WT/TPR/M/294  
WT/TPR/M/295  
WT/TPR/M/296  
20 May 2014  
(00-0000)  Page: 1/74  
Trade Policy Review Body 
22 and 24 April 2014   
 
  TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
QATAR, BAHRAIN AND OMAN  
DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING 
Chairperson: H.E. Mr. Joakim Reiter 
CONTENTS 
 
QATAR .............................................................................................................................. 2 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAI RPERSON ....................................................... 2  
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF QATAR ........................................ 4  
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT ................................................................................ 7  
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS .......................................................................................... 9  
 
BAHRAIN AND OMAN ..................................................................................................... 26  
5  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAI RPERSON ..................................................... 26  
6  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE RE PRESENTATIVE OF BAHRAIN .................................. 28  
7  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF OMAN ........................................ 32  
8  STATEMENT BY TH E DISCUSSANT .............................................................................. 35  
9  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS ........................................................................................ 37  
 
10  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF QATAR AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS .......... 57  
11  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF BAHRAIN AND ADDITIONAL 
COMMENTS ..................................................................................................................... 59  
12  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF  OMAN AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ........... 62  
13  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON ....................................................... 69  
14  ELECTION OF THE NEW CHAIRP ERSON .................................................................... 72  
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by Qatar, Bahrain and Oman are reproduced in documents WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1, 
WT/TPR/M/294/Add.1 and WT/TPR/M/295/Add.1, and will be available online at http://www.wto.org/english/tr atop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  QATAR 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The second Trade Policy Review of Qatar was held on 22 and 24 April 2014. The Chairperson 
H.E. Mr Joakim Reiter (Sweden) welcomed the delegation of Qatar headed by H.E. Sheikh Ahmed 
bin Jassim Al Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce; the rest of the Qatari delegation from Doha; colleagues from the mission in Geneva; and the discussant, H.E. Mr Syafri Adnan 
Baharuddin (Indonesia). 
1.2.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of the Tr ade Policy Reviews and the main elements of 
the procedures for the meeting. The report by Qatar was contained in document WT/TPR/G/296 and that of the WTO Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/296. 
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 Qatar: Pakistan; the United States; China; the European Union; Hong Kong, China; Colombia; Mexico; Canada; Republic of Korea; Malaysia; 
Singapore; Chinese Taipei; Japan; and Australia. The following delegations submitted written 
questions after the two week deadline: Turkey; Brazil; India; and Thailand. 
1.4.  Since its last review, Qatar had seen double-digit annual growth rates notwithstanding some 
cooling off since 2012. At the core of Qatar’s growth was and had been its reliance on its 
hydrocarbon base, in particular natural gas, which accounts for approximately half of GDP, more than 60% of government revenues, and, in terms of trade, over 80% of Qatari exports. This had been buoyed in recent years due to high energy  prices and increased output. Thereby, Qatar had 
become one of the wealthiest countries in th e world, as measured by GDP per capita.  
1.5.  Of course, such rapid growth had not come without some side effects, including a period of 
high inflation during 2006-08, but Qatar had managed to keep inflation low for the remainder of 
the period.  
1.6.  Similarly, the strength of its hydrocarbon sector  and its reliance on its windfalls ran the risk 
of making Qatar vulnerable to external shocks, in the medium to long term. Therefore, capitalising 
on its significant hydrocarbon reserves, Qatar had invested heavily in diversifying its economy and 
recent domestic growth had been fuelled by developments in infrastructure, in particular construction, transportation, and services. Investment and diversification strategies towards a knowledge-based economy were starting to have an impact, albeit slight, as non-hydrocarbon 
exports increased from 10 to 12% of total exports during the period. This had been facilitated by 
the 2010 reforms of the investment regime, and intr oduction of new incentives to attract foreign 
direct investment. Nonetheless, in general, foreign investors were still limited to a minority 
ownership requiring a Qatari partner.  
1.7.  In terms of its trade policy, there had been no major changes to Qatar's traditional open 
trade policy regime since the last review. As a member of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) 
Customs Union since 2003, many of Qatar's trade policies were determined at the level of the 
GCC. In particular, there had been more cooperation among the customs administrations of the GCC countries but internal customs borders remained in place. A similar situation arose with respect to tariffs, whereby there was a common GCC tariff schedule, although country specific 
deviations were in place for certain tariff lines and for prohibited and special goods. Many aspects 
of services trade remained outside the GCC remit, although there was some cooperation in some sectors such as recognizing professional qualifications and allowing for the free movement of 
persons. Trade among GCC members had grown si gnificantly over the period, but remained a 
relatively small per cent of Qatari trade. 
1.8.  More specific trade and trade-related questions and concerns that Members had raised were, 
among others, the following:  WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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   On investment and services, considering the limitations and restrictions still in place, 
 Members had enquired about further liberalization of the investment sector, and whether  there were immediate or future plans in this respect. 
 On intellectual property, despite having enacted laws to adhere to WTO rules in this area, as 
 reported in the previous TPR, implementation  of the laws had remained pending for many 
 years due to lack of implementing regulations.  
 On SPS, clarification was sought on the import ban on bovine and ovine meat and Qatar's 
 main food safety law and how it aligned food standards with Codex Alimentarius, ISO, and  other bodies. There were also questions related to Qatar's adherence to GCC rules and  norms on import controls and shelf life/expiry dates. 
 On tariffs, despite the GCC having relatively low tariff protection averaging 5%, with a 
 relatively flat tariff profile with few peaks, transparency and a number of applied rates  exceeding the tariff bindings remained issues of concern.  
 Export incentives: one of the other developments during the period had been the 
 establishment of Qatar's first export development agency. Clarifications were sought on  incentives and targets put in place to increase and diversify Qatari exports. 
1.9.  These were some of the issues Members would like to discuss during this meeting. The 
Chairperson was sure that Members would wish to raise many other issues as well.  
1.10.  Finally, the Chairperson informed Members that they could access the podcast of this 
meeting on the Members' website and that there was simultaneous translation of the first day's 
meeting in Arabic, courtesy of the delegation of Qatar. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF QATAR (H.E. SHEIKH AHMED BIN 
JASSIM AL THANI) 
2.1.  On behalf of the State of Qatar I would like to begin by thanking the Director General of the 
WTO, H.E. Roberto Azevêdo, the Trade Policy Review Body Chairperson, H.E. Joakim Reiter as well 
as our discussant, H.E. Ambassador Syafri Baharuddin, and the former Trade Policy Review Director, Mr. Richard Eglin, for the opportunity afforded to us to undertake this important exercise, 
our second Trade Policy Review. I would also like to extend our warmest welcome to Your 
Excellences Ambassadors, as well as other distinguished delegates and guests. We hope that this exercise will provide everyone with useful info rmation about our current trade policy regime as 
well as insights into the opportunities related to the ongoing economic development drive in Qatar. 
2.2.  We believe that the Trade Policy Review Mechanism provides an open and transparent 
process based on frank and friendly exchanges on matters regarding the multilateral trading system. Qatar remains committed to the strategic goals of the WTO and, to this end, will continue 
to collaborate with other Member States to promote free trade, enhances cross-border investment 
and develop a more competitive, transparent and stable trade policy and investment framework.  
Consistent with this, we recently took steps to realign six tariff lines, in steel, in order to make our 
entire tariff schedule  fully WTO-compliant. 
2.3.  Let me start by saying that we are aware and appreciate the role that international trade 
plays for the well-being of our people. As a net importer of food, Qatar structured its trade policy to ensure that our country’s basic needs are met in a way that maximizes social welfare. 
Furthermore, we believe that trade policy is in strumental for the achievement of our long-term 
development goals, as spelled out in the Qatar National Vision 2030, our Government’s main economic and social strategic development document. We kindly refer our friends to both the 
Secretariat and the Government reports for further details on this important policy text. In this 
sense, our report was drafted to complement the Secretariat’s description and highlight certain sectors — such as construction and finance — in a way that may be useful for both private 
investors as well as policy makers. 
2.4.  Qatar has undergone significant structural and policy changes since its first review in 2005. 
Investment has spread across sectors covering hydrocarbon extraction, downstream manufacturing, business services and construction activities. In particular, our infrastructure 
development initiatives have moved along with the planning and implementation of major 
construction initiatives such as Hamad International Airport, highway infrastructure throughout Qatar, a public transportation system in Doha, a country-wide railway system as well as new 
hospitals and schools. 
2.5.  Total expenditure in construction activities from 2001 to 2012 was around US$164 billion. 
About 40% of our workforce is currently engaged in  construction-related activities and we expect 
this to increase over the next five years. Most of these projects are still underway and a significant 
number of opportunities in various sectors remain. 
2.6.  Between 2005 and 2013, the Qatari economy experienced robust economic growth at an 
average annual rate of 13.7%. This expansion was supported through a combination of significant 
construction investments, strong hydrocarbon exports — currently Qatar is the largest exporter of 
LNG in the world — and the expansion of the servic e sector. Even during the midst of the global 
financial crisis our economy grew strongly at 17.7% and 12% in 2008 and 2009 respectively.   
2.7.  However, while we know that some sectors will evolve along a sustainable path in years to 
come, we are also aware that others will face increasing pressures. As a result, we made economic diversification a top priority so that income formation and government revenues maintain the 
stability seen so far. Moreover, we set 2030 to be  the year by which fiscal revenues are no longer 
to depend on hydrocarbon exports. 
2.8.  So far the results of our economic diversification efforts have been encouraging as the 
contribution to growth from the non-hydrocarbon sector went from 61% of overall GDP growth in 
2005 to an estimated 79% in 2013. There is no doubt that the most dynamic sectors of our WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  economy lie in activities outside mining and quarrying, despite the fact that these still account for 
55% of the economy. 
2.9.  Being the first Arab country to be awarded the or ganization of the FIFA World Cup, to be held 
in 2022, is a great honour that we deeply value. With it, however, additional challenges have 
come. Several new stadiums will have to be built  throughout the country while our current hotel 
room capacity will have to increase significantly.  The overall cost of these additional projects was 
estimated to be around US$19 billion. To make the most of this opportunity, the authorities also 
developed — and have begun implementing — a strategic tourism plan with the objective of maximizing the tourism potential that the event will create, as well as the legacy that it will leave behind. International trade will play an integral role in achieving these goals, which we have no 
doubt, will be reached. 
2.10.  At the same time, Qatar’s financial authorities embarked on a series of reforms to 
implement a transparent legal framework for the development of the financial sector, including 
setting up dispute resolution procedures and forums. In 2005, the Qatar Financial Center and its 
regulatory agency were launched to attract foreign investment to the country. The stock market regulatory body was reorganized in 2012 to streamline process and efficiency while putting in 
place various tax, ownership and employment incentives to promote the financial sector’s 
development. As the Secretariat’s report mentions, there are currently over 170 companies registered in the QFC including 20 banks. 
2.11.  The Qatar Financial Center also complements other public initiatives such as Enterprise 
Qatar and Qatar Development Bank, both tasked wi th supporting small and medium enterprises in 
Qatar, as well as Silatech, an investment agen cy linked to Qatar Foundation that promotes the 
development of SMEs throughout the region. 
2.12.  Monetary policy was expanded to facilitate these developments. Although our longstanding 
hard peg to the USD remained in place, as it has served our economy well, emerging market pressures led authorities to extend their policy objectives. The Qatar Central Bank thus started 
issuing T-bills of different short-term maturities denominated in local currency. These began in 
May 2011 through a price-based auction process with the objective of further developing the domestic financial market, extend the yield curve and most importantly, create additional instruments for managing structural liquidity. We believe that this will provide additional policy 
room to accommodate adjustments to short-term inflationary pressures, as well as provide 
support to the balance of payment. 
2.13.  Islamic finance, one of our most important emergi ng activities, was also brought in line with 
QCB regulations. Since 2011, banks in Qatar were tasked with separating Islamic from 
conventional capital in order to improve oversigh t and provide both regulatory bodies and clients 
with a more transparent outlook on their activities. 
2.14.  Social development continues to be one of our core guiding principles, as demonstrated by 
our commitment to the UN 2015 Millennium Development Goals. Significant publicly financed investments in education, including students’ fees, have also been made since 2005. As noted by the Secretariat, Qatar has a national university that is complemented by eight university campuses 
from the US, Great Britain and France within the facilities of Education City, one of the entities 
under the guidance of Qatar Foundation. The Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies is also located within Education City. There are also three additional foreign universities set up outside Education City 
offering nursing, technical and applied science curricula. 
2.15.  A number of hospitals were also inaugurated or expanded. The latest achievement, the 
Sidra Medical and Research Center, a research-based facility specialized in women and children’s 
care, is expected to be fully operational by 2015.  To support this development, the Government 
allocated 7% and 12% of the overall 2014/2015 bu dget to the health and education sectors 
respectively, amounting to almost US$11.5 billion. 
2.16.  Trade policy, in turn, was aligned to accommodate our country’s overall developmental 
needs. First and foremost, trade and investment facilitation was made a top priority in order to WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  open-up our investment regime and support both exporters and importers as well as domestic and 
foreign investors. 
2.17.  Our trade policy seeks to facilitate economic diversification away from hydrocarbon 
extraction. We attach particular importance to this end as achieving it is a necessary requirement 
for the future sustainability of economic and social development in Qatar. Our Government is also committed to continue to foster trade policy specialists and expand its presence abroad while 
assuming a more proactive stance. 
2.18.  We hold importance in the liberalization of environmental goods and thus reiterate our 
p r o p o s a l ,  a l s o  s t a t e d  i n  2 0 0 5  i n  t h i s  s a m e  f o r u m ,  t h a t  n a t u r a l  g a s  b e  c o n s i d e r e d  a s  a n  environmental good. We strongly believe that this will not only facilitate trade but also trigger 
cross-border investment and service supply in highly specialized activities. Qatar attaches special 
importance to the development aspects of the DDA as well and, thus, would like to see this reflected across the board in the work programme. 
2.19.  Back in 2005 it was brought to our attention that our previous import procedures were 
rather complex. We agreed with this concern an d to help remedy the situation, we decided to 
review several areas starting with customs and licensing procedures. Processes were streamlined 
at the General Authority of Customs leading to the implementation of a single-window. Procedures 
were also examined by the Ministry of Finance,  the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, QCB and 
QFMA, leading to new regulations covering rules of origin, competition, anti-dumping, subsidies and safeguards as well as financial services. 
2.20.  Our foreign investment regime was significantly liberalized. As noted by both the Secretariat 
and the Government reports, foreign participation in investments in Qatar now may include majority ownership throughout most of the economy, including finance, construction and ICT 
services. There are a number of incentives in place to promote international investment in Qatar. 
This is complemented by two free trade zone s, one focused on research and development 
activities, the only such research cluster in the MENA region, while the other one covers finance. 
2.21.  Qatar has sought to enhance its trade regime through bilateral agreements that cover 
investment promotion, double taxation and economic, commercial and technical cooperation with countries around the world. Such instruments enhance transparency and provide the legal protection that foreign investors require. Moreover, we made our legislation available both in 
English and Arabic through a new government-funded website called Al Meezan. We encourage all 
Member countries, academics as well as private investors and others to visit it. From our part, we are happy to assist anyone interested with furthe r requests regarding this important area of doing 
business in Qatar. 
2.22.  We deeply value our regional partners as well. As a founding member of the Gulf 
Cooperation Council we have sought to continue to coordinate the development of our trade 
regime with our GCC brothers. In particular, Qatar is committed to the principles and guidelines 
set forth by the GCC in the negotiation and implementation of GCC-level bilateral trade agreements. Qatar is also invested in the Pan-Arab Free Trade Area which in 2009 covered a market of over US$141 billion in total merchand ise flows. We believe that these initiatives 
complement the efforts undertaken within the mandate of the WTO and, in particular, the DDA. 
Qatar will continue to work with both developed and developing nations to bring ongoing negotiations to a fruitful conclusion. 
2.23.  Let me finish by mentioning that we are in the process of amending several important laws 
that will have a direct impact on our trade regime. The new framework will greatly facilitate setting-up businesses in Qatar both in financial and non-financial activities. We expect the new 
regulations to be in place very shortly as it is now in the final approval stages. 
2.24.  I once again reiterate our deepest gratitude to the Trade Policy Review Body for this 
opportunity and welcome an open and transparent di scussion with Member States. I hope that this 
exercise provides us all with the chance to gain further insights into our economy, our social and 
development process and, of course, our trade policies. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  
3.1.  I feel honoured to be appointed as the discussant for this Trade Policy Review of Qatar this 
morning and allow me to use this occasion to also warmly welcome the delegation of Qatar led by 
H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al-Thani, Minist er of Economy and Commerce, to Geneva.  
3.2.  In this opportunity, I would like to underline several aspects of trade and macroeconomic 
policies of Qatar which will include a number of elements such as economic achievement, 
macroeconomic development, some sectoral policies, the overall tariff regime, and foreign 
economic policies. The meticulous data and in formation provided by the Secretariat and the 
Government of Qatar in their respective reports have been indeed very useful in supporting my view on these matters. 
3.3.  Qatar surely deserves commendations for its economic achievement. It is ranked 13 of 
148 countries in the Global Competitiveness Index published by WEF in 2013-2014. Qatar has also successfully managed to preserve a double-digit economic growth during most of the review 
period. Not to mention that Qatar also steadily occupies world’s top positions on the countries list 
of GDP per capita. 
3.4.  I believe that strong confidence on Qatar’s economy and its future prospect has also 
contributed to the decision made by FIFA in choosing Qatar as the host of 2022 World Cup. The 
decision in turn will drive Qatar’s economy further, since its infrastructure se ctor will be exposed to 
Government’s special attention in years to come. The building and construction sector, which was weighed down by excess capacity and falling prices during the period under review, is expected to 
revive in the next decade. 
3.5.  Qatar has been prudent in managing its economic policies. This is shown by its strong fiscal 
surpluses, accommodative monetary policy, and low inflation in recent years.  
3.6.  Located in the region endowed with abundant hydrocarbon resources, Qatar’s output and 
trade have been very much dominated by energy se ctor. In addition to its sturdy resources basis, 
Qatar has been successful in implementing its macroeconomic policy which assures resilience and 
flexibility against world global financial crisis. Th e persistent high world energy prices will also 
guarantee its economic performance in the immediate future, even if its imports are kept strong such as the current level. 
3.7.  Qatar’s outward economic policies are very much associated with its membership in the GCC. 
This regional body has considerably influenced Qatar’s trade policies and legal structure such as its 
customs law. Its membership in the GCC has also pushed Qatar further to harmonize other areas such as intellectual property, transport and othe r services sectors with other GCC members.  
3.8.  As indicated by both reports, Qatar’s applied tariffs remained low and relatively constant over 
the review period. Qatar also maintains only a few non-tariff barriers. In line with its commitment to the GCC Common External Tariff, Qatar maintains a simple tariff system with the vast majority 
is maintained at 5% and even several hundred lin es are duty-free. Its ceiling bound tariff to the 
WTO is kept at 15% which is also relatively low. 
3.9.  Progressive internal liberalization in the GCC has brought a consequence that all GCC 
nationals can exercise free movement in other GCC countries and restrictions are kept at the 
minimum for investment by GCC nationals. The case also applies to Qatar who benefits 
significantly to such open intra-GCC arrangements. 
3.10.  Qatar has shown impressive undertakings in streamlining its custom procedures. During the 
period under review a computer-based customs system was developed to reduce red tape and to 
expedite the entrance of goods into the country. Qatar has also implemented single window system which is increasingly aligned to their WCO and WTO commitments. With this improvement 
Qatar has been successful in creating a custom syst em that is able to reduce the clearance period 
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  security. In my view, Qatar has shown its readiness to implement the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement. 
3.11.  Qatar also puts its membership in the WTO as a very important part of its views on world 
trade. With the historic momentum that Doha Development Agenda was adopted in its capital, 
Qatar has made consistent efforts to promote the liberalization of international trade and eliminate trade barriers as well as support the role of developing nations in international trade. Qatar has 
also been an active participant in the negotiations of the DDA with main objectives including 
greater access to non-agricultural products and the removal of agriculture subsidies, the free movement of natural persons and trade facilitation.  
3.12.  Qatar progressively continues to liberalize foreign investment restrictions by opening-up 
more sectors and instituting framework for competition. Such liberalization is supported by its 
commitment to guarantee unrestricted transfer of funds and to provide assurances against expropriation to foreign investors. However, Qatar's foreign investment laws generally still 
subscribe to partnership system by limiting foreign investors to a minority ownership of 49% and a 
full ownership 100% for certain sectors after authorization.  
3.13.  Despite the fact that the Qatari economy is still heavily reliant on state-owned enterprises, it 
is worth noted that Qatar has made significant efforts to encourage private sector investment and 
business establishment. Its reforms on investment laws have relaxed certain provisions for sole proprietorships and limited liabilities companies.  
3.14.  Against the background of its vibrant and promising economy, I identified at least two major 
challenges that are faced by Qatar today and also tomorrow. These are Qatar’s effort to diversify 
its economy to shift away from the dominant role of its energy sector and its dependence on the 
considerable presence of foreign workers.  
3.15.  Qatari economy is heavily dependent on the revenue from its exports on natural gas and oil. 
Around 55% of the economy is based on hydr ocarbons. To ensure future sustainability, 
diversification to move away from the domination of energy sector is an inevitable necessity. I 
noted that the two TPR reports on Qatar have also highlighted this issue considerably in several 
sections. 
3.16.  It is worth-appreciated that the Government of Qatar has been implementing various 
strategic policies towards diversification. Such policies include liberalizing its trade regime; 
undertaking construction, industrial and petrochemical projects; and promoting tourism and 
services sectors. Exploring and enhancing non-energy sector as ways to search for alternative sources of GDP growth are indeed strategic. Howe ver, there are still many works to be done to 
support Qatar’s ambitious vision to finance its entire budgetary operations through 
non-hydrocarbon revenues by 2020. 
3.17.  As its population continues to grow, Qatar has also paid considerable attention on the need 
to improve its human resources through education and social welfare. This policy will greatly 
support its undertakings towards diversification and reduce its reliance on foreign professionals.  
3.18.  The second challenge that I would like to underline today is Qatar’s dependence on the 
significant presence of foreign workers in its economic activities. With relatively small population in 
the face of the large demand for workforce to support its dynamic development, Qatar will still 
need the support of foreign workers to sustain its endeavours for further progress. To deal with this issue, prudent immigration policy, improved system of labour relations, and fulfilment of 
migrant worker’s rights must be continuously maintained to ensure that its economic success will 
not be challenged by unnecessary demographic predicament, especially since the share of 
expatriates far outnumbers that of Qataris. 
3.19.  I  w o u l d  l i k e  t o  d r a w  m y  c o n c l u s i o n  b y  e x p r e s s i n g  m y  v i e w  t h a t  w i t h  s u c h  a  d y n a m i c  
economy, Qatar will be able to continue its ec onomic, human and social transformations. I have 
every confidence that with current economic stature and strategy, Qatar’s vision to achieve a diversified, well-established and well-developed nation by 2030 will become a reality. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  
PAKISTAN 4.1.  Qatar is an important economy of the Gulf region that has recorded impressive progress. 
From a heavy reliance on oil, it has successfully diversified in areas from the energy-intensive 
industries to excellence in specialized niches like Islamic finance, and other non-energy sectors including financial services, constructions, tourism, and, of course, export-oriented manufacturing. 
Qatar has established its economy on sound foundations reflected in high GDP growth, positive 
balances of payments and current account surplu ses leading to solid fiscal positions, strong 
external balance, low inflation and unemployment, low applied tariff rates coupled with absence of tariff quotas, nuisance rates and other duties and taxes on imports, besides an attending absence 
of resort to such protectionist measures as anti-dumping, countervailing or safeguard actions, and 
are not involved in the dispute settlement at the WTO. Qatar has also put in place developing strategies (Vision 2030). Qatar has put in strong communications and transport infrastructures, 
and is attracting multinational businesses. Of note also is its trade performance. It has a generally 
free market economy and has followed open and liberal trade policies. Trade surpluses of Qatar nearly tripled during the review period. 
4.2.  On the flip side, the over-dependence on oil reflects a major structural economic issue, heavy 
state presence and concentration of business in SOEs, a rather low market development, lack of competition, and capacity building continue to be some of the notable problems. A book comprehensively analysing the gulf economies, entitled "The GCC Economies, Stepping up to 
Future Challenges" notes that "the GCC is one of the richest growing regions in the world, yet its 
economies are less diversified, infrastructure financing gap is huge, human capital endowments are low, growth in labour productivity is low, and absorptive capacity is relatively weak". 
4.3.  Qatar posts the world's second highest income per capita and registered GDP growth rate in 
double digits during the review period. It has the world's third largest gas reserves, along with oil reserves in excess of 25 billion barrels sufficient for output for 57 years. It is focusing on 
non-associated natural gas reserves and increasing private and foreign investment in non-energy 
sectors. Qatar Economic Insight report of December 2013 indicates that manufacturing remained the fastest growing sector boosted by production from the new Pearl gas-to-liquids facilities. Qatar's infrastructure development programme is gathering steam. The key driver of growth is 
projected to be the non-hydrocarbon sector at least until 2015, when the Barzan gas project is 
expected to start production. It has invested heavily in knowledge-based infrastructure related to education and healthcare. It has also initiated an export development strategy since 2012. Qatar 
has spurred spending on large-scale projects for the 2022 football world cup. Also noteworthy is 
the fact that in the region, only Qatar is in the MSCI frontier market index, half of which is accounted for by stocks from three gulf States, Qatar, UAE and Kuwait. Finally, S&P Dow Jones 
Indices and Morgan Stanley Capital International have already upgraded its "Emerging Market" 
status. 
4.4.  Qatar is an original Member of the WTO and supports the DDA including greater NAMA and 
further liberalization of trade in services, Qatar seeks to define natural gas and its derivates as 
environmental goods in the CTE.  
4.5.  Qatar hosts a large workforce of several hundreds  of thousands of Pakistanis that gives a 
grasp of how integrated Pakistan nationals have become in its economy. The two-way trade 
between these countries is increasing and so is investment from both countries in sectors such as 
construction, telecommunications, and banking. There are investment opportunities and cooperation in the fields of finance, business, civil aviation, human resources development, 
education, scientific research and cultural relations and a vast potential for collaboration in the 
fields of renewable energy, software technology parks, cotton, textile, oil and gas, agriculture, tourism, small and medium enterprises, chemicals and infrastructure sectors. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  UNITED  STATES 
4.6.  The United States and Qatar enjoy a broad, deep and robust bilateral relationship, with 
cooperation spanning many of the economic and security issues confronting the Middle East and 
the world. On the commercial front, bilateral trade continues to expand. In 2013, U.S. goods 
exports to Qatar were US$5 billion, up 38.6% from 2012, while imports totalled US$1.4 billion, a 33% increase from 2012. Also, U.S. foreign direct investment in Qatar has increased 34.1% since 
2011. The United States also looks forward to continuing its work with Qatar and its Gulf 
Cooperation Council (GCC) partners through the U.S.-GCC Framework Agreement for Trade, Economic, Investment and Technical Cooperation to strengthen our economic ties. 
4.7.  We noted that since its last Trade Policy Review in 2005, Qatar has made efforts to deepen 
its participation in the multilateral trading system and maintain its commitments to the WTO, 
including by becoming a participant in the Information Technology Agreement in 2013. We 
encourage Qatar – and its GCC partners – to work actively and indeed to play leadership roles in 
implementation of the recent Trade Facilitation Agreement. 
4.8.  Qatar continues to make economic progress, including by supporting economic diversification 
through trade liberalization, noting the important role of freer trade flows both in boosting the 
competitiveness of local businesses in areas other than hydrocarbon production and in enhancing 
the well-being of the Qatari people and the country in general. 
4.9.  While Qatar has reason to be pleased with the results of its efforts to date, the United States 
would like to highlight several areas that we be lieve need greater attention. On investment, we 
encourage Qatar to consider carefully the impact of its existing investment restrictions on the 
investment climate. For example, we urge Qatar to think seriously about whether allowing greater foreign investment without the requirement of a 51% share Qatari partner, and other revisions to 
its trade-related regulatory laws, would help Qatar to fulfil its untapped potential as an attractive 
investment destination. In addition, we would like to make the related point that foreign investors do tend to favour locations that provide strong and effective intellectual property protection. We 
encourage Qatar to establish the structures and issue the laws and regulations necessary to 
improve protection for patents and copyrights, including effective enforcement measures, all of which would further enhance Qatar’s status as an investment destination. 
4.10.  We also note the Government’s description of Qatar’s requirements for a “certificate of 
conformity” which seems highly burdensome. We hope this TPR will shed light on this practice and 
the scope of its application during the course of this review. 
4.11.  Another issue relates to notifications, a critical aspect of our work here at the WTO. Many of 
our questions for Qatar involve the submission of notifications in areas such as subsidies and 
countervailing measures, import licensing, and state trading enterprises – where notifications have not been made or where certain practices may exist that are not consistent with the information in 
Qatar’s notifications. We encourage Qatar to update or submit its notifications as soon as possible, 
as appropriate. 
4.12.  The United States shares a positive and supportive economic partnership with Qatar, and we 
hope that Qatar will find this review to be useful no t only in its reform effort s, but also in its efforts 
to enhance its WTO participation. We thank the Government of Qatar in advance for its efforts to 
respond to our questions, and we plan to re view its responses carefully and to request 
clarifications as necessary during the course of this TPR. We look forward to continuing our work 
with Qatar and our trading partners to strengthen the global economy and the multilateral trading 
system embodied by the WTO, allowing trade and investment opportunities to expand.   
CHINA 
4.13.  China notes with pleasure that Qatar has undergone substantial economic development 
since its last review, despite the global financial crisis during this period. It is particularly glad to see that development plans and national visions has helped its diversification efforts, which translated into an increased share of the non-oil and gas sectors in its overall economic output. We 
believe that further liberalization of trade and investment under the WTO framework will help WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  Qatar to build a diverse and resilient economy, and would eventually contribute to the sustainable 
growth and prosperity of this region.    
4.14.  As a major trading partner of Qatar, we commend its Government for maintaining an open 
environment for trade and investment since its last review, especially for keeping tariff at a low 
level on most of the products. During this period , efforts have also been made to simplify customs 
procedures, remove non-tariff barriers, and adjust domestic regulation to comply with WTO 
provisions. We are pleased to see Qatar continued to restrain the use of trade dispute mechanism 
and trade remedy measures.  
4.15.  We appreciate Qatar for its firm commitment to the multilateral trading system, as well as 
its contribution to the success of the Bali Ministerial Meeting. I would also like to take this 
opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to the hard work undertaken by its mission here. 
We enjoy very much our cooperation and are willing to keep working together for our common objectives in formulating the Post-Bali work programme. 
4.16.  On the bilateral front, Qatar is our important partners in trade and investment. We have 
also developed close and comprehensive trade and economic ties with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) we look forward to further expand our cooperation by accelerating the talks to establish the 
China-GCC free trade zone.  
4.17.  Taking it by and large, the trade and investment environments of Qatar remain open, but 
there are still areas to be improved. We would like to encourage the respective Government to further liberalize trade in goods and services eq ually, further open market for foreign investors, 
and regulate the market with more transparent rules that fully complied with WTO provision. 
Through these initiatives, we believe the potential in trade and investment cooperation could be further 
EUROPEAN
 UNION 
4.18.  This is the second review for Qatar and I would like to start by noting that overall, the 
country seems to be going in the right direction since its last TPR in 2005.  
4.19.  Qatar is ranking second in the world in te rms of GDP per capita, with a figure above 
US$90.000. Qatar’s economic growth has been buoyan t in the last decade, boosted by oil and gas 
revenue, as well as major infrastructure programs, averaging 15% per annum since 2004. 
4.20.  The backbone of the country’s economy, indu strial output and trade remains the energy 
sector and the hydrocarbons production, building th erefore the base for the lion’s part of its GDP.  
4.21.  As already noted on the occasion of the previous review in 2005, Qatar is aware of the 
danger of a too high dependence from a limited number of revenues’ sources and therefore it is 
laudable that it has put in place specific strategies aiming at diversifying its economy. 
4.22.  Notably, in 2008 the Government created its first national strategic document for future 
development, the Qatar National Vision 2030. Its ma in goal is to transform Qatar into an advanced 
country by 2030, capable of sustaining its own de velopment and providing for a high standard of 
living for future generations. 
4.23.  The EU appreciates this long-term plan and belie ves that it will help the country to improve 
further its economy, making it even more open-o riented and securing its long term development 
goal to become knowledge-based economy in th e forthcoming years. Therefore, we can only 
encourage Qatar to pursue the good work. 
4.24.  A word on our bilateral relationship. Formal relations between the EU and Qatar take place 
mostly in the context of the 1988 EU-Gulf-Cooperation Council (GCC) Cooperation Agreement. The 
1988 Cooperation Agreement contained a commitment fr om both sides to enter into negotiations 
on a free trade agreement. Negotiations have started and been suspended several times since 
1990. Negotiations resumed in March 2002, but were suspended by the GCC in 2008.  WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
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  4.25.  The EU remains committed to concluding the agreement as it is an important trading 
partner for the region. The EU was the first trading partner for the GCC in 2012 covering 13.2% of its total trade. EU-GCC total trade in goods in 2013 amounted to around €152 billion. The GCC 
accounts for 4.4% of total EU trade and is a significant market for EU exports (€95 billion; 5.5%).  
4.26.  At a multilateral level, the EU encourages Qatar to pursue its efforts for the quick 
implementation of the TFA. In this context, the EU expects an ambitious notification of schedule 
"A" commitments and reiterates its call to prioritize trade facilitation projects in the development 
plan. 
4.27.  Despite these positive aspects, the EU has a number of questions and concerns as regards 
the trade and investment policies of Qatar. Turning to the EU questions, let me stress that they 
cover several areas of the economy – here we would like to touch upon only some of our concerns. 
4.28.  First of all, in terms of import prohibitions, we are concerned about the ban on imports of 
bovine and ovine meat applied by Qatar. 
4.29.  Secondly, while the EU recognizes that Qatar has taken important steps to improve its 
business and investment climate, we are of the view that some work still remains to be done. For instance, foreign investors have not yet the opportunity to fully own companies in several sectors 
as the investment regime remains restricted or limited in certain activities, some of which continue 
to be dominated by state-owned companies. Also, the Government procurement regime still allows 
price preferences for domestic and GCC products an d it seems that, in this respect, the situation 
has not changed much since the last reviews. 
4.30.  The EU has full understanding for the need to in tegrate more citizens into economic activity, 
known as the Qatarization. What is important is that these policies are predictable and that quotas and transitional periods are realistic. 
4.31.  The EU is confident that this TPR will help Qatar in reviewing its policies so as to ensure that 
they are most favourable for attaining its economic and developmental objectives while respecting its international commitments in this forum. 
HONG
 KONG,  CHINA 
4.32.  Hong Kong, China has maintained cordial trade relations with Qatar over the years. Qatar 
was our 5th largest trading partner in the Middle East in 2013. Our bilateral merchandise trade with Qatar grew at an average annual growth rate of 49% from 2009 to 2013. We hope the 
momentum will continue and grow. 
4.33.  We appreciate that Qatar has bound all its tariff lines and maintained a low level of average 
applied tariff rates. However, six tariff lines of Qatar’s steel products also have a higher applied 
rate than their bound rate. We encourage further im provements in their respective tariff regime.   
4.34.  We note that Qatar's tariff schedule, which is based on the unified customs tariff of the Gulf 
Cooperation Council (GCC), is not published or available to the public. We encourage Qatar to 
increase transparency of its tariff schedule in order to provide greater certainty to the trade. 
4.35.  Qatar is apparently keen to expand its services sectors and diversify their economies. We 
would encourage them to continue their efforts to pursue progressive liberalization in trade in services, by increasing private sector participation and removing foreign investment restrictions. 
4.36.  We appreciate that various incentive measures are provided by Qatar to promote foreign 
investment. However, in Qatar foreign investors in general are still limited to a minority ownership for most sectors. We encourage Qatar to consider further liberalizing their investment regimes for 
foreign investors. 
4.37.  We also appreciate the efforts taken by Qatar to improve their trade facilitation 
environment. In particular, we commend the introduction of the customs clearance single window WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
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  projects in 2011 by Qatar. Such measures can help  improve efficiency and reduce cost for traders, 
as demonstrated by the successful reduction of Qatar’s customs clearance time to 15 minutes and the inspection rate to 5% since the introduction of its single window project. 
4.38.  We note that Qatar enacted the GCC’s legislation on anti-dumping, countervailing and 
safeguard measures in the second half of 2013. We encourage Qatar to promptly notify the new 
legislation in line with relevant WTO agreements. 
4.39.  We are pleased that Qatar has kept their technical regulations to the minimal. We would like 
to see their continued efforts to exercise restraint in introducing new regulations and to avoid creating unnecessary obstacles to the trade. 
4.40.  We note that privatization is an area of priority for Qatar, but its pace has significantly 
slowed down during the review period. We strongly  urge Qatar to resume its efforts to develop the 
private sector and encourage private investment in a wider range of industries. 
4.41.  On IP rights, we are happy to note from Qatar’s reply to our written questions that the 
latest drafts of the implementing regulation of  the laws on patents, copyright and industrial 
designs have recently been finalized and that legal approval will follow shortly. We are also pleased 
to note that ministerial reorganization for enhanced IP rights enforcement will likely be finalized 
within this year. We believe that these initiatives will bring about greater transparency and 
certainly welcomed by investors and innovators.  
4.42.  Last but not the least, I offer my sincere congratulations to Qatar on its successful bid to 
host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. I am sure services industries around the world, in particular the 
building and construction sectors would be very eager to contribute to Qatar’s preparation for the 
Word Cup. Services providers of Hong Kong Chin a are definitely well-positioned to pitch in.  
4.43.  We look forward to closer cooperation with Qatar both in WTO and in our bilateral trade 
relations. 
COLOMBIA 4.44.  Seré especialmente breve en el día de hoy, pues debo confesar que nos habíamos 
preparado para formular una única intervención, no sólo en áreas de economía en el uso del 
tiempo, sino especialmente teniendo en cuenta las importantes similitudes de las economías de los Miembros que hoy presentan sus exámenes de política comercial. 
4.45.  En efecto, hoy se presentan tres Miembros que comparten la península arábica, donde 
confluyen África, Asia, el Golfo pérsico y el Mar Rojo, que han cumplido sus compromisos y han 
participado activamente en los desarrollos de esta casa, incluyendo iniciativas como la reciente negociación de un Acuerdo de Facilitación del Comercio. 
4.46.  Sea lo primero resaltar en el caso de Qatar que el informe elaborado por la Secretaría 
muestra como durante el período objeto de examen, ha sabido incorporar a sus políticas las recomendaciones realizadas en anteriores exámenes de política comercial, con resultados bastante 
positivos. 
4.47.  En efecto, los resultados son destacados: observamos que en el período objeto del examen 
Qatar supo triplicar su PIB y sus exportaciones al tiempo que controló su inflación y mantuvo niveles muy bajos de desempleo.   
4.48.  La producción de Qatar se encuentra altamente concentrada en la explotación de minas y 
canteras (incluido petróleo y gas) y con una alta participación de empresas estatales que corresponden al 60% del PIB.   
4.49.  La crisis del 2012 de la producción internacional de petróleo llevó a Qatar a diseñar una 
política de diversificación de la economía que será clave en los años que vienen para mantener la senda de crecimiento.   WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
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  4.50.  Destacamos en esta línea el fortalecimiento del sector de servicios, las inversiones y la 
promoción del turismo y, muy especialmente, remarcamos los esfuerzos que ha hecho el Gobierno de Qatar por proveer las inversiones necesarias para la realización de eventos internacionales 
como por ejemplo, la Copa mundial de fútbol en el 2022.  
4.51.  También resaltamos la implementación en el 2011 de la ventanilla única para el despacho 
de aduanas con resultados muy positivos. El recientemente concluido acuerdo sobre la facilitación 
del comercio les ofrecerá espacio para continuar modernizando y afianzado mejoras en esta área.  
4.52.  Dentro de este panorama positivo, señalamos en todo caso del informe de la Secretaría la 
importancia de actualizar sus notificaciones en diversas áreas. La importancia de notificaciones oportunas y completas para el sistema multilateral de comercio es aún mayor en la coyuntura de 
trabajo actual cuando nos alistamos a definir un plan de trabajo post Bali. 
MÉXICO 4.53.  Qatar ha continuado creciendo a pesar de la  crisis financiera de 2008 y 2009 que se 
atravesó entre los últimos exámenes y el presente. El sector petrolero ha jugado un papel clave en 
esta recuperación, así como la Visión Nacional de Qatar 2030, que está encaminada a aprovechar los ingresos petroleros para diversificar y fortalecer todavía más su economía.  
4.54.  El logro más llamativo de Qatar ha sido que prácticamente triplicó sus exportaciones desde 
2007. En 2012 ocupó el vigésimo tercer (23º) lugar entre los principales exportadores del mundo. De acuerdo con la agencia de noticias Arabian Business, tan sólo durante los primeros tres meses de este año, el Banco Nacional de Qatar incrementó sus ingresos netos en un 13,7%, parcialmente 
gracias al crecimiento en préstamos destinados a gasto en construcción. 
4.55.  Qatar obtuvo un envidiable aumento del 6% de Producto Interno Bruto (PIB) durante el 
segundo trimestre de 2013, gracias en gran medida al creciente y continuo aumento de sus 
exportaciones de gas natural, petróleo crudo y otros productos. De acuerdo con el Informe de la 
Secretaría, Qatar es el tercer país con las reservas de gas natural más grandes del mundo.  
4.56.  El Índice "Doing Business" del Banco Mundial y de la International Finance Corporation le 
reconoce a Qatar ser el segundo lugar en materia de pago de impuestos en 2014, lo cual es un 
logro digno de felicitación en materia de hacer negocios; no obstante, el plazo promedio para iniciar un negocio en Qatar todavía supera los 100 días.  
4.57.  En Qatar, la gran mayoría de los aranceles aplicados son del 5%, seis líneas tienen un 20%, 
una de ellas un 100%, y algunos productos están libres de derechos como aquellos relativos a la 
tecnología de la información, productos farmacéu ticos, semillas y algunos productos agrícolas.  
4.58.  A pesar de que el Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del Comercio de Bali todavía no entra en vigor, 
Qatar ya ha aplicado de manera unilateral diversas medidas en esta materia, que facilitan el 
comercio más allá del alcance del acuerdo suscrito en diciembre pasado. No es casualidad que la Zona Panárabe de Libre Comercio (PAFTA), también conocida como Gran Zona Árabe de Libre 
Comercio, establecida formalmente en 1997, y de la cual forma parte Qatar tuviera como 
antecedente un Convenio de facilitación y fomento de los intercambios comerciales entre países árabes en vigor desde 1981. A pesar de que ese Convenio preveía un período de transición temporal, esto no impidió a Qatar emitir medidas unilaterales para facilitar el comercio en su 
territorio. 
4.59.  En particular, queremos destacar la introducción de procedimientos sin necesidad de 
formularios de papel en diversos organismos públicos; sus acuerdos bilaterales sobre cuestiones 
aduaneras para reforzar el cumplimiento de las disposiciones pertinentes y combatir el fraude, así 
como sus planes para garantizar que las corrientes comerciales no se vean interrumpidas y no surjan cuellos de botella en los próximos años; pero sobre todo, aplaudimos el desarrollo y puesta 
en marcha de un sistema de ventanilla única de  despacho de aduana, conocida también como 
Al-Nadeeb, que se ha aplicado en todos los principales puertos marítimos, terrestres y aéreos de Qatar. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
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  4.60.  Este sistema fue concebido durante la misma crisis financiera: en 2008 y 2009, misma que, 
lejos de desanimar a Qatar, la alentó a lograr que para 2011 el nivel de funcionalidad ya fuera bastante elevado para los puertos marinos y que para 2013 resultara funcional para los 
aeropuertos, fronteras terrestres y otros organismos públicos. De acuerdo con el informe de la 
Secretaría, este sistema de ventanilla única ha reducido el trámite de despacho de aduanas a 15 minutos, ha permitido disminuir la tasa de inspecciones al 5%, cuenta con la participación de 
más del 90% de los importadores y exportadores registrados, incluye un componente analítico de 
gestión de los riesgos y ha reemplazado todos los procedimientos comerciales en los que antes se utilizaba papel. 
4.61.  En materia de servicios educativos queremos felicitar a Qatar por la gran apertura que tiene 
su sistema educativo, así como por concederle un papel tan importante a la Fundación Qatar en su 
Visión Nacional 2030. La Fundación de Qatar cuenta con una Ciudad de la Educación en la que existen establecimientos educativos públicos a nivel primaria, secundaria, institutos de 
investigación, academias especializadas y otros institutos de enseñanza nacionales y extranjeros, 
inclusive. 
4.62.  Qatar tendrá una gran oportunidad de beneficiarse del turismo con motivo de que en 2010 
fue elegida para ser la como sede de la Copa del Mundo de la FIFA 2022. 
CANADA 4.63.  International Peer Reviews, such as the WTO’ s Trade Policy Review Mechanism, provide an 
important lever for reform. In this spirit, Canada has a number of comments on Qatar’s effort to 
meet its ambitions set out in its National Vision 2030 and its National Development Strategy 
2011-2016.   
4.64.  The oil and gas sector is still Qatar’s main economic driver, although we note the ambitious 
measures taken to transform the country rapidly into a modern knowledge-based economy. We 
commend Qatar’s efforts to diversify its economy. 
4.65.  Qatar’s investment environment is in general business-friendly; there is a very low 
corporate tax rate of 10% and generous tax holiday benefits are available to many foreign 
companies. Global performance indicators such as the World Economic Forum Global 
Competitiveness, the World Bank/IFC Ease of Doing Business, and Transparency International 
Corruption Perception are very positive.   
4.66.  It is hard to ignore Qatar’s strong overall economic performance since the last review, which 
the Secretariat report attributes to significant economic growth and development in exports of LNG, an open trade and investment climate, massive investments in knowledge-based 
infrastructure including in education and healthcare.   
4.67.  The positive macroeconomic environment presents an opportunity for Qatar to continue 
moving forward with structural reforms, not only to transition away from the energy sector, but 
also to put itself on a long term path to su stainable growth; Canada believes that the most 
promising ways to pursue these goals are to: (1) strengthen the administration of justice and commercial disputes; (2) accelerate investment liberalization and reform of policies governing state-owned enterprises (SOEs) as a way to promote robust private entrepreneurship and 
transparency; and (3) address foreign labour rights issues. We would like to make a few 
observations of each of these issues. 
4.68.  First, with respect to business dispute resolution, despite the positive contribution of the 
Qatar Centre for International Arbitration (QCIA) and the Qatar International Court and Dispute 
Resolution Centre, according to World Bank Group – Doing Business Report, for 2014 globally, 
Qatar stands at 128 of 189 in the Investors Protection ranking. Also, according to the special UN 
rapport on the independence of judges and lawyers, the current judicial system in Qatar faces 
challenges especially in relation to the independ ence of the judicial system. Though the rapporteur 
was particularly concerned with the enforcement of human rights, the findings also can shed some light on how to address trade disputes and investment protection. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
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  4.69.  Second, regarding the role of state-owned enterprises and privatization, we recall that 
transparency is a cornerstone of the multilater al trading system. According to the Secretariat 
report, during the review period, Qatar has twice notified the WTO that it does not maintain any 
state enterprises that meet the definition in paragraph q of the Understanding on the 
Interpretation of Article XVII of GATT 1994. However,  according to the report, over 60% of Qatar’s 
GDP is generated by state-owned enterprises. Many  of these companies still do not publish audited 
annual financial reports and are not subject to scrutiny. This lack of transparency places these 
companies at an unfair advantage.  
4.70.  Additionally, further lifting restrictions on foreign investments should also be considered 
within the framework of Qatar’s FDI policies. This will also help Qatar meet its objectives in 
developing a vibrant private sector. 
4.71.  Finally, on labour rights, we note that the construction industry is heavily dependent on the 
movement of its labour force in order to carry out construction projects. Enterprises are allowed to 
bring foreign workers to Qatar through a quota system if they provide a valid work contract and 
sponsor them. Sponsorship requirements require th e worker to have an appropriate professional 
qualification, pass a medical check-up, submit fingerprints, submit a birth certificate, submit a 
marriage certificate; a fee is payabl e by both the employee and employer. 
4.72.  Canada would welcome the views of Qatar on how it intends to address Foreign Labour 
issues raised by a number of international organizations including the UNHRC and ITUC in particular in regards to the Kafala (sponsorship) regime. 
4.73.  We would encourage Qatar to address transparency and predictability issues regarding a 
number of its SOEs, take steps to assure a more robust and independent judicial system in the matter of dispute mechanisms and take measures to  address the human rights of its foreign labour 
force. 
4.74.  To conclude, trade can be a lever of reforms and growth, and Canada is pleased to note that 
steps have been taken by Qatar to address these issues. However, despite these changes, 
Canadian companies continue to raise concerns with restrictions that undermine foreign 
involvement in several areas and the obligation to invest with a local sponsor. The kafala system is an antiquated practice that has been criticized by human rights organizations for creating easy opportunities for the exploitation of workers, and also for abuse in the trade sector with unlikely 
chances of legal repercussions on the sponsor addi ng to the risk of doing business in Qatar.   
4.75.  Despite these remarks, Canada is optimistic that Qatar is on the right track and is putting in 
place the necessary enforcement measures to address these challenging issues.   
REPUBLIC
 OF KOREA 
4.76.  As the Secretariat's report notes, the Qatari economy demonstrated an exceptional 
performance during the period under review due to the strong oil and gas exports, coupled with 
favourable energy prices: the GDP growth remained  in the double-digits, and GDP per capita ranks 
second in the world. Given the global economic  difficulties, these achievements are indeed 
impressive. Reflecting its confidence in the domestic economy, Qatar maintains an open trade and investment environment with low tariff and few non-tariff barriers and trade facilitating single 
window customs clearance systems. 
4.77.  Despite these positive achievements, there is room for Qatar to enhance its 
competitiveness. Specifically, we would put forward that Qatar can continue to further diversify its 
economy and mitigate its dependence on the ener gy industry. While we recognize the fact that 
non-energy exports also expanded during the revi ew period, considering its price fluctuation risk 
and the limited nature of those resources, a further push for its economic diversification seems 
very much needed. Having said that, we understand that Qatar is busy establishing its social 
infrastructure in preparation for the 2022 World Cup, which we believe will serve as a great stepping stone for its further diversification. Taking this moment, Korea wishes to have an opportunity to participate in building Qatari infrastructure and share our expertise in that field. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  4.78.  On the bilateral front, Korea and Qatar have established close economic ties. Qatar is 
Korea's No. 1 importing country of natural gas, and Korea is the second largest export destination of natural gas for Qatar. Recently, the two countries are further expanding cooperation areas into 
the health and medical sectors as well as enviro nment, and green growth, to which we attach a 
great importance. 
MALAYSIA 
4.79.  We congratulate Qatar for its significant economic, human and social transformation since 
the last Trade Policy Review, maintaining a double digit GDP growth of 12-26%.  
4.80.  Malaysia acknowledges Qatar as a strong supporter of the multilateral trading system and 
Qatar’s continuous effort in creating an open trade and investment climate. Tariffs are low and 
only a few non-tariff barriers are still maintained. We noted that Qatar does not maintain any 
legislation on import licensing, pre-shipment inspection or contingency measures, which provides a conducive environment for trade. It is commendable that Qatar continues to diversify its economy 
from hydrocarbon production by investing in knowledge-based economic activities. 
4.81.  Qatar is Malaysia’s 3rd largest trading partner in the West Asia Region. Malaysia’s main 
exports to Qatar are electrical and electronic products, machinery appliances and parts, wood 
products and metals, worth US$161.4 million in 2013. Meanwhile, Qatar exported crude 
petroleum, refined petroleum products, LNG, chemicals and chemicals products and metals to Malaysia, worth US$1.02 billion.  
4.82.  Malaysian companies have been involved in Qatar’s economy particularly in construction, 
automotive and the oil and gas sectors. In the construction sector, Malaysian companies have 
carried out several projects in Qatar. Malaysia looks forward to more collaboration in Qatar’s development projects, particularly for the upcoming World Cup 2022.  
4.83.  Qatar’s plan to create a more competitive economy by reducing entry barriers and 
strengthening competition is very much welcomed. The liberalization of trade in services as part of the Qatar’s National Development Strategy would increase the participation of our services 
providers and professionals in Qatar’s economy, particularly in Islamic finance. 
4.84.  Malaysia also welcomes Qatar’s effort to streamline customs processes, reduce red tapes 
and cost of doing business as well as to expedite the movement of goods into the country through the implementation of the Qatar Customs Clearance Single Window (QCCSW). Likewise, Malaysia 
and ASEAN have established the ASEAN Single Window as a regional effort. 
SINGAPORE 4.85.  Singapore enjoys good economic ties with Qa tar. We face similar challenges, being small 
economies highly reliant on international trade and with a limited population base. In 2013, our 
bilateral trade with Qatar stood at US$8.1 billion. FDI flows are also healthy and growing, with the stock of FDI from Qatar in Singapore standing at US$285 million in 2012. The FTA between 
Singapore and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GSFTA) was a milestone 
agreement as it was the first FTA signed by the GCC. With its entry into force on 1 September 2013, we look forward to the GSFTA helping to facilitate greater trade and closer economic linkages between our economies. Even prior to the FTA coming into effect, Singapore 
companies have invested in a range of sectors such as water treatment plants, infrastructure, port, 
oil and gas services in Qatar.   
4.86.  Qatar’s double digit economic growth in the period under review despite a challenging global 
environment is impressive. We welcome Qatar’s efforts to diversify its economy and create a more 
competitive, knowledge-based economy. With energy products accounting for 88% of exports in 2012 and hydrocarbons accounting for 55% of the economy, it is evident that there is still much 
more potential for Qatar to further diversify its economy. Further liberalization of services and 
foreign investment restrictions, such as the limiting of foreign investors to minority ownership in most sectors and prohibition of foreign investment in banks, insurance companies and trading in WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  real estate, would aid Qatar in achieving its goal  of a more diversified and competitive economy. 
We welcome Qatar’s trade facilitative measures such as the establishment of a single window for customs clearance and its participation in the Information Technology Agreement in 2013. We 
encourage Qatar to strengthen its intellectual property protection regime by operationalizing its 
laws with the necessary implementing regulations.   
SEPARATE
 CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU 
4.87.  From the report of the Qatar Government we can see that it has been actively attempting to 
diversify its economic base from the hydrocarbon sector into the general infrastructure and services sectors. Qatar has been investing in a knowledge-based infrastructure, aimed at making 
improvements especially in the areas of education, local infrastructure and health care. It is clearly 
devoted to creating a better trade and investment-related environment.  
4.88.  Qatar is to be congratulated on its very impressive economic growth and development in the 
period under review. For most of the period, GDP growth has been in double-digits. We are 
pleased to see Qatar continuing to be an active participant in the regular work of the WTO, and 
committed to strengthening the multilateral trading system. 
4.89.  We commend Qatar, in particular, on its social and economic strategic policy framework, the 
National Development Strategy 2011-2016, which is part of the Qatar National Vision 2030. From 
the details of the projects and programmes we can see that a great proportion of total investment 
is allocated to infrastructure projects, and we are pleased to note that this strategy should result in positive economic performance in the future. 
4.90.  We also note that Qatari Government continues to encourage further diversification and 
investment in services sectors such as transportation, construction and tourism, and we look forward to working with Qatar in these areas. 
4.91.  However, we do have some concerns regarding the laws policies that apply to foreign 
investors. We know that Qatar has made some amendments to the laws since 2010 and relaxed certain restrictions for foreign investors, however, in most sectors foreign investment is still limited 
to a share of 49%. May we suggest that Qatar might like to consider further reforms in this area 
with a view to stimulating the flow of foreign investment.   
4.92.  We also notice from the report that many of Qatar's laws relating to intellectual property 
remain non-operational. We would urge that these IP regulations be adopted and implemented as 
soon as possible. 
4.93.  Qatar, is a very important trading partner to Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, 
Kinmen and Matsu, and the two-way trade between us is growing steadily. According to our 
customs statistics, bilateral trade last year (2013)  amounted to almost US$6.5 billion, representing 
14% growth on 2012. For us, Qatar is definitely one of the key overseas markets that we shall be focusing on from now onwards.  
JAPAN 
4.94.  Let me start with the substantial part as the Chair mentioned in particular, Qatar’s 
macroeconomic policies. According to the report by the Secretariat, Qatar’s economy has exhibited significant economic growth and development sinc e the last review. Japan hopes that Qatar will 
maintain this strong economic growth under the multilateral trading system. In addition, Qatar 
created its first national strategic document for future development in 2008, the Qatar National Vision 2030. Japan also hopes that Qatar will achieve further economic growth by accomplishing 
reform of its industrial structure, increased capacity building for talented people, and so on, along 
the economic strategy. 
4.95.  Now let me move to trade and trade-related po licies. We have two points here: the WTO, 
and regional trade agreements and investment agreements. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  4.96.  First, the WTO. Japan commends Qatar’s contri bution to maintaining and strengthening the 
multilateral trading system represented by the WTO.  In addition, Qatar has participated in the ITA. 
In the light of further trade liberalization, Japan hopes that Qatar will join the expanded ITA.  
4.97.  Second, regional trade agreements and investment agreements. Qatar is a member of the 
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the GCC has negotiated RTAs with third parties including Japan. In addition, Qatar is negotiating an investment agreement with Japan as well. Cooperating 
for an early conclusion of the investment agreement negotiation with Qatar, Japan hopes that the 
RTAs and investment agreements concluded by the GCC and Qatar will complement the multilateral trading system.  
4.98.  Now, let me turn to specific points. We w ill refer to three points: strengthening the 
limitation of foreign investment, standards for tax exemption, and procedures of issuing visas. 
4.99.  First, strengthening the limitation of foreign investment. With regard to oil and natural gas 
business, the Qatari Government has brought down the limitation on foreign investment to 20%. 
Japan hopes that Qatar will make efforts to rela x the strict conditions for foreign companies. 
4.100.  Second, tax exemptions. It is reported by so me companies entering Qatar’s market that 
the standards for tax exemption are unclear and th ey are not certain whether they can receive the 
exemption until a decision is made on their application each year. Since foreign companies 
investing over the long term have large risks associated with the tax exemption, Japan hopes that Qatar will make efforts to improve this. 
4.101.  Third, procedures for issuing visas. According to the report by the Secretariat, Qatar 
continues to encourage an open trade and investment climate. However, there seem to be some 
cases in which applications for business visas and resident visas by foreign correspondences are not accepted based on an unclear standard. In addition, it has also been reported that visas for 
foreign workers, for example, workers from India, Pakistan and the Philippines, are not being 
admitted under these ambiguous standards. With rega rd to the latter, this makes it difficult for 
foreign companies to employ skilled technical experts. Japan hopes that Qatar will increase 
promptness of procedures in issuing visas and clarify the standards regarding their issuance. 
AUSTRALIA 4.102.  Over 4,000 Australians reside in Qatar and th ere are fourteen direct flights per week 
between Doha and Australia, with this number se t to increase. Trade is dominated by Australian 
exports of live animals, passenger motor vehicles and meat, while Qatar is a source of fertilizers 
and liquefied propane. 
4.103.  As a net food exporter with vast tracts of agricultural land ripe for foreign investment, 
Australia can play an important role in Qatar’s food security strategy. Australia welcomes Qatari 
investment in farms across Australia, including in wheat and barley farms, and sheep stations. Qatar is a valued source of foreign direct inve stment, and we would encourage further investment, 
including in other sectors of our economy. 
4.104.  Australia commends the Qatari Government for its push to establish a "knowledge 
economy" and to become the centre of educatio nal excellence in the Gulf region. The number of 
Qatari students currently studying in Australia is small, but both sides see education as an area of 
potential growth.  
4.105.  Our questions for this review reflect our interest in developing commercial ties with Qatar 
in potential growth areas. We look forward to th e Qatari delegation’s responses and wish them a 
successful trade policy review. 
4.106.  Finally, Australia would like to highlight its interest in resuming negotiations on a free trade 
agreement between Australia and the Gulf Cooperat ion Council. Such an agreement would help our 
countries realize much more of the potential that exists in our trade and investment relationships.  
We seek the support of Qatar in promoting a resumption of negotiations with their GCC partners. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  TURKEY 
4.107.  I should first like to underline the fact that, in addition to our deep historical ties, Turkey 
maintains an excellent economic and political relations with Qatar. Although our current bilateral 
trade volume is under far below our countries’ potential, we have high expectations for our 
medium and long term bilateral trade and investment relations with Qatar. 
4.108.  As was also expressed by the Chairman, our discussant and many delegations, Qatar has 
achieved an impressive economic growth and de velopment since the last TPR with a minor side 
effect such as moderate inflation. Qatar is currently one of the most competitive and dynamic economies of the globe. 
4.109.  I would also like to underline that, we should all appreciate Qatar’s double digit economic 
growth and its overall trade opening process, especially under the current economic conditions in 
which negative effects of the global financial crisis and unstable global commodity markets still prevail over. 
4.110.  As Minister Altani has underlined, Qatar is committed to an open and transparent trade 
regime, aiming at complying with the multilateral the rules of the WTO and competitive principles of global economy. Qatar sees trade policy as instrumental for the country’s long term social and 
economic development. In this context, I should  like to emphasize and appreciate the fact that, 
Qatar has made huge investment on its education and health sectors and prioritized these sectors. 
4.111.  Between 2005-2013, Qatar has demonstrat ed a 13.7% average economic growth 
performance. This historic growth rate was achi eved through mainly hydrocarbon extraction and 
infrastructural investment. However, as we conclude from the statement of Minister Altani, Qatar 
has a firm and comprehensive diversification strategy which, in this regard, has already produced encouraging results. 
4.112.  As was also underlined in their Government report, Qatar has also undergone one of the 
most significant economic, social and human transformation since the last Trade Policy Review: The country’s population has been doubled from 200 5 to a little over million by the end of 2013. In 
response, Qatar seems to have been implementing coherent strategies to reap the benefits and 
positive externalities arising from this demographic development such as scale economies and additional aggregate demand. 
4.113.  Coming to trade front, Qatar in general maintains overall an open trade and investment 
regime which has a very low level of customs tariffs (around 5%). As Minister Altani also clarified, 
Qatar has also been spending important efforts in conducting its own comprehensive review to 
renew and improve its trade, investment, IPR regime.  
4.114.  We believe that harmonization of regulations among the GCC members will also contribute 
t o  t h i s  p r o c e s s .  D u r i n g  t h e  p e r i o d  u n d e r  r e v i ew, Qatar has further improved and developed its 
customs clearance system, reducing the time and transaction costs drastically. Qatar has also 
contributed positively to the multilateral process under the WTO Doha Development Agenda 
negotiations.  
4.115.  Like any other WTO Members, of course, Qatar has a room to further liberalize and revise 
its trade and investment regime, its tariff structur e, SPS, and sectoral regulations. As we read 
from its Government report, we are learning that  Qatar is already bolstering this process by 
implementing a diversification strategy away from construction and hydrocarbon sectors towards services, manufacturing and knowledge based industries. 
4.116.  We are also happy to read from the Secretariat report that Qatari authorities are working 
on to rectify the problem concerning a six customs tariff lines which are currently above their legal bound level. Additionally, we also believe that Qatar can improve its country of origin 
authentication process. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  4.117.  One final factual point is that Turkey had sign ed ECTC and RPPI Agreements with Qatar in 
1985 and in 2001 respectively. Both Agreements are currently in force. However, Table 4.5 of the Secretariat report in page 27 does not contain these two Agreements. We would appreciate if the 
Secretariat could put this information into this table. 
BRAZIL 4.118.  The economy of Qatar has experienced solid gr owth since its last review. The GDP growth 
ranged from 12% to 26% during the past 10 years. These results become even more impressive 
taking into account high level of per capita income in Qatar, ranking second in the world. 
4.119.  Qatar's exports have nearly tripled since 2007. We commend Qatar for also being able to 
diversify its exports, building a more solid and re silient economy. Non-energy exports expanded in 
the period under review, reaching 12% of exports in 2012. 
4.120.  Regarding the trade flow with Brazil, from  2009 to 2013, the commercial exchange grew 
315%, from US$221 million to US$915 million. In this period, Brazilian exports to Qatar grew by 
71.3%, while Brazilians imports from Qatar grew by more than 1000%. 
4.121.  There is still an enormous potential for further increasing trade ties between Brazil and 
Qatar. Hosting FIFA's World Cup in 2022 may help Qatar in its strategy to further diversify its 
economy. Brazil, hosting the World Cup this year, can be a partner of Qatar in this process. 
4.122.  From these data, it is evident the relevance of trade relations between Brazil and Qatar. 
The country is an important commercial partner to Brazil. Brazil's exporters are concentrated in basic products, especially iron ore and meat, whil e Brazil imports fertilizer, fuel and aluminium. 
4.123.  Despite this positive retrospect, there is room for improvement in our bilateral trade 
relations. With this object in mind, Brazil presented questions to Qatar regarding SPS measures. Brazil currently faces trade restrictions regarding Brazilian bovine meat and meat products, due to 
sanitary concerns in relation to the risk of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), despite the 
OIE's recognition of Brazil as a country with negligible risk for such disease. 
4.124.  Brazil stands ready to further enhance its cooperation and trade ties with Qatar. 
INDIA 
4.125.  India has a long history of friendly relations with Qatar marked by commercial ties and 
people to people contact. The relationship today is rich, close and multidimensional. The large Indian community in Qatar acts as a catalyst for enhanced ties across the spectrum of bilateral 
relations. While hydrocarbon sector dominates the relationship, there is a commitment at the 
highest level from both sides to strengthen and broaden the relationship. The quadrupling of the 
bilateral trade from US$4.17 billion in 2008-09 to US$16.38 billion within a period of 4 years from 
2008-09 to 2012-13 shows the level of engagement between India and Qatar. For the last several 
years we have seen a double digit growth in bilateral trade. Over the years, India has become an important export destination for Qatar’s exports within a period from 2006 to 2012, India’s share 
in Qatar’s exports have risen from 4.9% to 11 %. The High Level Monitoring Mechanism set up 
during the visit of Indian Prime Minister to Qatar in 2008 and the Joint Commission have been successfully monitoring the progress of the bilateral economic and trade relations.  
4.126.  We are glad to know that that during the period of this review, Qatar has seen significant 
economic growth, with double di git growth in GDP. While the ex ports have tripled since 2007 on 
account of the strong hydrocarbon sector, there has also been a marked improvement in its non-energy sector which has reached a level of 12% of its total export basket. We also welcome 
Qatar’s focus on developing a knowledge based economy by investing the resources from the 
hydrocarbon sector in improving education, infrastructure, healthcare, sustainable development and innovation. We are confident that the long term goal set through the Qatar national 
Vision 2030 could be achieved much before 2030 by looking at the pace of development under the WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  four pillars of human, social, economic and environment and on account of the fulfilment of targets 
set by Qatar national development strategy 2011-16.   
4.127.  We welcome steps taken by Qatar since 2005 to amend number of its laws relating to 
trade and investment so as to make it easier for the businessmen to do business. The single 
window clearance systems for customs at all kinds of ports is also noteworthy since it has reduced the time for clearance to just 15 minutes. While we understand the sensitivities of Qatar in 
allowing only established Qatari businessmen to im port goods, we feel that there is a need to 
simplify commercial registration procedures for the foreigners so that they are not discriminated. As regards the tariffs, while we appreciate lower applied tariffs across all the sectors, there is a need to rationalize the tariffs relating to few steel and tobacco products where the applied rates 
have exceeded the bound rate. As far as the sect ors like services and IPRs are concerned we are 
glad that Qatar has abided by its commitments. 
4.128.  Finally, let me congratulate Qatar for its focus on becoming a developed economy by 
diversifying into non-energy sectors. 
THAILAND 4.129.  Qatar is Thailand’s fourth largest trading partner in the Middle East. During 2011-2013, our 
bilateral trade increased substantially and the tota l trade value averaged at US$3.4 billion. At the 
end of 2013, there was an increase of bilateral trade by 48% from 2012. We hope that our trade 
relationship will continue to grow bilaterally and through ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) collaboration. 
4.130.  We commend Qatar on its leading economic role in the global economy. Notably, we 
commend Qatar’s significant economic growth which remained in double-digits during most of the review period, its world-ranking high GDP per capita  as well as its efforts to diversify its economy 
and the continuing maintenance of an open trade and investment climate. 
4.131.  Thailand also very much appreciates the growing relationship between the GCC and 
ASEAN, which in turn supports our bilateral trad e relationship. We consider the third ASEAN-GCC 
Ministerial Meeting in Manama, Bahrain, in November last year a very noteworthy occasion. At that 
meeting, both sides recognized the importance of enhancing economic and trade cooperation in the agricultural field, expressed supports for an  open, fair, and transparent multilateral trading 
system, and looked forward to a successful outc ome of the WTO Ministerial Conference in Bali. 
ASEAN and the GCC also discussed future cooperatio n in different areas, for instance, trade and 
investment, economic development, and education and culture. 
4.132.  In closing, Thailand would like to express its appreciation to the delegation of Qatar for 
today’s presentation. We again reiterate our ho pes for developing further our bilateral trade 
relationship and support the growing cooperation between ASEAN and the GCC. 
JORDAN
 ON BEHALF  OF THE ARAB  GROUP 
4.133.  Qatar’s economy has shifted gears rapidly from promise to delivery. Both the Secretariat 
and the Government reports point out that Qatar exhibited remarkable resilience over the last decade. Real GDP growth during the period 2005-2013 was impressive at an annual average rate of 13.7%, in spite of the world financial crisis of 2008-2010 and a decline in real estate prices 
during 2010. As both reports point out, this reflects high energy prices but also the emergence of 
a growing service sector. It is well remarked that  Qatar’s rapid economic growth has enabled it to 
emerge as one of the wealthiest countries in the world in terms of GDP per capita.  
4.134.  Qatar's economy is still highly dependent on oil and gas extraction which accounts for 
more than 50% of GDP, 85% of export earnings , and 70% of government revenues. In order to 
secure the stability of future social and economic  development, the Government has been exerting 
consistent efforts to diversify the economy away from hydrocarbons into a sustainable long-term 
income model. By setting out this wise plan, ba sed on the guiding principles spelled out by the 
Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Qatar National Development Strategy 2011-2016, Qatar WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  continues to create a sustainable economy capable of providing high standards of living for its 
people.  
4.135.  As a member of the GAFTA and of the GCC, Qatar has proved its commitment to free trade 
and the multilateral trading system. Consistent with this, and based on GAFTA principles, Qatar 
provides special treatments to Least Developed Countries. The Arab states appreciate this as well as the important role that Qatar is playing in the region where it has shown ample proof of its 
pledge to continue working towards promoting regional economic development and a deeper 
integration with the multilateral trading system. 
HONDURAS 4.136.  No cabe duda del extraordinario desempeño de la economía de Qatar en los últimos años, 
registrando un alto crecimiento continuo de su PIB real. Desde el 2005, las autoridades qataríes 
han aplicado procesos e instrumentos de formulación de políticas para aportar la máxima flexibilidad de respuesta a la evolución de la economía mundial, algo que se reveló especialmente 
útil a raíz de la crisis financiera mundial. 
4.137.  Por otra parte, su exitosa elección como sede para la Copa Mundial de Fútbol del 2022 está 
acelerando los proyectos de infraestructura a gran escala. Se espera que este evento 
complemente las iniciativas de inversión que ya están en marcha en el marco de los esfuerzos de 
desarrollo económico realizados desde principios del decenio de 2000. Como resultado del mismo, ha habido una continua diversificación de la economía la cual ha reducido su dependencia de la producción de hidrocarburos en favor de los servicios y construcción, incrementando la 
contribución de estos sectores al crecimiento del PIB real. 
4.138.  Su política económica se centra en el desarrollo de reservas de gas natural no asociado y 
el aumento de la inversión privada y extranjera en sectores no energéticos, sin embargo, el 
petróleo y el gas siguen representando una parte significativa de su PIB e ingresos de exportación, 
convirtiéndolo en el segundo país con más ingresos per cápita y en uno de los países con el índice de desempleo más bajo del mundo. 
4.139.  Notamos con satisfacción en su informe del Gobierno, los esfuerzos estratégicos del 
Gobierno Qatarí en el marco de su política económica y social, entre ellos el programa de Visión Nacional 2030, el cual prevé el desarrollo de todo el potencial del país, que le permitiría sostener su propio desarrollo económico y garantizar un alto nivel de vida para las generaciones futuras y 
basándose en cuatro pilares: el desarrollo humano, social, económico y ambiental. 
4.140.  A pesar que el desarrollo del sector privado sigue representando uno de los grandes 
desafíos, actualmente el Gobierno Qatarí realiza esfuerzos para apoyar la formación y respaldo a 
los empresarios, lo cual contribuirá a la diversificación de su economía y potenciará su mercado 
interno. 
4.141.  Observamos en el informe de la Secretaría que en los últimos años, Qatar ha promovido 
una política abierta de comercio e inversión, en parte para ayudar a diversificar su economía. 
Acogemos con agrado la Estrategia Nacional de  Desarrollo para 2011-2016, a través de la cual 
Qatar se ha fijado el objetivo de crear una economía más competitiva reduciendo los obstáculos que dificultan la entrada en el marcado y reforzando la competencia. De igual forma, su política de 
continuar con el proceso de eliminación progresiva de las restricciones a la inversión extranjera y 
permitir esas inversiones en otros sectores que actualmente están sujetos a restricciones. El Gobierno también se propone ampliar la liberalización de los servicios en el marco del AGCS.  
4.142.  A nivel bilateral, nuestras relaciones diplomáticas son de reciente fecha, mayo 2012. 
Honduras desea reafirmar su compromiso e interé s de fortalecer las mismas y de esta manera 
poder identificar objetivos y desarrollar posibles acuerdos en el área económica. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  KUWAIT  ON BEHALF  OF THE GCC 
4.143.  Since Qatar's previous TPR in 2005, Qatar's economy has witnessed significant and positive 
changes. Qatar National Vision of 2030 and Qatar's National Development Strategy are well 
underway to successful completion as Qatar continues creating a more diverse and robust 
economy. Utilizing the wealth generated by oil and natural gas to promote social and economic advancement has proved to be a successful strategy. In this regard, we would like to highlight 
Qatar's progressive approach towards development as Qatar is investing heavily in many sectors 
and is on track to become a knowledge based economy, no longer dependent on fossil fuels. 
4.144.  To this end, the Qatari Government has taken significant efforts to liberalize trade. We can 
see, through both reports, that there has been an overhaul of its foreign investment regime that 
has led to more opportunities and opened up the domestic market. This forced the authorities to 
expand monetary policy by creating of additional instruments in order to create more efficient transmission mechanisms and improve structural liquidity. The use of bilateral investment and 
double taxation agreements has complemented the legal basis provided by Qatar's commitments 
to the multilateral trading system as well. 
4.145.  We also note the efforts made by Qatar to bring transparency to policy making, including 
making legislation openly available through the Internet and the Official Gazette. 
TUNISIE 4.146.  Ma délégation tient à féliciter le Qatar pour les efforts considérables qu'il a déployés en vue 
de poursuivre sa politique de libéralisation économique et commerciale à travers le renforcement 
du processus d'ouverture, la simplification des procédures du commerce extérieur, l'instauration 
d'un environnement propice au développement des investissements, et l'élargissement et la diversification de ses relations commerciales et économiques avec ses principaux partenaires. 
4.147.  Depuis le dernier Examen de sa politique commerciale, le Qatar a connu des mutations 
importantes sur les plans économique, humain et social. L'économie, auparavant fondée sur la production d'hydrocarbures, s'est systématiquement diversifiée en se tournant en particulier vers 
le secteur des services qui augmente sur fond de croissance démographique. 
4.148.  Le Qatar a enregistré une croissance et un développement économiques considérables. 
Son PIB a continué d'afficher une croissance à deux chiffres pendant la majeure partie de la période d'examen. 
4.149.  Le secteur de l'énergie, en particulier le gaz naturel, reste la colonne vertébrale de la 
production industrielle et du commerce du Qatar. Disposant des troisièmes réserves mondiales, le pays a augmenté régulièrement sa production durant la période considérée. 
4.150.  Le secteur des banques et des assurances du Qatar a enregistré également un certain 
niveau de croissance et de développement au cours de la période considérée, surtout avec la création du Centre financier du Qa tar et le développement du sous-secteur de la finance islamique. 
4.151.  Sur un autre plan, la diversification et l'investissement dans plusieurs secteurs de services 
tels que les transports, la construction et le tourisme ont contribué à stimuler l'économie ces dernières années, et devraient se poursuivre à l'approche de la Coupe du monde de la FIFA de 2022. L'investissement dans les secteurs de l'éducation et de la santé, qui fait partie de la Vision 
nationale 2030 du Qatar, doit développer son économie fondée sur le savoir. 
4.152.  La Tunisie accorde une grande importance aux relations de coopération séculaires établies 
entre nos deux pays. La Tunisie bénéficie d'un nomb re important de projets réalisés par le Qatar. 
Nos deux pays sont déterminés à renforcer et à consolider cette coopération dans tous les 
domaines. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  URUGUAY 
4.153.  Uruguay da la bienvenida a las delegaciones de Catar, Bahréin y Omán a esta importante 
instancia del sistema multilateral. 
4.154.  En esta breve intervención consideramos importante mencionar que en este momento una 
Misión oficial presidida por el Canciller de la República, Dr. Luis Almagro, se encuentra visitando junto al Ministro de Transporte y Obras Públicas, Enrique Pintado, el Estado de Catar y otros países 
de la región en una gira que procura ampliar e intensificar los lazos económicos y comerciales. 
4.155.  En este sentido, las expectativas están centradas en las posibilidades de incrementar la 
presencia comercial en ambos sentidos, de un lado mediante la participación en proyectos de infraestructura marítima y aérea, mientras que Uruguay pretende ampliar la presencia en Catar 
mediante productos agrícolas como carne bovina, ave, arroz, cítricos, fruta seca, arándanos y 
cereales. 
4.156.  Qatar puede tener un socio importante en Uruguay como puerta de entrada al CONO SUR. 
4.157.  Para finalizar, Uruguay le desea a los tres miembros examinados el mejor de los deseos en 
este importante ejercicio. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  BAHRAIN AND OMAN 
5  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
5.1.  The third Trade Policy Review of Bahrain and the second Trade Policy Review of Oman was 
held on 22 and 24 April 2014. The Chairperson H.E. Mr Joakim Reiter (Sweden) welcomed 
Mr. Nader Almoayyed, Undersecretary of Commerce Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, 
as head of the delegation of Bahrain, and Mr. Ah med Al-Dheeb, Under-secretary of the Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry, as head of the delegation  of Oman; the rest of the delegations from 
Manama and from Muscat, colleagues from both missions in Geneva; and the discussant, H.E. Mr. Syafri Adnan Baharuddin (Indonesia). 
5.2.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of the Tr ade Policy Reviews and the main elements of 
the procedures for the meeting. The reports by Bahrain and Oman were contained in documents 
WT/TPR/G/294 and WT/TPR/G/295, and that of the WTO Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/294 and WT/TPR/S/295. 
5.3.  Questions by the following delegations had been  submitted in writing at least two weeks in 
advance and had been transmitted to the delegations of Bahrain and Oman: Pakistan; United States; China; the European Union; Singapore;  Hong Kong, China; Colombia; Mexico; Canada; 
Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Japan; and Austra lia. The following delegations submitted written 
questions after the two week dead line: Turkey, India and Thailand. 
5.4.  Since Bahrain's last review in 2007, its overall economy had continued to grow, mainly driven 
by the oil sector – despite the global financial crisis, some sporadic domestic tensions since 2011, 
and reductions in oil production in 2012.  
5.5.  Like other similar countries, Bahrain strived to reduce its reliance on a few commodities. 
Bahrain's development strategy, Economic Vision 2030, was helping Bahrain reduce its high 
dependence on oil and gas given that its hydrocarbon resources were limited. This diversification 
strategy had helped develop key sectors in the economy, most notably the services and manufacturing sectors. The services sector, led by financial services, contributed to 58% of 
Bahrain's real GDP in 2012, while the manufacturing sector based on Bahrain's comparative 
advantages in energy-intensive industries (mainly aluminium and petrochemicals) contributed 15.2% of real GDP.  
5.6.  Bahrain continued to pursue trade liberalization on the regional and bilateral tracks. As a 
member of the GCC Customs Union, Bahrain a pplied the common external tariff with a few 
exceptions; its applied MFN tariff rates averaged 5.1%. Like other GCC States, Bahrain maintained 
its own list of restricted and prohibited products. Bahrain was also a member of the Pan-Arab Free 
Trade Area (PAFTA) Treaty. In addition, it had a free trade agreement with the United States. 
5.7.  Overall, this Review provided an excellent opportunity to exchange views on matters of 
interest to Members. These included: 
 As an original Member of the WTO, Bahrain valu ed the importance of the Multilateral Trading 
 System as it offered market access opportunities for smaller economies, like Bahrain's. It  had bound a vast majority of its tariffs, mostly at a ceiling rate of 35%; however, around  24 lines for tobacco and alcohol products were bound at 100% and 200% respectively, and 
 some 30% of tariff lines remained unbound . Since its last review, Bahrain became an 
 observer to the WTO Plurilateral Agreemen t on Government Procurement (but had not 
 begun accession negotiations) and it was also participant to the WTO Information 
 Technology Agreement. Finally, Bahrain was yet to meet a number of notification 
 requirements under certain WTO Agreements such as TRIPS. 
 Bahrain's foreign investment regime was relatively liberal, with the possibility of 100% 
 foreign ownership in most businesses; however, a number of business activities were 
 reserved for Bahraini nationals and GCC citizens. Members had inquired about plans to  reduce these FDI restrictions. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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   Bahrain undertook GATS commitments only on financial services, the cornerstone of 
 Bahrain's diversification strategy, although it had unilaterally liberalized other services  sectors, such as telecommunications. For Bahrain to reap maximum benefits from its 
 unilateral liberalization efforts, a question could be posed whether it was ready to lock-in 
 these  reforms under the GATS. 
5.8.  Regarding Oman: 
5.9.  Since Oman's last TPR in 2008, its economy had grown strongly, sustained by growing oil 
production and high oil prices. As a result of its impressive economic growth, Oman's foreign trade had more than doubled between 2006 and 2012. Macroeconomic indicators had remained sound during the period under review, with low inflation rates, a generally balanced fiscal position, and 
current account surpluses.  
5.10.  Oman's main economic goals were to support growth by boosting productivity, to diversify 
production and exports away from oil, to maintain its good macroeconomic performance, and to 
create employment opportunities for Omanis. Agains t the background of dwindling oil reserves and 
a rapidly growing labour force, a new Long-term Development Strategy (Vision 2040) was currently under preparation. 
5.11.  In terms of its trade policy, there had been no major changes or significant deviations from 
Oman's traditional open trade regime since the last TPR. Oman, a WTO Member since November 2000, was a strong advocate of the multilateral trading system. It had bound 100% of its tariff lines and was an active participant in the Doha round. It was also an observer to the WTO 
Agreement on Government Procurement and participant to the WTO Information Technology 
Agreement. At the same time, Oman was a member of the GCC Customs Union. Oman was also a member of the Pan-Arab Free-Trade Area (PAFTA) Treaty. It had a free-trade agreement with the 
United States and, through the GCC, with Singapore. 
5.12.  There were a number of specific areas that had been highlighted in the reports or raised by 
Members and could deserve particular attention in this Review meeting. 
 Current import procedures required that commercial invoices and certificates of origin be 
 authenticated by an Omani Consulate or representative in the country of origin before the  goods were exported to Oman. 
 All foreign investment required approval by the Government, and foreign investment in 
 companies with capital of RO 150,000 or less was banned. In practice, foreign ownership 
 above this threshold was allowed up to 70% as per Oman's WTO commitments and  implementing regulations. Members wished to learn more about possible changes in Oman's 
 FDI policy in light of its current revision and about the revitalization of Oman's privatization 
 plans. 
 Since its last TPR, Oman had amended its legislation on intellectual property rights. IPR 
 issues of interest to Members included th e scope of protection of individual IPRs, 
 enforcement activities, and the relation ship between Oman's IPR legislation and 
 international agreements.  
5.13.  The Chairperson was sure that these topics and themes, and many others, would be 
touched upon in greater detail at their deliberations on the first and second day of the meeting.  WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  6  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF BAHRAIN (MR. NADER 
ALMOAYYED) 
6.1.  I would like to thank you, Chairman, for your kind words of welcome and introduction to 
Bahrain’s third Trade Policy Review. Special thanks to H.E. Ambassador of Indonesia, Mr. Syafri 
Adnan Baharudding, for accepting to be our discussant. I would also like to thank the WTO Secretariat’s team for their hard work in producing the report which provides a basis for our 
discussion. 
6.2.  I would like also to welcome H.E. Mr Ahmed Al-Dheeb, Undersecretary of the Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry, the Head of the Sultanate of Oman’s Delegation, which is undertaking the presentation of Omani Trade Policy Review during this session, as foreseen by the WTO 
Secretariat, in anticipation of a joint Trad e Policy Review of all GCC countries in 2017. 
6.3.  First of all, let me extend our congratulations to all of the WTO Membership and to the 
Director-General, Mr. Roberto Azevêdo, for the successful conclusion of the Bali Ministerial 
Conference and the remarkable breakthrough towards the DDA early harvest by concluding the 
Trade Facilitation Agreement. 
6.4.  The post Bali follow-up efforts by the WTO Dire ctor General and the Chairs of the Negotiating 
Groups on other DDA issues are also welcome. 
6.5.  In Bahrain, we view the trade policy review as  one of the important functions of the WTO and 
the Multilateral Trading System (MTS). This process does not only ensure transparency and predictability for the Multilateral Trading System, but also affords a greater awareness and 
understanding of a Member’s trade policies and pr actices, and the legitimate reasons behind them. 
Its contribution to monitor and contain the surge of protectionism, and unilateral trade distortive 
measures could not be underestimated.  
6.6.  More importantly, these reviews provide a platform for Member States to share policy 
initiatives and measures, and enhance the national coordination and implementation of such initiatives and measures within Government entities, the business community and private 
stakeholders. 
6.7.  At this point, let me also thank all the WTO Members for their keen interest in reviewing our 
reports and making their valid written questions and comments ahead of our meeting today to which, our dedicated staff, has been able to re spond and provide explanations and answers prior 
to our meeting today. In this regard, we have to give due credit to the mindful cooperation and 
timely responsiveness shown by competent Bahraini Ministries and Agencies.    
6.8.  As a developing economy that thrives on free trade, Bahrain believes that a strong 
rules-based multilateral trading system is the best guarantee against unilateralism and 
protectionism and provides stability, security, transparency, and predictability for traders, and is a prerequisite for long-term global economic growth and development. 
BAHRAIN BUSINESS FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT 
6.9.  Our inclusive TPR exercise today, based on the comprehensive technical and institutional 
reports, your valuable questions and comments, and our answers to them, confirms that Bahrain business environment is one of the most efficient,  rewarding and friendly among peer developing 
countries.  
6.10.  An outstanding indication of Bahrain’s early drive for international investment and trading 
transactions is evidenced by its first discovery and commercial drilling of oil in the whole region in 
1932, by the Bahrain Petroleum Company "BAPCO" incorporated in Canada in 1929, with the help 
of an American oil exploration corporation, Bahrai ni and Indian technicians, and resulting in the 
first oil shipment from our region to Japan in 1934.  WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  6.11.  Bahrain’s traditional economic and business fr eedom, duly acclaimed by  the World Bank and 
several global rating agencies and forums have been enhanced since our founding Membership to the WTO, in 1995. Hence, we have been working harder to render Bahrain one of the most 
attractive, friendly and worthwhile business destinations worldwide.   
6.12.  One of the major economic policy developments in Bahrain since our last TPR in 2007 is the 
2008 launching of the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, pronouncing the principles of fairness, 
competitiveness and sustainability to the Bahraini society and to attain a globally competitive 
knowledge based economy.  
6.13.  In order to achieve this long-term vision, a National Economic Strategy was developed to 
boost private sector growth, while the Government  creates an enabling environment by investing 
in infrastructure projects, for enhancing productivity and skills; and focusing on high technology 
led manufacturing, and downstream high-potential sectors. 
6.14.  The Government is already limiting its role to regulatory and enabling policies for the 
business environment for Bahraini and international enterprises as follows: 
 Continue to develop stimulating policies for the development and diversification of industry 
 and trade expansion bilaterally, regionally and internationally. 
 Emphasize the importance of small and medi um industries and encourage technology 
 oriented industries and knowledge based business sectors.  
 Strengthening of infrastructure and services in various industrial areas, including the Bahrain 
 International Investment Park (BIIP), and the projected grander "Economic City". 
 The development of business related services to citizens, investors and private banking 
 services and strengthen their rules and regulatory systems. 
 Continue to facilitate the procedures for online registration and operation of projects and 
 businesses. 
 Enhance the professional skills, and boost the competitive edge of the financial sector 
 embracing over 400 institutions, with approximately US$190 billion assets, with no 
 restrictions on foreign exchan ge or the movement of funds. 
 The availability of business environment model with stable national currency exchange rate 
 and low inflation rates. Full foreign ownership of industries is encouraged and permanent  residency with quality social, medical and educational services are also enjoyed by 
 non-Bahraini investors and professionals. 
 Continued cooperation and integration in trade and economic policies with the GCC 
 countries, the larger MENA region, and the FTA with the USA, are yielding trade benefits for 
 exports originating in Bahrain, in the form of customs exemptions as well as further 
 bilateral and regional economic integration benefits. 
 The efficient implementation of WTO agreem ents and applications of industrial and 
 intellectual property protection, and international quality standards and mechanisms to 
 facilitate trade. The implementation of the FTA with the USA since 2006 has also encouraged  Bahrain to conduct extra WTO commitments for trade liberalization and open trade policy  measures.   
EVIDENT ECONOMIC REWARDS FOR BAHRAIN 
6.15.  I must admit that the outcome of our business friendly environment was equally rewarding 
and beneficiary for Bahrain, its trading partners, and its prominent business community: WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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   Bahrain is leading a primary trading economy. According to the World Bank, Bahrain’s 
 merchandise trade represents about 117% of the GDP in 2012, ranking higher than most of 
 the MENA region and OECD countries. 
 Total assets in the Bahraini Banking system - averaging US$192 billion in 2012 is more than 
 6 times the GDP of Bahrain, which totaled US$30.4 billion for the same year. 
 The per-capita income GDP (PPP) of Bahrainis is about US$29,200 (2012 estimates), which 
 is among the upper ranking within the developing countries. 
 Bahraini inward tourism records show increasing visitors to Bahrain, totaling over 8 million 
 in 2012, which represent more than 12 times the total number of the Bahraini population. 
 The number of non-Bahraini residents exceeds the total population of Bahrain. While the 
 great majority is actively contributing to the country's economic activities, many prefer to 
 make Bahrain their residence of choice. 
 Furthermore, a recent study of the GCC Ce nter for Strategic Studies about Intra-GCC 
 investment flows showed that Bahrain has attracted the highest percentage of these 
 investments since the establishment of the GCC in 1981. Bahrain’s share of such  investments until 2010 amounted to US$53 billion, representing about 36% of the total 
 inter-GCC investments (US$147billion).  
 Besides, the great majority of GCC investments in Bahrain (i.e. 73.5%), were done from the 
 year 2000 onwards, which is a clear testimony of the liberal and friendly business climate  that prevailed in Bahrain due to the continue d political, economic, social, legislative and 
 labour reforms, especially during the reigni ng years of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al 
 Khalifa, over the past decade. 
 Bahrain continues to be the freest economy in the Middle East/North Africa region according 
 to the 2014 Economic Freedom Index, and its economic freedom score is well above the 
 world average. 
 The World Economic Forum (WEF) 2011-2012 Global Competitiveness Report has placed 
 Bahrain among the ultimate stage of developm ent as defined by the World Economic Forum 
 report, i.e. "Innovation-Driven" stage, along with most of the major member countries of  the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). 
 More recently, the 2012/13 Global Free Zones of the Future Top 50 Rankings, released by 
 Foreign Direct Investment Magazine has includ ed four zones in Bahrain. Such recognition 
 shows how far Bahrain has gone in establishing its industrial diversification and regional  supply chain logistics infrastructure. 
TRADE RELATED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 
6.16.  Bearing in mind the time pressure on your est eem Committee, I will skip sectoral highlights, 
which has been duly reflected in our review reports, and limit myself to trade related technical 
assistance; 
6.17.  At the national level, our Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) being the focal point 
for WTO and international trade relations, aims at encountering these challenges and meeting its international obligations with the maintenance of an open transparent and market driven business 
environment so as develop Bahrain's economic competitiveness, attaining the benefits of access to 
regional and international markets, and to encourage inward investment, at the same time promoting employment for the local population.  
6.18.  Accordingly, the MOIC has launched a self-financed Global Economic Environment and 
Governance project in coordination jointly with UNDP. The project has been in operation for three phases from 2002 till 2014. It ha s been yielding constructive results for Bahrain’s efficient WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  participation in the Doha Round, the competent implementation of the TRIPS, SPS, and TBT 
Agreements, and the successful conclusion of the Trade Facilitation Agreement. 
6.19.  However, a full range of focused technical coop eration requirements is still needed from the 
WTO Secretariat, as well as other agencies, especially in the fields indicated in our Government 
report. 
6.20.  Before concluding, I would like to express our sincere appreciation for the joint technical and 
institutional contributions of all concerned to make this third TPR for us a positive, productive and 
successful event. I would like also to commend your able chairmanship to our TPR Committee, to our discussant H.E. Ambassador. Syafri Adnan Baharudding as well as all the Distinguished Delegations of all WTO Members who have contributed with their valuable advance comments and 
questions to the enrichment of our Trade Policy Review. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  7  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF OMAN (MR. AHMED AL-DHEEB) 
7.1.  It is a great pleasure for me and my delegation to participate in the second Trade Policy 
Review of the Sultanate of Oman. For me personally, it is the first review and I am looking forward 
to this important exercise. 
7.2.  I am grateful to you, Mr. Chairman, for your introductory remarks which set the tone for this 
review. I am also grateful to the many distinguished delegates for their presence which 
demonstrates their interest in Oman. 
7.3.  M y  s i n c e r e  t h a n k s  t o  H . E .  M r .  S y a f r i  A d nan Baharuddin, the Ambassador and Permanent 
Representative of Indonesia for acting as discussant. We would welcome his valuable comments. 
7.4.  I would also like to thank His Excellency Mr. Roberto Azevêdo for his recent visit to Oman 
which was the first Arab country that he visited after his election as the Director General of the 
WTO, and his meetings with Omani officials and his visit to some economic establishments, and thank him for his appreciation for the ec onomic achievements realized by Oman. 
7.5.  I would also like to convey my deep appreciation to the WTO Secretariat, especially the Trade 
Policy Review Division, for its useful and comprehe nsive report on the economy and trade policy of 
Oman. 
7.6.  The Trade Policy Review Mechanism is one of th e excellent success stories of the WTO. It has 
been useful in achieving transparency and greate r understanding of Member’s trading policies and 
practices and the impact of those policies and practices on the multilateral trading system. The reviews thus lead to smoother functioning of the multilateral trading system. 
7.7.  The reports by Oman and by the WTO Secretar iat are before the distinguished delegates. 
These contain elaborate information on the economic and trade policies of the Sultanate of Oman. I will focus on some of the important points. 
7.8.  The four pillars of Oman’s economic policy are: sustainable development with stable 
macroeconomic framework; a diversified, dyna mic and globalized economy; advanced human 
resource development; and an efficient and competitive private sector. These objectives of 
economic policy are achieved through the instruments of: liberalization, diversification and 
privatization. 
7.9.  The guiding spirit behind these ambitious policies is the vision of His Majesty the Sultan, with 
emphasis on implementing the plans and programmes aimed at enhancing comprehensive 
development in social and economic fields. The ul timate aim is the welfare and prosperity of the 
people. Economic and trade policies are geared towards this noble aim. 
7.10.  The Government has vigorously pursued the policy of diversification of economy. The aim is 
to reduce dependence on oil. The policy is bearing fruit though the price of oil sometimes distorts 
the data. The share of non-oil activities in GDP has been on the increase. Similarly, the non-oil 
exports have significantly increased. The increa se of non-oil exports from 2008 to 2012 was 83% 
as against 38% for total exports. One more indicator of the success of diversification is the 
growing share of services in the GDP which was 35.4% in 2012.  
7.11.  Another important policy instrument is privatization which is aimed at reducing the role of 
Government in the economy and putting the private sector in the driving seat for economic 
development. However, privatization of state enterp rises has to be pursued cautiously with a view 
to building public consensus and avoiding political backlash. In this process, the interests of labour and consumers have to be safeguarded. Nevertheless, the commitment of Oman to privatization 
remains strong and firm. 
7.12.  The Government seeks to approach privatization in a meaningful and structured manner 
taking into consideration all relevant factors, internal and external. After the successful 
privatization of 30% stake in Omantel (a leading telecom provider) in 2005, the Government was WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  keen to proceed with further privatization but was hindered by the global financial crisis. With 
improvement in the investment climate, the Government has revived the privatization process with a view to achieving a further 19% divestment in Omantel. 
7.13.  A number of state-owned entities have been id entified for privatization and a Privatization 
Committee has already been tasked with the mandate to comprehensively study all aspects of privatization including detailed implementation plan and process, which would be announced in 
due course. 
7.14.  The investment regime of Oman underpins the objectives of liberalization, privatization and 
diversification. The investment regime is pro-growth and pro-business. 100% foreign ownership is permissible under Oman’s investment regime, and the rate of tax on foreign and domestic 
companies is only 12%, which is very low by international standards. 
7.15.  Human resource development is one of the key elements of Oman’s economic policy. High 
grade education and excellent health facilities are provided by the State to prepare the young 
Omanis to seize the opportunities and face the challenges in the globalized economy of the 
21
st Century. The youth are encouraged to acquire the necessary skills and expertise that will 
enable them in pushing forward the wheel of development. 
7.16.  I could say much more on the economy of Oman, but since this a review of trade policy and 
not of economic policy I would like to focus on  developments in Oman’s foreign trade policy. 
7.17.  The Sultanate of Oman by its history and ge ography has been an old trading nation. It 
knows fully well the value of open and liberal markets with stable and predictable conditions of 
trade. Even before Oman joined the WTO in 2000, it had been, in practice and as a matter of 
policy, following the principles and rules of the mu ltilateral trading system. Since its accession to 
the WTO, Oman’s trade policy conforms, in letter and spirit, to the principles and rules of the WTO. 
Our trade regime is free and liberal, transparent and business-friendly.  
7.18.  Oman is a genuine believer in the basic principl es of the multilateral trading system and is a 
strong supporter of the WTO. The Organization has stood the test of time and has been a force for 
expansion and liberalization of world trade. Howeve r, the WTO needs to be further strengthened to 
fulfil its role as a bulwark against protectionism. 
7.19.  The main instrument of Oman’s trade policy is tariffs. These are simple and low, applied on 
an MFN basis, except for preferential imports. Oman has bound 100% of its tariffs, with average 
bound tariff of 13.7% on all products, and 11.6% on non-agricultural products. These bound rates 
compare favourably with most WTO Members. The actually applied tariff rates are 0% and 5% for almost all products, with average applied tariff of 4.8%. 
7.20.  Questions may be raised on the gap between applied and bound rates. However, that is not 
in any way against WTO rules, which do not require the two rates to be the same or to be close. 
7.21.  As I said, tariff is the main instrument of Oman’s trade policy. We have no non-tariff 
measures, no import licensing, no prohibited TRIMS, no export subsidies. Oman has made a 
commitment not to apply export subsidies to agricultural or non-agricultural products. We do not apply any internal taxes to imports such as VAT, sales tax and excise duties. Also we have bound other duties and charges at zero. May I say that very few WTO Members can match Oman’s record 
in this respect. 
7.22.  Oman has not applied any anti-dumping or countervailing duties nor has it taken any 
safeguard measures since joining the WTO. 
7.23.  We have not lagged behind in opening-up our services sector. Specific commitments were 
made on 10 sectors and some 95 sub-sectors of services. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  7.24.  The TRIPS Agreement has been implemented by providing IP laws and enforcement 
mechanism for protection of intellectual property rights, even surpassing the standards of the TRIPS Agreement. 
7.25.  The Sultanate of Oman is a member of the GCC Customs Union and also a participant in the 
Pan-Arab Free Trade Area. We also have a Free-Trade Agreement with the United States and, as part of the GCC, an FTA with Singapore. However,  Oman believes in the primacy of the multilateral 
trading system and considers regional and preferen tial trading arrangements as complimentary to 
the multilateral trading system. 
7.26.  Oman has been an active participant in the Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations. 
The Round has lingered on for more than 13 years which is a matter of disappointment. However, 
the Bali Ministerial Conference held in December 2013 brought a rare ray of hope. Bali package 
should serve as a stepping stone for the successful conclusion of Doha Round negotiations. Oman’s position on this is very clear. The original obje ctives of the negotiations must not be compromised 
or diluted. New subjects of negotiations should  not be added to the agenda. Understandings and 
compromises reached over the past years should be maintained. And most important of all: interests and concerns of developing countries must remain at the heart of the negotiations. It is 
time that strenuous efforts are made by all WTO Members to conclude the Doha negotiations with 
a substantial package of results in a reasonably short time frame. 
7.27.  The Trade Policy Review Mechanism says that  the Review should take place against the 
background of external environment of the Memb er under review. Let me say that the external 
environment of Oman is not very helpful. We ha ve been at the receiving end of protectionist 
measures and actions. And the conditions of access for Omani products and services in many WTO Members do not compare with those provided by Oman for its imports.  
7.28.  I would sum up by saying that Oman passionately believes in the basic principles and rules 
of the multilateral trading system as the best  available for liberalization and expansion of 
international trade, for the growth of world econ omy, for the economic development of developing 
countries and for the welfare and prosperity of people around the world. 
7.29.  I hope this meeting would conclude that Oman’s trade policies and practices have a positive 
impact on the multilateral trading system. 
7.30.  Oman is grateful to the WTO Secretariat, to other international organizations and to some 
WTO Members for providing technical assistance to Omani officials. There is always need for more 
technical assistance. We particularly need more opportunities for Omani officials to attend trade policy courses and in special possibility for Omani officials to work as interns in the WTO 
secretariat.   
7.31.  To conclude, I thank you, Mr. Chairman, for presiding over this session and I convey my 
deep appreciation to distinguished delegates for sparing time to participate in Oman’s trade policy 
review. I would welcome your questions and comments and would try to respond to these to the 
fullest possible extent. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  8  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  
8.1.  I feel honoured to be the discussant for the Trade Policy Review of the Kingdom of Bahrain 
and Oman this afternoon. Allow me to use this opportunity to also warmly welcome the delegation 
of Bahrain led by HE Mr. Nader Khalil Almoayyed, Undersecretary of Commerce Affairs, Ministry of 
Industry and Commerce and the delegation of Oman led by H.E. Ahmed Hassan AL-Dheeb, Undersecretary of commerce and Industry, to Geneva. 
8.2.  Comparable to my view that I presented this morning in the TPR of Qatar, I would also like to 
underline a number of economic aspects of th e two Members that will include economic 
achievement, macroeconomic development, some se ctoral policies, the overall tariff regime, and 
foreign economic policies. I found that the data and information on the two countries respective 
trade policies provided by the Secretariat and the Government of Bahrain and Oman in their 
reports have been very useful for my references.   
8.3.  It is widely known that with high level of GD P per capita, Bahrain and Oman enjoy the status 
of high-income countries. If we take a look at se veral achievement listings, we can see that these 
two Members managed to put themselves in respec table positions. Bahrain and Oman are ranked 
43rd and 33rd respectively among 148 countries in the Global Competitiveness Index published by 
WEF in 2013-2014. Bahrain is on the 48th position in the Human Development Index according to 
the UNDP report for 2013 and at the 29th in the world for Network Readiness according to the Global Information Technology Report issued by WE F. Oman is ranked 47th out of 184 countries in 
ease of doing business and 26th out of 152 countries in economic freedom. 
8.4.  Both countries, which are endowed with abundant hydrocarbon resources, have successfully 
managed their advantage in the energy sector to sustain their developments. With current persistent world oil price, their economies will be able to continue steadily its development path 
and keep up its current status in the world economy. Despite having relatively small population, 
both countries are also able to overcome their demographic challenge and maintain vibrant and resilient economies. 
8.5.  The open and transparent foreign trade regimes of both countries have complemented the 
benefits from soaring oil prices and production. During the period under review, Bahrain and Oman enjoyed steady real GDP growth and maintained their resilience against the global economic and financial crisis of 2008 to 2009.  
8.6.  Bahrain serves as an important hub for investment and trade in the region. Such a role is 
greatly supported by Bahraini long-standing tradition of openness, freedom and tolerance. Bahrain authority has successfully maintained the country’s financial stability to fulfil the critical need to 
uphold this role and consolidate its position as an international financial centre.  
8.7.  Compared to other countries in the region, Bahrain has relatively limited oil and natural gas 
reserves. The need to diversify in other sectors to guarantee future sustainability is therefore more 
compelling than other fellow GCC members. Consequently, its economy has to explore non-energy 
sectors such as financial services and manufacturing. The route to diversification is reflected in its long term objectives of Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, which aims for attaining sustainable development. The fact that financial services account for some 17% of real GDP and the total 
services sector reached 58% in 2012 shows that Bahr ain is in the right course to diversification. 
Bahrain's diversification strategy also includes industrialization, manufacturing and developing tourism industry. 
8.8.  Diversification also becomes an important agenda item for Oman. This country also 
implements economic policies and programmes to create a diversified national economy based on renewable resources and to increase its integration with the world economy. For Oman, these 
endeavours also include an intermediate shifting in which the share of oil is gradually being 
replaced by another hydrocarbon resource, which is natural gas. Oman envisages reducing the share of oil in GDP to 9 % in 2020 and raising the share of gas to 10%.  
8.9.  Omani services sector has a great potential to be further developed to balance its gradual 
reduction of its dependence on hydrocarbon resour ces. Services sector has contributed about one WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  third to Oman’s GDP. Upon its accession to the WTO, Oman has also made commitments in most 
main services categories in its GATS schedule which include business, communication, construction and related engineering, distribution, educational, environmental, financial, health and related 
social, and tourism and travel-related.  
8.10.  Bahrain and Oman are strongly committed to increase its regional integration in the GCC 
Custom Union. Their foreign economic policies are very much influenced by their memberships in 
the Organization and gradually harmonized with other GCC members. Under the GCC scheme, 
both countries have common trade remedy laws and veterinary and plant quarantine systems. Their commitments in the GCC have also brought their tariff policies aligned with the GCC Common External Tariff which consists of three rates 0.5 and 100%. Around 87% tariff lines of 
both countries are at 5% and 11% tariff lines are at 0%. Most products from a GCC member 
circulate free of duty across the customs union. 
8.11.  The Secretariat report shows that Bahrain and Oman are strong supporters of free markets 
and an open rules-based global trading system. Im port restrictions are kept at the minimum and 
both countries have never taken any anti-dumping, countervailing or safeguard actions. This policy perhaps also relates to the fact that the two countries are net importers for several important 
products (which are manufactured products and food stuffs for Bahrain and fishery and agricultural 
goods for Oman). 
8.12.  As Members of the WTO, Bahrain and Oman are active participants in the Doha round and 
they continue to support the original objectives of the DDA. Both Members believe that the 
interests of developing countries must remain at the heart of DDA negotiations. Both Bahrain and 
Oman have common particular interests in NAMA and trade in services issues.   
8.13.  While I have touched upon the big challenge fa ced by the two countries in undertaking their 
diversification programmes, I would like also to highlight another significant challenge that has 
attracted my intention that is their dependence on foreign workforce. As a matter of fact, I also underlined this particular topic on the TPR of Qatar this morning since I see that such a challenge 
is a common feature in the Gulf region. 
8.14.  Having relatively small populations in the face of the large demand for workforce, Bahrain 
and Oman will still need the support of foreig n workers to sustain its endeavours for further 
development. The 2011 data shows that 51% of 1.195.020 Bahrain's populations are non-Bahraini 
nationals. For Oman, the number of expatriate s doubled strongly between 2010 and 2013, from 
816,000 to nearly 1.7 million out of total population of 3 million.  
8.15.  Bahrain and Oman have been vigorously empowering their nationals through qualified 
education to meet the demand for professional po sitions through the so-called Bahrainization and 
Omanization programmes. Nevertheless, the massive works to preserve economic success and sustainability will inevitably still need the role of foreign workforce. Against this backdrop, I believe 
that prudent immigration policies, improved labour relations and more developed system to fulfil 
migrant worker’s rights are crucial and must be continuously maintained. Such steps are important to ensure that their economic successes will not be diluted by unnecessary demographic problems in the future.  
8.16.  To conclude my statement as the discussant of this afternoon, allow me to express my 
confidence that, with their strong economic basis and visionary development plans and strategies, Bahrain and Oman will be able to achieve their long-term visions towards sustainable, diversified, 
competitive, open, fair and knowledge-based economies. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
WT/TPR/M/296 • Qatar 
 
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  9  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  
PAKISTAN 9.1.  Bahrain rivals Malaysia as a centre for Islamic banking, and Dubai and Doha as a financial 
hub. It has a comprehensive prudential and reporting framework, and also home of the 
"Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions". It is one of the most diversified countries in the Gulf and has gained visible competitive advantage in the financial 
services and production of aluminium – Alba (Aluminium Bahrain) is one of the world's largest 
aluminium smelters. Bahrain is also a net exporter of services. Bahrain was the 1
st country in the 
region to sign an FTA with the US. 
9.2.  Bahrain has been posting wholesome balance of payments, current account surpluses and 
trade surplus that nearly tripled during the review period. It has had a low inflation rate, on 
average (2%). Since 2008, Bahrain has been impl ementing a development strategy, Economic 
Vision 2030. Although its oil and natural gas reserves are limited, as part of its Economic Vision 
2030, Bahrain is making serious efforts to diversify the economy, particularly into financial 
services and manufacturing. As of now, its services sector is led by financial services and the manufacturing sector benefits from its comparative advantages in energy-intensive industries that 
include mainly aluminium and petrochemicals. Bahrain has been focusing on developing its Islamic 
banking and its insurance subsectors in an attempt to create a niche in a highly competitive market in the Gulf region. 
9.3.  Bahrain has low tariffs, no tariff quotas, no nuisance rates, and no other duties and taxes on 
imports. It has never taken any anti-dumping, countervailing or safeguard actions. But at the 
same time, it has no competition law which perpetuates the predominance of SOEs. 
9.4.  Bahrain is an original Member of the WTO. It supports the DDA for greater NAMA services 
liberalization, and also application of the S&D. Bahrain especially made proposals in the field of 
services. It has also been supportive of the successful conclusion of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and also supports the implementa tion of the Aid for Trade initiative. 
9.5.  Bahrain is also host to a large workforce of several hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis that 
is an indication of Pakistan nationals' integration in their economies. During a visit by Bahrain's King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa to Pakistan in March 2014, a meeting of the Bahrain-Pakistan business forum was held in Islamabad during which a series of agreements and MoUs between the 
Government and private agencies in both countri es were signed. There are over 400 companies in 
many sectors in which Pakistani investors are already operating in Bahrain, either as partners or in their own fully owned businesses, in sectors such as banking, airlines, textiles and garments, and 
commercial services, and some fifteen industries, not to mention a number of commercial agencies 
of Pakistani companies. 
9.6.  Oman is a middle-income country. It is also heavily dependent on oil resources which are 
dwindling. It is estimated that by 2030 Oman's o il reserves could be largely depleted. Accordingly, 
it aims to reduce the oil sector's contribution to GDP to 9% by 2020 and to create more jobs for the local workforce. It has devised a Long-Term Development Strategy (1996-2020) in successive 
five-year-plans. At the same time, a new five-year plan (2016-2020) and a new long-term 
development strategy (Vision 2040) are currently under preparation. 
9.7.  Oman has recently graduated from the EU and Japan's GSP schemes. Oman's economic 
performance since its last TPR in 2008 has been positive, with robust real GDP growth, low 
inflation, a solid fiscal position, and strong external accounts. It is in the process of revitalizing 
privatization of SOEs, also exploring the possibility of introducing an open-skies policy and allowing private investment in a number of services related to air transport. The role of private sector in the 
national economy is also sought to be increased by stimulating domestic and foreign private 
investment. This is done through development of infrastructure and manufacturing base, by 
development of agriculture and fisheries, and by development of software and tourism industries 
among others. Oman is also making strides in the field of Islamic finance. Among others, a draft 
law on Islamic Insurance is under preparation. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
WT/TPR/M/296 • Qatar 
 
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  9.8.  Manufacturing exports more than quadrupled between 2006 and 2012. It also has an FTA 
with the US. Oman's overall average MFN applied tariff is 5.5% and does not apply other duties and taxes on imports and does not levy VAT or sales tax. State ownership remains extensive in 
Oman's economy, but Oman too, has no competition law. 
9.9.  A percentage of Omani population originates from the adjoining areas of Pakistan. The 
two-way trade between the two countries is increasing and so is investment from both countries in 
sectors such as construction, telecommunications and banking. 
UNITED
 STATES 
9.10.  As noted in the Secretariat report, both Bahrain and Oman have enjoyed positive growth 
since 2008. Both countries are making concerted efforts through their development strategies in 
diversifying their economies away from just oil an d gas. For example, as we heard earlier today, 
Bahrain is exploring diversification opportunities in the financial services, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors, while Oman is exploring ways to increase the GSP shares of agriculture and 
the role that energy-intensive industries play in manufacturing diversification. 
9.11.  The United States enjoys a strong and positive relationship with both Bahrain and Oman, 
with cooperation spanning many of the economic and security issues confronting the Middle East 
and the world. On the commercial front, bilateral trade continues to expand, and as we implement 
our Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with both countries, we look forward to further prospects for expanding our relationships. 
9.12.  In 2013, total goods trade with Bahrain was US$1.6 billion, a significant increase from years 
past. The same can be said for Oman, where 2013 goods trade totalled US$2.5 billion in 2013; 
again, a significant increase from years past. 
9.13.  Our comprehensive bilateral FTAs eliminate tariffs and other barriers on substantially all 
goods and services trade, thereby promoting economic growth and additional commercial 
opportunities. A number of the reforms that both Bahrain and Oman have undertaken to implement the FTA will also benefit their other trading partners. 
9.14.  The United States is pleased to be work ing with Bahrain and Oman and their Gulf 
Cooperation Council (GCC) partners to strengthen our economic ties through the U.S.-GCC Framework Agreement for Trade, Economic, Investment and Technical Cooperation. 
9.15.  While both Bahrain and Oman have reason to be  pleased with the results of their economic 
reform efforts to date, the United States would like  to highlight several areas that we believe need 
greater attention. 
9.16.  Notifications to WTO bodies remain a consistent area of interest and concern to the United 
States, as they form the basis by which WTO Members communicate with one another about our 
trade policies and practices. Both countries’ diffic ulty in submitting notifications is a recurring 
theme in our questions, many of which relate to areas – such as subsidies and countervailing 
measures, import licensing, and state trading enterprises – where notifications have not been 
made or where certain practices may exist that are not consistent with the information in notifications from both countries. We encourage Bahrain and Oman to update or submit notifications, as appropriate. 
9.17.  For Bahrain, the United States submitted questions regarding import prohibitions and 
sanitary and phytosanitary measures, as well as intellectual property rights, particularly updates on enforcement efforts and recent legislation and regulations. 
9.18.  For Oman, we submitted questions regarding th e status of its free trade zones and export 
finance programs, as well as intellectual property rights. In addition, given some ambiguity regarding Oman’s administrative procedures that pertain to the interpretation of the laws and 
regulations that govern its country of origin marking requirements, we have requested clarification 
on the issue. We have also requested clarification of Oman’s in Country Value initiative, WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
WT/TPR/M/296 • Qatar 
 
- 39 - 
 
  particularly Oman’s efforts to address possible disadvantages for foreign firms versus local firms 
when bidding on business opportunities. 
9.19.  The United States would like to note the key role that a fair and transparent government 
procurement regime can play in attracting foreign investment. The revised Government 
Procurement Agreement (GPA) came into force on 6 April. We strongly encourage Bahrain and Oman to commence accession to the GPA as soon as possible. The United States stands ready to 
w o r k  w i t h  b o t h  c o u n t r i e s  o n  t h e i r  G P A  a c c e s s i o n .  T h i s  a c t i o n  w o u l d  b e  a  g o o d  w a y  f o r  b o t h  
countries to work toward enhancing their participation in the multilateral trading system, and we will be interested to hear each government’s plans in this regard. 
9.20.  We urge Bahrain and Oman, as well as their GCC partners, to complete the transparency 
review of the GCC Customs Union in the Commi ttee on Regional Trade Agreements. We also 
encourage Bahrain and Oman – and their GCC partners – to actively work toward implementation of the recent Trade Facilitation Agreement. 
9.21.  The United States shares a positive and supportive economic partnership with both Bahrain 
and Oman. We thank both Governments in advance for their efforts to respond to our questions, 
and we plan to review the responses carefully and to request clarifications as necessary during the 
c o u r s e  o f  t h i s  T P R .  W e  l o o k  f o r w a r d  t o  c o n t inuing our work with Bahrain and Oman, and our 
trading partners, to strengthen the global econ omy and the multilateral trading system embodied 
by the WTO, allowing trade and investment opportunities to expand. 
CHINA 
9.22.  China is pleased to see the economic development of Bahrain and Oman has continued to 
expand since their last review, despite the global financial crisis during this period. Efforts to 
diversify away from oil and gas economy has b een made, result in a growing non-oil and gas 
sectors. We believe that further liberalization of trade and investment under the WTO framework 
w i l l  h e l p  t h e m  t o  b u i l d  a  m o r e  d i v e r s e  a n d  re s i lient economy, and eventually contribute to the 
sustainable growth and prosperity of this region. 
9.23.  As one of the largest trading partner of Bahrain and Oman, we commend their Governments 
for maintaining an open environment for trade and investment since their last review, especially 
for keeping tariff lower than the bond rate on most of the products. We appreciate the efforts of the Government of Bahrain and Oman to simplify customs procedures, remove non-tariff barriers, 
ease foreign investment restrictions, and adjust domestic regulation to comply with WTO 
provisions. And we are pleased to see they continued to restrain the use of trade dispute mechanism and trade remedy measures, none of the two countries has taken anti-dumping, 
countervailing, or safeguard measures since the inception of the WTO.  
9.24.  We appreciate Bahrain and Oman for their firm commitment to the multilateral trading 
system, especially their contribution to the success of the Bali Ministerial Meeting. I would also like 
to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to the hard work undertaken by their 
missions here in Geneva. We enjoy very much our cooperation and are willing to keep working together with our colleague from Bahrain and Oman in the formulating the Post-Bali working 
program. 
9.25.  On the bilateral front, Bahrain and Oman, as GCC nations, are our important partners in 
both trade and investment. The trade and investment relations between us has experienced a rapid development since last review, but there is still huge potential to be explored, China looks 
forward to further expand our cooperation with GCC in the future.  
9.26.  We commend Bahrain and Oman for remaining a generally friendly trade and investment 
environment, but we would still like to call on the respective Government of Bahrain and Oman to 
accelerate the privatization the industries that dormant by state ownership, to further liberalize 
trade in goods and services equally, and to re gulate the market with more transparent and 
predictable rules that could further facilitate foreign investment. Through these initiatives, we believe the two countries will be on the right track to further explore their potential in trade and 
investment cooperation with their partners. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
WT/TPR/M/296 • Qatar 
 
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  EUROPEAN  UNION 
9.27.  This is the second review for Oman and the third one for Bahrain. I would like to start by 
noting that overall both countries seem to be going in the right direction.  
9.28.  Bahrain and Oman share several common characteristics. Both countries are classified as 
high income economies. As shown by the Secretariat reports, their GDP ranks between US$21.500 and 24.400 for Oman and Bahrain respectively.  
9.29.  The economies of the countries, since their last respective reviews (in 2007 for Bahrain and 
2008 for Oman), have continued to grow, and have been only marginally affected by the global 
financial crisis as well as by the oil production dips in 2012. Bahrain and Oman have registered a growth rate of around 4% over the past years.  
9.30.  The backbone of the countries’ economies and of their industrial output and trade remains 
the energy sector and the hydrocarbons production, building therefore the base for the lion’s part 
of their GDPs.  
9.31.  As already noted in occasion of the previous reviews, the countries are well aware of the 
danger of a too high dependence from a limited number of revenues’ sources and it is laudable 
that they have put in place specific strategies aiming at diversifying their economies. 
9.32.  The economic diversification processes, which were outlined at the time of the previous 
reviews, are now occupying a key role in their economic policies. Bahrain has put in place since 2008 the "Economic Vision 2030" and Oman new Long-Term Development Strategy ("Vision 2040"). 
9.33.  As part of Bahrain’s "Economic Vision 2030", attempts are under way to diversify the 
economy, particularly into financial services and manufacturing. Oman's main economic goals are defined in the new Long-Term Development Strategy (Vision 2040) and intend to support growth, 
diversify production and exports away from oil.  
9.34.  The EU appreciates these long-term plans and believes that they will help the countries to 
improve further their economies making them even more open-oriented and securing their long 
term development goal to become knowledge-based economies in the forthcoming years. 
Therefore, we can only encourage Bahrain and Oman to pursue the good work. 
9.35.  A few words on our bilateral relationship with Bahrain and Oman. Formal relations between 
the EU and the two countries take place mostly in the context of the 1988 EU-Gulf-Cooperation 
Council (GCC) Cooperation Agreement. The 1988 Cooperation Agreement contained a commitment 
from both sides to enter into negotiations on a free trade agreement. Negotiations have started and been suspended several times since 1990. Negotiations resumed in March 2002, but were 
suspended by the GCC in 2008.  
9.36.  The EU remains committed to concluding the agreement as it is an important trading 
partner for these countries and the region. The EU was the first trading partner for the GCC in 
2012 covering 13.2% of its total trade. EU-GCC total trade in goods in 2013 amounted to around 
€152 billion. The GCC accounts for 4.4% of total EU  trade and is a significant market for EU 
exports (€95 billion; 5.5%).  
9.37.  At a multilateral level, the EU encourages the Bahrain and Oman to pursue their efforts for 
the quick implementation of the TFA. In this cont ext, the EU expects an ambitious notification of 
schedule "A" commitments and reiterates its call to prioritize trade facilitation projects in the countries’ development plans. 
9.38.  Despite these positive aspects, the EU has a number of questions and concerns as regards 
the countries’ trade and investment policies. Turning to the EU questions, let me stress that they 
cover several areas of the countries’ economies – now we would like to touch upon only some of 
our concerns. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
WT/TPR/M/296 • Qatar 
 
- 41 - 
 
  9.39.  First of all, we are concerned by import bans by Bahrain on imports of certain live animals 
as this policy seems to differ from the GCC line.  
9.40.  Secondly, while the EU recognizes that the countries have taken important steps to improve 
their business and investment climate, we are of the view that some work still remains to be done. 
For instance, foreign investors have not yet the opportunity to fully own companies in several sectors as their investment regimes remains restricted or limited in certain activities, some of 
which continue to be dominated by state-owned companies.  
9.41.  Also, the government procurement regimes stil l allow price preferences for domestic and 
GCC products and it seems that, in this respect, the situation has not changed much since the last reviews. 
9.42.  The EU has full understanding for the need to in tegrate more citizens into economic activity 
- programmes known as Bahrainization and Omanization. What is important is that these policies are predictable and that quotas and transitional periods are realistic - this especially is a concern in 
Oman. 
9.43.  The EU is confident that this TPR will help Bahrain and Oman in reviewing their policies so as 
to ensure that they are most favourable for attaining their economic objectives while respecting 
their international commitments in this forum. 
SINGAPORE 9.44.  Singapore enjoys good economic ties with Bahrain and Oman. We face similar challenges, 
being small economies highly reliant on international trade and with a limited population base. In 
2013, our bilateral trade with Oman stood at US $2 billion and with Bahr ain at US$555 million. FDI 
flows are also healthy and growing, with the stoc k of FDI from Bahrain in Singapore standing at 
US$2.45 billion in end-2011, and US $95 million from Oman in 2012. The FTA between Singapore 
and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GSFTA) was a milestone agreement 
as it was the first FTA signed by the GCC. With its entry into force on 1 September 2013, we look forward to the GSFTA helping to facilitate greater trade and closer economic linkages between our 
economies. Even prior to the FTA coming into effect, Singapore companies have invested in a 
range of sectors such as power and desalination plants in Oman, and property development and 
airline maintenance in Bahrain. Singapore also plays host to construction and financial companies from Oman, and energy and aluminium companies from Bahrain.   
9.45.  Bahrain withstood the 2008 global financial crisis well with real GDP growth expected to be 
4.8% in 2013. Its efforts to diversify its economy have also made good progress with services accounting for 58% of its real GDP in 2012 and manufacturing contributing 15%. However, the 
petroleum subsector still accounts for 75% of government income which means that Bahrain’s 
fiscal position is vulnerable to swings in energy markets. Bahrain’s steps to improve its business and investment environment have clearly paid off with the Heritage Foundation ranking it as the 
12th most open economy, a leap up from 39th place in 2007. We encourage Bahrain, currently an 
observer to the Agreement on Government Procurement, to consider becoming a party to the GPA. We note from the Secretariat report that Bahrain has difficulties meeting a number of WTO notification requirements. We encourage Bahrain to take steps to improve its record in this area 
and tap on technical assistance through the Secretariat where needed.    
9.46.  Oman’s economic performance in the period und er review is also strongly positive with 
growth averaging 15.4% between 2008-2012 with inflation kept low. We note that oil and gas as a 
share of Oman’s GDP was actually higher in 2012 compared to 2006, at 52.2% versus 44.9%.  
Although services have been growing fast at 16. 4% in the period under review, its share of the 
economy stood at 35.4% in 2012, a slight decrease from 37.7% in 2006. While this is due to 
higher oil prices, we encourage Oman to continue efforts towards economic diversification to 
achieve a more sustainable path of long te rm growth. We welcome Oman’s move towards 
establishing an electronic single window and improvement of the efficiency of its customs 
procedures. We note that Oman is currently reviewing its legislation on foreign investment and 
hope that this will pave the way for greater liberalisation of investment. We also encourage Oman, WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
WT/TPR/M/296 • Qatar 
 
- 42 - 
 
  currently an observer to the GPA, to consider becoming a party to the GPA and to also consider 
taking part in the negotiations to expand the coverage of the Information Technology Agreement.  
HONG  KONG,  CHINA 
9.47.  Over the years Hong Kong, China has maintained cordial trade relations with Bahrain and 
Oman. Bahrain and Oman were respectively our 8th and 6th largest trading partners in the Middle East in 2013. Our bilateral merchandise trade with Bahrain and Oman grew respectively at an 
average annual growth rate of 4% and 2% fr om 2009 to 2013. We hope the momentum will 
continue. 
9.48.  We would like to congratulate Bahrain in particular on being ranked as the 13th freest 
economy worldwide by the Heritage Foundation in 2014. We are pleased to see many parallels 
between Hong Kong and Bahrain in our recipe for trade and economic freedom. The same 
commitments to small Government, low and simple taxation, efficient regulatory framework and market liberalization not only serve us well, but also give impetus to world economic activities that 
benefit many more.  
9.49.  We appreciate that all the tariff lines of Bahrain and Oman, except those on tobacco, are ad 
valorem . Oman has also bound all its tariff lines and maintained a low level of average applied 
tariff rates. However, we also note that there is a gap between their average applied rates (5.1% 
and 5.5% respectively) and average bound rates (34.5% and 13.4% respectively). Moreover, Bahrain’s applied MFN tariff rates for some 20 tariff lines are higher than their bound rates. We encourage further improvements in their respective tariff regime.  
9.50.  We appreciate that various incentive measur es are provided by Bahrain and Oman to 
promote foreign investment. For instance, Bahrain launched a pilot phase of the Business Licenses Information Service in December 2013 and its Commercial Companies Law is being amended to, 
among others, eliminate the minimum capital requirements for setting up a business in Bahrain. 
Oman established a one-stop shop to assist investors to set up companies and its legislation on foreign investment is currently under revision. We encourage Bahrain and Oman to consider 
further liberalizing their investme nt regimes for foreign investors. 
9.51.  We appreciate the efforts taken by Bahrain and Oman to improve their trade facilitation 
environment. In particular, we commend the introduction of the customs clearance single window projects in 2011 by Bahrain, and similar efforts made recently by Oman. Such measures can help 
improve efficiency and reduce transaction cost. 
9.52.  We are pleased that Bahrain and Oman have kept their technical regulations to the minimal. 
We would like to see their continued efforts to exercise restraint in introducing new regulations 
and to avoid creating unnecessary obstacles to the trade. Specifically, we encourage Bahrain to 
continue harmonizing its technical regulations at the GCC level so that traders can have a unified standard to follow. 
9.53.  We note that privatization is an area of priority for Bahrain and Oman, but its pace has 
significantly slowed down during the review period . We strongly urge Bahrain and Oman to resume 
their efforts to develop the private sector and encourage private investment in a wider range of industries. 
COLOMBIA 
9.54.  Hoy excepcionalmente se reúnen estos dos Miembros que no solo comparten la península 
arábica, sino porque también son países que tien en grandes similitudes en sus economías y en sus 
estrategias económicas para enfrentar el futuro. 
9.55.  Estos Miembros han cumplido sus compromisos y han participado activamente en los 
desarrollos de esta casa, así como han incorporado a sus políticas las recomendaciones realizadas 
en anteriores exámenes de política comercial, con resultados bastante positivos. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
WT/TPR/M/296 • Qatar 
 
- 43 - 
 
  9.56.  La economía del Reino de Bahréin está basada fundamentalmente en el petróleo, cuya 
explotación es desarrollada desde 1932. Igualmente cuentan con importantes reservas de gas natural y desarrolla actividades industriales de refinación de petróleo. A pesar del esfuerzo de este 
país por diversificar la economía, todavía el petróleo, el gas y los servicios financieros son los tres 
pilares básicos de su actividad económica.   
9.57.  Por otra parte, Bahréin es un país con una actividad creciente en el sector de turismo, 
gracias a la apertura del país, la amplia oferta de actividades turísticas, la conectividad con sus 
vecinos y el Gran Premio de Fórmula 1, que han hecho de este país un atractivo turístico regional.   
9.58.  En la economía del Reino de Bahréin apreciamos que entre 2006 y 2012 el PIB creció un 
64%, junto con una balanza comercial y de servicios positiva, y unas bajas tasas de inflación y 
desempleo.   
9.59.  Cabe destacar el importante papel de las PYMES en la producción, que representan un 30% 
del PIB; y de la producción de servicios que corresponde a algo más de la mitad de la producción 
de este país. Señalamos que a pesar de los esfuerzos realizados por el Gobierno, restan 
importantes retos en materia de reducción eliminación de documentación para los trámites para la constitución de empresas y del comercio exterior, así como en la identificación de nuevos sectores 
económicos para atraer inversión extranjera directa. 
9.60.  Según el Foro Económico Mundial, Bahréin enfrenta algunos problemas como falta de 
innovación y baja presencia de mano de obra local. Sobre este último punto, son importantes los esfuerzos que viene realizando el gobierno de Bahréin para la calificación de la mano de obra y así 
poder competir con los extranjeros predominantes en su mercado laboral. 
9.61.  Celebramos que el Gobierno de Bahréin ha venido modificando algunas leyes para ponerla 
en conformidad con las obligaciones de la OMC en materia de aviación civil, medidas de defensa 
comercial, contratación pública y transporte marítimo. No obstante, nos permitimos hacer un 
llamado al Gobierno de Bahréin para la actualización de sus notificaciones en materia de propiedad intelectual. 
9.62.  Agradecemos al Gobierno de Bahréin, las respuestas a las preguntas presentadas por 
nuestro país. 
9.63.  Omán es una economía abierta en continua expansión que sigue dependiendo en gran parte 
del sector petrolero como actividad económica básica. La economía de este país creció un 112% 
en el período 2006 y 2012, presenta una baja inflación, un incremento de las exportaciones de 
servicios y una balanza comercial positiva. Este crecimiento está basado en las mejoras en las ventas internacionales de petróleo y gas que representan aproximadamente el 70% de los 
ingresos por exportaciones. 
9.64.  La agricultura, cuya representación en el PIB es de tan solo el 1%, es un alto generador de 
empleo, así que celebramos los esfuerzos que realiza este país por fortalecer esta actividad 
económica.   
9.65.  Como en el caso anterior, el Gobierno ha venido liderando iniciativas para diversificar su 
producción, las cuales permitirán, reducir la influencia de los cambios en los precios internacionales del petróleo, de igual manera este país viene liderando iniciativas para capacitar la 
mano de obra local y así acceder al mercado laboral en el sector privado.   
9.66.  El documento de la Secretaría evidencia que aún existen algunas restricciones a la Inversión 
Extranjera Directa, así como la exclusión de extranjeros para algunas actividades y la propiedad 
del terreno donde opera la actividad económica. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
WT/TPR/M/296 • Qatar 
 
- 44 - 
 
  MÉXICO 
Bahrein 9.67.  Vemos con agrado que Bahréin ha continuado creciendo a pesar de la crisis financiera de 
2008 y 2009 que se atravesó entre los últimos exámenes y el presente. El sector petrolero ha 
jugado un papel clave en esta recuperación, así como la Visión Económica 2030 de Bahréin que está encaminada a aprovechar los ingresos petroleros para diversificar y fortalecer su economía.  
9.68.  El Índice "Doing Business" del Banco Mundial y de la International Finance Corporation 
clasifica a Bahréin como un país de ingresos altos y le reconoce un envidiable cuarto lugar en materia de manejo de permisos de construcción y el séptimo en pago de impuestos.  
9.69.  De acuerdo con el índice de libertad económica de la Fundación Heritage, Bahréin ocupa el 
décimo segundo lugar entre las economías más abiertas, frente al trigésimo noveno lugar en 2007, 
y su tasa de desempleo es menor al 4%.  
9.70.  Bahréin forma parte del Consejo de Cooperación del Golfo y cuenta con aranceles externos 
muy bajos en general por lo que respecta a la mayoría de sus líneas arancelarias; sin embargo, 
sus aranceles consolidados cubren el 7,6% de las líneas arancelarias y son del 34,5% en promedio.  
9.71.  En la Conferencia Ministerial de Bali se aprobó el Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del Comercio. A 
pesar de que no ha entrado en vigor, Bahréin ha aplicado, de manera unilateral, diversas medidas en esta materia, que facilitan el comercio más allá del alcance del acuerdo adoptado en diciembre pasado.  
9.72.  En 2011 Bahréin estableció la Ventanilla Única Electrónica de Aduanas para acelerar el 
despacho y la liberación de las mercancías. Bahréin no exige la intervención de agentes de aduana ni cobra impuestos ni derechos a la exportación. 
9.73.  En materia de Propiedad Intelectual, Bahréin ha mejorado su marco jurídico mediante el 
aumento de la duración de la protección a 70 años después de la muerte del autor; esto equivale a 20 años más de lo que exige el Acuerdo sobre los Aspectos de los Derechos de la Propiedad 
Intelectual relacionados con el Comercio. También introdujo la protección de los derechos conexos 
con carácter retroactivo. Además, los esfuerzos realizados por este país para reducir la piratería son encomiables; no obstante, habrá que seguir combatiendo las infracciones a los derechos de propiedad intelectual con respecto a los programas informáticos.  
9.74.  A pesar de que el sector petrolero representó el 24,6% del Producto Interno Bruto (PIB) y el 
75% de los ingresos del sector público de Bahréin en 2012, el mercado de servicios no se ha quedado atrás, pues en ese mismo año representó casi el 60% del PIB. El sector financiero debe 
seguir siendo la piedra angular de esta diversific ación económica, con base en los lineamientos del 
Banco Central de Bahréin; sin embargo, sería recomendable que esta diversificación se expanda a otros sectores de su economía. 
9.75.  Esperemos también que las reformas hechas por Bahréin en 2011 al marco jurídico que rige 
su mercado de valores consistentes en su Código de Gobernanza de las Empresas den los frutos esperados y atraigan a más inversionistas a su mercado de capitales.  
9.76.  En relación con el sector de telecomunicaciones, nuestra Delegación felicita a la Autoridad 
de Reglamentación de las Telecomunicaciones de Bahréin por el premio al Organismo de 
Reglamentación más Progresista del Año que le concedió Consejo de Telecomunicaciones de Asia del Sur, Oriente Medio y África del Norte (SAMENA) en 2009 y en 2011. 
9.77.  El sector turístico también se ha desarrollado, pues en 2012 Manama fue elegida Capital 
Árabe de la Cultura en el marco de un programa de la UNESCO, y Capital del Turismo Árabe 2013, logro que es digno de felicitación.  WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  Omán 
9.78.  Nos complace que Omán haya seguido creciendo a pesar de la crisis financiera de 2008 y 
2009. El sector petrolero ha jugado un papel clave en esta recuperación, así como la Estrategia de 
Desarrollo a Largo Plazo de Omán (1996-2020), que está encaminada a aprovechar los ingresos 
petroleros para diversificar y fortalecer su economía.  
9.79.  Gracias a los esfuerzos de su Banco Central, Omán logró reducir la inflación de un 12% en 
2008 a un 2,9% en 2012.  
9.80.  Los ingresos petroleros de Omán representan el 85% de sus ingresos públicos, el 70% de 
sus exportaciones de mercancías y más del 30% de su PIB. De acuerdo con el Informe de la Secretaría, en 2013, las reservas de petróleo y gas condensado se estimaron en 4,974 millones de 
barriles, en comparación con los 4,865 millones de barriles en 2006. También de acuerdo con el 
informe de la Secretaría para 2030 se estima que las reservas petroleras pueden agotarse, por lo que habrá que considerar esta posibilidad.  
9.81.  El Informe de la Secretaría señala que la tasa anual de crecimiento demográfico de Omán es 
aproximadamente del 2,8%, y el 43% de los omaníes son menores de 15 años. En 2009, la revista The Economist previó que esta circunstancia de los países del Consejo de Cooperación del Golfo 
atraerá tanto inversión extranjera como un mercado de consumo para estos países, siempre y 
cuando se generen los suficientes empleos para los jóvenes. 
9.82.  El Índice "Doing Business" del Banco Mundial y de la International Finance Corporation 
clasifica a Omán como un país de ingresos altos y lo coloca en el lugar número 9 en materia de 
pago de impuestos y 21 en registro de propiedades, en lo que va del año 2014; sin embargo, 
Omán ocupa el lugar 107 en cumplimiento de contratos y 98 en protección de los inversionistas.  
9.83.  Omán cuenta con una Ley de Inversiones de Ca pital Extranjero que prohíbe la expropiación 
o confiscación de las inversiones extranjeras salvo en caso de interés público y mediante 
indemnización justa; es miembro del Centro Internacional de Arreglo de Diferencias relativas a Inversiones y del Organismo Multilateral de Garantía de Inversiones. Sin duda estos mecanismos 
podrían ayudar a Omán a mejorar la protección de sus inversionistas.  
9.84.  Nuestra delegación quisiera felicitar a Omán por la creación en 2011 de una Autoridad 
Pública de Protección de los Consumidores. 
CANADA 
9.85.  We are pleased to have the opportunity to participate in this valuable exchange of views on 
the trade policy of Bahrain and Oman. We have a close relationship with both these countries, and are currently seeking to establish a Strategic Dialogue between Canada and the Gulf Cooperation 
Council.  
9.86.  With respect to Bahrain specifically, Canada signed with them a Tax Information Exchange 
Agreement in July 2013, and looks forward to the signature of the Foreign Investment Promotion 
and Protection Agreement, negotiations on which concluded in 2010. 
9.87.  Bahrain has made important steps in growing the non-oil sectors of its economy, especially 
through public spending increases. But more needs to be done to improve governance standards and combat corruption. This is an area of conc ern that has been raised by Canadian companies 
operating in Bahrain. Greater transparency could attract more firms, support commercial 
engagement, and promote Bahrain’s role as a financial centre and a leader in Islamic banking. We are also concerned that lower oil prices will widen Bahrain’s budget deficit, and therefore we 
encourage continued diversification reforms.  
9.88.  With respect to, like Bahrain and Qatar discussed this morning, Oman too is making 
important strides towards diversification, with the Vision 2020 blueprint forecasting non-oil sectors’ 
contribution to GDP will rise from the current 50% to 81% by 2020. We note, however, that the WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  application of labour policies in Oman restricts the employment of skilled expatriate workers, and 
may impede the ability of firms to succeed and create wealth. Greater transparency and more 
consistent application of policies could support increased commercial engagement to the benefit of 
Oman. We would like to see Oman implement science-based World Organizations for Animal 
Health (OIE) guidelines for trade in beef products. 
REPUBLIC  OF KOREA 
9.89.  As the Secretariat report notes, the Bahrain economy continued to grow despite the 
sporadic domestic tension and global crisis during the review period. We would like to compliment the fact that Bahrain has been successfully implementing a development strategy, the Economic Vision 2030, to reduce its high dependence on oil an d gas, helping in its diversification efforts. As 
a result, the financial services and manufacturing sector accounted for 58% and 15.2% 
respectively of its real GDP in 2012. 
9.90.  Bahrain is an active participant in the multilateral trading system. Importantly, Bahrain is a 
signatory to the ITA and an observer to the GPA, though it has yet to meet several notification 
requirements under the WTO Agreements. In additi on, Bahrain has been amending its legislation 
to make it consistent with WTO obligations. We believe such efforts contribute to the fact that 
Bahrain is now known for its trade and investment friendly environment. We hope that these 
efforts lead to attracting more FDI in the coming years and accelerate Bahrain's economic diversification efforts, particularly in the areas of financial services, tourism and manufacturing sectors. 
9.91.  For Oman, we welcome that the Government has been pushing for further diversification of 
its economy to enhance national competitiveness even when Oman achieved a robust real GDP growth of 12% in 2012, as the Secretariat report notes. Oman's trade policy has been encouraging 
to foreign investors, and its macroeconomic indicators such as inflation and balance of payments 
are demonstrating that Oman is in good financial condition. On the bilateral front, Oman is one of our most important energy suppliers and investment destinations, particularly in the mining and 
construction sectors. One thing we would like to note in this regard is that we are slightly 
concerned about "Omanization initiative" which prescribes more strict requirements for hiring local workforce. We hope that this requirement will no t serve as an obstacle to our further economic 
cooperation and investment. 
MALAYSIA 
Bahrain 9.92.  As a Member of the Organisation of the Islami c Conference (OIC), Bahrain is an important 
and valued trading partner for Malaysia. In 2013, Bahrain was Malaysia’s 9th largest trading 
partner, 12th largest export destination and 5th largest import destination within the West Asia region. Malaysia’s main exports to Bahrain consist of wood products, palm oil, processed food, 
manufacturers of metal and electrical and electronic products.  
9.93.  In 2013, Malaysia registered a total trade of US$360.7 million with Bahrain compared to 
only US$291.7 million in 2012. Exports from Bahrain showed an increase of 37% for 2013 which was largely due to the imports of refined petroleum products by Malaysia. 
9.94.  Within ASEAN, Malaysia is Bahrain’s 2nd largest trading partner, 3rd largest export market 
and 2nd largest source of imports. 
9.95.  Besides advancing hand in hand the multilateral trading system, Malaysia looks forward to 
deepen and expand our bilateral trade relationship particularly in financial services. The year 2002 
marks a stepping stone for the bilateral trade between our two countries when Maybank Malaysia established the only Overseas Branch Unit from South East Asia in Bahrain, the financial capital 
and a global hub for Islamic Financing in the Middle East. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  9.96.  Malaysia and Bahrain will continue collaborations particularly in the construction and 
infrastructure sector. Last but not least, we encourage Bahrain to continue its trade expansion and its investment to achieve sustainable growth and further integrate into the global trading system.  
Oman 
9.97.  Malaysia views Oman as an important trading partner and welcomes Oman commitments to 
the multilateral trading system.  
9.98.  Bilaterally, Malaysia looks forward for a stronger trade ties with Oman. Malaysia’s main 
exports to Oman consist of machinery, appliances and part, palm oil, electrical and electronics, 
saw logs and sawn timber; and wood products. While imports by Malaysia consist of crude petroleum, refined petroleum products, chemical and chemical products, manufacturers of metal 
and seafood, fresh chilled or frozen. 
9.99.  It was stated in the Government report that Oman is planning to invest heavily to develop 
logistics and transport infrastructure under the 8th five-year Development Plan (2011-15). 
Malaysia looks forward to collaboration opportunities in infrastructure projects such as roads, port 
facilities, airports and solid waste management services. 
JAPAN 
9.100.  Let me start with Bahrain and Oman’s macroeconomic policies. As mentioned in the report 
by the Secretariat, Bahrain and Oman have recorded sound economic growth and development since the last review. Japan hopes that Bahrain and Oman will maintain their strong economic growth under the multilateral trading system. Fu rthermore, Bahrain and Oman have established 
growth strategies, the Economic Vision 2030 of Bahrain and Long-term Development Strategy of 
Oman. Japan also hopes that Bahrain and Oman will achieve further economic growth by accomplishing reform of their industrial structure, increased capacity building for talented people, 
and so on, along the economic strategies. 
9.101.  Now let me move to trade and trade-related policies. We have two points here: the WTO 
and regional trade agreements and investment agreements. 
9.102.  First, the WTO. Japan commends Bahrain and Oman’s contribution to maintaining and 
strengthening the multilateral trading system repr esented by the WTO. In addition, they have 
participated in the ITA. In the light of further trade liberalization, Japan hopes that Bahrain and Oman will join in the expanded ITA as well. Furthermore, Bahrain and Oman are also observers of 
the GPA and the negotiation of Oman’s accession to the GPA has already been initiated. Japan 
hopes for early realization of Oman’s accession as well as early initiation of the negotiation of Bahrain’s accession. 
9.103.  Second, regional trade agreements and investment agreements. Bahrain and Oman are 
members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and GCC has negotiated RTAs with third parties including Japan, as I mentioned this morning. In addition, Japan and Oman announced a 
substantial agreement on the investment agreement when Japan’s prime minister visited Oman in 
January this year. Cooperating for early signing of the investment agreement with Oman, Japan hopes that the regional trade agreements and investment agreements concluded by the GCC, Bahrain and Oman will complement the multilateral trading system.  
9.104.  Now, let me turn to specific points. We will refer to one point for Bahrain and another for 
Oman. 
9.105.  First, Bahrain has basically provided foreign companies with a sound business environment 
in the Middle East region. It is important for Bahrain’s invitation of investment from foreign 
companies to maintain this sound business environment, for example, through tax policy without imposing corporate and income tax, reasonable energy supply, less expensive land for industry 
and so on, and to endeavour to maintain and improve an environment in which foreign companies WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  are easy to access. Japan hopes that Bahrain will make efforts to improve its business 
environment in the distribution sector as well. 
9.106.  Second, with regard to anti-counterfeit measures taken by Oman’s Government, it has 
been reported that counterfeit of spare parts for automobiles, for example, oil filters, is occurring 
in Oman’s domestic market. Japan is concerned that this is causing serious damage, including trademark infringement, to foreign automobile makers including Japanese companies. The 
counterfeit also is leading to traffic accidents in Oman, and it should be addressed from the 
viewpoint of public safety as well. While distri buting agents dealing with Japanese automobiles 
announce the danger of counterfeiting through promotion of consumer literacy, Japan requests Oman to address this problem and strengthen anti-counterfeiting measures through the relevant 
governmental organizations. 
AUSTRALIA Bahrain 
9.107.  Australia and Bahrain have a long standing bilateral relationship, underpinned by strong 
commercial ties. Australia’s total merchandise exports to Bahrain were well over $665 million in 2013. Australia’s top exports to Bahrain include live animals, meat and passenger motor vehicles. 
Australia’s main imports from Bahrain include aluminium, wire products and fertilisers.  
9.108.  Bahrain is an important market for Australian livestock exports. We appreciate Bahrain’s 
agreement to animal health protocols in March this year, which has paved the way for livestock shipments to restart. Australia’s Minister for Agriculture chose Bahrain as one of the first countries 
he would visit since his appointment – demonstrat ing the importance of our trade and agriculture 
relations. We look forward to continuing to work with Bahrain to ensure the long term viability of the livestock trade, alongside a growing meat trade.  
Oman 
9.109.  Australia and Oman have a friendly and cooperative relationship, underpinned by a steady 
trading relationship. Two-way merchandise trade between Australia and Oman totalled around 
$468 million in 2013. Passenger motor vehicles and agricultural commodities form the bulk of 
Australia and Oman’s trading relationship. Australia and Oman are keen to grow bilateral trade flows and people-to-people links. This is reflected in Oman’s opening of a Consulate-General in Melbourne and Australia’s appointment of an Honorary Consul in Muscat. 
9.110.  Australia is supportive of Oman’s efforts to pursue economic reform through diversification 
and privatization. To support this agenda, Oman has encouraged Australian investment and trade. Several Australian companies already operate in Oman, including Leighton, Austal, and Worley 
Parsons, which employs around 700 people. Oman has also sought Australia’s assistance to build 
capacity in a range of sectors and Australia has been ready and able to help. For example, Australian expertise in agribusiness and natural resources has led to useful cooperation and 
development in these sectors. 
9.111.  Australia commends Oman in its drive to up-skill its young population. As a world-leading 
education provider, Australia would welcome more Omani students to study in Australia. The people-to-people links forged through educatio n cannot be underestimated. Increased people-to-
people links so often lead to increased business and commercial links.   
9.112.  Finally, Australia would like to highlight with Bahrain and Oman its interest in resuming 
negotiations on a free trade agreement between Australia and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Such 
an agreement would help our countries realise much more of the potential that exists in our trade 
and investment relationships. We seek the support of the delegations in promoting a resumption of negotiations with their GCC partners. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  TURKEY 
9.113.  I would like to emphasize that Turkey enjoys excellent political and economic relations with 
both Bahrain and Oman although our current trade and economic relations do not fully reflect our 
real potential. We, sincerely want to enhance our total bilateral trade volumes which is currently 
around only US$400 million with Bahrain and US$500 million with Oman. 
9.114.  I also wish to underline that Turkey strongly appreciates both countries’ astute 
macroeconomic policy management and positive economic performance especially they have 
achieved since the last TPR again, despite all the negative effects of global financial crisis and unstable world economy. 
9.115.  Laying at the very heart of global commercial routes, and being very well aware of it, both 
Bahrain and Oman maintain  transparent and liberal trade and investment regimes. In both 
countries trade policy orientations, GCC seems to be an important determinant. In this context, stemming from the GCC practices, both Bahrain and Oman have a very low level of customs tariffs 
which is around 5 %. 
9.116.  Although hydrocarbon resources still dominates their trade, public finance and overall 
economic activity, both countries have ambitious diversification strategies with strong human and 
economic competiveness dimensions. With its 2030 "Economic Vision Strategy", Bahrain intends to 
enhance its regional and global economic networks by developing strategic objectives to reach sustainable, competitive and knowledge based economy. We believe that, by consistently implementing these targets and objectives,  Ba hrain will further improve its current highly 
competitive economy. 
9.117.  Oman also excels its already quite open and transparent trade and investment regime by 
adopting a long term "2020 Strate gy" with a strong social, economic and sectoral dimensions. With 
this instrument in hand, Oman seems to optimize both the use of its human resources and 
development of a competitive private sector. Like all other dynamic Gulf economies, Oman puts strong emphasis on its diversification strategy which aims at creating a not only diversified but 
also sustainable and globally integrated economy. 
9.118.  Oman also seems to bolster this process by  enhancing the share of the private sector 
vis-à-vis public economy through an efficient privat ization process. This strategy also gives special 
emphasis to FDI attraction and domestic investme nt since it has ambitious objectives to create 
and investment friendly business environment. 
9.119.  But what is striking about both Bahrain and Oman is that, both countries put their national 
human resource development and education at the top of their economic management agenda. We 
believe, this prioritization is a key choice to improve any countries competitiveness and welfare. 
9.120.  Although two countries maintain a quite open and liberal trade and investment regime, 
there are still areas where which further progress is possible. We believe both countries can make 
additional liberalization and simplification in their goods and service regimes and regulations. For 
example, Bahrain can harmonize its escalating customs tariff structure, and it can also increase its level of tariff bindings. We are also of the view that, simplifying the invoice and rules of origin certification process of Bahrain and Oman will further contribute to our bilateral trade relations. 
9.121.  We sincerely believe that both Bahrain and Oman will continue on their successful 
economic growth route and reform track. 
INDIA 
9.122.  India enjoys excellent bilateral relations with Bahrain and Oman which can be ascribed to 
cordial political, economic and cultural exchanges. The presence of large Indian community in both these countries is an important aspect of the close bilateral relationship. Although India enjoyed 
excellent economic and trade relations with both these countries for over several centuries, these 
relations have received fresh impetus since the oil boom of the early seventies. Relative prosperity WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  and higher standard of living have boosted glob al imports of goods and services, including from 
India. The respective government’s policy of indust rial diversification also played an important role 
in enhancing economic cooperation with India. With Bahrain we have seen a steady bilateral trade 
hovering around US$1.3 billion over the last few years. With Oman the bilateral trade has shown a 
steady progress from US$1.98 billion in 2008-09 to US$4.5 billion in 2012-13. In Asia, India is an 
important destination for exports from Bahrain and Oman. India is ranked fourth largest source of 
imports from Oman and Omani investments in India have become second biggest amongst the 
GCC countries. The institutional setup in the form of Joint Business Council or India Bahrain Joint Committee on Economic and Technical cooperation plays an important role in strengthening and broadening the content of the trade between the two countries. While with Oman, the regular Joint 
Commission Meetings (JCM) and Joint Business Council (JBC) are successfully monitoring the 
progress of bilateral economic and trade relations.  
9.123.  We are glad that the Kingdom of Bahrain’s economy has continued to grow since the last 
TPR in 2007, despite the global financial crisis. While the hydrocarbon sector is an important 
component of the economy of Bahrain we appreciate the country’s commitment to diversify into other sectors to reduce the dependence on oil sectors so that the economy is not vulnerable to the 
oil shocks. No wonder there is a focus at the highest level to develop Bahrain into a business 
friendly country and turn it into a competitive and open economy by integrating into the multilateral trading system. We therefore appreciate the rapid strides made by Bahrain in diversifying into financial services and Manufacturing despite the severe constraints in terms of its 
limited population, geographical size etc. Alth ough crude oil and petroleum provides 80% of 
government’s income, the services sector constitutes 58% of the country’s GDP, turning Bahrain into service based economy. In this respect we feel that the long term development strategy 
elucidated by the Economic Vision 2030 has played an important in guiding the day to day policy 
making of the government. We are certain that with further liberalisation in all the sectors of its economy, Bahrain would not only be able to increase its foot print in the international trading 
system but would be able to improve its human development index. 
9.124.  As regard Oman, we note with appreciation the report provided by the Secretariat for this 
TPR. The report underlined the strong economic performance of Oman, after the 2008 TPR, and we commend Oman for its robust GDP growth, low inflation, solid fiscal position and strong external 
accounts. The rapid increase in expat population du ring this period is an indication of the rapid 
economic growth. We are glad that the long term  development plan accompanied by the five year 
plans through liberalization, diversification and privatization have helped in the robust economic 
growth on diversification of its economy, skill development and removal of income inequalities. We 
note the steps taken by Oman in facilitating th e customs procedures through streamlining customs 
procedures and single electronic window project.  While Oman follows the GCC external tariffs, and 
applies 5% tariff on 87.5% of tariff lines, there are a few tariff lines where the duties have 
remained at a very high level. As far as the investment regime is concerned, India looks forward for further details of the proposed legislation. We also look forward to knowing details about the insurance sector. 
THAILAND 
9.125.  Oman is Thailand’s fourth largest trading partner in the Middle East, and Bahrain is 
Thailand’s seventh largest partner from the same area. 
9.126.  During 2011-2013, Thailand-Oman bilateral trade averaged at US$3.05 billion with a slight 
decrease in 2013 from 2012. 
9.127.  Although Thailand’s bilateral trade with Bahrain was on a lesser scale during the past three 
years, our bilateral trade has seen an increase at the end of 2013. In fact, Thailand-Bahrain 
bilateral trade increased about 46% from 2012.   
9.128.  We consider our trade relationships with Bahrain and Oman are set to continue to grow 
through both bilateral ties and ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) collaboration. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  9.129.  We would like to commend Oman on its notable economic development during the review 
period. Among others, the strong economic growth, low inflation rates, fiscal stability and strong external accounts. 
9.130.  Thailand is also impressed with Bahrain’s remarkable economic performance, such as its 
continuous economic growth despite the global financial crisis and other tensions, its current account and trade surpluses during the review pe riod, and its relatively low inflation rates. 
9.131.  Both Bahrain and Oman have proved to be very resilient in the world economy and that 
will in turn benefit the multilateral trading system.  
9.132.  Thailand appreciates the growing relationship between the GCC and ASEAN, which has 
supported Thailand’s trade relationship with both Bahrain and Oman. As mentioned this morning, 
we consider that the third ASEAN-GCC Ministerial Meeting in November 2013 in Manama, Bahrain 
was an important occasion for the growing relationship of the two regions as the importance of enhancing economic and trade cooperation progresses. We welcome expressions made for support 
for an open, fair, and transparent multilateral trading system, and efforts to ensure a successful 
outcome of the WTO MC9 in Bali. Furthermore, future cooperation in trade and investment, economic development, and education and culture, were also discussed. 
9.133.  Thailand submitted questions to the delegations of Bahrain and Oman regarding Bahrain’s 
commitments in services and Oman’s processes in importing products. We appreciate the response 
we have received so far, and we look forward to reviewing further responses to our questions. 
9.134.  In closing, Thailand would like to express its appreciation to the delegations of Bahrain and 
Oman for today’s presentation, which provided us a better understanding of their trade policies 
and measures. Thailand is thankful for our bilateral trade relationships with Bahrain and Oman and the growing cooperation between ASEAN and the GCC 
JORDAN
 ON BEHALF  OF THE ARABIC  GROUP 
9.135.  Through its unique geographic location, Bahrain was, by nature, a firm believer in foreign 
trade. Over the last few years, Bahrain's econ omy has expanded, with the GDP and productivity 
increasing significantly. Bahrain’s reliable financial system, coupled with a strong drive towards a 
diversified economy, an investment-friendly environment, and a sound trade regime have resulted in impressive growth rates.  
9.136.  The Arab group welcomes the GDP Growth in Bahrain since its last review in 2007 and 
congratulates Bahrain for its wise economic leadership which has made the Kingdom one of the 
most diversified economies in the region. 
9.137.   Since the year 2000, Bahrain has pursued a development strategy of reducing its 
dependence on oil and gas. The Economic Vision 2030 is a roadmap for making Bahrain a 
sustainable, competitive, fair and knowledge-based economy. Bahrain has partly achieved that by promoting downstream industries and financial services and tourism. Improving health and 
education services and modernizing the infrastructure have also been most helpful in this regard. 
It is well noted that Bahrain's economy has grown strongly with the implementation of this strategy. According to the report of the Secretariat, the strategy has helped diversification efforts as follows: the services sector, led by financial services, contributed 58% of Bahrain's real GDP in 
2012, and the manufacturing sector based on Bahrain's comparative advantages in energy-
intensive industries, contributed 15.2% of the Kingdom’s real GDP. 
9.138.  Turning to Sultanate of Oman, the Arab Group is pleased to note that Oman has pursued 
an open and outward looking economic policy which results in excellent economic growth and 
development. The WTO Secretariat report has termed Oman’s economic performance as "positive with robust real GDP growth, low inflation, a solid fiscal position and strong external accounts". 
This all adds to the welfare and prosperity of the Omani people. Oman can be rightly proud of 
following, as it had promised, welfare oriented and people-centric economic and trade policies. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  9.139.  Since its accession to the WTO in November 2000, the Sultanate of Oman has pursued an 
open, liberal, and transparent trade policy based on the rules and principles of the WTO. Oman has 
bound tariffs on all agriculture and non-agriculture products at low rates, while its actual applied 
average tariffs are no more than 5%. Oman by and large does not use other trade measures, 
particularly no export subsidies and no prohibited TRIMS. Oman’s commitments on Services are quite extensive. It does not lag behind in observ ing and implementing the provisions of the TRIPS 
Agreement. 
9.140.   The Arab Group congratulates the brotherly Bahrain and Oman on their impressive 
performance and on their faithful adherence to th e rules, disciplines and commitments as Members 
of the WTO. The Arab Group strongly recommends that the Review Body concludes that Bahrain’s 
and Oman’s trade policies have a positive impact on the functioning of the Multilateral Trading 
System. 
KUWAIT
 ON BEHALF  OF THE GCC 
9.141.  Oman and Bahrain are both active in shaping the joint policies and important initiatives of 
the GCC, in particular those relating to trade. The GCC has been adamant to pursue the noble principles and rules of the Multilateral Trading System in letter and spirit. 
9.142.  The Economic Vision 2030 is a roadmap for maki ng Bahrain a sustainable, competitive, fair 
and knowledge-based economy. In order to achieve this, Bahrain mobilized its reliable financial system, coupled with a strong drive towards a diversified economy, an investment-friendly environment, and a sound trade regime. 
9.143.  All these measures resulted in impressive growth rates as the economy had expanded, 
with GDP and productivity increasing significantly. 
9.144.  The GCC commends Oman for its impressive economic performance since its last review in 
2008. Its economy has witnessed high growth of  15.4% between 2008 and 2014, with very low 
inflation. Oman is also engaged in successfully diversifying its economy away from oil. It is also on the road to increasing the role of private sector in the national economy. 
9.145.  Oman has bound tariffs at low rates on all agricultural and non-agricultural products 
without any exception. It follows the Common External  Tariff of the GCC for almost all tariff lines, 
thus having a very low average applied tariff. 
9.146.  Oman's trade policy is characterized by the virtual absence of non-tariff measures and 
other impediments to the flow of trade. Oman has also undertaken commercially meaningful 
market access and national treatment commitments in the field of services. Oman had implemented the TRIPS Agreement from the very beginning of its accession to the WTO in 2000. 
9.147.  The GCC congratulates Oman and Bahrain for their liberal and open trade policy in 
conformity with the rules and principles of the WTO and for their support to the Doha Development 
Agenda. 
EGYPT 
9.148.  Egypt supports the statement of Jordan on behalf of the Arab group.  
9.149.  We acknowledge the commitment of both the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of 
Oman to the multilateral trading system, which is clearly illustrated through the openness of both 
countries’ trade policies. The two countries demonstrate sustained economic performance which is 
based to a large extent on a successful strategy of economic diversification.  
9.150.  Bahrain is placed in the category “highly developed economies” and ranked as 48th in the 
Human Development Index according to the UNDP report for 2013.The openness of Bahrain trade 
and economic policies helped establish the country as a hub for investment and trade in the Arab WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
WT/TPR/M/296 • Qatar 
 
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  Gulf and beyond. The modern logistics infrastructure, including its new Khalifa bin Salman Port 
opened in 2009, enhances the trade flows of the country with the rest of the world. 
9.151.  We commend Bahrain recent efforts to diversify its economy which is reflected in the 
composition of its GDP. Whereas the oil and gas se ctor accounted for 44% of the Bahrain real GDP 
in 2000, the proportion of this sector to GDP dimi nished to 19% in 2012. The largest sectors of the 
non-oil economy are financial services (17%), manufacturing (15%), and government services 
(approximately 13%).  
9.152.  We recognize the quality and flexibility of Bahrain economic regulations. This has been 
reflected in ranking the country as the 12th wo rldwide in economic freedom according to 2012 
Heritage Foundation Index of Economic Freedom.  
9.153.  We recognize the robust economic performanc e by Oman during the recent years where 
the country’s economy has been characterized as high growth and low inflation economy. This 
performance has been reflected in the average growth rate of GDP from 2008 to 2012 to be 
15.4%. The rate of inflation in 2012 was low approaching 2.9%. 
9.154.  The open economic policy of Oman and its long-term objective to diversify its economy has 
been clearly emphasized in Oman Vision 2020. We are confident that the open liberal policies of 
Oman will help achieve the Country objective to increase the share of non-oil sector to 15% of 
GDP.  
9.155.  Oman ongoing efforts to develop a dynamic, efficient and competitive private sector along 
with the country adoption of capital-intensive and technology-based production methods have a 
great potential to upgrade the value-added of the economy. We commend the steadfast 
endeavours of Oman to create enabling macroeconomic environment for the development of productive sectors. In this context, we welcome the progress achieved by Oman in privatization, 
particularly in the electricity sector, power and related water sector, the telecommunications 
sector, and the transport sector. Additionally, Oman open and liberal investment policy helps attracting investments. 
QATAR 
9.156.  Since we, the State of Qatar, are currently going through our own Trade Policy Review, we 
express our commitment in participating in such an exercise as it provides the necessary transparency mechanism to trade policy, and adds  an element of openness that our organization 
requires. 
9.157.  Since its accession in 2000, the Sultanate of Oman has been an active and cooperative 
Member of the WTO. The Sultanate has gone through vast economic reforms since its previous 
Trade Policy Review. The results, as depicted by both the Secretariat and Government reports, 
point to significant milestones in its economic development as well as resilient growth. 
9.158.  Concurrently, with the Economic Vision of 203 0 serving as a guide, the Kingdom of Bahrain 
has continued to build a vibrant private sector an d reduce dependency on oil with the development 
of its financial sector which continues to serve as a regional financial hub and currently accounts for over 25% of the Kingdom's GDP. 
9.159.  We are pleased to recognize that both countries have experienced major economic 
development since their last TPR's, with strong indications that these two economies are 
progressively moving towards a diversified and competitive future. 
9.160.  We further would like to note the open and transparent trade policies pursued by these two 
nations, and hope that other WTO Members can draw lessons learned from their positive 
experience. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
WT/TPR/M/296 • Qatar 
 
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  SAUDI  ARABIA 
9.161.  The Trade Policy reports prepared by the Kingdom of Bahrain and Oman as well as the 
Secretariat highlight the continued growth of the economies of Bahrain and Oman despite the 
global economic and financial crisis. Both countries are to be praised for their very positive 
performances and their willingness to undertake long term ambitious reforms to promote the well-being of their citizens in an increasingly open environment. 
9.162.  The Kingdom of Bahrain successfully reduced its economic dependence on oil and gas 
within the framework of its Economic Vision 2030. The measures and reforms adopted have supported the diversification of its economy and boosted its financial system. In just five years, between 2007 and 2012, as a result of its initiati ves, Bahrain gained 27 positions to become the 
12
th most open economy on the ranking of the Heritage Foundation Index of Economic Freedom. 
9.163.  In Oman, away from the GDP growth resultin g from growing oil production and high oil 
prices, the Government of Oman, under the Lo ng-Term Development Strategy (1996-2020) is 
successfully diversifying its economy and creates employment opportunities for its citizens. Oman 
is also a very open economy as it ranks 12th out of 152 countries. 
9.164.  The economy of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Oman are highly connected to that of the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia believes in the reinforcement of bilateral 
trade, economic and investment relations with these two partners under the umbrella of the GCC Economic Agreement and its investment and trade rules. 
9.165.  The Kingdom of Bahrain and Om an both share their belief in the world trading system. 
They have demonstrated their commitment to the WTO and its rule-based system by actively 
supporting the Doha Development Agenda. In addition  to their contribution to the strengthening of 
the world trading order and regional trade thro ugh the GCC, the Kingdom of Bahrain and Oman 
have concluded a very important number of economic agreements. Bahrain has signed 
61 economic cooperation agreements and 31 bilateral investment treaties while Oman is a party to 33 bilateral investment treaties. 
TUNISIE 
9.166.  Ma délégation tient à féliciter le Bahreïn et Oman pour les efforts considérables qu'ils ont 
déployés depuis leurs derniers examens en vue de poursuivre leurs politiques de libéralisations économiques et commerciales à travers le renforcement des processus d'ouverture, la 
simplification des procédures du commerce extérieur, l'instauration d'environnements propices au 
développement des investissements et l'élargissement et la diversification de leurs relations commerciales et économiques avec leurs principaux partenaires. 
9.167.  Depuis le dernier Examen de sa politique commerciale en 2007, l'économie du Royaume de 
Bahreïn a poursuivi sa croissance en dépit de la crise financière mondiale et de fléchissements dans la production de pétrole en 2012. La balance des paiements de Bahreïn a affiché des 
excédents du compte courant au cours de la période à l'examen. 
9.168.  Depuis 2008, Bahreïn applique une stratégie de développement intitulée "Vision pour 
l'économie à l'horizon 2030", destinée à réduire sa forte dépendance à l'égard du pétrole et du gaz. Dans ce cadre, l'accent est mis en particulier sur les services financiers et le secteur 
manufacturier. 
9.169.  De son côté, et depuis son dernier examen en 2008, Oman a enregistré des résultats 
économiques positifs, affichant une forte croissance du PIB, une faible inflation, une position 
budgétaire saine et des comptes extérieurs solides. La croissance a été soutenue par 
l'accroissement de la production pétrolière et  un régime de commerce extérieur ouvert et 
transparent. 
9.170.  Le régime d'investissement est un aspect prioritaire du développement de l'économie 
omanaise. Il offre un régime législatif favorable aux investissements, une économie de libre WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
WT/TPR/M/296 • Qatar 
 
- 55 - 
 
  marché et un environnement macroéconomique stable. La diversification de l'économie omanaise 
vise à créer une économie diversifiée, reposant sur les ressources renouvelables, hautement efficiente et intégrée dans l'économie mondiale. 
9.171.  La Tunisie accorde une grande importance aux relations de coopération séculaires établies 
avec Bahreïn et Oman, deux pays frères. La Tunisie bénéficie d'un nombre important de projets réalisés dans ces deux pays. Nos pays sont déterminés à renforcer et à consolider cette 
coopération dans tous les domaines. 
SEPARATE
 CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU 
9.172.  My Government attaches great importance to our bilateral relationship with the countries 
of the GCC union. Indeed, in both the Kingdom of Bahrain and in Oman, we have already set up 
representative offices to promote economic and tr ade and cultural activities. Likewise, Oman has 
also set up a commercial office in the Separate Customs of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu for the same purposes.  
9.173.  Oman is a fellow-member of the Group of Recently Acceded Members, the RAMS group 
and, as the coordinator of this group we would like to take the opportunity to express our appreciation of Oman’s contributions and its active participation in the group, as well as its 
consistent commitment to strengthening the multilateral trading system.  
9.174.  F r o m  t h e  r e p o r t  o f  t h e  G o v e r n m e n t  o f  O m a n ,  w e  c a n  s e e  t h a t  i t  i s  e n d e a v o u r i n g  t o  
diversify its economic activities. Though its economy is still rather narrowly based on oil and related industries, Oman has declared its ambition that it wants to increase GDP shares of 
agriculture to over 3%, and of fisher ies to 2% in the coming years.  
9.175.  The results of Bahrain’s economic diversification strategies are impressive, especially in the 
liberalization of its telecommunication sector. 
9.176.  However, may we also take this opportunity to urge the Government of Oman to consider 
relaxing some of the restrictions on foreign investment. We notice that, according to current laws, all foreign investments require the approval of th e Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and foreign 
investment with a capital of RO (Omani Riyal) 150,000 or less is banned. In principle, Foreign 
investors are not allowed to own more than 50% of  companies. Also, certain services are excluded 
from foreign investment. In the interests of boosting investment flows and stimulating international trade, we would encourage Oman may like to consider further reforms in this area in 
the future. 
9.177.  We have today added six more questions in writing, on the subject of Bahrain's and 
Oman’s energy sectors, specifically in petroleum and electricity and water sector for Bahrain, the 
oil sector and natural gas for Oman. Besides, my Government is also interested in the new labour 
law Bahrain has adopted in July 2012 to improv e labour standards for national and foreign 
workers. We would like to understand Bahrain’s experience in this regard.  
BRAZIL 
9.178.  The economy of Bahrain exhibited strong growth in the review period. Despite the 
deceleration in economic growth in 2011, Bahrain's economy seems to have fully recovered, registering 4.8% of GDP growth in 2013, with sound macroeconomic indicators. Bahrain's trade 
surplus almost tripled from 2006 to 2012. Brazil  also welcomes the successful development 
strategy implemented by Bahrain to reduce its high dependence on oil and gas. 
9.179.  The trade flow between Brazil and Bahrain is quite significant. Brazil is Bahrain's fifth 
largest merchandise exporter. After a decrease due to  the global financial crisis, trade with Bahrain 
rebounded. Between 2009 and 2013, the trade flow  between Brazil and Bahrain grew on average 
3.6% a year. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
WT/TPR/M/296 • Qatar 
 
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  9.180.  Oman's economic performance since its last TPR in 2008 has also been striking. The 
country's GDP grew considerably, inflation remained low and the balance of payment is characterized by a strong surplus in trade in goods. 
9.181.  Foreign trade increased 22.7% since 2009, with a trade surplus totalling US$23.1 billion in 
2013. Commercial exchange with Brazil grew si gnificantly from 2009 to 2013, 925%, reaching 
US$1.2 billion. Brazil is now Oman's fourth largest supplier. 
9.182.  From these data, it is evident the relevance of trade relations between Brazil, Bahrain and 
Oman. Both countries are important commercial partners to Brazil. Brazil's exporters are concentrated in basic products, especially iron ore and meat, while Brazil imports fertilizer, fuel and aluminium. 
9.183.  Despite this positive retrospect, there is room for improvement in our bilateral trade 
relations. With this objective in mind, Brazil presented questions to Bahrain regarding SPS measures. Brazil currently faces trade restrictions  regarding an embargo on bovine meat and meat 
products, due to sanitary concerns in relation to the risk of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy 
(BSE), despite the OIE's recognition of Brazil as a country with negligible risk for such disease. 
9.184.  Brazil stands ready to further enhance its cooperation and trade ties with Bahrain and 
Oman. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
WT/TPR/M/296 • Qatar 
 
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  10  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF  QATAR AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS 
10.1.  Let me start by thanking the Trade Policy Re view Body Chairperson, His Excellency Joakim 
Reiter as well as our discussant, His Excellency Ambassador Syafri Baharuddin, and the WTO for all 
the work done conducive to the successful culmination of our TPR. I would like to congratulate Her 
Excellency Ambassador Mariam Salleh from Malaysia for her appointment as the new Chairwoman of the Trade Policy Review Body. We wish her success and, moreover, we would like to let her 
know that we stand ready to support her whenever she asks us to. 
10.2.  I would also like to express our deep appreciation for the process that is winding down 
today. This has been a worthwhile exercise where interesting and important issues were addressed through an open and frank dialogue. In particular, it has provided us with the opportunity to 
review our trade and economic policies. As part of Qatar’s long-term development process, we 
foresee a large role for the private sector both national and foreign in the diversification of our national economy. This growth will be supported by a continuation of our reform process over the 
next few years. The coverage of these reforms will touch all the areas of interest expressed by 
delegations during the TPR. 
10.3.  We encourage all delegations to take time to review our answers to questions posed by 
Members, including bovine and ovine imports, intellectual property rights, GCC, FTA negotiations, 
certificates of conformity, and other trade related issues. We shall respond to new questions in detail in the shortest possible time. 
10.4.  I  w o u l d  l i k e  t o  a d d r e s s  s o m e  o f  t h e  i s s u e s  r a i s e d  b y  M e m b e r  S t a t e s  d u r i n g  t h e  T P R ’ s  
opening session. A number of questions were raised  regarding our foreign investment regime. First 
and foremost, the State of Qatar views its fore ign investment regime as an instrument of 
economic development.   
10.5.  Consistent with this, the authorities have amended the foreign investment law on at least 
three different occasions to reflect emerging economic needs and especially to accommodate the implementation of various strategic development pl ans. This has led to a progressive opening of 
local markets to foreign capital since 2000 when the current foreign investment law was originally 
enacted. Since then, we have continued to broade n the scope of the law by adding sectors where 
majority foreign ownership is permitted. In fact, the overwhelming majority of Qatar’s economy is open to business for all. 
10.6.  In addition, the recent decision to upgrade Qatar’s stock market from a frontier to emerging 
markets status reflects how far our economy and, in particular, the financial market have evolved in recent years. We expect that this approach  will promote the necessary knowledge transfer to 
local business people in order for the private sector to consolidate itself. 
10.7.  We also take note of Members’ concerns regarding our notifications. In fact, we have been 
consistently keeping up with our notification commitments, particularly in the areas of 
antidumping, tariff schedule, safeguards and countervailing measures, intellectual property rights, 
services trade and state-trading enterprises, amon g others. In regards to additional notifications 
they are currently being processed and are expected to be submitted very shortly.   
10.8.  Qatar reiterates its commitment to the Trad e Facilitation Agreement and encourages the 
speedy conclusion of other Doha Development Agenda issues with a view to sustained reform 
processes in all WTO Member countries. We will, of course, continue to collaborate in whatever is necessary to implement this fundamentally important WTO achievement.  
10.9.  Qatar is committed to human resource development for all Qataris. We have embarked on a 
significant human resource development agenda. Consistent with The Qatar national Vision 2030 and enshrined in our constitution, our laws and policies promote the welfare of everyone involved 
in the development of our country. In this regard, Qatar will do whatever it takes to preserve the 
dignity and security of all those who participate in our economy.  WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
WT/TPR/M/296 • Qatar 
 
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  10.10.  Most Members took note of Qatar’s strong economic growth during the period under review 
as well as increasing bilateral trade flows. For our part, we will continue to implement economic policies that preserve and promote such expansion. Furthermore, we envision trade policy to play 
a fundamental role to facilitate the successful ou tcome of the various challenges exemplified by 
the WTO and the Government reports. 
10.11.  As mentioned in the opening remarks, Qatar always welcomes discussions on its trade and 
economic policies both within and out of the current TPR framework. We welcome everyone to 
Doha to experience our hospitality and tourism facilities and to discuss further ways to improve our trade regime. 
10.12.  In closing, I would like to restate our commitment to the rules of the multilateral trading 
system and our continued efforts to develop a clear and transparent trading regime. Thank you all 
and may our actions have as their target and their result the wellbeing of our people. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
WT/TPR/M/296 • Qatar 
 
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  11  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF  BAHRAIN AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS 
11.1.  Good morning to you all, it is a pleasure to be back here for our closing session. 
11.2.  First of all, let me express my thanks to H. E. Mr. Chairman Ambassador Reiter of Sweden, 
for his remarkable and cordial conduct of our Trade Policy Review, which coincidentally marks his 
last Chairing session of this most vital Committee in the WTO. His efficient management during the 
last year of this vital WTO Trade Policy Review Committee was acclaimed by all WTO Members and 
the Secretariat. 
11.3.  We are equally pleased to welcome his successor to the chairmanship of the TPR 
Committee, Ambassador Mariam Salleh, the permanent representative of Malaysia. 
11.4.  Our special thanks are also due to H.E. Mr. Syafri Adnan Baharudding, the Permanent 
Representative of The Republic of Indonesia, for his insightful and candid introductory remarks. 
11.5.  I would like also to take this opportunity to reiterate our appreciation to the WTO TPR 
Division for the quality of their reports, and their technical and functional coordination of the entire 
process. 
11.6.  At the outset, I would like to reaffirm my earlier remarks about Bahrain’s unwavering 
commitment to a strong rules-based multilateral trading system. As a small, open, developing 
economy that thrives on free trade, we see this as the best guarantee of the continued expansion 
of international trade and investment. This in turn will drive global economic growth and development. 
11.7.  We recognize that our WTO commitments, our regular notifications, and trade policy reviews 
are among the cardinal pillars of this system. 
11.8.  During our opening session, we were pleased to see a high level of interest in Bahrain's TPR. 
This has been clearly reflected in the valuable statements and comments of distinguished 
Committee membership for which we thank you all. 
11.9.  I am happy to report that the Bahrain has replied to most of these questions. We provided 
written answers to all 111 questions received within the WTO time limit, and we hope that the 
responses were to your satisfaction. Further ques tions that we received before, during and after 
the opening session will be fully attended to in due time. 
11.10.  I would also like to directly address a number of the valuable remarks made during the 
first session.   
11.11.  I have already noted our firm belief in the importance of free trade on a multilateral basis. 
We are pleased to note that almost all the stat ements made by the Members have highlighted the 
substantial expansion of trade flow between their respective countries and Bahrain. 
11.12.  We also welcome the increasing interest show n by the Members of the Committee, and the 
WTO Secretariat, in the ongoing regional integration efforts undertaken by the GCC. We take note of the desire shown by many delegations for having closer economic, trading and investment ties 
between the GCC and their relative countries and/or their regional blocks.  
11.13.  In Bahrain we know that our ability to grow  our enterprises, diversify our economy, and 
generate quality employment for our population are to a large extent determined by our ability to embrace opportunities beyond the confines of our national market. Similarly, we rely on many 
goods and knowledge from other countries. 
11.14.  The distinguished discussant made important points about the need to manage our reliance 
on expatriate labour. Before I address this ques tion, let me note that the economic development 
and diversification of the Bahraini economy has for a long time created a situation of excess 
demand for labour. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
WT/TPR/M/296 • Qatar 
 
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  11.15.  Let me also remind that our millennia-long history as a regional hub for trade means that 
Bahrain has been a meeting place for people. Our ability to capitalize on this human capital, the new ideas, and connections has been an important element of our integration in the global 
economy. 
11.16.  Having said this, we have always valued our human capital as our greatest national asset 
and a key source of our competitiveness. Bahrain is a regional pioneer in the area of education and 
we are constantly seeking better ways to equip our national workforce with the necessary 
knowledge and skills. We wish to position them for quality employment in sectors that offer significant value added and drive our transition to a knowledge-based economy. 
11.17.  We have been pursuing a systematic and comprehensive education reform for the past 
decade, including a whole array of targeted further education solutions. 
11.18.  The results speak for themselves. Bahrain is the only country in the region to have a clear 
majority of its national workforce employed in the private sector. Bahrainis are active in all sectors 
of the economy on all levels. 
11.19.  Bahrain has for decades served as a regional hub for finance and the importance of 
financial services as the largest non-oil sector of the economy is an achievement we want to 
safeguard and further develop. 
11.20.  Our commitment to international trade and integration provides immediate opportunities 
for the development of sectors such as trade finance and insurance. But, as noted, Bahrain is one of the global pioneers of the rapidly growing Islamic finance industry. 
11.21.  We see significant further growth potential in this area. Among other things, we hope to 
use our track record and resources as a basis for more effective collaboration with other centres as we work to build a global mark et place for Islamic finance. 
11.22.  Several discussants noted the need for continued diversification efforts, especially as the 
fiscal system of the Kingdom still remains heavily re liant on oil exports. Again, I wish to note the 
transformative achievements since the turn of the century when the real GDP share of the oil 
sector more than halved to less than 20%. 
11.23.  We have seen significant progress in sectors which are not even directly reliant on 
hydrocarbons, for instance private education and health care. We are continuously working to capture elements of international and regional valu e chains that play to our competitive strengths 
and create quality employment. 
11.24.  We fully recognize the need to remodel our fiscal system and a number of efforts are 
underway in this regard. The growth of the non-oil economy is creating new revenue sources. But 
we are also working to boost the efficiency of government spending through more strategically 
anchored policy making, and greater transparency through institutions such as the Tender Board and the National Audit Court. 
11.25.  We are discussing ways to remodel our basic utilities and food subsidies in order to 
discourage waste and to better target the social policy objectives we wish to pursue. 
11.26.  Last but not least, we persist in our effort s to redraw the demarcation line between the 
private and public sectors by encouraging the grea ter involvement of private capital in a range of 
activities. We have made significant progress in privatization and public-private partnerships, and 
intend to continue these. 
11.27.  Some participants highlighted the need for a national competition law. We fully recognize 
the importance of creating a level playing field in an economy whose development will have to rely 
on the private sector. We are long-standing champions of SME development. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
WT/TPR/M/296 • Qatar 
 
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  11.28.  We recognize that regulatory reform is an important element in this area. Among other 
things, we are revising our company law in order to reduce the burden facing entrepreneurs. We 
are further developing mechanisms to enable our companies to grow by exporting their goods and 
services.  
11.29.  We appreciate the important points made about transparency and corporate governance. 
This has been a key focus area of our reform efforts and I refer to my earlier comments about the 
national institutions created to boost transparency. 
11.30.  Bahrain’s Minister of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) is the focal point for WTO 
notifications exerts all necessary efforts to fully meet its notification obligations, in accordance with the WTO agreements. It is worth noting that Bahr ain has recently benefited from a UNDP technical 
expertise identifying areas where notifications ar e required, and the appropriate format of such 
notifications. Most of the WTO notification requirements have been forwarded to the WTO very recently before our present meeting. We will certainly complement that in the near future. 
11.31.  In closing, I would like to reiterate the excellent opportunity offered by the TPR exercise 
for the Kingdom of Bahrain to hear insightful views and recommendations on how to continue to build on our strong legacy of openness and our commitment to free trade. 
11.32.  We can assure the Members that those recommendations will be dealt with diligently for 
the best benefit of the Bahraini economy and the shared interests of the entire WTO Membership. 
11.33.  Thank you all once again for all the time and effort you have put into this process, and I 
look forward to our continued cooperation with the WTO. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
WT/TPR/M/296 • Qatar 
 
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  12  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF  OMAN AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS 
12.1.  I wish to express my sincere thanks to you, Mr. Chairman, and to all distinguished delegates 
for their presence and participation in this meeting and for their support and kind words of 
encouragement for Oman’s economic and trade policie s. I would like also to welcome H.E. Mariam 
MD Salleh, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the WTO, as the new Chairperson of the Trade Policy Review Body and wish her success. 
12.2.  The Sultanate of Oman has followed an open, liberal, transparent and predictable trade 
policy fully conforming to the basic principles and rules of the multilateral trading system. This review reinforces our continued adherence to the rules, disciplines and commitments under the WTO Agreements. 
12.3.  A number of distinguished delegates had ra ised questions and made comments in the 
meeting on 22 April 2014. I appreciate their interest in Oman and will attempt to respond to these. 
12.4.  Questions were raised on Oman’s investment regime. Oman is in the process of examining 
its legislation on foreign investment with a view to making it more liberal and more 
investor-friendly. We would inform Members when this process is finalized. Having said that, we have to strike an appropriate balance between foreign and domestic investment, in order to ensure 
sufficient opportunity for smaller domestic investors to participate in economic development. It 
may be pointed out that Oman has already made very liberal investment commitments on a number of important services including banking and financial services and telecom services.  
12.5.  The honourable discussant and a number of  delegations raised questions and made 
comments on Omanization and foreign workers. There is a general misunderstanding about our 
Omanization policy. It is not meant to close the door to foreign professionals and foreign workers or to discriminate against them. The Omanization Policy is aimed at providing job opportunities to 
young, qualified Omanis. It is surely the responsibility of every Government to provide job 
opportunities to its citizens. That Omanization is not against foreigners is evident from the fact that the number of foreigners in Oman doubled between 2010 and 2013. 
12.6.  On consular authentication of documents - the issue identified by you, Mr. Chairman - it is 
to prevent goods landing in Oman on fraudulent documents. The authentication is done on the 
same day without any delay. Incidentally, the practice is not against any WTO rule.    
12.7.  We have taken careful note of the concerns raised by the United States. Written replies 
were already made on some of these while others will be addressed in a constructive manner. As 
regards the concern about notifications, Oman is fully aware of its commitments and intends to be 
in compliance with its notification obligations at all times. However, it is worth noting that we 
would require technical assistance for some notifications. 
12.8.  The EU and Australia raised questions about th e FTA with GCC. The issue is under active 
consideration by the GCC and we expect a decision to be taken shortly.  
12.9.  Oman is in the process of examining the preparation for initiating accession to the 
Government Procurement Agreement. We are conscious of our commitment in this respect.  
12.10.  The one-stop-shop for commercial registration is being improved and updated through a 
project by an international consultancy company.  
12.11.  We are tackling in all seriousness the issue of  counterfeit auto parts raised by Japan. We 
are against counterfeiting and we realize the dangers posed by the use of counterfeit auto parts. 
12.12.  With respect to comments on diversification and privatization, I had adequately dealt with 
these issues in my opening statement.  
12.13.  A Member made comments about Competition Law. Oman is already working on a draft 
Competition Law. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  12.14.  With respect to Canada’s question on tourism, we note that we have already submitted a 
written reply. 
12.15.  To our Australian friends, we appreciate the comment made with regards to its readiness 
to welcome more Omani students, as we expect the number of Omanis studying in Australia to 
increase.  
12.16.  I hope I have responded to most of the questions. We have received follow-up questions 
from China, Russia, Chinese Taipei and EU. Thes e questions and any residual questions will be 
replied to, later, within the one month period. 
12.17.  To conclude, I convey my sincere thanks to the discussant for all his efforts and excellent 
work which was invaluable to the TPR exercises. Our thanks go also to all delegates, to the WTO 
Secretariat and to the interpreters. 
DISCUSSANT 12.18.  Having followed both sessions in the first day of the TPR of Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, I 
noticed that Members have touched upon several important aspects on the trade policies and 
macro-economy of the three countries under review . I am of the view that such inquiries or 
concerns are useful as an exercise for the three Members to reflect and to evaluate on what have 
been achieved so far. 
12.19.  Allow me now to present my assessment as the discussant for this TPR on the following 
highlights:  
12.20.  In general, Members can see that Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, have been successful in 
bringing their economies to prosperities. This ac hievement is not only due to the considerable 
contribution of their energy sectors, but also to their openness to international trade. Taking into 
account that these countries are significant supplie rs of world energy and net importers of several 
vital products, trade liberalization is indeed a necessity. Such openness is definitely in line with 
their WTO commitments and must therefore be preserved and enhanced. Some Members have shown their keen interests to see similar level of openness be reflected in investment policies.  
12.21.  The growing integration of these countries into the GCC custom union can further boost 
their path to liberalization and strengthen thei r resilience to withstand possible future global 
economic turmoil. With a target to reach full implementation of the customs union by end 2015, 
the GCC as a relatively open economy has been undertaking progressive liberalization in which 
trade barriers are kept at the minimum, import and export procedures were made uniform and 
trade policies are more coordinated. This dynamic regional integration would hopefully complement to its members’ engagements in the multilateral trading system of the WTO.  
12.22.  Despite those economic achievements and co mmendable commitments to keep open and 
liberal trade regimes, like other Members reviewed through this TPR mechanism, there are always some rooms for improvement. Allow me to highlights their respective challenges individually:   
12.23.  For Qatar: some Members have suggested Qatar to ease its current level of restrictions on 
investment, such as removing the cap on foreign ownership in several sectors of the economy and expanding upon the list of sectors subject to 100% foreign ownership. Some Members also recommend more intense law enforcement on patent and copyrights protection and expedite trade 
disputes before the courts. A particular Member requests Qatar to loosen up its SPS measure on 
bovine meat and meat products by considering its negligible risk for disease. I also noted a question which highlights the need for state- owned enterprises to be more transparent by 
disclosing their annual financial statements.  
12.24.  For Bahrain: some Members suggest Bahrain to reduce its restrictions on foreign direct 
investments as well as on foreign provision of tourism services. Some also recommends Bahrain 
remove its exclusion of foreigners in some economic activities. Some attentions on intellectual 
property rights touch upon Bahrain's enforcement to address trademark counterfeiting and WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  software piracy as well as difficulties in processing patent applications. As a hub for financial 
services Bahrain is also recommended to ensure its sustainability of competition in Islamic finance. A Member also advises Bahrain to reflect its liberalization efforts in services in its GATS 
Commitments. 
12.25.  For Oman: I noticed that some comments also suggested Oman to ease restrictions on 
foreign direct investments and the exclusion of fo reigners from certain activities. Others welcome 
Oman’s current plan to explore the possibility of  introducing an open skies policy and allowing 
private investment in a number of services related to air transport. Some Members would like to see when the draft law on Islamic insurance, which is currently under preparation, be finalized and comes into force. A Member also questions the rationale behind Oman’s import prohibitions for 
infant milk and fishing boats. A greater level of enforcement on intellectual property protection is 
also expected from Oman.  
12.26.  I would like now to get back to overall assessment for the three Members under review 
and try to present comparative evaluation on some particular sectors. For telecommunication 
sector, despite having no GATS commitment in the sector, Qatar’s investment and liberalization in telecommunications have grown significantly and played an important role in the development of 
non-hydrocarbon sector. The Qatari Government has ended monopoly and made important legal 
and regulatory changes in telecommunications. In Bahrain, telecommunications market has also been liberalized since 2003. This sector is well regulated for anti-competitive practices. However, the related-Bahraini authority undertakes periodic reviews to ensure that operators do not hold 
significant market power or dominance in the mark et. In Oman, although the role of state-owned 
company remains dominant in the telecommunications market, two licenses to offer fixed-line services have been issued and a third one for mobile services is under consideration. It seems that 
this policy is taken as part of Oman’s commitment in GATS schedule. The authority in fact can act 
against anti-competitive behaviour in telecommunications. 
12.27.  On the role of state-owned enterprise or SOEs, a heavy reliance on the role of SOEs in 
Qatar is still persistent in major sectors despite significant efforts to encourage private sector 
investment and business establishment. While the private sector has been growing, the share of 
public and mixed sector in Qatar’s remains higher. Certain laws or decrees also appear to grant exclusive privileges to a number of state-owned or controlled enterprises for importation or 
exportation. In Bahrain, public sector also continues to have a direct and strong influence on the 
economy and the contribution of SOEs to the economy remains significant. However, as part of its economic diversification strategy, the authority ha s been seeking to foster greater private sector 
participation in the economy. The role of SOEs also remains extensive in Oman in spite of high 
demand for privatization. Several state-owned co mpanies continue to dominate manufacturing and 
services activities. 
12.28.  I noted that the three countries under review are developing economic zones in which 
privileges are granted to business activities. Qatar's 2005 law on free zones regulates the establishment of zones for special purposes. Two zones on science and technology and financial centre are in operation. The zones provide certain advantages to attract businesses and 
technology institutes, and are supported by the State. Qatar has also issued free-trade-zone 
provisions within its Custom Law and plans are underway to establish a free zone in 2014. This policy is taken to attract international banking companies, insurance business, and related financial 
services to Qatar. Bahrain does not have free zones or export processing zones. However, some 
incentives are provided in industrial zones. Foreign-owned firms also enjoy the same investment opportunities in these zones as Bahraini companies. Oman has three free zones to promote 
exports and industrial development in which majo r production and manufacturing are often located 
and various special investment incentives are gr anted. In these zones, foreign owned companies 
also enjoy equal treatments as local companies in respect of access or bonded warehouses. 
12.29.  Managing revenues obtained from hydrocarbo n resources to promote other sectors for 
diversification are the sorts of policies that must be consistently implemented by the three 
m e m b e r s .  M o r e  d e t e r m i n e d  a t t e m p t s  s h o u l d  b e  carried out to ensure that implementing 
regulations on the ground be persistently applie d. With the present comfort zone of being high-
income economies, such consistent efforts for diversification would be a great challenge for these 
members and complacencies should always be kept at bay. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  12.30.  The large presence of expatriates has also become a particular common feature of the 
three countries under review. With high demands on workforce to support their vibrant economies, dependence on foreign workers will likely remain  an important demographic phenomenon in the 
near future. Such a condition will continue to require prudent and flexible immigration policies, 
improved systems of labour affairs as well as continuing assurances to fairly fulfil migrant workers’ rights including domestic workers who are generally excluded in their labour law provisions. 
12.31.  In conclusion, in spite of some challenges that I mentioned, which leave some rooms for 
improvement on several aspects, I would like to commend Qatar, Bahrain and Oman for their generally open economies. I have a conviction that with their prudent macroeconomic policies supported by existing abundant revenues from th e energy sectors and consistent diversification 
policies, the three Members under review will be ab le to maintain current economic stature as well 
as achieving their long term visions for diversified economies. I would like to end my statement on this second day by wishing Qatar, Bahrain and Oman successful trade policy reviews. 
RUSSIAN
 FEDERATION 
12.32.  Since Russia didn't raise the flag at the first day of the TPRB session on Tuesday we would 
like first to join other delegations in welcoming the second TPR of Qatar and Oman as well as the 
third one of Bahrain and give a positive overall assessment of their economic policies, including 
trade and investment components. We highly appr eciate current economic growth and significant 
progress since the last TPR. Direction on modern ization and development of human capital, action 
plans towards diversification of economy away from hydrocarbon dependency – the challenges we 
are watching with great interest.  
12.33.  Nevertheless, we have some concerns with respect to following issues: subsidies for locally 
owned companies, transparency in customs regi me, government procurement, restrictions and 
exclusions on FDI and export restrictions. The detailed questions were sent to the Secretariat on 
Tuesday and we would appreciate receiving inquired clarifications in due course. 
12.34.  In conclusion we would like to thank the delegations of Qatar, Oman and Bahrain for their 
restless work throughout these months to make this TPR comprehensive and informative and 
congratulate three countries with their successful endeavours in this context. 
EL SALVADOR 
12.35.  Al concluir este interesante y fructífero ejercicio de revisión de las política comerciales de 
Qatar, nuestra delegación desea reiterar muestras de felicitación por los resultados alcanzados en 
su programa "Visión Nacional 2030", el cual se basa en cuatro pilares de desarrollo, a saber: el desarrollo humano, el desarrollo social, el desarrollo económico y el desarrollo ambiental.  
12.36.  Los vínculos humanos y económicos que nos une con el Reino de Qatar se han venido 
consolidando a partir de la apertura de nuestras Embajadas en los territorios de Qatar y El Salvador respectivamente.  
12.37.  A su vez nuestras relaciones bilaterales en materia comercial se han visto fortalecidas en el 
período 2012 al 2013, gozando un crecimiento comercial de cinco millones doscientos cuarenta y un mil dólares en el rubro de importaciones, cifras que tienden a reflejar una mejora en nuestra balanza comercial con este estado miembro. 
JAPAN 
12.38.  Japan extends our sincere appreciation for the efforts made by the delegations of Qatar, 
Bahrain and Oman to provide us with informative and helpful oral explanations regarding our 
concerns. I also appreciate the helpful comments from the discussant H.E. Mr. Syafri Adnan 
Baharuddin. 
12.39.  Japan has submitted two follow-up questions to Oman in a written format, concerning 
publication of Sultani decrees and Ministerial decisions in the official gazette, and measures against WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  infringement of IPRs. We are looking forward to  receiving answers to these questions in due 
course.  
12.40.  Finally, I wish Qatar, Bahrain and Oman a succe ssful TPR, and their delegations a safe trip 
back to their respective capitals. 
EUROPEAN  UNION 
12.41.  The EU would like to thank the delegations of Qatar, Bahrain and Oman for their answers 
already given. 
12.42.  With reference to Qatar, the EU has no follow-up questions.  
12.43.  With reference to Bahrain, the EU has to apologize for making a typo in addressing the 
question and apologize to Bahrain's authorities and we would kindly ask Bahrain to reply to our 
question on the administrative marketing approv al process of the medicinal products and plant 
production products in due course. 
12.44.  With reference to Oman, the EU appreciates to have received written answers to most of 
our advanced questions. But we have also noted that Oman's authorities have omitted to reply to 
several questions claiming that they are not relevant to any WTO provision and therefore that they fall outside the scope of this TPR. In this respect,  the EU would like to recall that the overall basic 
objective of trade policy reviews is that Members have to answer questions based on the context 
of their trade policy, economic an d social background as it is stated in Annex 3 of the Marrakesh 
Agreement. In addition, the rules adopted by Me mbers do not provide for exceptions to answer 
questions raised in the framework of TPR if th ey are based on the Government and Secretariat 
supports. 
12.45.  We have also noted that there are replies mi ssing to our questions 33 and 34 in copyright 
and, in this context, we take note of the statemen t made earlier. We would like to hope to receive 
replies to questions in due course. 
12.46.  In closing, the EU would like to thank again the delegations of Qatar, Bahrain and Oman 
for their constructive participation in this exercise. 
PAKISTAN 
12.47.  Thank you for giving me the opportunity to take the floor. I once again welcome the 
distinguished delegates back to this room. 
12.48.  First of all, I pay homage to your chairmanship of this Body. We will miss you but we will 
continue to benefit from your wisdom and insight. 
12.49.  We welcome your successor to this position. We will extend all the cooperation to her and 
we wish her a very successful time at this Body. 
12.50.  On the first day I could not come-up with some thing formal, but I picked-up several points 
while listening to the various statements. I very much welcome this opportunity for an interactive session to discuss the Secretariat and the Government reports that are, of course, very meticulous 
and when you go into the details data become more interesting.  
12.51.  A few points: we learned that the GCC had carried out a study on the FTAs. We know that 
this is not completed yet. We requested to share some details, which have not been shared yet but 
we will be waiting to see what the policy is within the existing framework.  
12.52.  As there is time, I would like to refer to a book I have gone through "The GCC Economies: 
Stepping Up to Future Challenges" published in 2012 and edited by Mohamed A. Ramady. It gives some very interesting insight. It says that "If it had not been for the massive returns from oil and 
gas, Bahrain along with Qatar and Abu Dhabi would be sleepy islands lamenting the destruction of WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  their pearling fleets by the development of Japan's cu ltured pearls which killed their pearling trade. 
Aware of the impeding problems of relying on finite  resources such as oil (and the volatile nature 
of their prices), the GCC countries embarked on massive diversification and investment programs 
in order to reduce their dependence on those resources for their income. The global financial crisis 
of 2008 (which saw the price of oil tumbling to US $34 a barrel in December of that year from a 
peak of US$146 in July) is still fresh in people's minds and demonstrates strongly what can go 
wrong. Hundreds of billions of petrodollars were spent by these countries on building new touristic 
and economic cities; massive financial reserves (known as Sovereign Wealth Funds or SWFs) were accumulated and used to invest internationally through buying commercial outlets and shareholding in major foreign countries…. The UAE became the world's new tourist and cultural 
attraction, Qatar aimed at building the foundations for a knowledge economy and hopes to be an 
international destination for world events and conferences, Bahrain worked very hard trying to establish a reputation as a global financial centre …. Some GCC countries (especially the UAE) have 
also invested heavily in renewable and potential future energy fuels such as solar and nuclear. 
Some experts believe that the GCC countries could spend about US$200 billion on such projects". I found these were interesting details that I wanted to share. 
12.53.  There were some points related to the migrants working in these countries. I will not have 
any specific comment on this. It is a relatively complex position and the subject within the WTO context is dealt within services Mode 4 but it crosses the migration policies. I hope these countries will not recommend any exceptions to rules. 
12.54.  There has been an accent on increasing investment commitments and in liberalizing the 
investment regimes. I agree with Oman that they have to deal with this subject on objective criteria. 
12.55.  My last comment is on the competition law. The competition laws are being put in place 
but the regulation of macro-prudential policies should not translate into any sort of protection and the State must not become a gateway for the monopolies which developed during the process.  
12.56.  With these short comments I thank you Mr. Chairman and the Members being reviewed as 
well as the discussant for a very informative and in sightful discussion that took place. I go away 
wiser about the economies from this meeting. 
PARAGUAY 
12.57.  Como no intervine el primer día seré muy breve. Quisiera felicitar a las delegaciones por 
este interesante ejercicio y por su participación muy constructiva en el evento. Ejercicios come 
este nos sugieren que los exámenes de política co mercial son y seguirán siendo uno de los análisis 
más profundos y puramente técnicos que se realizan en la Comunidad internacional. 
12.58.  Quisiéramos felicitar a Qatar por el Programa de Visión Nacional 2030 que por primera vez 
en la región contempla aspectos humano, social, económico y ambiental. Las relaciones 
comerciales de mi país con Qatar están incrementados considerablemente desde la apertura en 
Asunción de la Embajada de Qatar y la próxima apertura de la de Paraguay en Doha. 
12.59.  Queremos seguir profundizando estas relaciones, estamos muy interesados y queremos 
extenderla a otros temas. 
12.60.  Finalmente, quisiera felicitar especialmente a mis colegas de las misiones permanentes de 
estos países que han trabajado en forma muy ardua para este ejercicio. 
UNITED STATES 
12.61.  Let me join the others in thanking and congratulating Qatar, Oman and Bahrain for their 
successful TPR engagement and also thank them fo r answering in writing today to the questions 
that the United States has raised in regard to several specific areas. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  12.62.  We will have a small number of follow-up questions for each and we look forward to those 
answers. Let me also thank the discussant for his insightful comments as well as the Chair for his successful term as Chair of this Body. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  13  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
13.1.  This Trade Policy Review of Qatar, Bahrain and Oman has provided an excellent opportunity 
to improve our understanding of their recent trade developments, their trade and investment 
policies, and the challenges they face. Our discussions have benefited greatly from the valuable 
and active participation of H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, head of the delegation of Qatar; H.E. Mr. Nader Almoayyed, Under-Secretary of 
Commerce Affairs, head of the delegation of Bahrain; and H.E. Mr. Ahmed Al-Dheeb, Under-
Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, as head of the delegation of Oman. I am also grateful to H.E. Syafri Adnan Baharuddin, Ambassado r of Indonesia, for his insightful contributions 
as discussant, and to Members for their constructive engagement in this Review. 
13.2.  Members congratulated Qatar, Bahrain and Oman for having experienced high GDP growth 
rates since their last Reviews, and for having weathered the global economic and financial crisis well. Macroeconomic indicators have remained so und during the period under review, with low 
inflation rates, generally balanced fiscal positions, and current account surpluses. Merchandise 
trade has more than doubled during the review period, mainly due to increased hydrocarbon output and high prices. There was appreciation for the programmes undertaken to promote the 
well-being of their citizens through investing in education, healthcare, and sustainable 
development. Members welcomed the steps taken by Qatar, Bahrain and Oman to promote business-friendly environments. 
13.3.  All three countries enjoy a high standard of living, Qatar being now one of the wealthiest 
countries in the world. But despite their many similarities, including as members of the GCC, the 
three countries have unique characteristics that set them apart. For Qatar, it was noted that as the world's largest LNG exporter and possessing the third largest natural gas reserves, it had 
capitalised on its hydrocarbon wealth and was investing in down-stream industries for 
diversification. In contrast, Bahrain and Oman have more limited hydrocarbon resources. In Oman, hydrocarbons still dominate the economy, yet services and manufacturing are also important. For 
Bahrain, it is the services sector that is the main driver of the economy, especially financial 
services. 
13.4.  Members recalled that common challenges also exist for the countries’ longer term 
resilience. Not least diversifying their economies away from hydrocarbons remains a challenging 
priority with a number of ongoing initiatives in place for each country. Their narrow economic, 
export and fiscal base obviously could expose them to vulnerabilities. In addition, their reliance on a large and often majority expatriate work force was another important issue that require 
consideration for the future. Concerns were raised by some Members on the visa and exit 
procedures, the sponsorship program, and worker rights' issues, especially in relation to Qatar. Members were interested in current and future  policy instruments to address these issues. 
13.5.  Turning to the countries’ trade and investment policies, Members commended Qatar, 
Bahrain and Oman on their relatively open trad e and investment regimes. The countries have 
generally low tariffs, few non-tariff barriers to trade, and express firm commitment to the multilateral trading system, including the Doha Development Agenda. Members were equally 
pleased about the ongoing reforms in the area of  customs procedures, which would put the three 
countries well ahead of their upcoming trade facilitation implementation requirements; the 
introduction of the single window application in Qatar and Bahrain was in particular appreciated. 
The three Members were praised for never having resorted to using anti-dumping, countervailing 
or safeguard measures. Furthermore, it was noted that none had used the WTO Dispute 
Settlement Mechanism. Members also noted that the three countries were signatories to the ITA, 
and encouraged them to pursue more liberalization  by participating in the extended ITA, currently 
under negotiation. 
13.6.  As members of the GCC Customs Union, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman apply a common external 
tariff, and common legislation on customs procedures, valuation, and contingency measures. 
However, each maintains its internal customs posts, lists of restricted and prohibited goods, as 
well as some exceptions to the common external tariff. Similarly, it was acknowledged that the GCC Customs Union did not yet integrate its parties’ trade and related policies in other areas, such 
as services, IPRs and public procurement, and divergences remain on the application of certain WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  standards or technical regulations. In this context, Members wished to know how Qatar, Bahrain 
and Oman were planning to further harmonize their trade-related legislation within the GCC framework and the intentions of the GCC with respect to new or stalled bilateral free trade 
agreements. 
13.7.  Against this general positive economic outlook and overall favourable assessment of the 
trade policies of Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, the Revi ew has also highlighted some areas of possible 
improvements. Areas for attention brought up by Members during the Review, either through the 
question and answer process or through their statements, include the following: 
(1) Customs procedures and tariffs: Despite the countries’ generally low tariffs, Members 
noted that the bound rates were significantly higher than the applied rates in most cases, 
and this could limit the predictability of the tariff regimes. For Bahrain, there was a lower 
level of binding coverage compared to the other two countries, and Bahrain was encouraged to increase its level of bindings. In the case of Qatar, there were concerns 
about the non-publication of the tariff schedule and applied rates that exceeded the 
bound rates on six steel products. On this latter point, Members welcomed Qatar’s announcement that it had already taken steps to bring its tariffs in line with its WTO 
commitments. Members requested more information about plans to reform or abolish 
consularization requirements by Bahrain and Oman.  
(2) Intellectual property rights: Members enco uraged Qatar, Bahrain and Oman to improve 
protection of IPRs by, inter alia, strengthening their institutional frameworks. In respect 
of Qatar, there was concern that the IP laws remained non-operational due to the lack of 
implementing legislation, and Members note d with pleasure that Qatar planned to 
remedy this issue during the course of this year. For Bahrain it was noted that IP 
legislation should be notified to the WTO.  
(3) Government procurement: Members were interested in plans of the three countries in 
respect to joining or becoming observers to the GPA. 
(4) SPS: In the case of Qatar and Bahrain, clarification was sought on the import ban on 
bovine and ovine meat and the main food safe ty law, and how it aligned food standards 
with Codex Alimentarius, ISO, and other bodies. 
(5) Services and investments: While welcoming that Qatar, Bahrain and Oman have 
relatively liberal investment regimes, and noting progressive improvements in these 
regimes, Members inquired about plans to reduce restrictions and barriers to FDI, which in the three countries exist at different degrees. In particular, with respect to Qatar and 
Oman, Members were concerned about the foreign ownership restrictions in many 
sectors, which essentially necessitated having a local partner. Against the background of 
the important role of state-owned enterprises in the three countries' economies, more 
information was sought about plans for future privatization, as this could impact future 
prospects for foreign investment. Members also noted that the three countries had varying levels of GATS commitments, and encour aged them to further liberalize services, 
as services held particular potential for growth and diversification of their economies. 
Tourism, telecommunications, construction, finance and transportation services were in 
particular very promising for the countries concerned. 
(6) Notifications and transparency: Members und erlined the need for the three countries to 
make new or revised notifications with the view to respecting their WTO obligations and 
more generally to persist in efforts to ensure transparency in the application of their trade and related policies. As we heard this morning, the three delegations have already 
committed to updating their notifications. 
13.8.  Members appreciated the responses provided by the delegations of Qatar, Bahrain and 
Oman and looked forward to the answers to outs tanding questions no later than one month after 
this meeting. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  13.9.  Overall Members were very pleased with the strategies that were under way in each country 
as outlined in Qatar Vision 2030, Bahrain Vision 2030, and Oman Vision 2040, as well as the manner in which open trade and investment regimes formed part of these strategies, as this would 
allow them to develop and further reduce dependencies on one commodity group. It was 
important to not lose sight of these medium- and long-term goals while at the same time keeping 
markets open, promoting business development, further liberalizing investment regimes, providing 
adequate intellectual property protections, and encouraging a more level playing field in the 
economy between state-owned entities and private entities, foreign or domestic, including through privatization. The numerous questions posed and the participation of a large number of delegations in this meeting reflects Members' substantive interest in the trade policies and 
practices of Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. I believe that this Review has given us a comprehensive 
update of the trade regimes of three GCC Member s and paves the way for a successful joint review 
of all GCC countries in the WTO. 
13.10.  In closing, I would like to thank the three delegations, the discussant, WTO Member 
delegations, and the Secretariat for participating in this exercise. I would also like to thank the 
interpreters. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
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  14  ELECTION OF THE NEW CHAIRPERSON 
14.1.  As indicated in the order of the first day we now move to the election of the Chairperson for 
the TPRB for 2014. At its meeting on 14 March 2014, the General Council noted the consensus on 
the slate of names of Chairpersons for WTO bodies, including Ambassador Mariam MD Salleh as 
the Chairperson of the Trade Policy Review Body. 
14.2.  Under its rules of procedure, the Trade Policy Review Body is invited to elect Ambassador 
Salleh as its Chairperson for 2014. I would like to  suggest that Members of the TPRB confirm their 
support for the election of Ambassador Salleh with a round of applause. 
14.3.  As outgoing Chair, I just intend to say one thing: this was a great experience. We have 
done a lot during 2013, which was a particularly intense year. We reviewed more than 25 
Members of the WTO and that is counting EU as one.  
14.4.  We did the appraisal for Bali, which was a very smooth appraisal for which I thank you. And, 
of course, we continued the Monitoring on Protectionism done by the DG. 
14.5.  I would like to extend a very warm thank you to all the delegations because one thing that 
struck me in this Committee is the very good co llaboration between Members, even when we were 
dealing with rather sensitive issues. 
14.6.  I have one final personal conclusion, including a plea to you as Members and that it is not 
related to Mariam because I am sure you will support her. I think the success of the TPRB is fundamentally dependent on the Secretariat, its competence, and its excellent analysis. It is a fact that perhaps it is not entirely recognized in the WTO in general. But for the TPRB it is abundantly 
clear that this Body would not work at all without the enormous efforts done by the Secretariat to 
provide excellent analysis. 
14.7.  In my view, the Secretariat is doing a remarkable job in the area of TPR, sustaining a very 
good basis for an interaction between Members where we can make our own conclusions and learn 
from each other.  
14.8.  I would also like to encourage Members to reflect a little upon whether the unique lesson in 
the manner in which we rely on the Secretariat of the TPR could be something we can experience 
in other Bodies. In most other bodies we, as Members, are very careful allowing the Secretariat even to provide an analysis upon which we will then have a basis for forming our position and forming our discussion. And the plea to you is to reflect upon your experiences in this Body as you 
enter into debates in other WTO Committees on whether the Secretariat has the right to look at an 
issue to provide a basis for analysis for our discussions.  
14.9.  I would like to sincerely thank everyone for an excellent collaboration during the last year 
and with that I pass the sign over to Mariam. 
H.E.
 MS. MARIAM  MD SALLEH 
14.10.  Thank you Members for all the kind words, th ank you to the honourable delegations of 
Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, and congratulations for successfully completing their Review. 
14.11.  As Joakim has said, this Mechanism is one of the pillars of the Organization, based 
principally on the need to ensure transparency and predictability of trade policies and practices of Members. As the Peer Review and the Monitoring too, it helps Members understand better each 
other's policies, encouraging Members to undertake conscious efforts to carry out reforms to align 
its trade policies to the WTO rules and disciplines. 
14.12.  Ambassador Reiter, the dynamism and energy that you brought to your chairmanship is 
highly valued, particularly last year, which was a particularly busy year with several milestones. 
You completed the Trade Policy Reviews of 25 Members, the Fifth Appraisal of the Trade Policy WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
WT/TPR/M/296 • Qatar 
 
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  Review Mechanism that you brought to the Minister ial Conference in Bali, and the DG's Report on 
Protectionism. 
14.13.  In terms of delivering results, you are unrivalled compared to other Chairs. I join you in 
fundamentally viewing that the Secretariat has done its utmost in terms of scheduled work, 
towards the preparation of next year's Reviews an d implementing the reviews this year. They have 
been very supportive with regard to Malaysia's TPR earlier this year and the Secretariat has 
worked tremendously hard with us to get it in on time as we face challenges at home in getting 
enough inputs and the right responses from our agencies. 
14.14.  I therefore pledge my commitment to follow yo ur footsteps, and these are very big shoes 
to follow. I will be very much dependent on the continuous support of the very capable Secretariat 
and I look forward to be working with all of you. 
REPUBLIC  OF KOREA 
14.15.  I would like to express my appreciation to the outgoing Chair and my welcome to the new 
Chair. I would like to join previous others speakers in welcoming you again, Chair, for your 
assignment and, more importantly, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the outgoing Chair's excellent performances as Chair of this important Body of the WTO. I will certainly 
take his message home and try to see how I can contribute to this performance in all the other 
WTO Bodies as well. 
NIGERIA 14.16.  We are grateful for this opportunity to participate in this important Trade Policy Review. 
We wish to congratulate Oman, Bahrain and Qatar for their successful Trade Policy Review. We 
also wish to thank the WTO Secretariat for the huge and excellent reports and the discussant for his insightful comments. Lastly, we wish to congratulate the Chair for the effective and efficient 
manner in which he conducted the reviews assigned. We also wish to welcome the new Chair and 
to assure of our continued cooperation. We have ta ken note of the advice of the need to better use 
the Secretariat particularly in terms of analysis.  
OMAN 
14.17.  I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing Chair for his excellent work, 
his team and I also would like to welcome our new Chair. I am personally pleased to see a woman chairing this Body after quite some time and I wish you all the success. 
CHILE 
14.18.  Muy brevemente, quisiera simplemente agradecer la gestión de nuestro ex Presidente, 
S.E. Sr Joakim Reiter, y darle a Usted la bienvenida, S.E. Sra. Mariam MD Salleh deseándole lo 
mejor de los éxitos en esta tarea complicada y bastante intensa que es la Presidencia de este tan 
importante Órgano de la OMC. 
JAPAN 
14.19.  We would like to echo the Members' appreciation of H.E. Mr Joakim Reiter. Thanks to your 
excellent management of the meetings by following the appropriate rules we have accumulated very successful and well-structured TPRs over the year. We recognize that the Fifth Appraisal of 
the TPRM was achieved thanks to your leadership. We extend our sincere gratitude for your 
chairmanship. We also extend our warm welcome to her Excellency Ms. Mariam MD Salleh and we 
are very much looking forward to working with you and hope that we can continue fruitful TPRs. 
TURKEY 
14.20.  We wish to welcome you and congratulate your chairmanship. We also want to express our 
strong appreciation for our outgoing Chair and his excellent job he has done last year. WT/TPR/M/294 • Bahrain 
WT/TPR/M/295 • Oman 
WT/TPR/M/296 • Qatar 
 
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  EUROPEAN  UNION 
14.21.  The EU would also like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the outgoing 
Chair for his hard work over the last year and also welcome our new Chair. We look very much 
forward working with you. 
MAROC 14.22.  Je voudrais tout d'abord présenter au nom de mon pays nos sincères félicitations aux trois 
pays frères, Oman, Bahreïn et Qatar pour leur excellent Examen de politiques commerciales. 
Permettez-moi aussi de féliciter et de remercier notre ancien Président, Monsieur l'Ambassadeur Reiter, pour l'excellent travail abattu dans le cadre de ce Comité et vous souhaitez la bienvenue et vous assurez du soutien du Maroc pour votre travail. 
SEPARATE
 CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU 
14.23.  Chinese Taipei would like to welcome you and congratulate you on your new assignment. 
Chinese Taipei will pledge all the future cooperation with you. We would like to take this 
opportunity to express our highest appreciation to  the outgoing Chair for his excellent leadership 
and hard work. We look forward to our continuing cooperation within the TPR process as we are going to have our third TPR review in this coming September.  
THE UNITED STATES 
14.24.  Let me join others in welcoming you to the chairmanship of this Body. We very much look 
forward working with you.  
EGYPT 
14.25.  We would also like to join other Members in thanking his Excellency Ambassador Joakim 
Reiter, the outgoing Chair, for his excellent work. We also congratulate you, Madam Chair, and wish you a great success. Egypt would also like to take this opportunity to express our deep 
appreciation for the continuous hard work of the Secretariat. 
CHINA 14.26.  We would also like to join others to extend our thanks to the outgoing Chair, his Excellency 
Ambassador Joakim Reiter. We also take this opportunity to welcome her Excellency Ambassador 
Mariam Salleh and look forward to work  with you on our Review this year. 
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