la 
crisis financiera en Barbados, caracterizada por una importante contracción de su economía, 
particularmente en sectores clave como el turismo. Como parte del Grupo de Economías pequeñas y vulnerables, Guatemala comparte su preocupación por los efectos tan profundos que pueden tener estas crisis en nuestros países e insta a prestar gran atención a las flexibilidades y medidas 
planteadas por este grupo en el seno de la OMC, destinadas a fortalecer su participación en el 
comercio mundial y mejorar su integración en el sistema multilateral del comercio.  
4.7.  Guatemala reconoce los esfuerzos realizados por Barbados durante el período estudiado en 
este informe y desea a la delegación que hoy los representa, una exitosa conclusión de su examen 
de políticas comerciales. 
CANADA 
4.8.  Canada is pleased to participate in this review of the trade policy measures of Barbados. We 
also want to congratulate the Government of Barbados and the Secretariat of the WTO for their respective comprehensive reports which furnish information on significant commercial and WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  economic developments since the last review in 2008. Both reports highlighted a number of 
significant challenges faced by Barbados, notably the global financial crisis - which had a significant impact on the Barbados economy, redu cing key sources of revenue such as tourism, 
foreign investment, financial services, remittances from nationals overseas and depleting foreign 
reserves. Today, we are very pleased to note th at, although there are still a number of difficult 
issues to be resolved, the economy appears to be improving - even if incrementally.  
4.9.  Canada and Barbados enjoy a long trading hi story that extends back to the 17th century and 
traditional exchanges of sugar and rum for cod and lumber. Today, the Canada-Barbados' trade 
relationship is decidedly more modern, as Barbados is a key market for Canadian foreign direct investment and services trade. 
4.10.  Barbados is host to significant Canadian direct investment, primarily in the financial services 
sector, and, in 2013, was Canada's third largest investment destination after the United States and 
the United Kingdom. The stock of Canadian direct investment in Barbados was US$47.2 billion in 2008 and reached US$63 billion in 2013. Barbados is an attractive and transparent tax efficient, 
with a network of tax and investment treaties that allow internationally active firms to gain greater 
and easier access to global markets through the establishment of local operations. We note Barbados' continued commitment to further enhance transparency and exchange of information in 
the tax area through its participation in the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of 
Information for Tax Purposes. Although the latest Tax Transparency Report noted Barbados still has work to do in implementing the internationally agreed standards, we believe that both Canada and Barbados already derive important economic benefits from existing arrangements and that 
these benefits have the potential to grow as Barbados moves toward full implementation. 
Canadian firms are able to manage their internationa l tax portfolios more efficiently, benefit from a 
well-developed local financial services industry, and leverage their international export and 
investment operations. Barbados, for its part is able to generate value-added employment, acquire 
valued legal, financial and management capabilities, and derive tax revenue from those operations.  
4.11.  Barbados is also an important partner for Canada in the area of trade in services. Two-way 
trade in services was valued at US$1.6 billion dollars in 2008 and at US$2.2 billion dollars in 2013. Bilateral merchandise trade, by contrast has been modest. In 2008, it was valued at US$59.3 million and in 2013 at US$170.2 million. We are pleased to note that Canada remains an 
integral source market for Barbados' tourism, representing the third largest contributor to this 
significant sector. 
4.12.  We noted that the Government of Barbad os has highlighted in its report to the WTO 
Secretariat that it has put in place a "Growth and Development Strategy – Adjustment, Reform, 
Recovery and Sustainability" in an effort to address and resolve a number of critical issues. We also noted that international trade was identified  as the "engine of growth" and that Barbados 
would continue to seek to enter into bilateral trading arrangements which best suit its needs.   
4.13.  We are pleased that Barbados has recognized the importance of a diversified economy, even 
while recognizing the challenge faced by small economies. Barbados has also recognized that exports, whether from the manufacturing or the agricultural sector, contribute only a small 
percentage to its GDP and that it will theref ore have to concentrate on diversification and 
deepening of inter-sectoral linkages between such areas as agriculture and tourism. 
4.14.  Barbados clearly identified energy costs as an important constraint to competitiveness, but 
is committed to pursuing other non-oil based sources of energy. We noted that consideration 
would be given to the construction of a "waste-to-energy facility" which could serve the dual purpose of reducing the country's solid waste and generate a significant portion of the country's 
power requirements. As well, incentives are bein g provided to promote other types of renewable 
and alternative energy-efficient technologies, which can contribute to reducing the high fuel import bill. Indeed, several Canadian companies are exploring business opportunities in Barbados and other countries of the Caribbean region aimed at introducing such transformative energy 
technologies. 
4.15.  In a similar vein, we applaud the Government of Barbados for exercising sound 
environmental stewardship in protecting its na tural environment through the improvement and WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  upgrade of tourism infrastructure – thus contributi ng to the sustainability of one of its primary 
foreign exchange earning industries.  
4.16.  While we acknowledge the efforts of the Government of Barbados to put in place measures 
and policies to generate macroeconomic stability and growth, recent international reports such as 
the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business 2015, ranked Barbados 106th of 189 countries with a 
rank of 91 for "ease of starting a business." The World Economic Forum's Competitiveness Index, ranked Barbados 55th of 144 countries surveyed. On the other hand, Barbados was more 
favourably reviewed by Transparency International on its Global Corruption Perception Index of 
2014 in which Barbados ranked 17th globally of 175 countries and was tied for second place in the Americas beside the United States and behind only  Canada. All this is to say that while there has 
been progress on a number of indicators there is still a lot of work ahead. In this regard, we 
welcome the Government's recent establishment of a Business Facilitation Unit, which "will seek to 
increase the ease and speed of doing business". 
4.17.  Weak macroeconomic performance since the global financial crisis in 2008 has led to a 
surge in public debt and rising fiscal financing pressures. We think that it will be important for the 
Government of Barbados to continue to concentrate on reducing the National Debt, which stood at 97.2% of GDP in 2013 (gross debt, IMF), to more sustainable levels, as well as to continue 
reducing the fiscal deficit, which, according to the IMF, stood at 13% of GDP in 2013. Moreover, 
foreign reserves fell precipitously during 2013. Although they closed the year at US$578 million, or about 3.2 months of imports (IMF), they were reportedly down to around US$500 million as of November 2014, and will need to be improved upon, going forward.    
4.18.  In conclusion, as stated earlier, Canada and Barbados have a longstanding and valued 
relationship which has sustained us through good and bad times. In the spirit of that relationship, Barbados can count on our support in its efforts to continue to strengthen, expand and address 
key challenges facing the national economy. 
EUROPEAN
 UNION 
4.19.  Barbados is a very small State, but a ma jor diplomatic, economic and transport hub in the 
Eastern Caribbean region. 
4.20.  As recognized by the Secretariat report, Barbados' relatively small size and island location 
make the country highly dependent on imports which,  together with a high level of debt, have left 
Barbados extremely vulnerable to exogenous shocks.  
4.21.  The EU acknowledges that Barbados ha s been seriously affected by the 2008 crisis, 
predominantly through the traded sectors – tourism, financial services and real estate investment - with significant negative spill over effects on local construction activity and other related sectors.  
4.22.  The EU notes the efforts undertaken by the Government to put in place a programme of 
economic reforms to stabilize and re-position the economy to realize growth, to diversify its economy and to continue on its path of development.  
4.23.  A word on the EU's bilate ral relationship with Barbados.  
4.24.  Barbados and the EU share a long history, culture and a broad base of common values. The 
EU has traditionally been the third largest trading partner of Barbados. In 2013, the share of the total world trade amounted to 8.4%. Moreover, th e EU companies are important foreign investors 
and have a major stake in the economic development of Barbados particularly in the service 
industries such as financial services and tourism. 
4.25.  Formal relations between the EU and Barb ados are positive. They are currently underpinned 
by the Joint Caribbean-EU Partnership Strategy, the Cotonou Agreement and the EU Economic 
Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the EU an d CARIFORUM (Caribbean Forum – Forum of the 
Caribbean Group of African, Caribbean and Pacifi c States). Those agreements are the basis of a 
lively cooperation with Barbados in a wide range of fields going beyond the mere trade and 
investment aspects, such as for example in science and technology, higher education and people to people exchanges as well as public sector reform, energy and climate adaptation. Moreover, WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  Barbados receives development cooperation fund s under the Accompanying Measures for Sugar 
Protocol Countries (AMSP) and the European Development Fund. 
4.26.  In this respect, the EU was surprised to note that the CARIFORUM-EU EPA as a major 
instrument of economic cooperation between Barbados and the EU is not mentioned in the 
Government's report.  
4.27.  At the multilateral level, the EU agrees with Barbados on the necessity to push for a speedy 
conclusion of all areas under negotiation under the Doha Round. Furthermore, considering that 
Barbados, in its Government report, declared that Trade Facilitation is an important issue for them, 
the EU expects Barbados to proceed speedily wi th its notification at the WTO with as many 
commitments in Category A as possible.   
4.28.  Despite these positive aspects, the EU submitted to Barbados a number of questions as 
regards Barbados trade and investment policy making. Today, I will list only a couple of them: 
4.29.  First of all, I would like to refer to Barbados' dual-licensing  regime that favours imports from 
other CARICOM partners. In our written question s, we ask Barbados to clarify which are the 
monitoring requirements applicable to CARICOM and non-CARICOM countries, highlighting the 
differences between the two sets of requirements. 
4.30.  Secondly, considering that the tourism sect or and the related activities are responsible for 
over 50% of the economic activities in Barbados, the EU is interested to understand the licensing 
rules applicable for accommodations and restaurants as well as to receive more details on the existing regime for tourism services. Clear and non-discriminatory rules would not only remove current obstacles for international trade but also further integrate Barbados into the multilateral 
trading system and increase its commercial links with WTO Members.  
4.31.  In closing, the EU is confident that the current exercise will help Barbados in further 
reviewing its policies so as to ensure that they are most favourable for attaining its economic 
objectives while respecting their inte rnational commitments in this forum. 
BRAZIL 4.32.  Brazil recognizes the severe and continued e ffects of the global economic crisis in Barbados. 
As a small island developing country, Barbados  faces particular challenges that are not 
experienced by countries with more robust do mestic economies. Those challenges are even 
greater considering the current international economic environment.  
4.33.  My delegation hopes the fiscal consolidation programme will aid in the reduction of the 
existing deficit and help restore fiscal sustainability. We also welcome the initiatives being 
undertaken in order to increase the competitiveness of Barbados national producers, as well as measures to facilitate trade.  
4.34.  Brazil will also follow with great interest  the studies to expand the scope of sugar-related 
activities in order to produce ethanol and generate electricity. As it is known, Brazil is one of the main developers of ethanol originated from sugar cane and remains very much interested in 
developments in the area. 
MÉXICO 4.35.  Como se ha mencionado, Barbados resintió los efectos de la crisis económica mundial, 
dañando fuertemente su actividad turística, misma que hace la mayor contribución al PIB 
(alrededor del 50%). Barbados ha encontrado dificultades para recuperar su competitividad en el 
sector, lo que ha determinado la contracción de su economía durante los tres últimos años y el aumento del desempleo en casi 4.3 puntos porcentuales desde el 2007.  
4.36.  La crisis económica también dañó las finanzas públicas y ha dado lugar al incremento de la 
deuda pública, la cual representó el 126% de su PIB en el 2013. Barbados también podría estar enfrentando una sobrevaloración de su moneda, lo que incide en su competitividad turística. En 
este entorno desfavorable aplaudimos la estrategia  de desarrollo emprendida por el gobierno de WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  Barbados, cuyos elementos centrales han sido descritos por la distinguida Ministro Mclean y entre 
los cuales resaltan diversas medidas para reducir su déficit fiscal y fortalecer su sector turístico, así como un mayor énfasis en el desarrollo del sector manufacturero. Confiamos en que éstas medidas de alto valor le permitirán diversificarse y sacar mayores ventajas del comercio como 
motor de crecimiento, sanear sus finanzas públicas y reducir la deuda pública a un nivel más 
sostenible, y poder retomar la senda del crecimiento y creación de empleos muy pronto.  
4.37.  En este contexto, en relación a su polí tica arancelaria, observamos que en 2014 Barbados 
aplicó un arancel promedio NMF para productos no agropecuarios de 12,3%, con crestas de 145%, 
y de 33,9 % para los productos agropecuarios, con crestas que llegaron hasta el 216%. Sus aranceles consolidados se sitúan en 111% en los productos agropecuarios (según definición de OMC) y 76,2% en los no agropecuarios. Nos parece que la elevada diferencia que existe entre los 
aranceles consolidados y aplicados reduce la previsibilidad de su régimen comercial.  
4.38.  En relación con los reglamentos técnicos, hay una diferencia sustancial entre los 
reglamentos técnicos en vigor y los que se han no t i f i c a d o  a  l a  O M C .  E l  e x a m e n  s e ñ a l a  q u e  l a  
última notificación se realizó en el 2006, y que a partir de esa fecha no se han adoptado nuevos 
reglamentos. Con relación a las medidas sanitarias y fitosanitarias, aplaudimos el establecimiento de la Dirección Nacional de Sanidad Agropecuaria y Control de Alimentos que revisará la legislación 
existente para verificar su compatibilidad con los acuerdos, normas o códigos internacionales.  
4.39.  El sector de los servicios representa más de l 80% de su PIB, siendo los servicios financieros, 
turísticos y de transporte los que realizan las mayores contribuciones. Aunque el sector financiero no parece ser una fuente de riesgo inmediato para la economía de Barbados, según lo señala el 
FMI en su reporte sobre el país (febrero 2014), éste sigue siendo vulnerable para enfrentar 
choques externos a pesar de las mejoras que se han hecho en su régimen regulatorio y de supervisión. El FMI sugiere fortalecer áreas como la independencia del Banco Central y reforzar 
acciones para evitar las pérdidas en los préstamos, así como mejorar la supervisión del sector de 
seguros.  
4.40.  Felicitamos a Barbados por las medidas de facilitación del comercio, particularmente porque 
el despacho de aduanas se realiza por medios electrónicos y se pueden dictar resoluciones 
anticipadas. Según el informe, el tiempo máximo para el despacho de aduanas es de 48 horas y un día en caso de productos perecederos. Sobre este rubro, nos gustaría saber cuáles han sido los avances que se han tenido en relación a la creación de una ventanilla única y la adopción del 
sistema SIDUNEA World. También congratulamos a Barbados por las medidas que ha tomado para 
fortalecer su competitividad a través de la aplicación estricta de su política de competencia, sobre todo si consideramos el tamaño de su economía y el número reducido de proveedores en ciertos 
productos y servicios. Igualmente las modificaciones que introdujo Barbados en relación a su 
régimen de contratación pública, y las medidas adoptadas para fortalecer la competencia en el sector de las telecomunicaciones.  
4.41.  Agradecemos al Gobierno de Barbados por las respuestas a las preguntas formuladas por mi 
delegación y le deseamos el mayor de los éxitos en este examen y en la implementación de su 
estrategia de desarrollo y crecimiento. 
COLOMBIA 
4.42.  A finales del siglo XVII, Barbados padeció la crisis derivada de varios desastres naturales, 
tales como plagas, incendios, huracanes, sequías e inundaciones. Afortunadamente, las dificultades y retos del día de hoy son diferent es pero no dejan de afectar negativamente su 
economía. Este es el caso de las consecuencias derivadas de la crisis financiera de 2008. 
4.43.  Prueba de ello ha sido la drástica disminución de los ingresos derivados del turismo, y la 
consecuente contracción de su PIB. Ello ha tenido serias repercusiones al representar este sector 
más del 50% de su economía, ser el principal motor de su crecimiento económico, el mayor 
receptor de inversión extranjera y la fuente más importante de divisas. 
4.44.  A este panorama se suma la tendencia creciente del déficit fiscal, acompañada por un 
aumento de la deuda pública, una caída en las exportaciones de servicios y un desequilibrio 
significativo de la balanza comercial. WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  4.45.  Pese a esa coyuntura, para Barbados estaría claro que su crecimiento y desarrollo están 
indisolublemente vinculados con sus derechos y obligaciones en la OMC, tal como como lo indica en su informe. En esa medida, mantiene un régimen comercial bastante liberal y con escasos obstáculos a la entrada. Así mismo, continúa ofreciendo un entorno empresarial estable, una 
adecuada infraestructura y una fuerza laboral capacitada. 
4.46.  Respecto a la evolución de su política comercial, el país ha registrado varios avances 
significativos, como lo señala el Informe de la Secretaría: 
• El establecimiento oficial de la Administración Tributaria de Barbados. 
• La adopción de nuevas medidas tendientes a facilitar aún más el comercio. 
• La aplicación de un régimen de inversión abierto con pocas restricciones.  
• El inicio del proceso de establecimiento de una Dirección nacional de sanidad 
agropecuaria y control de alimentos. 
• La continuación de esfuerzos tendientes a alentar la competitividad de los mercados 
mediante la política de competencia. 
• El actual proceso de elaboración de una nueva ley de contratación pública, tendiente a 
aumentar la transparencia y la eficiencia. 
• La actual revisión de su legislación en materia de propiedad intelectual a fin de poder 
adherir a algunos acuerdos administrados por la OMPI. 
4.47.  Pese a estos y otros avances, ciertos hechos generan preocupación para los inversionistas, 
socios comerciales de Barbados y Miembros de la OMC: 
• La inexistencia de una ley general que garantice el acceso a los mercados o el trato 
nacional a los inversionistas extranjeros.  
• El retraso en la presentación de ciertas notificaciones. 
• La continuidad de la aplicación de varios programas de incentivos destinados total o 
parcialmente a la promoción de las exportaciones, con plazos de vencimiento que irían 
más allá de los autorizados por la OMC. 
• El elevado número de concesiones arancelarias y fiscales que otorga en la actualidad, 
y que quizá no está retribuyendo los resultados esperados. 
• La inexistencia de una autoridad encargada de realizar investigaciones sobre medidas 
comerciales especiales. 
4.48.  Para finalizar, quisiéramos destacar la ac tiva participación que ha tenido Barbados en la 
OMC. En particular, el mensaje que ha transmitido, a nombre propio y de las economías pequeñas 
y vulnerables, sobre la importancia que para ellas reviste el sistema multilateral de comercio. 
4.49.  Estamos convencidos que Barbados po drá superar los tiempos difíciles que viene 
afrontando, así como lo ha hecho en el pasado. Así mismo, que podrá cumplir el objetivo trazado 
en su "Estrategia de crecimiento y desarrollo" de alcanzar un desarrollo económico, humano y social sostenible en el horizonte de planificación 2013-2020. 
UNITED
 STATES 
4.50.  As we noted during the 2008 trade policy review, Barbados is a valued hemispheric partner 
of the United States, and the commercial rela tionship between our countries is vibrant and 
growing. The United States is Barbados' top trading partner, and total two-way goods trade during 
2013 was US$508 million. Despite the difficulties during the 2008 and 2009 global financial crisis, WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  U.S. goods imports from Barbados rebounded quickly and by 2013 had increased nearly 70% from 
their low in 2009, totalling US$55 million in 2013.   
4.51.  Barbados is a beneficiary of the U.S. Caribbe an Basin Initiative, which aims to facilitate the 
economic development and export diversification of the Caribbean Basin economies by providing 
countries with duty-free access to the U.S. market  for most goods. Further, most of Barbados' 
exports enter the United States duty-free. 
4.52.  The Secretariat's report describes the tourism sector as of vital importance to Barbados' 
economy, contributing over 50% of the country's  GDP, with government and financial services 
accounting for most of the rest. The United States continues to be one of Barbados' principal sources of tourist arrivals with travellers from the United States representing more than 20% of arrivals in 2013. 
4.53.  We note that the Secretariat reports that  Barbados has made considerable progress with 
respect to the adoption of trade facilitation meas ures. We welcome the adoption of such measures, 
as well as the statement by Barbados that trade facilitation is an important issue. As Barbados is 
currently in the process of scheduling its TFA commitments, we look forward to Barbados' TFA 
notification, and eventual acceptance of the TFA, and we stand ready to support Barbados with the 
scheduling process where we can.  
4.54.  We applaud Barbados' initiative, as outlined in the Secretariat's report, to consolidate its 
sanitary and phytosanitary regulatory functions un der a single government agency and to bring its 
plant and animal health and food safety systems in line with international standards. We look 
forward to learning about how these changes will a ffect the requirements for exporters shipping to 
Barbados.   
4.55.  As noted in the Secretariat's and the Government reports, Barbados has faced challenges 
with persistently high budget deficits, which will need to be addressed through a mixture of 
expenditure reduction and increased revenue coll ection. We therefore encourage Barbados to 
pursue these needed reforms in a transparent mann er and in consultation with the private sector. 
We concur with the assessment in the Secretariat's report that Barbados should use the 
opportunity provided by these reforms to stream line its tariff and tax system and to boost its 
economic competitiveness.  
4.56.  While we applaud Barbados' continued progress integrating into the global economy, we 
notice that many of the issues identified during previous Trade Policy Reviews have not been fully 
addressed. For example, the Secretariat's report notes that during the review period Barbados 
reduced the number of products for which import licenses are required, but yet licenses are still required for a wide range of agricultural and in dustrial goods and often require approvals from 
multiple ministries. We encourage Barbados to consider ways to streamline its import permit 
processes.   
4.57.  The report also notes that there were no major changes to Barbados' intellectual property 
rights legislation during the review period, and we urge Barbados to review its legislation to make 
it compatible with WIPO treaties. We look forward to working with the Government of Barbados bilaterally and through CARICOM to address intellectual property issues, particularly copyright-related, raised in our written comments.   
4.58.  Finally, as was the case during the 2008 Trade Policy Review, Barbados is not a party to the 
WTO Agreement on Government Procurement. We look forward to the results of the proposed 
reforms to Barbados' government procurement regu lations described in the Secretariat's report. 
We have submitted a short list of questions about specific issues in Barbados' trade regime. We 
look forward to reviewing Barbados' responses. 
4.59.  In closing, we would like to welcome the statement by Barbados that it sees international 
trade as an engine for its growth and development. As Barbados noted, liberalization and 
globalization of trade have provided opportunities for small economies to participate in the generation of increased trade that ultimately co ntributes to the growth and development of such 
economies. The United States therefore look s forward to further deepening our trade and 
economic partnerships with Barbados and the other members of the Caribbean Community WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  (CARICOM). As a founding Member of the WTO,  we commend Barbados for its longstanding 
commitment to the multilateral trading system. We remain committed to continued cooperation with Barbados to deepen our relationship bilaterally, in regional fora, and in the WTO. 
MAURITIUS 
4.60.  At the outset, my delegation wishes to commend the leadership and advocacy role played 
by Barbados for the Small Island Developing States and the small vulnerable economies in Geneva. 
4.61.  This assumes significant importance in the face of the challenges faced by many developed 
and developing countries with the onslaught of the global economic downturn. The vulnerability of small islands is more pronounced to exogenous shocks and external factors. The current volatility in the foreign exchange markets is among one of the factors which seriously impact on the 
economies of SIDS. We are yet to see the impact of the weakening euro, the quantitative easing 
measures of the European Central Bank and the falling prices of oil on the global markets. 
4.62.  We wish to commend the Government of Ba rbados for charting a strategy to address the 
impact of the 2008 global economic downturn on its economy. Equally to be commended are the 
efforts of the private sector and the population of Barbados in the common Social Partnership to boost the economic fundamentals of Barbados' economy and institute a series of reforms aimed at 
sustainable economic, human and social developmen t. The overall economic activity, according to 
Barbados Central Bank, has improved by 0.3% in 2014 and is expected to grow by about 2% in 
2015, from tourism and construction sectors and th e spin-off effects to wholesale, retail and 
business services sectors. 
4.63.  We are confident that Barbados authoritie s would successfully implement its strategy with a 
view to diversifying its economy and bolstering productivity as well as achieve fiscal consolidation and debt sustainability. A path well known to Mauritius, for having taken similar bold measures to 
address inherent structural and international constraints. 
4.64.  Both Barbados and Mauritius, as small ec onomies and though from different regions, share 
the same importance of intra-regional trade and improved trade facilitation coordination to enable 
further trade flows between the countries in our respective regions. 
4.65.  My delegation looks forward to working cl osely with the delegation of Barbados as we 
engage in an important year at the WTO to discuss the establishment of the Post Bali Work Programme, progress on the Doha Development Agenda with the overall objective of a 
development centred and fair and balanced outcome. 
REPUBLIC
 OF KOREA 
4.66.  Let me begin by commending Barbados for its targeted policy efforts during the period 
under review, as outlined in its Medium Term Gr owth and Development Strategy to overcome the 
impacts posed by many economic challenges and to seek to chart a clear direction for its economic growth and development priorities from 2013 to 2020.  
4.67.  Korea would like to commend Barbados for its active participation in the multilateral trading 
system, in particular through its coordination of the Small, Vulnerable Economies (SVEs) Group as 
well as its active engagement in the CARICOM an d other regional and bilateral trade agreements. 
We believe that the main objective of all of these efforts is to liberalize its trade, thus seeking to 
further integrate its economy into the global economic system. In this regard, we expect Barbados 
will continue to contribute to the enhancement of the WTO system. 
4.68.  With regard to the implementation of th e Trade Facilitation Agreement, as Barbados had 
played an instrumental role in concluding the TFA and in the legal scrubbing of the texts, based on 
its readiness and sensitivities, we expect Barbados to play a prominent role in the implementation process forward by notifying the schedule of its commitments in Categories under the TFA in a 
time l y mann e r, as  we l l a s  the  formul ation of the  P os t-Bali wor k p rog ramme  in ke y are as , as  a 
stepping stone to concluding the DDA negotiations. WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  4.69.  Korea would like to share the concerns of other Members with respect to trade policies of 
Barbados such as lack of the WTO notifications in some areas and import restrictions and licensing procedures. 
REPÚBLICA
 DOMINICANA 
4.70.  La República Dominicana comparte estrechos lazos de amistad con Barbados, como país 
ACP, como miembro del Grupo de las economías pequeñas y vulnerables, y como miembro del Acuerdo de Asociación Económica entre el CARIFORUM y la Unión Europea.  
4.71.  Tal y como lo indica el informe de la Secretaría, la economía de Barbados se ha visto 
gravemente afectada por la crisis económica mund ial, que provocó una fuerte disminución de los 
ingresos procedentes del turismo, de los que el país es altamente dependiente. El PIB tuvo una reducción importante en 2009, y desde 2010 ha crecido muy poco. Se espera que en 2014 el PIB 
disminuya alrededor de un 1% antes de recuperarse ligeramente en 2015. La escasa actividad 
económica se ha traducido en los últimos años en una disminución de la inflación, que pasó de alrededor del 9,4% en 2011 a menos del 2% en 2013 y 2014.  
4.72.  Asimismo, Barbados presenta un serio problema de déficit fiscal. Desde el último examen de 
sus políticas comerciales, Barbados ha registrado déficits fiscales cada vez mayores que han hecho aumentar su deuda pública. El déficit fiscal aumentó del 3,4% del PIB en 2007-2008 al 12,7% del 
PIB en 2013-2014. El déficit creciente hizo aumentar la relación deuda-PIB en más de un 126%. 
También el PIB per cápita viene decayendo. Exhortamos a las autoridades de Barbados a aprobar y aplicar a la mayor brevedad el programa de consolidación fiscal que les permita revertir esta situación. 
4.73.  Barbados es una economía pequeña y vulnerable. Los servicios constituyen la base de la 
economía de Barbados. El turismo y las actividades conexas son, con diferencia, los sectores que más contribuyen al PIB. El turismo tiene importantes repercusiones indirectas en la construcción, 
los servicios de distribución, la electricidad, la agricultura y las manufacturas. El sector turístico se 
vio considerablemente afectado por la crisis mundial, que provocó una disminución significativa del número de visitantes. Entre 2008 y 2013, el gasto total asociado a los turistas que pernoctan 
disminuyó de 1.140 a 713 millone s de dólares EE.UU. La crisis económica y financiera 
internacional les ha golpeado duramente. A pesar de esta difícil situación económica, Barbados mantiene un régimen comercial generalmente liberal y con escasos obstáculos a las importaciones.  
4.74.  Saludamos que Barbados tiene un régimen de inversión muy abierto. Sin embargo, este 
régimen todavía no se ha consignado en una Ley de inversión, que garantice el trato NMF y el 
trato nacional, a todos los inversores independientemente del origen, sugerimos la elaboración y aprobación de dicha ley, para dar una mayor estabilidad al régimen de inversiones.  
4.75.  Felicitamos también a Barbados por el im portante avance que ha tenido en materia de 
facilitación de comercio. El despacho de aduana puede llevarse a cabo por medios electrónicos y actualmente solo alrededor del 10% de las importaciones están sujetas a inspección física.  
4.76.  Nos parece positivo también que Barbados ha continuado haciendo esfuerzos para mejorar 
la competitividad de los mercados mediante la política de competencia, las actividades destinadas a garantizar la protección de los consumidores y la reglamentación de los servicios públicos. Coincidimos con la opinión del informe de la Secretaría de que dado el pequeño tamaño de la 
economía en Barbados y del reducido número de proveedores de ciertos productos y servicios, 
para que Barbados mejore la competitividad y el bienestar de los consumidores y atraiga inversiones extranjeras es esencial que se controle la aplicación de las normas sobre competencia. 
Se han otorgado al organismo encargado de la competencia amplias facultades de investigación y 
un mandato sólido para hacer cumplir la ley.  
4.77.  Para finalizar, felicitamos también a Barbados por los cambios positivos en la legislación 
sobre contratación pública. Hemos presentado algunas preguntas a la delegación de Barbados, y 
agradecemos los esfuerzos para darnos respuestas. Finalmente, deseamos suerte y prosperidad a la delegación de Barbados en este tercer examen de política comercial. WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  4.78.  Hace 24 años que hice mi primer viaje a Barbados con inversionistas turísticos dominicanos 
para analizar la viabilidad de los llamados "time-sharing" que Barbados comenzaba a implementar y era pionero en ese sector. Me sorprendió el nivel de desarrollo humano de ese país y su equidad social. Espero que Barbados mantenga sus logros que es cada vez más difícil de encontrar 
inclusive en los llamados países desarrollados. 
BÉNIN 4.79.  La délégation du Bénin souhaite la bienvenue à la délégation de la Barbade. 
4.80.  Elle exprime sa haute appréciation aux autorités de la Barbade pour leurs efforts et 
réalisations dans le domaine de la promotion économique et commerciale, ainsi que de l'intégration régionale. 
4.81.  Les réformes menées par la Barbade depuis le dernier examen des politiques commerciales 
du pays en 2008 ont contribué à obtenir d'importants résultats dans différents domaines et 
secteurs d'activités, tels que l'agriculture, principalement le secteur de la canne à sucre, l'industrie alimentaire et les boissons, le tourisme et les services financiers. 
4.82.  L'adoption et la mise en oeuvre de la stratégie de croissance et de développement à moyen 
terme, période 2013-2020, est un cadre important d'orientation des actions et interventions dont les premiers résultats sont le relèvement du taux de croissance du PIB et la baisse du taux 
d'inflation. 
4.83.  La délégation du Bénin exhorte les partenaires techniques et financiers de la Barbade à 
poursuivre et accroître leur soutien à ce pays, en vue de l'atteinte des objectifs de développement fixés, et pour relever les contraintes auxquelles elle fait face, notamment celles liées aux 
phénomènes climatologiques dans un environnement insulaire. 
4.84.  La délégation du Bénin salue l'importante contribution de la Barbade aux travaux de l'OMC. 
4.85.  Enfin, elle souhaite plein succès à la Barbade dans l'examen de ses politiques commerciales. 
INDIA 
4.86.  As brought in the two reports, Barbados has not been insulated from the global economic 
crisis. In fact, it has taken a severe hit as evident from its mostly flat economic growth during the 
period under review, a sharp decline in tourism rece ipts, its mounting fiscal deficit and public debt, 
and persistent external current account deficit. 
4.87.  To respond to these economic challenges, Barbados formulated a Medium Term Growth and 
Development Strategy, namely "Adjustment, Reform , Recovery and Sustainability" which sought to 
chart a clear direction for Barbados' economic gr owth and development priorities from 2013 to 
2020. We are happy to note that some of the initiatives taken by Barbados under this strategy are bearing fruit. We wish Barbados every success in navigating through these challenges and 
implementing its vision for economic growth, developing its industrial energy sector, enhancing 
competitiveness, and fiscal consolidation. We have noted that Barbados deems its participation in the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), of utmost importance. 
4.88.  My delegation applauds the commitment of Barbados to the multilateral trading system and 
very much appreciates the active and constructive role played by Barbados in the WTO and in the on-going negotiations, especially articulating the interests and challenges faced by small economies in the context of work programmes and in other areas of negotiation.  
4.89.  In the bilateral area, India has had very close and historic linkages with the Caribbean 
countries. India and Barbados enjoy friendly ties and the presence and contribution of the Indian 
community has been an important link between ou r two peoples. Though India-Barbados trade 
engagement has, however, been limited, we look forward to enhancing our bilateral trade and 
economic ties for mutual benefit in the coming years. WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU 
4.90.  Rather like us, Barbados is a small island economy with a lack of natural resources. 
Therefore, its successful integration into the world economy is always going to be a critical factor in the maintenance of its own economic health in the future. Its high dependence on international 
trade makes Barbados especially vulnerable to external shockwaves. Obviously, the global 
economic crisis has hit its tourism, financial services and construction industries very hard in recent years, and we note, for example, that the level of public debt rose from 82% of GDP in 
2007 to over 126% in 2013. 
4.91.  Nevertheless, Barbados is still one of the most prosperous and developed countries in the 
Eastern Caribbean and enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes when compared to the countries of Latin America. The Government of Ba rbados is to be commended on the openness of 
its economy and on the serious efforts made to achieve the transformation from sugarcane 
cultivation to light industry and services. We also welcome Barbados' Medium Term Growth and Development Strategy, focusing on adjustment, re form, recovery and sustainability, which will 
involve structural changes designed to restore growth and macroeconomic stability in the 
medium-term. Equally important, we believe, is  the need for further diversification of the 
Barbados' economy in order to reduce its expo sure to the volatility of external demand. 
4.92.  As far as trade policy is concerned, I would just like to mention a few issues in which we 
have a particular interest or concern. 
4.93.  Firstly, regarding its investment regime. Al though the regime in Barbados is generally open 
and business-friendly, restrictions still apply in the areas of exchange control and capital 
repatriation, and there appears to be no overall law that guarantees market access or national 
treatment to foreign investors. Here, we would encourage Barbados to attempt improvement as a matter of urgency. 
4.94.  Secondly, with regard to tariffs. As noted in the Secretariat's report, the highest rates for 
non-agricultural products continue to be applied on certain fish, and on textiles and clothing products up to 145% and 117%, respectively. We would encourage Barbados to further liberalize 
non-agricultural trade, so as to bring greater bene fits to its traders and consumers. Additionally, it 
would be appreciated if Barbados would consider narrowing the gap between bound and applied rates, to improve the predictability of its import regime. 
4.95.  And thirdly, concerning the Trade Facili tation Agreement (TFA), while we acknowledge 
Barbados' active participation in the TFA negotiations, could it please elaborate further on the 
timeframes for its notification of Category A commitments, as well as its ratification of the Agreement. 
4.96.  Finally, if I may touch briefly on our bilateral trade relationship. In 2013, the total value of 
two-way trade between us amounted to over US$7 million, 16% higher than the previous year. We believe there is potential for expansion in bilateral trade and investment, especially if there is 
greater diversification of the type of goods and services involved. 
ARGENTINA 4.97.  Si bien el intercambio comercial bilateral entre Barbados y la Argentina es modesto, ha 
crecido de manera importante en los últimos años. Los principales productos importados por 
Barbados desde la Argentina son vino, aceite de soja y aceite de girasol, mientras que Barbados 
exporta café tostado hacia mi país. 
4.98.  En el marco del afianzamiento de la política de relacionamiento de la Argentina con los 
países del Caribe, cabe señalarse que, en el caso de Barbados, ello se traduce principalmente en la 
apertura de nuestra Embajada en Bridgetown. Nuestro país entiende que una mayor presencia facilitará la identificación de posibles áreas de cooperación entre ambos países. 
4.99.  Advertimos que, si bien la crisis económica global ha afectado la economía de Barbados, 
cabe destacarse que dicho país ha logrado bajar los índices de inflación del 9,4% en 2011 hasta menos del 2% en2014. WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  4.100.  Asimismo, observamos con agrado que Barbados haya "iniciado el proceso de 
establecimiento de una Dirección nacional de sanidad agropecuaria y control de alimentos (NAHFCA)".
1 
4.101.  Consideramos positivo que "las autoridades consideran necesario establecer la NAHFCA 
para cerciorarse de que el Sistema nacional de sanidad animal, preservación de los vegetales e 
inocuidad de los alimentos cumpla las normas internacionales."2 
4.102.  En este sentido, cabe recordar que "Barbados es miembro del Codex Alimentarius, la 
Organización mundial de seguridad animal (OIE) y la Convención internacional de protección 
fitosanitaria (CIPF)."3 
4.103.  En adición, valoramos el compromiso de Barbados con alcanzar la conclusión de las 
negociaciones comerciales de la Ronda de Doha que se desarrollan bajo los auspicios la OMC, 
proceso en el cual todos los aquí presentes estamos involucrados, compartiendo el anhelo por una 
pronta y exitosa conclusión de la misma. 
4.104.  Finalizando, y al tiempo de reiterar nuestro reconocimiento por esta nueva oportunidad de 
intercambiar elementos de juicio y consideraciones sobre la política comercial de Barbados, 
permítanos señalar una vez más la relevancia de este ejercicio de transparencia en todos sus aspectos y desear éxito a las autoridades de Barbados en este tercer examen de su política 
comercial. 
COSTA
 RICA 
4.105.  Las delegaciones que me han precedido ya han señalado varios puntos importantes que mi 
delegación no desea repetir. Sin embargo, quisiera resaltar lo señalado en el informe de la 
Secretaría y en las palabras iniciales de la Presidenta y la ponente sobre los avances hechos por 
Barbados en la adopción de medidas para facilitar el comercio, por lo que los alentamos a presentar su notificación de compromisos bajo la categoría A y a avanzar en el proceso de 
ratificación del Acuerdo sobre facilitación del comercio de la OMC.   
4.106.  Costa Rica no presentó preguntas por adelantado a Barbados con ocasión de este examen 
de políticas comerciales. Sin embargo, mi delega ción sigue con mucha atención este ejercicio por 
tratarse de un país con el que tenemos estrechos lazos. Efectivamente, en marzo de 2004, 
nuestros países junto con el resto de los miembros de CARICOM firmaron un Tratado de libre comercio que entró en vigor entre Costa Rica y Barbados en el 2006. Desde entonces, si bien las cifras totales de comercio bilateral siguen siendo bastante reducidas y apenas se alcanzó 
8 millones de dólares EE.UU. en el 2013
4, nuestro comercio ha crecido a un ritmo promedio de un 
8,5% anual y esperamos que siga aumentando en términos cuantitativos y cualitativos. Por esta razón, mi delegación quisiera aprovechar esta oportunidad para solicitar información a Barbados 
sobre el estado actual y la evolución que ha tenido el Acuerdo sobre grasas y aceites del 
CARICOM. En particular, nos interesa conocer si Barbados tiene aún vigente este acuerdo, cuáles otros miembros del CARICOM lo tienen vigente y cuál es su alcance. 
4.107.  Finalmente, aprovecho para desearle a Barbados un exitoso examen de política comercial. 
EL
 SALVADOR 
4.108.  El informe de la Secretaría nos permite constatar la apertura general del régimen 
comercial de Barbados y que sus principales actividades tales como el turismo, finanzas, entre los 
más relevantes continúan siendo una "fuerza motriz del desarrollo social y económico" de este país 
y una de las principales fuentes de divisas dentro del sector de los servicios. Asimismo, observamos que para hacer frente a los desafíos con que se enfrentan estos sectores, se han 
adoptado una serie de iniciativas de desarrollo y procedido a su vez a reactivar otros rubros tales 
como el manufacturero; agrícola entre otros, desarrollándose importantes proyectos de 
                                               
1 WT/TPR/S/308, párrafo 3.57. 
2 WT/TPR/S/308, párrafo 3.58. 
3 WT/TPR/S/308, párrafo 3.63. 
4 Comercio bilateral (importaciones y exportacione s) entre Costa Rica y Barbados. Según cifras del 
Ministerio de Comercio Exte rior: http://www.comex.go.cr. WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  construcción tales como la planta multiusos destinada a procesar derivados de la caña de azúcar, 
por ejemplo. 
4.109.  A su vez observamos que en el plan de Estrategia de crecimiento y desarrollo a mediano 
plazo, se brinda una orientación clara a las prioridades de crecimiento económico y de desarrollo 
para el período 2013 a 2020, favoreciendo el desarrollo económico, humano y social sostenible de 
Barbados, particularmente con la aplicación de la Estrategia de crecimiento y desarrollo "Reajuste, Reforma, Recuperación y Sostenibilidad" la cual preservará la apertura comercial y de inversiones 
y a su vez contribuirá a mantener los niveles más altos en cuanto al ingreso per cápita y los 
indicadores del desarrollo humano. 
4.110.  En el marco de este ejercicio reconocemos los esfuerzos que Barbados ha venido 
implementando en las esferas administrativas, destacando por ejemplo el proceso de 
establecimiento de la Dirección nacional de sanidad agropecuaria y control de alimentos (NAHFCA) 
la cual de acuerdo a los informes del Gobierno, se ocupará de las cuestiones sanitarias y fitosanitarias, incluido el examen de la legislación vigente, todo lo anterior a fin de garantizar su 
coherencia con los acuerdos y códigos de prácticas internacionales. Observamos también, que 
Barbados ha adoptado el Sistema automatizado de datos aduaneros (SIDUNEA++) y, que a la fecha han comenzado el proceso de adopción de  SIDUNEA World, el cual estará plenamente 
instalado en el próximo mes de febrero del año en  curso. Dicho sistema entre otros permitirá que 
los documentos de importación puedan ser remiti dos en formato electrónico por anticipado y el 
despacho podrá también realizarse en forma electrónica, motivo por el cual les felicitamos y reconocemos sus esfuerzos a fin de brindar aplicación práctica a la facilitación del comercio 
internacional. 
4.111.  Por otra parte, y en lo relativo las medidas que afectan a la producción y al comercio 
particularmente los incentivos, reconocemos las importantes mejoras que Barbados ha venido 
implementado en materia de innovación, particularmente con el establecimiento del Fondo de 
innovación (IF) el cual facilita la ejecución de inversiones en proyectos innovadores comercialmente viables comprendiendo "una amplia gama de sectores" tales como gestión 
ambiental y la eliminación de desechos; las actividades culturales; la tecnología de la información; 
la conservación de energía; la innovación/diversificación de productos turísticos; actividades agrícolas/agroindustriales no tradicionales, entre otros, razón por la cual y dado que el Gobierno de El Salvador ha adoptado y lanzado recientemente de manera oficial su política nacional de 
propiedad intelectual e innovación. 
4.112.  En virtud de lo antes indicado, nuestra delegación está interesada en conocer con mayor 
detalle el alcance y contenido del Fondo de innovación (IF), por lo cual se agradecerá recibir 
información más extensa sobre el IF. 
4.113.  En el plano bilateral, deseamos destacar que en los últimos años se ha registrado un 
crecimiento importante de nuestras exportaciones a dicho país, obteniendo un incremento de 
aproximadamente 264% en el 2014 con respecto al 2013, según las últimas cifras disponibles. 
Adicionalmente, el comercio entre ambos países es bastante complementario, ya que los principales productos exportados a Barbados son azúcar, medicamentos, productos de papel, depósitos de hierro y acero, jugos de frutas y muebles de plástico, mientras que los principales 
productos importados desde dicho país son etiquetas de papel y cartón, productos de industrias 
químicas, contenedores, manufacturas de asfalto, entre otros. 
4.114.  A su vez y como resultado gestiones diplomáticas entre nuestros países, gozamos de un 
Acuerdo de supresión de visas el cual y derivado de su aplicación, pretende promover un mayor 
intercambio comercial y turístico, así como de las inversiones. 
4.115.  En el plano regional, Barbados en calidad de miembro de la Comunidad del Caribe 
(CARICOM), participa activamente en la negociac ión de acuerdos multilaterales, regionales de 
comercio como medio de proteger sus intereses y mejorar sus resultados comerciales. En esos acuerdos, Barbados procura mantener y mejorar el acceso a los mercados con miras a intensificar 
su penetración en ellos, mantener y mejorar sus resultados en el mercado interno y facilitar las 
medidas encaminadas a abordar las limitaciones de la oferta, mejorando así la productividad y 
competitividad tanto en el mercado interno como en los mercados de exportación. WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  4.116.  En la negociaciones multilaterales que se celebran en esta casa, Barbados en conjunto con 
el Grupo de las pequeñas economías, vulnerables participa activamente promoviendo y defendiendo normas que tengan en cuenta nuestras preocupaciones y que permitan lograr un real y efectivo aprovechamiento e inserción de nuestros países en el comercio internacional. 
4.117.  En dicho sentido, mi país ha participado de forma constructiva en conjunto con Barbados 
en los principales frentes de negociación de la Agenda de Doha para el desarrollo tales como agricultura, acceso a mercados para productos no agrícolas, servicios, propiedad intelectual, 
comercio y desarrollo, facilitación al comercio, as í como también en comités y grupos de trabajo 
ordinarios e iniciativas tales como Ayuda para el comercio, con el objeto de construir el plan de trabajo derivado del mandato de nuestros Ministros y el cual se encuentra contemplado en el párrafo 35 del Programa de Doha para el desarrollo. A su vez, Barbados también ha presentado un 
número significativo de propuestas que buscan fortalec er los trabajos que se llevan a cabo en esta 
Organización, principalmente en áreas dedicadas a los países en desarrollo y menos adelantados 
como por ejemplo en el marco del Comité de comercio y desarrollo. 
JAMAICA 
4.118.  Barbados is an important regional partner for Jamaica within the framework of the regional 
integration movement, the Caribbean Community, and the thrust to establish a CARICOM Single 
Market and Economy, as well as in the wider hemispheric and international contexts. 
4.119.  Jamaica and Barbados share a common history and a strong commitment to sustainable 
growth, development, progress and democracy in the Caribbean sub-region. 
4.120.  We are both small, vulnerable, island economies, facing common challenges, many of 
which were outlined in the national report submitted by Barbados for this review. Small vulnerable 
economies like Barbados are also severely constr icted by their narrow economic base and strong 
reliance on imports. These constraints serve to incr ease the vulnerability to external shocks. It is 
no coincidence, therefore, that a significant portio n of this report was devoted to the Government's 
response to the Global Economic and Financial Cris is that began in 2008. In addition, vulnerability 
to natural disasters have a significant impact on trade and macroeconomic performance, such 
shocks can have a magnified effect in small and less diversified economies. 
4.121.  It is against this background that Jamaica wishes to highlight several key elements in 
Barbados' national report for this trade policy revi ew which reflects a determined response to the 
economic challenges being faced: 
• The development of a Medium Term Growth an d Development Strategy to chart Barbadian 
economic priorities from 2013 to 2020 which reinforce Barbados' commitment to a sustainable development path including a noteworthy focus on the environment and 
alternative energy projects as listed on page 10 of the national report.  
• We note the Government's commitment to maintaining its high level of net international 
reserves, and  
• recognize recent incentives provided for traditional high-performing sectors such as tourism, 
expansion in air services, and creative diversification initiatives in other sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing undertaken with full cognizance of regional and multilateral commitments. 
• We recognize and welcome Barbados' conti nued commitment to the regional economic 
integration process, reflected in Barbados' ongoing active participation in the various organs of the Caribbean Community, as well as the various bilateral free trade agreements 
concluded with neighbouring countries. It is to be noted that several functional institutions 
of the Community, including the regional Office of Trade negotiations and CROSQ (the regional standards body) are located in Barbados. 
• We also take note of the significant increase in the national debt, which stood at 126.2% in 
2013, and the Barbados Government's response to this increase, which it is hoped will result 
in the targeted reduction in the debt-to-GDP ratio (to 6.6%) in the coming months. In this WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  regard, we must draw attention to our shared concern that Global Policies take due account 
of the particular challenges of debt as they affect small vulnerable middle income economies. 
4.122.  Jamaica is pleased to note that despite the challenges faced over the period in review 
including the external shocks arising from th e high cost of energy, Barbados has been 
characteristically innovative in the measures it has taken or plans to take to mitigate the impact of the 2008 global economic and financial crisis and its ripple effects on the Barbadian economy. 
Through a combination of fiscal reforms and bold  debt management, Barbados has managed to 
stave off negative economic growth, and growth is predicted to increase slightly this year. 
4.123.  The relative stability experienced by Barbados in recent years is not only due to the timely 
adoption of Government reforms and policies; but to the resilience and cooperation of the 
Barbadian people. 
4.124.  In the context of a post-Bali agenda and the crafting of a DDA work programme, the 
preservation of special and differential treatment and flexibilities for SVEs is fundamental to their 
prospects for enhance trade and economic development, and a clear improvement in the quality of 
life for the populations of SVEs. With this in mind, Barbados, like Jamaica, continues to emphasise the importance of a rules-based multilateral trading system, including a fair and balanced WTO 
Dispute Settlement Mechanism which has the potent ial to represent, for developing countries, a 
levelling of the playing field in the vast area of international trade, particularly if the rules take into account the situation of SVEs like those in the Caribbean sub-region. 
4.125.  Jamaica congratulates Barbados for the steadfast and innovative management of its 
economy in the midst of adversity and for the progress it has achieved in regional and 
international trade. We wish the Delegation of Barbados a very successful third Trade Policy Review. 
HONDURAS 
4.126.  Nos complace observar que Barbados, cuenta con un régimen liberal en materia de acceso 
a los mercados y establecimiento, y no aplica restricciones específicas a la inversión extranjera 
ofreciendo un entorno empresarial favorable así como la aplicación de diversos programas de 
incentivos exclusiva o parcialmente a la promoción de las exportaciones. 
4.127.  Notamos que Barbados ha proseguido sus esfuerzos para alentar la competitividad de los 
mercados mediante la política de competencia, las actividades destinadas a garantizar la 
protección de los consumidores y la reglamentación de los servicios públicos, siendo los servicios 
los que constituyen el pilar principal de la economía. Al mismo tiempo, el turismo y las actividades conexas son los sectores que más contribuyen al PIB. 
4.128.  Por otro lado, el sector de telecomunicaciones de Barbados ha sido plenamente liberalizado 
y existe competencia en todos los segmentos del mercado, aunque existe el reto respecto a la telefonía fija que sigue dominado por un único proveedor. 
4.129.  En lo que respecta a nuestro comercio bilateral, este ha presentado un sostenido 
incremento en promedio, y para el año 2013, importamos 29,607 y exportamos 2,542,006. Entre los principales productos exportados figuran azúcar, tabaco, ladrillos y madera y entre los principales productos importados figuran la sal, la maquinaria y las películas planas. Confirmamos 
que estos lazos comerciales se continúan fortaleciendo. 
4.130.  Finalmente, reiteramos nuestro reconocimiento por esta nueva oportunidad de 
intercambiar y examinar las políticas y prácticas comerciales de Barbados, y al mismo tiempo 
desear éxito a las autoridades en la presentación de su mecanismo de Examen de políticas 
comerciales. 
URUGUAY 
4.131.  En esta breve intervención nuestro país reafirma la importancia de la OMC en el marco 
multilateral basado en normas para el desarrollo  del comercio muy especialmente para economías WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  pequeñas y vulnerables a las fluctuaciones de los precios y de la oferta, al aumento de los costos 
fijos de producción y comercialización, y a la posibilidad de sufrir desastres naturales.  
4.132.  Asimismo, queremos destacar la activa y constructiva participación de la Embajadora 
Marion Williams y de toda la delegación de Barbados en el marco de la OMC con particular énfasis 
en el posicionamiento de los intereses de los estados insulares y de las economías pequeñas y 
vulnerables. 
4.133.  Uruguay posee un fuerte interés en promover y reforzar los vínculos con los países del 
Caribe y con ese objetivo nuestro Ministro de relaciones exteriores, el Embajador Luis Almagro, 
realizó una gira por diferentes países caribeños el pasado noviembre.  
4.134.  En relación al comercio bilateral, Ur uguay posee una balanza comercial favorable con 
Barbados y exporta principalmente carne bovina congelada, otros productos de exportación son 
pescados y productos farmacéuticos. Se ha registrado un crecimiento sostenido del comercio entre 
ambos países en los últimos años y es voluntad de Uruguay en seguir avanzando en esta dirección para fortalecer los lazos de cooperación en áreas de interés común y explorar nuevos espacios de 
trabajo.  
4.135.  Finalmente, quisiera reafirmar el interés compartido con Barbados en alcanzar una exitosa 
finalización de la Ronda Doha para el desarrollo, y el fortalecimiento del sistema multilateral de 
comercio basado en normas previsibles, transparentes y equilibradas.   
NIGERIA 4.136.  Nigeria is pleased to note that since its last Trade Policy Review in 2008, Barbados has 
maintained growth and development programmes, through the implementation of targeted policy 
measures, as outlined in Medium Term Growth and Development Strategy and the resourcefulness 
and dedication of a people whose ultimate goal is that of nation building.  
4.137.  Barbados has made considerable progress with respect to the adoption of trade-facilitation 
measures. Customs clearance can be carried out electronically and mechanisms for advanced 
ruling are in place, as is risk assessment, with merchandise channelled through four lanes according to risk; this includes a "blue" lane, for post-clearance assessment. Currently, only about 
10% of imports are subject to physical inspec tion. The main exception to the use of the 
transaction value relates to imports of used vehicles, for which a valuation method based on the depreciation of the vehicle is used. 
4.138.  Barbados has continued to actively advocate for the small and vulnerable economies in 
particular, to price and supply fluctuations, higher fixed costs of production and marketing, and to 
natural disasters. Barbados sees the WTO as providing multilateral rules based framework for the conduct of all trade. Barbados is a member of CARICOM and the bilateral trade agreements 
subscribed by CARICOM. In this context, Nigeria would like Barbados to share with us its overall 
RTA strategy, which appears to combine both bilateral and multilateral objectives. It would also be interesting to hear how Barbados reconciles possible conflicts or inconsistencies between its 
bilateral trade agenda and the multilateral trade agenda.  
4.139.  Bilateral relations between Nigeria and Ba rbados have been characterized by cooperation 
and trust between the leaders of our countries, and set to continue to grow through the desire of our two countries to forge ahead in addressing the important issues that would make the world a 
better place to live. The bilateral relations generally cover political, economic and socio-cultural 
spheres. We cherish our ties with Barbados and wo uld continue to do our best to consolidate these 
ties as well as the furtherance of relations in other spheres. Nigeria like Barbados share common 
belief on the intensification of south-south trade as a major vehicle of enhancing the integration of 
developing countries into the multilateral trading system. 
4.140.  As an important Member of the WTO, Barbados has remained a staunch supporter of the 
multilateral trading system. In this context, we wish to acknowledge the constructive and 
proactive engagement of the delegation of Barbados in Geneva. We thank the delegation of Barbados for the prompt response to the written questions that have been raised by various Members. We wish the delegation of Barbados a very successful trade policy review. WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  DOMINICA  ON BEHALF  OF THE OECS 
4.141.  As both the Secretariat and the Government reports clearly indicate, over the last six years 
Barbados has experienced the ravages of a global economic recession, the effects of which, as the 
Government report says, sought to unravel many of the social and economic development 
programmes achieved by the country since its indepe ndence in 1966. The impact of this crisis on 
the Barbados economy was seen in a mostly flat overall growth with instances of negative growth over the period. The country's fiscal deficit increased and its national debt rose to 126% of GDP. 
4.142.  Of more notable importance is what the Government report points out which is that the 
crisis was particularly severe on a small vulnerable open economy which depends to a great degree on the economic stability of the developed world. Small vulnerable island developing States like Barbados cannot help but being highly open economies dependant to a very high degree on 
trade for growth and development. That, however,  makes these countries highly susceptible and 
vulnerable to external shocks including the changing fortunes of major trading partners, the price of key commodities and even the policy pronounc ements economic groupings such as the OECD. 
4.143.  We, in the OECS, and in the wider CARICOM, know and can certainly understand this all 
too well. 
4.144.  In response to the impact of the crisis on its economy, Barbados has had to respond with a 
range of structural adjustment and reform measures many of which have been very difficult to 
swallow for the peoples of that small island State. But as many economic research and studies have noted, one of the things that small States are known for is their resilience. And Barbados is demonstrating resilience in its response to the challenges it has faced. 
4.145.  Barbados has developed a Medium Term Growth and Development Strategy, the aim of 
which is to chart a clear direction for growth and sustainable development until 2020. We note the apt and commendable theme is "Adjustment, Refo rm, Recovery and Sustai nability" and addresses 
the universal goals of economic growth and development through productivity, efficiency, 
competitiveness and service excellence. It should  also be noted that Barbados remains committed 
to its rights and obligations in the WTO and in its regional integration arrangements such as 
CARICOM. 
4.146.  The fact is, however, that small States will continue to face persistent challenges both 
internal and external to their growth aspirations.  One challenge highlighted in the reports is the 
high national debt being faced and the stranglehold this can have on a small economy. This 
demonstrates the need for continued concessionary financing from IFIs despite the often 
misunderstood economic realities of middle to high income country status. 
4.147.  The OECS enjoys cordial trade relations deep regional trade cooperation with Barbados 
under the CARICOM rubric as a Customs Union, and with the 2006 CARICOM Single Market 
Economy framework, which despite setbacks po rtends significant benefits for the region. 
4.148.  Despite its capacity constraints and limitations, the WTO report notes that Barbados is an 
active player in the WTO. Like all small States, Barbados is a supporter and is committed to the 
WTO and the multilateral trading system. The WTO report also notes that Barbados maintains a generally liberal trade regime with few barriers to entry and has an open investment regime with few restrictions. The WTO report further notes th e progress that Barbados has made during the 
period under review in the area of trade faci litation, competition, and consumer protection. 
4.149.  Agriculture has been a constant contributor to GDP over the period under review. This 
notwithstanding, Barbados, like other small and larger developing economies, is seeking to ensure 
the viability of the agriculture sector and to reconcile that with food security concerns especially as 
an NFIDC. I am sure you will agree that the foregoing represents a challenge for small economies in promoting domestic productions and meeting livelihood concerns while operating within the 
constraints of this House. 
4.150.  Services continue to be the main driver of the Barbados economy, with tourism and 
financial services remaining vital. However, like the other sectors, services were not immune to WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  the reach of the financial crisis, thus Barbados recorded a fall in tourism receipts and drop in 
visitor arrivals during the period under review. 
4.151.  Barbados' report highlights that intern ational trade continues to be a high priority, 
particularly the completion of the DDA. As an active SVE, Barbados places significant importance 
on the Work Programme on Small Economies. Despite the many challenges, Barbados has 
remained committed to this process and its obligations attendant to WTO membership. 
4.152.  In conclusion, the OECS would like to applaud Barbados for its endeavours at overcoming 
its recent economic challenges and for fulfilling  its multilateral obligations in the WTO. We 
congratulate the delegation for their report and the responses provided to the questions 
submitted. And we renew to Barbados the support of all the OECS member States. WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF  BARBADOS AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS 
5.1.  Let me begin by expressing the sincere grat itude of the Government and people of Barbados 
to you Madam Chair for the able way in which yo u have directed these proceedings and for your 
insightful comments on the performance of Barbados' economy. 
5.2.  Special thanks are also extended to Her Ex cellency Tan Yee Woan, firstly for agreeing to be 
the discussant and secondly for her thought provoking comments as well. The delegation also thanks you the Members of this Body for your co mments, especially your wishes for a successful 
trade policy review and success in our economy. We have found the interventions to be extremely 
constructive.  
5.3.  My delegation is appreciative of the accolades paid to Ambassador Her Excellency Marion 
Williams and the staff of the Mission here in Geneva, for the advocacy on issues of importance to 
small States. 
5.4.  As small open economies, there are very re al impacts which we face. The volatility of oil 
prices which are only now on a downward trend; the crisis in global financial markets and soaring 
food prices are illustrative of such factors. Th e issue of graduation, and the different faces of 
climate change, are also cases in point. We thank you for recognizing that these realities exist and need to be accommodated in all negotiating processes. 
5.5.  I take the opportunity of this second interv ention to reiterate a few points and to respond to 
some of the issues which were raised during the first session. 
5.6.  I will expand on our recovery and development strategies. 5.7.  Several Members acknowledged the tremendo us effort being made to implement the Medium 
Term Growth and Development Strategy and the Fiscal Consolidation and Economic Reform 
Programme. These are multi-faceted and intended to ensure that key economic sectors contribute more significantly to the efforts to diversify the economy. Through this process, we are building 
better operational synergies and efficiencies in central government and statutory entities. 
5.8.  The importance of a number of the specific  initiatives pursued by Government was cited. I 
will first address your queries on legislation in th e area of agriculture. The National Agricultural 
Health and Food Control Programme is intended to enhance the performance of the Agricultural 
Health and Food Safety System in compliance with international standards. This will enable Barbados to compete successfully on a global scale. 
5.9.  The three major components of this syst em are updating and enhancing of the legal and 
institutional framework; institutional strengthening of the public agencies; and upgrading and 
refurbishing of the agricultural laboratories. This work is ongoing. 
5.10.  Simultaneously, the region is working collecti vely to strengthen agricultural health and food 
safety and ensure the highest standards for trade are developed and enforced through the 
Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA). 
5.11.  Barbados is well-advanced in its efforts to update and improve our public procurement 
practices and procedures in order to make them more efficient, transparent and accountable. This 
new system will assist in Barbados obtaining more competitive prices and reduce process time while ensuring the integrity of the system. We will continue to monitor the discussions in the WTO in this area. 
5.12.  In Barbados, investment and trade remain  transparent processes. The legal frameworks, 
including Barbados' expansive treaty network, serve to guide and facilitate investors. 
5.13.  In addition, our tariffs have remained at a stable and predictable level over the last eight 
years. Barbados has a good track record in honouring its commitments at the WTO. These 
commitments include the reduction of bound rates after negotiating rounds have concluded. WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  5.14.  A specific query was raised on the implementation of ASYCUDA World and the Electronic 
Single Window (ESW). We would wish to highlight that work is currently being undertaken to modernize the country's Customs and Excise De partment. The Customs Modernisation Project 
involves major legislative, organisational and technical upgrades to the Customs machinery and 
operating software in Barbados. The Government's aim is to make these operations more efficient 
and effective as we seek to promote competition, strengthen our revenue collection capabilities, reduce congestion at the ports of entry, speed up legitimate trade and enhance the protection of 
our borders. 
5.15.  ASYCUDA World is part of a wider integrat ive network, which would provide the platform for 
a paperless, electronic exchange of trader info rmation among participants in the trade process. 
These improvements will also serve to reduce waiting time and encourage a more efficient 
business facilitation climate. 
5.16.  The Barbados Revenue Authority has already been established. It consolidates the functions 
of the Department of Inland Revenue, the Land Tax Department, the VAT and Excise Divisions of 
the Customs and Excise Department and the revenue collecting aspect of the Barbados Licensing 
Authority. 
5.17.  Barbados is also in the process of reviewing its Intellectual Property Rights legislation. At 
this time, I take the opportunity to inform you that the current review entails an analysis of the 
following legislation: 
(i) Copyright Act, as it relates to the Internet Treaties;  
(ii) Patents Act, as it relates to the Budapest Treaty and the flexibilities under the TRIPS 
 Agreement; 
(iii) Industrial Designs Act; and  (iv) Geographical Indications Act. 
5.18.  At the regional level, Barbados is an active member in the Caribbean Community 
(CARICOM) and the Caribbean Single Market and the Economy (CSME). As a party to a common market, it is expected that this arrangement will confer a number of benefits to CARICOM 
countries in the course of trade. The matter of th e differentiated licensing procedures will require 
more time to provide a fulsome response. We commit to responding to this issue in a timely manner.  
5.19.  I take the opportunity today to inform you that Barbados has plans to enact legislation that 
allows for the full implementation of the WTO provisions on Antidumping and Subsidies and 
Countervailing Measures. Work is progressing at the regional level to develop legislation which addresses these matters. On completion of this process, Barbados will introduce the legislation 
which responds to the requirements at the multilateral level as well as our regional obligations. 
The feasibility of establishing a dedicated Trade Compliance and Anti-Dumping Unit will be revisited by the Government at a later date. 
5.20.  Even though Barbados has the facility to co nclude trade agreements on an individual basis, 
we have traditionally negotiated trade arrangemen ts as CARICOM, the last completed negotiation 
being the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) which we undertook as part of CARIFORUM with the European Union. 
5.21.  Stakeholders in Barbados are working to ensure that we derive the maximum benefits from 
the Economic Partnership Agreement and the bilate ral and unilateral agreements to which we are 
a party. These trade agreements have been brought into law and are fully implemented. 
5.22.  At the multilateral level, Barbados continues to be actively engaged in all negotiations in 
this august Body. The requirement to notify ou r Category A commitments as part of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement and address export-contingen t incentives are receiving the fullest attention 
of the Government. Our country commits to submitting these and other outstanding notifications 
as soon as possible given our resource constraints.  
5.23.  Our trade negotiations are informed by World Trade Organization commitments. In some 
technical areas, these commitments are reaffirmed and reproduced in the text of the negotiated WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  trade arrangements. We make concerted efforts to ensure that these arrangements are 
WTO-compatible. 
5.24.  Barbados' Trade Policy has not been developed in a vacuum. It continues to evolve from a 
process of consultations which include the public sector, the private sector, the labour movement 
and civil society. 
5.25.  In our recently undertaken Foreign Policy Review, Barbados noted the rise of a number of 
economies. It is Barbados' intention to continue to deepen our relationship with our traditional 
trading partners and to foster linkages and re lationships with these emerging economies. 
5.26.  Barbados hopes that with this presentation, we have been able to answer satisfactorily the 
majority of the questions posed to us. We commit to respond before the one month timeline to all unanswered written questions. 
5.27.  We take this opportunity to inform that Barbados will make a submission which will serve to 
update the information in the Secretariat's report. 
5.28.  In closing, I wish to reaffirm Barbados' commitment to the World Trade Organization and 
managed trade liberalization. 
5.29.  We are mindful that with the supporting comments which have been made by the Members, 
our efforts aimed at adjustment, reform, recovery and sustainability will yield success. 
DISCUSSANT 
5.30.  Thank you for the opportunity to make some brief remarks. 5.31.  First I would like to congratulate Senator the Honourable Maxine McClean, Ambassador 
Marion Williams and the delegation for their timely, high quality and comprehensive interaction 
with WTO Members throughout Barbados' third TPR process. 
5.32.  Members showed a high degree of interest  and engagement as evidenced by the number of 
delegations which took the floor.  
5.33.  I had earlier highlighted Barbados' open an d outward looking economic policy, and its deep 
commitment to the multilateral trading system. I also identified the trade and trade-related 
changes, and outlined some potential areas for further discussion. I would like to build on my 
earlier statement by making some brief observations on the views provided by Members on the 
first day of the meeting. 
5.34.  Members generally noted the impact of the global economic and financial crisis on the 
economy of Barbados which severely affected its tourism sector and related activities which makes 
up half of its economic activities. Members co mmended the response by Barbados including the 
Medium-Term Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS) 2013–2020, the steps to counter the fiscal deficit problem, and the moves towards diversification of its economy. 
5.35.  Members also praised the open economy of Barbados where there are few barriers or 
restrictions to trade and investment. Its measures to increase competitiveness through its approach to competition policy were warmly received. 
5.36.  Appreciation was expressed for the positive and active role played by Barbados at the WTO 
in support of the multilateral trading system. Many also underscored its strong advocacy for the interests of the SVEs. In light of its helpful contributions in the conclusion of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, as well as its own national efforts in trade facilitation, a number of Members also 
encouraged the early acceptance of the TFA by Barbados with comprehensive Category A 
commitments.  
5.37.  Members voiced some specific concerns, including in the following areas: its import licensing 
regime, the large differences between the applied and bound tariffs, the delays in WTO 
notification, the restrictions on exchange control and capital repatriation, the dominance by one WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  provider in the land line networks, export support programmes, the need to review intellectual 
property legislation as well as the impact on imports due to the consolidation of SPS regulatory functions. I believe that Barbados will give serious consideration to the concerns raised, and address them in an appropriate manner, if it has not already done so.  
5.38.  What is clear to me as discussant is that Barbados has confronted the adversity caused by 
the global crisis, not by resorting to protec tionist measures, but by making the necessary 
structural changes to fulfil its objectives of economic, human and social development in a 
sustainable manner.  
5.39.  Finally I want to express my honour and pr ivilege of having participated as discussant in 
this review and I wish Barbados every success in the future. 
EUROPEAN
 UNION 
5.40.  Let me express our sincere appreciation to the delegation of Barbados for the replies they 
have provided and for the presentations given on the first and second day of the meeting. 
5.41.  The EU notes that this third review of Barbados has been helpful for better understanding 
the main development of Barbados' trade policy carried out in these last years and the challenges 
that Barbados is called to face in the future. 
5.42.  The EU would like to point out that we ha ve a couple of follow-up questions that we have 
already submitted to the Secretariat. In particular, we reiterate our interest in receiving more 
information on the dual licensing regime, i.e. imports from other CARICOM partners. 
5.43.  Secondly, the EU notes that specific answers to a couple of IPR issues have remained 
unanswered. 
5.44.  Finally, we would be grateful to receive additional clarifications on the licensing regime 
applicable to accommodations and restaurants. 
5.45.  We have submitted these questions and wait for the replies in due course as already 
indicated. The EU would like to thank Barbados for this constructive participation in this exercise. WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
6.1.  The third Trade Policy Review of Barbados has provided an excellent opportunity to improve 
our understanding of its trade and investment policies. I would like to thank Senator the Honourable Maxine McClean, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; H.E. Marion Williams, 
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Barb ados to the World Trade Organization, and the 
Barbados delegation, for their constructive engagement in this meeting and their strong commitment to this exercise. I would also like to thank H.E. Tan Yee Woan, Ambassador of 
Singapore to the WTO for her insightful remarks as discussant. Barbados' written answers to over 
90 advance written questions have been well appreciated by Members and we look forward to answers to additional questions, no later than one month after this meeting. 
6.2.  Members recognized the fact that Barbados has a narrow economic base, is highly reliant on 
imports and is susceptible to the vagaries of the environment. Members also noted that Barbados 
is highly dependent on tourism services, which cont ribute directly and indirectly to GDP in excess 
of 50%, and are the main generators of foreign exchange. All these factors made Barbados' 
economy particularly vulnerable to exogenous shocks. Reflecting this vulnerability, Barbados was 
severely affected by the global economic crisis, which resulted in a sharp decline in tourism receipts and weak GDP growth. 
6.3.  While commending Barbados on its resili ence and prudent macroeconomic policies in the 
aftermath of the global economic crisis, including the implementation of a fiscal consolidation programme, Members expressed concern regarding the precarious fiscal position and consequent rise in the debt ratio to 126% of GDP. Members acknowledged that Barbados had put in place a 
medium-term Growth and Development Strategy centred on Adjustment, Reform, Recovery and 
Stability in an effort to address and resolve some of the above issues. 
6.4.  Members praised Barbados' strong support for the multilateral trading system and the role it 
has played in the DDA negotiations. Its leadership and advocacy role for small island developing 
states and small vulnerable economies was particularly appreciated. Barbados' efforts towards liberalization at the regional and bilateral level were also noted, including the different agreements 
reached through its participation in CARICOM and the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership 
Agreement (EPA), signed in October 2008, and ratified by Barbados in July 2014. 
6.5.  Barbados was commended for its open inve stment regime, and was invited by Members to 
lock in investment guarantees by implementing an Investment Code. Some Members also stated 
that more was needed in terms of ease of doing business to attract foreign investment. 
6.6.  Members also acknowledged Barbados' open economy and liberal trade regime. Barbados' 
considerable progress with respect to the adoption of trade facilitation measures was highlighted 
by several Members. In particular, they noted that Customs clearance could be done electronically, 
mechanisms for advanced ruling were in place,  and risk assessment was used. Members enquired 
as to when Barbados would ratify the Trade Facilitation Agreement and notify its commitments. We 
very much welcome the updates by Minister McClean earlier. 
6.7.  However, Members expressed concern regarding the dual licensing regime for imports. Some 
Members also expressed concern with respect to the maintenance of tariff peaks, and encouraged Barbados to narrow the gap between applied and bound tariff rates. Concerns were raised 
pertaining to the prevalence of high tariffs on certain fish and textile and clothing products. 
Members also noted the large number of tariff and fiscal concessions granted by Barbados to promote exports. Certain Members also sought clarity with regards to the licensing regime in the 
tourism services sector. 
6.8.  Barbados was commended for its competition policy legislation and enforcement, deemed to 
be of particular importance for a small market. Some Members noted the absence of AD and CV 
legislation and we heard from Minister McClean that Barbados is undertaking the necessary 
positive steps. Members noted that, during the period under review, Barbados had continued to 
implement a number of incentive programmes targeted solely or partly at the promotion of exports. Some of these programmes had been iden tified by Barbados as export subsidies and 
notified to the WTO. Barbados had also notified to the WTO the internal steps to be undertaken to 
bring these subsidies into conformity with th e SCM Agreement by 31 December 2015. Members WT/TPR/W/76 • Barbados 
 
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  requested information on the steps taken since the last notification to ensure the timely 
dismantlement of the measures.  
6.9.  Members welcomed Barbados's initiative to consolidate its SPS regulatory functions under a 
single government agency and to bring its plant and animal health and food safety systems in line 
with international standards.  
6.10.  Certain Members also noted that some of the issues identified during the previous TPR had 
not been fully addressed; they also urged Barbados to review its IPR legislation to make it 
compatible with WIPO treaties.  
6.11.  The participation of a sizeable number of delegations in this meeting and the large number 
of questions posed during this Trade Policy Review  indicate the clear importance of Barbados as a 
trading partner. I hope, therefore, that this Review will help Barbados to reinforce its participation 
in the multilateral trading system. In this respect, I would wish to emphasize that it is important 
for Barbados to continue to implement the legislative changes required to best harness the opportunities presented by the multilateral trad ing system and by the integration processes in 
which it participates. Given the constraints faced by Barbados, the collaboration and technical 
assistance of other WTO Members in this matter would be most helpful.  
6.12.  In closing, I would like to thank the dele gation of Barbados, led by Minister McClean, 
Ambassador Williams, Ambassador Tan, the discussant,  all delegations, and the Secretariat for this 
very successful third review of the trade policie s of Barbados. We also thank the interpreters. 
6.13.  We wish the Barbados dele gation a safe trip back home. 
 
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