WT/TPR/M/342  
26 September 2016  
(16-5114) Page: 1/79 
Trade Policy Review Body  
20 and 22 July 2016   
 
  TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
CHINA 
MINUTES  OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: Ms. Irene Young (Hong Kong, China)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  2 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE O F CHINA  ................................ .........  4 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ................  9 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S ................................ ................................ ........................  13 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF CHINA  AND ADDITIONAL COMME NTS ............  69 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .........................  78 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by China  are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/ 342/Add.1  and will be available online 
at http://www.wto.org/english/ tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 2 - 
 
  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The sixth Trade Policy Review of China was held on 20 and 22 July 2016. The Chairperson, 
Ms. Irene Young (Hong Kong, China), welcomed the delegation of China headed by Mr. Wang 
Shouwen, Vice Minister, Ministry of Commerce; the delegation from China; and the discussant, 
H.E. Ambassador Hamish McCormick (Australia). As agreed by Members earlier, the United Nations 
Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) was attending this meeting as obs erver on an ad 
hoc basis.  
1.2.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of the Trade Policy Reviews and the main elements of 
the procedures for the meeting. The report by China  was contained in do cument WT/TPR/G/342  
and that of the  WTO Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/342 . 
1.3.  Questions by the following delegations had been submitted in writing before the deadline and 
had been transmitted to the delegation of China: Indonesia; Australia; United States; Switzerland; 
Oman; Malaysia; Colombia; Mexico; Singapore; New Zealand; Brunei  Darussalam; Japan; Chinese 
Taipei; Chile; European Union; El Salvador; Ukraine; Brazil; Hong Kong, China; Norway; Canada; 
Russian Federation; Dominican Republic; and Republic of Korea. The following delegations 
submitted written questions after the deadli ne: Guatemala ; Argentina; Costa Rica; Benin; 
Ecuador; Thailand; Israel; Peru; India; and Turkey. These questions had also been transmitted to 
the delegation of China.  
1.4.  At the previous TPR in 2014, Members had remarked that China had become the major global 
merchandise trader and had noted the impact that China 's policies had had on the world economy 
and on the functioning of the WTO. Members had highlighted the role that China 's economic 
growth had played in contributing to world economic recovery in the aft ermath of the global 
financial crisis.  
1.5.  Two years on, China remained  the world 's largest trader, but its trade – in terms o f both 
exports and imports - had lost considerable momentum. Meanwhile, overca pacity in certain 
industries was being addressed as a global concern. Chi na's economic growth had  also slowed 
down  to 6.9% in 2015. In what the authorities would describe as the "New Normal " situation, 
China was expected to have more stable, but lower, GDP growth rates of around 6.5% -7% a year. 
How China was adjusting to this "New Normal ", and what this meant  for its own trade policies and 
for world economy, might  be of great interest to Members.  
1.6.  Back in 2014, China had been  rolling out an ambitious and comprehensive reform agenda 
under a new leadership. Over the past two years, some of those pilot programmes, such as free 
trade zone, paperless customs clearance, single window for international trade, and levying V AT in 
lieu of business tax, had  seen initial success and wider application. Under the 13th Five -Year Plan 
(2016 -2020), China will press on with its structural reforms, notably in relation to State -Owned 
Enterprises, private sector participation, foreign investment and services market access. These had 
been key topics highlighted in the last TPR. In the ir written questions this time, Members again 
asked questions about the role of the State in the Chinese econ omy, as public ownership remained  
important in sectors of strategic importance, despite increasing private sector participation in the 
economy. Mem bers also enquired about the investment regime, in particular the negative list for 
market access and foreign investment; the Investment Catalogue; and the relationship between 
the two. They might  appreciate an update on what had  emerged from the reforms i n these areas, 
and what more they could  expect in the coming years.  
1.7.  In the last TPR, Members had commended China for having submitted its notification of 
Category A commitments under the Trade Facilitation Agree ment. Subsequently, not only had  
China ratifi ed that Agreeme nt, but it had  also joined a separate plurilateral initiative to expand the 
Information Technology Agreement. In this TPR, some Members were seeking information on how 
China was to implement these commitments. Regarding the Agreement on Gove rnment 
Procurement, China was still an observer in the process of negotiating its accession. In this 
connection, Members requested information on China 's plans to review its Government 
Procurement Law to deal with issues such as "buy domestic " requirements  and to develop a unified 
information system for Government Procurement.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 3 - 
 
  1.8.  In their questions, Members also showed  interest in China 's efforts to enforce Intellectual 
Property Rights, which had been  a matter of concern i n the previous Review. They also raise d a 
number of questions on issues such as patent quality, improvements to the copyright registration 
system and services, protection of well -known trademarks, and procedures for registering 
geographical indications. O ther areas in which Members continued t o urge for improvement 
include d: compliance with the WTO notification requirements, in particular regarding support 
programmes; as well as TBT and SPS, where Members might  like to see China adopting more 
international standards and increasing the transpare ncy and predictability of its measures.  
1.9.  This meeting was a good opportunity for Members to discuss in greater detail these issues, as 
well as other issues of interest to Members and of systemic importance to the multilateral trading 
system. The Chairperson  looked forward to a fruitful exchange.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 4 - 
 
  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE O F CHINA (MR. WANG SHOU WEN ) 
2.1.  Good morning. I was here exactly two years ago. Time flies! I am happy to be back for the 
Sixth WTO Trade Policy Review of China.  
2.2.  Let me begin by expressing my appreciation to Madam Chair for your good introductory and 
substantive remarks. My thanks also go to Ambassador Hamish McCormick for assuming the role 
of discussant.  
2.3.  I would also like to acknowledge the tremendous efforts made by the WTO 's TPR team for 
preparing the Secretariat report and this meeting. While studying the text, we have identified 
some factual errors, and  I am very glad that  the Secretariat has agreed to get them corrected in 
the revised version of the report, to be distributed  after the meeting. We appreciate that.  
2.4.  I am really impressed by the turnout of today 's meeting, and the room seems  to be more 
crowded than two  years ago. Thank you  all for coming and for your interest in China 's trade 
policies.  
2.5.  The G overnment of China att aches great importance to this review. Joining me today are 
33 colleagues from 16 government agencies of China, and our Ambassador Yu, Minister Yu and 
other colleagues at the Mission here in Geneva.  
2.6.  In the past few weeks, my team has been working around t he clock. So far, we have received 
close to 1,800 written questions from 34 members, setting a new record in China 's TPR. By 
yesterday afternoon, we had answered all 1 ,475 questions submitted by 25 M embers two weeks 
prior to this meeting. And we are workin g hard on the remaining 300 plus questions submitted 
after 6 July, and will provide responses in one month from now according to the rule.  
2.7.  I would like to approach China 's economic performance and trade policy development during 
the review period fr om 5 p erspectives, namely macro -economy, reform measures, opening -up 
steps, participation in the multilateral trading system, and assumption of the role as a responsible 
major trading nation.  
2.8.  With regard to macro -economy, i n the past two years, China 's economy h as been growing 
steadily at a medium to high speed and with a better quality.  
2.9.  Last year, China 's GDP grew by 6.9%, over 13 million new jobs were created in the urban 
areas, and China 's CPI rose by 1.4% year on year. Retail sales of consumer goods amounted  to 
30.09 trillion RMB yuan, contributing to 66.4% of China 's economic growth. The driving force 
behind China 's growth has turned from investment and export s to service and consumption.  
2.10.   In 2015, China boasted the largest trading partner of over 120 countri es and regions. 
Exports made by private enterprises in China accounted for 45.2% of China's  national total, while 
foreign -invested enterprises (FIEs) took up 44.2%, and state -owned enterprises (SOEs) took up 
10.6%.  
2.11.   Trade in services has maintained steady a nd fast development. In 2014, China 's trade in 
services ranked the global second for the first time. In 2015, China 's total trade in services 
amounted to  US$713 billion, representing a growth of 14.6% year -on-year. Service imports grew 
by 18.6%, much highe r than the growth of exports. As a result, deficit of trade in services 
expanded from US$118.5 billion in 2013 to US$136.6 billion in 2015.  
2.12.   China remains one of the world 's most attractive investment destinations, and China has 
ranked top in FDI absorption  among developin g countries for 25  consecutive years. In 2015, the 
number of newly approved FIEs registered a growth of 11.8% year -on-year, and the value of 
paid-in FDI reached US$126.27 billion. Out of it, 61.1% or US$77.18 billion went to the services 
sector, up by 16.5% year -on-year.  
2.13.   At the same time, outbound FDI (OFDI) from China has expanded in scope and displayed 
stronger growth momentum. It reached US$118.02 billion in non -financial sector in 2015.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 5 - 
 
  2.14.   China has not only maintained its own stable econo mic growth, but also made important 
contribution to world economic recovery and growth. In 2015, the share of China 's economy in 
global economic growth was above a quarter, or 25%.  
2.15.   After many years of rapid growth, China has entered into the stage of New N ormal in its 
economic development. The speed of economic growth is shifting from high to moderately high 
and medium, the driving force turning from expansion of factors of production and investment to 
innovation, and the economic structure has continued to  upgrade and improve.  
2.16.   With regard to reform measures, g iven the new circumstances, the G overnment of China 
embraces the concepts of innovative, coordinated, green, open and sharing development. New 
approaches have been adopted in macroeconomic regulation.  New growth drivers have been 
cultivated and traditional ones retooled. In parallel with the reasonable expansion of the total 
demand, the supply -side structural reform has been stepped up.  
2.17.   The innovation -driven development strategy has been further imple mented. Scientific and 
technological innovation has been robustly promoted, mass en trepreneurship encouraged, the 
"Internet Plus " action plan enforced, and the integrated development of different sectors 
enhanced.  
2.18.   The supply -side structural reform has bee n prioritized. Ineffective and low -end supply is to 
be cut, and effective and medium - and high -end supply is to be expanded. Estimates indicate that 
addressing overcapacity may affect half a million jobs in the s teel and iron industry, and 
1.3 million jobs  in the coal sector of China will also be affected adversely. And the G overnment has 
decided to earmark 100 billion yuan for the resettlement of the workers to be made redundant 
during the process of restructuring.  
2.19.   The reform of the administrative examinat ion and approval system has been advanced. In 
2015, the central government of China removed or delegated to local governments 311 items 
which were previously subject to administrative approval. All non -administrative licensing reviews 
were cancelled. 214 i tems designated by the central government to be approved at local 
government levels were abolished. And 123 verifications and accreditations of vocational 
qualifications were revoked.  
2.20.   The reform of the industrial and commercial registration system has als o been advanced. A 
new business license is now issued by the industry and commerce authorities to replace the three 
licenses that enterprises needed to separately apply  for in the past. In 2015, 4.212 million new 
private enterprises were registered, 22% mo re than in the previous year.  
2.21.   The reform of the foreign investment approval system has been accelerated. After the 
revisions of the Catalogue of Investment Projects Subject to Government Verification  in 2013 and 
2014, the number of investment projects subj ect to verification at the central government level 
had been reduced by 76%.  
2.22.   The reform of the fiscal and taxation system has been advanced. The pilot program me of 
levying VAT in lieu of business tax has been expanded to construction, real estate, financia l and 
household services sectors, covering all industries of goods and services.  
2.23.   The reform of the financial system has been advanced. The upper limit of interest rate for 
deposits has been removed, and control over interest rates liberalized. The quotati on mechanism 
of the RMB (the local currency) versus  USD central parity has been improved. The deposit 
insurance system has been officially established. On 1 December 2015, the IMF decided to include 
RMB into the SDR currency basket.  
2.24.   The reform of SOEs has been deepened. SOEs have been divided into commercial 
enterprises and public welfare ones. Diversified ownership reform pilot projects have been 
promoted in railway, civil aviation, telecommunications and defens e among other sectors. A 
corporate remunerati on allocation regime commensurate with the socialist market economy has 
been introduced. State -owned capital investment and operating companies have been reorganized 
and restructured, and the functions of state -owned assets supervision and administration b odies 
have been adjusted towards the administration of capital.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 6 - 
 
  2.25.   The development of private sector economy has been facilitated. Some small - and micro 
enterprises continue to be allowed a 50% reduction in income tax, and temporary exemption from 
VAT and bus iness tax  was also provided to them . Public -Private Partnership (PPP) is encouraged to 
invest in public sectors of goods and services. In 2015, private investment climbed by 10.1%, and 
took up 64.2% of total investment  in China .  
2.26.   Law enforcement in IPR pro tection has been further strengthened. We amended the 
Implementation Rules of the Trademark Law , and the Copyright Law and the Patent Law  are also 
in the process of being revised. Infringement and piracy in cyberspace have been cracked down, 
and the Qingfe ng action has been conducted to safeguard the overseas image of Made in China  
and to improve the quality of China 's exports.  
2.27.   With regard to the opening -up steps , while committed to comprehe nsively deepening 
reforms, the G overnment of China has been proacti vely pressing ahead with a new round of 
opening -up. 
2.28.   During the review period, three more Pilot Free Trade Zones (FTZs) have been established 
in Guangdong  Province , Tianjin Municipality and Fujian  Province , while the replicable experience of 
Shanghai Pilot FTZ has been extended  across the country. The reform of foreign investment 
system has been furthered based on the pre -establishment national treatment and the negative 
list approach. Trade facilitation has been improved through regulatory innovations, and new 
meas ures have been endorsed to open -up the financial sector.  
2.29.   To implement the  Belt and Road Initiative, the G overnment of China issued the Vision and 
Actions on Jointly Building Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road . Guided by 
the principle that the initiative should be jointly built through consultation to meet the interests of 
all, China and other countries along the line have formulated plans for building six economic 
corridors. Based on the initiative, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Silk 
Road Fund have been established.  
2.30.   Other measur es have also been taken to open -up wider to the outside world by China.  
2.31.   Innovative growth of foreign trade has been promoted. Transforming and upgrading of 
processing trade ha ve been accelerated. Cross -border e -commerce comprehensive pilot zones 
have been established. Pilots on innovative development of trade in services have been launched.  
2.32.   Import administration procedures have been streamlined. Some 81 tariff lines at 10 -digit HS 
level subject to automatic import licensing administration have been removed. Paperless customs 
clearance for automatic import licenses has been applied nationwide.  
2.33.   Customs clearance facilitation has been furthered. Integrated cross -region customs 
clearance has covered all th e 42 customs offices in China. "One declaration,  one inspection and 
one release " has been carried o ut. "Single window " services for foreign trade have been fully 
operated or on a trial basis in eleven provinces and cities, includin g Shanghai, Tianjin and Fujian.  
2.34.   The RMB settlement business for cross -border trade has been advanced. Cross -border trade 
and direct investment can both be settled in  the local currency  RMB. In 2015, RMB cross -border 
trade settlement grew by 10.4%, and dire ct investment RMB settlement grew by 121%. By the 
end of 2015, the  central bank, i.e. the  People 's Bank of China had signed currency swap 
agreements valued at over 3.3 trillion yuan with 33 central banks or monetary authorities.  
2.35.   Efforts have  also been made  to continue encouraging foreign direct investment. Catalogue 
for the Guidance of Foreign Investment Industries (2015 Revision) (Investment Catalogue) , 
compared with the 2011 revision, has seen restrictive items reduced f rom 79 to 38, items limited 
to "joint vent ure and cooperative enterprises " declined  from 43 to 15, and items with "Chinese 
ownership control " cut from 44 to 35. This revision has opened up more areas than the previous 
five amendments.  
2.36.   Access to the services market has  also been expanded. Th e foreign equity cap for joint 
ventures in e -commerce, chain operation, subway , etc. has been lifted or relaxed. Businesses like 
direct selling, railway freight transport, insurance brokerage and trust companies have been WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 7 - 
 
  removed from the restrictive categ ory of the Investment Catalogue . Architectural design and 
elderly care institutions have been incorporated as the sectors to be encouraged.  
2.37.   The reform of capital account foreign exchange management has been carried out. The 
foreign exchange in FDI has been  generally convertible. The annual inspection on foreign exchange 
and the filing of foreign exchange for overseas reinvestment have been abolished. Discretional 
settlement of foreign exchange for capital funds of FIEs has been popularized nationwide.  
2.38.   With regard to participation in t he Multilateral Trading System, China is an active 
participant, staunch supporter and important contributor to the multilateral trading system. 
Through concrete actions, China has provided unwavering support to the multilateral trading 
system represented by the WTO.  
2.39.   China has committed itself to the DDA negotiations. Since the last review, China has got 
fully involved in negotiating various issues on th e Doha agenda along with other M embers, and 
China play ed an active role in pro moting "harmon y and progress for negotiations ". After the 
conclusion of the MC 10 in Nairobi , China advocated the spirit of solidarity and sense of urgency, as 
well as the concepts  of "responsibility,  mutual trust and inclusiveness ", for ad vancing the Doha 
round of talks  with the hope of benefitting every M ember of the WTO.  
2.40.   China has been actively participating in various rule -making and market access talks within 
the WTO framework. As one of the parties of the ITA expansion negotiation, China contributed to  
its conclusion in December 2015. China also joined the E GA negotiations with other WTO M embers 
for the purpose of protecting global environment, promoting trade growth and development.  
2.41.   As the Chair or Presidency of 2014 APEC meeting s as well as G20 meetin gs in 2016, 
together with other members of G20 and APEC, China has sent the positive signal of supporting 
the multilateral trading system and opposing protectionism. The 22nd APEC Informal Leaders ' 
Meeting convened in Beijing in November 2014 opened -up a s eries of new areas for cooperation.  
2.42.   Between 9 and 10 July, the G20 Trade Ministers ' Meeting was held successfully in Shanghai. 
Together with many present today, we G20 members , have accomplished meaningful outcomes.  
2.43.   For example, the G20 trade ministers r eleased a Statement in Shanghai  and adopted three 
documents, i.e. the Terms of Reference of the G20 Trade and Investment Working Group, G20 
Strategy for Global Trade Growth , and G20 Non -binding Guiding Principles for Global Investment 
Policymaking . Consens us was also reached on strengthening the multilateral trading system and 
on helping developing economies and SMEs to integrate  into global value chains (GVCs).  
2.44.   The meeting also witnessed the "debut" of the world trade outlook indicator developed by 
the WT O Secretariat.  
2.45.   China has earnestly fulf illed its obligations as a WTO M ember. Since its last Trade Policy 
Review , China has reviewe d the trade policies of 41 WTO M embers with ke en interest. China has 
also updated N otifications on Subsidies, State Trading E nterprises, Quantitative Restrictions  and 
Domestic Support , etc. China also submitted 135 TBT notifications and 401 SPS notifications. 
China, in order to ensure that domestic policies comply with the WTO rules, created a trade policy 
compliance mechanism i n June 2014, nearly 1000 policies have been received for compliance 
assessment.  
2.46.   In this context, I would inform you that before this meeting, we submitted to the WTO 
Notification on Subsidies at Sub -central Government Level between 2001 and 2014, the first  of its 
kind since China joined this O rganization.  
2.47.   China has strictly implemented the WTO rulings. By the end of June 2016, China had been 
respondent to 22 WTO dispute settlement cases in terms of subject matter. For the 11 of them 
that had arrived at a ru ling by the panel and the Appellate Body, China had either implemented 
the rulings or reached mutually satisfactory solutions with the corresponding complainants within a 
reasonable period of implementation.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 8 - 
 
  2.48.   As China remains committed to giving full play t o the fundamental role of the multilateral 
trading system, it also continues to move forward bilateral and regional trade and economic 
cooperation. Since the last review, China has signed FTAs with Australia and the Republic of Korea,  
respectively. Both ag reements took effect on 20 December 2015.  
2.49.   With regard to the assumption of the Role as a Re sponsible Major Trading Nation, China has 
been advocating  a balanced approach to upholding principles and pursuing mutual benefit, China 
also acted in a very respons ible manner.  
2.50.   China has been the largest export market for the LDCs since 2008. On 10 December 2015, 
China began to apply zero import tariffs to 97% of the tariff lines in 33 LDCs that have diplomatic 
relations with China and we have completed the exchanges  of notes to that effect.  
2.51.   The G overnment of China has also responded actively to the WTO Aid for Trade Initiative. 
China contributed a total of US$900,000 to the China 's LDCs and Accessions Program me (China 
Program me as abbreviated ) in 2014 and 2015. Spon sored by this program me, the Third and 
Fourth Roundtable on WTO Accession for LDCs were held in Tajikistan and Kenya,  respectively. In 
particular, the Fourth Roundtable convened on the African continent was hailed as a very fruitful  
meeting  by the 26 parti cipating Ministers of the WTO Members. During the MC 10 in 2015, China 
donated another US$500,000 to the program.  
2.52.   China is an active champion of the South -South Cooperation. Over the past years, it has 
provided assistance of over 400 billion yuan to 166 co untries and international organizations. In 
2015, China launch ed the South -South Cooperation A ssistance Fund, and the Institute of 
South -South Cooperation and D evelopment has also been set up  to the benefit of the world 's 
development within China 's capabil ity. 
2.53.   Going forward, China will adhere to innovation -driven growth, stay committed to the 
development through opening -up, and unswervingly improve the  globally -oriented and 
business -friendly environment based on the rule of law. In the next five years, Chin a will work 
hard to maintain an economic growth rate of above 6.5%. The value of its imported goods will 
expectedly exceed US$10 trillion and China 's investment overseas will surpass US$600  billion.  
2.54.   China will continue to support and safeguard the multila teral trading system, and we will 
help push forward the DDA negotiation and help steer this important system of the WTO towards 
greater balance, win for all and inclusiveness.  
2.55.   With that I conclude my statement. And the whole of the Chinese delegation remains ready 
to listen to the comments and questions f rom the discussant and all the M embers  of the WTO . WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 9 - 
 
  3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  
3.1.  It is a great honor for me to be the discussant at this  sixth Trade Policy Review of China.  I 
would like to extend a warm wel come to the Chinese delegation, led by His Excellency Mr Wang 
Shouw en, Vice Minister of Commerce. I also wish to thank our Chinese colleagues in Geneva, 
Ambassador Yu and his team . And, of course, the excellent work of the WTO Secretariat .  
3.2.  I want to start  today by noting a number of areas where the WTO Membership has clearly 
identified positive messages about China 's performance since its last trade policy review:  
1) Members see China 's successful leadership of the G20 this year as further evidence of its 
commitment to th e multilateral trading system.  
2) Members have also praised China for ratifying the Trade Facilitation Agreement as well as 
pushing ahead w ith ambitious customs reforms.  
3) Whilst there are still problems regarding intellectual property, particularl y enforcement, 
Members have acknowledged that China has made improvements regar ding patent 
applications, and  
4)  Members have acknowledged that China is playing a leading role in promoting green 
technology and sustainable industries.  
3.3.  Looking more broadly , this Trade Policy Review of Chi na comes at an opportune time. China 
has set out ambitious economic and trade reforms in the 13th Five -Year Plan for National and 
Economic and Social Development (2016 -2020) as well as the reforms announced in the Third 
Plenum o f the 18th Chinese Communist Party  Central Committee Communiqué. Collectively , these 
reforms identified by China are designed to keep the economy growing at a medium to high level, 
improve the standard of livin g and improve the environment. This trade poli cy review provides 
opportunities to reflect on China 's progress against these aims and make constructive suggestions 
for impr ovements. Of course, for all WTO Members, economic and trade reform is effectively a 
never -ending story for Governments if they are  to deliver  successfully  the economic and 
developmental outcome s expected by their populations . 
3.4.  In my remarks as discussant I want to focus on three specific goals identified by China from a 
trade policy perspective. But b efore turning to these areas and q uestions , however, it is worth 
spending a minute to reflect on why China is so important to this House and why China has 
received more questions than any other Mem ber in Trade Policy Reviews.  
Why China matters  
3.5.  China matters and the strength of the Chinese economy impact s upon the prosperi ty of the 
Members in this room.  China is the world 's second largest economy, the largest on a purchasing 
power parity basis. Whilst China 's growth has slowed during the period under review , the economy 
is still growing stro ngly by global standards (GDP growth was 7.3% in 2014 and 6.9% in 2015).  It 
is the world 's largest trader as well as the world 's largest exporter.   
3.6.  Domestic consumption  in China  has been playing an increasingly important role in the growth 
of China 's econ omy. 2015 marked the first time ever that the services sector has accounte d for 
over 50% of China 's GDP. The growth in services has been at the expense of manufacturing, 
mining and power generation which, as a share of GDP, contracted by 5 perc entage point s over 
the period. Notwithstanding this, China, during the period under review, exported more to the 
world than ever before. Notwithstanding the fact that China is exporting more, the share of these 
exports as a percentage of GDP is shrinking.  
3.7.  Whilst China 's exports have grown during the period , its imports have contracted sharply in 
some mining related sectors.  The collapse of global energy, resources and minerals prices is 
driving down the value  of goods imported into China. Apart from energy and resource s however, 
every other category of goods imported into China grew during the period under review.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 10 - 
 
  3.8.  What does all this mean for China 's trading partners? China is transitioning to an economy 
based more on domestic dem and rather than foreign trade. Notwithsta nding this, China is still 
exporting more to the world, and with the ex ception of energy and resources , the wor ld is 
exporting more to China.  
3.9.  The extent to which this continues depends in part on  the economic growth of China. China 's 
ongoing economic growt h is critical in meeting its self -imposed development goals (which in turn 
will be a key dr iver of domestic consumption). At the National People 's Congress in March 2016, 
Premier Li reaffirmed the commitment to doubling per capita income from 2010 levels b y 2020, 
which requires a target of annual average growth of 6.5 % over the next five years. At the same 
time, Premier Li announced that the G overnment would lower the growth target, essentially a 
forecast, to a range of 6.5 to 7 %. In other words , China need s to maintain its phenomenal growth 
rate in order to meet its own social and development goals, which in turn w ill continue to foster 
win-win trade outcomes.  
3.10.   As already foreshadowed, I want to use my remaining comments to examine three trade 
related policy  settings in the Chinese economy that will be critical to the long term sustainability of 
this growth.  
Allowing markets to play a greater role in resource allocation  
3.11.   The close question relates to allowing markets to play a greate r role in resource allocati on. 
And this a llowing markets to play a greater role in resource allocation is identified as a reform goal 
in the Third Plenum of the 18th Chinese Communist Party  Central Committee Communiqué. 
China 's report also states  that: "China has committed itself to  building a new system of [an] open 
economy ". A very large share of questions from Members relate to issues surrounding, what is 
termed, "overcapacity ", in the iron, steel, heavy industry and  coal mining sectors of China. 
Overcapacity is essentially  when s upply outstrips demand. The OECD predicted that in the global 
steel sector the gap between the amount of steel that was produced globally in 2015 exceeded 
demand by 500 million tonnes.  
3.12.   Clearly , this is a global problem and the answer to this complex set of  issues doesn 't sit with 
China alone.  Notwithstanding this, China is the world 's largest producer of steel (amounting to 
almost half of global production) and China 's exports of steel have been increasing at an 
impressive rate (over 18% in 2015) against re ductio ns in its domestic production. Actions taken by 
China in this area  can have global repercussions.  China 's report recognizes overcapacity is an issue  
that it is seeking to manage. China states: it has focused on strengthening supply -side structural 
reform and completing the tasks in addressing overcapacity, reducing inventory, deleveraging, 
lowering costs, and bolstering areas of weakness . China a lso states in its report that the Chinese 
Government attaches great importance to …proactively dissolving e xcess and outdated production 
capacity in steel, cement, electrolytic alumin um and other industries of high energy consumption.  
3.13.   Specifically , China has, over the past three years, closed down "backward production 
capacities of over 90 million tonnes in iro n-making and steel production, 230 million tonnes in 
cement, more than 76 million weight cases in plate glasses and over 1 million tonnes in electrolytic 
aluminum ". Further , the Secretariat reports that local authorities and central departments are not 
allowed to approve any capacity ex panding projects in this area. This will be welcome news to 
Members who asked questions of China about the measures that it has, and is taking, to address 
the issue of overcapacity, closing down 90 million tonnes of steel mak ing production is roughly 
equivalent to closing down North American steel making production in one year (based on current 
levels of production - Source OECD).  
3.14.   Whilst Members will be encouraged by these reports from China, the answers from China 
reveal that these industry sectors are still very much managed by government intervention and 
WTO Members have a posed a range of specific questions, including about the establishment of 
new steel plants, and they have identified gaps in China 's WTO notifi cations cove ring these issues. 
In addition, while acknowledging some reforms, some Members have raised similar types of 
concerns about overcapacity in the cotton sector, as well as the distortionary impact of policy 
incentives applied to other agricultural pr oducts su ch as wheat and rice. It is a gainst this backdrop 
that Members would find it useful to hear what steps China has already taken to allow the market 
to play a greater role in allocat ing resources for these sectors. In addition , what are the steps that WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 11 - 
 
  China still needs to take to allow the market to play a greater role in resource allocati on in these 
sectors? What is a realistic timeframe to allow for the transition to a more market based model for 
these sectors?  
Elimination of  investment approvals in all are as except those involving national security 
and strategic resources  
3.15.   As China has grown rapidly and integrated more closely with the world economy through 
trade, it has also benefited from rapidly increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) flows. China is 
amongst the world 's largest recipients of f oreign direct investment flows.  Inward foreign direct 
investment has grown significantly, rea ching a record of more than US$ 127 billion in 2015. This 
gives China clearly a greater stake than ever in an open, predic table and transparent investment 
policy setting.   
3.16.   The Third Plenum of the 18th Chinese Communist Party Central Committee Communi qué 
states that it is a goal to e liminate investment approvals in all areas except those involving 
national sec urity and strate gic resources. Foreign investment conditions are set out in the 
Catalogue for the Guidance of Foreign Investment Industries. This catalogue lists the industries in 
which FDI is encoura ged, restricted or prohibited. The 2015 versio n of the catalogue feature s 
423 entries, 48 le ss than the previous catalogue.  The number of restricted sectors wa s reduced 
from 79 to 39. The 2015 edition of the Foreign Investment Catalogue lifts restrictions in several 
areas, including manufacturing of chemicals, pharmaceuticals and non -ferrous metals, but there 
remain barriers to investment in services, agricultu re and infrastructure. Concerns have been  
expressed by some Members about the frequency of changes to the Foreign Investment Catalogue 
and the level of specificity regard ing permitted investments.  
3.17.   Whilst the level of foreign investment into China is impressive, the question is really what 
the level of foreign investment could be if  the market was opened further?  This would undoubtedly 
help C hina to grow more sustainably. The Peo ple's Bank of China noted in it s Annual Report in 
2014 that aggregate debt levels were a thre at to growth. Cheap credit is one tool that China 
utilizes to stimulate  certain areas of the economy. Alternative sources of investment could make 
the sector  more competitive and sustainable.  
3.18.   China notes that it does have plans for the development of a national ne gative list for 
market access. Further to this , many Members, as well as my predecessor  as discussant , asked 
China questions regarding the expansion of negative lists for investment that are currently in 
operation in the Shanghai free trade zone, and during the period under review, have been 
expanded to also incorporate the Tianjin, Fujian a nd Guangdong free trade zones. When does 
China anticipate that  it will have in place a nationa l negative list for investment?  What steps will be 
taken to streamline the approvals process and transparency measure s for investments that require 
Government approval?  
Reforming the role of state -owned enterprises in the ec onomy  
3.19.   State -owned enterprises are a major feature of the Chinese economy. China notes in its 
report that  since the last review, China has continue d to deepen the reform of state -owned 
enterprises. From the Secretariat 's and China 's reports it is clear that  there are  reforms underway 
in this area.  Notwithstanding this, the preponderance of questions asked by Members on SOEs 
requested more concrete details of the SOE reforms, particularly in areas where Chinese SOEs 
were producing goods or services that compe te wit h Members ' goods and services. Other 
questions related to national treatment problems caused, purportedly, by the exemption from 
certain laws for SOEs that foreig n competitors were subject to. These issues were also raised by 
my predecessor as discus sant. I encourage China to provide more transparency, both within the 
WTO, but also within its  own economy about the su pport provided to SOEs.  It would also assist 
Members if China could provide more information on the pathway for reform for SOEs, includin g 
concrete details about future changes to the treatment of SOEs goods and services, in particular 
traded goods and services.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 12 - 
 
  Concluding r emarks  
3.20.   China 's continued growth and development is good  for both China and the world. China has 
made remarkable progre ss since first opening up in 1978 and since joining the WTO in 2001.  
3.21.   But many of the questions raised in this trade poli cy review also reveal an underlying  
tension.  
3.22.   On the one hand, policies are being followed by a country that is pulling its citizens out of 
poverty and into the middle class at one of the f astest rates in human history. GDP per capita in 
China since the last review period increa sed by an average of almost US$ 1100 over the period; an 
average increase of ove r 17% over the last two years. As a measure of development , this 
translated into higher minimum wages in 27 Chinese provinces which increased the minimum 
wage b y an average of 14.9% in 2015.  These are admirable achievements.  
3.23.   On the other hand , the fact that, as is the case with all major po wers, economic decisions 
taken domestically, and for domestic purposes in China can, in some circumstances, send ripples, 
and in some cases shockwaves around the world.  China 's size means that it need s to be cognizant 
of the impact  of its actions on other Members.   
3.24.   The large number of questions Members have put to China again during this review shows 
that its domestic actions can have signifi cant effects outside of China.  
3.25.   This tension is not new, my predecessor  at the last TPR of China  asked China the exte nt to 
which global repercussions of its actions (or inactions) are factored into the domestic policy 
making process.  This remains a key theme in many of the  questions that Members posed. The 
tenor of many of the questions suggests that these two policy goa ls need not, a nd often are not, 
contradictor.  Indeed , China 's status as the world 's largest trader has been, and will continue to be 
a key part of t he development story of China.  
3.26.   Moreover, the examples of reforming SOEs, improving foreign investment condit ions, and 
transitioning to a more market based economy are all emblematic of the challenges China fa ces. 
These examples also reveal that some of the Member 's core trade policy interests relating to China 
are:  
1) a desire for more transparency, both in the WT O but more importantly regarding the 
business environment on the ground in China;  
2) a greater role for the market to allocate resources: China is "blamed " rightly or wrongly for 
part of the overcapacity is sue because of the role of the S tate in man aging the se affected 
industries; and  
3) predictability and fairness when competing with SOEs; there is a perception that SOEs can 
be propped up when they are failing or simply have trading conditions that don 't conform to 
the principle of national treatment.  
3.27.   With thes e few observations as a discussant, I look forward to China 's responses to 
questions and wish it success in achieving its reform objectives.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 13 - 
 
  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S 
INDONESIA  ON BEHALF  OF ASEAN  
4.1.  ASEAN and the People 's Republic of China have strong and cordia l trade relations. China was 
ASEAN  first FTA partner, having signed the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic 
Cooperation between ASEAN and China in 2002, which later led to the signing of the Agreement on 
Trade in Goods, Agreement on Trade in Serv ices, and the Investment Agreement. These 
Agreements collectively established  the ASEAN -China FTA (ACFTA) in 2010. To ensure that ACFTA 
remains relevant for ASEAN and Chinese businesses, ACFTA is reviewed regularly, and the most 
recent ACFTA upgrade packag e was signed in November 2015. ASEAN and China are also currently 
involved in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations, which includes 
ASEAN and its 6 existing FTA partners.  
4.2.  Trade between ASEAN and China has expanded exponentiall y, with China becoming ASEAN 's 
largest trading partner in 2009. Since the entry into force of ACFTA, ASEAN -China trade has grown 
more than threefold in the last decade, from US$113 billion in 2005 to US$346 billion in 2015. 
China is also ASEAN 's fourth lar gest source of FDI, with accumulated inflow of FDI from China 
totalling US$33 billion from 2006 -2013.  
4.3.  China is undoubtedly an invaluable Member of the WTO and has participated actively in all 
areas. China 's constructive engagement and contributions, includ ing for the successful MC10 
Decision on Export Competition and the conclusion of the ITA Expansion in Nairobi, was much 
appreciated.  
4.4.  Some of the ASEAN members have submitted written questions to China and we thank China 
in advance for its written responses . We also express our thanks to H.E. Mr. Wang Shouwen, Vice 
Minister of Commerce and his delegation for your participation in today 's review, as well as to 
Ambassador Yu Jianhua for his constructive engagement with the ASEAN delegations here in 
Geneva.  
INDONESIA  
4.5.  We are pleased to be here today to participate in the Trade Policy Review of China. As one of 
the largest economies and trading entities in the world, China plays a critical role in the 
multilateral trading system.  
4.6.  In light of the trade policy revie w which we are commencing today, we note with positivity 
that China has performed well on its open and transparent economy. Indonesia commends the 
steady growth of China 's economy during the period under review.  
4.7.  China has shown its commitments to promote e conomic growth and job creation by engaging 
in negotiations to open up trade with its industrialized and emerging trade partners. In a world of 
global chains, China plays a prominent role which affects market access for services and 
investments as well as access to public procurement. Indonesia also commends the stronger role 
of China in promoting trade and investment liberalization through regional, sub -regional, and 
bilateral cooperation.  
4.8.  We also appreciate China 's contribution in the WTO forum and negoti ations, including on the 
remaining DDA issues.  
4.9.  At this opportunity, please allow us to share how both Governments have been engaging in a 
mutually -beneficial trade relationship. Although the value of trade has shown a decrease of 7.9%  
per annum in the last  three years, China remains Indonesia 's largest trading partner, with a deficit 
of about 7% to 14% per annum.  
4.10.   Indonesia 's export of non -oil products to China has shown a significant decrease at 18.4% 
per annum from 2012 to 2015, despite China still being o ur second largest export destination. 
China is also our most important source of non -oil products, albeit there was a slight decrease in 
value at 0.6% in the past three years.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 14 - 
 
  4.11.   In 2015, total trade between Indonesia and China reached US$44.4 billion, with I ndonesia 's 
export products to China dominated by agricultural products, such as palm oil and its fractions as 
well as chemical wood pulp. Meanwhile, Indonesia 's imports from China are dominated by 
electronic appliances, machineries, and semi -finished produ cts of iron.  
4.12.   Total investment by China in Indonesia in 2015 reached US$628.3 million and was ranked 
as the 9th largest foreign investment. The investment was allocated in over 1000 projects.  
4.13.   Through this forum, Indonesia would like to inform the delegates that the Indonesian 
Government recently established the One Stop Service for Investment as well as a new regulation 
related to tax. We hope that more investment from China will come to Indonesia in the coming 
years.  
4.14.   Aside from the strong and positive econo mic ties between Indonesia and China, we do find 
some trade and trade -related barriers that have become Indonesia 's concerns, such as import 
measures related to tropical fruits and other products. We believe that through this Trade Policy 
Review those issu es can be addressed. We have submitted a number of questions related to our 
concerns on China 's trade policies and practices. We will study the responses provided and hope 
that they will alleviate with our concerns.  
4.15.   Finally, I would like to conclude my rem arks by expressing once again my profound 
appreciation to China 's delegation for its hard work and wish China every success in its sixth TPR.  
4.16.   I would also like to take this opportunity to especially convey my sincere and personal 
appreciation to Ambassador  Yu Jianhua for his positive contribution to the WTO, including his 
tremendous effort s and outstanding work in the G 33 as well as other negotiating forum.  
AUSTRALIA  
4.17.   We welcome China 's submission to the WTO Trade Policy Review, which highlights the 
impressi ve economic changes  China has made since the last Trade Policy R eview in 2014 and the 
ambition that China ha s for greater economic liberaliz ation in the future.  
4.18.   The Australia -China economic and trade relationship continues to strengthen, with China 
now fi rmly entrenched as our largest trading partner and our fifth -largest  source of, and 
destination for  foreign direct investment (FDI).  
4.19.   The entry into force of the China -Australia Free Trade A greement (ChAFTA) in 
December  2015 further demonstrates that China is committed to continued trade  and investment 
liberaliz ation.  
4.20.   Australia recognizes that China 's profile in the global economy continues to rise and gives 
China an influential role among WTO Members. Australia encourages China to make a contribution 
to the  multilateral trading system commensurate with its economic weight.  
4.21.   Australia recogniz es China 's efforts over the review period regarding submission of 
notifications across a broad range of issues. Notwithstanding, Australia strongly encourages China 
to submit updated notifications as early as possible, particularly in relation to domestic support in 
agriculture.  
4.22.   Despite welcome progress, investment in China remains highly regulated. Foreign investors 
face barriers such as restrictions on foreign equity, b usiness scope limitations and other forms of 
regulation which place them at a considerable disadvantage relative to domestic investors. 
Australia looks forward to the opening of China 's investment environment, including through the 
adoption of a nation -wide negative list approach to foreign investment  that it has already signaled.  
4.23.   Moreover, differences between regulations at the national, provincial and local levels and a 
lack of transparency in enforcement create a difficult environment for foreign  and dom estic 
investors alike. Australia encourages China to continue to reform its trade and investment rules, 
including towards greater regulation on a national treatment basis and reducing contradictions and 
ambiguity between policy measures at different levels  of government.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 15 - 
 
  4.24.   Policy changes often occur with limited preparatory time. For example, the sudden 
announcement and rushed implementation of changes to China 's cross -border e -commerce 
taxation regime in April 2016 brought uncertainty for both Australian ex porters and Chinese 
consumers. We appreciate China 's delay to the introduction of import protocols. Australia 
encourages China to provide greater time and information prior to implementation.  
4.25.   Technical barriers to trade in agricultural products, some of wh ich appear to be more 
complex and trade restrictive than necessary, create additional challe nges for Australian exporters. 
Australia acknowledges and supports China 's efforts to improve food safety and we are committed 
to mee ting China 's new requirements. We encourage China to ensure its measures are consistent 
with international standards and guidelines and administrative requirements are streamlined 
where possible.  
4.26.   Australia also encourages China to continue its efforts to harmoniz e customs procedures and  
regulations across provinces and adopt international standards. China 's coal quality standards and 
testing procedures, introduced in January 2015, have created uncertainty and raised costs for both 
Australian exporters and their Chinese customers. We look  forward to exploring with China how to 
achieve greater certainty for coal producers.  
4.27.   Australia notes the significant measures undertaken during the current review period to 
improve the IP system and address concerns of IP rights holders, particularly around enforcement 
mechanisms. We strongly urge China to demonstrate its ongoing commitment through further 
improvements.  
4.28.   Excess capacity in some industries is hurting producers throughout the world. While the 
factors contributing to this are many, we encourag e China in its efforts to reduce overcapacity in 
heavy industries, particularly steel.  
4.29.   Australia notes there has been little change in China 's tariff structure since the last review 
and advocates that China streamlines its tariff structure or undertakes fu rther tariff reform. As 
subsidies are trade distorting, we would appreciate information on the level of any subsidies 
provided to firms.  
4.30.   Australia remains concerned about the level of restrictions that China places on its exports. 
Export taxes, quotas and licensing  are applied to a large number of tariff lines. Given China 's 
unique position in some of these markets these restrictions have the potential to affect global 
supply and prices.  
4.31.   Finally, I would again like to take the opportunity to express our ap preciation to China for its 
efforts to implement its WTO accession commitments and the significant progress it has made 
since the last review. We encourage China to continue to reform and liberaliz e its trade and 
investment environment to support continued  strong growth.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.32.   China 's accession to the WTO in 2001 brought on dramatic changes, both for C hina and its 
trading partners. China 's agreement to be bound by the internationally agreed rules of the WTO 
not only led to many significant revisions  to China 's trade and investment regime, but also 
generated a greater willingness in enterprises around the world to strengthen and expand trade 
and investment ties with China.  The re sults are plain to see.  For many years now, China has 
served as a key eng ine of growth for the global economy, and since 2013 it has assumed the ro le 
of the WTO 's largest trader.  Certainly, China benefits immensely from being part of the global 
trading system, and it is clear that China 's increased participation in that system also has had a 
tremendous and largely positive impact on China 's trade partners and the WTO as an institution.  
4.33.   At the time of China 's last Trade Policy Review, the United States and many other WTO 
Members remarked on several positive signs that China 's new ly installed leaders had decided to 
focus on re -energizing economic reform following a prolonged period in which China 's prior leaders 
had emphasized the state 's role in the economy, diverging from the path of economic reform that 
had driven its  accession to the WTO in 2001. China 's new leade rs had endorsed a number of 
far-reaching economic reform pronouncements – not the least of which was that the market shall WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 16 - 
 
  be "decisive " in allocating resources. Other positive policy statements followed, and it was cle ar 
that serious efforts were being made to realize needed economic reforms, even if the going was 
slow and difficult and frequently encoun tered bureaucratic resistance.  
4.34.   Over the past year, however, as growth in China 's economy has slowed, the United States  
has sensed an increasing reluctance among China 's economic plann ers to pursue further reforms. 
In addition, more and more U.S. enterprises have been expressing concern about a less welcoming 
business and regulatory enviro nment for foreign enterprises. We are hopeful that these 
developments are temporary and that once China becomes more comfortable with the "New 
Normal " of slower but still healthy economic growth, it will resume a trajectory toward an economy 
that is more open and market -oriented and a busi ness and regulatory environment that is more 
transparent, predictable and welcoming for foreign traders and investors.   
4.35.   In our view, a truly open and market -oriented economy and a truly transparent, predictable 
and welcoming business environment are  not a chievable so long as the S tate continues to have a 
heavy hand in the country 's economic development and the S tate continues to pursue industrial 
policies guiding, supporting and favoring domestic industries, particularly ones dominat ed by 
state-owned enter prises. Continued S tate intervention also will prevent China from realizing the 
prosperity that its people deserve, and can achieve, if domestic industries are allowed to compete 
on a level playing field where the market dictates outcomes, nor will China i tself be able to assume 
the role of a full -time responsible stakeholder  in the global trading system. State intervention will 
never be as efficient as the market in creating opportunities for real and sustained advancement, 
and it can lead to unintended re sults.  A clear example can b e found in the various Chinese 
Government measures supporting China 's steel and aluminum industrie s over the past several 
years. These measures fueled significant capacity expansion at times of weak or falling demand 
and contrib uted heavily to today 's severe global excess capacity.  
4.36.   As we consider the Secretariat 's report, we s ee several examples of Chinese G overnment 
policies that attempt to skew the playing field in  favor of domestic enterprises.  These include:  
China 's continu ed use of export quotas and export duties on a large number of raw material 
inputs; the manipulation of value -added tax rebates on exports of steel and a variety of other 
manufactured products; low tariff -rate quota fill rates for many bulk agricultural co mmodities 
despite strong demand for these commodities in the China market; and prohibitions on foreign 
investment in the production, distribution and exhibition of movies, even though China 's movie 
market is the second largest in the world and is projected  to become the largest m arket in only a 
few more years.  The "Made in China 2025 " initiative also  falls into this same category.  While many 
of its guiding principles are constructive and should help Chinese manufacturers better address the 
challenges they f ace, it also identifies domestic content goals, including the ultimate goal of 
increasing domestic content of core components and ma terials to 70% by 2025. These concerns 
and an array of other U.S. concerns, such as inadequate IPR protection and enforcemen t, 
discriminatory "secure and controllable " ICT policies, technology transfer initiatives, widespread 
and massive subsidization, trade remedy abuses, restrictions on services market access and 
problematic sanitary and phytosanitary measures, are described in detail in annual reports 
published by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.  
4.37.   Compounding the challenges underlying these various concerns is China 's failure to 
implement important transparency commitments that China made to the WTO membership whe n 
it acceded.  For example, in numerous instances, a Chinese regulator has issued a problematic 
measure without an opportunity for the public to comment on a draft of the measure and without 
the required ad vance notification to the WTO. China also committed  to make available in one or 
more WTO languages all laws, regulations and other measures pertaining to or affecting trade in 
goods, services, trade -related intellectual property rights or the control of foreign exchange; yet, 
China still does not routinely  make avail able the required translations.  China also has a poor 
record of notifying its subsidies.  
4.38.   The United States is working bilaterally with China to resolve these concerns through 
cooperat ive engagement where possible. We commend China for its willin gness to engage with us 
through numerous high -level dialogues, work ing groups and other meetings. We also value our 
relationships with China 's team here at the WTO and we lcome China 's work at the WTO. We 
welcome signs that China is attempting to become a m ore active leader.  China has notified its 
readiness to implement the  Trade Facilitation Agreement. China participated in the successful 
negotiations to expand the Information Technology Agreement, and we hope to see its WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 17 - 
 
  implementation of that important agr eement very soon. At the recent G20 Trade Ministers 
Meeting, China committed to the goal of concluding an ambitious, future -oriented Environmental 
Goods Agreement this year. This institution will increasingly depend on this kind of Chinese 
leadership, as W TO Members rightfully have high e xpectations of its top traders.  As one of those 
top traders, the United States is committed to working with China with a shared and consistent 
sense of responsibility.  
SWITZERLAND  
4.39.   On behalf of the Swiss Government, let me v ery warmly welcome the d elegation of Chi na, 
led by H.E. Vice -Minister Wang Shouwe n, to this TPR. I am glad that we can offer you some real 
summer weather these days here in Geneva, which you hopefully will be able to enjoy at least a 
little bit, in spite o f an unprecedented avalanche of written questions that have come your way.  
4.40.   China 's policy statement and the report by the Secretariat provide an impressive account of 
recent economic and trade policy developments as well as of continuing reforms and of ch allenges 
ahead, against a backdrop of uncertainties and still sluggish growth in the world economy.  
4.41.   We pa rticularly welcome the Chinese G overnment 's commitment and steps taken so far to 
promote innovation and green growth, to expand private -sector partici pation in the economy, to 
further develop the services sector, to reform state -owned enterprises, including by addressing 
over-capacities, to control off -budget spending and to pursue reforms of the exchange rate 
system. With respect to the latter, improve d transparency in determining the central parity rate 
would, in our view, be beneficial for enhanced market confidence.  
4.42.   Turning to trade and highlighting some issues contained in our questions, we note with 
satisfaction a further decline of anti -dumping pr oceedings. We would wish that this trend would 
also extend to the measures on chemicals products and the average length of application.  
4.43.   Export restrictions, especially export duties and quotas in agricultural and non -agricultural 
sectors to the extent main tained by China, are a matter of concern to Switzerland. We have asked 
a number of questions in this regard, would like to thank for the responses just circulated and will 
be studying these carefully.  
4.44.   We note the steps undertaken by China during the report ing period as part of ongoing 
efforts to strengthen the role and protection of intellectual property. We particularly welcome the 
creation of specialized IP courts and amendments to trademark protection and will be following 
with great interest their activ ity and impact on the ground.  
4.45.   With respect to government procurement, the Secretariat 's report shows the very significant 
part of local entities in the Chinese market. In the context of China 's accession process to the GPA, 
Switzerland recognizes the effor ts already undertaken by China to include more provinces and 
local entities in its revised offer. We hope to see similar steps following for stated -owned 
enterprises and in the area of services and look forward to a further improved offer this year.  
4.46.   Concer ning fossil fuel subsidies, we would like to commend the lead China has taken, 
together with the U nited States, in peer reviewing their respective policies, as part of efforts to 
meet the objective of the G20 to phase out inefficient subsidies  in this area . 
4.47.   Switzerland 's bilateral economic relations with China are excellent and have seen further 
robust trade growth since the last TPR on the basis of a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement that 
entered into force mid -2014, thereby reinforcing China 's position a s our largest trading partner in 
Asia and third globally, after the EU and the U nited States. During the reporting period, China for 
the first time also became the leading destination in Asia for Swiss investors in terms of FDI stock. 
More than 600 Swiss c ompanies are now established in China, with about 180 '000 employees.  
4.48.   Switzerland very much values the positive role of China in the WTO. We would like to 
underscore the contributions to two WTO Ministerial Conference s in a row that produced tangible 
outcom es for Members and the world economy, notably on trade facilitation, on agriculture and on 
a substantially expanded Information Technology Agreement. We also welcome the commitment 
by China and other G20 participants in the negotiations on an Environmental  Goods Agreement to WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 18 - 
 
  aim at the conclusion of an ambitious EGA by the end of this year, as expressed at the recent G20 
Trade Ministers Meeting in Shanghai.  
4.49.   Going forward, as the world 's top trading nation, China 's leadership and constructive 
engagement in t he WTO will be more important than ever if the Multilateral Trading System is to 
continue to play a central role and respond to the evolving needs of a multifacete d, globalized 
economy.  
4.50.   Let me conclude by expressing our delegation 's appreciation for the ve ry good cooperation 
with, and the highly professio nal work done here in Geneva by  Ambassador Yú Jiànhuà and his 
dedicated team, and wish China a very fruitful TPR.  
OMAN  
4.51.   Oman has long historical and friendly relations with China. Our bilateral trade has gro wn 
tremendously making China one of the major trading partners of Oman. We envisage further 
expansion and strengthening of our already strong economic and trade relations in the coming 
years.  
4.52.   We would like to congratulate China on its impressive economic d evelopment, despite 
numerous challenges. The GDP growth of China in 2014 stood at 7.3%, and the growth rate for 
2015 was 6.9%. These are high growth rates by any standard. In fact, China 's growth rates are 
among the highest in the world. It deserves high p raise for this achievement.  
4.53.   A remarkable feature of China 's economic growth is the performance of its financial 
intermediation sector which grew by 13% in 2014 and 23.2% in 2015. Remarkably, China has a 
current account surplus of US$330.6 billion, which re presents a 19.2% increase over the previous 
year and is equivalent to 3% of GDP.  
4.54.   Oman commends China on its progress in international trade. China is the World 's largest 
merchandise trader - excluding intra -EU trade. In terms of its performance in service s, China 's 
share of services in total exports has grown from 8.8% in 2013 to 12.3% in 2015. Total value of 
service export stood at US$222.2 billion and US$288.2 billion in 2014 and 2015 , respectively, 
showing a year -on-year growth of 7.6% and 9.2%. In 2014 , China 's trade in services ranked the 
second in  the world for the first time. China is thus a major player in world trade.  
4.55.   We are pleased to note that China is taking steps to streamline and review its domestic 
standards framework and that work has been c arried out to eliminate unnecessary standards. We 
also welcome the reform that China has undertaken in the area of accounting and disclosure 
standards. All these are commendable initiatives.  
4.56.   China is a very active Member of the WTO. It is a strong supporte r of the multilateral 
trading system and an active participant in the Doha Round trade negotiations. We hope China will 
continue its active engagement as an Article XII Member and to fulfill the WTO 's objective of 
liberalization and expansion of world trad e. 
MALAYSIA  
4.57.   Malaysia and China enjoy a close bilateral economic relation through the years. Despite the 
sluggish global demand, China was Malaysia 's largest trading partner in 2015, a position 
maintained since 2009. Trade with China accounted for 16% of Ma laysia 's total trade in 2015, 
which amounted to US$59 billion. This is an increase of almost 11% from 2014. In 2015, China 
was Malaysia 's largest source of imports valued at US$33 billion, an increase of 12% and second 
largest export destination. We certai nly look forward to a continuous upward trend.  
4.58.   The trend of Chinese investment in Malaysia has been very encouraging. There are more 
than 280 companies with Chinese interests operating in the manufacturing sector in Malaysia. It is 
also worth noting that, some of these companies have established their global trading 
headquarters in Malaysia. Malaysia also has significant investment in China in various sector s.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 19 - 
 
  4.59.   Close political and business exchanges continue at the highest level particularly under the 
Speci al Committee on Malaysia -China Bilateral Relations that was dedicated to strengthening 
economic and people relat ions between the two countries.  
4.60.   Regionally, Malaysia and China are building a comprehensive regional economic integration 
through the ASEAN -China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) as well as the Regional Comprehensive 
Economic Partnership (RCEP) which is being negotiated. Both countries view the fora as important 
platforms in building a regional value chain through econo mic and technical cooperation.  
4.61.   Notwithstanding China 's excellent track record, there are areas of concerns on China 's trade 
and investment policies. As an economic powerhouse, needless to say policies by the China have a 
far-reaching effect on the global economy and more so on developin g countries. One of the 
concerns of which we have previously raised both in this meeting and other bilateral and 
multilate ral interactions is on tariff. Malaysia observes that several commodities are subject to an 
interim tariff rates where in some cases, such tariff rates exceed the bound rates. We suggest that 
putting in place an appropriate mechanism would help to ensure monitoring of ad valorem 
equivalents of non -ad valorem rates not exceeding WTO bound commitments.  
4.62.   The reports being considered today d emonstrate that Chi na remains committed to a 
rules-based and transparent trading system. Malaysia also appreciates that China is committed to 
integrating the LDCs into the multilateral trading system through its significant contribu tion to the 
DFQF market access.  
4.63.   China is a key Member, both in the regular work of the WTO and in the DDA negotiations. 
We therefore look forward to a stronger leade rship by China and other major M embers in moving 
forward the Nairobi mandates and bring conclusi on to the remaining  DDA issues.  In this, we 
appreciate the role played by Ambassador Yu Jianhua and his team. We also look forward to the 
implementation of the expanded Information Tech nology Agreement by China soon.  
4.64.   We take this opportunity to thank the Chinese delegation f or responding to our questions 
and these are being examined at the Capital. In addition, we will also be submitting additional 
questions and we look forward to receiving the feedback.  
COLOMBIA  
4.65.   Today, as we also noted in our statement two years ago, China c ontinues to be one of the 
main drivers of the world economy and a major player in global trade. Its growth rates, while 
continuing a slow process of soft landing towards more stable and sustainable rates, remain high 
by world standards at levels above 6.5% . In addition, China is by far the world's largest trader, 
although imports declined slightly in the last year, primarily owing to the fall in the price of oil as 
well as other products.  
4.66.   We take a positive view of the fact that since 2013 China has engaged  in reforms to enable 
the market to play a more decisive function in setting the exchange rate. The yuan fluctuation 
band has been gradually widened and its flexibility against the US dollar has increased to 2%.  
4.67.   We should like to stress what the report men tions about the effort China is making to shift 
towards an economy based on innovation and creation of value added, in which knowledge is a 
priority.  
4.68.   We are also pleased to see that China plans to pursue the process of structural reform of its 
economy, whi ch includes boosting private sector participation in the economy and the reform of 
State owned enterprises. To this extent, we are pleased to note in the Secretariat report the 
significant progress made in the country's trade policy since the previous revi ew, including in 
particular:  
 extension of the regime created for the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone to other areas 
such as the Pilot Free Trade Zones of Guangdong, Fujian and Tianjin, pursuing the 
national strategy to deepen trade and investment reforms;  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 20 - 
 
   implementation of measures to improve the protection and enforcement of intellectual 
property rights;  
 introduction of changes to streamline assessment and approval procedures for 
investment projects;  
 greater trade facilitation through the implementation of new technologies and practices 
for the purpose;  
 more unilateral preferences granted to a significant number of LDCs;  
 reduction in the number of anti dumping investigations.  
4.69.   With regard to China's trade defence measures, including the anti dumping and safeg uards 
regime, it is worth saying that some questions raised during this review seek to clarify the 
operation of these rules.  
4.70.   Nevertheless, despite these and other advances, there are areas of concern for the WTO 
membership:  
 The continuing high level of Sta te involvement in the economy, which could create that 
might be amplified by the fact that State owned enterprises are not covered by the 
competition legislation. This is a point to which the final part of our questions refers.  
 Complexity and lack of trans parency of regulations, making it difficult to understand the 
sectoral policies applied.  
 The price control systems applied at both national and provincial level on products that 
China considers strategic.  
 The development of some new non tariff barriers, wh ich while pursuing a legitimate 
objective may affect exports from countries such as Colombia.  
 Lack of clarity as to the amount of government subsidies and aid granted to exports, 
domestic production and different economic sectors, to the detriment of exter nal 
competition, and late notifications in this area.  
4.71.   With regard to this last point, Colombia's questions seek more clarity as to the way in which 
China says it is improving its agricultural subsidy policy, and we shall carefully review the replies 
that C hina gave us yesterday on this question.  
4.72.   We are aware of China's status as a developing country, and also of the size of its economy 
and its capacity for financial leverage, especially with respect to subsidies. In this context, we see 
that its policy of s ubsidies and State aids should, as it says in the final part of its report, embrace 
"the spirit of solidarity, discard zero sum practices, and promote practices to rise up to the 
common challenges of all the membership". In so doing China will contribute t o enabling all of us 
to grow on the basis of global trade.  
4.73.   Along these lines, we once again urge China to continue along this path of growth, by 
successfully implementing its domestic development policies in line with the principles of 
predictability of th e multilateral trading system and of solidarity with the rest of the developing 
world, which also needs fair trading conditions.  
4.74.   For China, 2011 was "the year of the Colombian writer and Nobel Prize winner Gabriel 
Garcia Márquez", and in his honour, in 201 4 in Beijing, during 24 hours non stop 300 people read 
"100 Years of Solitude", one of the best known Colombian books worldwide. This year, China 
welcomed Colombia with a monumental exhibition of the works of the Colombian painter and 
sculptor Fernando Bot ero in Shanghai. China is Colombia's second trading partner, with a bilateral 
trade of about US$12 billion in 2015. As at April of this year, our statistics indicate that we have 
bought over US$2.3 billion in goods, but China has only bought US$300 million  from us. In WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 21 - 
 
  Colombia, we should like China to welcome our trade with the same enthusiasm as it has been 
welcoming our culture for many years.  
4.75.   Finally, Colombia wishes China a fruitful trade policy review, from which we hope 
recommendations and suggestions  will flow that may be put to good use in the future.  
MEXICO 
4.76.   We have all mentioned that, in terms of purchasing power, China has the largest GDP in the 
world and that, while it is continuing to grow very fast, the rate has recently slowed. This has 
obvious ly created problems within China's borders, but also beyond them, so that the reforms 
which have been introduced and to which Deputy Minister Wang Shouwen has referred are most 
welcome. Nevertheless, we believe that the structural reforms have to go furthe r, in order to 
enable the market to play a leading role.  
4.77.   I should like to point out that one of the problems that the slowing growth rate in China has 
brought is the emergence of large excess capacity in various sectors, steel, aluminium, cement, 
etc., whi ch has been coming onto world markets and distorting them. This is something that has 
caused prices to fall and has created major problems in many countries such as my own.  
4.78.   While the Secretariat report recognizes that China has taken some steps to resolve this 
problem, these have not been sufficient to discourage the excess capacity of projects that are 
currently being implemented, and we therefore repeat that greater efforts are needed to carry out 
reforms aimed at eliminating governmental market distortin g policies that favour or maintain 
excess capacity.  
4.79.   China is Mexico's second trading partner; we import US$70 billion from China and imports 
have grown very rapidly. This has been helped by the fact that Mexico has unilaterally reduced on 
an MFN basis its tariffs on inputs and we have benefited from inputs from China. Thus, between 
2008 and 2015, the value in US dollars of imports of Chinese goods in Mexico doubled, rising from 
US$34.7 billion to US$70 billion, while the value of Mexican exports to China ov er this period 
increased by about 140%.  
4.80.   In Mexico we have not raised tariffs to protect industries; on the contrary, we have lowered 
them. Both of our countries, China and Mexico, are part of the same global value chains, which 
makes us complementary in ma ny areas. I think this is something that should serve as an 
example here in the WTO.  
4.81.   China has a very enviable ranking in the World Bank 2016 Doing Business Report, at 
seventh place. However, in some sectors it has problems to which solutions must be found . For 
example, it ranks 176th for building permits, and is also among the highest in terms of 
telecommunications and information industries.  
SINGAPORE  
4.82.   Singapore fully associates itself with the ASEAN statement delivered by Indonesia . 
4.83.   Singapore and China en joy longstanding bilateral economic ties,  underpinned by strong 
trade and investment fl ows. China has been Singapore 's largest trading partner since 2 013, with 
bilateral trade totaling S$124 billion last year. This was 14% of Singapore 's total global trade . 
China also continues to be  the top investment destination for Singapore bus inesses. Singapore 's 
cumulative investments in China amounted to US$80 billion l ast year. These investments are also 
becoming more diversified in terms of geogr aphy and sectors. S imilarly, as Chinese companies "Go 
Global ", we see t heir numbers in Singapore grow, increasing over seven -fold between 2000 and 
2015. 120 of these companies are listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange.  
4.84.   The China -Singapore FTA (CSFTA) i s a cornerstone of our  economic relations. CSFTA is 
continually being reviewed, with a view to adapt the FTA to changing business needs. CSFTA 
Upgrade negotiations were launched last November, and will include discussions in ar eas such as 
trade facilitation, investment, service s and other new -generation  issues, such as e -commerce and WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 22 - 
 
  environment. Singapore looks forward to working closely with China so as to complete the 
Upgrade negotiations by end -2016.  
4.85.   As the world 's largest trader, China plays a crucial role in international trade. We commend 
the Chinese G overnment 's initiative to "adapt to, grasp and guide the new normal in China 's 
economic dev elopment, while making progress and maintaining stability ". We note from the  
Government report that despite challenges associated with  the "new normal ", China 's economy 
has contributed to over 25% of global economic growth last y ear. The Chinese G overnment has 
also highlighted the reforms and initiatives it has undertaken and will continue to see through. This 
is a positive signal for Ch ina's trading partners of China 's commitment to continually improve its 
business environment, trade and investment policy regime, amidst future challenges.  
4.86.   Singapore welcomes reforms carried out und er China 's 13th Five -Year Plan, such as 
measures to enhanc e cross -border  e-commerce, simplified customs clearance, pre -establishment 
national treatme nt and negative list management system. We continue to monitor developments  
in the three new pilot FTZs in Guangdong, Tianjin and Fujian provinces  with interest. We also 
welcome China 's Trade in Services Innovation Pilots, which would be u seful in introducing 
structural reforms to enhance the comp etitiveness of China 's services sectors. Finally, Singapore 
welcomes the "Belt a nd Road " initiative, which will encourage d eeper economic integration and 
infrastructural cooperation between countries in the region, including Southeast Asia. Collectively, 
these reforms and initiatives present opportunities for greater economic cooperation. Singapore 
looks forward to participate  meaningfully in China 's next phase of growth.  
4.87.   At the WTO, we recogniz e and  commend China 's commitment and contributions to the 
multilateral trading system. During the period under review, China has made improvements to its 
Competi tion, IPR and Services re gimes. China has ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement and 
was party  to the recently concluded ITA2. We also welcome the decre ase in anti -dumping 
measures in place. Given China 's major role in the internat ional trade, it is all the more important 
that China continues its pursuit of prog ressive policies and adheres to its WTO obligations. We 
encourage Chin a to ensure that its ad valorem  equivalents of non -ad valorem  rates do not exceed  
its bound rates. We urge China to provide timely and up -to-date notif ications to the WTO, 
especially in areas such as SPS, TBT and domestic support. Transpa rency and the provision of such 
information is necessary to a predictable tr ading environment. We also look forward to China 's 
implementation of its ITA2 commitments as agreed to by our Ministers in Nairobi, and to 
welcoming China as o ne of the Parties to the GPA in the near future.  
4.88.   Our delegation has always enjoyed excellent working relations and cooperation with 
Ambassador Yu 's very capable team in Geneva. We look forwa rd to continuing this, in our common 
goal of upholding the multilateral trading system. We wish China a successful sixth Trade Policy 
Review.  
NEW  ZEALAND  
4.89.   The reports from the G overnment of China and the Secretariat demonstrate China 's success 
in achieving significant economic growth since the last Trade Policy Review of China in 2014. While 
growth has slowed since 2013, real GDP gro wth rates remain at around 6.5% -7% a year, 
supported by strong domestic demand.  
4.90.   The trade relationship between New Zealand and  China is underpinned by the 2008 Free 
Trade Agreement (FTA). The FTA has supported strong growth in two -way trade in goods, growing 
from $8.6 billion in 2008 to $18 billion in 2015. China has become New Zealand 's largest export 
market for goods, and in re cent years New Zealand 's partnership with China has expanded into 
non-traditional areas, such as the creative sector, science and technology, and e -commerce. Trade 
in services (particularly education and tourism) a re continuing to grow strongly.  As a resul t, we 
are seeing an increasingly vibrant and dynamic trade relationship, which we look to further 
broaden and deepen.  
4.91.   In light of the important role it plays in the global economy as a whole, and its significance 
to global trade flows in particular, New Z ealand looks to China to continue to play a leadership role 
in the WTO. Given the stake which China has in the continued integrity and effectiveness of the 
WTO rules based multilateral trading system, we look to China to exercise leadership as the WTO WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 23 - 
 
  memb ership works towards determining a package of outcomes from the 11th WTO Ministerial 
meeting to be held in 2017.  
4.92.   New Zealand welcomes China 's ongoi ng commitment to trade liberaliz ation and economic 
reform in a fast -changing, complex environment. New Zeala nd considers it crucial that China 
continue to pursue these goals, despite challenges that may arise. We appreciate this opportunity 
to seek clarification from China on aspects of its trade and economic policies and we have posed a 
number of questions that  we look forward to hearing China 's responses to.  
4.93.   New Zealand welcomes China 's recent notifications to the Committee on Subsidies and 
Countervailing Measures regarding its support programmes, and encourages China to continue this 
effort towards greater tra nsparency in line wi th its commitments to the WTO. We are also pleased 
that China is committed to an ongoing process of reforming its agricultural subsidy policies. We 
look forward to updated notifications in this area.  
4.94.   More generally, we understand the i mportance of the agricultural sector and food security to 
China, and continue to work in partnership with China to s hare expertise in these areas. As 
productivity in this sector continues to rise we expect that the level of trade distorting subsidies 
will be reduced.  
4.95.   New Zealand remains concerned about subsidies made available to the fisheries sector in 
China, which contribute t o overcapacity and overfishing.  China exercised welcome leadership in 
APEC in 2014, which included the issuing of the Xiamen Ocean -Related Ministerial Declaration.  In 
line with this Declaration and the more recent UN SDG Target 14.6 we encourage China to 
eliminate, and support multilateral prohibitions on, such harmful subsidies and we look forward to 
updated notifications in this are a.  
4.96.   Fossil fuel subsidy reform is an area of increasing importance for all Members. Removal of 
these subsidies reduces distortions and enhances trade flows, as well as improves the 
environment. New Zealand welcomes China 's continuing support for the G20 's agenda and 
commitments on this important topic, being one of the first countries to undergo a G20 peer 
review of its fossil fuel subsidies. We strongly encourage other G20 members to volunteer for peer 
review in order to increase policy transparency and sh are lessons learned.  
4.97.   As a major food and beverage exporter, New Zealand has a strong interest in China 's 
regula tions affecting these sectors. Given the potential impacts to New Zealand of changes to 
these rules, we remain committed to working with China t o understand any new regulations as 
fully as possible. New Zealand values its cooperative relationship with China on import/export 
requirements and food safety regulatory matters, and is committed to continuing to work with 
China to enhance their efficienc y and effectiveness.  
4.98.   New Zealand is interested in the progress of economic reforms in China, including the 
progress of state -owned enterprise reform, announced by the Chinese government in late 2015.  
4.99.   New Zealand commends China for its plans to adopt the negative list system for market 
access by 2018. We understand that in March 2016, a Draft Negative List for Market Access was 
put into trial use in Tianjin, Shanghai, Fujian, and Guangdong. We look forward to hearing further 
detail from China on the pilot trials, including the lessons learned so far.  
4.100.   New Zealand is a strong supporter of WTO transparency mechanisms such as Trade Policy 
Reviews. These instruments play an essential role in allowing Members to better understand and 
review the polic ies and pract ices of other WTO M embers. In this context, we continue to encourage 
China to ensure the effective use of transparency mechanisms within the WTO, including through 
continuing its efforts to ensure that its notification obligations are fulfilled in a timely  way. 
JAPAN  
4.101.   As China is one of the most important players in world trade, Japan expects China to make 
an even greater contribution to the multilateral trading system through fair and transparent trade 
policies.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 24 - 
 
  4.102.   Japan highly commends China 's active particip ation in various negotiations including the 
EGA and the GPA.  
4.103.   In particular, the ongoing EGA negotiations are important for their positive impact on the 
environment, an area that China has placed high priority on. We hope that China will take an even 
more a ctive role in order to conclude the negotiations in accordance with the timeline set out in 
the G20 Trade Ministers ' Meeting Statement.  
4.104.   Japan also appreciates China 's efforts to join the GPA. Japan hopes that China will continue 
its reforms of domestic sys tems including state -owned enterprises, and provide a higher quality 
offer.  
4.105.   Now I would like to touch upon some specific issues.  
4.106.   First, in regard to subsidies and state -owned enterprises, Japan expects China to 
implement notification about subsidies includ ing those provide by local governments; to make 
activities of state -owned enterprises and government assistance provided to them more 
appropriate; and to provide information about the upcoming process and timeframe of 
state-owned enterprise reforms.  
4.107.   Second , on China 's AD measures, in terms of the transparency of investigation procedures, 
Japan expects China to make its AD measures conform with the reports of the panel and the 
Appellate Body.  
4.108.   Third, in regard to intellectual property, Japan encourages China to continue its efforts 
towards improving its legal system, by implementing measures to counteract international 
counterfeit goods and protect well -known trademarks. Japan also hopes that China will relax 
restrictions related to contracts on the internatio nal transfer of technology.  
4.109.   Fourth, in terms of import tax on hand baggage, while Japan welcomes Chinese tourists 
enjoying shopping in Japan, China increased the rate of import tax on personal effects in April. 
Japan understands that import tax on personal  effects is composed of customs duty, import value 
added tax and consumption tax. However, in the case of certain products, the new rates of import 
tax on personal effects appear to exceed the aggregate amount of customs duty, import value 
added tax and co nsumption tax. Japan requests China to provide details on the measure to clarify 
its consistency with the WTO agreement.  
4.110.   In addition to those specific issues, Japan has submitted written question son various 
topics such as domestic standards and encryption  requirements related to cyber security 
measures, regulations on cosmetics, the proposal for revision of China 's standardization law, and 
regulation on circulation of foreign audio visual content. We intend to carefully examine the 
responses received and, if necessary, will submit additional questions. We would appreciate 
China 's continued co -operation.  
4.111.   Finally, we would like to briefly comment on the issue of oversupply capacity. Japan 
understands that this is an important issue to be addressed at the next  National People 's 
Congress. Although we welcome China 's efforts in this regard, the oversupply capacity on iron and 
steel has negatively impacted the global market. Japan expects the Chinese Government to take 
necessary actions to resolve these issues in accordance with the agreement reached at the recent 
G20 Trade Ministers ' meeting.  
4.112.   To conclude, Japan stands ready to work with China, and appreciates the opportunity to 
participate in this review of China 's trade policy.  
THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU  
4.113.   Since the last Trade Policy R eview in 2014, China has adopted and brought into play its 
stated policy of making progre ss while maintaining stability.  It has applied new approaches to the 
challenge of making adjustments to it s macro economy, taking into consideration all the various 
needs, such as stabilizing growth, promoting reform, restructuring, improving peoples ' livelihoods, 
and reducing risks, through a development strategy driven by innovation.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 25 - 
 
  4.114.   Although China remains t he world 's largest international  trader (not counting intra -EU 
trade), its foreign trade, and imports in particular, lost considerable momentum over the review 
period, in contrast to the strong development that was high lighted in the previous review.  Over 
the next few years, through its process of structural reforms, China is aiming to attain a "New 
Normal " state of development, characterized by increasing ly more service - and 
technology -oriented growth, but with a lower average rate of economic growth overa ll.  Given 
China 's major role in global trade and its potential effect on trade patterns, this has important 
implicati ons for the rest of the world. All the more reason, therefore, that China should be 
encouraged to ensure the transparency of its relevant measures, and their conformity with WTO 
rules.  
4.115.   In our written questions submitted in advance we are seeking further clarification of certain 
aspects of China 's policy direction and approach. We thank China for its responses, which we shall 
examine very car efully.  
4.116.   I will just mention here, if I may, a few aspects where we have particular interests or 
concerns.  
4.117.   Firstly, with China 's active participation, the expansion of the Information Technology 
Agreeme nt (ITA) was concluded in 2015.  We strongly urge China  to implement its commitments as 
agreed at the MC10 as soon as possible.  
4.118.   Secondly, China, along with other WTO Members, launched in 2014 the negotiations on the 
Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA), to explore various opportunities for the trade 
liberalizat ion of environmental goods within the WTO framework. We noted that the G20 Trade 
Ministers gathered in Shanghai two weeks ago expressed a strong political will to conclude the 
negotiations to eliminate tariffs on a broad range of environmental goods by the  end of this year. 
We hope to see China play an ambitious and constructive role in the EGA negotiations in the 
future.  
4.119.   Thirdly, on its accession to the WTO in 2001, China made its commitment to join the 
Governmen t Procurement Agreement (GPA). We hope China  will further strengthen its efforts to 
accede to the GPA at the earliest possible time.  
4.120.   Fourthly, according to its current regulations, China requires foreign exporters to apply for 
three certificates to export cosmetics to China, which take a great  deal of time to get approved. 
We believe it would be mutually beneficial if some simplified measures could be implemented to 
streamline the applications process.  
4.121.   Fifth, we also have some concerns over the relevant local content required of companies 
applying f or funding under the Renewable Energy Development Special Fund.  
4.122.   Sixth, we have reason to question whether foreign conformity assessment bodies, such as 
testing laboratories and certification bodies located inside and outside China, are authorized and 
desig nated on an equal basis by China to undertake the testing and certification of products.  
4.123.   And, last, but not least, we have asked China for further details of the subsidies provided 
to SMEs that participate in overseas solar -power plants, R&D, and other op erations.  
4.124.   Aside from these specific points, in general we r emain hopeful that the Chinese 
Government will attempt to accelerate the ongoing deep and comprehensive reform of its 
economic systems.  
4.125.   Finally, if I may touch briefly on our bilateral trade and investment relationship . We have 
very close and long -standing economic ties with China.  China is currently our largest trading 
partner and the primary destinati on for our overseas investment.  In 2015, the value of our 
bilateral trade was around US$160 bill ion, while our new investment in China increased by some 
US$11 billion in the same year. It is evident, therefore, that our trade and investment have been 
influential in China 's overall economic development.  What we would like to see in the future 
probably  most of all is China continuing to pursue a yet more transparent and open -door trade 
regime.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 26 - 
 
  CHILE  
4.126.   My country attaches great importance to its bilateral relations with China. In 1970, Chile 
was the first South American country to establish diplomatic rela tions with China, and therefore 
this year we are celebrating 46 years of fruitful cooperation in a very wide range of fields.  
4.127.   In addition, this year marks the tenth anniversary of the Agreement on Free Trade in 
Goods between our two countries, which entere d into force on 1 October 2006.  
4.128.   This agreement is a very important milestone in our trading relationship with China, which 
is today our biggest partner.  
4.129.   We should also highlight the boost given to our trade relations by the entry into force of 
the Suppleme ntary Agreement on Trade in Services in 2008 and 2010, respectively, while the 
Supplementary Agreement on Investment entered into force in 2014.  
4.130.   As mentioned, China is currently Chile's biggest trading partner. In 2015, trade between 
our two countries tota lled US$30,944 million, representing 24.8% of Chile's foreign trade.  
4.131.   Over the period 2009 2014, our trade grew at an average annual rate of 20%, while 
exports to China grew at an annual average rate of 7.2%.  
4.132.   We have a close relationship not only bilaterall y but also multilaterally; we participate 
jointly in major international organizations and forums such as the WTO, APEC and FEALAC. We 
also highlight China's participation as an observer in the Pacific Alliance.  
4.133.   Since joining the WTO, China has become a ke y actor in this Organization. This role has 
also led it to assume great responsibilities when it comes to achieving concrete results in the 
negotiations.  
4.134.   As mentioned in the Secretariat report, China is the world's biggest trading entity 
(excluding trade a mong EU countries), although in the review period its trade slowed considerably, 
particularly as regards imports, unlike the situation of the previous review.  
4.135.   It is to be welcomed that China is continuing with the process of structural reform of its 
econom y, by increasingly promoting private sector participation, advancing in the reform of State 
owned enterprises (although maintaining the preponderance of public ownership), tax reform, 
financial sector reform, facilitation of customs procedures to make them  more efficient, along with 
other efforts to facilitate trade and investment.  
4.136.   However, it is also to be noted that China continues to apply a series of trade restrictive 
measures, such as export taxes, export prohibitions, import restrictions, and price co ntrols for 
certain products and services, among others.  
4.137.   Chile understands and appreciates the efforts China is making in its reform process and the 
challenges it faces as a major actor in the world economy. We trust that it will continue advancing 
in this reform process.  
4.138.   Lastly, we thank China for its replies to our questions, and wish it every success in this 
sixth trade policy review.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.139.   China 's development since joining the WTO more than 14 years ago has been remarkable. 
It shows the enormous  benefits that China has reaped from being  part of the multilateral 
rules-based trading system, but also the continued importance for China to benefit from an open 
system.  
4.140.   China is the most important trading partner for many of the Members gathered here t oday. 
In a world in which we are increasingly interdependent, China 's actions and policies have 
tremendous implications for the rest of the world. This brings with it increasing responsibility.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 27 - 
 
  4.141.   In its report, China describes a number of its policies and re forms, designed to meet the 
needs of a new phase of economic development, in line with the 13th 5 -Year Plan. While the EU 
commends China for its ambition to carry out reforms that aim at letting the market play a 
decisive role in the allocation of resource s, we are somewhat concerned with the pace these 
reforms are taking.  
4.142.   While acknowledging that China has taken important steps – on financial reforms, utility 
prices, fiscal policy and free -trade zones – we find that some essential reforms have not yet tak en 
place. We also see a tendency of China to backtrack on some of the promised reforms.  
4.143.   This is the case with a number of recent legislative initiatives that introduce, or plan to 
introduce, new restrictions on foreign operators in China. New laws and mea sures on foreign 
investment, national security, NGOs and cybersecurity all contain elements that go against market 
opening and principles of transparency. The long -awaited Guidelines for the reform of State Owned 
Enterprises barely entailed any actual open ing - and they certainly do not involve giving the 
market forces a significant role.  
4.144.   Furthermore, while recogni zing China 's very legitimate ambition to transform and upgrade 
its economy, initiatives such as "Made -in-China 2025 " raise some concerns regardin g potential 
trade barriers for foreign companies, for example as regards local content requirements and 
discriminatory elements.  
4.145.   Regarding overcapacity, the EU welcomes the first steps that China is taking as part of the 
global world -wide effort to curtai l overcapacity in the steel sector. However, given the extent of 
the problem, we consider that they will not be sufficient to ensure the long -term sustainability of 
the industry. Given China 's key role in the global steel market, it is essential to transla te 
announced plans into ambitious, substantial, verifiable and time -bound net reductions to adapt to 
domestic and international demand. The EU also strongly encourages China to join the global effort 
undertaken in margin of the High Level Meeting on steel held in April 2016 and to put in place the 
Global Forum.  
4.146.   In this regard, the EU welcomes the outcome of the G20 Trade Ministers ' Meeting to 
collectively address overcapacity with attention to subsidies and other support, with enhanced 
communication and coo peration, and effective steps to enhance market function and encourag e 
adjustment. We therefore look  forward to working with China to advance discussions on subsidies 
in multiple fora, including in the Rules Negotiating Group.  
4.147.   Since its entry into the WTO , China has been increasingly engaged and has gradually 
stepped up its participation. It is fair to say that China 's stance in the WTO is one of a strong 
believer in multilateralism. At the same time, China can and should do more in taking a more 
leading ro le in the multilateral trading system, further deepening its engagement in the WTO, and 
to assume greater respo nsibilities in this Organiz ation, in line with its size and the benefits it draws 
from the system. In particular, we expect China to play a const ructive role in the Post -Nairobi 
discussion, including on new issues. We welcome China 's participation in plurilateral initiatives 
which are an increasingly important feature of the system, and call on China to implement the 
expanded Information Technology  Agreement and constructively contribute to the conclusion of 
the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA) this year. We also encourage China to accelerate the 
process leading to its accession to the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) by presenting a 
substa ntially improved market access offer before the end of the year.  
4.148.   The EU wishes to remind China that it does not fully comply yet with its commitments 
under the 2001 Protocol of Accession in a number of areas, such as price controls, transparency 
and notif ications.  
4.149.   Transparency is an essential principle of the WTO system, and one of the areas where 
China still needs to improve its record, for instance by publishing all trade -related laws and 
measures, translating them in one or more WTO languages, and ensu ring proper stakeholder 
consultations, within a reasonable time -frame.  
4.150.   Additional efforts are also needed on notifications. We acknowledge China 's efforts in 
catching up and understand from China 's presentation this morning that China has just submitted WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 28 - 
 
  a notification of its central and sub -central subsidies which we will examine carefully. We further 
note that China has not submitted its notifications on domestic support on agriculture since 2011. 
The EU calls on China to submit its outstanding notificatio ns without further delay.   
4.151.   Foreign direct investment is an essential driver of growth and development. While t he EU 
recogniz es that China has taken steps to further open up to foreign investors, considerable market 
access barriers still persist. We would welcome a more ambitious opening a nd a more level playing 
field.  
4.152.   The adequate protection of intellectual property rights is fundamental for FDI attraction 
and the operation of businesses. We commend the efforts made by China but  we urge China to 
intensify  its efforts – in particular with regards to enforcement, including the fight against 
counterfeiting and copyright piracy. And as China aims to upgrade its economy and attract FDI, 
the question of forced technology transfer becomes more pressing.  
4.153.   Lastly, E U companies are still faced with lengthy and often unclear import procedures for 
vegetable and animal products. Furthermore, while the EU praises China for the ongoing reform of 
the Food Safety Law, EU companies still have concern about its implementation and notably on 
rules related t o food production and trading.  
4.154.   As one of its top traders, the European Union looks forward to working with China with a 
shared sense of responsibility, both in the negotiations and in how we approach the adherence to 
the impor tant disciplines of the WTO.  
EL SALVADOR  
4.155.   Trade relations between El Salvador and China have been strengthening since 2014.  
4.156.   Salvadoran exports grew by 663% in 2015, and China is ranked tenth as a destination for 
our exports.  
4.157.   Likewise, imports from China hav e also been growing steadily, and China is now our third 
origin of imports. El Salvador's main exports to China are sugar, raw coffee, aluminium, inputs for 
the plastic products industry and articles of clothing, while the main import products included 
mobile telephones, fertilizers, polyethylene, iron and steel products, footwear, fabrics and tyres.  
4.158.   With a view to promoting trade between our two countries, the Third Trade Fair of the 
People's Republic of China was held in San Salvador from 27 to 29 Novembe r 2015. It contributed 
to strengthening trade links and also resulted in visits of potential investors interested in investing 
in our country.  
4.159.   Against this background, my Government and the private sector are very confident that 
trade relations between our  two countries will further strengthen in the future.  
4.160.   With respect to China's trade policy, we think it is important to stress the efforts launched 
by the Government of President Xi Jinping under the Thirteenth Five Year Plan (2016 2020), which 
aims to pur sue the process of structural reform of the economy, which includes promoting private 
sector participation in the economy and the reform of State owned enterprises, promoting 
competition, tax reform, financial sector reform to enhance private capital parti cipation in banking 
and the broadening of the supply of financial services, and the adoption of largely market based 
exchange and interest rates.  
4.161.   In the multilateral negotiations at the WTO, both China and El Salvador, as members of the 
G 33, have been act ively participating and promoting initiatives on agriculture that take account of 
the needs of developing countries.  
4.162.   Looking forwards, it is to be noted that China has stated that in the coming years, and 
through the structural reform process, it intends t o achieve a "New Normal", characterized by 
lower economic growth that is increasingly oriented towards services and technology. This will 
have consequences for the rest of the world through the impact it could have on trade patterns, as WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 29 - 
 
  the Secretariat rep ort indicates, taking into account that China is one of the main players in 
multilateral trade  
UKRAINE  
4.163.   More than thirty years ago China launched economic reforms that transformed the country 
and its place in the world. Today , China is a global player with important role in the world 
economic and trade arena. The country 's vision of cooperation with its partners is reflected in the 
One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative announced in 2013 by China. Ukraine is interested in the 
participation in this so called "the Silk Road " initiative. Inclusion of Ukraine in this project will 
create great development potential and mutual economic benefits, open new investment 
opportunities for both our countries.  
4.164.   This December , China will mark its 15th anniversary of being a WTO Member. Since joining 
the WTO in December 2001 , China has been actively participating in the multilateral negotiations 
on wide range of issues within the organization.  
4.165.   As one of the Recently Acceded Member , Ukraine is looking forward to working further 
together with China within the WTO towards a successful conclusion of the Doha Round. In 
particular, China 's position on conclusion of the Round in accordance with its mandate should be 
given due consideration.   
4.166.   Bilaterally, China is a very important partn er of Ukraine and mutual cooperation of our 
countries covers different spheres of interest: economy, trade, investment, science etc. Our 
economic cooperation with China stretches from coal to agricultural products and equipment. In 
terms of Ukraine 's goods  and services turnover China takes the second place among all the 
countries. In 2015 , China became the largest importer of Ukrainian agricultural products. Last 
marketing year (July -December of 2015/2016) Ukraine had the largest share in export of corn to 
China.  
4.167.   Ukraine attaches great importance to investment cooperation between our countries and 
its further development. Key areas of China 's direct investment include agricultural and energy 
sectors, information technology sector, infrastructure projects, c onstruction of affordable housing 
etc. 
4.168.   Within this TPR exercise , Ukraine has raised a number of important questions on China 's 
economic and trade policy, covering such areas as exchange rate policy, standards and technical 
regulations, National Standardiza tion Body, sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, national food 
safety standards, distribution of quotas for import of cereals, fiscal and monetary policy, import 
promotion policies etc.  
4.169.   We appreciate the responses from China 's delegation which we are st udying closely.  
4.170.   In conclusion, Ukraine wishes the delegation of China very successful Trade Policy Review 
and looks forward to continue further strengthening of our bilateral relations.  
BRAZIL  
4.171.   Brazil is glad to participate in this s ixth Trade Policy Revie w of China, a partner with which 
we share common objectives towards the promotion of sustainable and inclusive economic 
development. As we can see from the information that has been just presented in the introductory 
remarks, China 's economy faces complex challenges to adapt itself to what its Government report 
calls the "New Normal " situation. Brazil is very interested in all measures taken by the Chinese 
Government, both in terms of macroeconomic reforms and trade policies, especially in a context of 
the slow recovery of international trade. Brazil wishes China every success in these efforts.  
4.172.   Considering China 's role as a global trade and economic powerhouse, Chinese reforms will 
directly and decisively impact the capacity of the world economy to recover from the slow growth 
rates that we have observed in recent years. The growing complexity and correlation between 
domestic choices and international economic trends requires increased political coordination to 
address common challe nges with concerted approa ches. WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 30 - 
 
  4.173.   Let me take this opportunity to warmly congratulate China on the successful organization 
of the G20 Trade Ministerial meeting held in Shanghai on 9 -10 July. The strong reaffirmation of the 
central role of WTO in today 's global economy, the "Strategy for Global Trade Growth ", the 
"Guiding Principles for Global Investment Policymaking " – adopted with strong input from UNCTAD 
- as well as the establishment of a supporting "G20 Trade and Investment Group ", open to invited 
guests in specific configurations , will jointly help improve the global economic governance, 
contributing to the much needed resumption of international trade growth.  
4.174.   On the bilateral front, as two of the largest developing economies in the world, Brazil and 
China have benefitted from a longstanding strategic partnership, and economic and trade relations 
have flourished in the past two decades. China is Brazil 's largest trading partner. In 2009, it 
became Brazil 's major export market; in 2012, Brazil 's main source of imports. Our trade wi th 
China accounted for 18.3% of our total trade in 2015, keeping the growth trend we have observed 
for the last couple of years. The development of Brazil 's trade relationship with China remains a 
key priori ty in our Government 's agenda.  
4.175.   Our pattern of tr ade with China, however, draws careful attention. Despite the 
considerable increase in value, the diversification of Brazil 's exports remains elusive, without any 
significant change sin ce the last Trade Policy Review  in 2014. Our main exports to China cont inue 
limited to a small number of commodities, notably soybeans, iron ore and crude oil, which, 
together, amounted to 75% of total exports in 2015. Imports originating from China, on their part, 
are vastly more diverse, including a wide range of industrial  goods, electrical and mechanical 
machinery, organic chemicals, steel, plastic and iron products. From Brazil 's perspective, this 
asymmetry has to be corrected and action to encourage greater export diversification remains a 
key priority to our Government.  Our complex economies could definitely contribute to each other 's 
growth in a more balanced manner.  
4.176.   Agricultural trade remains a high priority for both Brazil and China. There is a vast 
convergence of interests in a sector that has become the main source  of Brazil 's exports to China 
in the recent years. That convergence, nonetheless, cannot distract us from effectively removing 
impediments that still affect the sectoral trade, notably in the SPS arena. Despite recent positive 
steps by the Chinese authorit ies to increase market access opportunities for Brazilian exporters, 
there is a number of pending accreditations of pork and poultry meat processing plants that 
deserve to be urgently addressed. In line with the need to tend to the vigorous Chinese domesti c 
market that increases year after year, in terms of scale, sophistication and diversification of 
consumer preferences, Brazilian exporters can deliver high quality products, contributing to the 
reduction of internal costs and food security concerns. Brazi l is willing to continue working 
bilaterally with China t o tackle these pending issues.  
4.177.   The difficult situation of the steel sector worldwide is another issue that needs to be 
addressed and poses challenges to China. Overcapacity, coupled with weak global  demand, is 
creating tensions that require a global dialogue with a view to agree on a roadmap for structural 
adjustment  by the main global producers. At the same time, this situation should not lead to the 
protectionist use of trade defense instruments we  are seeing in some countries, while recognizing 
their legiti mate use when properly applied.  The OECD High -Level meeting held in Brussels in April 
and the G20 Trade Ministerial Meeting in Shanghai offered the opportunity for modest initial steps 
to properl y address this important challenge, adding up to China 's announced reduction in steel 
capacity in 2016 up to 2020. It is necessary to build up on this foundation. The way out of the 
current crisis in such a backbone sector for global economic development w ill require the 
commitment of all relevant global players, including China. Brazil remains open to constructively 
engage with our Chines e counterparts on that matter.  
4.178.   On investment, another pillar of crucial importance in Brazil -China bilateral relations,  the 
two-way flows are growing in volume, number of sectors covered and systemic importance. New 
Chinese investments in Brazil are being directed to sectors such as finance, infrastructure, 
telecommunications, electricity transmission and railways. The ope ning of Baidu operations in 
Brazil, in 2014, illustrates the spreading also onto the information technology sector, with potential 
for additional initiatives. An increasing number of Brazilian companies are likewise incorporating in 
China, including throug h joint ventures such as the one established by BRF/Brazil Foods with Dah 
Chon Hong in Shanghai.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 31 - 
 
  4.179.   Finally, let me note that 2016 is a landmark in the process of accession of China to the 
WTO. Since 2001, China has played an instrumental role in world trade and in the O rganization 
itself. Brazil commends China for its commitment to the multilateral trading system and recognizes 
its participation and engagement in the outcomes ac hieved at MC10, in Nairobi. We are confident 
that China will play again a pivotal role in  the negotiations leading to MC11.  
4.180.   Brazil has submitted a number of questions regarding a wide range of important issues for 
our country. Brazil appreciates the effort by China to answer them in written form and will 
carefully analyze all the infor mation provided.  
HONG  KONG,  CHINA  
4.181.   Hong Kong, China enjoys a very close economic and  trade relationship with China.  China 
has been our largest trading partner for decades, while we are now its s econd largest trading 
partner. We are also China 's largest sour ce of realiz ed foreign direct investment, accounting for 
more than half of the national total.  
4.182.   Given China 's influence on glob al economy, continuous liberaliz ation of its trade and 
investment regimes will bring tremendous benefi ts to all its trading partne rs. We therefore 
welcome the State Council 's directives to build an open economic system which will greatly 
enhance the business environment; and the many structural and sectoral reforms in support of 
this goal.  
Investment and Trade in Services  
4.183.   In particul ar, we appreciate that the revised Catalogue for the Guidance of Foreign 
Investment Industries 2015 has reduced the number of restricted sectors, and that three new Pilot 
Free Trade Zones (FTZs) have been established to promote foreign investment.  
4.184.   On the s ervices side, a number of regulatory ch anges have also helped liberaliz e the 
telecommun ication and financial sectors. Since the last review, China 's services sector has 
expanded rapidly on a large scale.  For the first time, services are contributing to mo re than half of 
the national economy, and have become a major i mpetus to fuel economic growth.  We look 
forward to further reforms to promote trade in services and sustain this remarkable momentum.   
State Trading  
4.185.   State -owned enterprises (SOEs) continue to play a significant impo rtant role in certain 
sectors. We understand that it is China 's national policy to promote private sector participation in 
the economy and reform SOEs, while keeping the preponderance of public ownership. We welcome 
the progress made  so far, and encourage China to deepen the reforms to further enhance 
competition and diversity.  
Intellectual Property Rights  
4.186.   Also as part of China 's ongoing reforms, the intellectual property rights (IPRs) protection 
regime has been improved, in terms of enhanced patent protection and stronger enforcement 
systems at both admin istrative and judicial levels. We appreciate China 's determination to fight 
IPR infringement and counterfeiting, and encourage it to redoub le its efforts in this regard.  
Anti-Dumping,  Countervailing, and Safeguard Measures  
4.187.   Some aspects of trade policies have not seen significant changes during this review period, 
but it is encouraging to see i mprovements in practice.  For instance, regarding the use of trade 
remedy measures, we are plea sed to note that China did not initiate any countervailing 
investigation and safeguard investigation during the review period, and that the number of anti -
dumping (AD) duty order in force by China has been on a declining trend as compa red to the last 
review period. Moreover, we are glad to note China 's lower rate of renewal of AD measures 
following sunset reviews, which addresses the concerns expressed by other Members in  the past 
trade policy review.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 32 - 
 
  Tariffs  
4.188.   On tariff, we appreciate that China has already bound all of its tariff lines at ad valorem  
rates, with the avera ge bound rate of 9.8% in 2015. The simple average rate of China 's applied 
MFN tariff in 2015 stood at 9.5%, which w as almost unchanged since 2013.  The little difference 
between the two has ma de China 's tariff regime more predictable. We note that the percentage of 
tariff lines which are subject to international tariff peaks that exceed 15% had slightly reduced 
from 1 4.8% in 2011 to 14.4% in 2015. We encourage China to continue its efforts in b ringing 
down its tariffs.  
Supporting the Rules -Based Multilateral Trading System  
4.189.   As fellow Members of the WTO, Hong Kong, China works closely with China to contribute to 
the multilateral trading system.  Both of us have already ratified the Ag reement on Tra de 
Facilitation. We are also parties to the recently concluded Information Technology Agreement and 
the ongoing negotiations on an Environmental Goods A greement. All WTO Members will sh are the 
fruit of these liberalization efforts. At the same time, we app reciate China 's effort in seeking 
accession to the Agreem ent on Government Procurement. Its latest offer has included more local 
entities, all construction projects and for the first  time, state -owned enterprises.  We look forward 
to China 's accession to th e Agreement soon.  
Concluding Remarks  
4.190.   China 's prominent representation and constructive engagement at the WTO owe much to 
the outstanding leadership of Ambassador Yu and the h ard work of his team in Geneva.  They 
defend their national interest with vigor and professionalism, but are also prepared to exercise 
flexibility for the common good.  It has been our great pleasure working with the Chinese 
delegation here.  
4.191.   We commend the contributions they have made to the work of the WTO, and we wish 
China a very fruit ful and successful Trade Policy Review.  
NORWAY  
4.192.   During the review period, the Chinese economy has grown at a slower pace than earlier 
and is entering into what is labelled the "New Normal " situation. The "New Normal " is, however, at 
a very high level of gro wth – from 6.5% to 7% a year. Thus, China is still contributing significantly 
to global economic growth and trade.  
4.193.   We acknowledge the ongoing rebalancing of the Chinese economy towards growth based 
on domestic consumption and services. According to the WT O Secretariat 's report, domestic 
consumption contributed with 4.6 % of the growth in 2015, while investment contributed with just 
over half, at 2.5 %. At the same time, the report does underscore the challenges for this 
transformation – such as the need for increased innovation capacity, more skilled labour, and 
access to technology. This implies a need for more market -oriented approaches to investment and 
resource allocation. This structural change in China will influence global trade, and global, as well 
as regional, value chains.  
4.194.   China 's fiscal policies have been an important contributing factor to uphold global economic 
growth in the post -financial crisis period. At the same time, the budget deficit is growing, and debt 
is a rising challenge. We are pleas ed to note that China has generally resisted a protectionist 
response to the effects of the global economic crisis.  
4.195.   Both China and Norway attach great importance to the multilateral trading system. We 
work together closely to demonstrate the credibility o f the WTO and deliver on the outcomes from 
the Ministerial Conference in Nairobi.  
4.196.   We would also like to highlight the close and fruitful shared efforts in the negotiations on 
the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA), and the potential these negotiations co uld have with 
regard to the climate challenge. All WTO Members will benefit from the outcome of these 
negotiations, as mentioned by Hong Kong.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 33 - 
 
  4.197.   As regards fossil fuels subsidies reform, we, as others, welcome Chinese participation in 
peer review and China 's support for the G20 commitment.  
4.198.   Both Norway and China are shipbuilding nations, and have mutual interests in the 
International Working Group on Export Credits (IWG). The broad international dialogue in the IWG 
regarding a possible agreement is important,  and Norway appreciates China 's role in the steering 
committee of the IWG. We especially want to emphasize the importance of having broad 
international guidelines on matters such as premium rates, interest rates and transparency.  
4.199.   China and Norway are both  world leading maritime nations, and maritime cooperation 
between our two countries is significant. It contributes to the economic development in both 
countries. We believe that Norway and China have a shared interest in working for open markets 
and fair c ompetition in the international maritime transport services sector.  
4.200.   Norway continues to stress the importance of transparency, predictability and non -
discrimination as the pillars of the international trade regime. Norway commends China for 
continuing the  process of opening up the economy and for its efforts to facilitate trade and 
investment. The report from the Government of China describes a range of ongoing reforms that 
point in this direction.  
4.201.   We note with particular interest the initiative described in paragraph 2.38 of the 
Government 's report, on the introduction of the Negative List System for Market Access – which is 
now in a pilot phase in the special economic zones of Shanghai, Tianjin, Fujian and Guangdong. 
This can be a positive step in order t o clarify the boundary of the government functions and 
contribute to fair and transparent market rules for domestic and foreign companies. We would 
appreciate if the Chinese delegation could share more information on how this reform will be 
implemented at the national level by 2018.  
4.202.   Turning to our bilateral trade relations. In 2015, China was Norway 's 3rd largest source of 
imports and 9th largest export destination. We have been pleased to observe that there has been 
a notable increase of 19 % from 2014 to 2015 in our trade in goods. The trade patterns reflect the 
diverse and the complementary nature of our economies – a trade pattern we hope will continue.  
4.203.   Finally, some concerns about seafood. The measures that have been applied by China 
since December 201 0 to imports of Norwegian seafood continue to concern us. These measures 
include quarantine and testing procedures, a system of import licensing for Norwegian salmon that 
de facto constitutes a system of import quotas – and the lack of updating of lists of  Norwegian 
enterprises approved for export to China.  
4.204.   Norway fully recognizes each WTO Member 's right to set their own appropriate level of 
protection. However, we are concerned about the justification and proportionality of the applied 
measures and the lack of transparency involved. We invite China to clarify the measures taken and 
their justification, and to explain how Chin a foresees a process to normaliz e the situation in line 
with rights and obligations under the WTO agreements.  
CANADA  
4.205.   As has already b een pointed out, 2016 marks the 15th anniversary of China 's accession to 
the WTO in 2001. China today finds itself more closely integrated into the global trading system 
than ever before, to the mutual benefit of China 's citizens and billions of people aro und the world. 
China 's commitment to a global rules -based framework for trade, as evidenced by their leadership 
in the G20 and active involvement in international fora like the WTO, is a welcome source of 
stability and predictability.  
4.206.   As G20 trade minister s noted, to resist protectionist sentiment, we each, including China, 
must do our part to ensure that the trading system funct ions smoothly and efficiently. The WTO 
rules-based framework has been integra l to China 's growth in the past  and continue s to fuel  its 
prosperity into the future.  
4.207.   I am pleased that China recognizes the importance of continuing to pursue reform and 
opening up  to ensure its ongoing development. China must not waver from this path, and should WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 34 - 
 
  push even further with reforms that are tai lored to the characteristics of the 21st century global 
economy. Although we have submitted a large number of questions, in this intervention I will focus 
my comments on three areas of particular concern where China must build on its progress to fulfil  
its responsibilities as a leading member of the global trading system:  
 non-tariff barriers to trade;  
 barriers to foreign investment; and  
 transparency.  
4.208.   First, foreign companies operating in China continue to express frustration with China 's 
inconsistent and  unpredictable regulatory practices and standards. Their concerns stem in no small 
part from a lack of clarity in the implementation of its guidelines, regulations, and laws. As noted 
in the Secretariat 's report, welcome progress has been made in harmonizi ng often divergent 
national and local standards, but further work is necessary to develop a comprehensive and 
streamlined system of standards. Moreover, we remain concerned about China 's persistent lack of 
commitment to international standards and to scien tific and risk -based decision -making. Too often, 
this approach has the effect of unnecessarily limiting access for foreign goods to Chinese markets, 
thereby depriving consumers of high -quality and innovative products.  
4.209.   Secondly and similarly, China 's inves tment regime continues to restrict access to foreign 
investors, to the mutual detriment of China and the global community. While we look forward to 
China consolidating its regulations into a unified Foreign Investment Law and nationwide "negative 
list", we encourage China to ensure meaningful new access for foreign investors, and clarify 
guidelines on how remaining restrictions will apply. In addition, we are concerned that China 's 
National Security Law could unduly restrict foreign investment in ways not n ecessary to the 
preservation of China 's essential security interests. We encourage China to acknowledge the 
benefits of opening its financial markets to foreign investors and to ensure that foreign companies 
operating in China are treated fairly, and in ac cordance with the rule of law.  
4.210.   Thirdly, China continues to fall short of its transparency commitments concerning 
important areas of its economic and trade regime. Currently, not all Chinese government entities 
publish trade -related measures in China 's official journal, and government entities often take an 
overly narrow view of what constitute trade -restricting measures. That said, China 's recent pattern 
of notifications to various WTO committees is a positive development, and we hope that this marks 
the be ginning of more productive engagement on transparency issues. I encourage China to take 
the results of this review under advice, and to build on its previous progress in improving its 
domestic transparency regime. This will yield mutual benefits not only f or Chinese businesses and 
investors, but also for foreign companies.  
4.211.   Over, we consider that this Review reveals a mixed portrait of trade -related policy 
developments in China over the last two years. Most disappointing is the pace of reform. China 's 
ongoin g reliance on state owned enterprises and its use of industrial policies continue to 
undermine its efforts to harness market forces and the benefits of international trade and 
investment flows. The lack of significant reforms to China 's public sector of th e economy, notably 
to ensure that SOEs operate in accordance with market principles, continues t o be one of the main 
causes of current distortions in global supply and demand across multiple industries, including 
steel.  
4.212.   While time does not permit me to go into detail, Canada 's written questions also highlight 
our interest in seeing China pursue the removal of behind -the-border trade barriers, its continued 
efforts to improve the effectiveness of its intellectual property protection and enforcement regime, 
and the opening up through liberalization of financial services, the digital economy and 
government procurement.  
4.213.   Beyond these areas, I am disappointed that after an auspicious beginning, China 's 
engagement on plurilateral initiatives at the WTO has hit a se lf-imposed roadblock. I commend 
China 's participation in the recent expansion of the Information Technology Agreement, but stress 
the importance of timely implementation of China 's tariff elimination commitments; we look 
forward to an update. On the Enviro nmental Goods Agreement, we strongly encourage China 's WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 35 - 
 
  active engagement so that participants may collectively deliver an ambitious conclusion in the near 
term. I also encourage China to re -examine its approach to the Government Procurement 
Agreement, and to redouble its efforts towards accession.  
4.214.   Despite these observations, I appreciate China 's committed participation in the 2016 
review of its trade policy. The TPR process remains an invaluable, non -adversarial tool for 
members to conform to an open, trans parent and, above all else, fully -functioning global trading 
system. China should embrace the results of this review. Given the sheer size of its economy and 
its strong projected growth in the near -to-medium term, China can lead the world by example in 
undertaking reforms that demonstrate its continuing commitment to dynamic two -way global flows 
of trade and investment.  
RUSSIAN  FEDERATION  
4.215.   The Russian delegation joins others in welcoming the 6th Trade Policy Review of China. We 
are pleased to participate in this important and informative exercise, which significantly enhances 
trade transparency of Russia 's key trading partner in Asia.  
4.216.   The Russian Federation and China have a long history of friendly relations, which have 
always been featured by broad, deep, r obust and progressing bilateral cooperation across vast 
economic, trade and investment areas. Since 2010 China has been one of the largest trading 
partners of the Russian Federation.  
4.217.   We highly appreciate current economic reforms carried out by Beijing, wh ich are aimed at 
supply -side economic growth, creation of a new open economic system, cutting down the role of 
the state in the economy. Russia shares a positive overall assessment of the economic policies 
pursued by the Chinese authorities, which contribu ted to the continuous growth of around 7% in 
the review period, despite complexity and volatility of the external business environment. 
Remaining the world 's largest trading nation, China contributed to over 25% of global economic 
growth in 2015. However, this does not mean that China alone shall bear responsibility for newly 
emerged global problems, like the problem of excess capacity.  
4.218.   We attach great importance to promoting cooperation with China at the regional and 
international levels within the framewo rk of different international organizations, such as APEC, the 
G20, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and others.  
4.219.   We also appreciate China 's contribution to the development of the multilateral trading 
system with the WTO as its cornerstone. The Russia n Federation welcomes the forthcoming expiry 
of Section 15(a)(ii) of the Protocol of Accession of China to the WTO. After 15 years from the date 
of its accession, China will now enjoy full WTO treatment for the purposes of trade remedy 
proceedings and meas ures. We expect that those members, which implemented specific 
methodologies vis -à-vis China in their trade remedy investigations, will adjust these policies and 
review the measures, which were introduced on the basis of such specific methodologies. This w ill 
be an important step towards alignment of rules of trade for founding and newly acceded 
Members.  
4.220.   Russia and China have developed a strong partnership and close trade and investment ties 
during many years of fruitful cooperation. There is considerable potential for further expansion of 
mutual trade in goods and services and increase of investment flows. However, there are also 
some issues to be resolved to materialize fully this potential.    
4.221.   Transparency and predictability are substantial issues for cr eating more business -friendly 
environment for economic activity in China. We appreciate China 's significant efforts to continue 
the improvement of its respective legal and institutional framework.  
4.222.   We would also like to highlight some trade and investment m easures of China, on which 
we would appreciate to receive clarification. Russia has submitted a number of questions regarding 
customs procedures and tariffs, import licensing, SPS and TBT measures and some others. We 
thank the delegation of China for the r eplies provided and look forward to reviewing the responses 
to our follow up comment.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 36 - 
 
  DOMINICAN  REPUBLIC  
4.223.   In each of its trade policy reviews China has shown that it is more integrated into the world 
economy and that its reforms are broader and deeper. In t his sixth review, we can observe that 
during the period (2014 2016) China's economy grew at more stable growth rates that are 
adapted to weaker overall world demand from the developed economies. Real GDP grew by 7.3% 
in 2014 and 6.9% in 2015, more than thr ee times the average rate of the developed economies. 
The authorities consider that the economy is entering a "New Normal", in which it foresees annual 
growth rates situated at around 6.5% 7%. This growth will continue to be driven by strong 
domestic deman d, through the expansion and availability of credit in the country and rising 
incomes, in response to China's policies aimed, alongside agricultural development and achieving 
food security, at turning domestic consumption and services into the main sources  of growth. This 
new economic development model will make it possible to narrow the income gap acutely visible 
between the industrialized coastal regions and the interior. In addition, China still has a very large 
population living below the poverty line. A key instrument for achieving these objectives of 
combating poverty and poor income distribution and encouraging the growth of the middle class is 
the creation of stable employment and production through technical support and credit for SMEs 
and agricultu ral cooperatives with land rights.  
4.224.   With respect to foreign trade in 2015, imports represented 14.5% of GDP, as against 
17.5% in 2014 and 21.1% in 2011. This decline is partly attributable to the fall in oil import prices. 
Thus, China's current account surp lus followed an upward trend, and totalled US$330.6 billion in 
2015, equivalent to 3% of GDP. This rise largely stems from the higher surplus in trade in goods, 
which grew significantly in 2014 and 2015, reaching a value of US$565 billion, equivalent to 5. 2% 
of GDP. We congratulate China on its accession to the Agreement on Trade Facilitation, which will 
lead to lower costs and more streamlined management of its huge volumes of trade in goods. In 
2012, seven of the world's ten biggest cargo handling ports w ere located in China.  
4.225.   China continues to apply a proactive fiscal policy, under which spending grew faster than 
revenues. The fiscal deficit reached 2.4% of GDP in 2015, although if off budget activities are 
taken into account the figure may reach 10% of G DP. We congratulate China in this respect, 
because despite the aftershocks of the international financial crisis that are still being felt, its 
national accounts remain within positive margins, with high growth rates. Also important is the 
approval of a ne w budget law to respond to the need to control extrabudgetary spending.  
4.226.   We are also pleased to note that in the Thirteenth Five Year Plan (2016 2020), the 
authorities intend to pursue the process of structural economic reform, including the promotion of 
private sector participation in the economy and the reform of State owned enterprises. Other 
important measures included in the Plan are the promotion of competition, fiscal reform, financial 
sector reform to increase private capital participation in banking  and the expansion of the supply 
of financial services. With regard to financial openness, China has to include in its policies 
instruments to prevent the flow of "hot money" from potentially destabilizing its economy. The 
inclusion of the renminbi in the IMF Special Drawing Rights basket of currencies is a highly 
important step for the internationalization of its currency, which will make it easier for its 
exchange and interest rates to be determined by market forces. The authorities have also recently 
taken steps to tackle overcapacity in some industries. Thus, it has adopted measures to discourage 
or reduce production in such industries as iron and steel, electrolytic aluminium, cement, flat glass 
and ships. We congratulate China on these efforts to guide  its economy towards an economy that 
is more in line with market realities.  
4.227.   During this discussion, Members have expressed their concern at the subsidies for State 
owned enterprises, and in this connection I should like to share with you my country's exper ience 
when the State absorbed the enterprises of the Trujillo dictatorship some 55 years ago. In the end 
all these enterprises failed, and if the resources the State employed to maintain some inefficient 
enterprises had been devoted to education, health an d infrastructure in the country, the 
Dominican Republic would be a developed economy today. The authorities also have to tackle the 
problem of the poor quality of the environment, in the interests of the well being of the population. 
We congratulate China on its enormous effort to develop renewable energy, which will help to 
reduce the problem of environmental pollution.  
4.228.   With regard to trade performance, we note that the share of trade in GDP declined 
considerably during the review period. In 2015, both exp orts and imports of goods declined, with WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 37 - 
 
  exports totalling US$2.28 trillion as against US$2.34 trillion in 2014, and imports US$1.68 trillion 
compared with US$1.96 trillion in 2014. Manufactures remain the main export category, 
accounting for slightly of 9 4% of the total. China's main export products continue to be office 
machinery and telecommunications equipment, and textiles and clothing. In 2015, services 
represented 12.3% of China's total exports and 22.9% of its imports. A recent UNCTAD case study 
document determined that the impact of value chains in China would reduce the imbalance 
between the United States and China by between 30% and 40%, although with the advancement 
of skilled labour in China this percentage should have declined.  
4.229.   We are also plea sed to note that during the review period China continued to encourage 
foreign direct investment and joint ventures between Chinese and foreign enterprises; it also 
strengthened the pilot programme to reform the foreign investment regime launched in 2013 
through the establishment of the Pilot Free Trade Zone (Shanghai), which was extended in 2015 to 
include three further pilot free trade zones in Guangdong, Fujian and Tianjin.  
4.230.   China has also pursued its efforts to facilitate trade by undertaking a series of  reforms to 
make customs procedures more efficient, both for imports and for exports.  
4.231.   In 2015, the MFN tariffs applied by China were relatively low, with an average of 9.5%, 
almost the same as at the time of the previous review. We also congratulate China because during 
the review period the number of antidumping measures applied continued to fall.  
4.232.   It is also highly positive that during the review period China continued to apply measures 
aimed at improving the protection of intellectual property rights, wit h amendments to the laws, 
regulations and rules relating to patents, trademark protection and other areas.  
4.233.   To conclude, we have submitted questions to the Chinese delegation and are grateful for 
the replies, which we shall study with interest, and it only remains for us to urge China to continue 
with its process of reforms aimed at trade openness. We wish China every success in this trade 
policy review and for the future.  
REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.234.   I participated in the China -Korea FTA negotiation from the beginning  stage to the 
conclusion. So I am very happy to have a chance to meet my old friends again here in Geneva.  
Korea 's Comment on the Trade Policies of China  
4.235.   Korea acknowledges that China plays a key role as one of the major engi nes of global 
economic growth.  
4.236.   Despite a drastic change in the global economic environment, China 's economy grew 6.9% 
last year and is expected to grow 6.7% in the first half of this year. This demonstrates that China 's 
economy continu es to grow in a steadfast way.  
4.237.   Korea also notes th at China is making efforts to pursue structural reforms toward a more 
open economy in order to improve the quality of its economic growth. It is our hope that China will 
successfully ach ieve every goal of its reforms.  
Bilateral Economic Relationship  
4.238.   Turnin g to the bilateral side, Korea and China, as close neighboring countries, have 
developed strong ties throughout most of their history. The relationship between the two countries 
is broad and deep, encompassing the domains of politics, economy, s ociety, cul ture, art, and 
more.  
4.239.   With respect to the economy, China has been the largest trading partner of Korea since 
2004. As Vice Minister Wang mentioned, from last December the China -Korea FTA came into effect 
and is expected to be an outstanding milestone for th e economic partnership. We hope that the 
economic partnership between the two countries will continue to grow and thriv e based on the 
China -Korea FTA.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 38 - 
 
  Korea 's Concern on the Trade Policies of China  
4.240.   This July in Shanghai, the G 20 ministers committed to maki ng collective efforts to stem the 
rise of protectionist measures. It is hoped that China, as a major economic power, will show its 
leadership in supporting t he multilateral trading system.  
4.241.   In this regard, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage China to address Korea 's 
concerns abo ut some of its trade measures.  
4.242.   First, many Korean companies are facing difficulties in exporting to the Chinese market due 
to non -tariff barriers, especially TBT and SPS measures regarding medical devices, pharmaceutic al 
products, cosmeti cs, food products, and liquors.  
4.243.   Second, we are concerned that some investment restrictive measures are still in place, 
especially for foreign investors in service sectors such as telecommunic ations, banking and 
insurance.  
4.244.   Third, we als o request China to provide information on some agricultural issues such as 
TRQs on rice a nd the direct subsidy program me.  
4.245.   I would like to appreciate China 's response to our written comments and requests. We also 
await China 's response to our additional co mments, and we look forward to working closely with  
China to address our concerns.  
Closing Remarks  
4.246.   Korea appreciates China 's contribution to the multilateral trading system. It is also our 
hope that China will continue to constructively engage in the WTO 's post-Nairobi work and 
plurilateral agreements such as the GPA and EGA.   
GUATEMALA  
4.247.   Trade between Guatemala and China has increased steadily over the last decade. In 2005, 
total trade in goods amounted to US$368 million whereas in 2015 it exceeded US$2,068  million. 
According to figures of our Central Bank, Guatemalan imports of Chinese products totalled 
US$1,867 million last year. Manufactured goods represented 83% of the total, consisting primarily 
of machinery and equipment, chemical products, textiles an d plastics. Meanwhile, Guatemalan 
exports in 2015 totalled US$201 million, consisting primarily of sugar, iron and steel.  
4.248.   With regard to the review we are undertaking today, we are pleased to note the process of 
China's structural economic reform, characte rized by the promotion of greater private sector 
participation as well as measures aimed at trade facilitation, through changes in the customs 
procedures for import and export. Likewise, we welcome the process of financial reform to 
promote private investm ent and improve, inter alia, services for small and medium sized 
enterprises, as well as the measures taken to liberalize the telecommunications sector. We note 
that it will be a challenge, in the short and medium term, to pursue a fiscal policy aimed at 
controlling the rise in the fiscal deficit observed during the period under review and to maintain the 
dynamism of trade in its economy.  
ARGENTINA  
4.249.   The Argentine Republic was one of the first countries of Latin America to establish 
diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. Accordingly, next year we shall celebrate 
45 years of ties in which both countries have strengthened the bonds of a solid bilateral 
relationship that goes beyond the economic and trade dimension.  
4.250.   In 2014, Argentina and the P RC established an Integral Strategic Association and laid down 
the guidelines for their relations in the Join Action Plan 2014 2018, Section II of which deals with 
economic and trade matters. The Strategic Association was ratified by President Mauricio Mac ri and 
Xi Jinping at the meeting last April in Washington on the occasion of the Nuclear Security Summit.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 39 - 
 
  4.251.   The two countries also established a Strategic Dialogue Mechanism for economic 
cooperation and coordination, which is responsible for implementing the  economic and trade 
aspects of the Joint Action Plan. This mechanism has so far held two high level meetings in 2014 
and 2015.  
4.252.   In addition, the 20th meeting of the Joint Economic and Trade Commission took place in 
Beijing on 11 and 12 June, at which the tw o countries analysed the trend in bilateral trade and 
investments, in a relationship that has been consolidated over successive administrations.  
4.253.   Our relationship with China is based on over 50 agreements and memoranda of 
understanding that cover all aspect s of economic and trade cooperation.  
4.254.   Over the last 10 years, China rose from being Argentina's third trading partner (after Brazil 
and the United States) to second place. In 2015, Argentine exports to China reached US$5,174 
million (up 16% over 2014), whil e imports from China totalled US$11,749 million (an increase of 
9.85% over the previous year), with the result that Argentina's trade deficit was US$6,575 million.  
4.255.   Argentine exports were heavily concentrated in primary products, with soybeans being the 
leading export product (US$ 3,541 million, representing 68% of total Argentine exports to China). 
Argentina's five top export products to China are soybean oil, frozen bovine meat, crude petroleum 
and fishery products. These five account for 85% of Argentine exports to China (2015).  
4.256.   Imports from China are concentrated in the industrial manufactures sector, and consist 
primarily of capital goods (61%), followed by intermediate goods (25%) and consumer goods 
(14%).  
4.257.   Argentina is interested in continuing to increa se and diversify its exports to the Chinese 
markets, so as to achieve a better balance in their bilateral trade. To this end, over the last seven 
months the highest authorities of the new Argentine administration (the President, Minister of 
Foreign Affairs  and Minister of Production) have raised with their Chinese counterparts the need to 
increase the share of differentiated products in the agro food value chain, a sector in which 
Argentina has great production capacity and China needs to import to ensure i ts food security.  
4.258.   A number of sanitary and phytosanitary protocols have been signed. It is considered 
necessary to speed up the negotiations aimed at diversifying and increasing exports of agro food 
products to China in order to narrow the bilateral trade deficit.  
4.259.   Following the recent conclusion of the negotiations on the Protocol for the export of table 
grapes, it is hoped to conclude negotiations on blueberries and cherries, and advance in the 
negotiations on chilled bovine meat, sheep meat from Patagonia , live equine animals and honey, 
among other products.  
4.260.   Infrastructure is another sector with enormous potential for joint projects. Thus, Argentina 
plans to invest US$100 billion over the next four years to develop roads and highways, railways, 
ports, airp orts and telecommunication networks. It also has major projects in the area of 
renewable and non renewable energy, as domestic demand will grow by 25% over the next ten 
years.  
4.261.   President Macri said that the challenge we face is to go from being "the world's  bread 
basket" to being "the world's supermarket". We believe that China can be an ally to help us 
develop our potential, both to access to its market for our products and through its investments in 
the agro industrial sector.  
COSTA  RICA 
4.262.   China is an active  and committed WTO Member. Its commitment is in keeping with the size 
of its economy and its share in world trade. We welcome China's leadership in the WTO, and pay 
close attention to its work as chairman of the G 20. We trust that this leadership will hel p to give 
impetus to the WTO's work programme. We also recognize the efforts made by China to conclude 
the expansion of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA II) and follow with interest its WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 40 - 
 
  participation in the ongoing negotiations on environmental go ods (EGA); we hope that its resolute 
participation in these negotiations will lead us to a successful result in this field very rapidly.  
4.263.   China is Costa Rica's second trading partner, at individual level, after the United States. It 
is our main Asian suppli er, representing 13% of our imports, and also the second export market 
for our products in Asia. Costa Rica and China signed a free trade agreement that entered into 
force in August 2011. This agreement has helped to boost bilateral trade, which has mainta ined an 
annual average growth rate of 12% over the last ten years, rising from US$645 million in 2005 to 
US$2 billion in 2015.  
4.264.   One factor that has limited our entry into the Chinese market has been the process for 
obtaining sanitary and phytosanitary autho rization for our products of animal and plant origin. We 
have made significant progress in this respect, and wish to emphasize the need to continue 
receiving support at the highest level to consolidate our trade with this major partner.  
4.265.   The Secretariat rep ort indicates that the Chinese economy is growing more slowly than in 
the past, and this has also affected Costa Rica's exports to the Chinese market. That is why Costa 
Rica has studied with interest the measures introduced by China to boost its domestic m arket as 
an engine of growth, as well as the other initiatives to boost the growth of its economy under the 
so called "New Normal". We also recognize the work China has done to implement the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement and the action it has taken in this field. 
4.266.   Costa Rica notes with interest the development and growth of the services sector in China, 
and its share in the economy and in world trade. Services currently represent 50% of its economy, 
and account for 25% of its economic growth; China is now the  world's second market for trade in 
services. The reforms introduced in various sectors, in particular the elimination or reduction of 
restrictions on shareholding in electronic trading services, insurance and elderly care services 
should help to boost thi s sector.  
4.267.   With regard to the promotion of FDI, Costa Rica has studied particularly thoroughly the 
economic development models being implemented in China, which include in particular the 
creation of the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone, which it has extended to three other pilot free 
trade zones. It would be interesting to have more information on the results obtained in these free 
trade zones and how they can be useful for reinvigorating the rest of the Chinese economy and 
possible implementing some of these measures on a far greater scale. We have also followed the 
reforms carried out to modernize the agricultural sector and improve its productivity. We hope that 
this exercise will enable us to have more knowledge of these measures.  
4.268.   Costa Rica has submitted a  number of questions to China, and thanks it for the replies we 
will receive. In conclusion, I take this opportunity to wish the delegation of China a successful 
trade policy review.  
BENIN ON BEHALF  OF THE LDC GROUP  
4.269.   The LDC Group thanks China for the impor tant information it has provided on its 
achievements in the economic and trade areas since its previous trade policy review. The Group is 
encouraged by China's commitment in relation to a number of trade aspects, and with respect to 
its partners, including  the LDCs. The LDC Group welcomes the wide ranging reforms carried out by 
China.  
4.270.   The Group also thanks the Chairperson and the Discussant, H.E. Mr Hamish McCormick, 
Ambassador of Australia to the WTO, for the views and insights presented with respect to Ch ina's 
trade policies.  
4.271.   The LDC Group appreciates the fact that China mentions in its policy statement its 
consequential commitments announced at the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China Africa 
Cooperation (FOCAC) held in December 2015.  
4.272.   His Excellency P resident Xi Jinping proposed that the new strategic partnership between 
China and Africa should shift towards a strategic partnership for global cooperation. China also 
expressed its desire to roll out pragmatic cooperation with Africa in ten priority area s, namely WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 41 - 
 
  industrialization, agricultural modernization, infrastructure, financial services, green development, 
trade and investment facilitation, poverty reduction and public welfare, public health, people to 
people exchanges, and peace and security. We t rust that China will ensure that the needs of the 
LDCs will remain a priority in the implementation of these various initiatives.  
4.273.   We also congratulate China on having established the China Programme for LDCs' 
Accession in 2011. China mentioned in its repor t that it contributed a total of US$900,000 to the 
programme between 2014 and 2015. We look forward to working with China to combat poverty, 
through the specific aid for production capacity building to enable LDCs to add value to their 
resources and partic ipate actively in manufacturing and in the higher end segments of regional and 
world value chains, and hence integrate into international trade.  
4.274.   China has become the biggest export destination for LDCs as a group, and represents more 
than a quarter of the LDCs' total exports of goods. China's enhanced duty free and quota free 
(DFQF) Market Access programme is highly appreciated and can play an important role in 
strengthening trade relations between China and the LDCs. We are encouraged that 40 countries 
benefit under this regime, and urge China to cover the exports of all 49 LDCs.  
4.275.   The LDC Group takes this opportunity to express appreciation once again for China's 
notification in 2015 on preferences granted to LDC service providers. China notified preferences  on 
behalf of service providers from LDCs in some areas requested by the LDCs, namely: building 
cleaning, packaging printing and computerized air transport reservation services. The LDC Group 
notes in particular that China has provided a preference for LDC s going beyond the DDA offer 
under mode three for building cleaning services without the limitation of the economic need test 
and granted approved destination status for LDC tourist services.  
4.276.   China has also offered training for LDCs in tourism services, me dical services, software and 
information technology services and infrastructure services in order to improve tourism services in 
LDCs. The LDCs look forward to this training, as well as implementation of paragraph 1.4 of the 
Nairobi Ministerial Decision on  the LDC Services Waiver for support provided to LDC service 
providers entitled to these preferences.  
4.277.   The LDC Group has for the first time jointly prepared and submitted a list of questions in 
the context of WTO trade policy reviews. We are pleased to laun ch this process of written 
questions prepared in accordance with the trade policy review mechanism procedure on the 
occasion of this review.  
4.278.   We welcome China's commitment to supporting us in this process. In these questions our 
approach is aimed at obtaini ng clarification and deeper understanding of the trade regime of one 
of our most important trade and development partners. The LDC Group considers its participation 
in trade policy reviews as the point of departure for an exercise of capacity building for its 
Members, not only to improve their participation in WTO activities in Geneva but also to provide 
further information for our capitals.  
4.279.   The questions of the LDC Group are not exhaustive. In this connection, the Group has 
stressed the topics that are a p riority for the LDCs as a whole, namely, DFQF market access, trade 
facilitation, technical standards and SPS, intellectual property rights, agriculture and services.  
4.280.   The Group thanks China for the replies it will give to our questions, and will continue 
exchanges with it at the bilateral level.  
4.281.   On behalf of the LDC Group, the delegation of Benin takes this opportunity to urge the 
other technical and financial partners to pursue, like China, their assistance to the LDCs in their 
efforts to promote economic a nd social development.  
4.282.   In addition, the LDC Group appreciates China's support for the pursuit of the Doha 
Development Agenda and the conclusion of the remaining DDA issues, and particularly welcomes 
its contribution.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 42 - 
 
  ECUADOR  
4.283.   We are participating in this t rade policy review with great interest, because political 
economic, trade and investment relations between China and Ecuador have been growing in recent 
years.  
4.284.   China's presence in the Ecuadorian economy is reflected in its participation in many 
projects an d civil engineering works, private and public financial investments, and petroleum 
exploitation activities, to mention but the most important.  
4.285.   At the Seventh Meeting of the Political Consultation Mechanism between Ecuador and 
China held at the end of 2013 with the participation of the foreign ministers of the two countries in 
Beijing, the parties reaffirmed their excellent relations and major results were obtained in terms of 
the promotion of investment, cooperation, trade and tourism.  
4.286.   At that meeting the E cuadorian Foreign Minister again conveyed an invitation to the 
Chinese authorities for Chinese enterprises to locate and invest in Ecuador and stressed the 
importance of promoting tourism by Chinese citizens in Ecuador.  
4.287.   The Chinese authorities undertook to  continue promoting bilateral trade so that a larger 
quantity of Ecuadorian products could enter the Chinese market, and stressed the signing of the 
Agreement on Air Services between Ecuador and China, initially to establish 14 weekly flights 
between the t wo countries.  
4.288.   These excellent relations between our two countries are expected to continue to 
strengthen, and lead to the conclusion of an Agreement on Trade for Development, for which the 
authorities of the two countries have laid the foundations for carr ying out technical feasibility 
studies.  
4.289.   With regard to the Secretariat report, we note that in the period under review Chinese 
economic growth rates were more stable, at between 6.5% and 7% annually, while real GDP grew 
by 7.3% in 2014 and 6.9% in 2015, dr iven by domestic demand, fuelled in turn by the availability 
of credit and rising incomes.  
4.290.   We would highlight the elements of the 13th Five Year Plan, the main thrusts of which seek 
to continue structural economic reform, which includes greater private sec tor participation and the 
reform of State owned enterprises, although maintaining the primacy of public ownership; as well 
as the promotion of competition, fiscal reform and the supply of financial services.  
4.291.   We also note some difficulties that have affecte d the Chinese economy, such as the risks 
for future growth and development, for example the rising levels of aggregate debt, rising 
production costs, and the lack of financing for small and micro enterprises.  
4.292.   Against this backdrop it is important to stress  on the positive side that China has continued 
facilitating the incentives and liberalization programmes of the four special free trade zones, of 
which Shanghai is the main one, which has enabled China to remain one of the biggest recipients 
of foreign dir ect investment in the world; FDI inflows in 2014 reached a value of US$119.6 billion, 
primarily in the sectors of manufacturing, housing services, business services, and wholesale and 
retail services.  
4.293.   Ecuador also recognizes as an achievement of the invest ment attraction policy the creation 
of the Catalogue of Industries, which is the main instrument for guiding foreign investment. It is 
revised periodically and lists the sectors in which FDI is encouraged, restricted or prohibited; thus 
for example, last y ear investment was encouraged in technology; advanced manufacturing; energy 
conservation and environmental protection; and services.  
4.294.   In addition, we recognize in China a country which enhances the importance of the 
multilateral negotiations and whose parti cipation in this Organization contributes to its work. To 
give but one example, it ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement in 2015, and has notified its 
Category A commitments.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 43 - 
 
  4.295.   The Secretariat report states that imports fall into three categories: unrest ricted, restricted 
and prohibited, and that the automatic import licensing regime is applied for statistical purposes to 
monitor the volume of non restricted imports. In this connection, we take this opportunity to ask 
the Chinese delegation to provide us with the information on the Catalogue of Goods subject to 
import licensing in English as the website only gives it in Chinese.  
4.296.   Lastly, we wish to thank the Chinese delegation in advance for its replies to the questions 
we have submitted on some specific as pects of its trade policy, which will provide important 
information for strengthening our bilateral relations in the foreign trade area.  
THAILAND  
4.297.   Thailand would also like to associate itself with ASEAN 's statement previously delivered by 
the Ambassador of Indonesia.  
4.298.   China and Thailand have a long -standing trade relation . We have the ASEAN -China FTA 
which provides trade liberalization between ASEAN and China and we are looking to further 
enhance our trade by undertaking a review of the FTA. China became Thai land's largest trading 
partner in 2012, and in 2015, the trade between the two countries stood at US$64.22 billion. 
China currently ranks as our 2nd largest export destination and the largest source of import.  
4.299.   China is also Thailand 's largest source of tou rists, with 7.9 million Chinese tourists making 
up for over 26% of all international tourists entered into Thailand in 2015. Despite volatile global 
economic condition, the bilateral trade has been steady in the past few years, we hope that our 
fundamental ly strong relationship will help our bilateral trade in goods and services to achieve 
further growth in the near future.  
4.300.   Although the TPR reports indicate that China 's economic growth has slowed during the 
review period, growth was nevertheless robust, at a rate of 6.9% in 2015 driven by strong 
domestic demand as a result of domestic credit expansion and availability, and by rising incomes.  
4.301.   We are pleased with China 's efforts with regard to trade facilitation, including the launching 
of a series of reforms to make imports and exports customs procedures more efficient, such as the 
Paperless customs clearance, which was implemented in 2014. Thailand also notes that China 's 
investment schemes have been enhanced to facilitate procedures and hence, attract more F DIs, 
these include the introduction of various investment incentive schemes and the liberalization of 
investment in four existing Pilot Free Trade Zones including Shanghai, Guangdong, Fujian and 
Tianjin.  
4.302.   On its role to the multilateral trading system, Chin a is a major contributor in the WTO. It 
has pl ayed a key role in helping WTO M embers reach successful outcomes in Nairobi. China is 
currently an observer to the Plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) and 
continues negotiating its accession.  We also commend China for the ratification of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement in September 2015. China is also a party of the Information Technology 
Agreement (ITA), and has contributed and agreed to the ITA expansion. Nevertheless, while the 
implementat ion was scheduled for 1 July 2016, China has yet to implement its commitments under 
the ITA expansion and Thailand looks forward to an expeditious ratification by China.  
4.303.   In this review, Thailand submitted numerous of question to China, covering the policie s 
and measures of our interests regarding Investment and Trade Facilitation policies, Intellectual 
Property laws and protection, Competition Policy, TRQ administration, and VAT rebates, to name a 
few. We look forward to China 's responses, for which we will  study carefully with great interest.  
4.304.   In conclusion, Thailand would like to express its appreciation to the Chinese delegation for 
today 's presentation. We are thankful for the cooperation with China in every level, including that 
between our Geneva -based delegations.  
ISRAEL  
4.305.   Over the last two decades Israel and China have developed increasingly close ties,  
including in trade, up to a point in which China has b ecome our third largest trading partner. We WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 44 - 
 
  believe this is a trend of incremental economic integr ation, shared with many Members of this 
Organization and seems quite a natural one considering that China 's share in global trade has 
risen from 4.7% in 2001, the year of its accessi on to the WTO, to 12.33% of the world total 
exports and 10.26% of total imp orts in 2015. During the period under review, China 's economic 
growth slowed down; real GDP expan ded by 7.3% in 2014 and 6.9% in 2015, a contraction from 
the 7.7% growth seen in both 2012 and 2013. Notwithstanding, China remains one of the largest 
FDI reci pients in the  world with inflows reaching US $119.6 billion in 2014, or an 1.7% increase 
with r espect to 2013 according to the  Secretariat report.  
4.306.   China 's accession to the WTO in 2001 has been a central milestone for multilateralism. It 
brought many benefit s to China, but it also resulted in  increased responsibilities and expectations 
on China.  
4.307.   Regarding our bilateral relations, trade continues to rise steadily, having increased from 
US$8.5465 billion in 2013 to US$9.013.7 billion by the closing of 2015. Israeli exports into China 
consist of electronics and c omponents; minerals and c hemicals; medical equipment and 
pharmaceuticals; and electric m achinery -- among other various goods and value -added services. 
The leading sectors of imports from China into Is rael are mechanical and electric machinery; 
textile and footwear; metals, stone and glass. In the period under review , Chinese FDI into Israel 
grew by 50%.  
4.308.   In 2015 , 40% of funds raised by Israeli ventures were fro m Chinese investors; 50% of the 
investment in  Israeli funds involved at least on e Chinese investor; and Chinese investment in 
Israeli startups and funds exceeded US $500 million , a solid 300% growth from 2012.  
4.309.   In the period under review , the average applied MFN rat e of China was 9.5% compared to 
9.4% in 2013, with an unchanged higher average of 14.8%  for agricultural products. The average 
rate for non -agricultural products stands at 8.6% since 2011.  
4.310.   We welcome the Chinese structural reforms geared towar ds a greater involvement of the 
private se ctor in the economy; reform of state -owned enterprises; the promotion of competition; 
fiscal and financial sector reform to increase p rivate capital participation - among other structural 
improvements. We believe tha t a friendlier, rules -based and transparent busi ness environment 
would be ultimately bene ficial to consumers and traders alike.  
4.311.   In this context , transparency is a core principle of the mul tilateral trading system and an 
area where there is room for improvement. For instan ce, predictable fees or allowing  sufficient 
time to comment on industry -wide regulations c ould help actors to prepare for regulatory changes , 
manage risk better and optimiz e resources which would result in further investments and jobs in 
China. We also encour age China to submit its sever al outstanding notifications to the WTO. We 
would also like t o encourage China to accelerate the process leading to its accession to the 
Government Procurement agreement including tabling a high quality offer in the near future. 
Regarding anti -dumping, whi le we acknowledge the institutional -level changes resulting in a  
reduction in measures applied, we continue to note that by the closing of 2015 the number of 
measures was still extremely high. 
4.312.   Israel has submitted questions related to licenses, stand ards a nd technical regulations, and 
product certification. We look forward to receiving Ch ina's responses and at the same time we look 
forward to deepening our bilateral cooperation and dialogue.  
4.313.   Finally, we would like to note that we  are glad that we can curren tly collaborate with China 
on many arenas. Bilate rally, we will commence our FTA negotiations in the near future. We are 
also both par ties to the negotiations on the Environmental Goods Agreement, which as per recen t 
Ministerial advise, we aim to conclude shortly.  
PERU  
4.314.   In line with what other Members have said this morning, Peru hails the solid overall 
economic performance of China in the period under review. Peru hopes that China's economic 
growth will continue to generate prosperity for its population and  continue to act as one of the 
engines of world economic growth. Likewise, Peru welcomes the progress made in the WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 45 - 
 
  modernization of its industrial fabric, innovation and the implementation of policies to reduce the 
harmful impact of the economy on the envir onment. These will underpin China's potential growth 
in the years to come, and add to the efforts of the international community to tackle the problems 
arising from climate change.  
4.315.   With regard to bilateral trade relations, China is Peru's main trading part ner. We highlight 
the steady growth of bilateral trade throughout the last decade, during which total trade figures 
have quintupled, reaching over US$15 billion in 2015. This promising dynamism is a reflection of 
the close political and cultural links resu lting from our longstanding bilateral relations that date 
back to the mid 19th century, and the shared economic interests of our two countries. Peru and 
China have had a free trade agreement since 1 March 2010, which has created a more favourable 
environme nt for the development of bilateral trade. For Peru, this FTA establishes clear rules of the 
game, within a transparent and predictable framework, which makes it possible to maintain and 
promote orderly bilateral trade that rightly safeguards the national interests of both parties. It also 
sends a positive signal that will heighten the interest of investors from China.  
4.316.   Peru has noted with great interest many of the points contained in the reports that are part 
of the present review. One of these points is, as mentioned, the Chinese Government's 
programmes to reduce polluting emissions and protect the environment. Likewise, Peru has noted 
the progress in deepening the reform of the financial system in China, and in particular the reform 
of the yuan exchange r ate, insofar as this is an important factor for international trade. Thus, while 
the content of the report is quite detailed, Peru is interested in deepening its knowledge of certain 
measures referred to in some points of the reports.  
4.317.   It is in connection w ith these and other points that the Peruvian delegation has submitted 
some questions concerning the major issues described in the reports prepared for this review. We 
therefore thank the People's Republic of China in advance for its replies and wish it eve ry success 
in this sixth review.  
INDIA  
4.318.   Since its accession to the WTO fifteen years ago, China has emerged as a leading economy 
and a key economic driver of the global trade and growth. While, during the period under review, 
China 's economic growth slowed down a bit, it remains one of the fastest growing economies. 
China also remains one of the largest recipients of FDI in the w orld. Through the process of 
on-going economic reforms, China aims to attain a "New Normal " that will imply somewhat lower 
growth t arget, but increasingly more service, innovation and technology oriented economic 
growth.  
4.319.   India appreciates the challenge of maintaining steady and robust growth in the face of 
uncertain global economic situation, and new circumstances and developments fa ced by China in 
its domestic economy. As noted in its 13th Five Year Plan and other policy documents, China will 
be continuing with its economic reform process, including facilitating greater participation of the 
private sector in the economy, reform of th e state -owned enterprises , dealing with excess 
production capacities, fiscal and fi nancial sector reforms, moderniz ation of customs procedures to 
facilitate trade, and more broadly to make its trade policy and practices more transparent and 
predictable. Wi th merchandise goods trade of about four trillion dollars, it is obvious that 
developments in the Chinese economy would have enormous impact on the global trade and 
economy and its trading partn ers. India, like all other WTO M embers, has strong interest in  the 
ongoing reform process, and in an open, transparent and predictable environment in China for 
promoting t rade and investment linkages.  
4.320.   At the bilateral level, India enjoys multi -faceted and long -standing ties with China. Our 
strategic and cooperative p artnership with China has seen steady growth and consolidation, and is 
animated by regular high -level political engagement and wide -ranging bilateral mechanisms for 
expanding cooperative ties across diverse sectors. Trade and economic is a central componen t of 
our expanding bilateral ties. India 's trade and investment ties with China have expanded 
significantly in recent years. Today, China is India 's leading trading partner with a bilate ral trade in 
goods of about US$ 70 billion last year, althoug h trade ba lance remains in favo ur of China. Mutual 
investments and project exports have provided added dynamism to bilateral interaction among 
business communities from both sides. Beyond bilateral dimension, we work with China on a WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 46 - 
 
  variety of issues of regional and  global salience, including within the framework of BRICS, the G20 
and other multilateral fora.  
4.321.   We look forward to receiving the replies of the Chinese authorities to some of the questions 
we had posed to them, which would be reviewed by my authorities. Ho wever, let me underscore 
some areas of concerns, which also affect India 's exports to China. For example, there are market 
access challenges relating to export of bovine meat and other agriculture exports to China owing 
among others to stringent sanitary a nd phyto sanitary requirements. Indian businesses face 
challenges in accessing pharmaceuticals market in China as a result of onerous registration and 
related regulatory requirements. Similarly, our services exports are affected by regulatory 
requirements, including requirement of local references. We would urge the Chinese authorities to 
review these requirements and make them simpler, and reduce regulatory barriers to trade, 
consistent with international standards and guidelines. This would also help addre ss the trade 
deficit and help sustain the rapidly growing bilateral trade and invest ment ties in a balanced 
manner.  
4.322.   As two large developing country M embers, India and China have a shared commitment to 
further strengthening of the multilateral trading syste m. We appreciate China 's strong 
commitment to the multilateral trading system, and its constructive involvement in the trade 
negotiations and in securing balanced outcomes in an inclusive and transparent manner. India 
shares China 's sentiments that success ful outcome in the ongoing Doha negotiations should help 
create opportunities for developing countries, and help achieve the goals of the United Nations 
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Finally, we commend China 's commitment to 
promoting South -South Cooperation through various forms of assistance to developing countries 
and compliment China on its duty free quota free scheme to LDC beneficiaries, and assisting 
access ion of LDC members to the WTO.  
4.323.   Before I conclude, my delegation would like to place  on record our appreciation for positive 
and constructive role played by China and its Geneva Mission led by Ambassador Yu in advancing 
work in the on -going negotiations, which is crucial. India and China have been working closely, 
including within the G33 , to make progress in our work in the WTO and further expanding trade 
and investment cooperation for mutual benefit. We look forward to continued co operation with the 
Chinese delegation. We wish the Chinese delegation a productive and successful TPR.  
TURKE Y 
4.324.   The Turkish d elegation is very pleased to be present at the 6th trade policy review of 
China. The Chinese economy experienced an astonishing growth in the last few decades, mainly 
thanks to country 's increasing integration into the global economy and gov ernment 's bold support 
for economic activities. In the late 1970s, when China started the program me of economic 
reforms, the country ranked ninth in the world in nominal GDP terms; today China is world 's 
second largest economy with a nominal GDP of US$9.5 trillion. Given the share of China in the 
world economy and trade, this TPR meeting will help us not only explore the structure and 
components of the Chinese economy and trade but also better understand the world trade as a 
whole.  
4.325.   As referred to in th e Sec retariat r eport, in 2014 and 2015, China 's economic growth 
somehow slowed down with respect to the previous two years. However, the economy has proven 
to be quite resilient. China 's nominal GDP per capita increased to around US$8,000 in 2015 from 
around US$7,000 in 2013, and it  more than doubled since 2008.  
4.326.   At an average of 6.9% for the whole year, country 's GDP growth rate stayed very much in 
line with the official target in 2015. While slower than previous years, this still puts China among 
the fastest g rowing economies in the world. Given the size of China 's economy today, the increase 
in economic output in 2015 was more than in the previous years when the growth rate was higher. 
According to forecasts made by the IMF, China is expected to continue to be  the largest 
contributor to world GDP – in purchasing power parity terms – and is expected to account for 
nearly 20 % of world GDP by 2020. This is one of the many aspects of the Chi nese economy to be 
commended.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 47 - 
 
  4.327.   My delegation would like to express its appre ciation to China for its contributions to the 
WTO work and trade negotiations on various WTO platforms. As a great beneficiary of the 
multilateral trading system China also plays an important role and has great responsibility in 
shaping multilateral trade policies. I believe that in line with its increasing share in international 
trade, China will go on to make further successful reforms in its trade and economy, and will give 
even more support to the multilateral trading system through its c ontinuous posit ive engagement.  
4.328.   In terms of bilateral relations, Turkey and China are located respectively on the west and 
east ends of the ancient Silk Road, and have a long history of good political, cultural and economic 
relations. China is Turkey 's third trade partne r worldwide. Bilateral trade volume between our two 
countries exceeded US$27 billion in 2015. Turkey 's exports to China predominantly consist of raw 
materials and chemicals. On the other hand, investment goods and intermediate goods make up 
the major p art of our imports from China.  
4.329.   Investment cooperation between Turkey and China is improving as well. China 's 
contribution to various infrastructure projects in Turkey is increasing from year to year. Moreover, 
our companies undertake joint projects in third c ountries. In order to fully benefit from the 
potential of our economies, Turkey is willing to further improve its economic and trade relations 
with China in various fields. As we make necessary efforts to achieve this target, we should also 
aim to achieve a more balanced trade which at present is heavily in favor of China.   
4.330.   Finally, I wish all the good luck to China in achieving the overall goal of creating "a 
moderately prosperous society " based on the 13th Five -Year Plan (2016 -2020), which contains the 
somehow main principles underpinning the policies f or China 's future development.  
4.331.   Before concluding, let me also mention that Turkey submitted a number of written 
questions in advance for this Trade Policy Review, seeking further clarification on certain a spects of 
China 's trade and investment policy. We look forward to China 's response to these questions.  
BURUNDI  
4.332.   Burundi is delighted with the excellent relations of friendship and cooperation that have 
existed between our two countries since diplomatic rela tions were established in 1963.  
4.333.   These relations were particularly boosted by the signing of the first Economic, Technical 
and Trade Cooperation Agreement on 6 June 1972, not to mention the exchanges of delegations 
between the two countries.  
4.334.   Since then, coo peration between China and Burundi has grown satisfactorily thanks in 
particular to the provision of preferential credits, interest free loans and grants for financing 
priority sectors such as public works, agriculture, energy, industry, education, public health and 
humanitarian affairs.  
4.335.   Thus, during the crisis Burundi has just undergone, China is one of the few countries that 
continued to provide assistance by implementing development projects and spontaneously taking 
action to help the affected population . 
4.336.   My delegation welcomes the Chinese authorities' policy of continuing to seek to maintain a 
stable growth rate, by stimulating domestic consumption and the areas and sectors they consider 
relevant, such as industrial modernization and foreign investment.  
4.337.   The Burundi delegation also congratulates China on the progress it has made in combatting 
food insecurity by reforming its agricultural policy with a view to stabilizing the cost of food.  
4.338.   Burundi supports the progressive development of China's efforts with  a view to greater 
liberalization of financial services, particularly as regards non bank activities.  
4.339.   My delegation notes with satisfaction the Chinese Government's desire to maintain the 
general thrust of its policy, while ensuring stability and taking ac count of the objectives of stable 
growth, promotion of reforms, structural adjustment, raising the population's living standards and WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 48 - 
 
  risk prevention, as well as the implementation of a proactive budgetary policy and prudent 
monetary policy.  
4.340.   The Burundi del egation encourages China to continue to seek solutions to the major 
economic problems, and to advance towards its goal of pursuing reciprocal development in a 
framework of cooperation at the bilateral, regional, sub -regional and multilateral levels.  
4.341.   To con clude, the Burundi delegation reiterates Burundi's commitment to steadfast 
cooperation with China in its policy of promoting its national and international economic plan, as 
well as in other areas.  
MONTENEGRO  
4.342.   Montenegro would like to associate itself with the statement of the European Union.  
4.343.   Montenegro congratulates the Government of China for its active and constructive role as a 
WTO M ember in supporting  the multilateral trading system, particularly during the process of 
negotiations that led to the succe ssful outcom e of both IX and X Ministerial C onference. In 
addition, its funding through the China Round Table continues to be an important support 
mechanism for further inte gration of the least developed c ountries and newly acceded members 
into the global trade regime.  
4.344.   Montenegro congratulates China on achieving a very strong rate of economic growth, 
despite the relative slow -down that China has experienced. In this regard, Mon tenegro notes that 
the Chinese G overnment considers that its economy has entered  a "New Normal ", meaning that 
there will be more stable, albeit lower GDP growth rates of around 6.5% -7%. Notwithstanding the 
entry of China into a "New Normal ", the Chinese economy continues to expe rience strong 
economic growth. In this regard, real GDP g rowth was 7.3% in 2014 and 6.9% in 2015. While this 
is down from 7.7% growth in 2012 and 2013, the g rowth rate is to be commended. In addition, 
the Government of China reports that its economy contributed to over 25% of global economic 
growth in 2015, whic h is an impressive achievement.  
4.345.   Notwithst anding the Secretariat 's report  that the Chinese trade has declined during the last 
review period, Montenegro commends China on its position as the world 's largest trad er (excluding 
intra-EU trade). Even though expo rts have fallen from US$2.34 trillion in 2014 to US$2.28 trillion 
in 2015, China 's trade statis tics remain strong.  In an economic environment capped by weak 
demand in the international market and continued depression in global trade, China has done well 
to maintain such positive trade statistics.  In thi s regard, Montenegro notes the G overnment of 
China 's comment that "confronted with the new situation, the Chinese G overnment has been 
proactively committed to transforming the development pattern of foreign t rade, innovating in the 
development mode for foreign trade and strengthening pragmatic cooperation with its trading 
partners, to achieve mutual benefit,  win-win and common development ".  
4.346.   In reviewing both reports, Montenegro notes with appreciation remarka ble achievements of 
China in transforming its economy and providing better life for its people during the period under 
review.  
4.347.   Of particular interest to Montenegro is China 's position as one of the largest recipients of 
foreign direct investment in the wor ld. In this regard, Montenegro notes that FDI inflows reached 
US$119.6 billion in 2014, whic h is 1.7% more than 2013. As a state that actively encourages 
foreign  investment, Montenegro recogniz es the extent of this achievement. We will continue to 
follow c losely the implementation of investment incentive schemes and the existing Pilot Free 
Trade  Zones.  
4.348.   In addition, of particular interest to Montenegro is China 's work on accelerating the 
development of its service sector and China 's work on effectively pushi ng forward reforms in other 
respects – notably, reform of medical and healthcare systems.  In thi s regard, Montenegro notes 
the G overnment of China 's comment that since the last review the service sector has enjoyed 
comprehensive and fast development on a c onstantly expanded scale, and that the service sector 
now accounts for nearly half of th e national economy. Montenegro further notes the G overnment 
of China 's reports that reform of the medical and healthcare system has continued to be WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 49 - 
 
  deepened, and that t he development of the medical insurance system for all people has been 
proactively promoted. Montenegro believes that regulatory policies and overall reforms of the 
services sector and the SOE -s will have important implications for the rest of the world.   
4.349.   Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Montenegro 10 years 
ago, with joint efforts of both sides, China -Montenegro relations have developed rapidly and 
cooperation in all fields has advanced steadily through a number of bilatera l economic agreements. 
I would like to use this opportunity to highlight the ongoing major infrastructure project with 
funding of €809 million – the highway connecting south and north part of Montenegro financed by 
the Chinese Exim Bank. This highway is co nsidered the cornerstone of Montenegro 's long -term 
development strategy. It will mobilize additional public national and private funding for growth and 
job creation and reduce the regional disparities in Montenegro.  
4.350.   China has been our leading partner in r ebuilding the Montenegrin trade fleet with four 
cargo ships built in China already in operation. In addition, since 2012 there has been an intensive 
cooperation within  the framework of "16 +1 ". The two G overnments are working closely toward 
the implementat ion of a number of new projects in the sectors of infrastructure, technology, 
tourism and green economy. Given China 's engagement in our region and its role as a major 
player in global trade, Montenegro stands ready to join efforts and elevate already stro ng 
Montenegro -China economic partnership to new heights.  
4.351.   In conclusion, Montenegro is looking forward to continuing excellent and co nstructive 
engagement with the d elegation of China in Geneva and my dis tinguished colleague 
Ambassador  YU Jianhua. We wish C hina every success in its sixth Trade Policy Review.  
KINGDOM  OF SAUDI  ARABIA  
4.352.   The Trade Policy Review reports prepared by China and the Secretariat reveal that the 
Chinese economy remains s trong, stable and diversified. GDP growth has averaged around 
6.5% -7% annually during the review period. With a population of 1.3 billion, China recently 
became the second largest economy and is increasingly playing an important and influential role in 
the global economy.  
4.353.   By setting out wise structural economic reforms ba sed on the guiding principles spelled out 
by the 13th Five -Year Plan (2016 -2020), China 's economy has shifted to highly productive and 
competitive one based on greater innovative capacity, technology and skilled labor. These reforms 
were undertaken in diff erent sectors such as, increasing the private sector participation in the 
economy, State -Owned Enterprises, competition, fiscal, financial sector, Foreign Investment 
System, small and medium -sized enterprises, customs procedures, and protection of intellec tual 
property rights.  
4.354.   China is to be commended for its recently introduced measures aimed at dealing with 
overcapacity in certain industries such as iron and steel, electrolytic aluminum, cement, plate 
glasses and vessels.  
4.355.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welc omes China 's great efforts towards opening up to the 
outside world through the removal of restrictions to facilitate foreign direct investment and 
initiatives such as the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone and its expansion in 2015 to three 
other pilot  free trade zones.  
4.356.   We also appreciate China 's firm commitment to a rules -based multilateral trading system, 
as well as to help developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) addressing their 
concerns and difficulties. Granting unilateral prefer ences to LDCs is a c lear proof to this effect.  
4.357.   China and Saudi Arabia enjoy a friendly and substantive relationship, underpinned by 
commercial ties and supported by shared membership in the G20. China was Saudi Arabia 's top 
trading partner in 2015, with tr ade exchange standing at US$74 billion. Saudi Arabia primarily 
exports crude petroleum, g as and petrochemicals to China. China exports to Saudi Arabia 
electronics, tex tiles, food, and special cars.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 50 - 
 
  4.358.   During his S tate visit this year, the Chinese President X i Jinping reaffirmed the diplomatic 
and economic bilateral relations. The two countries expressed their keen interest to boost 
cooperation in the area of energy,  investments, commerce, education and technologies.  
4.359.   Additionally, Chinese companies are workin g with Saudi Aramco to open more refineries in 
China. Chinese oil companies have also focused on engineering, pipeline and oil repairs, along with 
natural gas projects when engaging in business deals with Saudi firms.  
4.360.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia believes that the multilateral trading system is a key element 
for global development. China has proved its commitment to support the multilateral trading 
system and has a long -standing tradition of constructive participation in the WTO, and an active 
role in the p romotion of free and open trade.  
4.361.   In this regard, I would like to appreciate the active role of H.E. Ambassador Yu Jianhua and 
his delegation in WTO negotiations and other activities at large.  
URUGUAY  
4.362.   Our country has maintained, and still maintains, friendl y and constructive relations with 
China throughout these 26 years of diplomatic relations. The importance of economic relations 
with China has grown exponentially and spectacularly in recent years. This is the result not only of 
China's increased global st rategic weight in political and economic terms, but also of the progress 
in bilateral dialogue at various levels, basically in the political, cooperation, economic and trade, 
and cultural fields. This year in particular, many Uruguayan technical missions h ave visited China 
with a view to holding substantive exchanges on sanitary and phytosanitary matters; we have 
been exchanging views on the future of our bilateral relationship, and I have the pleasure to 
inform all the WTO Members that in 2017 the Latin Am erica China Business Summit of the CCPIT 
(China Council for the Promotion of International Trade) will take place in the city of Punta del 
Este. 
4.363.   Other aspects to be highlighted are the concrete advances in the bilateral agenda, the 
growth of trade flows, C hinese investment in our country, and the very good level of dialogue and 
coordination between our two countries at the regional and international levels.  
4.364.   A striking fact is that since 2015 China has become Uruguay's main trading partner for 
goods, with a rising share of both our exports and imports. The good dialogue on sanitary and 
phytosanitary matters currently in place means that such issues can be properly analysed and 
agreed.  
4.365.   The figures show that exports over the period 2011 2013 grew at around 30% annually. 
We have succeeded in taking advantage of the trade complementarity that has led to the 
exponential development of trade in recent years.  
4.366.   Uruguay primarily exports soybeans, cellulose pulp, bovine meat and wool, and we aim to 
add high quality beef  cuts, dairy products, wine and hides.  
4.367.   Uruguay's imports from China are primarily manufactured products, such as machinery, 
electrical and mechanical equipment, vehicles, automotive parts, plastics, organic chemicals, 
clothing and other industrial products . 
4.368.   Uruguay attaches priority to its links with China, which are of great importance in the 
context and for the objectives Uruguay has set itself. Our intention is to strengthen these links, in 
particular by creating areas for work and coordination such as i nfrastructure, environment, 
agriculture, science and technology, commercial and software services, logistics and the audio 
visual sector.  
4.369.   As a final comment, Uruguay would mention the interest of both countries in combining 
efforts to achieve the swift and  successful completion of the trade negotiations with a high level of 
ambition as well as the strengthening of the multilateral trading system based on predictable, 
transparent and balanced rules that we both need as a tool for our development. Regardless of the WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 51 - 
 
  difference in scale of our two economies, we have a common interest in preserving and improving 
the multilateral system.  
PAKISTAN  
4.370.   The period under review brought into light the bold steps taken and implemented by the 
Chinese Government to sustain it s economic growth which benefits both China and the world, 
since China 's economy contributed to 25% of global economic growth.  
4.371.   Strong domestic demand coupled with well targeted reforms in fiscal and monetary policies 
were key drivers of China 's economic g rowth. We greatly appreciate China 's strategic policies for 
its success in maintaining economic growth despite numerous challenges due to the global 
economic downturn. We particularly commend the measures outlined in 12th Five -Year Plan  that 
have contribut ed to economic growth and helped achieve the Millennium Development Goals 
(MDGs). B y 2015, according to the World B ank, China had achieved all the Millennium 
Development Goals (MDGs) and made a major contribution to the achievement of the MDGs 
globally.  
4.372.   China played a critical role globally in positively influencing wider economic environment 
and pattern of the world trade. In this regard, we commend the direction of China 's trade policies 
and measures aimed at stabilizing trade growth domestically and glob ally. 
4.373.   Pakistan appreciates the measures taken and the commitment demonstrated by China to 
environmental challenges.  
4.374.   During the period under review,  China cont inued its efforts in promoting r egional and 
bilateral economic cooperation. Pakistan and China FT A entered into force in 2007. On 
November  2015, the Banking Business Service Protocol of the Services Trade of the FTA took 
effect. This new progress in the Pakistan -China FTA will further impro ve the liberalization level of 
services trade. Recently a lead ing Pakistan Bank started its operation in China.  
4.375.   I must mention the major role of China in the area of development cooperation . China has 
made si gnificant contributions in the South -South cooperation such as to the Aid for Trade 
programme, and supported LDCs integration into the multilateral trading system.  
4.376.   Hallmark of China -Pakistan economic  and trade partnership is China -Pakistan Economic 
Corridor. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor  is linked with two large infrastructure projects 
embracing the whole of As ia and designed to establish new trade and transport links between 
China, South Asia, Middle East, Central Asia and beyond. CPEC is a vital link between Silk Road 
Economic Belt and the 21st -Century Maritime Silk Road – the "Belt and Road Initiative ". 
4.377.   This US$46 b illion initiative spread over 15 years, it has all the vital elements o f economic 
development, like transport, highways, railways, p orts, industrial zones, IT,  and last but not least 
energy  (considerable part of this is renewable energy ).  
4.378.   CPEC is g oing to be a game changer for Pakistan and the region, it will be a bridge 
between three engines of growth, China, South Asia and Central Asia, thus giving a stimulus to a 
deep regional economic integration and creating a tradin g block of 3 billion people,  nearly half of 
the planet. Mind you these also include half of world 's extreme poor. The deepening of economic 
integration will lower trade costs, essential for ending poverty.  
4.379.   Pakistan has a 4 to 5 thousand MW energy deficit  which is 25% of our total ge neration 
capacity, it is costing us 2% of GDP growth. This development deficit needed an initiati ve of "Big 
Bang Scale ", like CPEC.  It is a set of 55 projects, 75% of funding is f or providing 17000 MW of 
energy  over the next ten years. This includes sol ar, hydro and w ind energy projects. Many of these 
being foreign direct invest ment of Chinese private sector.  
4.380.   Hallmark of the initiative is the North -South Highway and Rail link, designed to link Arabian 
Gulf coast of Pakistan in South to North Western Chinese  Region of Xinjiang and Kasghar, thus 
reducin g the distance of China 's North -West from Arabian Gulf from 14000 kms to 2500 kms, thus 
transforming th e trade cost for the whole region.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 52 - 
 
  4.381.   CPEC will result in increasing  trade, investment and financial flows, br inging peace and 
prosperity to the region through the enhancement in the competitiveness of the economies a nd 
reduction in trade cost, CPEC epitomiz es South -South trade at its best.  
4.382.   We immen sely value and acknowledge that  active role played by Chin a at the  multilateral 
trading s ystem level at the WTO. Particularly Ambassador Yu Jianhua and his team in Geneva, who 
are actively and positively engaged in all aspects of  the WTO work s. 
MALI 
4.383.   My delegation endorses the statement made by Benin on behalf of the LDCs . 
4.384.   Mali recognizes the decisive contribution of China to the multilateral trading system, and its 
role as a major actor in world trade, and as a champion of South South cooperation, which we 
welcome.  
4.385.   My delegation notes with satisfaction China's remarkable achievements as the world's 
second largest economy and largest trader, whose growth and development have an eminently 
positive impact on the rest of the world, and congratulates China for its performance.  
4.386.   We have noted with interest the major actions under taken as well as the series of reforms 
introduced or envisaged by the Chinese Government with a view in particular to:  
1. Adjusting the economic structure and transforming the development pattern.  
2. Promoting the transformation and upgrading of traditional indu stries, together with 
emission reduction.  
3. Consolidating and strengthening the foundations for agricultural development.  
4. Accelerating the reform of State owned enterprises and the development of the private 
sector, reform of the budget and tax systems, and of the financial system.  
5. Promoting innovation in order to accelerate the development of foreign trade, with 
emphasis on improving trade facilitation while further optimizing foreign investment 
through FDI attraction strategies.  
4.387.   We also applaud China's effo rts at transparency, which do a great deal to improve the level 
of trade between China and its partners. The results already achieved as mentioned in the 
country's report are remarkable, in particular in the framework of South South cooperation and 
bilater ally with my country.  
4.388.   Indeed, Mali welcomes its excellent political, economic, cultural and trade relations with 
China, which is today a major partner for Mali.  
4.389.   I should like to express here the enormous gratitude of the C4 to China for its unfailing 
commi tment on the question of African cotton at the WTO and the support of all kinds that it has 
constantly given the African countries.  
4.390.   I cannot conclude without paying tribute to the work of Ambassador Yu here in Geneva and 
the constructive, high quality cont ribution to the discussions in the WTO.  
MOROCCO  ON BEHALF  OF THE AFRICAN  GROUP   
4.391.   It gives the African Group enormous pleasure to participate today in the sixth review of 
China's trade policy, which I am sure will be the opportunity for members of this Organ ization to 
become acquainted with the major economic and trade progress this friendly country is continuing 
to make in the multilateral trading system.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 53 - 
 
  4.392.   China is today the world's most populous country, accounting for a little over 19.6% of the 
planet's pop ulation. Since 2009 it has been the world's biggest exporter and since 2013 the 
biggest trading power, with a total share of international trade of 11%.  
4.393.   China's share in world trade in goods has steadily increased in recent years. In 2015, 
Chinese imports and exports of good ranked first in the world for the third consecutive year.  
4.394.   China has large reserves of coal and is a world leader in the production of certain mineral 
ores (iron, gold, phosphates, etc.). It has large oil and gas reserves and is the worl d's fifth oil 
producer with 3.8 million barrels.  
4.395.   The African Group recognizes China's impressive economic and trade performance and its 
giant steps forwards in recent years. Together with the adoption of market economy rules and 
principles, these successiv e evolutions have enabled the Chinese economy to record impressive 
growth rates and set a course of sustainable and diversified development.  
4.396.   China is one of the largest producers and consumers of agricultural products. Agriculture is 
a key sector for the e xpansion of domestic demand and the adjustment of the economic structure. 
The sector employs nearly 35% of the active population and contributes nearly 10% of GDP. A 
series of plans are underway to transform Chinese agriculture, by modernizing and diversif ying it 
and making it more productive.  
4.397.   The services sector has recorded comprehensive, rapid development since China's previous 
TPR, and its size is steadily growing. It represents half the Chinese economy, and thanks to a new 
structural optimization is pl aying a major positive role in national economic growth by favouring 
employment.  
4.398.   With regard to cross border electronic commerce, market purchase trade, integrated 
foreign trade services and other new business models are rapidly becoming new growth poles f or 
the development of China's foreign trade.  
4.399.   Chinese FDI in Africa has been growing steadily since 2004, when Beijing adopted a range 
of measures to encourage investments abroad, including through investment funds.  
4.400.   China's involvement in Africa is marked b y strong trade, investment and financial relations. 
While the oil and mining industries still predominate in Chinese FDI in Africa, financial services, 
construction and manufacturing now represent half of its investments in Africa. Chinese banks 
have suppo rted large scale infrastructure investment in the continent and over 2,200 Chinese 
companies, mostly private, currently operate in African countries.  
4.401.   I should like to close my statement by stressing some facts for which the African Group 
wishes to congratu late and applaud China.  
4.402.   Firstly, China has been a WTO Member since December 2001. It is a country that defends 
the multilateral trading system. It plays an active role in the ongoing round of multilateral trade 
negotiations.  
4.403.   Secondly, the Chinese Governmen t played an active part in the DDA negotiations and still 
attaches considerable importance to them. Over the last two years, China has worked with the 
other WTO Members in the negotiations on different aspects of the Doha agenda while respecting 
the DDA ma ndate in terms of development and consolidating its achievements.  
4.404.   Furthermore, China is also one of the first Members to have completed the domestic 
procedures for the ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).  
4.405.   Furthermore, China has worked to  promote the liberalization of trade in environmental 
goods.  
4.406.   Finally, in the framework of South South cooperation, China has, to the best of its abilities, 
supplied economic and technological assistance to other developing countries, in particular least WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 54 - 
 
  developed countries (LDCs), by contributing to strengthening infrastructures, trading possibilities 
and capacities.  
4.407.   To conclude, allow me to congratulate the Chinese Government on its successful and 
impressive performance over the recent years, and for its d ynamic role in multilateral trade. I wish 
this friendly country every success in its trade policy review.  
MOROCCO  
4.408.   The Kingdom of Morocco was the second Arab and African country to have established 
diplomatic relations with China in 1958, since when our rel ations have been excellent. They are 
characterized by friendship, understanding, solidarity and the shared desire to strengthen and 
diversify bilateral cooperation with a view to achieving synergies and mutual advantage.  
4.409.   Bilateral cooperation between Moroc co and China is based on an extensive legal framework 
that covers a varied range of sectors.  
4.410.   The official visit of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to China last May was the occasion for 
the conclusion of some 30 agreements for public public and public private  partnerships between 
the two countries. It also enabled relations between our two countries to step up a gear in the 
framework of a global strategic partnership, which opens new prospects for political relations 
between Beijing and Rabat and paves the way  for strengthening bilateral cooperation in sectors 
that have strong potential for job creation and value added.  
4.411.   In the course of his historic visit, His Majesty the King decided to eliminate visas for 
Chinese nationals as of last June. This decision refle cts Morocco's desire for openness and for the 
development of human, cultural, economic and political exchanges between the two friendly 
countries.  
4.412.   Thus, in addition to strengthening cooperation in the legal, cultural, tourism, energy, 
infrastructure and co nsular areas, this visit boosted the economic partnership between our two 
countries, in particular in finance, infrastructure, motor vehicles, textiles, aeronautical, logistics 
and renewable energy.  
4.413.   It also opened the way for Chinese enterprises to set up operations in Morocco to a greater 
extent and make the Kingdom a development hub for their activities in Africa and Europe.  
4.414.   Lastly, like China, Morocco is conscious that it is heir to a traditional heritage and a very 
ancient civilization, which it conside rs a major asset for managing smooth development towards 
the future.  
MYANMAR  
4.415.   My delegation is taking the floor today to speak on this occasion  because China is our 
friendly neighbor and a long -standing trade partner.  
4.416.   Myanmar and China share a long border. Our two countries established diplomatic relations 
on 8 June 1950, and the bilateral trade agreement was signed in 1971.  
4.417.   According to our trade data, China has stood as Myanmar 's largest trading partner for over 
a decade. The bilateral trade has increased,  year on year. In the  2015-2016 Fiscal Year, the 
two-way trade reached the mark of over US$10 billion, which is nearly 40 % of the total trade 
volume of Myanmar 's foreign trade. We would like to see the conti nuation of this positive trend.  
4.418.   In terms of the F oreign Direct Investment in Myanmar, China takes the first place, with 
over US$ 18 billion investment from 132 Chinese companies. This is according to the FDI statistics 
published in March 2016.  
4.419.   China is a big player in both the regional and multilateral tr ading systems. We are glad to 
note that China has been supportive of the need to bring the current trade negotiations forward, 
including the DDA negotiations.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 55 - 
 
  4.420.   The delegation of Myanmar is pleased to convey our sincere thanks and appreciation to His 
Excelle ncy Mr. Wang Shouwen and his delegation for their friendship and constructive engagement 
throughout the TPR.  
SRI LANKA  
4.421.   My delegation appreciates China 's continued commitment to the multilateral trading 
system and its active engagement in the negotiations i n the WTO. As a key player in the 
multilateral trading system, China plays a very important role in the WTO. The dynamic role 
played by Ambassador YU Jianhua and his team in proactively engaging in ongoing activities of 
WTO is highly commendable. We also a ppreciate China 's valuable contribution to the Asia –Pacific 
Group of Developing Members which is currently coordinated by Sri Lanka. We also welcome 
China 's joining in the WTO Tra de Facilitation Agreement on 4  September 2015 becoming the 16th 
member to for mally accept the agreement.   
4.422.   Sri Lanka commends Chin a's new five year plan for 2016 –2020 which aims at continuing 
the process of structural economic reform that includes the promotion of private sector 
participation in the eco nomy, as well as the reform o f state -owned e nterprises. We believe that the 
measures mentioned in the Five Year Plan i.e. promotion of competition, fiscal reform, financial 
sector reform to increase private capital participation in banking and expand the provision of 
financial service s, and making the exchange rate and interest rate more market -oriented will bring 
positive results to the Chinese economy and its people.  
4.423.   Let me also briefly reflect on the historical close bilateral relations between China and 
Sri Lanka. China is a very important and key trading partner for Sri Lanka. The strong relationship 
between the two countries has grown steadily over the time. The value of total trade turnover 
between the two c ountries has increased from US$659 million in 2005 to US$4025 m illion in  2015.  
4.424.   Trade relations between Sri Lanka and China span to a long history going back to several 
centuries. In the year 1952, opening a new chapter in trade relations between the two countries, 
China and Sri Lanka entered into a Trade Agreement relating to  barter trade on rubber and rice. 
This was even before the two countries established formal diplomatic relations in 1957. The Trade 
and Payment Agreement which was signed between the two countries in 1982 provided MFN 
treatment for products of expor t and i mport of both countries.  In 1984 , both countries signed an 
Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation and these two agreements were amalgamated 
in 1991 to form the "Sri Lanka -China Joint Committee for Trade and Economic Cooperation ". A 
MOU on Trade an d Economic Cooperation between the two countries was signed on 28  May 2013 
and we are now at the preliminary stage of finalizing a FTA.  
4.425.   China has been one of the leading development partners for Sri Lanka for many years. 
Specially, aftermath of the civil c onflict in Sri Lanka in 2009, China led the development assistance 
in rebuilding of Sri Lanka 's infrastructure which includes highways, port and an airport. The two 
countries are further engaged to increase their bilateral trade and economic cooperation.  
MAURITIUS  
4.426.   Our two countries share excellent relations and this is vivid in the realm of trade, 
economic, social and cultural interactions between our two countries.  
4.427.   China is a major source of imports for Mauritius. We have seen in recent years an 
increasin g number of tourists from China and which is a result of a deliberate strategy of 
diversification of our tourist markets.  
4.428.   The global economic and financial volatility affects us all small or big and we laud the 
Government of the People 's Republic of China 's efforts to sustain economic growth and domestic 
reforms with a view to bolster trade and investment with the rest of the world.  
4.429.   Whilst China 's energy on emerging industries and the transformation of the manufacturing 
sector is to be commended, we welcome  the synergy of efforts towards development of the 
services sector.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 56 - 
 
  4.430.   Mauritius has been participating actively with China in the ITA 2 negotiations and which led 
to a breakthrough in December 2015. This agreement is expected to generate US$1.3 trillion 
worth of trade and promoting growth.  
4.431.   We are watching with keen interest China 's participation in the Environmental Goods 
Agreement negotiations as well as the Government Procurement Agreement negotiations.  
4.432.   We wish to further commend China 's efforts in ratifyi ng the Trade Facilitation Agreement in 
September 2015 and in launching a series of reforms including paperless customs clearance to 
make customs procedures more efficient for trade.  
4.433.   We encourage China to continue looking for joint ventures with foreign co mpanies of other 
developing countries like Mauritius, especially for high -end manufacturing products and high 
quality services.  
4.434.   We wish to congratulate China on the reform of its foreign investment system to exclude 
some imports from examination and approv al. This would surely expedite and increase 
investments in the country.  
4.435.   We also commend China for its efforts to strengthen IPR enforcement. However, we wish 
to make an appeal for China to consider measures to stop the export of counterfeit products 
includ ing handicrafts that represent other countries landmarks and national characteristics.  
4.436.   We have noticed that China makes us e of TRQs on several products. China also maintains 
high duties on some products of in terest to us, including sugar. We look forward t o work with the 
Chinese side on this issue.  
4.437.   On the bilateral front, we look forward to work together with China to undertake a 
feasibility study for a Free Trade Agreement to enhance trade and reduce non -tariff barriers to 
trade.  
KENYA  
4.438.   Kenya and China have  long-standing warm and cordial relations, which have deepened 
over the many years of diplomatic and economic relation. The relationship has further been 
strengthened by the high level visits that have taken place between the two countries in the recent 
past. 
4.439.   We take note that during the period under review, China 's economic growth slowed down, 
registering an average GD growth of about 7.1%. The growth was largely driven by strong 
domestic demand, supported by domestic credit expansion and availability and rising incomes. The 
economic growth has been affected by among others the effects of global financial and economic 
crisis, slower global growth and increased uncertainties.  
4.440.   We also note that China remains one of the major recipients of Foreign Direct Inves tment 
globally. In 2014, FDI inflows reached US$119.6 billion while in 2015 it was US$126.27 billion. The 
main sectors attracting FDI were manufacturing, real estate, leasing and business services, and 
wholesale and retail trade. China has also continued t o seek to attract further FDI by facilitating 
procedures, through a number of incentives schemes and through liberalization.  
4.441.   We take note of the various reforms being undertaken to improve investment and business 
environment. These reforms include fiscal a nd taxation system, administrative examination and 
approval, business environment, investment examination and approval, state -owned enterprises 
and development, financial system and social security. Other areas include amendment of 
Government Procurement L aw, amendments of intellectual property rights (IPRs) and 
strengthening of IPR enforcement system and new changes on competition policy regulations with 
respect to mergers.  
4.442.   We commend China 's commitment to the multilateral trading system and in its support  for 
developing countries particularly least developed countries. We appreciate these efforts and 
encourage China to continue enhancing these developmental initiatives.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 57 - 
 
  4.443.   On the bilateral front, China remains an important partner for Kenya. Over years we hav e 
benefited from economic and technical cooperation with China, in areas of investment and 
infrastructure projects.  
4.444.   During the review period, bilateral economic and trade cooperation continued to grow. 
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Kenya 's total trade with China grew by 26% 
from US$2.7 billion in 2014 to US$3.4 billion in 2015, with balance of Trade being in favour of 
China. Kenya 's main exports to China were ores and concentrat es of base metals, leather, 
non-ferrous base me tal waste  and scrap, vegetable materials, fruits and nuts and copper while 
imports were civil engineering and contracts ' plant and equipment, telecommunications 
equipment, rails and railway vehicles, associated equipment, motor vehicles and motor cycles, 
rotating e lectric plant and parts thereof, electrical machinery and apparatus, tubes, pipes and 
hollow profiles and tube or pipe fittings of iron or steel.  
4.445.   Finally, Kenya once again welcomes the efforts by China in enhancing its overall economic 
growth and developme nt through multilateral, regional and bilateral initiatives.  
GUINEA 
4.446.   The delegation of Guinea endorses the statements made by the Group Coordinators, 
namely Benin on behalf of the LDCs and Morocco for the African Group.  
4.447.   China and Guinea have had diplomatic and economic relations since 1958, the date when 
my country gained independence. These relations have grown steadily stronger over the last 
twenty years and have been consolidated by the advent of the Third Republic.  
4.448.   The economic results obtained by China are the fruit of the unprecedented reforms carried 
out by the country since joining the WTO.  
4.449.   The two reports before us make quite clear the economic performance achieved by China 
despite the slowdown of the world economy.  
4.450.   The various reforms undertaken and  the sectoral strategies launched are ample proof that 
the Chinese authorities wish to enhance the transparency of their trade policies and practices and 
contribute to the better operation of the multilateral trading system.  
4.451.   China's trade policy orientatio ns are genuinely based on respect for the commitments it 
entered into in the WTO, and on cooperation with the WTO Members, in particular the LDCs.  
4.452.   In 2015, Guinea's exports to China amounted to US$4,502,527 while its imports amounted 
to US$99,154,134.  
4.453.   In order to correct this trade imbalance, the Guinean and Chinese authorities have jointly 
decided to strengthen cooperation in several areas.  
4.454.   The cooperative relations between China and Guinea are governed by the 
recommendations that stem from the work of the  fifth session of the Joint Commission for 
Economic, Trade and Technical Cooperation signed on 14 April 2011 in Conakry.  
4.455.   Since that date China has embarked on unprecedented high level cooperation with Guinea.  
4.456.   In addition to the State visits made to China b y the President of the Republic of Guinea, 
Professor Alpha Condé, China and Guinea have signed cooperation agreements in the fields of 
trade through the periodic exchange of trade information between the administrations responsible 
for trade, and the creat ion of direct cooperative relations between the private sector promotion 
structures, including the Chamber of Commerce and employers organizations.  
4.457.   It is also planned to set up trade offices and joint trade and economic enterprises between 
Chinese and Guin ean private companies.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 58 - 
 
  4.458.   Initiatives such as trade prospection and trade events, such as fairs and exhibition sales 
are underway.  
4.459.   As regards market access, beyond the generalized system of preferences Guinea enjoys 
duty free and quota free market access to t he Chinese market for most of its products.  
4.460.   Guinea notes with great satisfaction the rise in the volume of its trade with China.  
4.461.   Guinea's imports from China include industrial goods, motorcycles, computer equipment 
and textiles, while its exports to China consist of raw materials and agricultural goods.  
4.462.   In addition to trade in goods, there is good cooperation between the Chinese and Guinean 
Governments in institutional support for the Guinean administration.  
4.463.   This cooperation includes the training of Guinean  managers in such areas as agriculture, 
the construction of rural primary schools and hotel facilities, drilling, and the signing of a 
framework agreement between the China Development Bank and the Guinean Government.  
4.464.   As you know, Guinea was hit by the Ebo la virus epidemic in 2004. China's response to this 
crisis was exemplary, both in Geneva and in the two capitals.  
4.465.   Right from the start of the epidemic, China sent medical personnel and equipment, 
medicine and supplies to Conakry.  
4.466.   China continues to support  the Guinean Government in its programme of socioeconomic 
development. With the contribution from the Guinean Government, it has just built the 240 
megawatt Kaleta hydroelectric dam, which can supply electricity to many households and launch 
an industrial base.  
4.467.   A second hydroelectric dam is currently being built for the purpose not only of supplying 
electricity to households and industry but also for selling power to neighbouring countries.  
SENE GAL 
4.468.   The sixth trade policy review of the People's Republic of C hina is an opportunity for us to 
take a fresh look at the economic and trading environment of the world's leading exporter since 
2009 and top trading power since 2013. In this connection it is appropriate to recognize and 
congratulate China for the efforts  it has made to improve the business and investment climate 
since its last review in 2014.  
4.469.   With its 11% share of world trade confirming that it is firmly anchored in the world trading 
system, China has pursued effective policies aimed at diversifying its e conomy.  
4.470.   Despite slower growth in recent years, major economic and trading reforms have enabled 
China to improve the domestic business environment, promote investment and deepen its 
insertion in world value chains.  
4.471.   As a result, it has maintained a GDP growt h rate of 6.9%, according to the Secretariat 
report, albeit slightly below previous years. Domestic consumption, stimulated by a sustained 
government policy, continues to be a major driver of growth.  
4.472.   China has also maintained the main thrusts of its struct ural economic reform policy, aimed 
at giving the private sector a more important role in the economy, as shown by the reform 
undertaken with respect to State owned enterprises.  
4.473.   We also recognize the major efforts China has made for trade facilitation with the 
implementation of electronic customs clearance throughout the country and the ratification of the 
WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 59 - 
 
  4.474.   The delegation of Senegal also welcomes the continuing modernization of the agricultural 
sector, which, according to the  Secretariat report, contributes about 10% of GDP. The Chinese 
economy is also benefitting from the rapid development of the services sector.  
4.475.   While China is unquestionably a priority destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), 
which reached the level of US$119.5 billion in 2014, the fact remains that China is also one of the 
main partners of the African continent, which in 2014 received nearly US$1.6 billion of Chinese 
FDI. Over 2,500 Chinese companies are installed in Africa in various economic sector s. 
4.476.   In the specific case of Senegal, our relations with China at the political and economic level 
have been growing, and several projects in the fields of energy, infrastructure, finance etc., have 
been carried out through this dynamic cooperation.  
4.477.   My count ry hails the economic performance accomplished by your Government, and urges 
it to persevere in its commitment and efforts aimed at strengthening its openness to trade and 
world value chains, so as to contribute further to the growth of the world economy, to the benefit 
of all.  
4.478.   Lastly, the Senegalese delegation welcomes the positive contribution of the Chinese 
delegation led by Ambassador YU Jianhua to the work of the WTO.  
HONDURAS  
4.479.   With regard to the report before us, we note with great interest that real G DP grew by 
7.3% in 2014 and 6.9% in 2015, driven by strong domestic demand fuelled by the expansion and 
availability of credit in the country and by rising incomes.  
4.480.   At the same time, we highlight that during the period under review consumer price 
inflation  remained moderate at only 2% in 2014 and 1.4% in 2015, and note the adoption of the 
13th Five Year Plan (2016 2020), whose purpose is to pursue the process of structural economic 
reform.  
4.481.   The report highlights the establishment of the Trade Remedy and Inve stigation Bureau and 
the Investigation Bureau Industry Injury (IBII) in the area of investigations concerning trade 
measures. We note the changes in the regulations concerning competition policy, particularly in 
the area of mergers, as well as the establis hment of a clearer legal basis for determining, 
evaluating and supervising conditions that restrict economic competition, and we welcome the 
publication of provisions geared to avoiding conflict between intellectual property protection and 
competition poli cy enforcement, currently being studied in our capital.  
4.482.   China has continued to be one of the main recipients of global foreign direct investment 
(FDI), and stands out among the countries with the highest GDP per capita, while ranking 28th in 
the Global Com petitiveness Index.  
4.483.   As far as bilateral trade is concerned, in 2015 we imported about US$1.3 billion in 
electrical machinery and equipment, recording devices, machinery and mechanical appliances, 
vehicles and footwear, among others, and exported about US$2 7 million in ores, slag and ash, 
machinery, electrical appliances and equipment, recording devices, aluminium and aluminium 
products, and tanning extracts, among other goods.  
4.484.   We should also mention that in 2006, responding to the need to link up our two na tions, 
the Honduras China Chamber of Commerce and Investment was established, which led to the 
creation of a Honduras China Industrial and Trading Park, as well as the creation of the Honduras 
China Cultural Centre, providing comprehensive education with s cholarships and technology, and 
we take this opportunity to express our thanks for the cooperation extended to us.  
4.485.   Lastly, I should like to state once again that we are grateful for this new opportunity for 
discussing and reviewing China's trade policies a nd practices, and at the same time to wish its 
authorities every success in this exercise under the Trade Policy Review mechanism.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 60 - 
 
  NEPAL  
4.486.   Both the reports summarize how China 's economic and trade development has continued 
to move ahead amidst severe and co mplicated international environment. The world economy still 
features sluggish overall recovery after the economic crisis. The growth rate of the world economy 
in 2015 was the slowest in the past six years. However, it is worthwhile to note that despite th is 
China has continued its reforms and, through adopting appropriate policies and further opening up 
of its market, it succeeded to secure around 7% economic growth in the review period. We 
appreciate that China 's economy contributed to over 25% of global economic growth in 2015.  
4.487.   We appreciate that China has committed to building a new system of open economy and 
accelerated its steps in building new avenues in international competition. It has promoted 
innovative development in foreign trade, facilitated in vestment promotion and actively explored 
new system of rules and regulatory patterns for cross -border trade and investment while 
continuing to deepen domestic reforms. Further extending the experiences of the Shanghai Pilot 
Free Trade Zone it has establish ed three new pilot free trade zones in Guangdong, Tianjin and 
Fujian. China 's domestic consumer market has grown rapidly over the past two years, achieving 
the growth of over 10% in the review period. It is encouraging to note that the contribution rate of  
the service sector to economic growth exceeded 50% for the first time. We take note of the efforts 
oriented towards expansion of domestic demand in complementarity with supply side structural 
reforms.  
4.488.   As the largest trader of the world, policies and prac tices introduced by China matter a lot 
for the operation and maintenance of global trade. In this context, the policy reforms, including 
proactive fiscal policy and prudent monetary policy, embraced by the country during the period 
under review are further  encouraging and supportive to accelerating economic growth. Trade -led 
growth of China has been a matter of inspiration to developing and LDC members. China has been 
a supporter of the multilateral trading system ever since it joined the WTO. Its commitmen t to 
implementing its WTO obligations in a transparent and time bound manner is commendable. We 
believe China has a crucial role to play in strengthening and further promoting multilateral trading 
system in the days to come.  
4.489.   China has always remained posi tive on LDCs ' issues and concerns in the WTO. We 
appreciate that China has extended its DFQF scheme to 97% to 33 LDCs that have diplomatic 
relationship with China. This has supported LDCs to enhance their export to the Chinese market. 
China is the largest investor an d export destination for LDCs. "China 's LDCs and Accessions 
Program me" has helped the LDCs to effectively participate in and benefit from the multilateral 
trading system and accelerate the accession process of incoming LDCs. We welcome that Chin a 
has submitted LDC services waiver notification in 2015.  
4.490.   China is Nepal 's northern neighbour and the two countries enjoy excellent age -old cultural 
and trade relati onship. Nepal and China signed "Trade and Payments Agreement " in 1981 and 
Agreement for reg ulating trade and related matters (between Nepal and Tibet Autonomous Region 
of China) in July 2002. An Agreement on Transportation was signed between Nepal and China in 
May 1994. To further extend and deepen the bilateral trade relations, the two countrie s recently 
signed various agreements and MOUs during the visit of the Prime Minister of Nepal to China this 
March, which includes the Agreement on Transit Transport between the Government of the 
People 's Republic of China and the Government of Nepal.  
4.491.   China  is Nepal 's important trading partner with the total trade between the two countries 
covering nearly 12% share in the last fiscal year. In the current fiscal year, the bilateral trade has 
reached almost 15%. This shows the increasing trend of bilateral tra de between the two countries. 
China is the second largest source of import for Nepal and fourth largest destination market for 
Nepalese export.  
4.492.   China has remained a strong supporter of Nepal 's development endeavours. It is one of the 
largest investors in Nepal and its investment has helped both industrialization and employment 
generation. Nepal has been one of the beneficiaries of China 's Preferential Tariff Scheme. China 
has offered zero -tariff entry to 8,030 items for Nepal. However, due to structural an d supply side 
constraints the utilization rate is very low. The goods of export interests from Nepal would get 
easier access to China if the technical barriers in the forms of SPS and TBT were less stringent. We WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 61 - 
 
  hope that China would soon bring down the va lue addition in export goods to 25 percent in line 
with the decision on the LDC preferential rules of origin reached in Nairobi. Cross border travel 
facilitation through the difficult terrains of the Himalayas is another important area that needs 
special a ttention in our bilateral trade promotion.  
4.493.   We hope that LDCs would have more flexibility in accessing the Chinese market both for 
trade in goods and trade in services. We also believe that China would accord full support to 
implement the LDCs Specific out comes in the WTO. We encourage China to further enhance 
existing technical and financial assistance to LDCs to build their trade capacity and help them get 
better integrated into the multi -lateral trading system.  
DJIBOUTI  
4.494.   We have listened with interest to the statements of the previous speakers in this review, 
and wish to share our comments with you.  
4.495.   We congratulate China on its exemplary growth model characterized by phased, deep 
reforms; these drastic efforts have enabled it to maintain its growth rate at  an average of +7% 
since the 1970s.  
4.496.   China's trade growth strategy has led to actions that are conducive to the development of 
African trading capacity.  
4.497.   With respect to our bilateral relations, China contributes inter alia to the development of 
infrastructu re in Djibouti. Djibouti and China signed three major economic and trade agreements 
evaluated at nearly US$11 billion.  
4.498.   These consist of the construction of:  
 two new ports;  
 the Djibouti Ethiopia railway line;  
 a pipeline.  
4.499.   Traditional policy reforms, while es sential, do not alone make it possible to achieve 
autonomous growth, and obtain the desired results from our development strategies.  
4.500.   This type of partnership offers an LDC such as Djibouti economic emancipation and the 
possibility of achieving its developm ent objectives.  
4.501.   With respect to trade, these large scale projects with China enable Djibouti to accelerate 
the flow of goods in the region, both now and even more so in the future, and will also contribute 
in the medium term to achieving our objective of m aking Djibouti a transhipment hub for African 
trade.  
4.502.   Djibouti also welcomes the efforts made by China to reduce its energy consumption and 
greenhouse gas emissions.  
4.503.   We encourage China to pursue its sustainable economic development efforts and to 
maintain i ts pioneering role in the development of major infrastructure projects in Africa.  
4.504.   We welcome China's support for the central role of the WTO in the international trading 
system and the efforts it is making towards the successful conclusion of the Doha Deve lopment 
Agenda.  
ZIMBABWE  
4.505.   We associate ourselves with the statement made by Morocco on behalf of the Africa n 
Group.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 62 - 
 
  4.506.   Since the las t Trade Policy Review of China held in 2014, China has achieved stable growth 
and GDP has continued to grow, albeit  at a slower  rate registering 7. 3 % in 2014 and 6.9% in 
2015, at the backd rop of strong domestic demand. Per capita income showed nominal growth of 
10.1% and real growth of 8%. The consumer Price Index though rising decelerated from a growth 
rate of 2% in 2014 to 1.4%  in 2015.  
4.507.   It is pleasing to note that China has deepened its domestic reforms and implemented a 
development strategy that is driven by innovation. This includes the Going Global Strategy, the 
promotion of private sector  participation in the economy, state -owned enterprises reforms, 
promotion of competition, business systems and balanced investment development. In this 
process, the country continues to open inland and border areas wider to the outside world. We 
would like to commend the Government of China for such achievements.  
4.508.   China remains the world 's largest trader, excluding intra –EU trade and the largest recipient 
of Foreign Direct Investment in the world. The country has made significant contributions to the 
recovery and development of the global econ omy. China has also played a key role in shaping the 
work of the Multilateral Trading System.  
4.509.   At bilateral level, Zimbabwe and China have a long history of cordial political and economic 
relations, and China remains Zimbabwe 's all weather friend. China is the central focus of 
Zimbabwe 's Look East Policy, adopted in early 2000 which is an export market diversification 
strategy to non -traditional markets such as South -East Asia, the Middle East and the Far East.  
4.510.   In January 2015, Zimbabwe and China signed a Me morandum of Understanding that will 
assist Zimbabwe in fully implementing key elements of the e conomic blueprint, the 
Zimbabwe -Agenda for Sustainable Socio -Economic Transformation (ZIM -ASSET). Key areas 
covered by the MoU are reform and reorganiz ation of S tate enterprises, design, establishment and 
administration of Special Economic Zones and planning and administration of small to medium 
enterprises. Other key components of the agreement cover promotion of strategic economic policy 
planning and research, e nhancing capacity to drive national economic reform programmes and  
establishing a platform for co operation in investment and communication in Zimbabwe.  
4.511.   A lot of potential Chinese investors are keen to support the "Going Global " strategy 
contained in their 12th five year plan by considering Zimbabwe as one of their investment 
destinations.  
4.512.   China has become one of Zimbabwe 's largest trading partners and source of Foreign Direct 
Investment. The country is a destination for many forms of investments from China  and hosts 
Chinese companies in mining, cement manufacturing, infrastructure and property development. 
Zimbabwe anticipates more investments from mega deals already signed between Zimbabwe and 
China.  
4.513.   In terms of trade, Zimbabwe and Ch ina had total trade of  over US$1. 2 billion in 2014. This 
however declined in 2015. Zimbabwe 's main exports to China are tobacco, platinum, gold, cotton, 
base metals, mineral products, and ores, amongst other products. Imports from China include; 
machinery, electrical products, chemicals, textiles, transport equipment, clothing and electronic 
equipment.  
4.514.   In terms of trade promotion, Zimbabwe has been participating at the China International 
Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in China since 2006, while Chinese companies exhibit  at the 
Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) annually, where they were the biggest exhibitors in 
2013.  
4.515.   Zimbabwe is looking forward to greater economic cooperation with China and wish es the 
Chinese delegation a successful sixth Trade Policy R eview.  
GEORGIA 
4.516.   China is a very important economic, political and strategic partner of Georgia. Both 
countries display an exemplary strong cooperation in order to reach common goals.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 63 - 
 
  4.517.   The clear example of the fruitful cooperation is the joint effort to develop the Ne w Silk 
Road. International event "Silk Road Forum " launched last year in Georgia was specifically 
dedicated to the objective to create a new platform which serves to enhance the cooperation in 
crucial sectors such as trade and establishment of business con tacts, investments, tourism, 
transport, energy and other important areas. Pursuing this spirit, we strive not only to maintain, 
but further develop amicable relations in all areas.  
4.518.   From the economic vie wpoint, it is important to note  that China has always taken primary 
positions among Georgia 's foreign trade partners. Trade relations between two countries have 
been dynamically increasing over the course of past years. Today, China is the fourth largest 
trading partner, fifth largest source of import and sec ond largest exporting country for Georgia.  
4.519.   It is also noteworthy, that in February 2016 the negotiations on the conclusion of free 
trade agreement between China and Georgia have been launched. Three successful rounds of 
negotiations have been held and we hope that by the end of this year we will celebrate the 
successful completion of the FTA between China and Georgia.  
4.520.   In conclusion, we would like to underline that China is a valued partner of Georgia and 
believe that the existing strong and amicable cooper ation will maintain continued efforts in the 
future.  
CÔTE  D'IVOIRE  
4.521.   The delegation of Côte d'Ivoire endorses the statement made by Morocco on behalf of the 
African Group.  
4.522.   Diplomatic relations between China and Côte d'Ivoire were established back in 1983. Si nce 
then, they have developed, intensified and diversified in several areas.  
4.523.   Thus, cooperation between Côte d'Ivoire and China made it possible to finance and 
implement several projects in infrastructure, transport, energy, drinking water supply and 
teleco mmunications, thanks to about 30 Chinese enterprises operating in Côte d'Ivoire. At the end 
of September 2015, finance granted by China represented about 28% of active external financing 
in Côte d'Ivoire.  
4.524.   The strengthening of friendship and cooperation bet ween China and Côte d'Ivoire also led 
to China's commitment to contributing to the implementation of Côte d'Ivoire's national 
development plan 2016 2020, in particular in the areas of industrialisation, agricultural 
modernisation and infrastructure.  
4.525.   Our de legation would therefore like to express its keen appreciation to China.  
4.526.   In addition, the delegation of Côte d'Ivoire warmly welcomes China's initiative for social 
recreational and sporting activities in Côte d'Ivoire through the project to build a 60,000 seat 
Olympic stadium in Northern Abidjan, as a gift from the People's Republic of China.  
4.527.   With regard to trade, China has become Côte d'Ivoire's third trading partner after France 
and Nigeria. Trade between China and Côte d'Ivoire rose from CFAF 272.4 billi on (US$457 million) 
in 2011 to CFAF 773.6 billion (US$1.298 billion) in 2015, a rise of over 184%.  
4.528.   China's efforts to fulfil its commitments under the WTO multilateral trading system and its 
contribution to its expansion are visible in the reports of both the Chinese Government and the 
WTO Secretariat. The delegation of Côte d'Ivoire expresses its best wishes for a successful review 
of China's trade policies, a country whose support for the development of South South cooperation 
is praiseworthy.  
KYRGYZ  REPU BLIC 
4.529.   China is the world 's largest trader. Sharing a border with us on the East and Southeast, 
China has been our second largest trading partner for more than two decades since our WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 64 - 
 
  independence. The People 's Republic of China was one of the first countries to recognize the 
independence of the Kyrgyz Republic back in 1991.  
4.530.   We are pleased to see that China continues to deepen its market -oriented reforms, movi ng 
in the direction of liberaliz ation and simplification of its procedures, including customs reforms, 
which will contribute into removing of trade barriers.  
4.531.   As of today, our countries have signed more than 200 bilateral agreements, which set a 
certain basis in regards to legal framework, administrative processes etc. which is allowing further 
development of a mutually beneficial relations and diversified cooperation on bilateral level, as well 
as on the regional and international levels including in the framework of Shanghai Cooperation 
Organization, the United Nations, WTO and other international organiza tions.   
4.532.   With regard to bilateral trade and economic relations, it should be noted that, despite the 
difficult situation that the global economy faced in 2015, China remains one of the main trade and 
economic partners of the Kyrgyz Republic. The volume of investment from China to Kyrgyzstan is 
approximately 30% of the total volume of direct foreign investment flowing into our Republic.  
4.533.   The high level of political mutual trust is being continuously supported and reinforced by 
the leaders of our countries vi a series of reciprocal high -level visits and development of diplomatic 
relationship. In 2015, more than 80 high -level visits were held.  
4.534.   Furthermore, the Kyrgyz Republic was one of the first to officially confirm the country 's 
active participation in the re vival of the Great Silk Road, which was stated by the President 
Almazbek Atambayev during his visit to China in 2014. The initiative on economic development 
framework for primarily integrating trade and investment in Eurasia by building the Silk Road 
Econo mic Belt (also known as One Belt, One Road) is being considered by Kyrgyz Republic as a 
way to promote the opening up of inland and border areas as well as balanced development 
among different regions.  
4.535.   Kyrgyz Republic supports China 's "continuation on pres sing ahead with bilateral and 
regional trade and economic cooperation ". In that regard , we particularly consider very important 
the p rogram me of cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and China, adopted in 2015, for the 
period from 2015 till 2025 and the cross-border cooperation Programme from 2015 till 2020, 
which provide long term measures of bilateral cooperation. Under these projects, the Kyrgyz 
Republic and China plan to actively take diverse measures to expand trade; optimize trade 
structure and the balanced development of bilateral trade; to expand and strengthen bilateral 
cooperation in the hydropower, oil and gas sectors and the mining industry; to promote the growth 
of agricultural trade; to strengthen bilateral cooperation in inspection and quara ntine of 
agricultural products for the monitoring and prevention of the outbreak of disease; to streamline 
the procedures of the customs clearance of perishable goods crossing the border in the framework 
of the "green corridor "; and to create a favourable investment climate amongst others.  
4.536.   We commend China 's path towards a transparent and non -discriminatory trade system, its 
dedication to which has been proven by its early acceptance of the agreement on Trade 
Facilitation.  
CAMBODIA  
4.537.   My delegation associates itself with the statement made by Indonesia on behalf of ASEAN 
and Benin on behalf of LDCs.  
4.538.   Cambodian and China enjoy a long history of friendship and cooperation. In July 1958, 
diplomatic relations were officially established. In April 2006, we agreed to form a "Comprehensive 
Partnership of Cooperation. " and in December 2010, the two countries upgraded our bilateral ties 
to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation. " Nowadays, the relationship between 
Cambodia and China is best than ever.  
4.539.   China is now the largest source of FDI and the largest  trading partner with Cambodia.  In 
2015, Chinese invest ment in Cambodia rose to US$ 961 million and bilateral trade between WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 65 - 
 
  Cambo dia and China grew to about US$ 4.4 billion. We have targeted o ur bilateral tra de to reach 
US$5 billion by 2017.  
4.540.   Cambodia and China are on the development of the Belt and Road Initiative and production 
capacity cooperation. Under this cooperation, we will further strengthen the infrastructure, 
engineering machinery, electricity, con struction materials and communications.  
4.541.   My delegation appreciates the good cooperation and assistance of China to both LDCs and 
Cambodia. The total loans and grants to Cambodi a have reached to more than US$ 2 billion in the 
last 50 years.  
4.542.   My delegation als o appreciates the preference provide d by China. As mentioned by 
H.E Wang this morning that China has provided 97% of DFQF t o 33 LDCs and in the report of 
Secretariat, as of 1 January 2015, Cambodia is one of 14 LDCs that China has provided DFQF at 
95% of o ur tariff lines. I take this opportunity to encourage China to expand product courage and 
product interests that we are exporting to China into their duty free list such as garment and rice. 
We strongly believe that if China could include product interests  of Cambodia into their duty free 
list, millions of people w ill be lifted out of poverty.  
4.543.   Finally, my delegation commend s on the constructive role of China in helping LDCs and 
their engagements under the multilateral t rading system. We congratulate the ach ievements of 
China since its fifth TPR. My delegation wishes China a successful sixth TPR. 
QATAR  
4.544.   The State of Qatar enjoys a deep and robust trade and economic relationship with the 
People 's republic of China, our bilateral trade have registered a 26 -fold increase over the past 
10 years and increased by more than 25% during the period in review and today China is Qatar 's 
third largest export market and trade flows exceed US$11 billion as of 2016.  
4.545.   We expect our bilateral trade and economic relationship to f urther strengthen while we 
continue to cooperate on developing the "Belt and Ro ad" initiative. W e believe that the init iative 
will be well implemented  in which Qatar is willing to actively participate and step up cooperation 
with China. We are further plea sed with the outcomes of our recent head of state visit to China, 
where our bilateral relationship was ch aracterized as being that of a "strategic nature ". Through 
the Gulf Cooperation Council we are negotiating currently a fr ee trade agreement with China.  
There has  been a number of negotiation rounds so far, during which a number of topics was 
discussed. We expect momentum to build towards achieving a definitive agreement.  
4.546.   China 's is the second largest economy in the world and the world 's largest trader, the 
economy continues to readily grow and we commend efforts undertaking to transition further into 
a consumer -based economy. China has ambitions plans for economic reforms going forward, and 
as the TPR report shows the economy remains strong, resilient an d diversified.  
4.547.   Since China 's Last TPR and testament to the growing resilience of the Chinese economy, 
Qatar has invested more than US$10 billion in China. We expect these investments to continue 
and increase as we diversify our  investment portfolio into th e East Asia region. We support the 
ongoing efforts to liberalize and increase transparency and predictability of the framework for both 
inward and outward  FDI. We encourage the Chinese G overnment to continue to strengthen 
measures in streamlining and decen tralizing FDI administration and  in strengthening enforcement.  
4.548.   We further welcome China 's initiatives to build a more open and transparent investment 
climate and expect our cooperation in investment policy and in joint investments in third countries 
to con tinue.  
4.549.   Qatar has further benefited from the internationalization of the Renminbi. This includes the 
establishment of a RMB clearing center initiative in Doha. The center will also make new financial 
products, denominated in RMB, available to local and reg ional investors. We believe that the 
clearing center will only strengthen the existing trade and economic links between Qatar and 
China.   WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 66 - 
 
  4.550.   Under ambassador Yu Jianhua, China plays an integral role in the WTO and has 
demonstrated its commitment to support t he multilateral trading system, we look forward to 
continuing our mutual engagement towards finding a fruitful conclusion to the Doha Development 
Agenda.  
NIGERIA  
4.551.   Nigeria is pleased to note from the report of the Government of China that consumption 
has con tributed to 60.9% of social economic growth, a rise of 11.3 percentage points over 2014. 
China has successfully realized the major transition from an economy driven mainly by investment 
and foreign trade to one mainly driven by domestic demand, especially consumption. The situation 
continues to reflect the policy adopted by China since 2011, which is aimed at boosting domestic 
consumption thereby making it the major force driving growth.  
4.552.   Nigeria would like to note the progress during the period under review , as China has 
continued to implement measures aimed at improving its intellectual property rights (IPRs) 
protection regime, including amendments to laws, regulations and rules. Measures were 
introduced in the area of patent protection in 2014 and 2015, wh ich included: the granting of 
design patents  for graphical user interface products, the improvement of the protection of 
biological materials through patents; measures to improve the patent agency system; and 
procedures to standardize patent protection enf orcement across China. Changes were also 
introduced in the area of trademark protection related to: the protection of sound marks and 
well-known trademarks, the adoption of multiple -class registration, the protection of exclusive 
trademark rights, the incr ease of penalties for trademark infringement, and the responsibility for 
trademark infringement of the operator of an Internet trading platform. In the context of 
promoting healthy foreign trade relations, Nigeria would like to know what efforts China is m aking 
on manufacture and export o f counterfeit products.  
4.553.   At the bilateral level, Nigeria has long -standing relationship with China. The bilateral 
relations have been characterized by cooperation and trust between the leaders of our two 
countries, and are set to continue to grow through the desire of our two countries to forge ahead 
in addressing the important issues that would make the world a better place to live.  In this 
context, several agreements were concluded during the recent official visit by the Pr esident and 
Commander -In-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Muhammadu Buhari and it is our hope 
that it will have a huge and positive impact on key sectors of the Nigerian economy including 
power, solid minerals, agriculture, housing and rail tr ansportation. To further enhance 
Nigeria -China business relations in a mutually beneficial manner, about one hundred Nigerian 
businesses and three hundred Chinese firms participated in the Nigeria -China business forum 
which took place during the visit of N igeria 's President.  
4.554.   In conclusion, Nigeria considers China as an important Member of the WTO and looks 
forward to further collaboration with China in the ongoing Doha Development Agenda (DDA) 
negotiations. In this context, we wish to acknowledge the constr uctive and proactive engagement 
of the delegation of China in Geneva.  
CUBA  
4.555.   After analysing the report submitted by China, we wish to stress that the progress made 
since its previous review is very positive, and has helped not only to improve the stability of its 
economy but also that of the world economy.  
4.556.   To mention only a few examples, we note that China has managed to increase its gross 
domestic product, per capita disposable income and minimum wages in many domestic sectors.  
4.557.   Aside from China's fiscal and  monetary policies, these advances could simply appear to be 
economic indicators, if they were not accompanied by a high level of social commitment. The 
Chinese Government has expanded its supply of public goods and services, increased its fiscal 
spending to improve the living conditions of its population, and made investments in areas that 
have a significant impact such as social security and employment, health care and education. 
Again as part of its policy it has promoted services for care for the elderl y, health, social services WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 67 - 
 
  and environmental conservation. These achievements certainly deserve the highest degree of 
recognition.  
4.558.   Other measures have aimed at reforming the scientific and technological systems, 
improving capacity for innovation and establ ishing a series of new technological centres, research 
centres and State recognized laboratories. Consequently, its development strategy driven by 
innovation has generated new types of commercial activity.  
4.559.   These aspects show that China has been able suitab ly to combine economic and trade 
reforms without ceasing to take action to improve the living conditions of its population.  
4.560.   Even today, despite its recognized achievements, it is continuing to explore alternatives to 
improve its performance, through the cr eation of pilot taxation projects, for example, or the 
creation of pilot free trade zones, which enable it to gain experience and achieve economic growth.  
4.561.   It should be mentioned that China is a country that has backed multilateralism as a path to 
achieving  development and improving trade, investment and employment opportunities. It has 
promoted in various forums the reduction of inequalities, the conclusion of the Doha Round 
negotiations and the achievement of the development objectives of the various count ries, which 
illustrates its high level of commitment to this and other international organizations.  
4.562.   In addition, as an important developing country, it has assumed responsibilities 
concomitant with its domestic situation by making significant grants to the  Aid for Trade Fund in 
this multilateral framework.  
4.563.   While continuing to work for its own growth, China has paid special attention to 
international cooperation for development and in the context of South South cooperation has 
provided economic and technical  assistance to many of our countries and to the LDCs to enable 
them better to integrate into global value chains and achieve their millennium development 
objectives. It has also improved access to its market for LDCs.  
4.564.   Thus, there can be no doubt that we ar e dealing with a country that has experienced 
extremely rapid and positive growth. We congratulate China on its dynamism and boldness in 
moving forward in this and other international forums, and wish it every success in its trade policy 
review.  
BENIN 
4.565.   Having delivered today the statement on behalf of the LDC Group, the delegation of Benin 
now wishes to speak in a national capacity. The delegation of Benin endorses the statement made 
by Morocco on behalf of the African Group.  
4.566.   My delegation thanks the Secreta riat for the highly instructive documentation prepared and 
submitted to Members in the framework of this Trade Policy Review. It also thanks the Chinese 
Government for the important information it has given us on its achievements in the economic and 
trade fields since the previous review of its trade policies. The delegation of Benin welcomes the 
wide ranging reforms carried out by China, which are reflected both in the Government policy 
statement and in the report prepared by the Secretariat for this revie w. 
4.567.   The delegation of Benin wishes to voice its satisfaction at the noteworthy contribution of 
the Chinese economy to world economic growth in 2015, estimated at about 25%, thanks to its 
continuing economic openness and to the various reforms undertaken by the Chinese Government. 
Its stable, albeit slightly slower growth represents noteworthy progress, and a major achievement 
for the world economy. China absorbs over 15% of cotton exports from LDCs; in 2014 it imported 
about 105 million tonnes of food, in pa rticular 19.51 million tonnes of cereals, 71.40 million tonnes 
of soybeans and 8.67 million tonnes of cassava (manioc), a percentage that has steadily risen 
between 2011 and 2015.  
4.568.   The delegation of Benin would like to invite China to pursue its reforms, in  particular those 
aimed at the administrative review and approval system, business system reform, the investment WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 68 - 
 
  approval review system, State owned enterprises and development of the private economy, the 
budgetary and tax regime, and the financial system.  
4.569.   With respect to trade, the delegation of Benin notes that since 2014 China has continued to 
make substantial progress in two way investments and foreign trade. Thus, Chinese imports and 
export of goods have ranked first in the world for the third consecut ive year since 2013, and 
overall trade represented 53.4% of total exports and 54.9% of total imports in 2015. China has 
also diversified its trading partners, as well as the volume of trade with its partners, and private 
enterprises have continued to recor d above average results, in particular in the services sector.  
4.570.   With this same dynamism, China has built mutually advantageous and win win economic 
and trade partnerships, through the establishment of pilot free trade zones.  
4.571.   The delegation of Benin also wis hes to highlight and applaud China's commitment to the 
multilateral trading system, in particular to the conclusion of the Doha Round of multilateral trade 
negotiations, and to the promotion of South South cooperation.  
4.572.   With respect to bilateral cooperation , the delegation of Benin welcomes the partnership 
that has existed so successfully between our two countries since 1964, and which is continuing to 
strengthen for poverty reduction, helping to lay the structural and infrastructural foundations for 
Benin's  economic development.  
4.573.   In this connection, the highly appreciated dynamism of cooperation between China and 
Benin has led to about a hundred agreements for grants and interest free loans as well as 
preferential loans for social and economic projects over t he period 2006 to 2016, worth over RMB 
6.5 billion. Thanks to this cooperation, road infrastructure has been built along strategic routes, 
thus facilitating domestic and international trade, and factories and social, health, educational and 
administrative infrastructure have been built.  
4.574.   The high level of trade between our two countries has been boosted with the construction 
in Cotonou of the Chinese Economic and Trade Development Centre, which is currently being 
extended, to serve as a hub for trade between  China and the West African sub -region.  
4.575.   I should also like to stress the highly appreciated support that the Permanent Mission of 
China to the WTO, as well as other delegations, has given the delegation of Benin since Benin has 
been acting as coordinator o f the LDC Group at the WTO. The delegation of Benin fully appreciates 
this support, and hopes to benefit from it further.  
4.576.   In conclusion, the delegation of Benin thanks China for its support for Benin's socio 
economic development efforts, and wishes China e very success and a fruitful trade policy review.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 69 - 
 
  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF CHINA  AND ADDITIONAL COMME NTS 
5.1.  Good morning. At the meeting on 20 July, Madam Chair, discussant Ambassador McCormick 
and 57 members presented constructive views and comments on the development of China 's 
economic and trade policies since the  last review. On behalf of the d elegation of China, I would like 
to thank you all for the valuable contributions.  
5.2.  I also appreciate your good words and encouragement on China 's economic pro gress, reform 
and opening -up measures, participation in the global economic governance and assumption of the 
international responsibilities.  
5.3.  Now, I would like to make responses and clarifications to the major issues and concerns 
raised by Members in the f irst session.  
No. 1, with regard to transparency  
5.4.  Public participation in legislation has been further improved. The Legislation Law of the 
People 's Republi c of China  was revised in March  2015. It specified the principle of legislation 
publicity. Articles 3 7 and 67 of the Legislation Law  provide for solicitation of public comments on 
draft laws and administrative regulations respectively. Except for cases that need be kept 
confidential according to law, all drafts of administrative regulations and department al rules have 
been made available on the China Legislative Information Network (www.chinalaw.gov.cn) for 
public comments. In the field of commerce, the Ministry of Commerce publishes 80 issues of China 
Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Gazette annuall y. The Gazette can be subscribed through 
mail and is published on the website of MOFCOM, with over 3.9 million page views annually. In 
2015, the Gazette published 49 documents for public opinions; it has also started publishing local 
documents.  
5.5.  The relevan t institutional arrangements on translation have been further improved. Besides 
the existing arrangements on the translation of trade -related laws and regulations, the General 
Office of the State Council of China issued, in March 2015, the Notice on Enhanc ing the Work of 
Translating Trade -related Departmental Rules into English . The notice regulates the translation and 
publication of the English versions of trade -related departmental rules.  
5.6.  Important and positive progress has been made on notification. Sinc e the last review, China 
has submitted Notification on Subsidies at the Central Government Level covering five years 
(including some subsidy program mes on agriculture and fisheries), Notification on Subsidies at 
Sub-central Government Level covering 14 yea rs, Notification on State Trading Enterprises 
covering 11 years, Notification on Quantitative Restrictions covering 5 years, all updated to 2014. 
China also submitted Notification on Agricultural Domestic Support for the year 2009 and 2010, 
Notification on  Agricultural Export Competition as well as Notification on Agricultural Imports under 
Tariff-Rate Quotas for 2013 and 2014, and China made nearly 600 TBT and SPS notifications in the 
review period.  
5.7.  China has almost completed  the Notification on Agricultur al Domestic Support for 2011 and 
2012 and China will submit it as soon as possible. China is also preparing the notification on 
agricultural domestic support for 2013 and 2014.  
No.2, with regard to the state -owned enterprises and subsidies  
5.8.  Since the last r eview, China has continued to deepen the reform of state -owned enter prises 
(SOEs). In August 2015, t he Guiding Opinions on Deepening the Reform of SOEs  were released, 
making clear the orientation of the SOEs reform towards that of socialist market economy.  
5.9.  The Chi nese G overnment attaches great importance to the fair and equitable participation of 
SOEs in the market competition. Following over 30 years ' reform, SOEs in China have seen 
profound changes in their management system and operating mechanism. SOEs have been 
integrated into the market economy and become independent participants of market competition. 
The corporate governance structure of SOEs has been rapidly improved. And the market -oriented 
reform of SOEs ' operating mechanism has been pushed into f urther depth. SOEs enjoy no privilege WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 70 - 
 
  whatsoever in obtaining assets, in bankruptcy or in competition , legislation  and SOEs are subject 
to the same rules and laws as other enterprises.  
5.10.   China explicitly encourages private capital, collective capital and for eign capital to join the 
diversified ownership reform of the SOEs. By the end of last year, 67.7% of central SOEs have 
mixed ownership structures. More than 80% of SOEs and more than 90% of central SOEs and 
their subsidiaries nationwide have been restructu red.  
5.11.   In 2015, export by SOEs in China took up only 10.6% in China 's total export.  
5.12.   Industrial policies apply equally to all market players. Industrial policies only offer indicative 
guide for the future development directions of industries. They do not des ignate priority industries, 
nor do they represent a means of G overnment intervention in the economy.  
No. 3, wi th regard to the IPR protection  
5.13.   The G overnment of China takes very seriously IPR legislation, judicial work and enforcement 
as well as the buildin g of a long -term mechanism for IPR protection. During the review period, the 
number of member institutions under the leading group chaired by the Vice -Premier of the State 
Council increased from 26 to 30.  
5.14.   As regards judicial work, three IPR courts were est ablished in Beijing, Shanghai and 
Guangzhou in 2014. China is currently studying the establishment of a state -level higher court for 
IPR to govern patents and other related technical cases.  
5.15.   As regards enforcement, "Qingfeng " (meaning "clear wind ") Action h as achieved initial 
results after implementation of over one year. China has established a relatively complete 
enforcement and monitoring mechanism on export goods. China has also launched an overseas 
monitoring network on exported products  for cracking do wn on counterfeit goods and safeguarding 
IPR. China has carried out online exchange and processing of digital certificate data and 
information with countries like New Zealand and Australia. China has also signed cooperation 
agreements on digital certificat es with ten countries. The export of infringing and counterfeited 
goods is effectively restrained and the quality of exported goods is further improved.  
5.16.   In 2014 and 2015, Chinese customs detained respectively 24,000 and 23,000 batches of 
imported and expor ted goods suspected of infringing upon IP rights. According to incomplete 
statistics, in the first half of 2016, Chinese customs seized 4,529 batches of infringing goods. The 
inspection and quarantine authorities cracked down on more than 100 illegal cases  of importing 
and exporting goods worth 300 million RMB yuan, involving more than 180,000 pieces of goods.  
No.4, with regard to overcapacity  
5.17.   The consensus reached at the G20 trade ministers ' meeting is that overcapacity results from 
both cyclical as well a s structural factors. Overcapacity is a global problem calling for joint efforts 
of all countries.  
5.18.   Talking about steel, China has, since 2012, eliminated steel capacity that could not meet the 
requirements according to laws and regulations, through strict implementation of laws and 
regulations on environmental protection, energy consumption, quality, safety and technology. 
During the Twelfth Five -Year Plan period, China accumulatively closed down backward production 
capacities of 90 million ton nes in the ir on and steel sector, about 660 million ton nes in cement and 
roughly 2.05 million ton nes in electrolytic alumin ium. In the next  five years, another 100 to 
150 million ton nes of steel and iron capacity will be reduced. These are all substantial contributions  
made by China in addressing this global daunting challenge.  
5.19.   In 2015, the utilization rate of the production capacity for crude steel in China was 71.2%, 
higher than the global average of about 68 -69%. In recent years, 15% of China 's steel products 
are ex ported on average, while internationally speaking, the average proportion of exported steel 
by various countr ies stood at 30%. That indicates that  China 's steel industry is predominantly 
aimed at its domestic market.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 71 - 
 
  5.20.   We therefore call upon all M embers wit h the issue of overcapacity to work together and to 
rise up to the difficulties and challenges collectively.  
No. 5, with regard to TBT, SP S and other non -tariff measures  
5.21.   China earnestly fulfi ls its commitments under the TBT and SPS Agreements. China adopts  
and implements TBT and SPS measures based on tra nsparent, science -based and 
non-discriminatory principles.  
5.22.   From 2014 to 2015, China notified 160 TBT measures and 406 SPS measures t o the WTO. 
China leads the WTO M embers by total number of notifications wit h regard to TBT and SPS 
measures. In the same period, China offered a review period of no less than 60 days to more than 
95% of its TBT measures and 100% of its SPS measures. China, without being mode st, is the 
best-performing WTO M ember in offering the 60 -day review period.  
5.23.   China is highly committed to adopting its TBT/SPS measures based on relevant international 
standards and scientific risk evaluations. By the end of 2014, China had adopted the international 
standards for 74.3% of its total mandatory sta ndards and 75.2% of its voluntary standards. 
Compared with the statistics before 2013, the two figures increased by 5.3 and 1.5 percentage 
points respectively.  
5.24.   TBT/SPS measures are one of the largest barriers impeding China 's exports as well. China 
stands  ready for more exchan ges and cooperation with other M embers on further promoting trade 
facilitation in terms of TBT/SPS measures.  
No. 6, with regard to environment and institutional arrangements for foreign direct 
investment (FDI)  
5.25.   China has all along att ached great importance to the absorption of FDI. By further opening 
up, China has relaxed market access restrictions for foreign investment, enhanced protection of 
the legitimate rights and interests of foreign -invested enterprises and endeavoured  to build  an 
open, transparent and predic table investment environment for foreign businesses. Many WTO 
Members have mentioned in their interventions that China is their largest or primary FDI 
destination. In 2015, China saw a new high in its inward FDI. These testi fy to the attractiveness of 
China to foreign capital, and that China 's environment for foreign investment is constantly 
improving.  
5.26.   China is vigorously promoting investment facilitation. A foreign investment management 
modality featuring pre -establishment n ational treatment plus a negative list has been launched on 
a trial basis in the Pilot Free Trade Zones, and this experiment has generated good effects. 
Between January and May this year, over 99% of foreign invested enterprises in FTZs were 
established af ter a simple filing, without going through review and approval procedures. China is 
evaluating at the moment its pilot experience in the FTZs and will extend the practice of negative 
list plus pre -establishment national treatment nationwide eventually. I don't think this process will 
be very long.  
5.27.   Some M embers asked about the relations between the negative list for market access and 
the negative list for foreign investment. The answer is that the negative list for market access 
represents the same managemen t measures applicable to both domestic and foreign investors, 
while the negative list for foreign investment includes management measures that only apply to 
investments by foreign investors in China. In other words, the latter represents special 
management  measures for the market access of foreign investment.  
No. 7, with regard to China 's participation in the Multilateral Trading System  
5.28.   As to the implementation of the outcome of the ITA expansion talks, China has already 
started its internal review and appr oval process. After completing the domestic procedures,  I think 
that will be very soon,  China will implement the outcome of the negotiations as early as possible.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 72 - 
 
  5.29.   With regard to the EGA negotiations, China stands ready to work with all participating 
partie s, to address the core concerns of all parties and conclude the negotiations with best 
endeavour  before the end of this year.  
5.30.   As to the GPA negotiations, China submit ted its sixth offer in December  2014, and has since 
been actively conducting bilateral and  multilateral negotiations with its contracting parties. China is 
also conducting evaluation and preparatory work for further improvement of the offer.  
5.31.   A few M embers have asked about the conversion of non -ad valorem  rates into ad valorem  
rates for some ta riff lines. After China 's accession to the WTO, China 's applied specific rates  (ad 
valorem  equivalents) are strictly converted according to the committed ad valorem  rates and 
based on the annual average import prices of the previous few years. Specific rat es are 
recalculated regularly to ensure that tariff rates do not exceed the committed bound level of ad 
valorem  rates. We are willing to f urther exchange views with the M embers concerned over this 
matter. I want to emphasize  that China has no intention whatsoever not to implement its 
obligations.  
5.32.   As to the relations between advancing regional trade arrangements and negotiations on 
multilateral trade rules, China always regards the multilateral trading system as the key channel, 
while regional and bilateral arrangements serve as the useful supplement. They both are 
conducive to constantly improving the level of trade and investment liberalization and facilitation.  
5.33.   Madam Chair, this roughly concludes my responses to the major comments and questions 
raised in t he first session of the review. We ha ve already prepared written answers to t he advance 
questions raised by M embers before 6 July, and we will reply to those raised afterwards soo n after 
this meeting. Thank you very much.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.34.   I will begin by thankin g Vice Minister Wang Shouwen for his responses to the huge range of 
issues raised by Members during the first day of this TPR, and to China more broadly  for the 
answers to the man y questions posed by Members. China 's active participation in this TPR shows 
how seriously China takes this important transparency exercise and is yet another sign of its  
strong commitment to the WTO. I also thank the Membership for the very keen interest shown in 
China 's TPR.  
5.35.   This week we have had both a record number of questions  and a record numb er of 
interventions by Members.  This highlights the importance that all Members attach to China 's 
economic and trade developments. It is clear that WTO Members see China 's success and their 
own success as b eing part of the same future. It is a sign both of China 's status in the WTO, its 
global significance economically  and for trade and investment. But, more than that,  it is also a 
reflection of the growing expectation from WTO Members that China will not only benefit from its 
membership o f the WTO but also take on an increasing leadership role in defining the future 
success of the open, predictable and rules -based multilateral trading system.  
5.36.   I heard a great deal of appreciation by Members for China 's contributions and commitment 
to the WT O, including through aid for trade, technical assistance, and China 's efforts to assist the 
LDCs. China 's leadership shown through its Chairing of APEC and now the G20, its role in 
delivering the outcomes at MC10  in Nairobi , were all examples of how China has been  
demonstrating its commitme nt to the global trading system and it was all very welcomed.  
5.37.   I won 't go through in detail just how broad were the areas of interest and specific concerns 
raised by Members in their questions and statements.  This reflects  again the significance of China 's 
future for the future success of t he rest of the WTO Membership. There is virtually no area where 
developments in China do not ha ve an impact on other Members. Many of the questions revealed 
what seems to be a joint inter est with the Chinese Government in de livering a more open Chinese 
economy. I think we have had a clear sign of the interest  that Members have  in 4 core areas:  
1) a continuing desire for more transparency in China 's business and policy environment, as 
well as updated WTO notifications;  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 73 - 
 
  2) a greater role for t he market to allocate resources;  
3) a desire for more predictability and fairness when competing with Chinese SOEs;  and 
4) more predictable and consultative systems for setting regulations and standards, and a 
greater reliance on relevant international standards, as well as science -based decision 
making in the area of human, animal and plant health standards .  
5.38.   Members were very supportive of many of the directions for future reform set by the 
Chinese authorities but  they also had questions and observ ations about how important it is to 
ensure that reforms are implemented , and the pace at which reform is delivered.  
5.39.   I hope that the benefits of this TPR will not finish today but that China will take home the 
comments and , observations and suggestions by Members for further reflection, and possibly as 
inputs for China 's future reform efforts.   
5.40.   Again, thank you for your contribution today Vice Minister, we had very successful two days 
in this Trade Policy Review process.  
GABON 
5.41.   My delegation endorses the statement made by Morocco on behalf of the African Group.  
5.42.   The report presented by China shows that its economic and trade development is continuing 
despite the slow down in world growth, marked by sluggish trade and falling c ommodity prices.  
5.43.   China has implemented a development strategy based on innovation and entrepreneurship, 
and has seen its GDP rise by 7.3% and 6.9% over the last two years, with an increase of 45.9% in 
enterprises created in 2014 and 22% in 2015, as a conse quence of the Chinese Government's 
support for SMEs and the opening up of its market to private capital, in particular banks.  
5.44.   My country recognizes China's reforms in various economic sectors, its commitment to the 
multilateral trading system under the aus pices of the WTO, and its tireless efforts for the 
conclusion of the DDA.  
5.45.   Gabon is happy to note the excellent cooperative relations between our two countries. These 
relations have developed in a stable and sustainable manner under the aegis of our highest  
authorities, H.E. Mr Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of the Gabonese Republic, and H.E. Mr Xi 
Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China.  
5.46.   Gabon and China celebrated the 40th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic 
relations in 2014.  
5.47.   Today, nearly thirty Chinese enterprises operate in Gabon, in particular in sectors such as 
health, mining, forestry, the hotel and catering industries, fisheries and many other fields. China is 
Gabon's third supplier, accounting for 8.6% of our imports, and  takes 14.2% by volume of 
Gabonese exports.  
5.48.   The level of trade between our two countries is such that these relations stand as a model 
for South South cooperation.  
5.49.   The diversification of the Gabonese economy is one of the priorities of our Head of State, a s 
set out in his equality of opportunity programme, and China is one of our partners for accelerating 
this diversification process.  
UNITED  STATES  
5.50.   Today, we would like to offer a few comments in light of the discussion that took place on 
Wednesday and also explain the concerns that underlie some of our more important follow -up 
questions.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 74 - 
 
  5.51.   On Wednesday, in its opening remarks, China described many economic reforms that China 
is or will be pursuing.  
5.52.   We are supportive of these reforms, particularly China 's suppl y-side structural reforms, 
which are largely targeted at addressing excess capacity. As is reflected in comments made on 
Wednesday by the United States and several other WTO Members, it is critical that China take 
concrete steps to help tackle this global problem, like enterprises in the United States and 
elsewhere have been doing.  
5.53.   We also would like to comment on certain other statements made by China in its opening 
remarks.  
5.54.   First, China stated that it strictly implemented every WTO ruling against it.  
5.55.   Up until perhaps 2012, we would have agreed that China had a very good track record in 
complying with adverse WTO rulings. But in recent years, problems have arisen.  
5.56.   In DS414, the dispute involving China 's antidumping and countervailing duties on imports of 
U.S. grain oriented electrical steel, the United States initiated a proceeding under Article 21.5 of 
the DSU in 2014 challenging China 's redetermination as not in compliance with panel and 
Appellate Body findings. The panel handling the compliance proceeding  subsequently ruled that 
China had not complied with these findings.  
5.57.   In DS427, the dispute involving China 's antidumping and countervailing duties on imports of 
U.S. chicken broiler products, the United States initiated a similar proceeding under Article 2 1.5 of 
the DSU earlier this year in which it is in the process of challenging another Chinese 
redetermination as not in compliance with the panel 's findings.  
5.58.   Meanwhile, in DS413, the China -Electronic Payment Services dispute, China agreed to 
comply by 31 J uly 2013, nearly three years ago. China did remove or revise certain WTO -
inconsistent measures by that deadline, but at the same time it also imposed a new requirement 
that continues to block foreign suppliers of electronic payment services from China 's market. That 
is, China imposed a new licensing requirement on electronic payment services suppliers, but it did 
not establish an actual process for these suppliers to obtain licences. Last month, China finally did 
issue the necessary licensing regulations, b ut questions remain as to how they will be 
implemented.  
5.59.   In particular, according to responses that China provided to questions that the United States 
submitted in connection with China 's Trade Policy Review, it now appears that a national security 
review m ay be required for a greenfield investment by a wholly foreign -owned supplier of 
electronic payment services seeking a licence.  
5.60.   This is a troubling development, if China in fact will be requiring national security reviews 
even when a foreign supplier of el ectronic payment services is not acquiring any ownership 
interest in a domestic enterprise.  
5.61.   This apparent expansion of the scope of China 's national security review system is indicative 
of a serious systemic concern that underlies the investment liberaliza tion that China touted in its 
opening markets.  
5.62.   That is, China explains that it has been eliminating approval requirements and removing or 
easing investment restrictions in various services sectors. However, these improvements are not 
so real, if China begi ns to use its national security review system to maintain many of these same 
restrictions or to impose new restrictions at its discretion. By its terms, China 's national security 
review system already goes beyond traditional notions of national security by  including, for 
example, economic security. More recently, China has begun to expand the scope of its national 
security review system to include greenfield investments, as China already has done  in Pilot Free 
Trade Zones and is contemplating doing more bro adly in its draft Foreign Investment Law. This 
trend is troubling, and if it continues, it will call into question China 's stated commitment to 
investment liberalization and will discourage new investment by foreign investors.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 75 - 
 
  5.63.   On this issue, we submitted s everal follow -up questions for China to answer.  
5.64.   Turning to other follow -up questions, we note that several of them deal with China 's 
subsidization practices. In this regard, two key areas of inquiry for the United States are China 's 
fisheries subsidies and  subsidies provided to China 's integrated circuit industry.  
5.65.   At the same time, we welcome China 's first notification of sub -central government subsidies, 
submitted on Wednesday and covering the years 2001 through 2014. Although we have not yet 
had an opport unity to review this notification, we expect that it will be quite long, given that the 
United States over the years has successfully challenged hundreds of subsidy measures 
maintained by sub -central governments in China using the WTO 's dispute settlement mechanism 
and the United States also has identified these and many other sub -central government subsidy 
measures through submissions under Articles 25.8 and 25.10 of the SCM Agreement.  
5.66.   One other notable area addressed by our follow -up questions is transpar ency.  
5.67.   On a positive note, we are encouraged by China 's statement in response to one of our 
questions that it has established an "institutional arrangement… for the translation of English 
versions of trade -related laws, regulations and departmental rules ". We have asked several follow -
up questions trying to learn more about his new arrangement and, in particular, when it will be 
fully operational. We are confident that U.S. and other foreign companies will find it much easier to 
understand and navigate China 's business and regulatory environment once China routinely 
translates trade -related laws, regulations and departmental rules into English, and once that 
happens, we are equally confident that Chinese companies will benefit as well.  
5.68.   Thank you Chair. That c oncludes our comments.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.69.   Let me first express our sincere appreciation to the Chinese delegation for the timely replies 
they have provided to the advance written question submitted by the EU.  This is specially 
appreciated  considering the very high number of questions that China received from WTO 
Members during this review which is surely a demonstration of China 's importance in the global 
trade  system.  
5.70.   Today, we would just like to briefly present some comments and observations on the review 
so far and also briefly present some follow -up questions.  
5.71.   Let me begin with our comments on some of the main issues : 
5.72.   First of all, the statements we have heard on the first day of this exercise all reflected the 
importance of China to the Members ' economies,  as the world 's largest trader, and the most 
important trading partner for many here. Many statements echoed the discussant 's reminder that 
China 's size means it must be cognizant of the effect it has on the Members, and the global 
repercussions its action s. 
5.73.   This becomes even more pertinent given China 's undertaking to upgrade and transform its 
economy against the backdrop of having entered a "new normal " phase of its development. A 
number of statements, while commending China 's ambitions to undertake marke t driven reforms, 
expressed concern at where these reforms currently stand, and where they are headed. 
Overcapacity, raised by a number of Members, is just one example of this.  
5.74.   Furthermore, it is clear that Members welcome China to play a role in the WTO 
commensurate to its size, both with regards to the multilateral process, as to China 's involvement 
in plurilaterals.  
5.75.   Transparency , and the importance that China honours its transparency commitments, was 
another recurrent theme. Though we welcome the news fr om Vice Minister Wang that China had 
submitted a full list of its sub -central subsidies, there is still a need for China to improve its record 
of notifications, in line with the commitment taken at the recent G20 Trade Ministers ' meeting.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 76 - 
 
  5.76.   In keeping with t he theme of transparency, it is in this spirit that we have submitted some 
follow -up questions. The main issues where the EU seeks additional information and clarification 
are the following:  
 First, given that we have found that not all responses provided t he information we had been 
hoping for, we are reiterating our request for information on legislation, policy orientations 
and timelines for reforms where none were provided: for example on investment approval 
procedures, overcapacity, state -owned enterpris es, and intellectual property rights.  
 Second, on agriculture and SPS: we have submitted questions related to food safety and 
certification.  
 Third, on public procurement: questions on national legislation related to China 's GPA 
accession.  
5.77.  Furthermore, the E U is taking the opportunity to submit one additional question on China 's 
new cooperation fund with Africa.  
5.78.  As usual, we have submitted our follow -up questions in writing through the Secretariat, 
and we look forward to receiving the replies to these questio ns within one month of the meeting.  
5.79.  Finally, let me again express our appreciation to the whole delegation of China for their 
presence here, their participation in this important exercise and for the contributions presented 
during this sixth Trade Policy R eview of China.  
JAPAN  
5.80.   Japan would like to express our sincere appreciation for the efforts made by the Chinese 
delegation to provide us with informative oral explanations regarding our concerns. We also 
appreciate the contribution from the discussant, Amba ssador Hamish McCormick.  
5.81.   Japan has submitted follow -up questions in a written format, regarding customs procedures, 
audiovisual services, enterprise standards, cosmetics, c yber security measures, advertising 
services, and the tax on passenger luggage and p rivate goods, which include requests for:  
 Confirmation of the consistency between the specific measures on services and the China 's 
GATS commitments; and  
 Further explanation on the tax on passenger luggage and private goods.  
 
5.82.   We are looking forward to rece iving answers to the questions in due course.  
5.83.   Finally, we hope the views and opinions expressed by Members during this TPR will help 
China to advance its reforms.  
CANADA  
5.84.   My thanks go to the Vice Minister  for his comments this morning, many of which touched  on 
issues of interest to Canada. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the entire Chinese 
delegation for their very hard work. We had a chance to review the responses to our many 
questions and were impressed both with their timeliness and com pleteness . So, congratulations to 
all for a job well done and a lot of hard work.  
5.85.   We will be submitting a small number of follow -up questions later today focused largely on 
standards and technical regulations. Congratulations again. Thank you.  
JAMAICA  
5.86.   The delegation of Jamaica welcomes Vice Minister Shouwen and the entire delegation of 
China to the WTO. We note the importance that China places on the Trade Policy Review process 
as evidenced by its strong contingent to this review meeting. We also note the i mportance of 
China as a major trading partner . This is indicated  by the large number of questions they have 
received and the number of delegations represented during the course of this two days of review.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 77 - 
 
  5.87.   Jamaica recognizes the long and solid trade and dip lomatic relationship which we share with 
China. Indeed, we are sure and is not surpri sing to other Members that China currently counts 
among the main trading partners.  
5.88.   The delegation of Jamaica also welcomes China 's engagement in this sixth review process 
under the WTO review mechanism. We wish to take this opportunity to congratulate China for a 
successful completion of its sixth Review.   
VICE  MINISTER  WANG  SHOUWEN  (HEAD  OF THE DELEGATION)  
5.89.   On behalf of the Chinese delegation, I would like to, once again, t hank the WTO Secretariat, 
Madam Chair, Ambassador  McCormick  and all the Members for your attention to this review and 
for your support for China 's economic and trade development, as well as its  reforms and its 
opening -up efforts.  
5.90.   China will continue to adh ere to the  innovative, coordinated, green , open and sharing 
development concept to further reform and open up. China will join hands with other WTO 
Members in upholding the multilateral trading system , to help sustain the role of the WTO as a 
main channel for global trade governance and to make its due contributions to the growth of world 
trade and economic recovery.  
5.91.   As my colleagues and I are going back to Beijing with a record number of questions to 
answer and to reflect on , we are wishing you all a happy  summer break.  Thank you.  WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 78 - 
 
  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  This Trade Policy Review has provided an excellent opportunity for us to better understand 
China 's trade and investment policies. I would like to thank, once again, Vice Minister Wang 
Shouwen  and his delegation for their constructive engagement throughout this exercise. I would 
also like to thank our d iscussant, Ambassador McCormick, for his insightful remarks; and the  more 
than 60  delegations which had taken the floor for their active partici pation.  
6.2.  During the discussion, Members were informed of recent policy developments in the  broader 
macroeconomic context.  Members noted that while China 's real GDP growth had slowed down 
since 2013, it had remained at a r elatively healthy level of 6.5% to 7% a year, supported mainly 
by strong domestic demand. According to the authorities, the Chinese economy is undergoing a 
structural shift towards a "New Normal ", under which economic growth will be led by the services 
sector and knowledge -based industries. Some Members were of the view that this transformation 
would require a more market -oriented approach to investment and resource allocation. They 
commended China for pursuing structural reforms which aimed at allowing the market  to play a 
more decisive role . They welcomed initiatives such as establishing more Pilot Free Trade Zones 
and streamlining customs procedures; and sought more informa tion on the specific measures. 
However, some Members perceived the reforms as having slowed down and not being as exten sive 
as they should be, such that market forces were undermined in various sectors.  
6.3.  For instance, barriers to foreign investment still persisted, especially in areas considered of 
strategic importance or  related to national security. Concerns had been rai sed regarding the 
prohibition of foreign investment in film production; distribution and exhibition; regulation of the 
circulation of foreign audiovisual content; standards for banking and insurance; and market access 
in telecommunic ations and financial se rvices. Members hoped to see a more open, predictable and 
transparent foreign direct investment (FDI) regime, which would help China fully reap the benefits 
of FDI, and of the fast -growing services sector, as main drivers of growth and development. 
Members  also encouraged China to continue stepping up its protection of intellectual property 
rights, which was considered fundamental to attracting FDI.  
6.4.  Members observed that the State continued to play a very active role in China 's economy, 
providing domestic i ndustries (including those controlled by state -owned enterprises) with various 
support measures , such as credit. Members raised questions about China 's support and subsidy 
policies; the use of export restrictions; import tariffs; tariff quota administratio n; and other 
measures which co uld distort market operations. They were interested in knowing how China 
would deal with overcapacity in certain sectors such as steel, whic h has become a global concern. 
Other concerns expressed by Members included the use of  technical requirements that diverged 
from international standards and the unpredictability of its application, as well as the scientific 
justification of certain sanitary and phytosanitary measures.  
6.5.  China being the biggest merchandise trader in the world ; one of the largest recipients of FDI; 
and the top trading partner of over 120 countries and regions, its policies can have a huge impact 
on the global economy. As the Discussant so aptly put it, there is virtually no area where 
developments  in China do n ot have an impact on other WTO Members. Hence, Members call upon 
China to assume the increased responsibility linked with being a major player in the multilateral 
trading system.  
6.6.  In this regard, China was congratulated on having opened its market to produc ts from LDCs, 
and for its leading r ole in South -South cooperation.  Members also commended China for its 
participation in the expanded Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and the Environmental 
Goods Agreement negotiations, and looked forward to the imple mentation of China 's commitments 
under the expanded ITA and th e Trade Facilitation Agreement.  Members welcomed China 's latest 
offer for its accession to the Agreement on Government Procurement, and encouraged it to make 
further efforts to conclude the nego tiations. China was also commended for the restraint shown 
during the period in the use of contingency measures.  
6.7.  As in the last Review, China was encouraged to increase the transpare ncy of its trade policy 
regime.  Members highlighted the importance of fulf illing WTO commitments, in particula r the 
notification obligations.  In this regard, Members welcomed China 's recent notification on sub 
central level government su bsidies and its other updates. Some urged China to publish all laws, WT/TPR/M/342 • China  
 
- 79 - 
 
  regulations and other me asures related to trade, and make them available in a WTO official 
language.  
6.8.  China has received over 1,800 advance written questions, and has already responded to most 
of them. This TPR will be successfully concluded in a month 's time, when China replies t o all 
outstanding questions. I hope that China will find Members ' comments useful and constructive in 
its pursuit  of economic and trade reforms.  At the same time, I believe Members will feel 
encouraged by China 's commitments to: ensuring the fair and equit able participation of 
state-owned enterprises in market competition; building a better mechanism for intellectual 
property right protection; working with all Members to address the problem of overcapacity; and 
vigorously promoting investment facilitation, as highlighted in  the Vice Minister 's response. I 
believe Members will look forward to witnessing the fruit of these efforts.  
__________