WT/TPR/M/373  
17 September 2018  
(18-5724) Page: 1/56 
Trade Policy Review Body  
18 and 20 June 2018   
 
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
NORWAY  
MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr Eloi Laourou (Benin)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMA RKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  2 
2  OPENING STATEMENT B Y THE REPRESENTATIVE  OF NORWAY  ................................ ..... 3 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ................  7 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEM BERS  ................................ ................................ ........................  11 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRES ENTATIVE OF NORWAY A ND ADDITIONAL 
COMMENTS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  47 
6  CONCLUDING REMARK S BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .........................  55 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by Norway  are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/ 373/Add.1  and will be available online 
at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The seventh  Trade Policy Review of Norway was held on 18  and 20 June 2018. The 
Chairperson, H.E.  Mr Eloi Laourou  (Benin), welcomed the delegation of Norway , headed by 
Ms. Marianne Hagen, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs ; the rest of the delegation; and 
the discussant, H.E. Ambassador Alvaro Cedeño Molinari  (Costa Rica) . 
1.2.  The Chairperson recalled the purpo se of the Trade Policy Reviews and the main elements of 
the procedures for the meeting. The report by Norway  was co ntained in document WT/TPR/G/373  
and that of the  WTO Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/373 . 
1.3.  Questions by the following delegations had been submitted in writing before the deadline: 
Switzerland; United States, Singapore; Australia; Mexico; Japan; European Union; China; Brazil; 
Costa Rica; Ukraine; New Zealand; and Chile . The following delegations  submitted written 
questions after the deadline: El Salvador; Republic of Moldova; Indonesia; Thailand; Colombia; 
Ecuador; Can ada; Iceland; Republic of Korea;  and Turkey . 
1.4.  During its previous Review in 2012, Members had commended Norway for its effective 
handling of the impact of the global financial crisis on the domestic economy, which had been 
achieved with a swift and resolute fiscal stimulus and without recourse to protectionist policies. 
Norway had also been complimented for its longstanding participat ion in the WTO, its consistent 
commitment to a strong and effective multilateral trading system, a generally open and liberal 
trade regime with low or no tariffs for manufactured goods, and the absence of trade remedy 
measures in Norway 's import regime.  
1.5.  As before, agriculture had stood out as an area where non -trade concerns had dominate d 
policy. For several Members, their trade relationship with Norway had not lived up to their true 
potential due to high tariffs or other barriers to agricultural imports. In the area of TBT, it had 
been noticed that Norway had  implemented most EU regulations due to Norway 's membership in 
the European Economic Area, but that Norway would notify to the WTO only technical regulations 
that had been  purely national in scope. The  scientific justification for some specific SPS measures, 
including the treatment of GMOs, had also been questioned. Opinions differed among the Members 
regarding Norway 's model for state ownership.  
1.6.  Turning to the period under review, the significant decl ine in oil a nd gas prices since mid -
2014 posed a more serious challenge to the economic policy of Norway than the global downturn 
of 2008 and 2009. However, a large sovereign wealth  fund built up in good times proved its utility 
as an economic buff er. Norw ay's trade policies were characterized by stab ility. Norway 's trade 
regime remained open, firmly anchored in the European Economic Area Agreement with the 
European Union, Norway 's membership in the European Free Trade  Association which also 
provided  an extensive network of free trade agreements with partners around the world, a liberal 
GSP scheme, and – last but not least – Norway 's WTO com mitments. Since 2012, Norway 
accepted the Trade Facilitation Agreement, implemented the revised ITA and pharmace utical 
product coverage, completed procedures for adopting the revised GPA, and committed to the 
phasing out of agricultural export subsidies by the end of 2020.  
1.7.  Based on the advance written quest ions posed by Members for this R eview, the Chairperson 
expected many issues to resur face as in past TPRs. Norway liberalized autonomously 
114 agricultural tariff lines since 2012, but in the main the levels and means of support to the 
agricultural sector remain ed high and on the distortive side. At a more general level, the 
Chairperson thought Members could be interested in Norway 's experience in "greening " its 
economy, as well as its new "blue" maritime policy. A number of "technical " issues also came up, 
such as the application of EEA food safety legislation in N orway, the level of harmonization with EU 
technical regulations, the status of the new Copyright Act and accession to international IPR 
treaties, Norway 's biofuels policy, including restrictions on the use of palm oil, and the recent tax 
hike on chocolate and other sugar products.  
1.8.  This meeting served  as a good opportunity for Members to discuss in greater detail issues of 
interest to them and of systemic importance to the multilateral trading system. The Chairperson 
looked forward to a fruitful exchange.   WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE OF NORWAY  (MS. MARIANNE HAGEN ) 
2.1.  Chair, thank yo u for your introductory remarks.  
2.2.  Let me start by commending the Secretariat for the comprehensive report it has prepared for 
the seventh Trade Policy Review of Norway. I know both the Secretariat and our own 
administration have devoted a lot of time and effort in preparing for this review .  
2.3.  I would also like to thank our dear friend the Ambassador of Costa Rica, Alvaro Cedeño 
Molinari, who is the discussant for our TPR. I look forward to hearing his comments.  
2.4.  Let me also thank the 24  Members who have presented written questions and commen ts.  
2.5.  Transparency is one of the fundamental tenants of the multilateral trading system. Norway 
finds the TPR to be an extremely valuable exercise. Its importance tends to be underestimated.  
2.6.  We have received 230 written questions and I want to thank the Me mbers for their interest 
and for giving us the opportunity to explain our policies - in sometimes excruciating detail. We 
have done our best to answer the questions in full, and we are prepared to elaborate further if 
need be.  
2.7.  Although a multitude of issu es have been raised, we see a special interest related to the 
agricultural sector. Allow me therefore to comment on this, before entering into more general 
aspects of Norwegian trade policy and also comment upon some global trends.  
2.8.  The Norwegian agricultu ral sector differs from other sectors, due to high tariffs and extensive 
subsidies. The policies are there in order to contribute to specific policy objectives in a country 
where a number of factors make agricultural production challenging. This is a polit ical reality.  
2.9.  I would like to highlight three Norwegian WTO comm itments on trade in agriculture.  Firstly, a 
commitment to transparency. We work hard to consistently abide by our notification commitments, 
so that whether you agree or disagree with our poli cies, you are in a position to know them and to 
assess them in relation to your own interests. Secondly, a commitment to minimize  negative 
spillovers, especially for the most vulnerable. Through our GSP system, LDCs and other low 
income countries are offer ed duty - and quota free market access for all products, while the system 
also ensures preferences to a broader group of developing countries. We will, in line with WTO 
ministerial decisions from Bali and Nairobi, phase out all remaining export subsidies by  the end of 
2020. Thirdly, a commitment to negotiate. Norway remains committed to play a constructive role 
in global agricultural trade poli cy, acknowledging that all WTO M embers have agreed to continue 
the long -term reform process towards substantive prog ressive reductions in support and protection 
in accordance with Article 20 o f the Agreement on Agriculture.  
2.10.   Norway is a trading nation. Support for, and dependence on, open international trade are 
key features of Norway 's international profile .  
2.11.   A strong, stable, rules -based trading environment is of fundamental importance to Norway 's 
national interests. Being a relatively small country with a medium -sized economy, Norway is 
dependent on a level playing field in international markets and a predictable tradi ng environment. 
Trade policy is an integral part of the Government 's policy to promote sustainable growth, 
domestically and globally. The WTO agreements, the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement 
and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) free trade a greements are the cornerstones of 
Norwegian trade policy.  
2.12.   Some m embers had questions about the EEA Agreement, which is the mainstay of Norway 's 
European policy. For more than 20 years, it has broadened and deepened the cooperation between 
the EU and Norwa y, Iceland and Liechtenstein.  
2.13.   The EEA Agreement ensures that Norway takes part in the EU single market with access to 
the benefits of the free movements of persons, goods, services  and capital. It guarantees 
non-discrimination and equal rules and competiti on throughout the area. It gives Norwegian 
businesses access to Norway 's largest export market – the EU single market. The agreement has WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  provided a stable and predictable framework for Norway 's eco nomic relations with EU member 
States and has made an impor tant contribution to Norway 's economy and development.  
2.14.   At present, over two thirds of Norwegian export reven ues come from coastal and 
ocean -based activities. Norway is one of the world 's largest producers of oil and gas, one of the 
world 's largest and most advanced maritime nations and the world 's second largest exporter of 
fish and seafood. Furthermore, Norway has a world -class offshore supply industry. This provides 
great opportunities for the Norwegian ocean industries in the future.  
2.15.   The decreased a ctivity in the offshore petroleum sector over the last few years has 
contributed to a restructuring of the Norwegian ocean industries – maritime, oil and gas, fisheries 
and aquaculture – the so -called blue economy. Businesses are increasingly applying indu stry 
expertise and technology across the traditional sectoral divides. This is particularly evident in the 
emerging offshore aquaculture, offshore wind and marine biotechnology segments.  
2.16.   The shift towards a more integrated blue economy is accompanied by a  need to ensure 
sustainable use of the oceans. In 2017, the Government issued a coherent ocean strategy where 
sustainable development of the ocean is a key priority. The strategy highlights policies for how 
restructuring of the ocean industries can contrib ute to economic growth in new areas and at the 
same time contribute to Norway 's international commitments on environment  and combatting 
climate change.  
2.17.   Norway 's long -term interests and fundamental commitmen t to an open, predictable, 
well-functioning and ru les-based trade regime have not changed. Our policies and approaches 
must however be adapted to changes that are taking place. Norwegian trade policy reflects 
changes in the Norwegian economy, with an added emphasis on investments and trade in services.  
2.18.   The Government 's trade and economic policy is designed to promote sustainable 
development in economic, social and environmental terms. While openness to trade is neces sary, 
it is not a sufficient condition for inclusive growth, job creation, and overall pro sperity. Trade policy 
and other elements of economic, social and structural policies are  all integral to the Norwegian 
Government 's policies that not only stimulate growth and secures jobs, but also ensure decent 
working conditions and an equitable distrib ution of the benefits of trade and economic growth.  
2.19.   Gender equality is an economic sound policy to ensure equal opportunities for all. There is a 
perception that Norway is rich from natural resources;  however , I would contend that the 
participation of wom en in the labor market has been just as important in Norway 's move from 
poverty to prosperity. Getting women into paid work means using the entire talent pool of the 
workforce. We know that women 's participation drives economic growth and development. A 
modern, competitive economy needs the best heads and hands, regardless of gender. Affordable 
childcare and generous parental leave schemes have made it possible for both mothers and fathers 
to work. These welfare schemes are costly, but are investments that pay off.  
2.20.   Trade and environment must be integral parts of a global agenda focused on inclusive and 
sustainable growth. Norway has always been an active supporter of cooperation between trade 
and environmental policymakers. The 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agr eement represent important 
frameworks for the global challenges. Trade represents a positive element in solving 
environmental challenges, for example by reducing trade barriers for environmental goods and 
services, fishery subsidies reform, fossil fuel sub sidies reform , etc.  
2.21.   And this brings me to fisheries subsidies. Up until the 1990s a comprehensive support 
scheme towards the fisheries sector was in place in Norway. However, profitability in the sector 
was poor, and the industry lacked incentives to chan ge. The authorities then removed virtually all 
subsidies. During the last 25 or so years, the industry has had to adjust accordingly.  
2.22.   Better regulation a nd the use of structural quotas  have strongly increased the profitability of 
the fisheries sector, and  reduced overcapacity. Support is reduced to a minimum. Coupled with 
strong fisheries management policies this has helped maintaining sustainable fish stocks and 
improved the economy within the fisheries sector.  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  2.23.   Our experience underlines that maintaining subsidies does not improve the economy of the 
fisheries sector – rather to the contrary. Subsidies "shield " the industry from undertaking 
necessary adjustments to the fleet and other modifications. More importantly, maintaining 
fisheries subsidies increase s pressure to engage in fishing, thereby undermining fish stocks.  
2.24.   Norway looks forward to continued hard work in the WTO negotiations on fisheries subsidies 
in order to implement SDG 14.6 within the agreed timeframe. We all need to re -engage and work 
closely together to advance these negotiations. It is crucial t hat all M embers are ready to make 
concessions, otherwise it will be impossible to conclude. Norway is ready to do so.  
2.25.   Globalization  is under pressure. In many countries, we see protectionist tendencies. 
However, openness to trade is of key importance for sustainable social and economic development 
at the global level. Norway attaches great importance to inclusion and integration of al l countries 
into the world economy and t he multilateral trading system.  
2.26.   Norway strongly believes that binding, enforceable multilateral rules and open markets 
continue s to be the right approach to economic growth, peaceful cooperation, job creation and 
development, including as a contribution to fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals.  
2.27.   Multilateral agreements will always be first best.  
2.28.   At the same time, Norway sees promise in pursuing its interests through joint initiatives 
with those who want to tak e part, such as the initiative on electronic commerce from the 
Ministerial C onference in Buenos Aires. Such initiatives sho uld be open to all  and as far as possible 
kept under the WTO umbrella. It is important that they are pursued as building blocks - not as 
stumbling blocks - towards f urther multilateral agreements.  
2.29.   Norway strongly supports the integration of developing economies into the global trading 
system. How trade can work for development in the 21st cent ury is a conversation that WTO 
members need to have  in order to build trust and secure the future of the multilateral trading 
system. Special and differential treatment should not primarily mean that developing m embers 
remain outside the framework, but that emphasis is placed on identifying what nee ds to be done in 
order for them to be included.  
2.30.   The 2030 Agenda is a strategic priority for Norway. The Sustainable Development Goals 
(SDGs) make it clear that all countries, rich and poor, have work to do at the national level. 
Norway has the means and t he political will to be a contributor in the implementation of the SDGs, 
both through national efforts and internationally.  
2.31.   The Norwegian Government views trade as an instrument of development policy. Trade is a 
necessary, if insufficient, instrument for achieving development, employment and growth. The 
Norwegian Aid for Trade approach aims at ensuring that developing countries, and especially the 
LDCs, achieve sustainable economic growth, higher employment, poverty reduction and an 
improved quality of lif e for the entire population. The Enhanced Integrated Framework is our most 
important cooperation partner within Aid for Trade.  
2.32.   Norway is deeply concerned about the state of play in the WTO and worried by:  
• the apparent willingness to risk ruining the syst em that has served us all  so well for more 
than 70 years;   
• the idea that "might makes right " and the use of unilateral tools outside t he WTO to attack 
global issues;  
• the risk of the Dispute Settlement Pillar grinding to a halt unless we quickly fill emp ty seats 
in the Appellate Body; and  
• the apparent unwillingness by emerging economies to accept their part in the fine balance  of 
rights and obligations.  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  2.33.   Norway is fully aware that there are some underlying concerns that need to be addressed. 
However, protecti onism is not the answer. These are not bi lateral issues, nor single WTO m ember 
issues. They are multilateral issues.  
2.34.   The entire WTO Membership needs to reflect on the deeper root causes of the current 
tensions in the trading system. How each of us respond s impacts on our multilateral common 
good.  
2.35.   We should without prejudice commit to work together to safeguard the multilateral trading 
system while at the same time being open to discuss its imperfections and seek improvements. I 
hope the exchange of in formation and views with other M embers on issues related to Norway 's 
trade poli cy over the next couple of days  will serve that end.  
2.36.   Thank you for your attention . 
  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  
3.1.  Distinguished government officials visi ting us here today from Norway,  I would like to extend 
my warmest regards to Marianne Hagen, State Secre tary and Head of the Norwegian d elegation, 
and to my good friend and colleague, Ambassador Harald Neple and his delegation here in Geneva.  
3.2.  This Trade Policy Review is personall y a very honourable  experience and very close to my 
heart. Norway 's contribution to the multilateralism and to the international community are 
significant and world -renowned. Norway supports development initiatives through Aid For Trade, 
the Green Climate Fund and other international agencies as well as directly through Norad, its 
international cooperation agency. In fact, in 2016 , Norway was the largest donor by percentage of 
GNI and the ninth largest by volume .1 It is a country of only five million inhabi tants whose 
contributions around the world have benefitted many millions more, including me.  
3.3.  Back in 2002, I was granted a very generous scholarship that allowed me to study and obtain 
a master 's degree in Northern Norway, the country 's Arctic region. It a lso allowed me to live what 
I still consider as the two most transformational years of my life in what is probably the most 
exotic destination for someone coming from the tropics like myself. Living in the Arctic gave me a 
different awareness and engagemen t about climate change. It actually became the purpose of my 
life and what I consider since then to be the most important and urgent conflict human civilization 
has ever faced. So, even though I left Norway 14 ye ars ago, Norway never left me.  
3.4.  In the work of the WTO, I would like to commend Norway for its active role and positive 
contribution to the multilateral trading system. Norway is a true "Friend of the System ", exemplary 
of consistent and positive support to the multilateral trading syste m and to the efforts to maintain 
an open trade regime. Norway has actively engaged in negotiations at the WTO, including the 
expansion of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA II), Government Procurement and Trade 
Facilitation Agreements. It is also co mmitted to the phasing out of the  remaining export subsidies 
in agriculture as per the Nairobi Ministerial Decision. At present, Norway is actively participating in 
the Joint initiatives on e -commerce, MSMES and women 's empowerment in the e conomy launched 
in Buenos Aires,  and subscribed the Joint Statement on Services Domestic Regulation.  
Economic environment  
3.5.  Norway 's economy recovered quickly from the global financial crisis of 2008 -2009 and the 
real GDP of mainland Norway has been growing steadily above the historical trend with rate 
growths of 3.7% since 2012, even though it slow ed down a bit to 1.8% in 2017. The GDP per 
capita of US$75,000  remains among the highest in the w orld and the unemployment rate of 4.2%  
dropped in 2017 after a surge the year bef ore. However, growth has been geographically uneven. 
The contraction in the petroleum industry and its repercussions on the supply chain affected local 
communities, particularly in the South -West and West. The rise in unemployment in these regions 
was shar per than the national average;  it rose from 3.5% in 2013 -2014 to 4.7% in 2016.  
3.6.  The crisis in 2008 -2009 had a negative effect both on imports and exports, but whereas 
Norway 's imports quickly returned to pre -crisis levels, exports lagged behind. The high p etroleum 
prices that prevailed until mid -2014 brought sizable trade surpluses, but exports of traditional 
(non-oil) goods were stagnant or declining. The weak trend in non -oil exports reflected a 
significant decline in the competitiveness of industries in mainland Norway. On the other hand, the 
significant depreciation of the Norwegian krone since 2013 has improved the competitiveness of 
Norwegian businesses  and some export -oriented sectors - in particular fish and fish farming  - have 
experienced a boom. Al l this while imports became more expensive and fell by 17% overall2 
between 2012 and 2017.  
Trade policy  
3.7.  Turning now to tariffs, the simple average tariff rate decreased slightly from 7.5% to 6.9% 
between 2012 and 2017, due to lower rates in agriculture, wh ile the average rate in the industrial 
sector remained unchanged at 0.5%. About 85% of tariff lines are duty free, and tariffs are mainly 
                                                
1 OECD, DAC member profile: Norway, 2017.  
2 Measured in U .S. dollars . WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  applied to agricultural products, textiles, clothing, and a few fish products. However, many of 
those lines show very high rates and non -ad valorem rates of duty are prevalent. The latter 
account for about 10% of all tariff lines or about 50% of agricultural product lines. Some positive 
steps towards the simplification of the tariff regime have been taken recently with th e elimination 
of nuisance tariffs for 114 agricultural lines. It is also commendable that under Norway 's 
preference schemes, least developed countries are granted duty and quota free access for all 
goods.  
3.8.  Norway 's agricultural sector remains highly protect ed despite its small contribution to GDP 
and employment. In fact, lands dedicated to agriculture total no more than 3% of the entire land 
mass, the agricultural sector represents only 1.7% of the employment (2017) and 2.3% of the 
value added of the GDP .3  
3.9.  Even though over two fifths of lines of agricultural products are duty free, the simple average 
is 37.1%. Tariffs of over 100% are not unusual in many agriculture sub -sectors for example meat, 
dairy, fruits and vegetables, cereals, beverages and oilseeds, and other agricultural products. The 
meat and dairy sectors also stand out for their very high tariff averages  at 101% and 105% , 
respectively.  
3.10.   Regarding agriculture domestic support, the situation has remained relatively stable during 
these years. Although  the general trend has been for increased support under the Blue and Green 
Boxes, most support continues to be provided through the Amber Box. The total Aggregate 
Measurement of Support notified in 2016 was close to the average of NKr 10.5 billion for the 
previous ten years. However, while the total has been relatively constant, the structure of support 
has changed somewhat. In the mid -2000s, beef, lamb, and poultry accounted for about one third 
of total AMS including de minimis4, but in 2016 they accounted  for only 4%. On the other hand, 
milk and pork accounted for half of the AMS in 2006, and almost three fourths in 2016. The 
current total AMS is close to the final bound total AMS, which means that Norway should reflect on  
further reforms in this area. At 60% of gross farm receipts, the Product Support Methodology 
(PSE) of Norway, as defined in terms of the OECD, i s three times the OECD average.  
3.11.   According to the Secretariat r eport, productivity growth has been much higher in Norwegian 
agriculture than in ot her sectors of the mainland economy in recent years. Farmers have been 
swift in adopting new technologies. About one third of the raw milk produced in Norway in 2015 
was milked by robots, and the share is expected  to reach 50% within the next 3 to 4 years.  Other 
examples of increasing robotization are "intelligent " feed carts, the use of drones for mapping and 
measuring, and technologically controlled application of pesticides and fertilizer.5 In the context of 
growing productivity, one may reflect on wheth er all these different layers of protection are still 
needed for Norway 's agricultural sector. It would be highly valuable for this exercise to have 
comments of the Norwegian delegation in this regard.  
3.12.   On the transparency front, Norway has an exemplary rec ord in meeting its notification 
obligations. Nevertheless, according to the Secretariat report , some improvements can been made 
even in the case of Norway in few areas, where updated or initial notifications are needed, as in 
customs valuations, regional t rade agreements, quantitative restrictions, and rules of origin 
(paragraphs 2.21, 3. 33 and 3.70 of the Secretariat r eport). It is also noted that only few 
notifications have been presented in the fields of technical barriers to trade (paragraph 3.129) and 
sanitary and phytosanitary measures (paragraph 3.142). Most aspects of these two agreements 
may be covered under the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement; it would also be of interest 
for this exercise that the Norwegian delegation provides further clari fication on this point.  
3.13.   Norway has not initiated any anti -dumping or countervailing duty investigations  since the 
inception of the WTO,  nor has it taken any global safeguard measures or has invoked the 
agricultural Special Safeguard agreed in the Uruguay Round.  
3.14.   The country has been a strong supporter of the WTO 's work on trade f acilitation and in 
October  2015 it ratified the agreement concluded two years earlier in Bali and is a donor to the 
                                                
3 Table 1.1 Secretariat r eport.  
4 36% in 2006.  
5 Paragraph 4.6 . WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility (TFAF).6  According to the Secretariat r eport, in terms of 
electronic systems, Norway continues to use the TVINN (Norway 's system for customs 
declarations) and does not have a single window application as such. The report also states that 
Norway is in the early sta ges of elaborating and digitalizing customs systems (paragraph 3.17). It 
would be interesting to learn from the Norwegian delegation on the future plans in these fields.  
3.15.   Besides its efforts to support and strengthen the multilateral trading system, Norway has 
also pursued trade liberalization through regional or bilateral FTAs, including as a member of the 
European Economic Area. The EEA agreement is also the basis for the relations between Norway 
and the United Kingdom, which is, incidentally, one of its m ain trading partners within the 
European Union, being the single largest market for both Norwegian goods and services exports; 
and an important source of FDI. The decision of the UK to leave the EU (also known as Brexit) will 
definitely be a trade pol icy priority for the Norwegian G overnment in their future relationship with 
the UK.  
3.16.   Furthermore, most of Norway 's 32 FTAs (including one with my country) are mainly pursued 
through EFTA, although it has entered into bilateral FTA negotiations with China .7 Could  the 
Norwegian delegation update us on the status of these negotiations? Is there currently any other 
FTA negotiation in the pipeline?  
Transition to the blue economy  
3.17.   Now I would like to talk about the process that Norway is undertaking as one of the world 's 
leading ocean economies. The world we live in, and the environmental constraints we face as a 
civilization, require a particular kind of leadership, one that understands that in order to survive as 
a species and to leave a legacy of healthy ecosystems fo r future generations, we need to engage 
in regenerative development, an economic approach that ensures the restoration of ecosystems 
that have been otherwise depleted. This applies to fish and other forms of biodiversity, forestry 
and even ice -based ecosys tems that have been melting in recent decades.  
3.18.   According to the OECD, economic activity in the ocean is expanding rapidly, driven primarily 
by developments in global population, economic growth, trade and rising income levels, climate 
and environment and technology. The projections suggest that between 2010 and 2030, on a 
"business as usual " scenario basis, the ocean economy could more than double its contribution to 
globa l value added, reaching over US$ 3 trillion and generate approxim ately 40 million full-time 
jobs.8 
3.19.   This encouraging economic scenario is , nonetheless, threatened by challenges such as 
ocean over -exploitation, pollution, declining biodiversity and climate change. Norway is one of the 
world 's largest producers of oil and gas, the second l argest exporter of fish a nd seafood and one of 
the world 's most advanced maritime nations. More than 70% of the Norwegian exports come from 
the so -called ocean industries .9  
3.20.   As a leading maritime nation, Norway faces the challenge on how to rip the benefit s of the 
ocean economy while securing a more sustainable use of its waters.  
3.21.   The growth prospects for the ocean industries signaled by the OECD might show some light 
on the direction where ocean economies should be headed. Not all ocean industries face the  same 
growth potential. Modest growth is expected for established ocean -based industries, such as 
offshore oil and gas extraction and fisheries captures, bo th of high importance to Norway 's 
economy. High long -term growth is found in emerging ocean -based in dustries like marine 
aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and ocean renewable energies.  
3.22.   The shift towards a more integrated blue economy goes through a transition towards these 
emerging ocean -based industries. Given the decline in the offshore petroleum sect or over the last 
                                                
6 WTO online information. Viewed at: http://www.tfafacility.org/norway . 
7 Paragraph 2.22 of the Secretariat report. Th is process was put on hold in 2010 but reactiv ated in 
2017.  
8 OECD (2016 ), The Ocean Economy in 2030, OECD Publishing, Paris. Viewed at: 
http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789264251724 -en. 
9 According to the Norwegian  Government and the WTO Secretariat reports.  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  few years, Norway has already taken steps in this direction. According to the Norwegian 
Government 's Ocean Strategy, development of established ocean industries will continue, while 
stimulating research, innovation and technological develo pment to see new industries emerge.10  
3.23.   As Norway 's Ocean Stra tegy states, becoming the world 's foremost ocean economy might 
be achieved by facilitating blue grow th through green restructuring.11  
Energy and c limate change policies  
3.24.   Norway was one of the first  countries to ratify the Paris Agreement and is a leading 
advocate of climate action. Among Norway 's climate change goals is the commitment of at least a 
40% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared to 1 990 levels. According to the 
Norway 's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), this commitment is to be fulfilled through a 
collective delivery with the European Union (EU) and its Member States, mainly through the EU 
Emission Trading System.  
3.25.   Under the Climate and Forest Initiative, Norway  has made  payments totaling about 
NOK 14 billion  – which is nearly US$ 2 billion  - to projects destined to reduce emissions from 
deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries. Norway also plays an important role 
through other international initiatives such as the Green Climate Fund, which was launched in 
2011 and has become a key institution for multilateral climate finance. This is clear regenerative 
leadership the kind the wor ld urgently needs.  
3.26.   Norway is also a Member of the Friends of Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform (FFFSR), a group of 
like-minded countries that promote the phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies as a means for cleaning 
up the air and freeing up public funds for deve lopment efforts.  
3.27.   It is interesting to note that despite the fact that Norway is a major  producer of 
hydrocarbons, it has still introduced initiatives to limit its consumption. Banning the use of mineral 
oils in the heating of buildings, including resident ial homes, and promoting the use of electric 
vehicles are just two examples of this phenomenon. The number of electric cars has been 
increasing steadily in the last few years and it is estimated that a complete shift to electricity in 
the transportation of  passengers could be absorbed entirely by the existing electricity production 
capacity. Given that their electricity matrix is almost entirely based on renewable energies (mostly 
hydropower), this would mean that in the short and medium term, the transport ation system could 
be fuelled  by clean energies. The country 's goal to become carbon neutral by 2050 might be 
achieved sooner than expected.  
3.28.   On 1 July 1998, almost 20 years to the day, I crossed the Atlantic for the first time in my 
life to spend a month in a magical Nordic village in the middle of the mountains. The name of this 
town later became globally known by a simple product of great quality that is traded in more than 
50 countries. That summer month – if it can be called summer  - in the beautiful v illage of Voss, in 
Western Norway, was the first time I visited a country that later became my home and my 
sanctuary, a place where I became much of who I am today. This story shows - in essence - what I 
consider to be the most important things about Norway : cooperation beyond borders, 
environmental awareness, a knowledge -based economy and openness to international trade. 
Norway 's challenge is to preserve the elements that have made it the global leader it is today, and 
adapt to the new challenges by adaptin g to greener and innovation -driven industries  - including 
agriculture  - and transform to a blue and carbon -free economy.  Thank you.  
  
                                                
10 New Growth, Proud Hi story, The Norwegian Government's Ocean Strategy. Norwegian Ministry of 
Trade, Industry and Fisheries. Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, p. 6 -7. 
11 Ibid, p.8 . WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S 
SWITZERLAND  
4.1.  Switzerland highly values Norway 's active engagement in the work of the WTO. This is of 
particular merit at a time fraught with considerable challenges related to growing trade tensions. 
Let me also highlight the outstanding work done by Amb assador Neple and his team.  The bilateral 
economic relations between Switzerland and Norway are excelle nt. Swiss exports to Norway 
reached almost US$700 million and Swiss imports from Norway amounted to about US$430 million 
last year. The intensity of our bilateral relations is also reflected by the amount of direct 
investments. At the end of 2016, Swiss di rect investments in Norway amounted to US$2.2 billion , 
employing a total of 6 600 people.  
4.2.  Furthermore, Norway is a highly appreciated and reliable partner for Switzerland within the 
European Free Trade Association EFTA. Both Norway and Switzerland have bee n rather successful 
in using EFTA as a means to conclude preferential trade agreements with non -EU countries. We 
continue to have a busy trade agenda as we work together to expand and modernize our existing 
network of trade agreements.  
4.3.  It is a well -known fact that Norway 's and Switzerland 's agric ultural policies have a number of  
common features. Our reform efforts have to take account of numerous constraints, in particular 
non-trade concerns. It therefore stands to reason that we are joining forces in the WTO 
negotiations. Within this context, we both remain committed to the long term agriculture reform 
process as defined in the WTO instruments.  
4.4.  In general, Norway is an open economy with a rather liberal investment regime. Norway has 
quickly adhered to the most recent WTO agreements. Moreover, it has an excellent notification 
record with only a few notifications outstanding. During the review period, applied tariffs were 
simplified or reduced somewhat. Yet tariffs on textiles remain fairly high.  
4.5.  Norway is o ne of the most prosperous countries in the world. Nevertheless, Norway still has 
some problems of its own. One area of concern is the real estate market. Norwegian house prices 
have raced ahead of increases in income. An adjustment to an imbalance in the h ousing market 
can be painful as Switzerland itself experienced some years ago.  
4.6.  Luckily, Norway is blessed with one of the world 's largest sovereign wealth funds. It goes 
without saying that the enormous assets of the fund would help cushion the effects of  an adverse 
economic shock.  
4.7.  Yet there is a downside to the preponderance of the extractive industry in the Norwegian 
economy. For one, it makes the economic performance of the country heavily dependent on the 
volatility of the price movements in internati onal commodities markets. Second, it has split the 
economy into two. On the one hand, there is a competitive petroleum sector. On the other hand, 
there is an onshore economy, which seems to have lost some of its competitiveness. Wages are 
high and producti vity growth has been sluggish. The Norwegian government has rightly identified 
the modest cost competitiveness of the onshore sector as a problem and has embarked upon 
structural reforms, also to diversify the nation 's export base.  
4.8.  An outside observer can not fail to be struck by the high level of taxation in the country. This 
concerns corporate taxation but also taxation of labour as well as taxation of products and 
services. Norway has an astonishingly steep tax wedge. But in spite of extensive tax collec tion, the 
structural non -oil budget deficit of the government has been increasing.  
4.9.  The Secretariat 's report has given us a noteworthy analysis of the substantial role played by 
state-owned enterprises in the economy. It seems that the frontiers of the sta te in the economic 
activities of the country could be rolled back in some measure.  
4.10.   Before concluding, let me underline Norway 's outstanding commitment with respect to the 
reform of fossil fuel subsidies.  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  4.11.   Switzerland would like to thank Norway for having p rovided detailed and timely answers to 
our questions. We wish the Nor wegian delegation a successful Trade Policy R eview.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.12.   On behalf of the United States, I would like to join others in warmly welcoming State 
Secretary Marianne Hagen and the rest of the delegation for this trade policy review of Norway. 
We look forward to insightful discussions during Norway 's seventh Trade Po licy Review.  
4.13.   The United States and Norway enjoy a long tradition of friendly relations, based on shared 
values and principles, including a robust trad e and investment relationship. Our two countries have 
an active history of cooperation, and we each apprec iate the powerful role that international trade 
plays in global eco nomic and political stability. We look to continuing this tradition and finding new 
ways to expand trade and investment between our two countries.  
4.14.   This review provides an excellent opportun ity to recognize Ambassador Neple for his many 
contributions to the work of the WTO during his time in Geneva, sustaining a long tradition  of such 
Norwegian leadership. We especially appreciate his se rvice as General Council Chair and I have 
personally app reciated his honest coun sel during my first months here. In addition, I would like to 
commend Norway for the central role and considerable expertise it has brought to our ongoing 
negotiations on fisheries subsidies.  
4.15.   As we have seen in previous reviews, the  Norwegian economy is among the world 's most 
advanced and prosperous, characterized by high living standards and a highly skilled labo ur force. 
Norway remains an open and prosperous nation; however, as we have also seen in previous 
reviews, the agricultura l sector remains highly protected from global competition through tariffs, 
government support, and SPS measures.  
4.16.   While Norway maintains a liberal trade and investment regime, the troubling disparity 
between its openness to trade in industrial products and its high level of protection for agriculture, 
including through exceptionally high tariff protection, has remained unchanged since its last 
review. This disparity is also reflected in Norway 's approach, along with its EFTA partners, to the 
negotiation of F TAs, which eliminate tariffs on markedly fewer agricultur al tariff lines than 
non-agricultural tariff lines.  
4.17.   The Secretariat notes that support to Norwegian agriculture is three times the average for 
all OECD countries, with 60 percent of farm earnings re sulting from transfers to producers under 
agricultural policies. Much of that support is provided through distorting types of policies. We 
continue to encourage Norway to increase the market orientation of its agricultural production and 
trade policies, in cluding reducing the share of production -linked support and increasing market 
access. These policy approaches would be fully consistent with Norway 's goals for environmental 
protection and rural development.  
4.18.   In addition to very high levels of protection fo r agricultural and food products, traders also 
encounter problematic SPS barriers in Norway. Norway prohibits the import of beef from animals 
treated with hormones, despite decades of scientific evidence demonstrating that this practice 
poses no risks to h ealth. We would encourage Norway to re-examine  its measures related to 
genetically engineered products in light of more than 20 years of experience with their safe use. 
We would also highlight the importance of science -and risk -based regulations, including  for the 
registration and use of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals, and other innovative tools to 
supporting agricultural innovation and functioning trade in agricultural products, which are vital in 
meeting the world 's food security needs.  
4.19.   The U nited States is also interested in better understanding Norway 's harmonization of its 
standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment practices with those of the EU, and 
the implementation of its WTO TBT Agreement commitments. We have several qu estions regarding 
the process of adopting EU legislation and the implications for its use of international standards 
and its co nformity assessment practices. We hope to obtain further clarification related to 
Norway 's regulatory requirements during the cou rse of this trade policy review.  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  4.20.   The United States has submitted advance written questions on certain aspects of Norwa y's 
trade and economic regime. We have requested additional information regarding some of the 
points I 've mentioned, as well as informatio n regarding Norway 's notification of the EFTA 
agreement with the Gulf Cooperation council, status in joining certain treaties on intellectual 
property rights, the Norwegian Patent Act, and issues pertaining to Norway 's State -owned 
enterprises. We appreciat e Norway 's responses to the questions we raised, and we are 
undertaking a comprehensive review of the responses in Washington.  
4.21.   In closing, the United States and Norway have important common interests, including our 
longstanding -shared support for internati onal trade. We look forward to further information and 
discussions on trade matters with Norway, both here at the WTO and in our bilateral exchanges.  
SINGAPORE  
4.22.   Norway and Singapore enjoy strong and broad -based relations. Norway is Singapore 's 12th 
largest European trading partner. In 2017, bilateral trade between our two countries amounted to 
US$1.5 billion. Key products traded include machinery, petroleum products, pre -fabricated 
buildings, scientific instruments and speciality chemicals.  
4.23.   Norway is our 5th largest European investor. As of end -2016, the stock of Foreign Direct 
investment (FDI) into Singapore from Norway continues to be a key maritime partner for 
Singapore. There are currently more than 400 Norwegian companies in Singapore. Sin gaporean 
firms operating in Norway include Sembcorp Marine, a global leader in integrated marine and 
offshore engineering solutions, and ST Aerospace, which provides aircraft component repair, 
management and logistics services.  
4.24.   Singapore 's economic relatio ns with Norway have been further bolstered by the free Trade 
Agreement that Singapore has with European Free Trade Associations, which Norway is a key 
member of. In April this year, Singapore hosted the 7th Norway -Asia Business summit, where we 
also had th e pleasure of welcoming Norway 's Minister of Fisheries H.E. Mr Per Sandberg to 
Singapore.  
4.25.   At the WTO, Norway is a strong and respected advocate for free trade and a well -functioning 
rules-based multilateral trading System. It contributes actively to all ar eas of the WTO 's work, 
including by supporting a forward -looking agenda to keep WTO 's rules relevant to current business 
realities, and providing development and capacity building assistance.  
4.26.   We appreciate the contribution of Norway 's Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soreide in 
facilitating the important discussions at MC11 on development. Going at little further back in time, 
the informal Ministerial gathering initiated and hosted by Norway, in Oslo in 201, engaged 
Ministers in frank discussions on nudging neg otiations forward. In Geneva, Ambassador Harald 
Neple 's wisdom and skills are much sought after, and were most visibly on display during his 
successive terms as Chairs of the CTDSS, DSB and GC.  
4.27.   Apart from these high profile r oles, as succinctly put in the Secretariat 's report, during the 
period under review, Norway has accepted the TFA, implemented the revised ITA and 
pharmaceutical product coverage and completed procedures for adopting the revised GPA. 
Consistent with the agreement reached at MC10, Norway has notified its revised schedule phasing 
out all remaining agriculture export subsidies by 2020. We commend Norway 's exemplary record 
in meeting its WTO notifications obligations.  
4.28.   Norway 's agricultural sector still has high tariffs and extensive subsidies . We hope that they 
could be phased out in due course.  
4.29.   Singapore looks forward to continuing our warm and constructive cooperation with Norway, 
including through its capable team at the mission in Geneva, to uphold the multilateral trading 
system. We wish Norway every success for this TPR . 
  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  AUSTRALIA  
4.30.   Australia and Norway have a strong bilateral relationship, based on shared values, including 
recognition of the critical importance of the rules -based international order. Norway is Australia 's 
45th largest tr ading partner, with two -way trade in 2016 -17 totalling just over $1 billion. At $662 
million, our trade in services represents over 60 % of the total value of our trading relationship, 
with the strongest activity in the transport sector. Our trade in goods is dominated by Norwegian 
exports, with the value of goods imported into Australia being four times higher than that of 
Australian goods exported to Norway.  
4.31.   Norway and Australia share common expertise in various industrial sectors, including clean 
energy,  oil and gas, mining, chemicals, and marine and shipping . Australia sees opportunities for 
the exchange of technology and expertise in these sectors.  
4.32.   At over $23 billion, our bilateral investment relationship is strong and growing. There are a 
number of  significant Norwegian companies with direct investments i n Australia.  Australia notes 
that state ownership remains substantial, and encourages Norway to continue divesting all or part 
of some enterprises where commercially opportune.  
4.33.   We note the challeng es faced by Norway in recent years with oil and gas price slumps, and 
are pleased that the economy is showing signs of increased growth. Australia also notes the efforts 
being made to develop a broader base for the Norwegian economy in the shift to a more 
integrated blue economy.  
4.34.   Australia commends Norway 's commitment to open international trade and the multilateral 
rules based system. We welcome Norway 's ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, and its 
commitment to phasing out all remaining agricultural export subsidies, as agreed at MC10.  
4.35.   However, Norway 's agricultural sector remains dominated by significant applied tariffs and 
tariff peaks, overall domestic support levels that are among the highest in the OECD, and complex 
regulations, though Australia acknowledges that Norway has taken some steps to increase 
regulatory flexibility  in recent years . The under -utilisation of many existing tarif f rate quotas 
suggests scope for further reform.  
4.36.   We would reiterate our statement from Norway 's 2012 Review encouraging Norway to 
actively find ways to achieve its agricultural policy objectives without over -dependence on trade 
and production distorting m easures, and to find ways to introduce incentives for local producers to 
increase efficiency, diversify and find areas of comparative advantage.  
4.37.   Australia congratulates Norway on its excellent  record of compliance with WTO notification 
obligations. The Sec retariat report notes that Norway has a small number of outstanding 
notifications, and Australia encourages Norway to submit these in a timely manner.  
4.38.   In ongoing WTO work, Norway continues to show strong commitment and leadership in the 
fisheries subsidies  negotiations, and, like Australia, is an active participant in the joint statement 
initiatives on e -commerce, services domestic regulation, MSMEs and women 's economic 
empowerment.  
4.39.   For this review, Australia has submitted a number of questions, focussing largely on 
agriculture, particularly agricultural tariffs, tariff quotas and domestic support. We thank Norway 
for the answers provided.  
4.40.   Australia wishes Norway  a successful and constructive Trade Policy R eview.  
MEXICO 
4.41.   I should like to start by congratula ting Norway on continuing to maintain its human 
development and satisfaction indices among the highest in the world. For example, on the 
UNDP's  Human Development Index 2016 and the OECD's Better Life Index it ranks in first and 
fourth positions, respective ly. WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  4.42.   In recent years, Norway has coped successfully with the fall in oil and gas prices. Thanks to 
resources accumulated in its sovereign wealth fund and judicious implementation of expansionary 
fiscal and monetary policies, it has managed to combat the adv erse impact on its economy, with 
the result that growth returned in 2016 and strengthened in 2017. This allows for  positive 
expectations for the current year.  
4.43.   Mexico acknowledges and highly values Norway's desire to strengthen the multilateral 
trading syst em. Norway is an active participant in recent joint initiatives and a key player in the 
negotiations on fisheries subsidies. As the Secretariat report indicates, Norway is an exemplary 
Member in fulfilling transparency obligations.  
4.44.   Notwithstanding the posi tive scenario described above, we cannot omit to mention that 
Norway still applies high tariffs on many agricultural products. Even with the recent autonomous 
liberalization of 114 products, the average applied tariff in this sector remains very high, at a round 
37%, with tariffs exceeding 100% for dairy products, fruit and vegetables, cereals and beverages, 
among others. According to the World Tariff Profiles 2017 report, Norway is the developed country 
with the highest applied tariffs in the agricultural s ector, and the fifth highest among the 
150 countries analysed. In other words, Norway maintains higher tariffs than any least developed 
country and almost all developing countries.  
4.45.   The recent autonomous liberalization measures, while commendable, are defin itely 
insufficient and there is a genuine need for a major effort to reduce applied tariffs on agricultural 
products.  
4.46.   As has already been mentioned, Norway also grants large amounts of domestic support to 
agriculture. Although this has focused on the less distorting Blue and Green Boxes, the levels of 
aid under the Amber Box remain substantial.  
4.47.   According to the OECD, producer support accounts for almost 60% of gross farm receipts, 
which is three times higher than the OECD average.  
4.48.   This support, on top of the tariff protection, is granted to a sector which contributed a mere 
2.3% of GDP in 2017. The Norwegian government certainly faces an important challenge to reduce 
the subsidies that are distorting international trade in agricultural products.  
4.49.   The servic es sector, by contrast, accounted for two thirds of GDP in 2017. Although 
State  ownership remains extensive in some sectors, it is also true to say that there are few 
restrictions on foreign investment.  
4.50.   We acknowledge the benefits that will accrue from the  legislative reform of the financial 
sector that was implemented in 2015 and 2016, seeking greater compatibility with EU legislation.  
4.51.   Mexico and Norway maintain excellent trade and investment relations. As far as investment 
is concerned, Norway has become one of the biggest investors in Mexico. Recently, it announced 
investment of over US$12  billion in deep -water oil extraction in the Gulf of Mexico, which will no 
doubt serve to strengthen our bilateral relations even further.  
4.52.   Lastly, we are grateful for th e replies to the questions my delegation submitted, and wish 
the Norwegian delegation a successful conclusion to its seventh trade policy review.  
JAPAN  
4.53.   Needless to say, Japan and Norway have been important partners for years, both 
economically and politi cally. Japan will make continuous efforts to maintain and further develop 
the strong ties between us.  
4.54.   We are pleased to see that despite the significant decline in the price of crude oil since 
2014, which negatively impacted Norway 's economy, Norway 's GDP pe r capita in 2017 remains 
among the highest in the world.  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  4.55.   In addition to that, we understand that in September 2017 Norway announced a new 
strategy, namely its Strategy for Export and Internationalisation, which aims to strengthen exports 
and international ization of its business environment. We commend such continuous efforts by 
Norway to promote international trade and create new trade.  
4.56.   Now, let me turn to the WTO issues.  
4.57.   Norway has always been a strong supporter of the WTO and the multilateral trading sys tem.  
4.58.   Norway 's policies for the fishing sector have stressed the importance of sustainability and 
actively address issues regarding illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU). We commend 
Norway on its engagement in the WTO negotiations to prohibit f isheries subsidies.  
4.59.   In addition to that, Norway is one of the participants in the revised ITA and the tariff 
elimination regarding pharmaceutical products. It has also completed the procedures for adopting 
the revised GPA in April 2014, and accepted the TFA in 2015.  
4.60.   Moreover , in the new strategy that I mentioned earlier, Norway has highlighted the 
importance of maintaining and strengthening the existing WTO system and development of 
negotiation of multilateral trading agreements such as the EGA and TISA.  
4.61.   Japan appreciates thi s commitment to being strongly involved in the WTO negotiations.  
4.62.   On the other hand, we believe that there is room for improvement regarding notification. 
According to the Secretariat 's report, some updated or initial notifications are needed in a few 
areas  such as customs valuation, RTAs, quantitative restrictions, and rules of origin. We hope that 
Norway will provide relevant notifications as soon as possible, as notification is an essential part of 
ensuring transparency of the WTO system.  
4.63.   Now, let me touc h upon a specific point.  
4.64.   According to the government report, Norway will work to promote full economic rights for 
women and equal opportunities for women to participate in the labour market. Moreover, Norway 
was ranked second in the Gender Gap Index of The  Global Gender Gap Report 2017 provided by 
the World Economic Forum. Japan commends Norway for its leadership role as a gender champion 
as we also believe that improving women 's access to opportunity will lead to inclusive growth.  
4.65.   In conclusion, we are ple ased to see that transparency has been ensured to a high degree in 
the business environment, including in the bidding process, which contributes to making Norway a 
highly attractive location for investment by Japanese companies.  
4.66.   Japan looks forward to con tinued close cooperation between our two countries and wishes 
Norway a successful and productive TPR.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.67.   First, I would like to highlight the strong resilience of the Norwegian economy. Since the last 
Trade Policy Review in 2012, Norway has bee n faced with the significant decline in the prices of oil 
and gas since mid -2014. This has posed serious challenges but has been mastered by a 
combination of expansionary fiscal and monetary policies. In the meantime, Norway has been 
actively pursuing a tr ansition away from oil and gas, notably through its strategy for sustainable 
ocean -based industries.  
4.68.   Second, I would like to emphasize the coherence of Norway 's policy in support of free trade: 
internally, Norway deploys many policy instruments to support  the expansion and dynamism of 
Norwegian companies. Internationally, Norway is a strong supporter of multilateralism and WTO 
and an important ally of the European Union in many of its trade policy objectives.  
4.69.   In this context , I would like to say a few words of the valuable contribution that Norway has 
made to this organisation over the past few years since the last TPR and to give you a few 
examples of the commitment of Norway to the rules -based multilateral trading system.  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  4.70.   Norway has played a very constructive and positive role in the fisheries subsidies 
negotiations. Norway has tirelessly lent support for trade and gender issues, including by being 
among the Members that have endorsed the Buenos Aires Declaration on Women an d Trade, and 
contributes substantially to the trade related assistance. More recently, Norway participates in the 
MC11 joint initiatives on electronic commerce, MSMEs and services domestic regulation.  
4.71.   Additionally, I would like to mention Norway 's exempla ry record in terms of meeting its 
notification obligations by making timely notifications in nearly all areas and thus helping to 
achieve one of the central objectives of transparency of this organisation. However, updated or 
initial notifications are need ed in a few areas, e.g. customs valuation, RTAs, quantitative 
restrictions, and rules of origin.  
4.72.   Finally, let me emphasize the very special and stable relationship between the EU and 
Norway. We are strong trading partners: the EU is Norway 's first trading partner and Norway is the 
EU's 7th largest trading partner. It is with Norway that we have signed one of our first FTAs, back 
in 1972. Although still in force, this agreement has been in practice superseded in many respects 
by the Agreement on the European  Economic Area (EEA).  
4.73.   Institutionally, through the EEA agreement, Norway is as closely linked to the EU 's Internal 
Market as a third country can be. Norway takes over the EU 's internal market legislation and in 
return, Norwegian companies enjoy access to the internal market at the same conditions as the EU 
companies, in the areas covered by the EEA agreement. A level -playing field is ensured also 
through common rules regarding competition, state aid and government procurement, while 
uniform interpretation of the rules is guaranteed via the two -pillar structure of the EEA.  
4.74.   However - and there must by a "however " in this overall very positive picture - there is 
always room to strengthen further our trade relations. To this end, we have presented a number of 
questions related to Norway 's agricultural policy, such as regarding the consequences of abolishing 
export subsidies and some customs reclassification issues. We would also welcome further 
clarifications on the reform of the Norwegian railway sector.  
4.75.   The EU thanks Norway for the replies, submitted in advance of this meeting due to the use 
of the alternative timeline, and we continue to examine them carefully.  
4.76.   On behalf of the EU, I wish the delegation of Norway a very  fruitful Trade Policy Review.  
CHINA  
4.77.   We are pleased to see that there have emerged economic recovery in Norway since 2017 
and the prospect for future growth appears positive as reported by the Secretariat.  This was 
achieved through a mix of expansionary fiscal and monetary policies taken by No rway to combat 
the sudden drop in oil and gas prices in 2014 which had posed a serious challenge to its econom y. 
4.78.   We commend Norway 's effort in restructuring its economy, both in terms of "thinking 
greener " transforming into a more environmentally -friendly,  low-emission society, and "blue 
economy " ensuring sustainable use of the oceans, such as offshore aquaculture, offshore wind and 
marine biotechnology.  
4.79.   Norway is a trading nati on, as noted by its Government r eport, its imports and exports of 
goods and serv ices were eq uivalent to 63% of GDP in 2017.  Norway has remained an open 
economy with trade playing an increasing important role in i ts interaction with the world.  
4.80.   As an original contracting party of the GATT and founding M ember of the WTO ，Norway has 
always  been a strong supporter to the multilateral trading system and has made positive 
contributions by way of showing leadership in chairing the GC, sup porting Aid for Trade and etc. 
Norway has joined the Trade Facilitation Agreement, the ITA expansion, the re vised GPA, and 
committed to phasing out agricultural export subsidies. At MC11, Norway has signed Joint 
Statements on electronic commerce, on services do mestic regulation and on MSMEs.  In particular, 
we commend the firm position Norway has taken in the WTO 's collective fight against unilateralism 
and protectionism.  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  4.81.   On the bilateral front, China is Norway 's largest trading partner in Asia.  According to China 's 
statistics, in 2017, the bilat eral trade in goods reached US$ 5.62 billion, with China expo rting to 
Norway standing at US$ 2.49 billion, importing from Norway totalling  US$3.13 billion. China 's 
exports to Norway are mainly tele -communication and office equipment , garments, electronics and 
machinery and etc ., while China 's imports from Norway are mainly ch emicals, fishery products, 
scientific instruments and etc.  
4.82.   By April this year, China has invested in Norway US$ 2.69 billion in total, mostly in the areas 
of transportation and storage, offshore pet roleum, and telecommunication. Norway has invested in 
China  US$650 million in the areas of maritime transportation, elec tronics and machinery and etc.  
4.83.   To better understand the latest development in Norway 's trade policy, we have raised some 
questions regarding agriculture policy, foreign direct investment, import licensing requirements, oil 
and gas, customs cooperation, and postal and courier services and traditi onal Chinese medicine 
therapy. We appreciate the replies provided by Norway to our questions which we would study 
carefully.  
4.84.   Currently, the economic and tr ade cooperation between China and Norway has seen robust 
growth, with strong complementarity  and huge potential.  China will further promote cooperation 
with Norway through the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthening synergy between the 
development strategi es, jointly promoting the connectivity and development in the continents of 
Europe and Asia ，ultimately making contri bution to the global economy. We are looking forward to 
early conclusion of China -Norway Free Trade Agreement negotiations, and welcoming No rway 
enterprises to participate in the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) which will be held in 
Shanghai this November.  
4.85.   Both China and Norway are fully committed to multilateralism and advocating an open world 
economy and free trade. Currently, the WTO is facing major challenges that have to be d ealt with 
by all WTO Members. China would lock arms with Norway and other Members to preserve the 
fundamental principles of this Organization, resist unilateralism and protectionism, and collec tively 
safeguard the rules -based multilateral trading system.  
4.86.   In conclusion, I wish this Review a complete success.  
BRAZIL  
4.87.   Norway is an advanced economy with a per capita GDP among the highest in the world and 
is deeply integrated to internation al trade a nd investment flows. Imports and exports of goods and 
services accounted for 63% of its GDP in 2017 and the 2016 FDI stocks remained above 2008 
levels, despite the decline in recent flows.  
4.88.   Norway 's active and constructive role in the WTO as well a s its fir m support to the 
rules-based multilateral trading system has not precluded it from developing an extensive network 
of free trade agreements with partners around the world.  
4.89.   Brazil is Norway 's largest trading partner in Latin Ameri ca: bilateral trade reache d 
US$1.263  billion last year, consisting of US$ 774 milli on in Brazilian exports and US$ 488 million in 
imports. Bilateral trade flows have much room for expansion. To day, Brazil accounts for only 0. 5% 
of Norway 's overall imports and the current levels of bilateral flows are smaller than the those of 
2010. In the last 7 years, the main products traded between both countries remained f airly the 
same: fertilizers (26.2%), fish and crustaceans (24. 8%) were the major products exported by 
Norway, whereas inorgan ic chemicals (73.2%) and soybeans (13. 5%) were the main Brazilian 
exports.  
4.90.   The potential for deepening our commercial ties is significant, especially in the agricultural 
sector. While Norway is fairly open in NAMA, its agricultural sector continues to enjo y high levels of 
protection.  
4.91.   The vast majority of tariffs (85% of tariff lines) are duty free but those that remain can be 
very high. Tariffs over 100% are not unusual i n many agriculture sub -sectors.  While bound a nd 
applied tariff in NAMA are 3.1% and 0. 5%, respectively, they reach 143.1% and 37. 1% in the WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  agricultural sector. Bound and applied tariffs on animals  and products thereof reach 318.3% and 
101.4%, respectively.  
4.92.   Non-ad valorem duties are highly prevalent, accounting for about 10% of tariff lines or 
about 50% of agricultural product lines. Tariff peaks and quotas are also applied, resulting in 
significant import barriers.  
4.93.   According to the Secretariat report, there have been no fundamental changes in Norway 's 
trade policies since the last Trade Poli cy Review in 2012. One the one hand, that 's positive since it 
signals stability and predictability, on the other hand, it is worrisome for it shows high levels of 
protection in agriculture remain in place.  
4.94.   As for investments, Norwegian companies have been  present in Brazil for a long time. The 
FDI stock amounts to around US$ 10 billion, mostly concentrated in the oil and gas and maritime 
sectors. More than 120 Norwegian companies are established in Brazil.  
4.95.   Brazil and Norway are committed to strengthening th eir economic relations and cooperation 
through the MERCOSUR -EFTA negotiations to reach a comprehensive free trade agreement. The 
third round of meetings, which took place in April 2018 in Buenos Aires, was very constructive and 
achieved progress in many ar eas. We expect further advances in the intersessional meeting that 
will be held in Geneva next month.  
4.96.   Brazil continues to follow with interest domestic developments in Norway 's trade policy. We 
have submitted some questions and wait for the answers.  
4.97.   Finall y, before concluding, let me say that, for Brazil and Brazilians, Norway is not only 
figures, tariffs and trade flows. Norway continues to evoke Grieg and Ibsen, Edward Munch, Thor 
Heyerdahl and the Kon -tiki, as well as the North Cape and the midnight sun.  Recently this year a 
new complete translation of Ibsen 's plays were published in Brazil to commemorate 190 years of 
his birth and, only last May, a Brazilian project won the International Ibsen Scholarship, awarded 
for a play called "Enemies at the Doll H ouse", which combines elements of both "An Enemy of the 
People " and "A doll house ", two well -known plays by Ibsen, which can be seen, so I am told, as a 
metaphor with lessons for contemporary Brazil.  
4.98.   Let me conclude by wishing Norway a very successful Trad e Policy Review.  
COSTA  RICA 
4.99.   Costa Rica would like to underline the contribution Norway makes to the WTO and the 
importance it attaches to a rules -based multilateral trading system. We note with satisfaction the 
work carried out jointly by our delegations i n various areas of the WTO since the last trade policy 
review, such as Friends of the System, expansion of the ITA, negotiations on fisheries subsidies 
and joint initiatives on topics such as e -commerce, MSMEs and domestic regulation in services.  
4.100.   In Decemb er 2012, Costa Rica and Panama concluded the negotiation of a 
Free Trade  Agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). This agreement entered 
into force for Norway on 19  August  2014, and has helped to strengthen trade relations between 
Costa R ica and this group of countries, with commitments on market access and disciplines for 
goods and services.  
4.101.   With regard to this review, we congratulate Norway on its economic performance, it being 
one of the most solid and high -income economies in the world , with sustained growth, low 
unemployment and a large savings capacity. We also find Norway's experience in relation to 
environmental sustainability and use of natural resources most interesting and enlightening, in an 
economy where, even though oil and na tural gas continue to play a prominent role, the 
government has promoted increasingly intensive use of renewable energies in sectors with high 
energy consumption, homes and public transport, including coastal shipping, and has reduced the 
energy intensiven ess of its economy, also cutting energy consumption per capita.  
4.102.   In the area of trade, we would highlight Norway's prompt ratification of the 
Trade  Facilitation Agreement, the fact that it employs no trade measures, its commitment to WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  eliminating export subsidies for agricultural products and its exemplary record in fulfilling its 
notification obligations, even if the report points to some areas that could be improved in this 
latter regard.  
4.103.   Norway's agricultural sector continues to enjoy a high degree of border protection, as well 
as high levels of domestic support, even though its contribution to the economy and employment 
is very small. The sector has increased its productivity more than any other. We hence associate 
ourselves with the comments and quest ions raised as to the real need for maintaining this very 
high level of protection and support.  
4.104.   My delegation would also like to stress Norway's commitment to the WTO's Aid -For-Trade 
programme and the support given to multilateral technical assistance fund s. 
4.105.   Costa Rica submitted a series of questions to Norway for this review and is grateful for the 
replies received.  
UKRAINE  
4.106.   Our countries have enjoyed close bilateral cooperation on trade, economic and technical 
issues. Nowadays Norway is one of Ukraine 's staunch supporters, both from financial and political 
points of view. In this regard we would like to note tha t Norway has financed around 
30 development projects, supporting Ukrainian start-ups and young business leaders. Norway 's 
assistance to Ukraine has reached more than US$100 million (since 2014), in 2017 Norway 's 
foreign direct invest ment in Ukraine amounted to US$ 7.5 million.  
4.107.   When it comes to trade, since 2012, Ukraine and countries of the European Free Trade 
Area (EFTA), including Norway, are benefit ing from a Free Trade Agreement. It has comprehensive 
coverage, including trade in goods (industrial and processed agricultural goods, fish and other 
marine products), trade in services, investment, protection of intellectual property rights, 
government pr ocurement and provisions on competition.  
4.108.   Trade turnover between Ukraine and Norway was valued at almost US$300 million in 2017. 
Ukraine 's export to Norway, while on the rise, was worth about US$50 million and import was 
US$240 million. Ukraine and Norway, besides trade in fish which takes essential place, trade food 
and agricultural products, lumber and ferrous metals, in 2017 we witnessed 40 % increase in 
Ukrainian export to Norway, where textiles, light manufacturing and agricultural products are 
some of t he important sectors of growth. IT is one of the most significant spheres within bilateral 
cooperation between our countries, when it comes to employment.  
4.109.   Ukraine is interested in further enhancing bilateral trade and business relations and 
opportunities w ith Norway in a way that contributes to a win-win situation for both parties. The 
main fields of interest cover IT, infrastructure, energy sector (petroleum and renewable), 
agricultural and food industry, tourism; generally speaking, creation of competitiv e regional blocks 
of global value chains.  
4.110.   Ukraine highly appreciates the partnership cooperation with Norway across the WTO bodies 
on different issues, in particular on fisheries subsidies and bilaterally – on customs valuation 
issues, focusing on the use of benchmarks for customs valuation of goods in the risk management 
scheme.  
4.111.   Being strongly committed to the rule -based multilateral trading system, Ukraine notes and 
supports the efforts of Norway and its contribution to fur ther strengthening of the MTS.  
4.112.   Within this TPR exercise Ukraine has submitted a number of specific questions and is 
seeking clarification on a range of the following topics:  
• investment regime and investment services;  
• some excise duties;  
• marketing fee for seafood exporters;  
• regulations  relating to novel foods, pesticide residues, and the official control of some 
pollutants in foodstuffs; and WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  • import regime for processed agricultural products , etc. 
4.113.   We would like to express gratitude for the responses, which we are reviewing thoroughly.  
4.114.   In conclusion, I would like to express our deep appreciation to the delegation of Norway 
and especially to the team of the Mission in Geneva for their hard work in preparing for this TPR 
and for cooperation on the range of WTO issues.  
4.115.   We wish Norway successful TPR and look forward to continue further strengthening our 
bilateral relations.  
NEW  ZEALAND  
4.116.   While Norway and New Zealand have a modest trading relationship, we have a very 
positive and collaborative relationship – especially here at the WTO. It is in this context that we 
welcome such reviews as an opportunity to engage more deeply on trade issues, and to learn from 
each other as small, open economies that depend on external trade for our quality of life.   
4.117.   I must start by expressin g our deep appreciation for Norway 's strong support for a fair, 
open and rules -based multilateral trading system. Like Norway, New Zealand believes this system 
is essential to our collective future prosperity. We also share Norway 's commitment to making su re 
that the benefits of trade are both sustainable and shared fairly among all members of our 
societies.  
4.118.   Trade continues to play an important part in the Norwegian economy, underpinned by its 
sizable exports of crude oil and gas. While the fall in oil pri ces impacted the Norwegian economy 
significantly, Norway has recovered swiftly with GDP growth for 2017 averaging 2% and its public 
finances remain amongst the strongest in the world.  
4.119.   New Zealand applauds the fact that, even as one of the world 's largest p roducers of oil and 
gas, Norway has made concerted efforts to transition to a low carbon economy and improve 
energy efficiency. Examples include the Government 's ban on the use of mineral oils in heating of 
buildings starting January 2020,  Norway and Swede n's joint market for 'electricity certificates ' and 
Norway 's implementation of the Climate and Energy Fund, financing activities that support the 
energy transition.   
4.120.   New Zealand and Norway work together as part of the "Friends of Fossil Fuel Subsidy 
Refor m", to support the phasing out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. We welcome Norway 's 
participation in the WTO Ministerial Statement on Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform in Buenos Aires in 
December 2017 and look forward to our continued collaboration to promot e trade policy as a 
mechanism to address FFSR and other global sustainability challenges.  
4.121.   New Zealand highly values Norway as a fellow member of the Friends of Fish group and 
appreciates Norway 's expertise and leadership in the WTO negotiations to prohibit  fisheries 
subsidies. Norway is the world 's second largest fish exporter, and a major global player in fisheries 
in terms of catch and trade. We commend Norway 's efforts to gradually reduce or terminate 
government support for the sector.  We also acknowled ge that  Norway is moving from 
industry -specific programmes to more general support programmes, where fishing has to compete 
with other industries for support.  
4.122.   However we would ask Norway to look closely at its policy settings for its agricultural 
sector, which, by contrast to the rest of its industry, remains highly insulated from the world 
market and subject to extensive production -distorting government intervention. New Zealand 
encourages Norway to consider whether high levels of protection for agricultu re are required or 
beneficial to the sector, and whether systems of support which are currently closely tied to 
particular methods of production and particular products, could be reoriented towards delivering 
general public good outcomes.  
4.123.   In closing, New Z ealand appreciates Norway 's continued commitment to the multilateral 
trading system and we welcome the positive steps that Norway has taken since the last TPR. We WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  look forward to learning more this week and continuing to work with Norway on a wide range of  
trade issues.  
CHILE  
4.124.   We congratulate Norway for its show of transparency in subjecting itself to the scrutiny of 
its peers – a decision that will undoubtedly help to strengthen the system.  
4.125.   Norway is a successful society, built on the basis of  respect, freedom and the quest for 
well-being of its people. The facts speak for themselves: low rate of unemployment, low inflation, 
plentiful financial reserves, one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, all under the 
umbrella of a sustainable  state of well -being.  
4.126.   Since its beginnings, Norway's history has been associated with international trade. From 
the early commercial exchanges over the seas of northern Europe, through subsequent discoveries 
of abundant oil deposits in the last century, to  its active participation in today's 
European  Free Trade Association (EFTA) and European Economic Area (EEA), Norway has always 
promoted trade beyond its own borders.  
4.127.   Despite the recent difficulties stemming from the fall in international oil and gas price s, 
Norway has continued to be an open economy and its trade policies have not undergone any 
significant changes since its last trade policy review in 2012. Norway's commitment to free, 
rules-based trade is particularly remarkable in today's climate, where the multilateral trading 
system is coming under unprecedented strain.  
4.128.   Likewise, it is important to spotlight Norway for the notable advances achieved and 
ambitious objectives it has set itself for improving energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas 
emissi ons and increasing the share of renewable energies in its grid. Chile fully shares those same 
objectives, which have also led to tangible progress in our country.  
4.129.   Both Norway and Chile are economies that are open to the world. Our foreign trade 
represents more than 60% of our respective GDPs, exports of raw materials account for a 
significant proportion of our export basket and both countries are active proponents of free trade 
through trade agreements. Chile concurs with Norway on the importance of trade p olicy as a 
cornerstone for promoting sustainable growth.  
4.130.   Trade relations between Chile and Norway take place within the framework of the 
EFTA-Chile Free Trade Agreement, in effect since 1  December  2004. Under this instrument, over 
90% of our exports to Nor way enter duty free. Norwegian investment in Chile comes to 
US$2.4  billion, the standout sector being aquaculture.  
4.131.   Within the framework of the WTO, Chile agrees with Norway on the importance of ensuring 
an open, transparent and rules -based multilateral tra ding system. Our countries share many of the 
same positions on various issues, such as trade in services, e -commerce and reform of fossil fuel 
subsidies, among others, and in particular we consider a fully operational dispute settlement 
system to be a matt er of urgency.  
4.132.   In terms of agriculture, while there are some differences between our countries, we hope 
to be able to progress together on the agricultural reform programme, particularly in limiting 
support that distorts trade.  
4.133.   For this review, we formulated ten questions; we are grateful for the replies, which will be 
analysed by our teams in Santiago. In conclusion, we wish Norway every success in its 
seventh  trade policy review.  
EL SALVADOR  
4.134.   It is an honour for El Salvador to participate in this e xercise in transparency for such an 
important Member of the WTO, a strong advocate of a solid, rules -based multilateral trading 
system, and a driver of the principles of free trade on which the Organization is founded.  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  4.135.   In the economic domain, Norway is an advanced economy boasting one of the highest 
levels of per capita GDP in the world, at approximately US$75,200 in 2017. Trade is an important 
component of its economy, accounting for 63% of GDP in 2017.  
4.136.   Bilaterally, Norway is an important and potential par tner for El Salvador and the 
two countries are bound by ties of friendship in trade and cooperation.  
4.137.   El Salvador enjoys a trade surplus with Norway, and Salvadoran exports to Norway came 
to US$2.5  million in 2017. The main export products include cane mola sses and coffee. Imports 
from Norway amounted to US$1.1  million in the same period. Clearly, this reflects a trading 
relationship that is still in its early infancy, and scaling up our trade remains a goal to be achieved.  
4.138.   At the multilateral level, it is i mportant to underline Norway's leadership and prominent 
participation in the regular work and negotiations conducted in the WTO, which help in achieving 
important results such as the recent adoption of the Trade Facilitation and Agriculture Agreements.  
4.139.   In the same vein, we urge Norway to continue contributing to the reduction of agricultural 
market distortions, for the sake of fairer and more balanced trade for the benefit of all farmers, 
especially in the developing countries.  
4.140.   We also urge Norway to simpli fy its tariff structure for agriculture, thereby enhancing 
predictability for exporters. We take note of the reasons that the distinguished Minister outlines to 
justify the tariffs.  
4.141.   Before concluding, I wish to highlight Ambassador Neple's contribution in his capacity as 
Chair of the General Council, especially during the preparatory work leading up to the 
Nairobi  Ministerial Conference.  
4.142.   Likewise, I would also stress the important contribution Norway makes to promoting 
developing countries' participation in  the trade negotiations and building their capacity through 
cooperation funds.  
4.143.   We thank Norway for its replies to our questions, which we will be forwarding to our 
authorities for consideration. We wish Norway a successful trade policy review.  
REPUBLIC  OF MOLDOVA  
4.144.   The Republic of Moldova appreciates Norway 's commitment to support open international 
trade, based on a stro ng, stable and rules -based trading environment, with the WTO constituting 
an indispensable part of the global governance system, as recogniz ed by Norway in its report. This 
commitment is complemented by Norway 's engagement to further strengthen the multilateral 
trading system by taking into account the 21st century challenges and realities, and by promoting 
sustainable development as the key t o achieving inclusive growth, job creation and prosperity for 
all.  
4.145.   In this sense, we commend Norway 's active role in the - negotiations on fisheries subsidies 
with a view of achieving a meaningful outcome for th e implementation of SDG 14.6, signing the 
Buenos Aires Ministerial Declaration encouraging reform and phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies, 
pursuing joint initiatives such as the initi ative on electronic commerce, supporting the integration 
of developing economies into the global trading system, pro moting women empowerment in trade 
as a tool for development, as well as the concrete actions undertaken by the Norwegian 
Government at the international level in order to transpose its commitment to trade as a tool for 
development.  
4.146.   We note that the curren t outlook for the Norwegian economy is positive, as targeted fiscal 
policy and low interest rates have allowed for the improvement of competitiveness, rising growth 
and reduced unemployment.  
4.147.   Despite the various challenges affecting the global economy, Norw ay has remained an 
open economy, openness and inclusiveness being the most important principles of its trade policy. 
This is also a result of anchoring its trade policy in the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement, WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  European Free Trade Association (EFTA) a nd free trade agreements with trading partners around 
the world.  
4.148.   We note the aim set by Norway 's Government to reduce the State 's commercial ownership 
with time, while ensuring governance transparency through the division of roles set out in 
Norwegian com pany legislation.  
4.149.   We commend Norway for being committed to phasing out export subsidies by 2020, that 
the amendments to regulations to fulfil this commitment have already started and that a revised 
Norwegian schedule for export subsidies is already certified.  
4.150.   Norway has a high degree of tariff liberalization, with the vast majority of tariffs being duty 
free. However, the remaining tariffs are  over 100% in many agricultural sub -sectors. The 
agriculture sector is closely regulated and complex domestic market regulation goes hand in hand 
with border protection. We commend the efforts undertaken by the Norwegian Government in 
raising the debates o n both trade and agricultural policy and the reduction of exports subsidies for 
cheese by 50% to be followed by a complete phase out by 2020. We encourage Norway to further 
explore ways of balancing agriculture trade liberalization with the other agricultu ral policy goals.  
4.151.   We welcome the expansion of the network of free trade agreements concluded, mainly in 
the framework of EFTA, Norway being a party to 26 EFTA FTAs which cover trade with 37 partners, 
including the most recent – Bosnia and Herzegovina, som e Central American States, the Gulf 
Cooperation Council, Georgia, Hong, Kong (China) and Montenegro.  
4.152.   The Republic of Moldova is also working closely with the EFTA Secretariat to launch the 
negotiations of a FTA. In this respect, we are pleased to note the  openness of Norway and the rest 
of the EFTA Governments for this important endeavour , following the signature of the Joint 
Declaration on Cooperation in November 2017 and the first Joint Committee Reunion that took 
place in May 2018 in Chisinau. The meeti ng in May has offered the opportunity to initiate 
discussions of mutual interest and formulate recommendations which will give a boost to our 
current amounts of trade flows.  
4.153.   The Republic of Moldova would like to reiterate and highlight our interest and wi llingness in 
launching negotiations of a FTA with the EFTA countries, hoping that this issue will be examined 
between the 4 members states at the next EFTA Ministerial Reunion which will take place next 
week in Iceland.  
4.154.   Current trade with Norway is fairly  modest, although imports from Norway to the Republic 
of Moldova have increased by 25% in 2017 compared to 2016. Most existing trade faces low duties 
or medium duties (mostly apparel), however agricultural products fall under high duties.  
4.155.   Therefore, an FT A between the Republic of Moldova and EFTA states will create new 
opportunities for Moldovan, as well as EFTA exporters, farmers, businesses and consumers. As a 
signatory of the DCFTA with the European Union, which has allowed for the harmonization of a 
large amount of trade -related legislation, as well as a member of Central European Free Trade 
Agreement (CEFTA), Republic of Moldova sees the integration with the EFTA market as 
complementary to our trade expansion objectives.  
4.156.   We hope to see further expansi on of exports of Moldovan products, including wine and 
organic products to the market in Norway, and we express our gratitude to the Norwegian 
government for the implementation of technical assistance and development projects in the 
Republic of Moldova in order to benefit from experience sharing and learning. We are also looking 
forward to extend the current cooperation framework, which includes bilateral agreements in such 
areas as rule of law and defence  to protection and promotion of investment and techn ical 
cooperation. Republic of Moldova is interested in learning from Norway 's experience in the industry 
of freezing, refrigeration and processing of fish and seafood storage.  
4.157.   We look forward to continue further strengthening our bilateral relations with Norway and 
we wish the Norwegian d elegation the utmost success during this trade policy review cycle.  
  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  INDONESIA  
4.158.   In the last five years between 2013 and 2017, the total trade between Indonesia and 
Norway has been experiencing a promising growth trend of 7 .39%, with trade value r eaching a 
five-year high of US$ 351.6 million last year in 2017. Leading Indonesia 's export drive to the 
Norwegian market are Indonesian electronic products such as monitors and projectors; then 
followed by Indonesian wood charcoal, as well as tubes and pipes. Notable amongst our export 
commodities, are industrial fatty alcohols and industrial fatty acids; as well as fruits, nuts, and 
edible parts of plants.  
4.159.   We have addressed some questions to the Norwegian delegation, seeking clarifi cation on 
Norway 's economic experiences, in the hope that we in Indonesia could also learn from economic 
best practices being conducted in the Norwegian. Additionally, and in relation to our export 
interest into the Norwegian market, there are some concern s that Indonesia tries to raise during 
this review process.  
4.160.   We have addressed the details of these question and concerns in our advanced written 
questions, which include among others, issues related to state ownership of enterprises; on the 
high-tariffs in  many agricultural sub -sectors; on the non -ad valorem rates of duty in agricultural 
goods; on the scope of goods that the government of Norway deems eligible to receive export 
credits; on the sectors not open to foreign investors; and to the Norwegian Parl iament 's 
Resolution -issued on 2nd of June 2017 -requesting the Norwegian Government to legally prohibit 
public procurement of palm oil -based biofuels.   
4.161.   Indonesia flags the potential impact that this Norwegian Parliament 's Resolution may have 
on Norwegian 's trade regulation, especially on the possibility that the resulting trade regulation 
becoming a new non -tariff barrier.  
4.162.   We thank Norway for the replies to these advanced written questions. We in Geneva and in 
Jakarta are still looking into the answers, an d will be submitting additional questions, seeking 
further clarification, if so need. And to this, Indonesia wishes to use this opportunity, to convey 
much appreciation, to Ambassador Harald Neple, and Norway 's Geneva -based delegation, on the 
excellent coo peration accorded to the Indonesia delegation in Geneva; and on their very active 
engagement in vari ous issues of common concern.  
4.163.   Lastly, Indonesia wishes much su ccess to Norway in the seventh Trade Policy R eview.  
THAILAND  
4.164.   Thailand and Norway have a significant bilateral trading relationship. In 2017, total trade 
between the two countries amounted to US$873 million, expanded by an additional 67% from 
2016.  
4.165.   Thailand acknowledge s the commendable performance of Norway 's economy  since its last 
trade policy review. Norway has an advanced economy, with a per capita GDP at 75,200 dollars in 
2017 among the highest in the world. Norway has remained an open economy, and trade plays a 
vital role in Norway 's economy, with imports and exp orts of goods and services equivalent to 63% 
of GDP in 2017.  
4.166.   Over the years, Norway has accumulated substantial amounts of petroleum revenue in a 
sovereign wealth fund, which helps the government alleviate economic downturns and counter 
external shocks. No rway has maintained transparent and predictable trade policies and has taken 
steps to continually improve its regulatory framework. We believe that these efforts will contribute 
to sustainable and resilient economic growth.  
4.167.   Thailand highly values Norway as  an active supporter of the multilateral trading system. 
We commend Norway for accepting the Trade Facilitation Agreement, implementing both the ITA 
and ITA expansion Agreements, and for committing to phasing out all remaining agricultural 
export subsidies . We congratulate Norway for being one of the first few members to have certified 
amended schedule of export subsidies entitlements in line with the Nairobi decision. More WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  importantly, Thailand applauds Norway for having an exemplary record in terms of mee ting its 
notification obligations to ensure transparency in the global trading system.  
4.168.   Thailand notes at 85% of Norway 's tariff lines are duty free. However, the rest still have 
high tariffs, especially agriculture sub -sectors, which have tariffs of over 1 00%. Non -ad valorem 
rates of duty are also prevalent, accounting for about 50% of agricultural tariff lines. In this 
regard, it would be appreciated if Norway could provide the reasons for maintaining high tariffs 
and non -ad valorem rates on agricultural p roducts.  
4.169.   Norway is the world 's third largest exporter of natural gas and continues to be a major 
producer and exporter of crude oil. The fact that Norway 's domestic energy market is 
characterized by a high share of renewable energy deserves positive mentio n. 
4.170.   In this review, Thailand submitted a set of questions, covering the policies and measures 
of our interests. We thank Norway for timely responses to our questions and will study them in 
detail with great interest.  
4.171.   In conclusion, we wish Norwa y a successful outcome of this Trade Policy R eview.  
COLOMBIA  
4.172.   In the period under review, Norway continued to register sound economic performance. 
Despite seeing its exports hit by the fall in oil prices, the economy managed to maintain its 
growth, partly thank s to the sovereign wealth fund, which has enabled it to mitigate the effects of 
the economic recessions and counteract external disruptions. The solidity of its economy is also 
reflected in its GDP per capita (US$75,200), which is one the highest in the wo rld. 
4.173.   Norway is remarkably dynamic in the area of trade, where it has signed 32 preferential 
agreements covering trade with 71 countries. The European Union continues to be its main trading 
partner, accounting for 78% of goods exports and 62% of imports in 2016.  
4.174.   Norway's bound tariff rates have not undergone any significant change since the 
Uruguay  Round. Its tariff structure maintains very open treatment for non -agricultural products, 
with some 85% of tariff lines duty free.  
4.175.   By contrast, bound tariffs in th e agricultural sector often exceed 50%, or even 600%. The 
average applied tariff for some products, such as cereals, is over 200%, and exceeds 300% for 
meat and dairy products.  
4.176.   In addition, as pointed out in the Secretariat report, 57% of Norway's agricult ural tariffs 
are bound in both ad valorem  and specific terms (with the provision of "whichever is the higher"), 
allowing for very high levels of protection when for example a specific rate is used but its 
ad valorem  equivalent exceeds the ad valorem  compon ent, a situation that occurs in a number of 
cases. As we have stated in previous reviews, it would be helpful to know whether Norway intends 
to take measures to lessen the protection and regulation of the agricultural sector in order to make 
it more compet itive and predictable in terms of access to its market for other Members.  
4.177.   Bilateral trade relations are framed by the Free Trade Agreement between Colombia and 
the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Since the entry into force of that agreement in 2011 , 
Colombia's exports to Norway have followed a pattern of growth, the principal products being 
coffee, coal and bananas. The main imports are basic chemicals and machinery and equipment.  
4.178.   We should like to take this opportunity to express appreciation for N orway's extremely 
valuable support for the peace process in Colombia. On top of this, Norway's backing in the new 
post-conflict phase has been instrumental in consolidating stable and durable peace. During her 
recent visit to Colombia, the Prime Minister o f Norway reaffirmed support in areas such as 
education, literacy for ex -combatants and communities, demining, environmental protection and 
development of productive projects in areas affected by the conflict.  
4.179.   In closing, we wish to underline the active rol e that Norway plays towards strengthening 
the multilateral trading system. In this regard, we commend its efforts to implement the WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  Nairobi  Ministerial Decision on export competition, which was a milestone in the agricultural 
negotiations. We hope to contin ue working with Ambassador Neple and his excellent team in 
Geneva, and wish them every success in Norway's seventh trade policy review.  
ECUADOR  
4.180.   This trade policy review is of considerable interest to our country, as Norway is the 
second  biggest partner for  Ecuadoran exporters within the European Free Trade Association 
(EFTA).  
4.181.   Shipments include a large quantity of vegetables and flowers. These constituted the second 
biggest export product to the EFTA in 2017, with a 32% share. With this in mind, Ecuador  hopes to 
deepen current trade with Norway and increase non -traditional trade in particular.  
4.182.   The trade agreement with the EFTA will have a direct impact on our economy, since it will 
help increase inward currency flows and create employment, and boost Ecua doran exports, 
particularly of fruit, flowers, cocoa and cocoa preparations, vegetable fats and aquaculture and 
fisheries products, among others. In the other direction, the Member countries of the EFTA, 
including Norway, are suppliers of important capital  goods for our country. For Ecuadoran flower 
exporters, the agreement will open up the sector for investment as they seek to compete with 
greater added value. Norway, for its part, would be offering a significant level of preferences.  
4.183.   Ecuador's non -oil tra de balance with Norway is positive, at US$6.5  million. In 2017, non -oil 
exports from Ecuador to Norway came to US$15  million while non -oil imports stood at 
US$8.5  million. Of the principal export products from Ecuador to Norway we may highlight, 
inter alia, plantain bananas, vegetables, edible fruits, and fish fats and oils.  
4.184.   Allow me now to refer to the report submitted by the Secretariat.  
4.185.   We highlight the important role that Norway plays at the regional and global level through 
both its trade policies and practices, which is reflected in its advanced economy, its per capita 
GDP, its high volume of exports and imports and the contribution of the services sector.  
4.186.   We note that its trade policies are firmly anchored in the European Economic Area 
(EEA)  Agreement , and in its membership in EFTA, which performs an important role for Norway by 
providing an extensive network of free trade agreements with partners around the world.  
4.187.   Norway stands out for its active participation in the WTO and its record in meeting its 
notification obligations, as well as its high level of participation in the dispute settlement domain 
and its outstanding trade performance.  
4.188.   We take a positive view of the changes introduced in its legislation with a view to 
eliminating export subsidies fo r agricultural products by 2020, in line with the commitment 
undertaken at the 2015 WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi.  
4.189.   Also noteworthy is the work carried out by Norway in favour of the environment, as 
reflected in its active participation in the WTO n egotiations to prohibit fisheries subsidies, 
a concern that Ecuador shares with a view to ensuring sustainable development.  
4.190.   Both Ecuador and Norway are among the States that supported the roadmap signed within 
the framework of the XIVth UNCTAD Conference i n 2016 under Sustainable Development Goal  14, 
on joining forces to reduce fisheries subsidies.  
4.191.   It is worth highlighting the development and implementation of policies to foster the use of 
renewable energy, which are visible in the high share of such energy  in the domestic market; they 
include, for instance, promoting the use of electric cars, fostering the use of electricity in public 
transport, and increasing the supply of hydroelectric power, among others.  
4.192.   We recognize the work carried out by the Norwegia n government on control and regulation 
of its financial system, maintaining high capital adequacy standards for banks, credit institutions WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  and insurance companies; and maintaining a sound legal framework, for instance through updating 
and consolidation of the Financial Institutions Act of 2015.  
4.193.   To conclude, we would like to thank the delegation of Norway in advance for its answers to 
the questions we have asked concerning certain aspects of its trade policy, which will provide 
important inputs for strengthe ning bilateral relations in the area of foreign trade.  
CANADA  
4.194.   Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the WTO 's trade policy review of Norway. 
Canada welcomes a collaborative approach to examine key themes and questions with a view to 
enable practical exchanges of information on our bilateral commercial relations with Norway. 
Canada recognizes and appreciates Norway 's commitment to the multilateral trading system and 
to ongoing liberalization efforts, noting that Norway and Canada both signed the Declaration in 
support of the Multilateral Trading System at MC11 in Buenos Aires last December and at the May 
General Council Meeting . Support for, and dependence on, open and inclusive international trade 
are key features of Norway 's international pr ofile and at the heart of Canada 's progressive trade 
agenda.  
4.195.   Norway has a fundamental interest in a strong, stable and open multilateral trading system 
with clear and predictable rules that minimize the opportunity for misuse and provide maximum 
transparen cy, as well as an efficient dispute settlement system. Like Canada, Norway is a trading 
nation largely dependent on foreign markets for its economic prosperity. Furthermore, Norway and 
Canada both play by the rules, having committed to eliminate agricultur al export subsidies per the 
Ministerial Decision on export competition at the 2015 MC10 in Nairobi, and we are both 
proponents on the prohibition of fisheries subsidies as demonstrated in our joint proposal on 
overfished stocks at MC11.  
4.196.   Beyond our shared interests in Artic issues, Canada and Norway enjoy a strong bilateral 
trade relationship, facilitated in part, by the 2009 Canada -European Free Trade Association Free 
Trade Agreement. In 2017, Canada and Norway enjoyed a balanced trading relationship, with  
merchandise exports to Norway totalling $1.97 billion and imports from Norway valued at just over 
$2.11 billion. Bilateral trade in services is also significant, with Canadian exports to Norway 
totalling $318 million and Canadian imports amounting to $555  million in 2016.  
4.197.   Norway is one of the world 's largest producers of oil and gas, one of the world 's largest 
and most advanced maritime nations and the world 's second largest exporter of fish and seafood. 
Furthermore, Norway has a world class offshore supp ly industry. For a number of years, 
Norwegian business and political leaders have been speaking about the value of the "Blue 
Economy ". While off -shore petroleum extraction has made them one of the most prosperous 
countries in the world, there is a recognit ion that Norway needs to transition away from fossil fuels 
as the main driver of wealth.  They see the ocean as a domain they excel in. The Norwegian 
commercial fleet is among the most important in the world and their aquaculture industry is 
growing signif icantly thanks to the development of Asian markets. More than 70% of Norwegian 
exports come from the ocean industries. This provides great opportunities for the Canada - 
Norwegian ocean industries collaboration in the future.  
4.198.   In this context, we would lik e to share some of our preoccupations aimed at maintaining 
and further developing our bilateral commercial relations. First, we would be interested to learn 
more with regards to the changes made to the Norwegian Customs Act and associated regulations. 
We w ould specifically like Norway to elaborate as to how the changes to the rules of origin impact 
preferential rules of origin for goods within Norway 's existing FTAs.  
4.199.   Secondly, Canada recognizes that Norway 's proposed amendments to its domestic 
legislation would replace the current prohibition against the importat ion of live Homarus 
americanus (lobster). Canada appreciates Norway 's consideration of Canada 's comments on 
Norway 's proposed amendments notified in late 2017 to the WTO SPS Committee, as well as 
Norway 's ongoing efforts to ensure a more science -based and trade -facilitative outcome to this 
issue.  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  4.200.   Finally, the report by the Secretariat notes that the Government recommended the 
continuation of "Basic Agricultural Agreements " and most existing market regulation measures, but 
it also made a number of proposals which, in its view, would make the system more flexible and 
efficient, and stimulate competition within processing and distribution. Among the  principal 
recommendations were  the transfer of pork f rom the "target price " to the "volume " model. " Could 
Norway please provide more information on how it will implement this recommendation?  
4.201.   Like Norway, Canada recognizes the importance of ensuring that trade results in broad -
based benefits for our citizens and for those throughout the world. This is at the core of Canada 's 
progressive trade agenda. Norway and Canada are aligned in many areas, having recently signed 
forward looking WTO MC11 declarations, including on micro, small and medium -sized enterprises 
(MSMEs), services domestic regulations, electronic commerce, and trade and gender. With regard 
to women 's economic empowerment in particular, Norway and Canada agree that the international 
trading system needs to do more to increase the participation of wo men in trade. With this goal in 
mind, we look forward to working with likeminded partners like Norway to fully implement the 
Buenos Aires Declaration on Trade and Women 's Economic Empowerment.  
4.202.   Canada looks forward to working constructively with Norway to continue to facilitate the 
mutual prosperity that can flow from our economic relationship, and to build a strong domestic and 
global consensus on the value of trade, investment and inclusive growth. We appreciate the 
opportunity for this constructive excha nge of views on all aspects of Norway 's economy. Finally, 
we wish the delegation the utmost success during this review.  
ICELAND  
4.203.   As neighbouring countries, members of EFTA as well as the European Economic Area, 
Norway and Iceland have strong long -lasting ti es and co operate closely when it comes to trade.  
4.204.   We welcome positive developments in Norway 's trade policy since its last TPR, including as 
regards the Trade Facilitation Agreement, the ITA and pharmaceutical products, GPA and 
agricultural export subsidies . We commend Norway for its excellent record in terms of meeting 
notification obligations, as well as for its valuable contribution in general to the WTO.  
4.205.   On the occasion of the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires last December 
more than 120 W TO members and observers launched a joint declaration on women and economic 
empowerment that aims inter alia at sharing best practices and working together in the WTO to 
remove barriers for women 's economic empowerment and increase their participation in t rade. 
Norway is a supporter of the declaration.  
4.206.   In the spirit of that declaration, Iceland submitted advance written questions on the 
participation of women in the Norwegian economy. We wish to thank Norway for its responses to 
our written questions.  
4.207.   In closing, Iceland reiterates its appreciation for Norway 's active engagement in the WTO. 
In particular I want to highlight the very valuable contribution Norway has made, and continues to 
make, in the negotiations on fisheries subsidies. We wish the Norwegian  delegation every success 
with the Trade Policy Review and look forward to continuing our close collaboration with Norway, 
both bilaterally and here at the WTO.  
4.208.   On a personal note , I would also like to thank my good friend and neighbour Ambassador 
Harald Neple for his valuable contribution to our work  here at the WTO, including as C hair of the 
General Council and the Dispute Settlement Body. I know he is approaching the end of his time 
here in Geneva and I take this opportunity to wish him all the best for  his future endeavours and 
wish Benedikte and him a happy return to Oslo.  
REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.209.   Korea and Norway have developed a strong economic partnership since the establishment 
of diplomatic relations in 1959. Our economic relations have continued to deep en further since the 
FTA between Korea and the EFTA came into force in 2006. Among all the EFTA states, Norway is WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  Korea 's largest trading partner accounting for 61.4% of total trade between Korea and the EFTA 
States in 2017.  
4.210.   However, bilateral trade has fl uctuated widely from US$4.5 billion in 2014 up to 
US$7.4  billion in 2015. More than half our bilateral trade is conducted in the shipping and marine 
plants sectors. For this reason, the vulnerability of bilateral trade tends to depend much on the 
business cycles of shipping and marine plants. Therefore, to stabi lize bilateral trade, we need to 
seek out new trade items and diversify our trading patterns.  
4.211.   From a trade policy perspective, as the secretariat 's report noted, Norway boasts an 
advanced and open economy. However. The Norwegian economy appears to be vuln erable to 
global oil prices due to the fact Norway owes a substantial share of its wealth to an abundance of 
natural resources.  
4.212.   As the secretariat also noted, we are highly grateful for the strong support that Norway has 
lent to the multilateral trading sy stem. Norway formally accepted the trade Facilitation Agreement 
(TFA) in December 2015, and has participated in plurilateral agreements such as the expansion of 
the ITA and the revised GPA. In addition, Norway has been closely involved in all areas of WTO 
negotiations and has at times played a leadership role such as by sponsoring a proposal in the 
fisheries subsidies negotiations.  
4.213.   We should take note as well that the Norwegian government has initiated domestic 
procedures to eliminate export subsidies by 2 020, in line with the commitments made at the WTO 
Ministerial Conference in Nairobi.  
4.214.   My delegation has submitted, albeit somewhat late, our written questions regarding 
cooperation in the fishery sector. We look forward to receiving a reply in due course.  
4.215.   Korea hopes to continuously develop our economic relationship with Norway in the further. 
In addition, we expect Norway to continue to contribute towards strengthening the multilateral 
trading system.  
4.216.   With this, we would like to express our deep appreciati on to the Norwegian delegation for 
its hard work and wish them every success in this TPR.  
TURKEY  
4.217.   Having a strong economy and trade, Norway also has a critical role in the global energy 
supply; it is a leading supplier of fish in the world; it has the fourt h highest GDP per capita in the 
world; and above all, it has the highest human development rank in the world.  
4.218.   Norway is also one of the most active and leading members at the WTO in many areas, but 
we would like to particularly commend the high level of engagement of Norway in fishery subsidies 
negotiations.  
4.219.   In this sense, thanks to its economic structure and its active engagement in WTO works, 
Norway represents bigger importance for the world economy and the WTO system, than its weight 
in the world popul ation.  
4.220.   While having a strong economic and human development background, we observe that 
Norway still faces the challenges of being a commodity dependent economy, as the crude oil and 
natural gas account nearly half of the country 's exports. Due to the decl ine of the oil prices during 
the review period, the total exports of the country declined by almost 40% from 2012 to 2016.  
4.221.   On the other hand, we also observe that the drop in oil prices has provided opportunities 
for further development of aquaculture, to urism and other services sectors. The recent update and 
consolidation of the financial regulatory framework, as well as the participation of Norwegian 
financial authorities to the works of the European financial institutions, together with the 
incorporatio n of the European regulations, will also increase the competitiveness of this particular 
sector.  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  4.222.   We also would like to commend the exemplary policies of Norway to increase the already 
high share of the renewable energy in domestic consumption, which will t ransform the Norwegian 
economy in a radical manner.  
4.223.   Although Norway maintains its open trade and investment regime during the review 
period, there is still a sharp discrepancy between the average bound rates for industrial products 
and for agricultural pro ducts. As i t is also stated in Government r eport, Norway 's "agricultural 
sector differs from other sectors due to high tariffs and extensive subsidies and then, clearly is not 
competitive. In this regard, we also endorse the comments from others and encour age Norway to 
review its policies in agriculture sector.  
4.224.   Norway is an important economic and commercial partner for Turkey, with a bilateral trade 
volume exceeding US$1. 5 billion.  
4.225.   Turkey and Norway have also a free trade relation, thanks to the Free Trade  Agreement 
between Turkey and EFTA, since 1992. This is the oldest free trade agreement of both parties and 
negotiations to update and to extend the coverage of the agreement have been completed 
recently. We believe that the implementation of this renewed agreement, which is expected to be 
signed in coming weeks, will boost our bilateral trade and economic relations with all EFTA 
countries, including Norway, to reach its real potential.  
4.226.   In this respect, Turkey will continue its close dialogue and cooperatio n with Norway in both 
bilateral and multilateral platforms.  
4.227.   We wish Norway  a very successful Trade Policy R eview.  
INDIA  
4.228.   Norway is an advanced economy and amongst the richest countri es in the world with GDP 
of US$75,200 in 2017. Trade is important for Norwa y with exports and imports of goods and 
services contributing nearly 63%  of the GDP.  During the period under review the volatility in 
international oil and gas prices and decline of exports in the petroleum sector, posed challenges to 
Norway 's economy incl uding contraction of offshore related industries, unemployment and 
decreasing incomes for local communities. However, we commend Norway for the measures 
undertaken to deal with these challenges and as a result the economy has remained resilient with 
growth  in line with historical trends and the GDP growth rate stood at 1.8% in 2017.  Norway has 
also launched pioneering reforms and initiativ es in many areas which include restructuring of the 
economy; going green and blue; p romoting innovation and technology; open investment regime 
and measures to promote high labour force participation an d equal distribution of income.  Norway 
is part of the European single market, with the exception of  agriculture and fisheries and also 
remains closely inter -linked with the European member states as part of the European Economic 
Area and Norway 's membership of the European F ree Trade Association (EFTA).  
4.229.   However, despite being a largely open economy, Nor way continues to provide one of the 
highest protection and supp ort to the agriculture sector. We note that during the period the 
average tariffs decreased slightly due to autonomous liberalization including of some agricultural 
tariff lines.  However, in se veral products including, meat and dairy, Norway continues to use 
heavily regulated instruments such as target pricing, transport support, product price equalisatio n 
and structure income support.  In 2016 -17, producer support in Norway amounted to around 60 % 
of farm revenues according to an OECD estimate. Norwegian farm subsidies are more than th ree 
times the OECD average. Most of the agricultural products including wheat also receive product 
specif ic AMS subsidies well beyond de minimis  and the tariff struc ture is characterized with high 
tariffs and non -ad valorem duties.  We hope Norway would do more to reduce the large subsidies in 
the agricultural sector. We will also continue to work with Norway in addressing the inequities and 
imbalances in the Uruguay R ound Agreement on Agricultur e (AOA).  
4.230.   India and Norway share warm, cl ose and multifaceted relations.  In the last few years , 
there have been regular high level political exchanges between both countries and our relations 
have strengthened in all areas. The b ilateral trade betwee n India and Norway stood at 
US$1.2  billion in 2017 -18 registering a strong growth over the previous year. There is considerable WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  potential for promoting trade between both countries in sectors like chemicals, iron and steel, ship 
buildi ng, electrical machinery, textiles, pharmaceuti cals, minerals and other areas.  
4.231.   Several Norwegian companies have invested in India in areas like ship building, marine 
equipment, new and renewable en ergy, IT and telecommunication.  Indian companies are also 
investing in Norway in sectors like offshore drilling , IT and high -tech industries. Both countries also 
have a broad institutional framework in place with agreements and MOUs to strengthen our 
cooperation in areas including science and technology, Polar res earch, fisheries, financial services 
and other a reas of education and research.  
4.232.   The India -EFTA Economic Partnership Agreement has been under active discussion and 
many rounds h ave been held in recent years. We earnestly hope that the Agreement would be 
concluded at an early date with the resolution of a few pending issues as this would give a huge 
boost to the trade and investme nt ties between both countries.  
4.233.   To conclude, we look forward to working closely with the authorities of Norway for further 
expandin g and harnessing the potential of our trade and inves tment ties for mutual benefit. We 
wish the delegation of Norway a productive and successful TPR.  
THE PHILIPPINES  
4.234.   It is my honour  to participate in your TPR today as it reminds me of the privilege of bein g a 
discussant during Norway 's 5th Trade Policy Review in 2008.  
4.235.   This year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and 
Norway, which was established in March 1948. The Philippines and Norway enjoy strong and 
cordial relati ons in all three pillar s of Philippine foreign policy economic, political and people -to-
people cooperation. The Kingdom of Norway opened its Embassy in Manila in 1967. Four decades 
later, due to the increasing number of Filipinos in Norway as well as the m any promising 
opportunities in energy and maritime -related fields, the Philippine Embassy in Oslo opened in 
2007.  
4.236.   The Philippines is pleased to be among the countries that have recently concluded a free 
trade agreement with the EFTA member states, which entered into force on 1st of June 2018. The 
Philippines -EFTA FTA seeks to provide greater market access and increase  trade and investment 
between the Philippines and the EFTA members, including Norway.  
4.237.   Relations between the Philippines and Norway have been marked by robust economic 
activity and strengthened political ties. The maritime sector is one of the most importa nt aspects 
of our bilateral relations. Since then, our relations have expanded to encompass not only the 
shipping industry, but also other sectors, such as energy, labour  migration, and peace and 
reconciliation efforts. New areas of commercial cooperation include aquaculture, the petroleum 
sector, renewable energy, and the use of information technology (IT) i n business process 
outsourcing.  
4.238.   Philippines -Norway bilatera l trade reported a total of US$ 50.47 million in 2017, with 
Philippine exports increasing by 11.79% compared to the previous year. Among the top Philippine 
exports to Norway are pineapples, desiccated coconuts, electronic micro -assemblies, and 
carrageenan . The top Philippine imports from Norway, on the other hand, are pacific salmon, 
double salts,  fertilisers, and other digital monolithic integrated circuits.  
4.239.   Norway has an advanced economy with a per capita GDP among the highest in the world 
at US$ 75,200 in 2017. Trade plays an important role in its economy, comprising 63% of its GDP 
last year. 70%  of Norwegian exports come  from so -called ocean industries making them one of the 
world 's largest producers of oil and gas, one of the world 's largest and most advanced maritime 
nations, and the world 's second largest exporter of fish and seafood.  
4.240.   Norway has remained an open economy and there have been no fundamental changes in 
its trade policies since the last Trade Policy Review in 2012. Norwegian trade policies are firmly 
anchored in the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement, the European Free Trade Ag reement 
(EFTA), and the WTO.  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  4.241.   As a founding M ember of the GATT in 1947 and the WTO in 1995, Norway remains strongly 
committed to the multilateral t rading system. It is an active M ember in the various formal and 
informal groups in the WTO, including the Fri ends of MSMEs Group, Electronic Commerce, and the 
Women and Trade initiative.  
4.242.   As indicated in the Secretariat 's report, Norway has an exemplary record in terms of 
meeting its notification obligations in the WTO. It has also ratified the Trade Facilitation  
Agreement, implemented the revised ITA and pharmaceutical product coverage, and committed to 
phasing out all remaining agricultural export subsidies. While majority of Norway 's tariffs (85% of 
tariff lines) are duty free, those that remain can be high, wi th tariffs of over 100% on some 
agricultural products.  
4.243.   The Philippines looks forward to further enhancing the mutually beneficial economic 
relations between our two countries through bilateral, regional, and the WTO fora.  
NEPAL  
4.244.   It is appreciable that Norway has an advanced economy with highest per c apita in the 
world which is US$ 75,200. High trade to GDP ratio of about 63 % shows that trade is of paramount 
importance for the Norwegian economy. The economy is essentially based on the use of its natural 
resources, mainly oil, gas, hydroelectric power, forests and minerals. The service sector in Norway 
is also a highly developed one. The fishery is a major activity, making Norway one of the biggest 
exporters of fish in the world.  
4.245.   As a staunch supporter of t he rule -based multilateral trading system, the role of Norway in 
nurturing and strengthening the WTO is commendable. Norway could play a constructive role to 
bring the remaining issues of DDA to a logical conclusion for the benefit of poor and marginalized  
countries of this august House.  
4.246.   Nepal appreciates Norway 's Generalised System of Preferences  (GSP) scheme which 
provides duty free market access for LDC products. Similarly, we also appreciate Norway 's 
notifications on preferential treatment to services e xports of LDCs. We encourage Norway to be a 
model for the implementation so that the LDCs could reap benefits from the waiver scheme. We 
appreciate the support provided by Norway to the EIF and TFA Facility under AfT.  
4.247.   Similarly, we would encourage Norway t o consider the implications of technical standards 
and SPS regulations for the low level of utilization of its GSP System by the beneficiary countries.  
4.248.   Ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973, Nepal and Norway have been 
enjoying frien dly and cooperative relations. A number of high level visits, including at the Prime 
ministers ' level by both countries in 2008 and 2009, have further strengthened the diplomatic and 
economic relations between two countries.  
4.249.   Nepal appreciates continued su pport of Norway to our development efforts basically in the 
areas of basic and primary education, renewable energy, gender, human resources development, 
local governance, a nd private sector development. Similarly, the support provided by Norway 
during the earth -quake of 2015 was commendable. Besides support to the government, Norway 
has channelled  its assistance through non -state actors.  
4.250.   Nepal could learn from the experience of Norway in sustainable production and use of 
hydropower as enormous hydropower p otential needs to be harnessed in Nepal, among others.  
4.251.   Finally, w e value the cordial relationship of Norway with Nepal. We expect continued 
support for our socio -economic development.  We wish Norway a great success for the Trade Policy 
Review.  
SRI LANKA  
4.252.   Norway, a prosperous economy, highly dependent on the petroleum sector, has been 
managed to be on its growth path, even at a moderate rate, despite the significant decline in oil 
and gas prices since mid -2014. The price decline has brought formidable chall enges than the WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  effects of the global financial crisis experienced. The petroleum sector of Norway accounts for the 
largest portion of export revenue of the country and about 30% of government revenue. 
Combination of expansionary fiscal policy and expansion ary monetary policy has been helpful to 
bring back economy into its growth path. It is interesting to note the role of the accumulated 
sovereign wealth fund as a mean of mitigating economic downturns and counter external shocks. 
We have learnt that this we alth fund has been created in anticipation of eventual declines in oil 
and gas production and prices of the country.  
4.253.   We commend Norway 's highly liberalized economic policies. Around 85% of tariff lines are 
duty free; the average applied tariff is around 7%  while the average bound rate is 30.4%. 
However, we observed high tariff on Agricultural products, which also bound to be on average over 
130%, whereas the binding commitment for non -agricultural products is only 3% on average. Just 
as the trade, Investmen t is also fully liberalized, with few exceptions.  
4.254.   In the Multilateral front, Norway 's commitments to the multilateral trading system is 
remarkable. According to the Secretariat report, it has an exemplary record on meeting its 
notification requirements. We  also recognize Norway 's commitment for the elimination of 
agricultural export subsidies by the end of 2020 consistent with the Nairobi Ministerial decision. 
Most interestingly, Norway has not resorted to any contingency measures since its membership 
with the WTO, while the Customs Act contains provisions for anti -dumping, countervailing, and 
safeguard measures. On WTO 's dispute settlement mechanism, Norway has never being a 
respondent to a dispute, demonstrating its commitment to meeting obligations under the 
multilateral rules and regulations.  
4.255.   On bilateral front, Sri Lanka and Norway share friendly relations. Norway has been a 
development partner for Sri Lanka for many years. Significant humanitarian assistance has also 
been extended to Sri Lanka. With reg ard to trade, the total trade turnover ha s being fluctuating 
between US$ 20-30 million in the recent years. The highest was recorded in 2016 with the 
contribution of both exports and imports. Sri Lanka has enjoyed favourable  balance of trade over 
the past d ecade. Export of Sri Lankan Apparel has become dom inant accounting for nearly 
one-thirds of Sri Lankan exports to Norway. Fertilizer is the primary importing item to Sri Lanka 
from Norway accounting for nearly a quarter of Sri Lanka 's imports from Norway i n 2017. Further, 
Sri Lanka is a beneficiary of the Norway GSP scheme and it has facilitated Sri Lanka to strength 
her market positions in Norwegian market. We believe that the bilateral trade between two 
countries could be further diversified and enhanced through an integrated market development 
programme for pre -identified products. Norway has also been one of the major FDI source for Sri 
Lanka.  
4.256.   Under fisheries cooperation, last year the Directorate of Fisheries of the Norwegian 
Government extended assista nce on a bilateral project with the Government of Sri Lanka to 
undertake a fish stock assessment in the EEZ of Sri Lanka. We take this opportunity to thank the 
Norwegian Government for bringing forward this timely project.  
4.257.   As I stated earlier, my delegatio n appreciates Norway 's highly valued contribution to the 
multilateral trading system and its sustainable way forward. Norway is an active WTO member and 
engage proactively in the ongoing negotiations. The dynamic role played by His Excellency the 
Ambassado r Mr. Harald Neple and his team in Geneva is highly commendable, in particular the 
Ambassador 's leadership to this organization as the chair of Dispute Settlement Body and the 
General Council.  
4.258.   In concluding, my delegation sincerely wishes Norwegian delegat ion a successful 
deliberation on its seventh Trade Policy Review.  
THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU  
4.259.   Norway has an advanced economy with a per capita GDP among the highest in the world 
at US$ 75,200 in 2017, where trade of g oods and services is equivalent to 63% of its GDP. 
Sharing the same ideology that trade can do a lot more for the environment, my delegation is 
particularly impressed that there is a high share of renewable energy in the Norwegian domestic 
energy market in  the form of hydro -based electricity. The outstanding achievement of Norway on 
renewable energy does not just end here. It was reported by the Economist that the world 's first WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  floating wind farm installed by the Norwegian Company Statoil opened in Scotland  in October 
2017. Such an innovation was a true game changer of renewable energy. All the policy supports 
and advisory services provided by the Norwegian government for energy efficiency and energy 
transition activities has made Norway a global leader in t he reduction of greenhouse gas emission.  
4.260.   As far as trade policy is concerned, we are encouraged by the fact that Norway has 
accepted the Trade Facilitation Agreement, implemented the revised ITA and pharmaceutical 
product coverage, completed procedures fo r adopting the revised GPA, and committed to phasing 
out all remaining agricultural export subsidies. It was particularly remarkable that Norway has an 
exemplary record in terms of meeting its notification obligations, setting a role model for all t he 
other WTO M embers.  
4.261.   Norway should be commended on its support and commitment to maintain a strong, 
stable, rules -based trading environment. Being a member of Friends of System here in the WTO, 
my delegation have been enjoying to work closely with Ambassador Har ald Neple, who has been a 
strong advocate of the rules -based multilateral trading system, as embodied by the WTO.  The 
leadership revealed by Harald during his term as the chair of the General Council was outstanding, 
which was particularly valuable at the time when the c hallenges facing the WTO appear  to be 
greater than ever.  
4.262.   In conclusion, my delegation looks forward to strengthening our trade and economic 
relations with Norway in the years to come, and of course we wish Norway a very successful first 
trade policy review.  
PAKISTAN  
4.263.   Pakistan and Norway enjoy very warm and cordial bilateral relations. Trade between 
Norway and Pakistan is increasing albeit rather modest with the balance being in favour of 
Pakistan. In 2017, bilateral trad e stood at US$128 milli on, up from US$ 97 million in 2016. Norway 
grants a GSP status to Pakistan, meaning a 10 -100% tariff reduction on imports. Norway is the 
fourth most important source of remittances for Pakistan in Europe because of its large Pakistani 
diaspora. In 2017, the  value of such remitt ances from Norway was about US$ 40 million.  
4.264.   The EFTA States Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland signed a Joint Declaration 
on Cooperation with Pakistan in Geneva, on 12 November 2012. As a follow -up, negotiations on a 
trade agreement are currently being held.  
4.265.   From June 2015 to June 2016, Norway was the source of the largest foreign direct 
investment in Pak istan, investing a total of US$ 173 million in telecommunications and energy 
sectors.  
4.266.   Norway has invested considerably in P akistan through the extensive activities of the 
Norwegian mobile phone operator Telenor. Since its establishment in 2005,  Telenor has invested 
about US$ 3 billion in Pakistan, and currently has some 40 million customers there, making it the 
second biggest m obile operator in Pakistan.  
4.267.   In the energy sector, the Norwegian solar power company Scatec Solar signed in 2015 a 
Memorandum of Understanding with a Pakistani partner, Nizam Energy, to establish a solar power 
plant with a capacity of 150 MW in upper Sindh  province. The inves tment would amount to about 
US$200 million. Implementation is still being discussed.  
4.268.   Furthermore, in 2016, the Norwegian company Höegh  LNG entered into a contract to 
deliver a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) to a private Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) 
terminal in Port Qasim, to the west of Karachi. Similarly, the partly Norwegian shipping company 
BW Group has committed to pr oviding Pakistan Gas Port Ltd with an FSRU for 15 years at the 
public terminal at Port Qasim.  
4.269.   Norway has an advanced economy with a per capita GDP among the highest in the world 
at US$ 75,200 in 2017. Trade is important to the economy, with imports and expo rts of goods and 
services equivalent to 63% of GDP in 2017. Although the value of exports decline d in U.S. dollar WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  terms from US$161 billion (in 2012) to US$ 102 billion (in 2017), this reflected the fall in oil and 
gas prices rather than a change in volume exported.  
4.270.   Norway has a very large sovereign wealth fund. The Fund, which is invested entirely 
outside of Norway, held assets valued at more than US$ 1 trillion at the end of 2017. The size of 
the Fund provides the authorities with some leeway to mitigate economic downturns and counter 
external shocks. The effects of the global financial crisis of 2008 -09 were thus short -lived in 
Norway.  Overall, signs of economic recovery grew stronger during 2017 and the current outlook 
for the Norwegian economy is posit ive. 
4.271.   Despite the recent challenges, Norway has remained an open economy and there have 
been no fundamental changes in its trade policies since the las t Trade Policy Review in 2012. Since 
2012, Norway has accepted the Trade Facilitation Agreement, implement ed the revised ITA and 
pharmaceutical product coverage, completed procedures for adopting the revised GPA, and 
committed to phasing out all remaining agricultural export subsidies. Norway has an exemplary 
record in terms of meeting its notification obligat ions.  
4.272.   Pakistan appreciates that with few exceptions, Norway does not have any legislation 
restricting investment from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), while investment from 
within the EEA is part of the free movement of capital. A ne w investment promotion entity, "Invest 
in Norway ", was established in 2013 to coordinate the Government 's efforts to attract foreign 
investment.  
4.273.   85% of Norway 's tariff lines are duty free but those that remain can be high, with tariffs of 
over 100% not unusual in many agriculture sub -sectors. The simple average tariff rate decreased 
slightly from 7.5% to 6.9% during the review period compared to an average bound rate of 
30.4%. Under Norway 's preferential schemes, least developed countries are granted duty and 
quota free  access for all goods. Furthermore, with the notable exception of agriculture, Norway 
gives duty free access to imports of practically all goods from all trading partners, and similar 
liberal treatment extends to services and investment. In addition, Norwa y has not resorted to any 
contingency measures since the creation of the WTO.  
4.274.   Although the EEA countries are not covered by the trade mark and community design 
schemes of the European Union, Norway adopted a new Trademarks Act in 2010, inter alia , to 
codify the principle of EEA regional exhaustion.  
4.275.   There have been no major changes in levels and means of support to the agricultural 
sector in the period under review. Consistent with the Nairobi Package adopted at the WTO 
Ministerial Conference in December 20 15, Norway has legislated for the elimination of agricultural 
export subsidies by the end of 2020.  
4.276.   Fisheries sector accounted for 12% of exports in 2016. During the review period, 
aquaculture growth was stronger than that of wild catch, for salmon product ion, which accounted 
for 78% of production and 68% of exports in 2016.  
4.277.   Pakistan commends the active engagement of Norway in the WTO negotiations to prohibit 
fisheries subsidies and had a key role in the conclusion of the Agreement on Port State Measures 
to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing under the Food and 
Agriculture Organization.  
4.278.   The forestry sector continues to contribute to the economy, employment and trade, with 
increasing output in recent years. Several policie s have improved the sustainable harvesting of 
Norway 's forests, including climate policy measures that have provided incentives for increasing 
carbon stocks and forest densification.  
4.279.   Norway is the world 's third largest exporter of natural gas and continue s to be a major 
producer and exporter of crude oil. Norway 's domestic energy market is characterized by a high 
share of renewable energy delivered to power -intensive industries, households, and other users in 
the form of hydro based electricity. Norway has  adopted the same 2030 targets as EU countries for 
increased energy efficiency and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. However, Norway 's 2020 WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  target for renewables is much higher (67.5%), a reflection of Norway 's differing point of departure. 
The targe t was exceeded in 2014.  
4.280.   In the services sector, which represents over two thirds of GDP, public administration and 
other services provided exclusively or predominantly by the public -sector account for over half of 
the value added from services.  
4.281.   Norway 's legal framework for financial institutions was updated and consolidated with the 
passage of the Financial Institutions Act (2015) and a consolidated regulation to accompany it in 
2016.  
4.282.   I cannot end this statement without mentioning the very important role p layed by his 
Excellency Ambassador Harald Neple in doing his best to further the multilateral trading system. 
Norway has always exhibited an active participation in the WTO. We want to thank him for all his 
efforts and wish him all the best in his future e ndeavours. His presence will definitely be missed.  
4.283.   In the end I want to wish Norway a very successful and a fruitful TPR.  
KINGDOM  OF SAUDI  ARABIA  
4.284.   Known by its open and solid economy, Norway continued to show resilience against the 
challenges revolved around the sharp oil price slump in 2014 –15 which led to a decline in the oil 
and gas sector 's contribution to GDP with spillover effects on supporting industries across the 
supply chain. Signs of economic recovery grew stronger as the real growth in GDP r eached 1.8% 
in 2017, and the current outlook for the Norwegian economy is positive due to the stronger 
domestic demand supported by accommodative fiscal and monetary policies undertaken by the 
government since 2016.  
4.285.   The Norwegian G overnment is to be commen ded for its hard efforts to yield the 
macroeconomic stability and revive the growth engine in the non -oil sector through boosting 
productivity and reforms in education, innovation, and market regulations, promoting high -quality 
employment, and establishing  an open and business -friendly environment and a healthy financial 
system.  
4.286.   Norway is also to be praised for creating the sovereign wealth fund, the largest in the 
world, with assets valued at more than US$1 trillion at the end of 2017. This fund which inv ested 
solely abroad, contributed to diversify resources, mitigate economic downturns and counter 
external shocks.  
4.287.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia commends the Kingdom of Norway for its active engagement 
to reinforce its economic integration through free trade  agreements with its major trading 
partners. The EFTA -GCC Free Trade Agreement which was signed in June 2009 by Liechtenstein, 
Norway, Iceland and Switzerland with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has entered into force in 
July 2014.  
4.288.   Saudi Arabia enjoys  a friendly and substantive relationship with Norway. Bilateral trade 
between Saudi Arabia and Norway reached US$210 million in 2016. The two kingdoms aim to 
fortify their bilateral cooperation in several fields including oil and energy, construction, educ ation, 
commerce, and investment. Both countries apply their abundant hydrocarbon resources to the 
development of economic and social infrastructure. At present, the Norwegian sovereign Wealth 
Fund has huge i nvestments in Saudi Arabia.  
4.289.   In closing, The Kingd om of Saudi Arabia looks forward to continuing the very close working 
relationship with Norway.  
4.290.   I wish the delegation of Norway a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
HONDURAS  
4.291.   As pointed out in the reports, since the beginning of the 21st century Norway ha s recorded 
relatively large current account surpluses, which have however declined sharply in recent years on WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  account of the fall in oil prices, and we note that for this reason Norway is working to harness the 
export potential of other sectors in order to  equip the country's economy with a broader base.  
4.292.   We note with satisfaction that Norway's per capita GDP rose in 2017 to around US$75,000, 
placing it among the highest in the world; and that real GDP growth in the same year stood at 
1.8% and the current ou tlook for the Norwegian economy is bright.  
4.293.   We note that agriculture and animal farming are part of a "green shift" in the Norwegian 
economy aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of human activity, and the reports indicate 
that services account for more than two thirds of GDP and the sector's contribution increased from 
58% to 64%, which is remarkable.  
4.294.   We note that openness to trade and access to global value chains are essential for the 
smooth functioning of the Norwegian economy.  
4.295.   Elsewhere, we wish  to highlight the amendments made in 2016 to the Competition Act, 
which affected the rules governing mergers and settlements in cartel cases and introduced a new 
appeals system by establishing the Competition Appeals Tribunal.  
• Looking at a few indicators, we may mention that Norway is:  
• the world's 14th largest producer and eighth largest exporter of crude oil;  
• the world's third largest exporter of natural gas;  
• the world's second largest fish exporter;  
• the largest hydropower producer in Europe and the sevent h most important in the world;  
• eleventh in the competitiveness ranking;  
• nineteenth in the innovation ranking; and  
• eighth in the Doing Business ranking.  
4.296.   Norway occupies an outstanding position internationally in terms of gender equality and 
standard of livi ng. Around 70% of women participate in the workforce. The high degree of gender 
equality is one of the reasons underpinning Norway's solid economic growth and constant 
improvement in standard of living since the 1960s.  
4.297.   Norway possesses one of the largest g overnment funds in the world and has invested in 
over 9,000 enterprises in some 80 countries; and income distribution in the country, measured 
through the Gini index, is one of the most equitable in the OECD.  
4.298.   We note that Norway's policies are firmly ancho red in the European Economic Area (EEA) 
Agreement, its active participation in the WTO, and its membership in the European Free Trade 
Association (EFTA).  
4.299.   In this latter regard, it should be pointed out that our countries have been engaged in 
conversations with a view to reaching an agreement, although for the moment the negotiations 
are suspended; it is hoped that they will be resumed in the future.  
4.300.   Lastly, Honduras congratulates Norway for its notable and significant achievements during 
the review period a nd wishes it every success.  
PANAMA  
4.301.   Panama takes this opportunity to highlight the steps Norway has taken in recent years to 
achieve a robust and egalitarian economy, becoming a country with solid and sustainable 
economic growth, which has transformed it into one of the leaders in terms of macroeconomic 
development.  
4.302.   Norway's economy is based on a welfare society model, and is suitably diversified in a 
range of sectors. Generally, all the macroeconomic indicators and its score on the Human 
Development Index  make it a model worthy of careful study.  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  4.303.   As far as our trade relations are concerned, on 24 June 2013 Panama signed, together with 
the representatives of Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and the Principality of Liechtenstein, a Free 
Trade Agreement with the E uropean Free Trade Association (EFTA).  
4.304.   Through this agreement, Panama exports various products to Norway, such as roasted and 
decaffeinated coffee.  
4.305.   This trade agreement, together with the Association Agreement with the European Union, 
completes the prefere ntial treatment circle with all the countries of Europe, thereby empowering a 
new dynamic in Panama's economic relations with this trading bloc, through which it hopes to 
boost trade, and economic and social development.  
4.306.   It is also important to point out t hat Norway is a major user of the Panama Canal by flag of 
vessel and its vessels made 312 transits in the 2017 fiscal year, representing a total of 6,639,055 
long tons of cargo. Recently, the Norwegian Bliss, a cruise ship with a capacity of 5,000 
passenge rs and weighing more than 168,000 gross tonnes, passed through the Panama Canal 
expansion, marking a new milestone for inter oceanic travel, as the largest ship of this type to 
have transited through the waters of the Isthmus of Panama.  
4.307.   Although Norway is pursuing efforts towards an open economy, as reflected in the reports, 
there are areas where there have been no major changes since the last trade policy review in 
2012, such as intellectual property, in respect of which we have noticed that Norway remains  
outside some important international treaties.  
4.308.   Similarly, the Secretariat report shows that there have been no reductions in the levels or 
measures of support to the agricultural sector. Nor must it be forgotten that high tariffs are still in 
place for so me agricultural products, as well as measures that restrict or otherwise prohibit 
imports.  
4.309.   While there is room for improvement, it is important to highlight programmes such as the 
strategy for export and internationalization through which Norway will stren gthen its position as a 
trading nation, seeking to secure market access, attract foreign investment and increase exports.  
4.310.   We are pleased to see that this strategy envisages as one of its objectives revitalizing the 
services negotiations with the aim of ach ieving an ambitious agreement that provides a stable and 
predictable framework for trade in services.  
4.311.   Similarly, we wish to emphasize Norway's active participation in the WTO negotiations, 
specifically in the discussions geared to adopting disciplines for eliminating fisheries subsidies; as 
well as its key role in the conclusion of the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter 
and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing under the auspices of the FAO.  
4.312.   To conclude, we would like to stre ss Panama's willingness to strengthen its ties of 
cooperation with Norway, with a view to promoting mutual trade and investment. We also wish to 
underscore the work of Norway's Mission in Geneva, led by Ambassador Neple, in the discussions 
that take place in the WTO.  
RUSSIAN  FEDERATION  
4.313.   We fully support this important mechanism, which allows us to exchange views on the 
trade policy of WTO Members in general, and today – of Norway in particular. Norway has an 
advanced economy with a per capita GDP among the h ighest in the world at more than US$75000 
in 2017. Trade is important to the economy. Last year imports and exports of goods and services 
amounted to 63% of GDP. We note that despite the recent challenges, Norway has remained an 
open economy. There have be en no fundamental changes in its trade policies since its trade policy 
review in 2012. Norway has accepted the TFA, implemented the revised ITA, completed 
procedures for adopting the revised GPA, and committed to phasing out all remaining agricultural 
export subsidies. It has an exemplary record in terms of meeting its notification obligations. 
Norway has never been a respondent in a dispute settlement case.  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  4.314.   Trade and cultural ties between the peoples of Russia and Norway are maintained from the 
IX century.  Currently , the legal basis of our trade and economic relations is the agreement on the 
trade and economic cooperation of 26 March 1996. On its basis the Intergovernmental Commission 
on Economic, Industrial and Scientific -Technical cooperation was establis hed. The last session of 
the Commission was held on 20 April 2017 in Moscow. Russian and Norwegian businessmen 
welcomed the reinvigoration of high -level political and economic dialogue between the two 
countries. The parties expressed interest in enhancing business cooperation in the field of energy, 
shipbuilding, tourism, aquaculture, health, infrastructure, regional and border projects. The next 
session of the commission will take place in Norway later this year.  
4.315.   Bilateral trade volume reached US$1 billion 422 million in 2017. Russia 's exports amounted 
to US$776 million , while imports equalled US$646 million . Russia is an important destination for 
Norwegian ships and other machinery and equipment (63%), metals (12%), mineral products 
(10%). On the other han d, Russian export to Norway mineral products (mostly crude oil and diesel 
fuel -48%), food products (30%) and metals (7%). We see a great potential for further enhancing 
the bilateral trade in goods and services and increasing investment flows. One of the important 
areas of bilateral cooperation is fishery. Cooperation in this field is coordinated by the joint 
Russian -Norwegian Commission, which considers the joint management of fish stocks and the 
regulation of fishing in the Barents and Norwegian seas. I would also like to underline the active 
and constructive role that the Norwegian delegation is playing in current WTO negotiation on 
fisheries subsidies.  
4.316.   During this TPR, the Russian delegation has not addressed any written questions to 
Norway. We are rea dy, if necessary, to continue discussion in the context of regular bodies of the 
WTO and bilateral format.  
4.317.   We wish Norway a successful Trade Policy R eview.  
BENIN 
4.318.   The delegation of Benin welcomes the efforts deployed by Norway during the review 
period.  
4.319.   An advanced and open economy, Norway has maintained its good economic and trade 
results despite the significant fall in the price of crude oil that has occurred in the interim.  
4.320.   Norway ranks fourth in Europe, with an estimated GDP per capita of US$75,000 in 2017.  
4.321.   Being rich in resources, deposits of oil and natural gas, as well as extensive hydropower 
resources, Norway is promoting a cutting -edge metallurgical and chemical industry.  
4.322.   Trade in services has remained stable, but still diversified, in the review p eriod 
(2013 -2016).  
4.323.   Through its investment regime which supports competition and competitiveness, Norway 
has managed to diversify not only its foreign investment activities but also the investment 
activities of foreign companies operating in Norway, even if  a sharp fall in FDI inflows into Norway 
was recorded in 2016.  
4.324.   Norway remains a key player in multilateral trade negotiations within the WTO.  
4.325.   It supports the promotion of open, transparent and inclusive trade.  
4.326.   It takes part in several initiatives that are helping to make progress in the field of the 
Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations and has thus far pursued helpful balances that inject 
the development dimension into the work and outcomes.  
4.327.   The delegation of Benin would like to commend the persona l involvement and major 
contribution of the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Norway to the 
WTO, His Excellency Mr  Harald Neple, in the ongoing negotiations.  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  4.328.   Among other roles he has discharged, Ambassador Neple was an excellent cha ir of the 
WTO General Council in 2016.  
4.329.   Benin expresses its appreciation to Norway for the constructive support it affords the LDCs 
in promoting their interests and priorities in the ongoing Doha Round negotiations.  
4.330.   It hopes that the efforts, initiatives an d reforms undertaken by Norway will continue, 
delivering outcomes in support of inclusive sustainable development in the short, medium and long 
term.  
4.331.   The delegation of Benin thanks the WTO Secretariat and the Government of Norway for 
their highly informati ve reports relating to the current trade policy review of Norway.  
4.332.   It wishes Norway every success and a successful trade policy review.  
KENYA  
4.333.   Kenya and Norway have strong bilateral relations, which have deepened over the many 
years of di plomatic and economic relation.  The bilateral trade between Kenya and Norway is 
modest. Total bilateral merchandise trade amounted to US$66 million in 2017, with Kenya 
exporting goods worth US$31 million and importing goods worth US$35 million. Kenya 's main 
exports to Norway include: plants, flowers, coffee, tea and spices while over 57% of imports from 
Norway 's is made up of oil products. We believe that there is immense potential for trade 
expans ion between the two countries.  
4.334.   Norway has also provided development assis tance to Kenya for many years. The Norway 's 
development aid to Kenya targets priority areas, such as environment,  energy, health and 
education. During the review period the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund invested in Kenya 
US$4.99 million in 2012, increase d to US$133.68 million by 2015.  
4.335.   Since the last TPR in 2012, Norway has remained  an advanced economy, with a GDP per 
capita am ong the highest in the world. We note that Norway maintains an open economy with no 
fundamental changes in its trade policies since  the last review and its trade policies are firmly 
anchored in the European Economic Area. We also note that Trade continue to play an important 
role in the Norwegian economy, with imports and exports of goods and services contributing to 
63% of GDP in 201 7.  
4.336.   We welcome Norway 's contribution to the WTO work programmes including trade 
negotiations. In this regard , we commend the Norway 's delegation for its active participation in the 
fisheries subsidies negotiations with a view of contributing to sustainable use of marine fisheries 
resources. Since the last review, Norway has fulfilled most of her notification obligation under WTO 
agreem ents and has also accepted to fully implement the Trade Facilitation Agreement, and 
commitments to phasing out all remaining agricultural export subsidies.  
4.337.   We also appreciate Norway 's contribution to the WTO trade -related programmes, devoted 
in helping de veloping countries and least -developed countries participate in multilateral trade 
negotiations and better access global markets.  
4.338.   We note that Norway 's investment regim e is generally open and liberal;  however , state 
ownership remains substantial with about  11% of the total workforce in enterprises wholly or 
partly owned by the State in 2016.  
4.339.   During the review period, the service sector 's contribution to the Norwegian GDP increased 
from 58% to 64%, with Public administration and other services provided exclu sively by the public 
sector, accounting fo r over half of the value added.  We note that Norway 's legal framework for 
financial institutions was updated and consolidated with the passage of the Financial Institutions 
Act 2015. The new legislation maintained the stricter capital adequacy requirements for banks and 
credit institutions adopted in 2013 and introduced new capital adequacy requirements for 
insurance companies.  
4.340.   In conclusion , we congratulate Norway for a successful TPR.  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  MALAYSIA  
4.341.   We note that since its last TPR in 2012, Norway has remained an open economy with no 
fundamental changes in its liberal trade and investment policies, despite the global economic 
challenges and uncertainties. Despite the volatility of the of oil and gas prices during the rev iew 
period, Norway as an advanced economy has managed to sustain a per capita GDP among the 
highest in the world at US$ 75,200 in 2017. Trade has also remained a significant contributor to 
the Norwegian economy, with imports and exports of goods and service s equival ent to 63% of the 
GDP in 2017.  
4.342.   At the multilateral front, we applaud Norway 's long -term interests and fundamental 
commitment in pursuing progressive trade and investment policies through the multilateral trading 
system, such as the adoption of the  revised Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) in 2014, 
ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in 2015, implementation of the revised 
Information Technology Agreement (ITA) product coverage in 2016, as well as the recent 
legislation for th e elimination of agricultural export subsidies by the end of 2020.  
4.343.   In addition, Malaysia would also like to commend Norway 's active contribution in 
advocating inclusive trade policies, particularly in advancing gender equality and women 's 
economic empowerm ent.  
4.344.   Bilaterally, in 2017, Norway was Malaysia 's 2nd largest trading partner among the EFTA 
member countries after Switzerland and within ASEAN, Malaysia is the 4th large st trading partner 
for Norway. In terms of merchandise trade, Malaysia 's total trade with Nor way increased by 66.4% 
from US$345.2 million in 2016 to US$ 551.9 million in 2017, with exports to Norway growing b y 
13.5% to reach US$98.7 million.  
4.345.   Malaysia values Norway 's effort to develop its bioenergy sector in the recent years. 
Nevertheless, M alaysia wishes to highlight that any proposed measure on the possible adoption of 
a regulation banning the public procurement of palm oil -based b iofuels, to be applied in a 
non-discriminatory manner. We would also appreciate it if Norway could notify such measure to 
the WTO to provide sufficient time for Members to review and consult Norway on the possible 
implications of the imposition of such measure.  
4.346.   Malaysia has also provided some questions for Norway on financial services and agriculture 
among others.  We look forward to receiving responses from the Norwegian delegation.  
4.347.   We wish Norw ay a productive and successful s eventh Trade Policy Review . 
JORDAN  
4.348.   We would like to thank the H ead of the delegation for the statement made, which 
highlights the positive economic developments and the resilience of the economy in spite of the 
economic challenges. It is the fruit of productive and open trade policy that is based on the rules 
of the multilateral trading system, wh ich provides a solid base for a predictable, fair and 
comprehensive trade for all.  
4.349.   Jordan and Norway enjoy good relations and always keen to strengthen relations on 
multilateral and bilateral levels. Beyond the WTO, the trade between both countries is also  
governed under a free trade area agreement that was signed between Jordan and EFTA States in 
2001 and entered into force in 2002.  
4.350.   This FTA plays an important role in increasing bilateral trade and reinforcing global 
economic integration for all partners. Exchanged trade between Jordan and Norway is growing; it 
reached in 2017 US$58  million against around US$19  million in 2016. We  look forward to 
increasing and diversifying bilateral trade.  
4.351.   Jordan appreciates its longstanding relations with Norway and alway s looks forward to 
advancing cooperation in different areas of mutual interest.  
4.352.   Finally, we wish Norway a successful Trade Policy Review.  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  URUGUAY  
4.353.   Uruguay maintains friendly and constructive relations with Norway in the various spheres 
covered by our bilate ral relations, which include not only policy, the economy and trade, but also 
cooperation and culture.  
4.354.   Since Norway's last trade policy review in 2012, political and trade relations between the 
two countries have grown stronger.  
4.355.   In April of this year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, Mr  Rodolfo Nin Novoa, met 
the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Ms  Marie Eriksen Søreide. During the meeting, they 
signed a Memorandum on the establishment of a bilateral consultation mechanism with a view to 
increasing political, economic, commercial and cooperation exchanges.  
4.356.   Likewise, Chancellor Nin Novoa held a working meeting with the Minister of Trade, Industry 
and Fisheries of Norway, Mr  Røe Isaksen, at which they reviewed topics  of common interest, in 
particular with respect to bilateral trade, Norwegian investment in Uruguay and the status of the 
negotiations between MERCOSUR and the EFTA.  
4.357.   In this connection, they expressed the determination to move towards the conclusion of a 
fruitful agreement between the two blocs, and underscored the two countries' shared commitment 
to the multilateral trading system.  
4.358.   Chancellor Nin Novoa also met with the Minister of Climate and Environment, 
Mr Ola Elvestuen, and together they reviewed the c ommon visions and challenges for attaining the 
Sustainable Development Goals 2030, discussing various potential areas for bilateral cooperation.  
4.359.   With regard to trade, Uruguay's exports to Norway came to US$44  million in 2017, 
focusing, inter alia , on the f ollowing products: residues from the food industries, meat and edible 
meat offal, wool and fine animal hair, edible fruit and nuts.  
4.360.   The value of Uruguay's imports from Norway in 2017 was US$13  million, focusing, inter 
alia, on the following products: fish and crustaceans, meat and edible meat offal, machinery and 
electronic equipment.  
4.361.   As regards WTO affairs, Uruguay wishes to stress that Norway has accepted the 
Trade  Facilitation Agreement, implemented the revised Information Technology Agreement and 
pharma ceutical product coverage, and committed to phasing out all remaining agricultural export 
subsidies.  
4.362.   It is worth highlighting the role that small and medium -sized enterprises with fewer than 
100 employees fulfil in the Norwegian economy, employing some 60%  of the workforce.  
4.363.   Uruguay commends the work Norway has done in this field and encourages it to continue 
participating in the WTO's informal working group on MSMEs so that we can join forces in working 
towards the successful integration of MSMEs into inter national trade.  
4.364.   Finally, we would like to reaffirm our interest in continuing to work to achieve a positive 
outcome to the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference and to protect the multilateral trading system 
based on predictable, transparent and balanced rules.  
4.365.   Uruguay wishes Norway every success in its seventh trade policy review.  
PERU  
4.366.   Relations between Norway and Peru are going through a very positive phase. As an 
example of Peru's intention to improve the levels of dialogue and cooperation with Norway, last 
year Peru inaugurated its Embassy in Oslo. Prior to the opening of our Embassy in Oslo, 
a Free Trade  Agreement between Peru and the States of the European Free Trade Association 
(EFTA) entered into force between Peru and Norway in July  2012. Within this comp rehensive WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  framework, which affords our trade relations greater clarity and legal stability, we have been 
working bilaterally to improve our exchanges.  
4.367.   At the multilateral level, Norway and Peru have many important things in common: 
committed support for the multilateral trading system, and in particular its dispute settlement 
mechanism; a keen interest in economic empowerment of women; and the importance  they attach 
to the negotiations for regulating fisheries subsidies and for adopting disciplines in the domestic 
regulation of services. We also agree on and speak as advocates of a shared vision on the 
important role of trade for development. We note with  great satisfaction these common features 
and the work carried out in Geneva to promote them. In this connection, the Peruvian Mission 
wishes to commend the work and kind availability of the Mission of Norway to the WTO, led by 
Ambassador Harald Neple, who se leadership role as Chair of the WTO General Council was so 
important.  
4.368.   Like other delegations before us, we should also like to suggest the importance of 
continuing to make tangible steps towards greater liberalization of the agricultural sector in 
Norwa y. Nevertheless, we also take on board the explanations in this regard provided by 
the State  Secretary, Ms  Hagen.  
4.369.   My country has not submitted any questions for this review, but we appreciate the useful 
dialogue that has taken place during this meeting, wh ich will be brought to the attention of our 
colleagues in Lima. On behalf of the Peruvian delegation, it only remains for me to wish Norway 
every success in this trade policy review.  
NIGERIA  
4.370.   We agree with the opening statement of the leader of the delegati on, which underscored 
the fact that transparency is one of the fundamental tenants of the multilateral trading system. We 
also share the assessment that the TPR is an extremely valuable exercise, arguably its importance, 
seems underestimated. The major con clusion from the various statements  is the fact that it would 
have been extremely difficult, if not impossible for Norway to have achieved its current level of 
prosperity, without engaging in international trade other economic interactions across borders. 
Against this background, my delegation would like to h ighlight the following.  
4.371.   First, according to the Secretariat report, despite the recent challenges, Norway has 
remained an open economy and there have been no fundamental changes in its trade policies 
since the last trade Policy Review in 2012; for example, Norway 's import prohibition, restrictions, 
and licensing have remained largely unchanged during the review period, Norway has not resorted 
to any contingency measures since the creation of WTO, and the re have been no major changes in 
levels and means of support to the agricultural sector.  
4.372.   Second, Norway has consistently been a strong supporter of the WTO and the multilateral 
trading system.  Norway participates actively in the work of regular bodies, and  also cooperates 
and contribute generously to the development and capacity building in WTO.  
4.373.   Third, Norway should be commended for the successful conclusion of the TFA, given its 
constructive role and contributions during the complex and challenging negotia tions, and for 
having accepted the trade facilitation agreement, implemented the revised ITA and pharmaceutical 
products coverage, complemented procedures for adopting the revised GPA, and committed to 
phasing out all remaining agricultural export subsidie s, since 2012. Some of the points highlighted 
by the Chair, in the concluding Remarks at the previous TPR in 2012, are still relevant today; 
especially in relation to agricultural production and trade, predictability potential for increased 
trade, SPS and TBT, services, state ownership, to mention a few. However, as pointed out in the 
secretariat report, in terms of electronic systems, Norway continues to use TVINN and does not 
have a single window application, while Norway is still in the early stages of e laborating and 
digitalizing customs systems. Given the commitment of Norway to the full implementation of the 
TFA, we would be grateful if Norway could share its experience, particularly the status of 
implantation in this regard.  
4.374.   Fourth, on aid for trade, Nigeria is happy with the strong and decisive commitment of 
Norway to assist developing countries, in particular LDCS in their efforts to achieve economic WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  growth and poverty reduction through increased participation in the international trade. We agree 
with Norway that the benefits of trade need to be more widely shared, in spite the challenging 
trends in global trade. Fifth, given the st8udent drop in oil prices in 2014, and the negative shock 
to the Norwegian economy, we commend Norway for its foresight i n establishing the biggest 
sovereign wealth fund for the benefit of its future generation, and we can learn from the 
experience and expertise of Norway in this regard.  
4.375.   Sixth, Nigeria wishes to acknowledge Norway 's contribution to the multilateral trading 
system, especially in respect of Norwegian support to the WTO through its contributions to the 
DDA Global Trust Fund. The generous donation by Norway in financing technical assistance 
programmes and training activities are beneficial to developing countries  and LDCs in particular, in 
a manner that enables them to adapt their practices and laws to WTO rules and disciplines, 
improve implementation of their membership rights. Norway deserves our commendation for 
spending above 1 percent of its GDP on developmen t assistance. We are happy note also that 
Norway is committed to promoting full economic rights for women and equal opportunities for 
women to participate in the labour market. We agree that with Norway that improving women 's 
access to opportunities and re moving barriers to their participation in national and international 
economies would no doubt contribute to sustainable economic development and inclusive growth.  
4.376.   Seventh, Nigeria recogniz es and is, indeed encouraged by the strong commitment of 
Norway towa rds preserving and strengthening a universal multilateral trading system. At the 
bilateral level, Nigeria enjoys excellent trade and economic relations with Norway. Nigeria and 
Norway have one very important thing in common we are both m ajor petroleum prod ucers. Both 
Government s are also heavily involved in petroleum activities, in order to protect the national 
public interest thus, having a shared interest in promoting cost -effective, safe socially responsible 
exploration as well as in environmental protec tion and in making sure that the petroleum revenues 
are a blessing to our countries. Norwegian offshore experience is of great interest for Nigeria. In 
that regard, the Norwegian Government has been very supportive is sharing sub -sea technical 
experienc e and knowledge with Nigeria. We  hope to continue to sustain this mutual relationship, in 
order to build local capacity and skills so that more Nigerian goods and services may be used in 
the country 's petroleum -related activities. There is also cooperation at  the level of individual 
companies are active in the petroleum exploration and transportation sectors of the Nigerian 
economy. On the whole, the Norwegian experience demonstrates that the oil and gas sector can 
be a powerful engine for economic growth, for  industry and employment, and for enhancing the 
country 's economic basis. The potential for such development is great also in Nigeria.  
4.377.   In conclusion, Nigeria wishes to acknowledge and commend Norway for its strong 
commitment to the multilateral trading sys tem, including its active and constructive participation 
in the ongoing negotiation. As we look forward to continue working with Norway to further 
strengthening the multilateral trading system, we wish to pay special tribute to the enormous 
contribu tions m ade by H.E. Ambassador Ha rald Neple  and his team, here in Geneva, not only to 
the DDA but also to the regular work of the WTO, especially Ambassador Neple 's extraordinary role 
as the former Chair of the General Council.  
4.378.   We wish the entire delegation and Government of Norway a successful T rade Po licy 
Review.  
ISRAEL  
4.379.   We are pleased to note t hat Norway and Israel have long standing, mature and traditionally 
close and amical economic and political relations. On the goods front, the Israel -EFTA FTA in force 
since January 1993 has served as a reliable and incremental framework for our trade.  
4.380.   The economic relationship between Israel and Norway is positive and growing across 
several areas of economic activity (such as gas exploration). The total of two -way goods  trade 
between I srael and Norway reached over € 260 million in 2016. Although the EU continues to 
account for 80% of Norwegian exports, export market diversification has continued a discreet but 
consistent trend toward Asian markets.  
4.381.   Norway has kept over t he years a positive trend of overall economic performance, better 
than most developed economies and navigated swiftly through global shocks impacting its GDP WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  composition – such as the declining prices for oil and gas. It has done so through a decisive shif t 
to services exports and by effectively implementing measures that stimulate the economy as well 
as back financial stability, while cutting taxes and applying higher e xpenditures in infrastructure.  
4.382.   As far as Norway 's trade policies and practices are conce rned, Israel would like to 
acknowledge Norway 's strong commitment to the multilateral trading system and to an open and 
liberal market at home.  
4.383.   At the same time, with a systemic and competition interest in mind, we would also like to 
encourage Norway to co ntinue to address concerns of other Members in such areas such as the 
high level of State participation in the economy.  
4.384.   Israel and Norway share similar views and liberalization interest in many areas, including 
in services and trade and environment where w e have worked alongside towards reaching bilateral 
agreements in the TiFA and EGA initiative. Importantly in agriculture we both have sensitive 
agricultural sectors and are part of the G10.  
4.385.   Systemically, we share fora such as Friends of the System and have  subscribed to other 
initiatives to advance work at the WTO. Israel looks forward to continued cooperation in these and 
other areas in the future.  
4.386.   We welcome this Trade Policy Review as a good opportunity to extend our appreciation of 
Norway 's active role in this Organization. We would like to commend the Norwegian team in 
Geneva lead by Ambassador Neple who under the period under review was one of the most active 
Chairpersons in the General Council and played a constructive role in a variety of negotiation s 
groups as well as in the work of the regular WTO Bodies.  
4.387.   We wish Norway a successful seventh TPR.  
MS. MARIANNE  HAGEN  (HEAD  OF DELEGATION)  
4.388.   This turned out not only to be a very good morning but also a very interesting and fruitful 
day. I want to thank all  of you for your time, your effort and your interest in Norway 's trade policy. 
We value the constructive remarks from all the 41 countries who have had the floor here today 
and we appreciate also your very kind words.  
4.389.   On a more personal note, I would like  to say that it has been heart -warming to hear you r 
tribute to the Ambassador Hara ld Neple. It is important for Norway to have great a mbassadors 
who contribute in the community in which they operate  and I am glad that Hara ld clearly has done 
so at the WTO here in Geneva.  
4.390.   Of course, I want to thank the Chairperson and our discussant for your efforts and I just 
want to end by saying that Norway will continue to be a firm supporter of the WTO and I wish you 
all two more productive days discussing our TPR. Thank you.  
  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF NORWAY  AND ADDITIONAL COMM ENTS  
AMBASSADOR  HARA LD NEPLE  
5.1.  Thank you  for your interest, comments, questions and nice words.  
5.2.  Special tha nks to the D iscussant, Alvaro Cedeño Molinari, and the Chair for their valuable  
contributions.  
5.3.  Norway received 230 written questions before the meeting. They have all been an swered, 
and distributed to the M embers before Day 1 of the TPR. After the meeting, we received additional 
questions from Malaysia and China, and by the U.S. today, which will be answered as soon as 
possible.  
5.4.  With reference to Monday 's meeting, let me comment on some i ssues raised by various 
members.  
5.5.  Norway 's domestic energy market is characterized by a high share of renewable energy 
delivered to power -intensive industries, households, and other users in the form of hydro based 
electricity. "Thinking greener " leads us towards low -emissions solutions such as promoting the use 
of electric motor vehicles and pilot projects focused on the use of elect ricity in public transport, as 
well as in coastal traffic. A ban on the use of mineral oils in the heating of buildings, including 
residential homes, will come into effect on 1 January 2020.  
5.6.  In a "green context ", we appreci ate the positive comments from m embers on our 
engagement to promote Fossil Fuel Subsidies Reform.  
5.7.  To ensure sustainable use of the oceans is a crucial part of restructuring the economy. W e 
are going both green and blue.  Indeed, there are many opportunities for growth, employment and 
value creation in existing as well as emerging and new ocean industries. Through sustainable 
management and regulation of the ocean economy we can improve the health and productivity of 
ocean ecosystems. Better governance and blue economy strategies will ensur e financial 
sustainability, ecosystem integrity and promote long -term value creation and employment in 
ocean industries. Our aim is clear: we want sustainable use of the oceans. Indeed, we are inspired 
by the i nterest in our oceans strategy.  
5.8.  In this regard , we appreci ate the positive comments from m embers on our engagement in 
fishery subsidies reform. This is an issue which is very important to us.  
5.9.  Gender equality is an economic sound policy to ensure equal opportunities for all. For a more 
comprehensive d escription of Norwegian policy to ensure women 's participation in the labour 
market, please have a look at the written answers to questions from Iceland.  
5.10.   The Norwegian State is a large direct owner of companies in Norway. This was commented 
on by many of you. The ownership is conducted within a framework that has broad political 
support in Norway. I would like to elaborate briefly on this.  
5.11.   The Norwegian State keeps its role as an owner separate from its other roles as 
policymaker, regulator and supervi sor. The policy is very clear: t he ownership is market -based and 
exercised professionally within the constraints of Norwegian corporate law, other legislation and 
generally accepted principles of corporate governance. The Norwegian Government is in no way 
involved in the day -to-day operations of the companies.  
5.12.   These policies apply to all enterprises in which the State has a holding, whether wholly or 
jointly owned by the State. In other words, enterprises in which the State has a holding shall not 
receive any benefits or privileges from the State or other enterprises owned by the State, neither 
in access to capital nor otherwise.  
5.13.   The Government publishes an annual report on its exercise of the State 's ownership and 
presents a white paper to the Parliament ever y four years to ensure transparency.  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  5.14.   Several M embers commented on the fact that Norway does not apply trade remedies. The 
Norwegian market is an open competitive market, we have well -developed competition policy and 
instruments that ensure that companies d o not misuse their strengths and market powers, be they 
domestic or foreign. Competition is a force that, over time, motivates the transition from less to 
more productive activities.  
5.15.   I know palm oil is of particular inte rest to some m embers. Let me clarify : the Norwegian 
Parliament has requested a ban on palm oil -based biofuel in public procurement. The Government 
is currently assessing and clarifying the available legal scope of action as well as possible 
alternatives to the ban requested by Parliament. Th is assessment will , of course , take into account 
all our international commitments including those on trade and climate.  
5.16.   Regarding notifications: on Monday, some m embers referred to outstanding notifications 
and asked for updates. As far as we can see, th ere are no outstanding notifications from Norway 
concerning rules of origin. With regard to quantitative restrictions and customs valuation, these 
notifications were sent to the S ecretariat in advance of the TPR and are in the process of being 
finalized.  
5.17.   Turning to some of the remar ks we heard on Monday from the d iscussant and Members 
concerning agriculture.  
5.18.   Taking into account the rapid growth in productivity in the agricultural sector in Norway, t he 
discussant asked whether there was still the same need for protection given these technological 
changes.  
5.19.   Technological changes take place in agriculture in Norway as well as in other countries. 
However, numerous disadvantages of Norwegian agriculture will continue to exist in spite of 
technological changes. I can mention climate and weather conditions, steep fields, still small farms 
and high production costs as examples.  
5.20.   The question from m embers concerning possible reduced border protection and reduced 
trade distorting agricultural support also deserves a com ment. In this regard, we would li ke to give 
some nuances to the report from the S ecretariat: the Norwegian bound tariff schedule has mixed 
duties for 51% of agricultural tariff lines. This means either specific duty or ad valorem  duty.  
5.21.   However, in practic e we use the bound specific duties as applied duties. The applied specific 
duties have been the same since year 2000. The value of the specifi c duties decreases year by 
year due to the inflation over the last 18 years.  
5.22.   This means that the border protection  for most tariff lines is clearly weaker today than it 
was in year 2000 at the end of the implementation of the Uruguay Round commitments. For most 
tariff lines, the specific duty gives less protection than the alternative ad valorem  duty. 
5.23.   It is important to underline that  for the  tariff lines with mixed duties  we use the bound 
specific duty for nearly all tariff lines. The notable exception is that we apply ad valorem  duties for 
10 sensitive tariff lines in the dairy sector and the meat secto r. 
5.24.   Agricultural support is a very sensitive political issue in Norway. The Government must 
respect the opinion of the majority in Parliament. The annual negotiations with the two farmers ' 
organizations take place in accordance with the objectives of the No rwegian agricultural policies as 
set forth by the Parliament.  
5.25.   This year, the Government and the farmers ' organizations concluded successful 
negotiations, which the Parliament endorsed.  
5.26.   We are aware that we are close to the upper commitment for trade distor ting support. 
However, the Government ensures that Norway stays within the bound entitlements for trade 
distorting agricultural support.  
5.27.   As to the question from Canada concerning pork, the Government proposed in 2016 to 
repeal the target price system for pork, but this was not accepted by Parliament.  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  5.28.   Several m embers have shown interest in Norway 's application of EU 's SPS and TBT 
legislation. We have provided written responses to these questions, but I will try to give some 
more detail.  
5.29.   As an EEA partner, N orway is committed to the rules of the internal market in Europe, which 
secures the free movement of goods, persons, capital and services. To maintain the integrity of 
the internal market, it is vital that all countries play by the same rules. This include s the necessity 
to apply harmonized rules with regard to imports from countries outside the EEA.  
5.30.   The EEA Agreement gives us the right to participate in the risk assessment procedures and 
drafting of new regulations. Regulations are notified to the WTO by t he European Union. It would 
not be practicable, nor helpful, for third countries if Norway made an identical and parallel 
notification of the same regulations.  
5.31.   After adoption of the new legislation in the European Union, the EEA/EFTA side does the 
relevant  assessments before the EEA Joint Committee formally makes the regulation part of the 
EEA Agreement. In general, Norway aligns itself with the EU level of protection for human, animal 
and plant health. It is only on very rare occasions that Norway deviates  from the assessment done 
by the European Union.  
5.32.   In the cases where Norway adopts national regulations these are notified to the WTO.  
5.33.   In response to comments concerning trade facilitation and the single windo w, Norway is 
working on a new digitalization strategy for the interaction between border agencies and traders, 
importers and exporters.  
5.34.   The TPR is an extremely valuable exercise. Thank you again for your comments and 
interest, and for challenging us on our t rade policies. TPR is valuable not only to enhance 
transparency within the multilateral trading system, but also to build trust between the Members.  
5.35.   We look forward to continuing  working with other m embers to promote an open, 
predictable, well-functioning  and rules -based trade regime fit for the 21st century and fo r the 
multilateral common good. Thank you.  
DISCUSSANT   
5.36.   I have collected what I consider to be take aways from this t rade policy review exercise 
which I regard as personal but I want to share with  you in case this could help us or illustrate a 
different way of understanding what we do in this House.  
5.37.   The first one is a comment that was made about Norway 's high tax regime. It is well -known 
that it is one of the highest in the world and from my person al experience living in Norway and not 
having paid taxes, is very easy to give an opinion. I perceived that the tax regime in Norway is a 
fair social contract. I think that the way it is described by some people or the way it was described, 
I have to put i nto perspective the fact that I was there 15 years ago, is that you work half of the 
year for your family and you work half of the year for the State. And, in return, the State gives 
you the best public services that money can buy. So, if I look around the  world in countries that 
have lower tax regimes, I don 't see proportionate public services rendering on behalf of the State 
to the ir citizens and I do not see the same degree of acceptance of the social contract on behalf of 
those citizens. This is somethi ng that was remarkable then and I think it could still be remarkable 
if the tax regime is similar or, I understand, a little lower. So, in that sense, it is important to 
mention that I don 't think that Norwegians feel that their social contract is any less  fair. 
5.38.   I also think that the Norwegian State and the Norwegian n ation, before they became 
wealthy, before they found their oil 50 or 60 years ago, they were already egalitarian as a culture. 
This is an anthropological fact about Norway that goes back centu ries. So , wealth creation in 
Norway,  combined with the well distribution they already had , has been synergistic , and the way I 
see it is that when you have a fair system to distribute what you have, even if you don 't have 
much, whenever you find or you hav e or you create more, then you are going to  be able to lift 
everybody up in an inclusive way. Today we speak about inclusive growth, I think Norway is one of WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  those countries that shows how inclusive growth looks like once you have engaged in it for 
decades . 
5.39.   In a similar note, I also remember a piece of information about Norway at the turn of the 
20th century being the poorest country in Europe, one of the poorest countries in Europe perhaps. 
And I thing that the last hundred plus years in Norway, this count ry has engaged in intentional 
development. Other countries also have found oil and still we don 't see similar levels of 
development as the ones we see in Norway. The last 20 years, Norway has been top of the list of 
the UN Human Development Index, either n umber one or number two, when they fail. For me, this 
is a remarkable fact that development is intentional. I do not think that development is something 
that just sprouts organically or spontaneously. I don 't think it is a result of inertia. I don 't think 
development comes from abroad. I think help can come from abroad but development is an 
internal decision, an d an internal action that takes many decades to move forward. And I also 
think that development is  a process, if something happened  in Norway and th ey stop ped pursuing 
the well -being of their population and the good governance of their institutions, in 20 or 30 years 
from now they might not be where they are today. It is a process, it is not an end in itself. I think 
this is something remarkable about  Norway and it is only partially related to the fact that they 
have found oil and exploited it in a very sustainable way.  
5.40.   Regarding gender, I think this is also a very good example about how ensuring women 's 
access to opportunities in the economy is an ide al policy for inclusive growth and to make this 
social contract fairer for everyone. So I ask the question here , and this is a question that I have 
heard before in a different context: what if we attempted every time we develop a new public 
policy to try to benefit the most the 50% of our population that is most vulnerable in any specific 
target group? Because in many countries the 50% most vulnerable are the women , or maybe even 
50+, are the women. And developing policies that ensure that women would be t he most 
benefitted with whatever policy we are talking about, transportation, education, health, 
environment, security, then we would be seeing a very fast pace of development and this is a 
reality that is very clearly seen in Norway. Sometimes when I enga ge in discussions about gender, 
especially back in my country, I wonder how far behind we are in the conversation that will 
eventually lead to a policy, that will eventually lead to a culture change because Norway has 
already done the culture change but th ey had before the policy and they had before the 
conversation so there is still so much to be done and so much we can learn from Norway as well.  
5.41.   Then someone mentioned on Monday the fact that Norway is a small economy and it made 
me realize that it is a sm all economy, that it is open to the international economy, that it is very 
well integrated to the larger economy. And then I reflected about the fact that , in economic terms , 
size does not matter. What is key to a country 's well -being and to its developmen t is the 
robustness of the economy. What is a robust economy and how do we assess and mitigate the 
vulnerabil ities that small economies have?  I don 't really have answers to those questions but I 
think asking the questions themselves would help us move forw ard in terms of how can we ensure 
that the economies of all of us in this room that are pretty much small , all of them, can become 
less vulnerable  or, even better,  more robust. I leave the question not only as a philosophical 
approach but also as something  that could help us move forward in the work in this House.  
5.42.   A brief comment on the fourth industrial revolution as well , and Harold just mentioned the 
fact that technology is changing not only in Norway but in many other countries. When I made the 
comment about the high tariff levels in agriculture in Norway and the fact that now machines and 
robots are doing part of the work in agriculture, if that justified the high tariffs. I didn 't mean to 
oversimplify the complexity of why tariffs are there and that ap plies not only for Norway but for all 
of us. But at the same time I wanted to reflect upon the fact that the fourth industrial revolution 
implies a series of accelerations that we are seeing at a very fast pace happening be fore our eyes. 
It hasn 't been 11  years yet since the coming of the smartphone and today we feel, at least many 
of us,  that they are ubiquitous, that they are part of our working tools, of our entertainment. We 
give a lot of value to these devices that today have computing capability great er than any of the 
computers we had 10 years ago. As we see that acceleration and we see the prices going down in 
the cost of technology, as we see the environmental constraints closing in on our civilization, then 
it is important to realize that we are at  a crossroad where a lot of trade is going to be affected, 
hopefully in a positive way , thanks to technology. It will be disruptive and when there are 
disruptions it means that usually a majority wins but there are min orities that lo se. So we have to 
figure out a way in which we balance the equati on so that those that tend to l ose will also tend to 
adapt the fastest.  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  5.43.   A brief word on e -commerce , when talking about the fourth industrial revolution : will trade 
become frictionless in a digital setting? And if it does, then what it is going to happen to those 
artificial obstacles that we have put to our trade in the presence of technologies that bypass those 
obstacles? So I think this is making it a little more complex the idea that technology can help 
reduce som e tariffs.  
5.44.   On the blue economy  also I think that the blue economy simply means to make a 
sustainable use of oceans ' resources. But there is a more strict  use of the concept of blue 
economy, which means trying to make the most value out of the resources you have locally. In 
that sense, can we think in terms of a blue economy that aspires to the regeneration of the 
ecosystems that we have? I believe Norway i s one of those countries where forests are a source of 
building material for example. You are preserving your bio capacity and your biodiversity, and at 
the same time making use of it to transform the way we live without having to reduce the value of 
the e cosystem. In that sense, when I think about Norway being an oil producing, oil exporting 
country and, at the same time, seeing that Norway is a country that invests enormous amounts of 
money in biodiversity protection, in reforestation in developing countr ies, then it makes me think 
that this is an equation that the planet needs where  you transfer financial capital from a place that 
has financial capital to places where there is natural capital at risk of being lost. In that sense, how 
could  we think big in terms of this blue economy equation.  
5.45.   That also leads me to t he topic of fisheries subsidies  negotiations in this House , and the 
leadership that Norway has been having and the leadership that I think should show the way to a 
global use of resources in a wa y that it regenerates the stock s of fish that are in the oceans. That 
is really the challenge. The challenge of our fisheries subsidies negotiations is not to stop the 
depletion;  the end game is to revert these depleting tendencies and move them in the opp osite 
direction to replenish the stocks around the world so that there is not the same amount of fish we 
have today but more. And that we consume it more than we do today but that there is more 
available. This is the real challenge of that negotiation and I think Norway is a very good example 
of how to do it.  
5.46.   A last point, someone also mentioned, I think it was Canada, the relationship that they have 
with Norway in terms of the Artic issues. It made me reflect about Roald A mundsen, who is a 
Norwegian hero , a very relevant person in Norway, he is also a very significant per son in our 
human civiliz ation as being the first proven and document ed person to have flown to the North 
Pole and also to have reached the South P ole. One of the two was already remarkable enough but 
he actually accomplished both and he was the first one to accomplish both. I see him, and I 
remember his statue  in Tromsø , as someone who back in those days navigated really the toughest 
of waters and took the biggest of challenges and tackled u nforeseen risks and also took the best 
decisions he could, not only for his own survival but to ad vance the cause of human civiliz ation. He 
is quoted as saying that victory awaits him who has everything in order, luck people call it. Talking 
about him, I w ant to reflect on the departure of my ver y dear friend and colleague Harald Neple, 
Harald, I have  learned  enormously from you the last three and a half years. I think your 
demeanour as a representative of your Government, of your State, of your nation, is a role model 
to me and to many. Your wisdom and your very fine diplomatic talent are absolutely remarkable 
and unquestionable. I thank you very much, I have to say that you will be sorely missed and , 
because of the fact you are not so good at using Twitter , I guess I won 't be hearing much from 
you. It has been great to share these very intense years here at the WTO with you and I hope that 
as long as I am here, I will help move the causes that you pushed forward with such passion and 
intensity. Thank you ve ry much and thank you all of you for the time.  
TAJIKISTAN  
5.47.   Tajik-Norwegian trade and economic relations were established after the acquisition of 
sovereignty by the Republic of Tajikistan. The foreign trade turnover between Tajikistan and 
Norway for 2017 amounted to a very small number of the total amount of foreign trade turnover. 
Imports constitute 100% but there is a decrease in comparison with 2016 by US$1 million.  
5.48.   There is a joint venture of Tajik -Norwegian , Tajg idro in Tajikistan,  which was established on 
the basis of a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of 
the Kingdom of Norway and the Ministry  of Energy and Industry of the Republic of Tajikistan,  
signed in 2010.  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  5.49.   The ex pansion of trade cooperation with Norway is in the interest s of both States. In this 
regard, it is important to make use of available  opportunities for development of trade relations 
between Tajikistan and Norway.  
5.50.   Here I would like to point out a number of  important areas of cooperation between 
Tajikistan and Norway, including establishment of joint ventures  for development of new 
technologies for oil extraction and gas production, cooperation in the field of hydropower, 
particularly the c onstruction of sma ll and medium -sized hydropower stations, investment on 
procurement, processing and marke ting including export of granite , marble, semi -precious and 
ornamental stones, development of intensive livestock  including meat production in d airy sector as 
well as s heep bree ding, establishment of joint ventures for production of consumer goods, 
development of mountain tourism and mountaining, and so forth.  
5.51.   The seventh Trade Policy Review of Norway provides an excellent opportunity to get 
acquainted  and improve our un derstanding of its trade regime. Allow me to highlight some key 
points of trade policy reports. Norway has an advanced economy with a per capita GDP among the 
highest in the world. Trade is important to the economy , with imports and exports of goods and 
services equivalent to 63% of GDP in 2017. The effect s of the global financial crisis of 2008 -2009 
were shortlived in Norway,  and the economy returned quickly to its historical growth path , 
reaching 2.7% in 2012.  
5.52.   The significant decline in the price of oil and gas  since mid -2014 poses a serious challenge 
in the yearly global downturn. The combination of expansionary fiscal and monetary policies 
contained the effect of the national economy as growth in GDP continued at a modest 1% in 2016. 
Economic recovery g rew stronger during 2017 when real growth in GDP was 1.8% and the current 
outlook for the Norwegian economy is positive.  
5.53.   Norway is an active Member of the WTO , has accepted Trade Facilitation Agreement , 
implemented the revised ITA in pharmaceutical product coverage , completed procedures for 
adopting the revised GPA , and committed to phasing out all remaining agricultural export 
subsidies.  
5.54.   Based on provided reports, Norway has been a third part y in 82 dispute settlement cases , 
has never been a respondent, and was a complainant four times.  
5.55.   My delegation acknowledges Norway 's continued pursuit of trade liberalization in the 
multilateral as well as in the bilateral context.  
5.56.   Norway 's contribution to , and constructive involvement in , various areas of the work and 
negotiations of the WTO is also remarkable. We also acknowledge Norway 's efforts to support the 
integration of developing economies into the global trading system. We are confident that Norway  
continues to undertake further trade policy and structural reforms to improve its overall efficiency 
and to maintain an open WTO consistent trade and investment regime to secure sustainable 
growth.  
5.57.   In conclusion, I wish Norway a very productive and succes sful trade policy review exercise.  
CENTRAL  AFRICAN  REPUBLIC  ON BEHALF  OF THE LDC GROUP  
5.58.   Norway is a country with a sound and well -developed economy which makes trade and 
integration in the multilateral trading system a cornerstone of its sustainable growth for the 
decades to come. Norway has managed to come through the difficult periods of global economic 
slowdown following the 2008 crisis and the ensuing sharp fall in oil prices by implementing suitable 
budgetary and monetary policies to maintain or strengt hen the country's competitiveness in 
international trade.  
5.59.   The country's economy is resolutely outward looking, since exports and imports of goods 
and services account for over 60% of GDP. This is a particular source of inspiration for us, the 
LDCs, as an o bjective and/or consequence of a genuine drive to achieve integration in global 
trade.  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  5.60.   In regard to such integration, the LDC Group wishes to commend and sincerely thank 
Norway for the determined efforts it is deploying to promote more effective integratio n of its 
country in world trade. This has resulted in the granting of preferential treatment for imports from 
the LDCs, which benefit from duty -free and quota -free access to the Norwegian market on 100% 
of tariff  lines.  
5.61.   Furthermore, Norway applies the Bali  waiver decision on services, having notified as from 
July 2015 the preferential treatment granted to service providers from the LDCs for better access 
to the Norwegian market. We also await with interest in this regard Norway's efforts relating to the 
implementation of initiatives under paragraph 1.4 of the Nairobi waiver decision on services.  
5.62.   The LDCs obviously continue to face problems of capacity to export their goods and services 
and hence to truly benefit from the preferences granted despite the imple mentation of the 
ministerial decisions.  
5.63.   Here again, the LDC Group welcomes and thanks Norway for its leading commitment in 
financing the Enhanced Integrated Framework programme which is designed precisely to build the 
LDCs' export capacities on the spot th rough different projects and partnerships with our authorities 
and the private sector.  
5.64.   The LDC Group requests and sincerely hopes for the continuation of Norway's support for 
our group of countries. Indeed, we are fully aligned with Norway's vision of stre ngthening the 
multilateral system and sustainable development through trade and economic cooperation.  
5.65.   Finally, on behalf of the LDC Group, I would like to wish Norway every success in the 
reforms it is undertaking, as well as a successful trade policy revi ew, and thank it most sincerely 
for all the support it provides to the LDCs within the Aid -For-Trade framework.  
UNITED  STATES   
5.66.   We would like to sincerely thank you and Ambassador Cedeño Molinari for your thoughtful 
perspectives this morning. And we would like to express our appreciation to the Secretariat for its 
excellent work and the entire delegation of Norway, especially Ambas sador Neple , for your 
constructive and diligent efforts in this seventh trade policy review, and to the Ambassador for his 
distinguished contributions to the WTO overall.  
5.67.   We greatly appreciate the summary of discussions from Day 1 and the informative 
respo nses we have received from Norway to most of  our advance written questions. Washington 
will study them carefully and, as usual, we have a number of follow -up questions which we re 
submitted to the TPR Division earlier this morning.  
5.68.   I'll just  take a moment t o briefly describe several of the questions on which the United 
States will be seeking further clarification. We have a follow -up question under trade and 
investment regimes, regarding the specific date of when the EFTA agreement with the Gulf 
Cooperation Council (GCC) will be notified. We have several questions on standards and other 
technical requirements, including explanation of a large difference betwee n notifications made to 
the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade C ommittee and those made  to the EU techni cal regulation  
information system database. We have a few questions on sanitary and phytosanitary 
requirements. The original question was about notification process used for amending legislation , 
and the follow -up question is about notification to trading partners in the future and whether they 
will be broadcast  more widely than publication on  an internal s ite.  
5.69.   I would like to express thanks to Norway for its approach in addressing some issues of 
importance raised by the United States during Day 1 of the T PR. While the United States remains 
troubled by a demonstrably  high level of protectionism for the agriculture sector through high 
tariffs , government support and SPS measures, we do appreciate the transparent discussion and 
excellent notification record o f Norway on these issues.  
5.70.   As mentioned on Day 1 of the TPR, we would respectfully encouraged Norway to re -examine 
its measures related to genetically engineered  products, and to highlight the importance of science 
and risk-based regulations.  WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  5.71.   We've also well noted other things with widespread interest in this TPR discussion,  such as 
the future focus on Norwegian ocean industries, the Green and Blue economy, gender e quality, the 
social contract and an inclusive sustainable growth strategy.  
5.72.   The United  States very much appreciates its strong and friendly relationship with Norway in 
trade and beyond.  Nearly 5 million Americans claim Norwegian ancestry, which I understand to be 
close to the current population of Norway itself. Our cultural relations are v ery rich and deep. We 
especially admire Norway 's proactive engagement and leadership on many bilateral, plurilateral 
and multilateral efforts in such areas as capacity building, fis heries subsidies negotiations, A rtic 
issues, renewable energy and environme ntal protection, health, educational exchanges, global 
development and global peace initiatives, as well as combatting terrorism.  
5.73.   We look forward to continued cooperative work with our Norwegian colleagues here in 
Geneva and in many other international venues. I would like to congratulate the team on this 
successful TPR and wish everyone travelling back to Oslo a safe journey.  
AMBASSADOR  HARA LD NEPLE   
5.74.   We will revert with answers to the written questions that we have received after Day 1. I 
would just like t o once more thank the discussant for his comments. You praised Norway as an 
example to be followed and, of course, as a representative of Norway, I highly value that. On a 
more personal note, I would like to thank you for the true kind words. I am not very  good at 
receiving these things, that 's what my staff tells me all the time but even if I 'm not good at 
receiving praise I bring it with me and I will remember it, so thank you. Thank you to all the 
Members for their active participation in our Trade Polic y Review.  
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  This seventh Trade Policy Review has allowed us, once again, to have a closer look at the 
trade and economic policies of Norway and to deepen our understanding of developments in these 
policies since the last Review. I would like to thank the Norwegian delegation headed by State 
Secretary Ms Marianne Hagen, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for its positive engagement 
throughout this exercise. I would also like to thank our discussant, Ambassador Alvar o Cedeño 
Molinari, Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the WTO, for his pertinent and insig htful 
remarks, as well as the 41  delegations which took the floor the first day and 2 on the second day, 
for their active and constructive participation in thi s Review.  
6.2.  Members noted that Norway remained one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with a 
GDP per capita around US$75,000, despite significant economic headwinds in the period under 
review. As a major producer and exporter of crude oil, natural gas , and petroleum -related 
services, the Norwegian economy had felt the sharp decline in the price of petroleum that began in 
2014. However, Norway had weathered the storm well with expansive monetary policies and fiscal 
policy stimulus aided by solid public finances. Meanwhile, Norway 's trade policies for goods and 
services had remained generally open and liberal. Members felt that the difficulties experienced in 
the petroleum sector may indeed have accelerated the "greening " of the domestic economy with 
focus on renewable energy resources and energy efficiency, as well as the restructuring and 
consolidation of Norway 's ocean industries, i.e. maritime services, oil and gas, fisheries, and 
aquaculture, into a forward -looking "blue" economy.  
6.3.  Norway 's trade poli cies remained firmly anchored in the WTO and the European Economic 
Area (EEA) Agreement with the European Union, its largest trading partner. In addition, Norway 's 
membership in the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) provided an extensive network of fr ee 
trade agreements with trading partners in most corners of the world. Members were particularly 
appreciative of Norway 's strong engagement in the WTO and its longstanding and dedicated 
commitment to an open, rules -based, inclusive, and effective multilat eral trading system. Since 
2012, Norway had provided ample evidence of this commitment, including through the timely 
ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, implementation of the Information Technology 
Agreement (ITA) expansion and the revised ph armaceutical product coverage, completion of 
procedures to adopt the revised Agreement on Government Procurement, and the adoption of 
legislation to phase out agricultural export subsidies by the end of 2020.  
6.4.  Several Members highlighted Norway 's commitmen t to sustainable economic growth, 
including its high level of engagement and valuable expert contributions in the negotiations on 
fisheries subsidies, and its interest in concluding an agreement on trade in environmental goods. 
Norway was also a firm suppo rter of new initiatives in the WTO such as the recent Ministerial 
declarations relating to micro, small and medium -sized enterprises (MSMEs), the reform and 
phasing out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, electronic commerce, services domestic regulation s, 
and trade and gender. In addition, Norway continued to be a generous donor to activities that 
aided other WTO Members, in particular LDCs, in their integration into the world trading system. 
Norway was commended for its exemplary record in meeting its n otification obligations in virtually 
all areas of the WTO. Some Members also noted positively that Norway had never been a 
respondent in a WTO dispute settlement case.  
6.5.  Low tariffs reflected the openness of Norway 's trade regime, where 85% of the tariff li nes 
were duty free on an MFN basis. The simple average tariff had declined from 7.5% in 2012 to 
6.9% in 2017, principally as a result of the elimination of low and nuisance tariffs on 
114 agricultural tariff lines. Applied tariffs on manufactured goods ave raged 0.5%. Some Members 
noted with appreciation that the policy of low tariffs was combined with a firm rejection of the 
resort to trade contingency measures.  
6.6.  As in previous Trade Policy Reviews, agriculture stood out as a sector with high levels of 
protection, regulatory intervention, and government assistance. Members noted that despite 
consistent gains in productivity, technological advance, and continued high levels of support, 
Norwegian agriculture was not internationally competitive. The main output s of the sector 
remained highly insulated from the world market and subject to extensive production -distorting 
government intervention. Applied tariffs on agricultural products averaged 37%. Norway 's support 
to its agricultural sector was three times highe r than the average for OECD countries. While some 
Members called for lower tariffs and less support, it was also noted that the under -utilization of WT/TPR/M/373  • Norway  
 
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  many existing tariff rate quotas suggested scope for reform. The application of sanitary and 
phytosanitary measures was also related to agricultural policy. Here, some Members stressed the 
importance of science -and risk -based regulations, including for the registration and use of 
pesticides and other agricultural chemicals, and other innovative tools to support ing and 
functioning trade in agricultural products.  
6.7.  Although access to Norway 's markets for industrial goods and services was generally open 
and non -discriminatory, several Members noted that state ownership remained substantial in the 
Norwegian economy. I t was suggested by some of them that the frontiers of the state in economic 
activities could be rolled back in some measure. Some Members also sought information about 
Norway 's TBT measures, including conformity assessment, and their harmonization with EU 
practices.  
6.8.  Norway has provided answers to 227 written questions raised by Members in advance of this 
review. This TPR will be successfully concluded once Norway has also replied to all the questions 
that arrived after the deadline, in a month 's time. I am  confident that Norway has taken good note 
not only of the deserved praise that it received during this meeting, but also of the critical 
comments, though much fewer, that resurfaced in the course of this TPR. It is my hope that these 
friendly but critical  interventions may serve as input in the domestic political debate, and inspire 
future action.  
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