WT/TPR/M/372  
13 August 2018  
(18-5078) Page: 1/56 
Trade Policy Review Body  
12 and 14 June 2018   
 
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
COLOMBIA  
MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr Eloi Laourou (Benin)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  2 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE O F COLOMBIA  ................................ .. 4 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ..............  10 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  ................................ ................................ ........................  12 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF COLOMBI A AND ADDITIONAL 
COMMENTS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  48 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .........................  55 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by Colombia  are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/ 372/Add.1  and will be available 
online at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The fifth Trade Policy Review of Colombia was held on 12 and 14 June 2018. The 
Chairperson, H.E.  Mr Eloi Laourou (Benin), welcomed the delegation of Colombia, headed by 
Mrs. Olga Lucía Lozano, Vice Minister of Foreig n Trade; the rest of the delegation; and the 
discussant, H.E. Ambassador José Luis Cancela  (Uruguay) . 
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 Colombia  was co ntained in document 
WT/TPR/G/372  and that of the  WTO Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/372 . 
1.3.  Questions by the following delegations had been submitted in writing before the deadline: 
Mexico; Canada; Singapore; Switzerland; Chile; Australia; Costa Rica; China; Indonesia;  United 
States; Dominican Republic; Japan; European Union; Norway; Argentina; and Trinidad and 
Tobago . The following delegations submitted written questions after the deadline: Brazil; 
New Zealand; Thailand; Ecuador; Honduras; Guatemala; Korea, Republic of ; Turkey; El Salvador; 
and Malaysia . 
1.4.  During its previous Review in 2012, Members had praised Colombia for weathering 
successfully the global financial crisis through the use of anticyclical policies. Members had 
commended Colombia for maintaining open trad e and investment regimes and for using trade 
policy to promote sustainable growth. Several Members had welcomed Colombia 's success in 
reducing poverty. The measures taken to facilitate trade, including the creation of a single window 
had been  noted. Colombia was encouraged to continue in the path of trade facilitation, to 
reconsider the use of indicative prices for customs valuation, as well as to step up efforts to 
comply with its WTO notification obligations and to improve some aspects of th e implementation of 
its SPS and technical regulations regime.  
1.5.  At the time of the previous Review, Members had also commended Colombia for the 
unilateral tariff reduction it had implemented. However, they had expressed concerns with respect 
to the use of i mport restrictions, the import licensing regime, some aspects relating to customs 
valuation, and the rationale for some SPS measures. Other issues of interest to Membe rs at the 
time of the previous R eview in 2012 had included: incentives; IPR law and enfor cement; 
government procurement and GPA participation; and sectoral issues relating to services and 
reforms in agriculture. The advance written questions for this TPR cover ed many of the same 
issues.  
1.6.  Turning to the current review period, as noted in the Sec retariat 's report , Colombia 's 
economic growth had  slowed down somewhat in recent years, prompting the authorities to put in 
place a prog ramme of reforms, which included  tax incentives, tax and import tariff reductions, 
changes in the investment regime, and  investment in infrastructure.  
1.7.  Colombia 's trade and investment regime had  experienced a large nu mber of changes since 
the last R eview, in the light of the implementation of Colombia 's trade agreements with the United 
States, the E uropean Union, and throug h its participation to the Pacific Alliance.  
1.8.  Colombia had  taken several trade facilitation measures over the last six years, including the 
introduction of a risk management system, the move to an automated clearance process, the 
introduction of Authorized  Economic Operators, the use of advance rulings and the establishment 
of a Single Window for e xports and imports. Colombia had  a relatively open trade regime and 
tariffs were relatively low, with an average MFN rate of 7.1% in 2017; some 50% of tariff line s 
were zero-rated. Few non -tariff barriers were applied, with the exception of import licensing which 
was widely used. Tariffs on certain textile and clothing products could  be raised when valued below 
a ref erence price. Colombia continued  to use the Andea n Price Band System for 161 tariff  
subheadings. It also implemented  a number of domestic support programmes in agriculture.  
1.9.  Colombia was an active participant in the multilateral trading system: it had participated  in 
the ITA negotiations and had  accepted  the amendment to the TRIPS Agre ement. However, it had  
yet to ratify the Trade Facilitati on Agreement (TFA). Colombia had  also been active in the 
negotiation of preferent ial trade agreements, which had  become an increasingly important element 
of its trade policy.  WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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  1.10.   The Chairperson drew Members ' attention to some other issues they raised in their advance 
written questions for this TPR. These include d: customs procedures; new antidumping regulations; 
incentives; merger notification and competition policy refor m; protection and enforcement of IPRs; 
development of renewable energy; cross border trade in insurance services; and market access 
conditions in telecommunications and transport.   
1.11.   This meeting was to  be a good opportunity for Members to discuss in greater detail issues of 
interest to them and of systemic importance to the multilateral trading system. The Chairperson 
was looking  forward to a productive exchange of views.  
  WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPR ESENTATIVE OF COLOMBIA ( MRS.  OLGA LUCÍA 
LOZANO ) 
2.1.  Mr Chairperson, Ambassador Laourou, in your capacity as Chairperson of the Trade Policy 
Review Body, please accept our warm greetings, which we likewise extend to 
Ambassador  José Luis Cancela, from the Republ ic of Uruguay, who is serving as the Discussant in 
our fifth trade policy review.  
2.2.  My thanks go to the Secretariat for preparing the report and for its constant and dedicated 
work in coordinating and lending support to Colombia's technical group. We also th ank 
WTO Members for attending this review and for their interest in learning more about Colombia, as 
evidenced by the 370 questions we received from 26 Members concerning various aspects of our 
trade policy.  
2.3.  It is a great honour for me, as Vice -Minister of  Foreign Trade, to lead the delegation which 
today will share, before this very Body, Colombia's most important economic and trade 
developments since 2012, at a time when the multilateral trading system is of particular relevance 
for a developing country s uch as Colombia.  
2.4.  Colombia has had occasion in various forums to assert that, now more than ever, the 
multilateral system needs to be strong and to provide certainty to economic operators. Trade 
liberalization and the elimination of distortions contribute t o economic growth, job creation, and 
increased participation in value chains. In Colombia's case in particular, this should enable us to 
consolidate the benefits ensuing from the peace process.  
2.5.  The fifth review of our trade policies is a valuable exercise that enables us to report to 
Members on the trend in our main economic variables and on the implementation of programmes 
as well as general and sectoral measures relating to Colombia's trade policy over the 
period  2012-2018.  
Developments in Colombia since its fourth trade policy review  
2.6.  Exactly six years ago, in this same context, we told you how Colombia had overcome the 
international financial crisis and had resumed the path to growth and stability. Many events have 
occurred over the past six years, two of  which were of signal importance, namely the signing of 
the Peace Agreement after more than 50 years of conflict and Colombia's recent entry into the 
OECD as the latter's 37th member.  
Economic environment  
2.7.  Over much of the review period, the Colombian Gover nment, having drawn up the 
National  Development Plan "All together for a new country", addressed the task of building a 
peaceful, equitable and educated Colombia, aligned with international best practice and standards, 
under an approach based on long -term planning in line with the country's sustainable development 
goals.  
2.8.  In addition to the three core pillars (Peace, Equity and Education), the Plan incorporated a 
number of cross -cutting strategies, that is, competitiveness and strategic infrastructure; socia l 
mobility; rural development; security, justice and democracy for peace -building; good 
governance; and green growth. It also included regional strategies to address the priorities of the 
six areas into which the country has been divided with a view to pro moting economic 
development.  
2.9.  As is common knowledge, the key outcome was the signing of the Peace Agreement in 
November  2016, following arduous negotiations, thanks to the determination of the 
President  of the Republic and the cooperation of many Colombian  citizens. I would like to take this 
opportunity to thank the international community and the governments of various countries 
attending this review meeting today.  
2.10.   In recent years, Colombia has been facing significant challenges in building peace. The 
Colombian economy has received international recognition for its stability and growth. The country WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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  retained a good position in World Bank and IDB rankings during the re view period as an open, 
competitive economy with a suitable environment for doing business in Latin America and the 
Caribbean.  
2.11.   Over the six -year period under review, Colombia continued to implement an orderly 
macroeconomic policy that responded effectively  to the new international environment. As a result, 
the Colombian economy was able to maintain a growth rate above the average for Latin America 
and the Caribbean, despite the fall in commodity prices to their lowest level since 2004.  
2.12.   As regards the economic environment, Colombia achieved the following:  
 an annual average growth rate of 3.3% between 2012 and 2017;  
 a narrowing of the deficit in the balance -of-payments current account from 6.4% to only 
3.3% between 2015 and 2017;  
 a reduction in multidime nsional poverty from 30.4% in 2010 to 17.8% in 2016;  
 the creation of 3.5  million new jobs, thus lowering the unemployment rate to a single -digit 
figure; and  
 a five percentage point reduction in inflation.  
2.13.   The risk rating agencies maintained Colombia's inve stment -grade sovereign debt credit 
rating, generating a good level of confidence among investors. As part of the policy to attract 
foreign direct investment (FDI), the Government introduced measures to increase business 
interest in Colombia.  
2.14.   The results ar e clear in that FDI recorded in 2017 exceeded US$14,500  million, or 4.8% 
more than in the prior year, and accounted for 4.7% of GDP. Another noteworthy point was the 
broad diversification in the sectors receiving FDI. In 2010, only 23.5% of inflows had gon e to 
sectors other than the extractive industries, but this trend was reversed as the percentage 
increased in 2017 to 70% in sectors such as telecommunications, transport, storage, and 
manufactures.  
2.15.   Policies to attract FDI included a regulation issued in 2 017 to modernize the foreign 
investment regime and increase the competitiveness of the Colombian market.  
2.16.   In addition to improving its performance in attracting FDI, Colombia reinforced its position 
as a source of investment in other countries, chiefly the Pacific Alliance countries and the 
United  States. During the review period, the process aimed at internationalizing domestic 
enterprises led to the consolidation of Colombia's status as the region's fourth largest exporter of 
capital, with average outflows  of US$3.8  billion. There was a six -fold increase in total investment 
by Colombian businesses abroad between 2005 and 2016.  
2.17.   After a period of 18 years, Colombia's Central Bank recently updated the country's foreign 
exchange regime in order to bring it into  line with the new global and domestic realities, 
addressing new developments and providing for risk mitigation.  
2.18.   As regards the external sector, Colombia continued to implement strategies to diversify 
exports as part of its commitment to economic growth an d more extensive use of trade 
agreements.  
2.19.   Thanks to initiatives that included boosting export supply, implementing processes to ensure 
compliance with sanitary requirements, and providing support for domestic enterprises and foreign 
buyers by organizing bu siness round tables and drawing up trade agendas, progress was made 
towards the export diversification goal.  
2.20.   By end -2017, exports of non -mining/energy goods had risen by 5.3% and total exports by 
19% compared to 2016. Non -mining/energy exports remain on an  upward trend, having recorded WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  12.5% growth between January and April  2018. This performance was further enhanced by a 
12% expansion in services exports between 2014 and 2016.  
Peace approach spells better opportunities for our country  
2.21.   The implementation of  the peace accords opens up new opportunities for the production 
sector, investment and foreign trade. This concerns the agricultural sector in particular, Colombia 
having defined its agricultural boundaries as encompassing 40  million hectares suitable for  
agro-forestry exploitation. This confirms the FAO's assessment that Colombia is poised to become 
one of the world's seven agricultural breadbaskets. Colombia's potential is considerable, and it is 
currently using only about 15% of that potential.  
2.22.   In order  to take advantage of this situation, we have designed various instruments to 
promote and consolidate scattered rural areas. Efforts will be targeted at the most affected areas, 
encompassing 344 municipalities, in order to narrow the development gap and in tegrate the 
population victim of the conflict by granting favourable tax conditions over a period of ten years to 
production -oriented enterprises and businesses in these areas.  
2.23.   Moreover, the Congress has adopted the Law on Zones of Interest for Rural, Econ omic and 
Social  Development, covering areas that can be used for agriculture, livestock farming, forestry 
and aquaculture, where the State provides support for competitiveness, regional economic growth, 
social development and environmental sustainability.  
2.24.   The gains that we hope will arise from the new peace scenario also entail challenges to be 
overcome in terms of competitiveness, internationalization of the economy and integration in 
global value chains. Colombia is aware that successfully addressing thes e challenges will open up 
real possibilities of achieving high growth rates, generating quality employment, and reducing 
poverty.  
2.25.   In order to promote productivity through business competitiveness and overcome the lags in 
capital stock, especially in physic al transport infrastructure, in 2016 Colombia adopted the 
National  Productive Development Policy, comprising a set of sectoral and cross -cutting tools to 
address market, governance and structural failings that impede growth in productivity or make it 
difficult to upgrade and modernize the Colombian production system.  
Trade policy  
2.26.   As emphasized in our Government report, increased internationalization of the economy and 
transformation of domestic production are key, in Colombia's view, to achieving greater ec onomic 
development and reducing poverty.  
2.27.   In pursuing this objective during the review period, Colombia successfully developed and 
implemented its global economic integration strategy, seeking to increase trade and investment 
flows within a transparent, pre dictable and inclusive multilateral system, complemented by 
regional and bilateral efforts.  
2.28.   We have strengthened our integration with the Latin American and Caribbean region, with 
the Andean Community and the Pacific Alliance serving as our core trade poli cy mechanisms. 
During the review period, this policy was enhanced by the trade rapprochement with Europe and 
Asia, following the negotiation and entry into force of the trade agreements with the 
European  Union, the countries of the European Free Trade Asso ciation and South Korea, in 
addition to the entry into effect of the Agreement with Costa Rica and the Pacific Alliance in 2016, 
and the deepening of our Agreement with MERCOSUR in 2017. We also signed agreements with 
Panama and Israel, which are pending i mplementation, and were involved in negotiations which 
we hope to complete shortly with Japan and Turkey.  
2.29.   Special mention should be made of the Pacific Alliance negotiations with four candidate 
associate members (Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Singapore), as a platform for integration 
into the Asia -Pacific region.  WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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  2.30.   Thus, Colombia currently has 16 trade agreements in force with 62 countries numbering 
more than 1.5  billion consumers and accounting for 58% of global GDP.  
2.31.   Colombia has also made subst antial improvements to its foreign investment facilitation, 
promotion and protection policy. During the period under review, we negotiated and reviewed the 
scope of several international investment agreements in order to provide for a clearer focus to 
continue strengthening the investment climate, while preserving room for robust regulatory action 
by the State. The agreements included those reached with France and the United Arab Emirates, 
and a renewal of Colombia's Agreement with Spain. Joint interpretati ve statements were drawn up 
to adjust essential points in the Agreements with Canada and India.  
Colombia and the multilateral trading system  
2.32.   This is a particularly valuable opportunity to emphasize the importance of the rules -based 
multilateral trading sys tem. Compliance with the WTO rules and the pursuit of a more transparent 
economic and trade environment is the way to increase the resilience of a system that has lately 
been under threat.  
2.33.   Colombia's trade policy focuses on integration into the global mark et for goods and services. 
We will now highlight the key topics of interest. Colombia considers it essential that the 
multilateral trade negotiations should lead to outcomes in agriculture that will level the playing 
field and remove the distortions in agr icultural trade.  
2.34.   Tangible outcomes in the agriculture negotiations will be decisive for delivering the benefits 
of the peace process.  
2.35.   We have been very active in the negotiations on harmful subsidies that contribute to illegal, 
unreported and unregulated f ishing, overfishing and overcapacity, in line with Sustainable 
Development Goal 14.6. Colombia has been leading the discussion on the Sustainable 
Development Goals; in this connection, support for the negotiations on fisheries subsidies is 
crucial.  
2.36.   We are interested in forging ahead with important topics such as e -commerce and domestic 
regulation in services, on which we have worked with other Members to create negotiating 
frameworks for the establishment of multilateral rules. Moreover, we are involved in initiatives 
being explored in other areas, such as those concerning micro, small and medium enterprises, 
investment facilitation, and trade and women's empowerment.  
2.37.   For Colombia, illicit trading and customs fraud are a critical topic that cuts across all t he 
multilateral issues. Such practices have an impact on trade in goods since they involve smuggling 
and money laundering and are used to finance criminal activities. They also extend to trade in 
services, leading to the violation of intellectual property laws, and are not specifically addressed at 
the WTO. We think that the problem should be reviewed jointly through an open dialogue among 
Members.  
2.38.   Colombia has made a few contributions in this respect by organizing two working sessions at 
the 2015 and 2017 Public Forums, and is keen to see the issue forming part of the WTO agenda, 
as the Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism said at the Eleventh Ministerial Conference.  
2.39.   Colombia has suffered the effects of this scourge and is therefore committed to working 
hand in hand with other interested Members and organizations to identify actions that can capture 
its characteristics and complex workings. Moreover, the Lawfulness and Fight against Smuggling 
and Customs Fraud strategy has been strengthened, in coordinati on with the private sector, 
Colombian government agencies, and international customs and intelligence authorities.  
2.40.   The issue is being addressed from various angles in organizations such as the WCO, the 
OECD and some private agencies. The WTO cannot remain on the sidelines of this debate. We 
reiterate our interest in continuing to work on identifying international cooperation strategies and 
actions to address the collateral effects of this problem resulting from globalization.  WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  Cross -cutting, sectoral and reg ulatory policies  
2.41.   Sectoral policies include the implementation of the Colombia Siembra  (Colombia Sows) Plan, 
aimed at boosting agricultural supply in order to rehabilitate post -conflict rural areas, guarantee 
food security and increase agro -industry exports. The programme also seeks to improve 
producers' incomes and strengthen technological development to encourage people to return to 
the countryside and rehabilitate major areas that used to be occupied by groups operating outside 
the law.  
2.42.   This has le d to an expansion of land under crops from 25,000 hectares to over 1,200,000 
newly planted hectares every year over the past three years.  
2.43.   Aware of the role of telecommunications in the digital age, Colombia has made significant 
progress since the previous review, strengthening the institutional framework by giving increased 
autonomy to the Communications Regulatory Commission, and promoting greater competition and 
better mobile services coverage, among other things.  
2.44.   The results are encouraging, with 30.3  million broadband Internet connections in 2018 
compared to 2.6  million in 2010. We also have more than 62  million mobile phone lines, and, as 
regards computer coverage in basic education, the number of children per computer fell from 24 to 
four in the same p eriod.  
2.45.   Another services sector worthy of note is tourism, where the number of foreign visitors 
entering the country rose by 150% between 2010 and 2017. Earnings from passenger travel and 
transport increased by 68% over those same years.  
2.46.   An equally major de velopment to be shared with Members of this Organization is the 
progress made with trade facilitation, especially the results being achieved with the new customs 
regulations, the strengthening of the Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE), simultaneous 
inspection systems, non -intrusive inspection, the automation of foreign trade operations, and the 
strengthening of risk management systems in order to avoid delays and break the bottlenecks in 
import, export and transit processes.  
2.47.   In this connection, we would  like to inform Members that the internal process for ratifying 
the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement will be completed before end -2018, in accordance with 
Colombia's established procedures for all international agreements.  
2.48.   Interest was expressed by 24 Memb ers, which submitted a total of 357  questions, in our 
overall trade policies and practices by measure, as well as the sectoral policies reflected in the 
reports.  
2.49.   Colombia is one of the first Members to have used the electronic question -and-answer 
system, w hich proved most useful. We received 81 questions from eight countries via the system, 
and we urge Members to make use of this tool.  
2.50.   A strong and solid World Trade Organization that actively addresses the problems affecting 
trade and seeks ways and means t o solve them, is essential for us all. Colombia has been, and will 
continue to be, a staunch supporter and promoter of the multilateral trading system and the WTO.  
2.51.   We have been affected by the rise in trade tensions and are concerned about the risk of 
escalation. We invite Members to refrain from applying restrictive measures and to comply with 
the rules established in the multilateral framework. We cannot place the global governance system 
at risk in order to solve short -term problems.  
2.52.   We hope that this fi fth trade policy review will give Members a more comprehensive picture 
and a better understanding of our policies and measures.  
2.53.   The period under review also saw our accession to the OECD. This was a truly 
transformative process that led to substantial refo rms in order to bring Colombia's legislation and 
policy into line with the highest international standards.  WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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  2.54.   We are aware that the reforms introduced with a view to joining the OECD, our active 
participation in the multilateral negotiations and new areas of  interest, and our compliance with 
WTO commitments are part of an ongoing process that needs to be kept up if we are to achieve 
international best practice standards and more extensive integration into a globalized world.  
2.55.   Mr Chairperson, our policies are open to evaluation by all Members. Ambassadors, 
distinguished delegates, we are ready to hear and benefit from your comments. Thank you.  
  WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  
3.1.  First of all, I would like to say what a great honour it is for me to have been appointed  
Discussant for Colombia's fifth trade policy review, covering the period 2012 -2017.  
3.2.  I also wish to congratulate the people and Government of Colombia on the country's entry 
into the OECD on 30 May of this year. This bears witness to the wide -ranging progr amme of 
reforms introduced in order to modernize the Colombian economy by making it more inclusive, 
efficient and competitive. The programme involves consolidating a number of processes already 
analysed in the 2012 trade policy review and the launching of new initiatives, such as the National 
Development Plan "All together for a new country", which, as indicated in Colombia's Government 
report, covers part of the current review period, from 2014 to 2018, and addresses the task of 
building a peaceful, equita ble, educated Colombia, among other measures adopted by the 
Colombian authorities.  
3.3.  Over the five -year period under review and as indicated in the Secretariat report, the 
Colombian economy continued to grow at an average annual rate of 3.3% despite a declin e in 
exports, particularly oil and other raw materials, and a slowdown in domestic demand. The 
adoption of a Fiscal Rule made it easier to lessen the impact of the external shock. As stated 
earlier, a wide -ranging reform agenda, including tax rebates, fisc al incentives, changes to the 
investment regime and infrastructure improvements, was implemented in order to  return to the 
higher growth rates recorded at the beginning of the period.  
3.4.  Another point to be highlighted is the decrease in poverty, although fig ures remain high and 
further efforts will be required to achieve a steeper decline. Poverty levels fell to 28% in 2016 
compared to the 34% recorded in 2011.  
3.5.  Unemployment, for its part, reached one of its historical lows at 9.4% in 2017, and inflation 
stood  at 3.99% in that same year.  
3.6.  While it is obvious that a country's economic performance cannot be analysed without taking 
account of the context in which it evolves, this is particularly true of Colombia in the years under 
review. The Peace Agreement puttin g an end to the American continent's longest -running conflict, 
which lasted for 50 years and claimed more than 8  million victims, was signed in November  2016. 
As a Uruguayan and Latin American citizen, I am proud to say that this was a historical event tha t 
transcended national borders and became a regional and international milestone. To express this 
in words more suited to the subject matter at hand, "Colombia is beginning to reap the dividends 
of peace".  
3.7.  Although market and product diversification remain s a significant challenge for the country, 
progress was made on both scores during the review period. As can be seen from the Secretariat 
report, mining exports, chiefly oil and coal, accounted for almost 54% of the total in 2017, 
compared to 66% in 2012. The share of agriculture increased from 11% in 2012 to 20.7% in 
2017. It should also be emphasized that the authorities have been seeking to promote exports of 
services and non -traditional manufactures.  
3.8.  Concerning markets, the review period saw the entry i nto force of five new trade agreements, 
with the Pacific Alliance, Costa Rica, the Republic of Korea, the European Union and the United 
States. Preferential agreements were signed with Israel and Panama, and negotiations with Japan 
and Turkey are under way . In the Pacific Alliance framework, free trade agreements are being 
negotiated with Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Singapore.  
3.9.  Colombia has introduced major changes concerning, among other things, its customs 
legislation, the periodic revision of technical regulations, intellectual property and investment 
facilitation, as well as initiatives and actions aimed at capitalizing on ar eas for rural and tourism 
development. Tourism is unquestionably a peace dividend.  
3.10.   Moreover, as stated in its Government report, Colombia has continued to provide support 
for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with the creation in 2017 of 
Colombi a Productiva  (Productive Colombia), a programme offering comprehensive assistance to 
MSMEs (around 400  businesses), with support from the World Bank and the Andean Development WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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  Corporation. The programme is being held up as an example to other countries in the region. 
Colombia has a strong institutional support network for MSMEs, comprising the National Support 
System and a legal framework defined by the MSME Law of 2000 and a number of subsequent, 
amending and supplementary regulations, as well as various d ecrees, which, according to the 
Secretariat report, provide a set of tools and instruments in support of such enterprises.  
3.11.   Initial estimates under the 2017 Action Plan, drawn up by the National Support System for 
MSMEs, were for 368,063 enterprises to rece ive approximately Col$17,890  million 
(some  US$6.4  million), including both refundable and non -refundable resources. In the 
period  2012-2016, credit operations for MSMEs totaled  some US$680  million in favour of 
114,922  enterprises. For its part, in 2016 FIN AGRO disbursed around US$4.6  million in loans for 
600,752  MSMEs. Various state funds also put up guarantees running into the  millions over the 
review period. Lastly, two points worthy of mention are the participation of MSMEs in the 
secondary securities ma rket to generate financing, and the use of the government procurement 
regime to promote MSME participation in procurement procedures by applying preference margins 
and criteria for breaking tie bids.  
3.12.   In the period 2012 -2017, Colombia continued to implement  the Structural Tariff Reform, 
with an average MFN applied tariff rate of 7.1% in 2017. However, it should be pointed out that 
the average tariff for agricultural products is about three times higher than the average tariff for 
non-agricultural products, t he highest average duties being applied to dairy products, clothing, and 
animals and animal products, with average tariffs of 55.1%, 40% and 20.3%, respectively. It 
would appear advisable to pursue the tariff reduction process, providing, in particular, fo r greater 
liberalization of agricultural trade.  
3.13.   We also invite Colombia to continue streamlining its regulatory regime. Particular mention 
should be made of the import licensing system, which still covers a large number of tariff lines and 
maintains the ex istence of domestic production criterion to evaluate and decide on non -automatic 
import licenses . 
3.14.   Lastly, I encourage Colombia to proceed with the prompt ratification of the 
Trade  Facilitation  Agreement, which, according to available information, is before  the 
Constitutional Court for consideration, meaning that it appears to have already reached the final 
stage of the relevant constitutional procedures.  
3.15.   I would like to conclude by highlighting Colombia's commitment to the multilateral trading 
system, as st ated in the section of the Government report dealing with the multilateral 
environment and evidenced by the country's firm support for the World Trade Organization, its 
efforts to help overcome the current impasse facing the dispute settlement system's 
Appellate  Body, its active engagement in the various Agreements and its open, inclusive readiness 
to negotiate, as demonstrated daily by the Colombian delegation to this Organization and the hard 
work done by Ambassador Juan Carlos González and his staff. Thank you.  
  WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S 
MEXICO 
4.1.  I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the active work done by the team at the 
Colombian Mission, under the distinguished leadership of Ambassador Juan Carlos González, in 
taking a constructive part in t he WTO negotiations on topics such as fisheries subsidies, 
agriculture, investment facilitation and e -commerce, and by assuming the chairmanships, during 
the review period, of the Trade Policy Review Body, the Council for Trade in Services in Special 
Session and the Working Party on State Trading Enterprises.  
4.2.  We also welcome the successful conclusion of the negotiations with the Revolutionary Armed 
Forces of Colombia and the ensuing Peace Agreement, which put an end to 50 years of conflict. 
According to off icial estimates, this could lead to average additional GDP growth of almost 2% over 
the next ten years.  
4.3.  Another positive achievement for which I would like to congratulate Colombia is the country's 
recent accession to the Organisation for Economic Co -opera tion and Development (OECD), on 
30 May of this year. This will undoubtedly help Colombia pursue its path towards greater inclusion 
in the global economy, as it brings its standards into line with international best practice.  
4.4.  Colombia is one of Mexico's lea ding trading partners, not only at the WTO but also under 
regional agreements, such as the Latin American Integration Association (LAIA) and the 
Pacific  Alliance, to which both countries belong.  
4.5.  Mexico and Colombia are deeply committed to maintaining a strong bilateral relationship. This 
is evidenced by the latest visit of President Enrique Peña Nieto to Colombia in October  2016, 
marked by the establishment of nine cooperation agreements and announcing the creation of a 
Strategic Council, which now gover ns bilateral relations in matters relating to security, trade, 
migration, technical cooperation and culture.  
4.6.  As regards Colombia's trade policies, while the extractive sector's share of total exports has 
declined, it still remains considerable (50%), entai ling major risks given the volatility of 
commodity prices.  
4.7.  We are pleased to note the timely implementation of the Colombia Repunta  (Colombia 
Bounces Back) programme in response to the fall in international oil prices, which made it possible 
to mitigate the adverse impact of this decline on the economy.  
4.8.  Despite these commendable achievements, our private sector has raised serious conc erns 
about two measures in particular:  
 Colombia has had a "scrapping" programme for several years now, which, as already 
mentioned in the context of the country's accession to the OECD, is a measure that distorts 
the market. We therefore welcome the abolit ion of the one -for-one scheme as of 
31 December  2018.  
 In the Mexican industry's opinion, the "temporary registration system", aimed at gathering 
information on the size of the freight vehicle fleet, is a costly and bureaucratic measure. We 
are grateful for  the information provided, which will be very useful for our authorities and 
private sector.  
4.9.  Conversely, we acknowledge Colombia's following achievements in the field of information 
and communications technology:  
 the absence of restrictions on foreign hold ings in companies in the telecommunication 
sector;  
 the reduction in access or interconnection charges, with the caller now paying the access 
charge, and the regulation of tariffs for the national roaming service;  WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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   the adoption of measures to increase compet ition among mobile service operators in the 
market, including automatic national roaming, no blocking of bands, equalization of on -net 
and off -net charges, all of which have lowered user rates.  
4.10.   We also congratulate Colombia for implementing the Tourism Sec tor Plan to Build Peace 
2014-2018, taking steps to ensure better air connections and seeking to promote and diversify the 
tourism offering, which is beginning to translate into increased income for the sector and places 
Colombia among the ten most tourist -friendly destinations in Latin America, according to the 
World  Economic Forum Report for 2017.  
4.11.   To conclude, we thank Colombia for its replies to our delegation's questions and wish it 
every success in this review.  
CANADA  
4.12.   If you allow me, I would first like  to take a minute to recognize Colombia 's remarkable 
achievement since its last review in 2012, namely the historic peace agreement it signed in 2016 
with the Revolutio nary Ar med Forces of Colombia  (FARC). This agreement not only brought to an 
end the last  major internal armed conflict in our hemisphere but it carried with it the prospect of 
lasting peace in Colombia. Peace that can provide the foundation upon which a safer and more 
prosperous Colombia can be built.  
4.13.   Since its last Trade Policy Review in 201 2, Colombia has maintained its commitment to the 
multilateral trading system and trade liberalization. For instance, at the last Ministerial Conference, 
Colombia, like Canada, has signed on to the new initiatives on electronic commerce, investment 
facilita tion and MSMEs. I would also like to commend Colombia for being among the 121 Members, 
including Canada, that have endorsed the Buenos Aires Declaration on Women and Trade.  
4.14.   Colombia also has ambitious aspirations for increased global responsibility and str ong 
governance standards. In this respect, we would like to congratulate Colombia for the signature on 
an accession agreement on 30 May to become a member of the Organization for Economic 
Cooperation and Development (OECD).  
4.15.   I would also like to take this o pportunity to highlight the productive relationship that exists 
between Canada and Colombia. For instance, Canada is proud to support two initiatives of the 
Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation in Colombia, namely the establishment of a center for trade 
facilitation and good practices and the implementation of a risk management system for 
Colombia 's National Food and Drug Surveillance Institute. We are convinced that these initiatives 
will benefit Colombia.  
4.16.   However, doing business in Colombia is not witho ut challenges and Canada would like to 
identify 2 main areas today that merit special attention in Colombia: the regulatory and legal 
environment for businesses and the existence of a discriminatory entry tax that unfarily targest 
Canadians.  
4.17.   Up to this day , investors  in Colombia remain too often confronted to counter -productive 
regulatory and fiscal frameworks, as well as legal and regulatory uncertainty . Although some 
progress has been noted in the current review cycle, further improvements have been hampe red 
by the frequent introduction of amendments  and their lengthy implementation.  
4.18.   Companies often face other challenges related to security and the weak rule of law, 
particularly in remote areas that have been at the epicenter of the armed conflict and wher e 
private investments are expected to give impetus to the peace process. A successful peace 
implementation in these areas will hinge on rural and economic development across various 
sectors, including infrastructure, education and social services, and secu rity. In this delicate 
context, we encourage Colombia to make further efforts to ensure a more efficient, predictable 
and stable climate for investors.  
4.19.   I would also like to shed some light on the second area I mentioned earlier, a concern that 
is very spec ific to Canada and that is frequently raised as an irritant by Canadian business people 
in relation to cross -border movements. Since December 2014, and in retaliation for the WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  introduction by Canada of visa biometric data requirements, Colombia has imposed a special entry 
tax which applies solely to Canadian visitors upon their entry. We strongly believe that this 
measure is not only discriminatory as it only targets Canadians and no other major partners with 
similar biometric requirements such as the United  States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, but 
that it also hurts Colombia 's business and tourism industry. We also question the alleged 
reciprocity of the measures, as this entry tax is imposed every time a Canadian enters Colombia, 
where, in contrast, C anadian biometric fees are, in most cases, payable once for multiple entries 
and can be valid for up to ten years. We respectfully ask Colombia to lift this discriminatory and 
unfair entry tax on Canadian visitors.  
4.20.   In closing, I would like to emphasize the  fact that sustainable and inclusive economic growth 
in Colombia must be accompanied by longer term, structural economic and financial reforms that 
can enhance competitiveness, foster diversification, create a more stable and predictable 
investment environ ment, and promote greater inclusivity of rural communities, marginalized 
Indigenous and Afro -Colombian populations, and women. To promote economic prosperity for all 
Colombians, further efforts must also be made in the area of labour, including ensuring th e 
enforcement of labour laws, protecting the freedom of association and collective bargaining and 
tackling violence against union leaders. We note in this respect our joint commitment to the 
ambitious objectives of the Labour Chapter of the Free Trade Agre ement between Canada and 
Colombia.  
4.21.   While we remain confident in its resilient economy, we encourage Colombia to continue 
advancing its work on ensuring fiscal sustainability, streamlining of the tax revenue system, as 
well as the pension plan and the expen diture structure of the health and education systems.  
4.22.   We look forward to having a constructive exchange of views on all aspects of Colombia 's 
economy. We wish the delegation the utmost success during this review.  
SINGAPORE  
4.23.   In 2017, Colombia was Singapore 's 6th largest trading partner in the Latin America and 
Caribbean region. Total bilateral trade in goods between Singapo re and Colombia amounted to 
698 million SGD, which was an increase of 53.9% from 2016 to 2017, while bilateral trade in 
services increased  by 68.3% between 2015 and 2016. Singapore 's direct investment abroad into 
Colombia was 440 million SGD as at end -2016. Several Singapore -based companies have a 
presence in Colombia, with more companies actively pursuing project opportunities.  
4.24.   Our economi c ties are set to become even closer, with Singapore currently engaged in FTA 
negotiations with the Pacific Alliance which Colombia is part of. We note the positive progress 
made in the Pacific Alliance FTA negotiations so far and welcome Colombia 's initia l offer. With 
continued good progress, negotiations could conclude by end -2018.  
4.25.   Singapore deeply appreciates Colombia 's robust engagement in the rules -based multilateral 
trading system and its advocacy of the WTO 's important role as a global public good. A t the WTO, 
Colombia is an active and important player, and contributes significantly to the work both in 
negotiations and in the regular committees, as well as in other initiatives. For instance, Colombia 
recently took over as the coordinator for the Joint  Statement Initiative on Investment Facilitation 
for Development, and we look forward to working under their coordinator -ship. Singapore 
commends Colombia 's commitment to safeguarding the WTO dispute settlement mechanism and 
its support for a swift resolut ion to the issue of Appellate Body appointments, as stated in its 
Government Report.  
4.26.   We note Colombia is in the process of ratifying the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).  We 
look forward to Colombia 's acceptance of the TFA very soon. As for the Agreemen t on Government 
Procurement, we note that Colombia has been an observer since 1996, and would like to 
encourage Colombia to consider accession as a full member. At the same time, we would also like 
to encourage Colombia to take steps to fulfil the outstand ing notifications in areas such as 
agriculture, services and import licensing which were highlighted in the Secretariat 's report.  
4.27.   Singapore looks forward to continuing our warm and constructive cooperation with 
Colombia, including through its capable Missi on in Geneva, to uphold the multilateral trading WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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  system. Colombia 's 5th TPR comes just after Ambassador Juan Carlos González 's successful 
chairmanship of the Trade Policy Review Body in the past year; we take this opportunity to again 
express our appreciat ion for his person al contribution to the system. We wish Colombia every 
success for this TPR.  
SWITZERLAND  
4.28.   Switzerland and Colombia enjoy fruitful economic ties. The trade relationship of our two 
countries has been strengthened by a comprehensive free trade  agreement which was concluded 
together with our partners from the European Free Trade Association EFTA. It has been in force for 
Switzerland since 2011. Its implementation more or less coincides with the current trade review 
period.  
4.29.   Colombia has become S witzerland 's fourth most important partner when it comes to exports 
into South America. Our exports to Colombia have increased by almost 20 % over the last five 
years. On the other hand, our imports from Colombia have registered a decrease in value terms 
after having spiked briefly right after the entry into force of the trade agreement. This decline has 
to do with the volatility of world market prices for gold and precious stones. These commodities 
make up a large part of our purchases from Colombia. On th e whole, Colombia enjoys a trade 
surplus in its dealings with Switzerland.  
4.30.   Switzerland is also an important investor in the country. Foreign direct investment worth 
about a billion dollars is responsible for the employment of about 12 '000 Colombians by Sw iss 
companies. Colombia has also been a focus country for our technical cooperation for almost a 
decade now.  
4.31.   It is worth mentioning that these ties have raised our awareness of the importance of the 
peace process in a country having to come to grips with internal conflicts. The peace process 
should provide a favorable bac kdrop for structural reforms.  
4.32.   As the Secretariat 's report has pointed out, Colombia 's national income seems too 
dependent on exports of petroleum and other mining products. Economic development is too 
contingent upon the vicissitudes of the price movements on international commodities markets. 
The deterioration of Colombia 's terms of trade and the depreciation of the national currency may 
be viewed as an opportunity. They underline th e necessity to redouble efforts to diversify the 
nation 's export base. The recent increases in oil prices should not distract from this objective.  
4.33.   We commend Colombia for its open investment regime. An environment conducive to stable 
inflows of FDI has con tributed to making a persistent current account deficit more sustainable. We 
take note of the explanation given by the Colombian authorities why certain sectors are subject to 
specific authorizations as mining call s for coordination activities.  
4.34.   Diversifica tion of the export base could be given a special impetus by improving the 
economy 's productivity. Moreover, growth potential could also be enhanced by an increase in 
productivity. As Switzerland herself has experienced, this is far from easy to achieve. In  
Colombia 's case, however, we have the impression that government procurement is a sector which 
seems to lend itself to more productivity gains. Public procurement makes up a large part of the 
country 's economy. It is true that measures were taken to make tendering more efficient.  
4.35.   Nevertheless, more competition could be injected. This could be done by opening up to 
foreign competition of course. Colombia could contemplate joining the Government Procurement 
Agreement, though we understand that the Colombian  government uses government procurement 
to aid domestic industry and employment.  
4.36.   We have followed with great interest Colombia 's policy for improving the framework for the 
protection of intellectual property rights. We will continue to monitor the implemen tation of rules 
governing the use of compulsory licenses and the separation of marketing authorization from 
pricing criteria for medicine.  
4.37.   Colombia 's support for the call on the international community to increase efforts to phase 
out subsidies to fossil fuels as a major contribution to climate change mitigation deserves special WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  mention. We therefore encourage Colombia to continue being engaged on this issue, including on 
discussions linked to trade -related aspects that are taking place at the WTO.  
4.38.   We look  forward to Colombia 's notifications on restrictions it maintains both for imports and 
for exports. Switzerland submitted a follow -up question with respect to the so -called Colombia 
Siembra plan, which supports domestic agriculture. We thank Colombia for h aving provided 
detailed and timely replies to our questions.  
4.39.   We commend Colombia for its commitment to the multi -lateral trading system and its active 
participation in WTO activities and its substantive contributions to its work.  
4.40.   In concluding, we wish Co lombi a a successful outcome of this Trade Policy R eview.  
CHILE  
4.41.   Relations between Chile and Colombia date back to the time of independence. Since then, 
the relationship between the two countries has been marked by growing cooperation and 
understanding, born  of similar ideals and political views. We were extremely pleased to have been 
able play a small part in the peace process, and congratulate Colombia for the positive results 
achieved.  
4.42.   At the political level, ties between Chile and Colombia are optimal. We  have a set of bilateral 
integration and cooperation mechanisms, as well as 11 treaties and agreements in various 
spheres, among which the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed by the two countries in 2006 is 
worthy of mention.  
4.43.   As regards the functioning of th is FTA, I would emphasize the role of its Administrative 
Commission, which last convened in 2015 and mainly addressed market access, regulatory and 
intellectual property matters, with particular emphasis on the commitments made in regard to 
updating the li sts of entities in the government procurement chapter and the agreement reached 
on an Environmental Cooperation Action Plan.  
4.44.   Today, our ties are also centred on expanding political and economic relations through our 
participation in a deep integration area  such as the Pacific Alliance. This initiative, launched 
together with Mexico and Peru, is aimed at our joining efforts so that we can act as a bloc in 
matters regarding trade and investment and ensure the free movement of goods, services, capital 
and pers ons. 
4.45.   We believe that both countries would greatly benefit from identifying areas of convergence 
between the Pacific Alliance and the topics on the agenda of the Administrative Commission of the 
Agreement so as to strengthen bilateral relations. In this con nection, I take this opportunity to 
invite the Colombian authorities to organize the next meeting of the FTA Administrative 
Commission in Santiago de Chile.  
4.46.   Thanks to the range of agreements signed between Chile and Colombia, bilateral trade 
integration ha s been on the rise. Overall trade between Chile and Colombia amounted to 
US$1,885  million in 2017, representing an increase of 22.4% over the previous year. Although this 
is a most encouraging figure, average annual growth declined to -9.5% between 2012 an d 2017. 
We hope that the increase recorded in this past year will be sustained and reverse the 
five-year trend that preceded it.  
4.47.   Turning to direct investment flows, we would emphasize that Colombia is the third largest 
destination of Chilean foreign invest ment, which totals close to US$18  billion. Some 150 Chilean 
businesses are currently involved in more than 300 direct investment projects in Colombia, mostly 
in the services sector, especially retail trade and financial services. Colombian investments in C hile 
already exceed US$3.9  billion. We hope that the future will bring an increase in these bilateral 
investment flows.  
4.48.   The reports submitted for this review show that since Colombia's previous review in 2012 
the country's authorities have introduced a ref orm programme that includes fiscal incentives, WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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  reductions in tariffs and other taxes, changes to the investment regime, and increased investment 
in infrastructure, with a view to boosting the economy.  
4.49.   During the review period, Colombia also undertook to si mplify and harmonize its regulatory 
framework. We encourage the authorities to continue the process and solve the complexities 
ensuing from the changes introduced.  
4.50.   As regards trade facilitation, we welcome the improvements made to Colombia's customs 
system  with a view to modernizing and simplifying its regulations and bringing them into line with 
international best practice. Such measures represent a step forward and we encourage the 
authorities to continue on this path. We hope that they will soon ratify t he Trade Facilitation 
Agreement.  
4.51.   We also underscore the ongoing support to promote micro, small and medium enterprises 
(MSMEs).  
4.52.   As regards Colombia's road infrastructure, we would like to point out that despite negative 
growth of -0.1% in 2017 – far from t he double -digit expansion forecast at the beginning of the 
year – progress has been made in the legal sphere by (i) adopting the so -called "standard 
specifications" to improve practices in regional procurement; and (ii) providing greater legal 
certainty fo r "bona fide third parties" in the event of revocation/invalidity of contracts. In view of 
the foregoing, we hope that Colombia will resume its road infrastructure development in the 
medium term.  
4.53.   To conclude, and although the prospects for economic growth and inflation are favourable, 
we would emphasize that a number of structural problems still pose significant challenges, 
including the need to continue promoting economic diversification and reducing poverty levels. We 
wish Colombia every success in addres sing the challenges before it in this post -conflict phase.  
4.54.   Moreover, we underscore the Secretariat report's observation that Colombia continues to be 
a staunch supporter of the rules -based multilateral trading system and, in these difficult times for 
the w orld economy, that it advocates further trade liberalization. In our opinion, these are 
fundamental principles  today and are therefore worthy of mention.  
4.55.   Chile submitted nine questions for this fifth review and welcomes the replies received. We 
wish Colombia a successful trade policy review.  
AUSTRALIA  
4.56.   Australia congratulates Colombia on the significant progress it has made in creating an open 
and competitive trade regime since its las t Trade Policy Review in 2012.  
4.57.   In particular, we join others in cong ratulating Colombia on its recent accession to the OECD 
and commend Colombia on achie ving this important milestone.  
4.58.   Australia appreciated Colombia 's commitment to bring about important policy reforms on its 
path to OECD membership and welcome Colombia 's continued efforts to align with OECD 
standards, including on labour issues, corporate governance of state -owned enterpri ses, 
anti-bribery, and foreign investment.  
4.59.   We note the achievements Colombia has made in modernising its legal framew ork and in 
facilitat ing trade. This includes a number of improvements to its customs system, such as the 
strengthening of its Single Window for Foreign Trade and the introduction of a risk management 
system, which has led to fewer inspection s and reduced clearance times.  
4.60.   We look forward then to Colombia ratifying the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and 
appreciate that this is presently before Colombia 's Constitutional Court. We highlight that Colombia 
has included approximately 97% of TFA implementation commitments in Categ ory A with all 
remaining commitments in Category B to be implemented by February 2022.  WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  4.61.   Colombia is an active and engaged WTO Member and Australia has enjoyed working closely 
with Colombia to support the multilateral trading system and across the range of W TO 
negotiations , particularly in agriculture.  
4.62.   We greatly appreciate Colombia 's contribution as an active member of the Cairns Group.  
Colombia has been a Member since the Cairns Group 's formation in 1986, and has played a vital 
role in pursuing the Group 's shared interests of ongoing agricultural trade policy reform.  
4.63.   We also appreciate Colombia 's active engagement in the Buenos Aires Joint Statement 
Initiatives on electronic commerce, services domestic regulation, investment facilitation for 
development, MS MEs, and Women 's Economic Empowerment, which are helping to re -energise the 
organisation.  
4.64.   We encourage Colombia to continue to work to ensure that it is up to date with all of its 
WTO notification commitments and also encourage Colombia to submit the requi red changes to its 
schedules to implement the Nairobi Ministerial Decision on export subsidies as soon as possible.  
4.65.   Australia 's bilateral trade with Colombia is growing steadily off a modest base, with two -way 
goods and services trade valued at over $600 m illion and Australia 's investment in Co lombia 
valued over $3 billion. There is good potential for our economic relationship to grow further, 
particularly in the areas of mining, equipment, technology, services, agriculture, tourism and 
investment.  
4.66.   In this regard, we encourage Colombia to continue to improve the implementation and 
enforcement of legislation governing foreign investment along with further development of 
national legal institutions and judicial reforms on the governance of actions for protecti on. 
4.67.   Colombia continues to work on strengthening regional economic integration through free 
trade agreements negotiated within the fram ework of the Pacific Alliance. Australia and the Pacific 
Alliance launched negotiations for a free trade agreement on 30 J une 2017 and we look forward to 
concluding a comprehensive high quality agreement as quickly as possible.  
4.68.   We also welcome Colombia 's expression of interest in joining the TPP -11, and that of any 
country willing to and able to meet the TPP -11's high standa rds, including comprehensive tariff 
elimination on trade in goods.  
4.69.   Finally, Australia again congratulates Colombia on its achievements since 2012 and wishes 
Colombia a very successful and constructive Trade Policy Review.  
COSTA  RICA 
4.70.   Costa Rica is pleased to take part in this trade policy review of Colombia, with which we 
have had a Free Trade Agreement since 2016 and share common interests and initiatives. 
Colombia is the leading destination of our exports to South America and the second supplier of our 
goods imports from that region; it was our third largest source of FDI in 2017, after the 
United  States and Switzerland.  
4.71.   Costa Rica acknowledges Colombia's constructive role in the WTO and its firm support for 
the multilateral trading system.  
4.72.   Costa Rica and Colombia have been driving forward common initiatives aimed at liberalizing 
trade in services, information technology and agriculture.  
4.73.   Costa Rica also shares Colombia's interest in areas such as the promotion of e -commerce, 
MSMEs and women's empowerment in  trade.  
4.74.   As regards this review, our first point of emphasis is the signing of the Peace Agreement 
with the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC) in 2016, a historic event in Colombia which we 
believe will contribute to create a climate more conducive to invest ment and will help boost trade.  WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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  4.75.   Despite the economic slowdown since 2015 due to the decline in oil prices, Colombia has 
maintained a prudent macroeconomic policy and introduced a set of sound reforms in order to deal 
with the situation.  
4.76.   The policy of integ ration in the world economy and the law on the monitoring of regional 
trade agreements can make a decisive contribution to the much needed process of Colombian 
export diversification. Innovation may also play an important role in the process, and hence we 
note with interest that the objectives set out in the National Productive Development Plan aim to 
increase productivity and diversification of the production system, with a focus on more 
sophisticated goods and services.  
4.77.   Trade facilitation can also increas e the Colombian economy's competitiveness and, in that 
respect, the strengthening of the Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE) and the issuing of the 
new Customs Statute are positive developments recorded during this review period. We note the 
progress ac hieved in the process of ratifying the Trade Facilitation Agreement and hope that 
Colombia will be able to complete this process as soon as possible.  
4.78.   As regards energy policy, we note that Colombia has adopted fiscal measures to stimulate 
investment in the  exploration and extraction of fossil fuels in response to greater demand for 
energy. We would like to know how these incentives compare with those also offered for the use of 
renewable energy and what the Colombian Government's projections are for develop ing this type 
of more environmentally friendly source of energy.  
4.79.   The above -mentioned positive developments notwithstanding, we are concerned about 
some aspects of Colombia's trade policy, especially the marked increase in the number of 
anti-dumping investi gations. According to the Secretariat report, Colombia initiated 
45 anti-dumping investigations over the review period, as compared with 25 investigations 
initiated during the previous period, meaning that Colombia practically doubled its use of this trade  
protection instrument. Given the potential trade impact of this type of measure on its trading 
partners, cautious resort to such measures would be advisable.  
4.80.   As regards the Andean Price Band System (SABP), we are concerned about the uncertainty 
to which i mplementation of the system may give rise among trade operators and would therefore 
like to know whether there are any short - or medium -term plans to change, replace or abolish the 
system.  
4.81.   Lastly, I wish to congratulate Colombia on its recent entry into th e Organization  for 
Economic Co -operation and Development (OECD).  
4.82.   For this trade policy review, Costa Rica submitted a few questions concerning investment, 
financial services and international maritime transport. I would like to thank Colombia for the 
attention it has given to these questions, and to end my statement by wishing it every success in 
this trade policy review.  
CHINA  
4.83.   We are pleased to see the remarkable progress that Colombia has achieved in economic an d 
trade since the last review. The GDP growt h rate averag ed 3.3% between 2012 and 2017. Such 
growth was driven primarily by high increase in domestic demand, in the context of the structural 
reform and the National Development Plan "All together for a new country ". We expect Colombia 
to maintain the  growth momentum through the Economic Reform Programme, enhancing 
productivity, improving the business climate and ultimately achieving the sustainable 
development.  
4.84.   We note that Colombia has made tremendous efforts in reversing the sharp fall in the value 
of exports of oil and other minerals, there have been increase in its agricultural export and service  
exports since the last review.  It is encouraging to see that Colombia is implementing a 
diversification strategy, opening up its trade regime and prom ote exports of services and 
non-traditional manufactured products.  WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  4.85.   As a founding member of the WTO, Colombia has been a strong supporter of the multilateral 
trading system and activ ely participated in WTO works. We note that Colombia has accepted the 
Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement and was a signatory to the Informatio n Technology 
Agreement (ITA). Of course, we are expecting Colombia to soon rectify the Trade  Facilitation 
Agreement (TFA). In addition, Colombia has signed the Joint Ministerial Statement on Investment 
Facilitation for Development at MC11 and served as new coordinator to further promote the 
structured discussion on "Investment Facilitation for Development ". 
4.86.   Recent years have s een rapid growth in bilateral trade and investme nt between China and 
Colombia. China is Colombia 's second largest trading partner. The Sino -Colombian bilateral trade 
has reached US$ 11.3 billion  in 2017, increased by 21.5%. By the end of 2016, Chi na has inv ested 
in Colombia US$ 362 million in total, mostly in the areas of energy, te lecommunications and 
services. By the end of first quarter of this year, Colombia has invested in China 146 projec ts with 
value of US$ 17.73 million in the areas of manufacture, dis tribution and commercial services.  
4.87.   In order to better understand the latest development in trade policy, we have raised some 
questions regarding agricultural trade promotion policy, and mark et access in express services. We 
appreciate the replies provided  by Colombia to our questions wh ich we would study carefully.  
4.88.   In this regard, we note that the number of anti -dumping measures initiated by Colombia 
has increased during the review peri od. We are concerned with some unfair practices in the anti -
dumping inv estigations by Colombia including the "analogue country " methodology.  
4.89.   China will further promote cooperation with Colombia through the Belt and Road Initiative, 
strengthening synergy between the development strategies, boosting economic growth in 
Colombia in the Latin America and Caribbean regions, with priorities in areas of infrastructure, 
energy, transportation, industry, agriculture and tourism.  
4.90.   We expect to realize the consensus reached by our leaders on signing a free trade 
agreement between our tw o countries at an earlier date.  And we readily welcome more Colombia 
enterprises and products to enter into China 's market.  
4.91.   Currently, the WTO is facing serious challenges that have to be dealt with by all WTO 
Members. China would work together with Colombi a and other Members to preserve the basic 
principles of this Organization, fight against unilateralism and protectionism, and collectively 
safeguard the multilateral trading system.  
4.92.   To conclude, I wish this Review a complete success.  
INDONESIA  
4.93.   In the last five years between 2013 and 2017, the total trade between Indonesia and 
Colombia has been experiencing a decrease trend of 2.75%, with trade value reaching a five -year 
high of US $154.3 million in 2014. Some of Indonesia products that have a good market in 
Colombia include textile products, electrical machinery and equipment, rubber, footwear, organic 
chemical, paper, essential oil and so forth. We hope that the economic reform programme in 
Colombia which includes tax incentives, reductions in tariff and oth er taxes will stimulate further 
improvement in our bilateral trade performance.  
4.94.   There are also some concerns that Indonesia tries to raise during this review process. We 
have addressed the details of these concerns in our written questions, which include a mong 
others, issues related to the threshold established in the Decrees No. 1.744 and No. 1.745, 
clarification on the goods covered in the Decree No. 925 of 2013 classified in Automatic Licensing, 
and the frequent amendments to Colombia regulations and the  certain peculiarities of its system 
that make the implementation of those amendments become lengthy.  
4.95.   We thank Colombia for the replies to these advanced written questions, which we received 
in Spanish. We, in Geneva and in Jakarta, are looking forward to have the English version. And to 
this, Indonesia wishes to use this opportunity to convey much a ppreciation to Colombia 
Genevan -based delegation on the excellent cooperation accorded to the Indonesian delegation in 
Geneva, and on their very active engageme nt in various issues of common concern.  WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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  4.96.   Lastly, Indonesia wishes much success to Colombia in this fifth Trade Policy Review.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.97.   Much has changed in Colombia since its last TPR in June 2012, and the United States 
commends Colombia for all that it  has since achieved. We note that, at the time of Colombia 's last 
TPR, the United States -Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement had on ly recently entered into force  
in May 2012. The U.S. -Colombia TPA is a comprehensive free trade agreement that covers trade in  
goods and services, and provides important disciplines in areas such as intellectual property rights, 
investment, telecommunications, and labour  and environmental protection. Colombia undertook a 
number of reforms to implement the U.S. -Colombia TPA. We be lieve that these measures 
contribute not only to our bilateral trade relationship, but also to the multilateral trading system 
and the expansion of global trade, and in turn, benefit Colombia 's other trading partners.  
4.98.   As Colombia 's number one trading partn er, the United States has a strong, positive and 
growing commercial relationship with Colombia. According to the U.S. trade statistics, our total 
two-way goods trade during 2017 was US$26.8 billion, and Colombia is currently the United 
States ' 26th largest  goods trading partner.  
4.99.   Of course, Colombia has not only focused on tis trade relationship with the United States. As 
the Secretariat 's report notes, Colombia also has implemented new trade agreements covering 
goods and services with the Pacific Alliance, Costa Rica, the Republic of Korea, and the European 
Union, and the agreement with EFTA (European Free Trade Association) has now entered into 
force with all the EFTA countries. We also congratulate Colombia on completing the technical 
reviews of its access ion to the OECD and look forward to Colombia 's full participation once its 
deposits its instrument of accession to the OECD. Finally, I would like to commend Colombia on its 
major accomplishment of the Peace Accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC ) that was 
signed in November 2016 – this achievement clearly contributes to Colombia 's economic stability 
and generates new impetus for an expansion in Colombia 's trade relations.  
4.100.   As in its 2012 TPR, Colombia has identified both attracting foreign investm ent and further 
diversifying its economy and exports as key elements of its overall economic growth and trade 
policy strategy. We agree that those are important objectives.  
4.101.   The United States welcomes the positive steps Colombia has taken in many areas. For  
example, the Secretariat 's report points to accomplishments and advances in the areas of customs 
and the simplification and harmonization of Colombia 's regulatory framework. While Colombia 
could do more in the intellectual property (IP) area, we note that  it has taken many positive 
actions in the IP space since the last TPR in 2012. Colombia has changed a number of laws and 
regulations in order to implement  the trade agreements that it entered into since the last TPR, 
including, as noted earlier, the U.S. -Colombia TPA. These changes were significant and 
transformative actions. However, to facilitate investment and market openness and in turn fully 
realize the benefits of these changes, Colombia should ensure a higher level of regulatory 
transparency, includ ing opportunities for public comment. The Secretariat 's report also noted in 
several places that Colombia has made a number of notifications to the WTO in some areas, but 
not in others. We encourage Colombia both to increase its efforts towards regulatory transparency 
and to make more extensive and effective use of WTO notification procedures, including in the 
areas of agriculture, services, and import licensing. We urge Colombia to update its notifications in 
these areas.  
4.102.   The United States has some specifi c concerns as well. With respect to customs practices, 
the Secretariat 's report notes that Colombia adopted a new Customs Statute in 2016, but many of 
the provisions have not yet been implemented. Passage of the new customs statute is an 
important step for ward. However, traders and other stakeholders will only benefit from the new 
provisions when they are implemented in practice. We are concerned that Colombia is delaying 
implementation on many of the provisions by 15 months, from August 2018 to November 20 19, 
according to the Secretariat 's report. We also note that many of the customs measures the 
Secretariat 's report states are not yet in force were reported by Colombia as Category A under the 
Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). We remind Colombia that mea sures notified as Category A 
were to be implemented upon entry into force of the TFA in February 2017. We urge Colombia to 
redouble its efforts to fully implement the 2016 Customs Statute as soon as possible. We also urge WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  Colombia to deposit its letter of acceptance for the TFA with the Director General as soon as 
possible. Taking note of the Secretariat 's report, we further urge Colombia to be mindful of the 
prohibition on the use of reference prices for customs valuation, including when it seeks to create  
databases and set guarantees.  
4.103.   We have submitted a short list of questions about specific issues in Colombia 's trade 
regime. We look forward to reviewing and discussing Colombia 's responses.  
4.104.   The United States appreciates Colombia 's active participation in our work here at the WTO. 
We especially wish to recognize the various important leadership roles that Ambassador González 
has assumed within this Organization; we also greatly value Colombia 's dedicated involvement and 
hard work in our negotiations regardi ng fisheries subsidies.  
4.105.   The United States is committed to building on our current strong trade and economic 
partnership with Colombia, and supports Colombia 's progress along the path of global economic 
integration that it has so strongly pursued. We commend Colombia on its active participation in the 
WTO and for showing leadership and ambition in the pursuit of trade liberalization. We remain 
committed to continued close cooperation with Colombia to deepen our relationship bilaterally as 
well as in th e WTO.  
DOMINICAN  REPUBLIC  
4.106.   The Dominican Republic shares close bonds of friendship with Colombia dating back to 
1936, and these ties between two countries belonging to the same region have grown stronger 
over time.  
4.107.   The Dominican Republic commends Colombia f or its successful economic performance over 
the review period, during which the country's GDP grew at an average annual rate of 3.3% in spite 
of the slowdown experienced since 2015. We are interested to see the reforms introduced by 
Colombia with a view to  boosting economic growth, which comprise fiscal incentives, reductions in 
tariffs and other taxes, changes to the investment regime, and increased investment in 
infrastructure.  
4.108.   We also note that Colombia still faces the challenge of export diversification , as it remains 
heavily dependent on oil exports, which, according to the Secretariat report, accounted for 40% of 
the country's exports in  2017. A major drop in value ensued from the decline in oil prices. We 
therefore urge Colombia to pursue its efforts to diversify its export base.  
4.109.   We commend Colombia for maintaining an open investment regime, providing for foreign 
private investment in all sectors, except where prohibited on security grounds. As regards the 
trade regime, we are pleased to note that it i s equally open and that the review period saw the 
implementation of trade facilitation measures such as the strengthening of the Single Window for 
Foreign Trade (VUCE) and the introduction of the risk management system, which has reduced the 
number of insp ections and clearance time. Another achievement was the adoption of a new 
Customs Statute with a view to modernizing and simplifying customs regulations and bringing 
them into line with international best practice. We take a very favourable view of the rel atively low 
average MFN applied tariff rate, which stood at only 7.1% in 2017.  
4.110.   During the review period, Colombia also adopted measures to enhance its intellectual 
property regime and adapt it to technological developments and its international commitments . 
The changes focused on adjusting the rules; optimizing the administration of intellectual property 
rights; streamlining registration procedures; consolidating interinstitutional coordination; and 
strengthening enforcement.  
4.111.   Lastly, the Dominican Republic asked Colombia a number of questions concerning, 
inter alia, anti-dumping investigation procedures, the price band system and export incentives. We 
appreciate receiving its replies, which we shall examine with care. In closing, we can only urge 
Colombia to  continue on the path of progress and wish it every success in this fifth trade policy 
review and in the future.  WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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  JAPAN  
4.112.   According to the Secretariat report, Colombia has maintained a steady growth in GDP since 
the last review. It is true that its economy hi ghly depends on the export of petroleum and 
petroleum products which account for approximately 40% of total exports; however Japan is 
aware that the country is now undertaking relevant reforms to diversify its export base in order to 
make its economy more resilient to exogenous shocks. Japan positively evaluates its efforts and 
expects the Government of Colombia to continue its reforms.  
4.113.   When it comes to its trade policies, Colombia 's active engagement in the WTO activities is, 
first and foremost, commendable. During the review period, Colombia participated in the 17 cases 
as a third participant. Furthermore, Colombia has actively taken part in initiatives in the WTO by 
like-minded Members, such as the Joint Statement Initiative on e -commerce. Japan  highly 
appreciates Colombia 's contribution to the Multilateral Trading System.  
4.114.   In terms of measures which facilitate trade, we particularly commend the strengthening of 
the Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE). VUCE, which was created in 2004, has been 
improved since the last review. Among others, the simultaneous inspection system (SIIS) for 
containerized export cargo and the risk management system (SAR) are commendable.  
4.115.   As for its efforts on trade liberalization, though the Secretariat Report notes tha t the 
Government of Colombia has undertaken Structural Tariff Reform (REA), there still remain some 
rooms for improvement. For instance, we have been reported of its high MFN applied tariff rates 
from the Japanese companies in Colombia. As written in the S ecretariat Report, the average MFN 
applied tariff rate rose by 0.9 percentage points from 6.2% in August 2011 to 7.1% in 2017. 
Furthermore, we reported that some Japanese companies expect sanitary controls and trademark 
registration process to be simple an d more transparent. Japan encourages Colombia to pay 
attention to those areas and continue its efforts on trade liberalization.  
4.116.   In conclusion, I would like to express our strong wish to continue our cooperation between 
Colombia and Japan. We wish Colombia a successful and productive TPR.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.117.   Let me start by highlighting that Colombia is an important strategic and economic partner 
of the European Union.  
4.118.   Colombia is the fourth largest economy of Latin America and its trade with the EU accounts 
for €11.6 bn. The EU is Colombia 's second trading partner and our bilateral Trade Agreement – 
provisionally applied since August 2013 – helps strengthen our trade relations, and has contributed 
to a significant diversification of Colombia 's exports. As regard s investment, the EU is the biggest 
foreign investor in Colombia. These figures show the strength and depth of our bilateral trade and 
investment relationship.  
4.119.   With reference to Colombia 's economic policy, the EU acknowledges the progress Colombia 
has made  in recent years, and we congratulate your efforts to cut red tape, simplify the tax 
system, and implement necessary structural reforms. We encourage Colombia to keep up its 
efforts, while pursuing the goal of social cohesion and further opening of the eco nomy. 
Undoubtedly, the successful process of joining the OECD has provided an important stimulus for 
sectoral reforms, and we hope that these reforms will further increase productivity and boost 
sustainable growth in the coming years.  
4.120.   Focusing on Colombia 's trade policy, we would like to express our support for the 
improvements recorded in the period under review. For example:  
 The EU welcomes Colombia having adopted a reform of the spirits import regime which 
facilitated market access and removed a large pa rt of the previous discrimination against 
imported spirits. We look forward to the full implementation of Colombia 's commitments in 
line with the GATT principle of national treatment, notably through the even application of 
the so -called "exploitation char ges" levied in some departments.  WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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   The EU also appreciates the measures taken to facilitate the imports of heavy trucks, and 
looks forward to the effective termination of the national scrappage policy no later than the 
end of this year.  
4.121.   The EU welcomes Colombia 's strong support for the multilateral trading system and its 
interest in regional and bilateral negotiations.  
4.122.   The EU thanks Colombia for its overall positive approach to complying with WTO 
notification obligations. Yet, the EU notes that Colombia  has not n otified subsidies under 
Article  25.1 of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures since 2011 and calls on 
Colombia to do so without further delay.  
4.123.   At a multilateral level, I wish to convey the EU 's appreciation for the constructive approach 
of Colombia in the WTO negotiations, particularly in the fisheries subsidies negotiations where 
Colombia has been an active proponent. The EU trusts Colombia will continue to be fully engaged 
in the multilateral trading system and to display leade rship in the negotiations of substantive 
outcomes in the WTO, and is particularly committed to continue working together with Colombia 
on fisheries subsidies.  
4.124.   At a bi -regional level, the EU is monitoring the deepening of the Pacific Alliance and its 
negoti ations with other trade partners and associate countries. Regarding our bilateral Trade 
Agreement, we appreciate Colombia 's constructive approach with regard to the accession of 
Ecuador to the Agreement, and also Colombia 's active and constructive particip ation in the annual 
Trade Committee and Sub -Committees.  
4.125.   Despite the positive overall trading relationship we also have a series of concerns and 
suggestions. Turning now to these, I would like to highlight some of them which are of particular 
interest to t he EU:  
4.126.   First of all, more efforts are needed to cut red tape and procedures for effectively 
accessing Colombia 's market. EU operators are concerned with the highly burdensome and costly 
import procedures that often require a disproportionally high number of documents, for example 
for sanitary registrations. There is also significant potential to improve and expedite border 
procedures and joint inspection by Colombian government agencies.  
4.127.   In our written questions, we have also asked Colombia to explain the rationale of some 
technical barriers to trade, such as labelling requirements on imported beers in several 
departments, which raises concerns from a national treatment angle. Regarding imported beers, 
we would also like to encourage Colombia to review its current taxation rules, which in many cases 
result in a higher tax burden on imported products.  
4.128.   In addition, as discussed during Colombia 's OECD accession process, we would like to 
highlight the need for the transparent and accountable implementation of p rovisions concerning 
Intellectual Property Rights related to pharmaceuticals in the National Development Plan.  
4.129.   Finally, the EU would encourage Colombia joining the Government Procurement Agreement 
in the future.  
4.130.   On behalf of the EU, I look forward to a con structive exchange of views during this review 
and I wish delegation of Colombia great success d uring its Trade Policy Review.  
NORWAY  
4.131.   Norway is pleased to note Colombia 's economic growth over recent years. We encourage 
the Government to continue its work t o promote poverty reduction and a more equal income 
distribution. The work towards implementation of the peace accord has been more complicated 
and slower than expected, but must continue.  
4.132.   To be able to perform well in the programs, reforms and strategies  already agreed upon, it 
will be highly important to strengthen institutions especially in the rural areas, and assure that WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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  progress is made in the infrastructure projects, which are essential to improve Colombia 's 
competitiveness internationally.  
4.133.   Colombia  is an active M ember of the WTO, and a founding Member of the O rganization. We 
highly value Colombia 's many contributions to the work of the WTO, and its support to the 
multilateral trading system. Paragraph 3.2.1 in the Government 's report, deals with com pliance 
with WTO rules in general. We have a specific question in this regard and wonder whether 
Colombia could confirm information provided during the February meeting of the Committee on 
Agriculture that revised schedules for export subsidies will be for warded in the third quarter of 
2018.  
4.134.   Norway is pleased to note that the Government report explicitly states that Colombia firmly 
believes that the WTO dispute settlement process is an asset to the multilateral trading system 
and must be safeguarded. We are  also appreciative of Colombia 's work to reach consensus on a 
comprehensive outcome document from the negotiations on fisheries subsidies, including a ban on 
subsidies to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. We would furthermore like to thank 
Colom bia for its active participation in different joint initiatives from Buenos Aires and note in 
particular its work as coordinator of the informal dialogue on investment facilitation for 
development.  
4.135.   Norway would like to congratulate Colombia on its work that resulted in the signing of 
Colombia 's accession agreement to the OECD membership on the 30th of May this year. We are 
pleased to note that since Colombia 's last TPR in 2012, the EFTA -Colombia free trade agreement 
has entered into force  between our two  countries .  
4.136.   Norway attaches great importance to international trade in maritime transport services. 
Maritime transport provides essential infrastructure for trade in general, investments and economic 
development. It is a longstanding interest of Norway  that all M embers contribute to predictability 
and openness in this key sector through binding commitments. Against this background, we 
appreciate that trade in international maritime transport services is open for foreign participation 
in Colombia, thus providing a good basis for future commitments.  
4.137.   Climate ch ange is a challenge facing all M embers. Norway urges Colombia, being a part of 
the International Communique on fossil fuel subsidy reform, to continue its efforts to reduce 
harmful fossil fuel subsidies.  
4.138.   Norwa y wishes Colombia a successful Trade Policy Review.  
ARGENTINA  
4.139.   Colombia is an important trading partner for the Argentine Republic. Our country exports 
vehicles, barley, soybean oil and machinery to Colombia. Our imports from Colombia include 
non-agglomerat ed bituminous coal, polypropylene in primary form, herbicides, insecticides, and 
fungicides. Approximately 93% of Colombia's tariff lines have been liberalized for Argentina and 
around 94% of the Argentine market has been liberalized for Colombia.  
4.140.   Argentin a is pleased to note that Colombia's GDP grew at an average annual rate of 3.3% 
during the review period. This economic growth was accompanied by a major reform agenda 
comprising fiscal incentives, tariff reductions, changes to the investment regime, and i ncreased 
investment in infrastructure.  
4.141.   We also note the introduction of a tax reform law aimed at improving revenue collection. 
Equally commendable are the country's efforts to diversify the export base, which is chiefly 
concentrated in petroleum and petro leum products, coal, chemical products, coffee and flowers.  
4.142.   Argentina recognizes Colombia as a staunch supporter of the multilateral trading system. 
We welcome the international integration strategy that Colombia has been implementing in recent 
years. This  policy has involved, among other things, entering into new regional trade agreements 
with Costa Rica; the European  Union; Korea, the Republic of; the Pacific Alliance; and 
the United  States.  WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  4.143.   Our country is interested to note that foreign direct investment  (FDI) is permitted in 
almost all sectors of the economy, except in specific cases where it is prohibited on security 
grounds. Foreign investors may set up business through commercial companies and may have 
subsidiaries in the country. The procedures for r egistering foreign direct investment made under 
contractual arrangements were simplified in  2017.  
4.144.   As regards Colombia's trade regime, we note that it has been bolstered by measures to 
modernize the legal framework for trade and facilitate trade. Among othe r initiatives, the 
strengthening of the Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE) and the introduction of the risk 
management system are worthy of mention. Likewise, in 2016 Colombia adopted a new 
Customs  Statute, which we are confident,  will help simplify cu stoms regulations and bring them 
into line with international best practice.  
4.145.   Argentina welcomes the measures aimed at enhancing the role of micro, small and 
medium enterprises (MSMEs). We underscore the implementation of special tax regimes for 
MSMEs and t he financing provided through the Colombian Fund for Modernization and 
Technological Development of MSMEs (FOMIPYME).  
4.146.   We thank Colombia for its replies to our questions relating to this trade policy review, 
which will be carefully examined by the authoriti es in Buenos Aires.  
4.147.   To conclude, we reiterate our appreciation of this renewed opportunity to exchange 
comments on Colombia's trade practices and wish the Colombian authorities a successful 
conclusion to this review.  
TRINIDAD  AND  TOBAGO  
4.148.   Trinidad and Tobago  and Colombia enjoy a cordial relationship with trade and security 
cooperation being key areas of our bilateral relations. We consider it a privilege to be involved in 
this fifth review of Colombia 's trade policies and practices, and our active involvement  today 
reflects the value we accord to the relationship with Colombia.  
4.149.   The importance of Colombia 's Cooperation Strategy with the Caribbean Basin, in promoting 
technical cooperation in the areas of national security and energy security as well as education , in 
particular, language training, should be acknowledged.  
4.150.   Colombia is a significant trading partner of Trinidad and Tobago and that relationship is 
governed by the CARICOM -Colombia Agreement on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation. 
As a signatory to  the Agreement, Trinidad and Tobago benefits from two -way trade liberalization 
and trade facilitation with Colombia. Trinidad and Tobago has generally been a net importer of 
goods from Colombia.  
4.151.   The Colombian Government 's policy of democratic prosperity is  indeed worthy of praise. 
Trinidad and Tobago applauds the efforts of the Colombian Government in securing the Agreement 
for the Construction of a Lasting, Stable Peace with the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC) in 
November 2016. The projections for averag e growth in GDP in the years following signature of the 
Agreement are encouraging. We are heartened that areas affected by the conflict are already 
reaping benefits of the peace. A revitalized tourism sector has significant potential to contributing 
to the  growth of the economy. With Colombia being a land of diverse landscapes, it may be quite 
true that with a sustained peace, "the only risk is wanting to stay ". We acknowledge Colombia 's 
ranking by the World Bank as the fourth best place for doing business in Latin America and the 
Caribbean.  
4.152.   Colombia is Trinidad and Tobago 's second largest trading partner in the Americas. We 
support the efforts of the Colombian Government to make full use of trade and investment 
agreements to promote diversification of the e conomy and reduce the level of poverty and 
unemployment, and increase the productivity of its businesses.  
4.153.   We commend the strategies and programmes to stimulate the economy, namely the 
Productivity and Employment Promotion Plan 2.0, Colombia Bounces Back, t he National Productive 
Development Policy, the Scientific Colombia Programme, the "Lawfulness and Combatting WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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  Smuggling " strategy, the Single Window for Business (VUE), the Productive Transformation 
Programme (PTP), the Productive Colombia programme, the "Tourism Sector Plan to Build Peace 
2014-2018", and the National Tourism Register.  
4.154.   My delegation has submitted a number of questions and we thank Colombia for its written 
responses.  
4.155.   We also note the focus on transport, education, security and combatting corr uption.  
4.156.   Trinidad and Tobago wishes Colombia a successful Trade Policy Review.  
BRAZ IL 
4.157.   First of all, the Brazilian delegation expresses its recognition, admiration and support for 
the Colombian Government's efforts to drive the peace process forward. We believe that 
consolidation of this new environment will offer Colombia new opportunities for trade, investment, 
tourism and development, and will have positive effects for the entire region.  
4.158.   The Colombian economy managed to withstand the strong impact of t he crisis ensuing 
from the fall in international commodity prices, especially oil prices, on the country's exports, 
precisely during the period covered by this report, that is, between 2012 and 2017. In spite of 
everything, sound fiscal and monetary polici es and overall openness to trade enabled Colombia to 
maintain positive growth rates and low levels of unemployment.  
4.159.   The Brazilian delegation expresses its recognition, admiration and support for the 
Colombian Government's efforts to drive the peace process  forward. We believe that consolidation 
of this new environment will offer Colombia new opportunities for trade, investment, tourism and 
development, and will have positive effects for the entire region.  
4.160.   Brazil congratulates Colombia on assuming the pro te mpore presidency of the 
Pacific  Alliance and for its leadership in the joint efforts to unite the two regional blocs, namely 
MERCOSUR and the Pacific Alliance. This dialogue has real potential for boosting trade, 
investment, and the integration of value ch ains in Latin America. We are committed to seeking 
effective economic integration, which will deliver tangible benefits for our citizens.  
4.161.   In accordance with our roadmap, adopted at the MERCOSUR Summit in Mendoza in 
July 2017, our two blocs are taking a pro active approach in addressing matters relating to 
cumulation of origin, production chains and customs procedures, barriers to trade, and services 
trade facilitation.  
4.162.   As indicated in Colombia's report for this trade policy review, Economic Complementarity 
Agreement (ACE) No.  72, signed in July  2017 between Colombia and the founding members of 
MERCOSUR, provides tangible evidence of our commitment to free trade. We can say with 
certainty that following the entry into force of ACE No.  72 in December  2017 trade  between Brazil 
and Colombia became almost entirely duty free.  
4.163.   Brazil also congratulates Colombia on its recent entry into the OECD. The expansion of the 
Organization , which now numbers 37 members, can contribute to broadening and diversifying its 
agenda.  
4.164.   Brazil and Colombia are linked not only by close bonds of friendship and shared values, but 
also by trade and mutual investment, which are further bolstering the relationship between our 
countries. In 2017, trade flows returned to their US$4  billion level.  Colombia's sales to Brazil in 
that year rose by around 59% to US$1.44  billion, reflecting the resumption of income from 
Colombian oil and mineral exports to Brazil and the rest of the world. Last year, Brazil was 
Colombia's fourth largest product supplier  and the seventh largest market for Colombian exports.  
4.165.   As regards investment, we would emphasize the substantial increase in the number of 
Brazilian businesses investing in Colombia, which has risen from 40 to 84 over the past four years 
and reflects the g rowing confidence of Brazilian entrepreneurs in our neighbouring country's more 
favourable business environment. For its part, Colombian investment in Brazil is also on the WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  increase, especially in the energy, chemicals and services sectors. I am pleased to  highlight the 
fact that Brazil and Colombia signed an Investment Cooperation and Facilitation Agreement in 
2015. Once it enters into force – hopefully in the very near future – this Agreement will give an 
even greater boost to our mutual investments and t hus contribute to increased integration of our 
economies and societies.  
4.166.   Our two countries are continuing to work together and look jointly towards the future. 
During the recent visit of President Juan Manuel Santos to Brasilia on 20  March last, we took 
further steps to deepen our economic and trade relationship, with the signing of important 
agreements to promote cooperation among our small and medium enterprises and to use digital 
certificates of origin, which will cut through the red tape in bilateral tra de. 
4.167.   On the other hand, we should not settle for what we have achieved so far. Brazil believes 
that the time has come for both countries to recognize the equivalence of sanitary measures and 
guarantees provided for livestock production and trade and meat pr ocessed within our respective 
jurisdictions. Different approaches and standards still stand – unnecessarily – between the 
two countries and have an undesirable impact on our regional efforts to address common 
challenges.  
4.168.   To conclude, I thank the delegation  of Colombia for its replies to Brazil's questions, which 
have been forwarded to our capital for consideration and follow up. We wish Colombia a most 
productive trade policy review.  
NEW ZEALAND   
4.169.   New Zealand has an active interest in Colombia 's trade and investment policies and 
congratulates Colombia for its recent accession to the OECD. T he accession process has been 
valuable  to supporting Colombia 's domestic  reforms and we look forward to working closely with 
Colombia in that forum  to deliver better well-being for our people.  
4.170.   New Zealand and Colombia share a strong commitment to  trade liberalization and regional 
economic integration. We are currently exploring opportunities to boost our trading partnership to 
the Pacific Alliance and New Zealand particula rly values Colombia 's leadership of the Alliance over 
the past year.  
4.171.   We commend Colombia 's efforts to maintain the momentum of trade liberalization in the 
region and its continued interest in connecting with the wider Asia -Pacific region of which we are 
part. 
4.172.   During the period of this review, the Government of Colombia successfully negotiated a 
peace agreement with the FARC putting an end to more than 50 years of civil conflict. Not only  is 
this an impressive achievement in and of itself, but it has also offered space for Colombia to focus 
on necessary economic reforms. New Zealand believes that Colombia 's continued economic 
performance and its population 's well -being would be enhanced by the dividends produced by the 
successful implementation of the peace a greement.  
4.173.   We would like to acknowledge Colombia 's achievements on poverty reduction and we 
would like to encourage Colombia to deepen its efforts in this area.  
4.174.   New Zealand congratulates Colombia for the regulatory reforms undertaken during this 
period to f acilitate trade and foreign investment. While there remains implementation hurdles, New 
Zealand acknowledges Colombia 's efforts to open -up its markets.  
4.175.   We also congratulate Colombia for the structural tax reform carried out in 2016  where 
corporate taxation  was redefined, revenue collection was improved, and measures to avoid tax 
evasion were applied.  
4.176.   During the review period, Colombia showed moderate  GPD growth rate with a downward 
trend since 2015 . The collapse of oil prices to some extent affected this ou tcome. Nevertheless, 
during the same period, Colombia maintained a low and stable inflation rate.  WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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  4.177.   New Zealand encourages Colombia to follow this positive path. We also recognize 
Colombia 's efforts to diversify its exports in order to decrease its dependenc y on raw materials, 
especially on oil and its derivatives.  
4.178.   New Zealand supports Colombia 's efforts to increase the use of renewable energy sources.  
4.179.   We appreciate the responses Colombia has provided to New Zealand 's questions and we 
would like to touch in particular on two areas. New Zealand highly values Colombia 's support for 
the Friends of Fossil Fuel  subsidies reform communiqué  in 2015 and welcomes its efforts to 
promote the development of renewable energy sources.  
4.180.   New Zealand encourages Colombia to continue its efforts to combat illegal, unreported, 
and unregulated fishing and to strengthen the sustainable development of fishing and aquaculture.  
4.181.   New Zealand thanks Colombia for its continued commitment to the multilateral trading 
system and emphasizes  our appreciation  for the constructive engagement we enjoy with or 
Colombia n colleagues here in Geneva. We work closely together as fellow members of the CAIRNS 
Group of agricultural products to achieve further liberalization through the WTO of trade in 
agriculture.  
4.182.    We welcome the positive steps that Colombia has taken in reforming and growing its 
economy since its last Trade Policy Review in 2012. These steps have been achieved under difficult 
circumstances and we sincerely hope that Colombia continues to  enjoy the economic dividends of 
peace in the coming years.  
4.183.   We look forward to further discussions on the issues we have raised during the course of 
the review.  
THAILAND  
4.184.   Thailand and Colombia have a stable bilateral trading relationship. Colombia is the si xth 
largest trading  partner of Thailand in Latin Am erica. In 2017, total trade between the two 
countries amounted to US$250 million.  
4.185.   During the review period, Colombia 's GDP increased at an average annual rate of 3.3% 
and inflation remained relatively low and stable. Since 2012, Colombia has launched an economic 
reform programme in order to stimulate the economy, which includes, for instance, tax incentives 
to promote private investment, reductions in tariffs and other taxes, changes in the investment 
regim e to simplify the procedures for the registration of foreign investments, and increased 
investment in infrastructure. In terms of trade, Colombia has continued to implement a policy of 
greater integration into the global economy, seeking better market acce ss conditions for its 
exports and imports, while reducing its production costs.  
4.186.   Thailand welcomes Colombia 's consistent efforts in modernizing the legal framework and 
promoting trade facilitation. For instance, it has introduced a number of improvements to  the 
customs system, including the strengthening of the Single Window for Foreign Trade and the 
implementation of the risk management system. In 2016, Colombia also adopted a new Customs 
Statute to modernize and simplify its regulations and bring into line  with best international 
practices.  
4.187.   Regarding agriculture, it is considered as Colombia 's strategic sector, on account of its 
contribution to GDP and employment. Its share in GDP increased in the period under review, rising 
from 5.8% in 2012 to 6.5% in 201 6. The sector is, moreover, a key source of employment, 
providing jobs for 3.5 million people and absorbing 14.5% of the labour force in 2016. In this 
regard, we commend Colombia as a Cairns Group member, for its active and constructive role in 
bringing ab out a free, fair in agricultural trade including being a champion for agricultural reform 
as mandated in Article 20 of Agreement of Agriculture.  
4.188.   Thailand is pleased to learn about the implementation of the Colombia Siembra ( "Colombia 
Sows") plan with a vie w to boosting agricultural supply in order to guarantee food security in the 
country, expanding production area and yields and promoting agricultural and agro -industry WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  exports, stimulating the development of trade in agriculture in order to improve incomes  for 
producers, and strengthening technological development and services in the agricultural sector.  
4.189.   Moreover, Thailand appreciates Colombia 's efforts to strengthen its intellectual property 
regime and adapt it to technological developments and to its inte rnational commitments.  
4.190.   Thailand continues to value Colombia 's contribution and commitment to preserving and 
strengthening the multilateral trading system. Colombia participates in both the ITA and ITA 
Expansion Agreements, acceded to the Protocol amending the TRIPS Agreement, and was in the 
process of ratifying the Trade Facilitation Agreement.  
4.191.   In this review, Thailand submitted a set of questions, covering the policies and measures 
of our interests such as the advanced ruling practices, non -tariff measures, investments in travel 
and tourism sectors, and business development in service sectors. Thailand thanks Colombia for 
the timely responses to our questions and will study them in detail with great interest.  
4.192.   In conclusion, we wish Colombia every su ccess in this Trade Policy Review.  
ECUADOR  
4.193.   Ecuador has a major interest in participating in this review, not least because Colombia is 
our neighbour, one of our main trading partners and a party, as we are, to various agreements 
such as the Andean Communit y, LAIA and the Multiparty Agreement with the European Union.  
4.194.   Colombia is the fifth largest destination of Ecuador's non -oil exports, capturing 6% of 
sales. As regards non -oil imports, Colombia is Ecuador's fourth largest supplier market, with a 
10% share.  
4.195.   Ecuador's non -oil trade balance with Colombia was in deficit for Ecuador by US$760  million 
in 2017.  
4.196.   In that same year, Ecuador's non -oil exports to Colombia amounted to US$747  million, 
down by 7% compared to 2016. Non-oil imports were worth US$1,507  million. 
4.197.   Ecuador's leading goods exports to Colombia are palm oil, canned tuna, wood -based 
panels, shrimp and cane sugar. We shall closely follow developments regarding the entry of 
Ecuadorian rice into the Colombian market.  
4.198.   Ecuador's main goods imports from Co lombia are medicines, fungicides, freight transport 
vehicles, motor cars and cane sugar.  
4.199.   Turning to the Secretariat report for this trade policy review, I would like to underscore the 
active and important role played by Colombia in regional trade.  
4.200.   We welco me the fact that Colombia is taking steps to improve internal tax collection and is 
actively implementing an export diversification strategy.  
4.201.   Ecuador emphasizes the importance of the exercise in transparency and insight into public 
policy afforded by trade  policy reviews at the WTO. In this connection, my country asked the 
delegation of Colombia a few questions, one of which emphasized Ecuador's concern regarding 
National Drugs Council Resolution No.  001-2015 of 8  January  2015 prohibiting the entry of 
Ecuad orian cement through our common land border at Ipiales, because it is considered a 
chemical substance or product that may, directly or indirectly, be used or destined for the 
extraction, processing and refining of drugs.  
4.202.   In Ecuador's view, the Resolution i s an internal control measure, as those subject to 
control are natural or legal persons engaged in activities relating to the production, distribution, 
purchase, consumption, importation or storage of controlled chemical substances and products. 
The establ ishment of specific customs districts through which Ecuadorian cement may enter for 
control purposes, located at a distance from the border at Ipiales, defeats the objective of the 
measure and turns it into a restriction on Ecuadorian exports.  WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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  4.203.   We hope that  Colombia will review the inclusion of cement as a substance subject to 
control. The CONCEPTO 30976 document, issued by Colombia's National Tax and Customs 
Directorate (DIAN) in May  2011, specified that the limitation, under the Leticia Special Customs 
Regime, on importing "narcotic drug precursors" does not affect cement since it is not classed as a 
precursor, despite the special control to which it is subject pursuant to National Drugs Council 
Resolution No.  9 of 2009.  
4.204.   We would also like more information in response to question 4/6 in document RD/TPR/934 
concerning Law No.  223, which provides that "the tax paid by foreign products may never be lower 
than the average tax paid by domestically produced products"; what we would like is details as to 
how Colomb ia ensures that foreign products are taxed neither at a lower rate nor at a higher rate 
than that applied to domestic products.  
4.205.   In closing, we thank the Colombian delegation in anticipation for its replies to our 
questions on various specific aspects of Co lombia's trade policy, which will serve as important 
inputs for strengthening relations with this country.  
HONDURAS   
4.206.   Colombia is Latin America's fourth largest economy. We are pleased to note that Colombia 
recovered well from the shock caused by the drop i n international oil prices. Continued 
implementation of the Peace Agreement, coupled with the Government's structural reform agenda, 
which includes an efficient tax reform, has contributed to a stable economic environment.  
4.207.   We welcome the Colombian Governme nt's efforts to diversify the economy, as embodied in 
the National Development Plan, which seeks to increase exports of non -mining goods and, in so 
doing, to contribute to more sustainable growth, with gains across the board, by boosting 
productivity.  
4.208.   According to the Secretariat report, Colombia consolidated its main macroeconomic 
indicators in 2016. In 2017 the Government built on this foundation with the Colombia Repunta  
(Colombia Bounces Back) programme, an economic stimulus plan that granted tax incent ives to 
encourage private -sector investment, increase public investment in the 4G network, the tertiary 
roads network and house building, promote more extensive use of royalties for regional 
investment purposes, and provide resources for the peace process.  
4.209.   We are very pleased to note the country's strong performance in reducing poverty and 
unemployment. As stated in the Government report, multidimensional poverty in Colombia has 
continued to fall since 2010, and by 2016 it had decreased by approximately 41% . Unemployment 
dropped to a historic low of 9.4 % in 2017.  
4.210.   We are also glad to learn that the internal process for ratifying the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement is now reaching completion and that Colombia will very soon be able to deposit its 
ratification ins trument. As regards customs regulation, we welcome the substantial changes made 
to customs legislation with a view to modernizing and simplifying the regulations and bringing 
them into line with international best practice. We appreciate the replies to the  questions 
submitted by our delegation in this respect.  
4.211.   Our bilateral trade relationship with Colombia is based on long -standing fraternal and 
neighbourly relations between our two countries, inspired by the need to expand our markets.  
4.212.   We have a free trade  agreement that has been in effect since 26  March  2010. Trade 
between Colombia and Honduras amounted to around US$163,000 in 2017. There is no doubt as 
to the potential of our trade relations with Colombia, and the Honduran Government is keen to 
consolidat e and further develop the relationship.  
4.213.   To conclude, we wish Colombia a successful fifth trade policy review and welcome the 
extraordinary achievements of our Colombian neighbours, especially the historic Peace Agreement 
and the country's entry into the OECD on 30 May last.  WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  GUATEMALA  
4.214.   Guatemala and Colombia share common interests and ideals on several fronts in this 
Organization, and we are convinced that both countries will continue to build trust and work 
tirelessly to expand their strategic alliances, b oth here and in other regional and subregional 
forums.  
4.215.   In connection with this review, we highlight the efforts made by the 
Colombian  Government to promote a series of measures and strategies to strengthen the country's 
various production and services sect ors, such as the tourism sector, where continuous training 
programmes are provided for tourism personnel and tax incentives are given for investing in the 
sector, for example the 9% income -tax rate and follow -up incentives over a period of 20 years for 
the construction and refurbishment of hotels in settlements with fewer than 200,000 inhabitants.  
4.216.   The country's strong performance in reducing poverty and unemployment is also worthy of 
note. 
4.217.   We welcome the implementation of trade facilitation measures, such a s the strengthening 
of the Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE), created in 2004, and the introduction in 2012 of 
the simultaneous inspection system (SIIS) for containerized export cargo, which enables 
four control entities to participate in a single ins pection, thus reducing inspection time for import 
and export operations. Another advance has been the implementation since 2015 of the risk 
management system (SAR) for import and export registration applications submitted to the VUCE.  
4.218.   As regards the MSME s ector, it should be pointed out that with its amendments to the 
2011 law on MSMEs, the Colombian Government is providing a set of tools and instruments in 
support of such enterprises. The overriding aim is to promote development of the sector, create 
jobs and establish new production chains.  
4.219.   As to bilateral relations, Colombia is a very important trading partner for Guatemala in the 
Latin American region. In 2017, Colombia ranked 26th among Guatemala's export trading partners 
and seventh in terms of imports . As far as bilateral trade is concerned, Guatemala's main imports 
from Colombia include various mineral products, plastics and plastic products, pharmaceuticals, 
insecticides, fungicides and disinfectants, perfumery, toilet and cosmetic preparations, 
electromechanical domestic appliances, machinery and mechanical equipment for electrotechnical 
use, various products of the chemical industry, other base metal manufactures, and vehicles and 
transport equipment.  
4.220.   Colombia's foreign direct investment (FDI) in Gu atemala amounted to US$160.2  million in 
2017, representing 14% of total FDI inflows. The key investment sectors were banking and 
insurance, electricity, manufacturing and telecommunications.  
4.221.   In addition, it is important to highlight Colombia's trade in ser vices achievements, as a 
result of which the services sector now accounts for almost half of GDP and employment in the 
country.  
4.222.   In conclusion, Guatemala's wish is that, in implementing its economic and trade policies, 
Colombia may reap further success in t erms of economic growth and development. Guatemala is 
confident that our two countries will continue to strengthen their commercial and neighbourly ties.  
4.223.   We appreciate the replies to our questions and wish the Colombian delegation a successful 
conclusion t o this exercise.  
REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.224.   At first, Korea would like to join in congratulating Colombia on its recent accession to the 
OECD.  
4.225.   Korea and Colombia have developed a strong economic partnership since the 
establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962. Our economic relations have continued to deepen 
further since the Korea -Colombia FTA came into force in 2016. As a result, the volume o f bilateral WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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  trade increased up to US$1.5 billion in 2017 from US$1.3 billion in 2016. Bilateral trade volume is 
expected to expand continuously as almost all tariffs are set to be eliminated within 10 years after 
the FTA came into effect.  
4.226.   From a trade poli cy perspective, as the Secretariat 's report noted, the growth rate of the 
Colombian economy decreased down to 3.3% during the review period from more than 4% during 
2012 to 2014. This slowdown resulted from a decrease in exports, particularly those of oil and 
other raw materials as well as a decline in growth for domestic demand.  
4.227.   However, Korea believes that the Colombian economy has greatly strengthened its 
potential through the various efforts that the Colombian government has made. Since 2012, 
Colombia h as implemented new regional trade agreements covering trade in goods and services 
with the Pacific Alliance, Costa Rica, the Republic of Korea, the United States and the European 
Union. Moreover, it has adopted a number of measures to modernize its legal f ramework and 
facilitate trade.  
4.228.   Colombia, as a founding Member of the WTO, has participated actively in the WTO such as 
by ratifying the Protocol Amending the TRIPs Agreement and participating in the ITA. However, it 
has not ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement. Furthermore, it initiated up to 45 anti -dumping 
investigations during the review period, which is much more than 25 cases between 2006 and 
2011. We hope that Colombia will expedite the process for ratifying the TFA and refrain from 
excessive rec ourse to anti -dumping measures.  
4.229.   Korea hopes to continuously develop our economic relationship with Colombia going 
forward. In addition, we expect Colombia to continue to contribute towards strengthening the 
multilateral trading system.  
4.230.   With this, we would like to express our deep appreciation to the Colombian delegation for 
its hard work and wish them every success in this TPR.  
TURKEY  
4.231.   Being the fourth biggest economy in Latin America and one of the most important 
emerging markets in the world, Colombia is a n important partner for Turkey. In the review period, 
we see that inflation rate remained within the range pursued by the Central Bank around 4%, and 
the unemployment rate kept stable around 9%. At the same period, Colombia has had a modest 
growth rate of 3.3%, which seems to have been limited by the falling prices of oil and oil products, 
a major category of Colombia 's exports. It is understood that a major challenge for the Colombian 
economy is to diversify the exports base and to minimize the negative effects of the dependency 
on oil and other raw materials, so that the significant decrease in the overall trade volume during 
the review p eriod would not repeat again. Poverty ratio has improved from 34% in 2011 to 28% in 
2016, thanks to the ability of Col ombia 's economy to create new jobs and the comprehensive 
macro policies pursued. No need to mention that there is still room to further decrease this figure. 
Similarly, Colombia is better to continue implementing necessary strategies to decrea se the public  
sector deficit. We believe that trade policy objectives in the National Development Plan will help 
the Government to reach the overall macro targets.  
4.232.   We are also glad to see that Colombia became the 37th member of the OECD in 2018. We 
believe that Colomb ia's economic and trade policy will benefit from the accession to the OECD.  
4.233.   We are glad to see that Colombia continued its efforts to make its trade and investment 
regime more open in the review period. The improvements in the customs systems such as the 
strengthening of the Single Window for Foreign Trade and the adoption of a new Customs Statute 
to modernize and simplify the customs regulations a re also positive developments.  In this regard, 
in alignment with all these efforts, we are of the belief that Colombia 's ratification of Trade 
Facilitation Agreement would be another stepping stone for further integration of Colombian into 
global economy. New trade agreements signed with the Pacific Alliance, Costa Rica, Korea, the 
U.S. and the EU in the review pe riod show the great impo rtance of trade for Colombia. The efforts 
of the Government to make public procurement system more efficient and transparent as well as 
to strengthen the intellectual property rights system will help the Colombian economy to become  
more competitive in future. At this point, let me also applaud our Colombian colleagues in Geneva, WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  for their hard work and valuable contribution to the activities under this roof. For instance, we 
appreciate Colombia 's constructive engagement in the fisher ies subsidies negotiations as a 
member of the 6 Latin American countries . Colombia is a valuable and third biggest trading 
partner of Turkey in Latin America. Nevertheless, our trade volume is still far away from mirroring 
our excellent political relations  (Turkey 's export to Colombia was US$185 million and import from 
Colombia w as US$1.69 billion in 2017 ). In this direction, a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is 
currently being negotiated between our countries. We held the seventh round of negotiations in 
Bogota  this year. We hope to conclude these negotiations and sign an FTA with Colombia as soon 
as possible.  
4.234.   We are also pleased that Pro -Colombia, the trade promotion agency of Colombia  has an 
office in Istanbul to intensify our trade relations.  
4.235.   Turkey and Colo mbia signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty in 2014. We hope that Colombia 
will finalize its domestic procedures soon. Finally, we would like to mention our appreciation to be 
given the opportunity to make our points known on the trade policy of Colombia and  we wish 
Colombia a very successful review  (and a successful World Cup).  
EL SALVADOR  
4.236.   We note from the Secretariat report that the Colombian economy grew steadily during the 
review period. GDP rose at an average annual rate of 3.3%, with a peak of over 4% i n 2012 -2014, 
and, despite a slowdown that began in 2015 owing to the decline in – chiefly oil – exports, it 
recorded 1.8% growth in 2017. Thanks to Colombia's inflation -targeting system, inflation remained 
relatively low and stable, and as regards the exch ange rate, the country also managed to maintain 
the stability of the peso, following a sharp downturn mainly due to the fall in oil prices and the 
national currency's subsequent recovery.  
4.237.   We are pleased to note that Colombia has opted for modernization, es pecially by 
simplifying and harmonizing its regulatory framework, updating the legal framework for trade, 
trade facilitation and customs regulation, adopting new competition rules and a policy to improve 
the regulatory framework and corporate governance of  State -owned enterprises, and upgrading 
the government procurement and intellectual property systems.  
4.238.   Like all other Members, Colombia obviously still has challenges to overcome, such as 
reducing poverty and diversifying its export base. Nonetheless, it ha s adopted support policies that 
have benefited its production sectors, such as credit incentives for businesses, tax incentives for 
MSMEs, the Colombia Siembra (Colombia Sows) Plan to diversify crops, and the Price Stabilization 
Funds for agricultural prod ucts. 
4.239.   Colombia has also turned to new technologies and innovation for micro and small 
enterprises and in the financial and telecommunication sectors.  
4.240.   Furthermore, Colombia is to be congratulated on its entry into the OECD.  
4.241.   At the bilateral level, diplomatic relations between Colombia and El Salvador were 
established in 1825.  
4.242.   Today, aside from the trade topics to which I shall refer later on, there has been an 
increase in institutional development cooperation, especially in the justice sector, on ma tters such 
as assistance to victims and transitional justice, the fight against corruption, accountability of 
judicial and police officers, and disciplinary proceedings.  
4.243.   On the trade front, El Salvador and Colombia have been stepping up their bilateral 
relations since 1984, initially under a partial scope agreement and then under a free trade 
agreement since 2007. Until a year ago, El Salvador was Colombia's tenth largest investment 
destination in Latin America. Colombia is one of El Salvador's ten main sou rces of imports, 
essentially consisting of chemical products, such as medicines, perfumes, cosmetics and 
pesticides, and commodities such as refined petroleum and polymers of propylene. El Salvador's 
leading exports to Colombia are chemical products, such as ready -packed medicines, cleaning WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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  products and sulphates, as well as food products, including raw sugar, processed fish, flavoured 
water and fruit juice.  
4.244.   We would like to underscore our acknowledgment of Colombia's work and involvement in 
the proceedings  of this Organization, driven by the country's remarkable team in Geneva under 
the efficient guidance of Ambassador González.  
4.245.   I cannot fail to mention Colombia's historical circumstances, marked by events very similar 
to those experienced in Salvadoran his tory. Both countries have known episodes of violence, which 
ended in peace agreements that ultimately enabled our peoples to benefit from a phase of national 
reconstruction. Based on practical experience, we should emphasize that this kind of process is no t 
simple. It involves risks and challenges for all the parties involved. The Colombian people, having 
expressed themselves through the ballot box, succeeded in consolidating peace in 2016. It is truly 
admirable that Colombians, in a show of great courage a nd fortitude and using the tools of 
democracy, laid the foundations on which to build the road to peace, development and well -being 
in this fellow Latin American country.  
4.246.   In light of the foregoing, it only remains for us to cong ratulate Colombia for its ou tstanding 
performance and to wish it every success in this exercise.  
MALAYSIA  
4.247.   We would like to extend our congratulations to Colombia on the various policies and 
initiatives implemented by the Government during the period under Review.  
4.248.   In 2017, Colombia was ranked Malaysia 's 73rd largest trading partner in the world and 7th 
largest trading partner among the Latin American countries. Malaysia 's total trade with Colom bia 
increased by 43.3% from US$112.9 million in 2016 to US$ 155.8 million in 2017, with expo rts to 
Colombia grew by 21.0% to reach US$ 97.7 million.  
4.249.   Trade continued to grow strongly in the first quarter of 2018, with total trade increased by 
28.2% to US$ 49.1 million, and exports t o Colombia grew by 32.6% to US$ 34.1 million. In 
investment, we cont inue to encourage Colombian companies to establish operations in Malaysia in 
the manufacturing and services sector.  
4.250.   It is important to highlight that Colombia is one of the most dynamic economies, with the 
third-highest GDP growth rate in the Latin Americ an region. We applaud Colombia 's effort to 
liberalize trade and participate in global value chains through its membership in the Pacific Alliance 
along with Chile, Mexico and Peru, including through FTAs with other trading partners.  
4.251.   At the multilateral fr ont, we commend Colombia for showing strong commitment towards 
progressive trade and investment policies under the WTO such as acceding to the Protocol 
Amending the Agreement on Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs 
Agreement) and pa rticipating in the Information Technology Agreement (ITA). Colombia is also an 
active Member and has subscribed as Malaysia to the Joint Statements adopted at the previous 
11th Ministerial Conference on Electronic Commerce for Development, MSMEs and Invest ment 
Facilitation. Malaysia looks forward to working closely with Colombia and all other Members on 
moving these initiatives forward in the WTO.  
4.252.   We note that Colombia is in the process of ratifying the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) 
and we would encou rage Colombia to expedite the notification process of the remaining 
commitments.  
4.253.   While welcoming the trade initiatives and further liberalization undertaken by Colombia 
over the review period, we would like to seek further clarity on some of policy. Among those, the 
higher application of the tariff levels applied to the agricultural sector to non -agricultural goods; 
the IP policy and in relations to pharmaceutical products, and self -certification in Colombia. We 
also look forward to hearing more on MSMEs in  in Colombia. Such, we look forward to the replies 
to our written questions on certain aspects of its trade policy.  WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  4.254.   We would also like to express our appreciation to the Permanent Representative of 
Colombia, Ambassador Juan Carlos Gonzales and his committ ed team for their tireless efforts and 
constructive engagement with other delegations here in Geneva.  
4.255.   We wish Colombia a productive and successful Fifth Trade Policy Review.  
INDIA  
4.256.   During the period under review from 2012 -17 the GDP of Colombia grew at an a verage 
rate of 3.3% driv en, mainly by domestic demand. The key challenges for Colombia include the 
shrinking of the mining sector which came down from 11% of GDP in 2012 to 5.3% in 2017 and 
decline in exports due to the votality of international oil prices  and addressing issues related to 
poverty alleviation and  human development indicators. We commend the Government of Colombia 
for the concerted efforts and various initiatives being taken to address these challenges which 
include the comprehensive National Development Plan 'All Together for a New Country ' which aims 
to build a p eaceful and eq uitable country. The strategies under the Plan include strengthening 
infrastructure, competitiveness, economic development and attracting foreign investment.  
4.257.   India and Colombia share warm, clo se and multifaceted relations. There are regular 
exchanges betwe en both countries including exchange of business delegations for p romoting trade 
and investment. The bilateral trade bet ween two countries stood at US$ 1.53 billion registering a 
growth over the previous year. There is tremendous potential to promote trade between both 
countries in areas like metals, minerals, textiles, automobiles, gems and jewellery, 
pharmaceutic als and agricultural products. The number of Indian companies is growing in 
Colombia with investments in areas like IT, pharmaceuticals, agro chem icals, plastics and 
automobiles. ONGC Videsh, an Indian public -sector company , is also engaged in a joint venture for 
oil exploration and pro duction operations in Colombia.  
4.258.   For capacity building and human resources development, India is regularly offering slots in 
various training institutions to professionals from Colombia under India 's Economic and Te chnical 
Cooperation programme. India also offers scholarships to Colombian Students under  cultural 
scholarship schemes. Both countries have also signed agree ments in science and technology, IT, 
sports, health and other areas for promoting technic al assistance and cooperation.  
4.259.   We wish to also highlight some issues which are impacting the vast underlying potential in 
our relations:  
 The complex and bureaucratic export procedures are making it difficult for Indian companies 
to invest and export to Colombia.   
 Indian Goods including basmati rice and finished textiles products face tariff barriers in 
exports to Colombia.  
 The number of Indian companies in IT and Serv ices sector which are contributing to the 
development  of Colombia are growing. However, these companies face quota restrictions for 
getting Indian IT professionals to Colombi a to expand their operations. Relaxation in these 
requirements will help to promot e trade in services.  
 Colombia has imposed a minimum import price for fibre, yarn fabrics, man-made apparel 
and footwear.  
 Indian companies in the area of agro chemicals and pharmaceuticals face difficulties in trade 
and investment in Colombia due to the co mplex regulatory procedures and requirement of 
environmental clearances.  
 The trade of Indian agricultural products is also being affected due to the stringent sanitary 
and phytosanitary requirements.  
 We would urge the Government of Colombia to look into these issues to address them. India 
also stands ready to constructively engage bilaterally to discuss and resolve these for 
mutual benefit.  WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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  4.260.   To conclude, we look forward to working closely with the authorities of Colombia for further 
expanding and harnessing  the potential of our trade and investment t ies for mutual benefit. We 
wish the delegation of Colombia a productive and successful TPR.  
THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU  
4.261.   Since Colombia 's last trade policy review in 2012, it  has made substantial efforts to boost 
the country 's economic activity, and in the 5 years under review between 2012 and 2017 it has 
succeeded in achieving positive economic growth at an average annual rate of 3.3%. We commend 
the Colombian government on t he series of reforms it introduced to adjust tariffs, promote 
investment, and facilitate trade with foreign partners, as well as its vigorous efforts to improve 
governance in the public sectors. We hope that Colombia will continue to implement further 
meas ures to help keep the trade regime open, efficient and transparent in the future. In addition, 
of course, we especially applaud its conclusion of the "Peace Agreement ", signed in late -2016, 
which ends half -a-century of tragic internal violence, and creates the conditions of peace and 
stability that are so essential for the future development of the country and its people.  
4.262.   We are also delighted to see Colombia 's success ful accession to the OECD as its 37th 
Member, on the eve of this TPR on 30 May 2018. This serves to confirm its serious commitment to 
pursuing international standards in areas such as the justice system, labour, state -owned 
enterprises, and many others.  
4.263.   As Columbia is one of the original founding Members of the WTO and such an act ive player 
in the work of this Organiz ation, we hope to see it continuing to support the strengthening of the 
Multilateral Trading System, and help to advance discussions on initia tives such as E -commerce, 
MSMEs, and Trade and Women 's Economic Empowerment. In the same context, with Columbia 
currently being an observer to the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) and considering 
that government procurement accounts for an important part of its GDP, hopefully Columbia will 
become a full signatory to the Agreement in the near future, as well as the fast ratification of 
Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).  
4.264.   We have also been closely following Colombia 's progress on its stated policy obje ctives of 
greater integration in the world economy, with its signing of bilateral trade agreements with major 
trading partners like the US, the EU, and South Korea, and the recent trade negotiations between 
the Pacific Alliance and four Associate Members ( Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Singapore) 
in the Asia -Pacific region to further broaden trade flows and investment.  
4.265.   As far as our own bilateral trading relations with Columbia are concerned, we are actively 
seeking to find opportunities to expand the volume of our two -way trade in the fields of 
agriculture, mining, industrial products, and the renewable energy sector, which would be mutually 
beneficial to our SMEs and MSEMs in particular.  
4.266.   In conclusion, the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu , Kinmen and Matsu 
appreciates the opportunity of participating in this review. We look forward to continuing close 
cooperation with Colombia in both the bilateral and the multilateral forums. May I wish the 
Colombian delegation a most successful and fruit ful Trade Policy Review.  
4.267.   Thank you very much for giving me the floor.  
ICELAND  
4.268.   We welcome the positive developments in Colombia 's trade policies since its last TPR and 
we congratulate the Government of Colombia on the signature of the Peace Agreement in 
November 2016.  
4.269.   We welcome the emphasis on trade and open markets in the new National Development 
Plan. Statistics indicate strongly that trade openness can be measured in terms of economic 
growth productivity, higher  standards of living and even promotion of peace.  
4.270.   Open economies grow faster than closed economies. It is encouraging to read from the 
report that the economy of Colombia is stable and growing.  WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  4.271.   Colombia and Iceland cooperate closely when it comes to trade, here at the WTO, as well 
as on the basis o f our Free Trade Agreement that was signed in 2008.  
4.272.   We commend Colombia on its support to the multilateral trading system in general, as well 
as for its valuable engagement in the discussions here at the WTO, including by chairing this Body 
last year, as well as coordinating the dialogue on investment facilitation for development.  
4.273.   We also would like to commend Colombia f or its engagement in the fisheries  subsidies 
negotiations.  
4.274.   On the occasion of the 11th Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires last December, more 
than 120 Members and Observers launched a joint  Declaration on Women and Economic 
Empowerment that aims, inter alia, at sharing best practices and working together in the WTO to 
remove barriers for women's  economic empowerment and increase their participation in trade. 
Colombia is a supporter of the D eclaration and we welcome the emphasis placed on the issue and 
the report by the Government of Colombia. It was interesting to read about the experien ce of the 
flower sector in Colombia in relation to economic empowerment of women. These examples of how 
the empowerment of women can have a positive e ffect on trade and the economy as a whole are 
in the spirit of  our declaration and exactly what we need to  move our discussion forward. We 
thank the Government of Colombia for sharing it with us.  
4.275.   In closing, Iceland reiterates its appreciation for Colombia 's active engagement in the 
WTO. We wish the Colombian delegation every success with its trade policy revi ew and we look 
forward to continuing our close cooperation with Colombia, both bilaterally and here at the WTO.  
THE PHILIPPINES  
4.276.   The Philippines and Colombia enjoy 72 years of friendship, which has been revitalized 
recently through the first opening of an E mbassy in Manila in September 2017, with Colombian 
Deputy Foreign Minister Patti Londoño gracing the milestone event.  
4.277.   It may also be recalled that Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos Calderon visited 
Manila to attend the Informal Dialogue between APEC and Pacific Alliance leaders at the APEC 
Summit held in Manila in 2015.  
4.278.   It was during a bilateral meeting between the two leaders at the sidelines of this summit 
where mutual interests were expressed to further enhance trade relations between the two 
countries. The Philippines welcomes Colombia 's active engagement as an observer in the APEC 
process and appreciates its contributions to trade and investment facilitation and cooperation in 
the Asia -Pacific region.  
4.279.   During the 3rd Bilateral Consultation Mechan ism in September 2017, a process which was 
first established between the two members in 2009, senior officials from both countries exchanged 
views on regional and multilateral issues impacting both East Asia and Latin America.  
4.280.   The Philippines is committed  to deepen relations with Colombia and remains open to 
opportunities for bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade and investment, defense, 
the peace process and anti -drug war, where Colombia can share with the Philippines many 
lessons. Giv en the strengths of Colombia 's industrial sector, the Philippines would also like to 
explore cooperation in the areas of chemicals, textiles, and clothing and footwear manufacturing.   
4.281.   Trade between the Philippines and Colombia is quite modest but continue s to grow in the 
recent years. Philippine exports to Colombia i ncreased by an impressive 71.59 % in 2 017 reaching 
trade value of US$ 18.11 million compared to the previous year 's US$ 10.55 million; while imp orts 
from Colombia stood at US$ 12.84 million, repres enting an increase of 7.87% for the same period. 
Major Philippine exports to Colombia include input or output units of data processing machines, 
desiccated coconuts, other articles of plastics, and other agricultural products. Major Philippine 
imports from  Colombia include fungicides, continuous -action elevators and conveyors, and citric 
acid salts and esters.  WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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  4.282.   Growing of trade among non -traditional trade partners can show the value of the WTO in 
expanding trade and investment when major players are question ing the value of increased trade 
and investment to their economies.  
4.283.   Colombia 's average annual GDP growth rate of 3.3 per cent from 2012 to 2017 is driven by 
domestic consumption —quite similar to the Philippine economy. The Colombian economy has also 
shown its resilience by maintaining a growth rate above the average for Latin America and the 
Caribbean countries despite the fall in commodity prices. Although the prospects for economic 
growth and inflation are favorable, we are confident that Colombia will ov ercome the structural 
challenges it faces, including the need to continue promoting diversification of the economy and 
reducing poverty which stands at 28% in 2016.  
4.284.   The Philippines commends the Colombian government 's efforts under its National 
Development Plan 2014 -2018 to address the task of building a peaceful, equitable, and educated 
Colombia through cross -cutting strategies on competitiveness, social mobility, rural development, 
security, good governance, and green growth. We also laud Colombia 's Nation al Productive 
Development Policy, which aims to expand the supply of exportable goods and services in order to 
make full use of trade agreements and develop participation in global value chains.  
4.285.   Colombia is a founding Member of the WTO and has signed the p rotocols on 
telecommunications and financial services annexed to the GATS and the protocols amending the 
TRIPS. It participates in the Information Technology Agreement, and we look forward to its prompt 
ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, whi ch all APEC economies have already ratified. It 
is also an active member in the various formal and informal committees in the WTO, including the 
Friends of MSMEs Group, which recognizes the important role of Micro, Small and Medium 
Enterprises.  
4.286.   The Philipp ines looks forward to continue working with Colombia to further strengthen the 
economic relations between our two countries through bilateral, regional, and multilateral fora.  
4.287.   The Philippines also thanks former TPR Chair, Colombian Ambassador Juan Carlos Gonzalez 
who served as Chair of the Philippines ' TPR held in March 2018.  
SRI LANKA  
4.288.   My delegation noted the modest growth performance of the Colombian economy at an 
annual average rate of 3.3% over the review period from 2012 -2017 despite the world economic  
shocks. As a country heavily depends on energy and mining exports, makes it vulnerable to 
fluctuations in world commodity prices. We believe  that the recently launched economic reform 
programme, which includes tax incentives, tariff other tax reductions, changes in the investment 
regime, and increased infrastructure investment , will help stimulating the economy on  the fast 
track. Like many other developing countries, including Sri Lanka, Colombia faces difficulties in 
overcoming its current account deficit  owing to high dependency on imports.  
4.289.   We note with interest the number of measures that Colombia has undertaken to open up 
its trade regime, including modernization of legal framework, improvements to the customs 
system, including the strengthening of the Single Window for Foreign Trade and introduction of the 
risk management system with fewer inspections and reduced clearance time.  
4.290.   Although Colombia maintains 13 different tariff rates ranging from 0 -98%, almost half of 
its tariff lines are zero -rated. Colo mbia has bound all its tariff lines at an average rate of 42% 
whereas the average applied MFN tariff rate is 7.1%. Only 6.2% of tariff lines are subject to a rate 
exceeding 15%. However, the product categories such as clothing, dairy and animal products ar e 
subject to highest average tariffs. In addition, Colombia temporarily applies the WTO bound tariff 
to imports of footwear and clothing entering to Colombian market at prices below or equal to 
certain thresholds established. Moreover, more than 6,000 tari ff lines are subject to automatic 
licensing requirements, while 180 tariff lines are subject to non -automatic licences.  
4.291.   As a founding Member of the WTO, Colombia, in particular the Permanent Mission in 
Geneva, plays an active role. The dynamic role played by His Excellency the Ambassador Mr. Juan 
Carlos González and his team in Geneva in proactively engaging in ongoing activities of the WTO is WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  highly commendable. Ambassador González played an interesting role chairing this Committee 
until he handover the ch airmanship to Ambassador Laourou.  
4.292.   We invite the delegation of Colombia to accelerate its process of ratifying the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement, as more than one and half years have been lapsed since entering into force 
of the agreement. Also, we note that Colombia takes part in the negotiation son TISA, and 
participated in the Information Technology Agreement. It is interesting to note that Colombia is an 
active user of WTO 's trade remedies, in particular anti -dumping mea sures. It has initiated 
45 anti-dump ing investigations, as compared to 25 during the previous review period. It has also 
initiated 4 safeguard investigations during the period.  
4.293.   In the bilateral front, Colombia and Sri Lanka maintain very friendly relations. The bilateral 
trade stands at a mo derate level bu t in an increasing phase. Balance of trade is always in favour of 
Sri Lanka except in 2009 and 2010. Export of Ceylon Cinnamon, which is well -known among the 
Latin American Region is the dominant export item which accounts for 70% of Sri Lan kan exports 
to Colombia in 2017. Sri Lanka 's imports from Colombia during the last several years are 
comparatively at a negligible level and do not witnesses a regular pattern as well . 
4.294.   In concluding, my delegation sincerely wishes the delegation of Colombia a successful 
deliberation on its fifth Trade Policy Review.  
URUGUAY  
4.295.   Uruguay maintains friendly and constructive relations with Colombia in the various spheres 
covered by their bilateral relationship, which includes not only policy, the economy and  trade, but 
also cooperation and culture.  
4.296.   First of all, Uruguay wishes to congratulate Colombia for its progress in the trade policy 
field thanks to consolidation of the peace process, which has enabled conflict -ridden areas to reap 
the benefits of peace.  
4.297.   Since Colombia's last trade policy review in 2012, political and trade relations between the 
two countries have grown stronger.  
4.298.   The Fourth Meeting of the Uruguay -Colombia High -Level Political Mechanism took place in 
April 2017, with Uruguayan Foreign Minis ter Rodolfo Nin Novoa and Colombian Foreign Minister 
María Ángela Holguín leading their respective delegations.  
4.299.   The meeting addressed bilateral trade between the two countries, emphasizing the need to 
hold new consultation meetings with a view to consolida ting the Memorandum of Understanding on 
Strategic Partnership and further deepening the Economic Complementarity Agreement between 
MERCOSUR and Colombia.  
4.300.   As regards trade proper, Uruguayan exports were worth close to US$65  million (including 
the free zones ) in 2017 and consisted chiefly of essential oils, miscellaneous edible preparations, 
fish and crustaceans, pharmaceuticals, various products of the chemical industry, milk and 
milk products, and meat and edible meat offal.  
4.301.   Uruguayan imports from Colombia are mostly mineral fuels, plastics and plastic products.  
4.302.   Although Uruguay enjoys good conditions of access to Colombia's market, it would be most 
important for Uruguayan producers to secure access for citrus products, pears, blueberries and 
honey, among ot hers. 
4.303.   In terms of investment, the Zonamerica company in Cali is one of the largest investments 
made by a Uruguayan firm in Colombia. The project covers an area of 38 hectares and will 
comprise 18 office buildings, a data centre and staff qualified to provi de support services to 
businesses and their clients. Once completed, it is expected to provide employment for more than 
17,000  people.  WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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  4.304.   The three largest Colombian investments in Uruguay are the Éxito, Sura and 
Gilinski  Groups.  
4.305.   Turning to development, Urugu ay wishes to highlight Colombia's National Development 
Plan, aimed at increasing Colombia's exports of non -mining/energy goods and services by making 
full use of trade and investment agreements.  
4.306.   It should be noted that one of the Plan's strategic pillars i s to boost the productivity of 
Colombian businesses by making the production base more sophisticated and diversified, 
increasing the production capacity of 2,000 enterprises and developing a range of programmes 
and strategies for micro, small and medium en terprises (MSMEs).  
4.307.   The period under review saw the registration of 884 MSMEs, which raised their productivity 
levels and turned from underdeveloped production units into stronger enterprises seeking to 
continuously improve their processes.  
4.308.   It is also interesting to cite a few key laws and programmes forming part of the regulatory 
framework for MSMEs in Colombia, namely the MSME Law of 2000, the National Support System 
for MSMEs of 2004, the National Guarantee Fund, and iNNpulsa Colombia.  
4.309.   Uruguay accord ingly encourages Colombia to continue taking an active part in the 
WTO Informal Working Group on MSMEs, and invites it to share its experience in implementing 
national strategies, which might be helpful in promoting the successful integration of MSMEs into  
international trade.  
4.310.   Furthermore, Uruguay wishes to highlight the work done by Colombia in order to join the 
Organization  for Economic Co -operation and Development (OECD), which culminated in an 
invitation to become the Organization's  37th member.  
4.311.   Lastly,  we reaffirm our interest in continuing to work towards a positive outcome at the 
Twelfth Ministerial Conference and in protecting a multilateral trading system based on predictable, 
transparent and balanced rules.  
4.312.   Uruguay wishes Colombia every success in its fifth trade policy review.  
PANAMA  
4.313.   Panama and Colombia are not only neighbouring countries but are also bound together by 
ties dating back to pre -Columbian times. In the nineteenth century, Colombia, then known as 
New Granada, and Panama, together with Ecuador and Venezuela, formed part of Gran Colombia 
until we separated in 1903. One  hundred and fifteen years later, Colombia is still one of Panama's 
main trading partners, a major user of the Panama Canal, and the largest investor in our part of 
the Lati n American region.  
4.314.   Over the past 20 years we have seen Colombia turn into a stronger, more diverse economy 
that is more open to the world. We highlight the efforts made by Colombia in the framework of its 
bilateral trade partnerships with other countries, the Andean region, LAIA and the Pacific Alliance, 
and its entry into the OECD.  
4.315.   On the other hand, we note Colombia's continued heavy reliance on raw materials and the 
way in which the latter affected the country's growth and currency exchange value in rece nt years. 
We therefore take a positive view of the processes and programmes implemented over these past 
few years in order to simplify trade, as well as those aimed at encouraging and increasing exports.  
4.316.   As we have already said, Colombia is an important tr ading partner for Panama, and in the 
past three years, our trade has averaged US$400  million per year. A small portion of this amount 
represents Panama's exports of food and chemical products to Colombia. The bulk of our trade 
consists of Colombian exports  of medicines, fuels and electronic products to Panama.  
4.317.   It should be emphasized that this does not sum up trade between our countries, as 
Colombia is the sixth largest user of the Panama Canal and a major buyer in our Colón free trade WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  zone, where Panama's re-exports to Colombia reached one  billion in 2017. Nonetheless, these 
have contracted by 50% since 2013 as a result of the slowdown in the Colombian economy, the 
depreciation of the peso, and unilateral measures implemented by Colombia, restricting goods 
imports.  
4.318.   As is common knowledge among the WTO Membership, for over ten years now Panama 
has had to resort to the dispute settlement mechanism on account of measures affecting Panama's 
re-exports of apparel and footwear to Colombia. The various measures hav e ranged from 
restrictions on ports of entry, indicative prices and compound tariffs exceeding the bound levels to 
measures which take the form of special customs controls on these goods and whose consistency 
with the relevant WTO Agreements is currently b eing examined by compliance panels.  
4.319.   Panama wishes to draw special attention to these customs control measures, imposed by 
Colombia on imports of apparel and footwear under Decree 1745 of 2016, replaced by 
Decree  2218, which appear to be inconsistent with t his Organization's rules on customs valuation 
and have also been challenged by other Members in the course of the proceedings.  
4.320.   It is our hope that once the compliance proceedings have been completed we will find a 
solution to this dispute without further d elay. 
4.321.   We congratulate the Colombian State for its active participation in the multilateral system 
and especially for the major changes and efforts made in moving towards a market economy more 
open to world, as well as Colombia's achievements on the securit y front. Although specific points 
remain to be addressed, we view these endeavours and changes in a positive light.  
4.322.   Colombia has been, and will continue to be, an important trading partner for Panama. We 
wish Colombia every success in this review and wish to highlight the admirable work of its 
delegation in Geneva.  
PERU  
4.323.   Peru and Colombia enjoy a very close relationship, rooted in geographical proximity and a 
common historical and cultural tradition. For many years now, we have pursued like -minded 
policies to promote economic integration with partners both within and outside the region, driving 
our economies towards higher levels of competitiveness underpinned by vigorous economic 
liberalization and a strong international reach. Accordingly, Colombia and Per u both firmly believe 
that a rules -based multilateral trading system is a cornerstone of the global economy and provides 
stability for international trade. In addition to this common vision, we are also members of the 
Pacific Alliance, the Andean Community  and LAIA, which enable us to boost regional trade and 
productive linkages in the region and to export quality products to other continents.  
4.324.   As a result of all these endeavours, annual bilateral trade has grown in recent years. In 
2017, trade between Peru and Colombia exceeded US$2  billion, a 14% increase over the previous 
year. Peru's exports to Colombia have become more diversified, targeting the iron and steel, 
chemical and agricultural sectors.  
4.325.   These efforts are also evidenced by policy and economic coo peration and coordination at 
the highest level. One example is the holding of four Binational Cabinet meetings to date, in which 
our Presidents reached decisions on a wide -ranging, cross -cutting common agenda that naturally 
encompasses economic and trade m atters.  
4.326.   At the WTO, we work as a team with a view to the adoption of effective disciplines on 
fisheries subsidies; establishing commitments on domestic regulation in services; promoting 
agricultural market liberalization within the CAIRNS Group; furthering  the integration of small and 
medium enterprises in international trade; and enhancing transparency and predictability among 
Members in establishing maximum residue limits (MRLs) under the Agreement on the Application 
of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures , among other important issues on the WTO agenda. We 
also jointly support the dispute settlement pillar of the WTO and, generally speaking, the validity 
and value of the multilateral trading system.  WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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  4.327.   In short, we are very much on the same page with Colombia . This is why we welcome the 
successful achievement of domestic peace in Colombia, and the country's recent entry into the 
Organization  for Economic Co -operation and Development (OECD) – a goal towards which Peru is 
taking major steps and which it hopes to  reach in the near future. We also acknowledge and 
encourage the reforms being implemented by Colombia to revive its economy, boost trade and 
investment, consolidate its macroeconomic balance, and increase its level of export diversification.  
4.328.   Peru will con tinue to work in collaboration with Colombia, not only at the multilateral level 
within the WTO but also in other relevant forums, further seeking to promote sustainable growth 
and economic development for our countries. We look forward to pursuing and str engthening our 
common journey towards economic integration and cooperation, within the Pacific Alliance and the 
Andean Community as well as on a bilateral basis. On behalf of the Peruvian delegation, it only 
remains for me to wish Colombia every success in  its fifth trade policy review.  
PAKISTAN  
4.329.   Pakistan and Colombia enjoy very good bilateral relations; however, in trade, the potential 
is under -exploited. At the WTO, Pakistan and Colombia are jointly working in three groups; FEDs 
and FIFD and Friends of MSM Es, and Ambassador Gonzalez is the coordinator of FIFD. His role as 
FIFD coordinator is highly appreciated by Pakistan and all FIFD members.  
4.330.   During the review period, between the beginning of 2012 and the end of 2017, Colombia 's 
GDP grew at an average annual rate of 3.3% and growth is expected to pick up in 2018. During 
the review period between 2012 and 2015, inflation did remain relatively low and stable at 30%. 
The current deficit account has seen an improvement, it was at 4. 6% of the GDP in 2016 and 
stood at 3.3% in 2017.  
4.331.   Colombia has a diverse export mix of over 4,800 different products, but it remains heavily 
dependent on exports of petroleum and petroleum products, which accounted for approximately 
40% of its total exports  in 2017, followed by coal, chemical products, coffee and flowers.  
4.332.    In the agricultural sector, Colombia boasts a relatively high degree of food sufficiency 
despite the concentration of its exports, an estimated 85% of internal demand for food being met 
by domestic production.  
4.333.   Colombia is implementing a strategy to divers ify its export base accordingly;  it is trying to 
promote exports of services. Colombia 's main trading partners are the United States, the European 
Union, China, Mexico and Brazil.  
4.334.   Colombia  is a founding Member of the WTO and has acceded to the Protocol amending the 
Agreement on Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights and participates in the 
Information Technology Agreement. Pakistan would encourage Colombia to ratify the TFA e ven 
though Colombia has notified the WTO of its "Category A " commitments.  
4.335.   Pakistan appreciates that during the review period, Colombia adopted measures to 
strengthen its intellectual property regime and adapt it to technological developments and to its 
international commitments. At the same time, enforcement measures relating to trademark rights 
were strengthened, a general enforcement strategy was developed.  
4.336.   Pakistan commends that Colombia has an open investment regime: foreign private 
investment is allowe d in all sectors, except where prohibited on security grounds. Foreign 
investors may set up business through commercial companies and may have subsidiaries in the 
country.  
4.337.   Colombia has been seeking to open up its trade regime, and since its last Review, i t has 
adopted a number of measures to modernize the legal framework and facilitate trade.  
4.338.   In the financial services area, foreign banks and insurance companies may establish 
branches in Colombia, and since 2013, they may set up subsidiaries. Cross -border t rade in 
insurance has also been allowed since 2013. During the period under review, Colombia 
strengthened the institutional framework for its financial system and telecommunications, giving WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  increased autonomy to the Communications Regulatory Commission in the decision -making 
process. Colombia has continued to liberalize the provision of air transport services. Companies 
wishing to provide tourism services in Colombia have to be listed in the National Tourism Register.  
4.339.    In 2016 Colombia also adopted a new C ustoms Statute with a view to modernizing and 
simplifying its regulations and harmonizing them with best international practices. In 2017, the 
Colombian tariff contained 7,708 ad -valorem lines at the 2017 HS ten -digit level. The average MFN 
applied tariff rate in 2017 was 7.1%. The average tariff for agricultural products (WTO definition) 
was 15.4% in 2017, whereas the average tariff on non -agricultural products was 5.8%.  
4.340.   During the period under review, Colombian authorities continued to promote micro, sma ll 
and medium enterprises (MSMEs), by making them benefit from special tax regimes and financing 
by the Colombian Fund for Modernization and Technological Development of MSMEs as well as 
benefiting from mechanisms of financial and non -financial support pro vided by National Support 
System for MSMEs.  
4.341.   In the end , we would like to wish Colombia a very fruitful and successful TPR.  
RUSSIAN  FEDERATION  
4.342.   The Russian Federation follows with great interest the economic performance of Colombia. 
During the review period,  Colombia 's GDP grew at an average annual rate of 3.3%, which is quite 
impressive. Despite somewhat slowdown in 2017 to 1.8%, growth is expected to pick up in 2018. 
We are confident that the ambitious programme of reforms, which includes tax incentives, 
reductions in tariffs and other taxes, changes in the investment regime, and increased investment 
in infrastructure will contribute to this performance.  
4.343.   On 19 May 2018, Russia and Colombia celebrated an important anniversary, 160 years 
since the establishm ent of interstate relations. On this day in 1858, the Emperor of Russia 
Alexander II sent a letter to the President of New Granada  (now Republic of Colombia) 
Mr. Rodríguez with a proposal to establish friendly relations between our countries.  
4.344.   Colombia is a n important and reliable partner for Russia in Latin America. Our relations are 
built on mutual respect and trust. We enjoy the positive dynamics in the development of political 
dialogue and multidimensional bilateral cooperation.  
4.345.   The volume of bilateral t rade between Russia and Colombia more than doubled in 2017 
and has reached US$464 million. According to our data, last year Russia 's exports amounted to 
US$352 million, while imports from Colombia reached US$113 million.  
4.346.   The main items of Russian exports a re mineral products (in particular oil and oil products), 
chemical products (mainly fertilizers), metal products, machinery and equipment. We import from 
Colombia fresh cut flowers, coffee, tropical fruits, some mineral and chemical products.  
4.347.   Under these c ircumstances, our key task is to expand investment a nd cooperation in 
non-primary and high -tech sectors. We proceed from the existing resource base in Russia and 
Colombia, the capacity of regional markets, as well as the potential demand for certain types of 
industrial products, services and technologies.  
4.348.   In particular, we note that Colombia directs significant efforts to the development of 
transport infrastructure, and the Russian side is ready to act as a reliable partner in this process. 
Our companies ca n quickly organize the supply of equipment for rail, sea and air transport, as well 
as equipment for the repair of roads and railways. Russian business is aimed at participating in 
shipbuilding enterprises, development of port infrastructure, modernization  and equipping of 
airports with modern air traffic control systems.  
4.349.   An important instrument for the progressive development of bilateral relations in the trade 
and economic sphere is the Russian -Colombian Intergovernmental Commission on trade, 
economic, sc ientific and technical cooperation established in July 1979. Its 6th session took place in 
Bogotá in April 2017.  WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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  4.350.   The development of bilateral trade and economic relations is facilitated by the Colombian -
Russian Chamber of Commerce established in 2008, whic h actively promotes direct contacts 
between business persons of both countries.  
4.351.   During this TPR, the Russian delegation has not addressed any written questions to 
Colombia. Should the need arise, we will be ready to discuss bilaterally.  
4.352.   To conclude, we loo k forward to work with Bogotá in order to expand our trade and 
investment ties for mutual benefit. We wish the delegation of Colombia a successful Trade Policy 
Review.  
ISRAEL  
4.353.   At the outset, Israel is pleased to note that international trade has continued to play an 
essential role in the Colombian economy, which has largely maintained an open trade regime and 
has pursued liberal trade and investment policies, driven by a strong internal demand, economic 
reforms, domestic expenditure and a flourishing servic es sector.  
4.354.   We note that during the period under review, the Colombian economy grew at an average 
rate of 3.3% annually. The average MFN appli ed tariff rate in 2017 was 7.1%,  around 49.7% of 
lines were duty free, while 6.2% were subject to a rate exceeding 15%. The average tariff for 
agricultural products was 15.4% in 2017, whereas the average tariff on non -agricultural products 
was 5.8%. The highest average duties continued to be for dairy products, clothing, and animals 
and animal products, with average ta riffs of 55.1%, 40% and 20.3% , respectively. In addition to 
tariffs, the VAT regime applied to imports continues as before on the same rates as for domestic 
products.  
4.355.   Over the past few years , relations between Israel and Colombia have further strengthened 
at all levels. The framework of the Israeli trade with Colombia includes various Cooperation 
agreements on technical, institutional and commercial matters, as well as the Colombia -Israel FTA 
-- which was concluded in 2013 and it is still in the process of ratification in Colombia. When 
entered into force, the FTA will reduce or completely eliminate tariffs on industrial and agricultural 
products and enable the business community to enjoy its benefits.  
4.356.   Israeli exports to Colombia include medical and communic ations equipment, machinery, 
electronic and mechanical devices, monitoring, security and irrigation systems, and chemical 
products. Colombian exports to Israel consist chiefly of extractive and agricultural products. The 
annual average of the bilateral tra de has reached USD $677 million during the period under review 
with a balance in favour of Colombia. We look forward t o the opportunity of informing M embers 
factually on the benefits of our FTA in due time.  
4.357.   I would now like to turn to certain aspects of t he Secretariat and Government reports of 
Colombia that are of particular interest to us and which have already been mentioned by some 
speakers before me. Regarding non -tariff measures, although we welcome the serious legislative 
harmonization effort Colomb ia has embarked upon, we remain concerned about the persistence of 
non-tariff barriers mentioned in the Secretariat report, particularly those relating to registration 
requirements, non -automatic import licensing and the high number of regulations in certa in 
sectors. In addition, we are interested in learning more about unilateral measures raising tariffs in 
certain goods such as fertilizers.  
4.358.   At the same time, we are also interested in learning more details about Colombia 's 
investment subsidies and incentiv e programmes, such as Colombia Repunta. Equally, Israel as a 
country immersed in efforts to reduce the cost of living, would like to know more about Colombia 's 
efforts to promote competition and reduce inflation.  
4.359.   At the multilateral level, Israel values C olombia 's contribution to the WTO, where we have 
shared values and supported common areas of interest in the DDA context. We have in addition 
collaborated in various fora such as Friends of the System, and participated in plurilateral 
initiatives such as t he ITA expansion and TiSA. In the context of our collaboration, we take this 
occasion to congratulate Colombia for recently becoming a member of the OECD.   WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  4.360.   It is Israel 's view that Colombia has stood firmly as a strong advocate of the multilateral 
trading  system during the period under review.  
4.361.   In closing, we would like to take this opportunity to once again extend our appreciation 
and wish Colombia every success in this Trade Policy R eview.  
BENIN 
4.362.   The delegation of Benin would like to pay tribute to Colombi a's efforts during the review 
period 2012 -2017.  
4.363.   The Colombian economy recorded annual growth rates of more than 4% between 2012 
and 2014 before experiencing a decline in exports, particularly oil and other raw materials, and a 
slowdown in domestic demand. GDP rose by 2% in 2016 and by 1.8% in 2017. These figures show 
that Colombia withstood the fall in commodity prices in an environment marred by external 
shocks.  
4.364.   The sound economic fundamentals of the Colombian economy are underpinned by an 
orderly macroeco nomic policy. The country ranks third in the Latin American and Caribbean region 
in terms of both growth and ease of doing business.  
4.365.   The various structural reforms undertaken by Colombia to boost productivity, further 
consolidate the country's main macroec onomic indicators, introduce export diversification 
strategies, set sanitary standards, promote financial inclusion and introduce a tax reform, have 
helped enhance its economic performance and build further trust among investors.  
4.366.   The positive trends in ext ernal trade, reflected by a 12% annual increase in services export 
value between 2014 and 2016, are also worthy of mention.  
4.367.   As regards multilateral trade commitments, Colombia has signed the protocols on 
telecommunications and financial services annexed to  the General Agreement on Trade in Services 
(GATS).  
4.368.   The delegation of Benin welcomes the decisive part played by Colombia in the Doha Round 
of multilateral trade negotiations. In this connection, it wishes to express its deep appreciation to 
the Ambassador  and Permanent Representative of Colombia to the World Trade Organization 
(WTO), H.E.  Mr Juan Carlos González, and his staff, for their engagement and constructive role in 
the WTO trade negotiations.  
4.369.   Among his other responsibilities, Ambassador González se rved as an excellent Chairperson 
of the WTO Trade Policy Review Body in 2017.  
4.370.   The delegation of Benin is grateful to Colombia for the constructive support it provides for 
LDCs, promoting their interests and priorities in the ongoing Doha Round negotiations . 
4.371.   It welcomes the trusting and cooperative ties between Benin and Colombia, which have led 
to cultural exchanges, partnership in development between the C -4 and Colombia, and Colombia's 
support in the WTO trade negotiations on cotton.  
4.372.   It hopes that the eff orts, initiatives and reforms undertaken by Colombia will continue, 
delivering outcomes in support of inclusive sustainable development in the short, medium and long 
term.  
4.373.   The delegation of Benin thanks the WTO Secretariat and the Government of Colombia fo r 
their highly informative reports relating to the current trade policy review of Colombia.  
4.374.   It wishes Colombia every success and a productive trade policy review.  WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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  PARAGUAY  
4.375.   The steady growth in GDP over the review period and the Colombian authorities' strong 
commitment to their reform programme bode well for the future. It is encouraging for a country 
such as Paraguay to see how the Colombian Government has overcome obstacles , achieving peace 
and building an equitable and educated economy aligned with international best practice and 
standards. We congratulate Colombia on joining the Organization  for Economic Co -operation and 
Development.  
4.376.   The setting of targets, continuous impr ovement of indices and the environment for doing 
business, financial inclusion, and poverty reduction should lead to sustainable development. Signs 
of diversification of the export base and in the sectors receiving foreign investment, along with the 
succes s achieved in terms of non -traditional exports, could well boost a structural transformation 
of the Colombian economy.  
4.377.   On the other hand, there are still challenges to overcome. The setback caused by the fall in 
oil revenue has affected the country's finan ces and hence its risk rating. This suggests the need to 
step up diversification efforts and to continue working towards greater competitiveness and 
productivity.  
4.378.   With respect to the latter, it is necessary for the reform process to continue focusing on 
market-based solutions. Mechanisms such as the price band system, especially as applied to 
certain agricultural products, provide producers with artificial protection, entail additional costs for 
consumers and affect the transparency and predictability of fo reign trade.  
4.379.   I should highlight the excellent bilateral relations between my country and Colombia, not 
only in the economic sphere, but also at the political, social and cultural levels. We are two 
neighbouring countries united by history. Solidarity betwe en the Colombian and Paraguayan 
peoples is well known and widely recognized by Colombians and Paraguayans alike. A range of 
joint cooperation projects are under way in all areas.  
4.380.   At the WTO, we work in coordination on various issues and share a strong inte rest in 
promoting agricultural reform. The delegation of Colombia has been proactive and is a staunch 
defender of the multilateral system. We are grateful for the cooperation we have been receiving 
from that delegation for many years now.  
4.381.   Economic and trad e relations between the two countries are governed by the long -standing 
MERCOSUR -Andean Community Economic Complementarity Agreement, under which we are 
seeking to deepen complementarity and promote regional integration. In this connection, 
Economic Comple mentarity Agreement (ACE) No.  72, signed between MERCOSUR and Colombia in 
July 2017, contains further specific provisions concerning industrial goods such as textiles, 
made -up articles, metal -mechanical products and vehicles, and will help boost economic r elations.  
4.382.   Trade between Colombia and Paraguay is significant albeit still well below potential. 
Colombia's main exports to Paraguay include industrial goods and pharmaceuticals, while 
Colombia's leading imports from Paraguay are pharmaceuticals, cotton and  meat products.  
4.383.   I would like to offer renewed congratulations to those leading this review and to the 
delegates from the Permanent Mission of Colombia in Geneva for their invariably active 
involvement in the different areas of the WTO's work.  
  WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF COLOMBIA  AND ADDITIONAL COMME NTS 
5.1.  I should like to begin this second session by thanking both you and the Secretariat for your 
outstanding commitment and constant support during the conduct of our fifth trade policy review. 
I likewise thank all Members of the Organization for their active participation, the questions 
received, the comments and recommendations made and the high level of attendance, all of which 
testifies to the importance of this exercise in transparency. I sh ould also like to extend particular 
recognition to Ambassador José Luis Cancela for his sound analysis and recommendations in 
regard to our policies and programmes.  
5.2.  For me personally and for my delegation it was especially meaningful to listen to Members o f 
this Organization last Tuesday when reference was made to the peace process and to Colombia's 
accession to the OECD.  
5.3.  The importance we accord within our country to these two milestones in our recent history 
becomes even greater with the realization that these events extend beyond our national 
boundaries, given the significant impact they are sure to have on the future of Latin America.  
5.4.  We bear a great responsibility as we address the tremendous challenges of this post -conflict 
phase while continuing to st rive for the highest standards in our public policies. What is certain is 
that a peaceful context will afford us more space within which to devote our energies to other 
priority areas such as education, innovation and enhanced competitiveness.  
5.5.  This new Col ombia will continue to advance along the path of development, its trade policy 
playing a central role in achieving our ultimate ongoing objective of eliminating poverty and 
improving the quality of life of our citizens.  
5.6.  As we mentioned last Tuesday, today more than ever we need the multilateral trading system 
to ensure a context within which we can maximize our potential as a world food supplier.  
5.7.  For this reason, considerations such as enhanced transparency and predictability in the 
establishment of maximum  residue limits will be a key factor in seizing the opportunities that have 
been created with the strategy of international market integration.  
5.8.  At the same time, we hope that our steel and aluminium exporters, which have been affected 
by recent unilateral measures, will be able in the very short term to recover the preferential access 
which in many cases gave rise to significant investment that is now threatened by circumstances 
entirely beyond their control. We are likewise concerned about the announcement s that have been 
made regarding auto parts and the measures that might be taken in that regard.  
5.9.  Regarding the comments by Ambassador Cancela, to whom we reiterate our gratitude for his 
contribution to this review, we should like first to address the questi on of export diversification. We 
are on the right track because we have succeeded in reversing the tendency to concentrate on 
mining/energy exports and have this year continued to post positive results.  
5.10.   The latest figures, reflecting performance from Janua ry to April of this year, reveal that total 
exports rose by 16.6%, while exports of manufactures achieved an increase of 22.4% over the 
same period the previous year.  
5.11.   These results are the fruit of the measures taken to derive greater benefit from the trad e 
agreements in force. In addition to improving the supply conditions, we have stepped up our 
dealings with the health and technical authorities of the new markets in the interests of securing 
speedy and efficient access for our main export products.  
5.12.   We wo uld also like to highlight two key strategies which are currently being pursued by 
Colombia and which were the subject of questions from a number of Members interested in 
learning about the corresponding goals and objectives.  
5.13.   The first of these, known as Alianzas Agroexportadoras  (Agro -Export Alliances), is the result 
of a consolidated effort between the authorities responsible for foreign trade, agriculture and WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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  inspection, surveillance and sanitary control, in the interests of boosting the share of agricul tural 
exports in our total external sales.  
5.14.   Under this initiative, we are developing 29 projects aimed at enhancing the quality, 
productivity and marketing of exportable agricultural products including cocoa, palm oil, tropical 
fruits and fish farming products. A good proportion of the projects will be implemented in the most 
conflict -affected areas, bringing the benefits of international trade to the communities whose need 
is greatest.  
5.15.   Also, as part of the National Productive Development Policy approve d in August  2016, the 
Government has developed a range of tools designed to build the capacity of enterprises, including 
MSMEs, to innovate, adopt an entrepreneurial approach and to absorb and transfer knowledge and 
technology.  
5.16.   To conclude this first part relating to general considerations, I should like to refer to the 
country's macroeconomic situation, taking into account the comments made by the Discussant.  
5.17.   Since Colombia's last trade policy review in June  2012, the country's economy has 
experienced a nu mber of adverse events, both external and internal, that have threatened its 
macroeconomic balance.  
5.18.   Since mid -2014 the abrupt fall in international raw material prices, particularly oil, coal and 
other mining goods, provoked a deterioration in the terms of  trade and a consequent drop in 
national revenue.  
5.19.   This situation coincided with an economic slowdown among our main trading partners which 
had a negative effect on our exports. All of this, compounded by a reduction in the food supply due 
to an adverse cli matic event in mid -2015, slowed economic growth and pushed up inflation levels.  
5.20.   The Colombian economy absorbed these adverse shocks through the depreciation of its 
currency, the implementation of a tax reform aimed at compensating for the loss of oil reven ue, 
and moderate interest rate increases to curb inflationary pressures.  
5.21.   Colombia's handling of this situation confirms once again that its macroeconomic policies are 
rooted in prudent management and include important tools for countering external shocks. The 
country's economy achieved an orderly adjustment thanks to the timely response of the monetary, 
exchange and fiscal authorities, in the latter case in line with the fiscal rule, deemed positive by 
the Discussant.  
Thematic aspects  
5.22.   Let me now turn to som e of the specific points raised by Ambassador Cancela and by 
Members, both in their statements and in their questions. I shall focus on recurring issues, since 
we have replied to all of the concerns expressed.  
5.23.   Regarding the concerns as to difficulties and delays with regulatory changes and the entry 
into force of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and other international commitments, it is important 
to be aware that Colombia's domestic procedures, in addition to requiring the approval of 
two authorities, name ly the Congress and the Constitutional Court, have been subject to additional 
delays owing to the priority accorded to the instruments for implementing the peace agreements. 
We are confident that that situation will soon have been resolved.  
5.24.   In response to the comments regarding regulation, I would note that during the process of 
our accession to the OECD, and on the recommendation of the Committee on Public Governance, 
the National Government took the following measures:  
1. Standardization of the period of pub lic consultation for all decrees to 15 days.  
2. Guide on the conduct of public consultations as part of the law -making process.  WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  3. Development of a single platform for public consultation on regulatory drafts issued by 
ministries and administrative departments.  
4. Elimination of some 1,300 processes in order to simplify life for citizens, and establishment 
of the Regulatory Improvement Group.  
5.25.   With the implementation of these changes we are confident that the business climate in 
Colombia will improve even further and  that a higher degree of legal certainty will be afforded to 
domestic and foreign entrepreneurs.  
5.26.   Where maritime services are concerned, we take note of the interest expressed by Members 
in regard to cabotage services. In the area of financial services, las t May saw the publication of the 
draft decree and of the supporting documents for the regulatory proposal that should complete our 
alignment with Basel III.  
5.27.   As regards telecommunication services, we share information on Colombia's comprehensive 
strategy fo r development of the digital economy, seeking to ensure that the country leads the 
region in the development of information technology -based industries through, among other 
things, the implementation of strategic actions to improve the institutional framew ork, and the 
development of a policy on digital content, talent and digital security, among other things. We also 
explain in detail the rules of competition that apply within this sector.  
5.28.   We reiterate the fact that Colombia is committed to respecting intel lectual property rights at 
both regional and multilateral level. We have ratified the main treaties in that regard, and in some 
areas our domestic legislation affords higher levels of protection than those provided for in the 
WTO Agreements. In recent year s, Colombia has been working to improve enforcement, build 
institutional capacity and promote intellectual property as a driver for development.  
5.29.   The Colombian State respects intellectual property rights, and frames that respect within 
the principles of fai rness, reasonableness and balance between holders' rights and the public 
interest. We are therefore adopting into our domestic legislation the limitations and flexibilities 
provided to us by the multilateral environment, in all cases within the domestic an d international 
framework and in line with the country's bilateral commitments.  
5.30.   Thus, Colombia identified the need to clarify the concept of declaration of public interest for 
compulsory licensing purposes and therefore issued a regulation to the effect th at the sole purpose 
of this procedure is to determine whether or not a compulsory licence should be granted in respect 
of patented products or processes.  
5.31.   On the matter of investment, we thank you for your comments regarding the level of 
openness of Colombi a's legislation and the significant reforms adopted during the review period.  
5.32.   We wish to refer especially to the comments that a number of Members made in regard to 
the need to reduce tariff protection in the agricultural sector. In this regard, it should be noted 
that Colombia has continued to play an active role in the agriculture negotiations aimed at 
achieving substantial progressive reductions in domestic support and tariffs. From the 
Cairns  Group and with other Members we have co -sponsored a number of  technical and 
negotiating documents. We reiterate our commitment to the achievement of progress in various 
pillars.  
5.33.   Some countries pointed out that Colombia continues to maintain measures that impede 
trade, such as import prohibitions, non -automatic licen sing for a considerable number of goods, 
and complicated registration procedures.  
5.34.   It should be clarified in this regard that import prohibitions and non -automatic licensing are 
applied for the protection of human, animal and plant health, public morals, the environment and 
national security.  
5.35.   The registration requirement for the importation of goods into Colombia does not constitute 
an additional requirement. It arises when a government authority has to certify compliance with a 
sanitary or technical requi rement. The procedure has been streamlined by means of the Single WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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  Window for Foreign Trade, which groups together over 135 procedures that were previously 
handled by 21 different entities. Non -automatic licensing, for its part, is applied to only 2.4% of 
tariff lines covering goods which, by their nature, require special controls.  
5.36.   I should like to turn now to a number of customs policy matters that were the subject of 
questions and comments from various Members.  
5.37.    The first of these concerns the fulfilment o f commitments under the Agreement on Trade 
Facilitation, which Colombia placed in category A and which will become a requirement once it has 
ratified the Agreement before the WTO. In this regard, it should be mentioned that, within the 
context of our custo ms modernization strategies, in addition to amending the legislation we have 
made progress on strengthening the risk management system by evaluating the behaviour of 
foreign trade operators and through the comprehensive automation of the operations in ques tion. 
5.38.    Notwithstanding the extension to November  2019 of the time -frame for full implementation 
of the new customs regulations, we have made progress on the most relevant processes. We will 
shortly be testing processes relating to freight, customs transit,  express delivery and courier 
services, and in the latter part of the year we intend to complete work on the customs clearance 
process, thereby covering 60% of the operations provided for in the customs legislation.  
5.39.   Furthermore, certain provisions have now  come into effect, such as those relating to 
international logistical distribution centres; advance rulings; origin verification processes; 
preshipment inspection; reshipping; laboratory testing; the option of not using a customs broker 
to carry out custom s operations; application for reconsideration; publication and availability of 
information; risk management; approved exporter and benefits for authorized economic operators. 
Some of these form part of the Trade Facilitation Agreement.  
5.40.   With respect to the comments by one delegation regarding the use of reference prices, 
which the delegation described as prohibited where customs valuation is concerned, it is to be 
noted that Colombia applies them by virtue of the reasonable means provided for in Article  7 of 
the WTO Agreement on Customs Valuation. In the same vein, the WCO also views reference prices 
as a component of the risk management system.  
5.41.   The tariff and customs measures for imports of apparel and footwear, which are clearly 
explained in the Secretariat  report, are being examined by a panel, and for this reason we prefer 
not to make any further comments within this forum. At the same time, however, we would call for 
enhanced cooperation between customs authorities on the exchange of information at the di fferent 
stages of control of the entry and exit of goods in each country.  
5.42.   We have come to the end of this fifth trade policy review with a feeling of satisfaction at the 
recognition and confidence that Members have expressed in the economic policies and re form 
programmes we have undertaken.  
5.43.   We are pleased to note that many Members highlighted the fact that, despite the 
challenging international economic circumstances, Colombia's economy has continued to perform 
positively.  
5.44.    We are encouraged by the construc tive spirit of the recommendations made by the 
Discussant and by Members. Our country is unquestionably engaged in an ongoing process of 
transformation, in which numerous policies have to be consolidated and strengthened. Both the 
implementation of the Pea ce Agreement and the current global economic context present us with 
many challenges and tasks. You may rest assured that we shall remain firm in our commitment to 
improving our policies and practices.  
5.45.   We are pleased to note that Members have recognized Co lombia's commitment to a stable, 
transparent and rules -based multilateral trading system. We once again express our gratitude to 
the Secretariat for the support provided, and our special thanks to the interpreters for their work.  
5.46.   Finally, our first Nobel p rize winner, Gabriel García Márquez, said: "I believe it is not yet too 
late to construct a utopia that allows us to share the earth".  WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  5.47.   It is not too late … Colombia achieved peace.  
5.48.   It is not too late … Colombia is building a society with more openings for women.  
5.49.   Nor, indeed, is it too late for dreaming about a utopia in which Colombia can win the 
World  Cup that kicks off today. Thank you.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.50.   I should like to begin by congratulating the Vice -Minister of Foreign Trade of Colombia, 
Mrs. Olga Lucía Loza no, and her delegation on the success of this fifth trade policy review, as was 
clearly evidenced by the 39 statements delivered last Tuesday, 12  June, and by the questions 
submitted by Members, the number of which exceeded by far the number of days in a y ear. 
5.51.   It is also worth recalling that attention was drawn to the importance of the Peace Agreement 
in Colombia and of the dividends it is already beginning to yield, and that Colombia was 
commended for its strong commitment to the rules -based multilateral trading system, to trade 
liberalization and to the wide -ranging reform process in which it is engaged.  
5.52.   Without prejudice to what has already been stated, I would like to point out that in the 
course of the presentations made during the first session, Membe rs were particularly clear on, 
among other things, the following:  
 They highlighted the need for greater export diversification.  
 They noted the desirability of imparting more transparency and stability to the environment 
of the legal and regulatory provisio ns governing economic and trade matters, and also 
expressed the view that the task of reforming the licensing system should continue.  
  They stressed the need to submit outstanding notifications, particularly in regard to 
agriculture.  
 They mentioned the nee d to make changes in the schedules in order to implement the 
Nairobi Ministerial Decisions.  
 They underlined the need to continue with the process of simplifying and standardizing the 
regulatory framework and with the reform, and to make the licensing regime more 
transparent.  
 They highlighted the increasing number of anti -dumping investigations in relation to the 
previous trade policy review, pointing out that that tool should be used in moderation.  
 A number of delegations underscored their concern at t he use of reference prices for 
customs valuation and at certain customs control procedures.  
 Concern was also expressed at the import restrictions that could result from the 
Andean  Price Band System.  
 A number of Members invited Colombia to become a full mem ber of the WTO Agreement on 
Government Procurement.  
 Members affirmed the significance of the road taken by Colombia towards implementation of 
the Trade Facilitation Agreement and emphasized the need to proceed to final ratification.  
 The importance of Colom bia's accession to the OECD as its 37th Member was highlighted.  
 Attention was also drawn to the country's positive international integration through the 
Pacific Alliance, and through the negotiation, signing and entry into force of new free trade 
agreement s. WT/TPR/M/372 •  Colombia  
 
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   Colombia's legislation and programmes relating to MSMEs was highlighted.  
5.53.   Finally, the work of the Permanent Representation of Colombia to the WTO was 
commended, as was that of Ambassador Juan Carlos González as Chairperson of the Trade Policy 
Review Bod y during 2017.  
5.54.    To conclude, I would like to acknowledge the fact that the Vice -Minister of Foreign Trade 
has just responded thoroughly and comprehensively to the concerns raised by Members in the 
previous session, having also pointed out that Colombia rep lied to all the advance written 
questions. I once again congratulate the Vice -Minister and her delegation, as well as the 
delegation in Geneva, on their participation and on the success of this trade policy review.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.55.   Let me first thank the Col ombian delegation for the comprehensive overview of the recent 
economic developments  in Colombia presented on Tuesday and this morning that provided a good 
opportunity to gain a better understanding of the main developments occurred during the period 
under  review and to assess the trade and investment climate based on the comments of a large 
number of Colombian trading partners.  
5.56.   The EU would like to congratulate Colombia on its progress in implementing the peace 
agreements which will further sustainable eco nomic development. Furthermore, the EU would like 
to highlight that the EU -Colombia Trade Agreement contributed to a diversification of Colombia 's 
economy as the share of mineral products in its exports decreased from 73% in 2012 to 46% in 
2017 and we have  also taken good note of the efforts Colombia is pursuing in this regard.  
5.57.   The EU is confident that this review will help Colombia to adopt the appropriate measures in 
order to overcome some of the issues that are considered as a concern by several Members.  In 
particular, the EU would like to underline once more its encouragement to cut red tape and 
procedures for effectively accessing Colombia 's market, to simplify the overly complex taxation 
regime, and to eliminate the most distorting technical barriers t o trade.  We have again taken good 
note of the statement this morning.  
5.58.   The EU appreciates the timely and exhaustive replies provided to the EU questions by 
Colombia. Nevertheless, we have submitted a few follow -up questions and look forward to their 
replies  in due time . 
UNITED  STATES   
5.59.   The delegation of the United States would like to express its appreciation to Deputy Minister 
Lozano for her excellent stewardship at Colombia's fifth trade policy review, to Ambassador 
Cancela for his insightful remarks which helped guide us through the review and the excellent 
efforts and contributions of Colombia 's Geneva Mission and officials in Bogotá in providing 
responses to Members ' questions, and to the Secretariat staff for their hard work in preparing the 
policy revie w documents that made our discussion possible.  
5.60.   The large number of questions from Members highlight the keen interest we have in trade 
related developments in Colombia. I n particular , we appreciate the remarks this morning 
acknowledging our and other Membe rs' interest in gaining further clarity in Colombia 's efforts to 
diversify its economy, the status of Colombia 's TFA ratification, Colombia 's use of non -automatic 
licensing and burdens ome and costly  import procedures.  
5.61.   We thank Deputy Minister Lozano for he r remarks today and her efforts to address the 
comments offered by Members during this review.  
5.62.   The United States submitted a number of written questions to Colombia and we appreciate 
the written responses we have received. These responses will be helpful t o us as we continue our 
engagement with Colombia,  bilaterally and he re at the WTO. We also submitted some follow -up 
questions to clarify some of Colombia 's earlier responses. We look forward to Colombia 's written 
responses to those follow -up questions.  WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  5.63.   However, as the United States noted in its opening statement on Tuesday, we remain 
concerned that many of the provisions of the 2016 c ustoms statute are not yet implemented and 
that Colombia is delaying implementation on many of the provisions , according to t he Secretariat 
report  by 15 months until November 2 9. If possible, we would appreciate it if Colombia could 
provide a more detailed status update today on its efforts to implement that customs statute and 
what efforts it could contemplate making to acceler ate implementation.  
5.64.   In conclusion, we appreciate the opportunity to participate in Colombia 's trade policy review 
and reiterate our commitment to support your reform efforts however we can. We offer our 
congratulations to Deputy Minister Lozano  and the ent ire delegation on a  useful and successful 
Trade Policy Review.  
MRS.  OLGA  LUCÍA  LOZANO  (HEAD  OF DELEGATION)  
5.65.   Thank you, Mr  Chairperson. I should like to thank the European Union and the United  States 
for their statements, and to reiterate our gratitude to the Discussant for his work and for his 
comments with respect to Colombia's trade policy.  
5.66.   I shall be very brief. Most of the matters to which you have referred will be addressed in our 
follow -up responses to the questions we have received.  
5.67.   On the matter of  streamlining procedures, where we understand there to be some concern, 
we would like to point out that Colombia is implementing a policy known as Menos Trámites Más 
Simples  (Fewer formalities with less red tape), the aim of which is to analyse the steps i nvolved in 
a range of procedures in Colombia with a view to their simplification. We hope that in the coming 
months we will have results in the form both of executive and congressional instruments.  
5.68.   As regards notifications, which have also been mentioned, we undertake to effect the 
notification arising from the Nairobi commitments during the course of this week.  
5.69.    Where the subject of customs is concerned, we remain very keen to facilitate trade. The 
only reason why our customs provisions are being implement ed gradually is because of the need 
to upgrade computer systems, and we are sure that we will be able to comply both with our trade 
facilitation commitments and with our commitment to make import and export procedures 
increasingly simple.  
5.70.   I reiterate our t hanks to Members for the manner in which they participated in this trade 
policy review. Thank you.  
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  This fifth Trade Policy Review has allowed us to deepen our understandi ng of Colombia 's 
trade and investment policies , and in particular, of the several reforms and changes introduced 
since the last Review in 2012. I would like to thank the Colombian delegation headed by Mrs. Olga 
Lucía Lozano, Vice -Minister of Foreign Trade, for her very  constructive engagement througho ut this 
exercise. I would also like to thank our discussant, Ambassador José Luis Cancela, Permanent 
Representative of Uruguay to the WTO, for his interesting and insigh tful remarks, as well as the 
39 delegations which took the floor the first day, for their active participation in this review.  
6.2.  Colombia was praised for its commitment to trade liberalization and for achieving economic 
growth during the review period, with real GDP expanding at an annual average rate of 3.3% 
between 2012 and 2017, while ma intaining a relatively low level of inflation. Members also 
commended Colombia for implementing an economic reform programme that included tax 
incentives, reductions in tariffs and other taxes, improvements in the investment regime and 
increased infrastruc ture investment. Members encouraged Colombia to continue its reform efforts. 
Colombia was also congratulated for its recent signature of an accession agreement to the OECD, 
which was seen as further proof of its commitment to structural reforms and adheren ce to high 
international standards.  
6.3.  Members also welcomed Colombia 's signature of an internal peace agreement in 2016 that 
was considered an essential foundation for the country 's stability and future economic and social 
development.  
6.4.  While commending Colo mbia for these achievements, Members also noted the challenges 
remaining in some areas, including the need to step up efforts to diversify the production and 
export base, and simplify the regulatory framework, as well as alleviating poverty and promoting 
social inclusion, particularly in rural areas.  
6.5.  Members acknowledged Colombia 's strong commitment to the rules -based multilateral 
trading system and its active participation in the WTO. In particular, they praised its leadership as 
coordinator of the Joint Statement Initiative on Investment Facilitation for Development; its 
contribution to the negotiations on agriculture and on fisheries subsidies; and the Colombian 
Ambassador 's excellent recent chairmanship of the TPRB , H.E. Ambassador Juan Carlos González . 
It was also noted that Colombia was a signatory to the MC11 initiatives on e -commerce, domestic 
regulation in services, SMEs and women 's economic empowerment. Noting that Colombia was still 
in the process of ratifying the Trade Facilitation Agreement, Mem bers urged it to conclude its 
procedures to accept the TFA as soon as possible. The Representative of Colombia stated that this 
would be done by the end of 2018. Some Members also encouraged Colombia to put up to date its 
WTO notifications in areas such as  domestic support in agriculture, import licences, subsidies, and 
services, and to submit the required changes to its schedules to implement the Nairobi Ministerial 
Decision to eliminate export subsidies in agriculture.  
6.6.  Members noted that, during the revi ew period, Colombia had also actively pursued regional 
integration and the conclusion of free trade agreements, including the Pacific Alliance and other 
bilateral and regional agreements with key trading partners.  
6.7.  Members expressed their appreciation for t he recent measures adopted by Colombia aimed at 
improving its investment regime, which were seen as providing new opportunities for foreign direct 
investment. Interest was also expressed with respect to the financial and non -financial incentives 
provided f or Small and Medium Enterprises.  
6.8.  It was acknowledged that since the last Review, Colombia had adopted a number of 
measures to modernize its legal framework and facilitate trade. For example, the strengthening of 
the Single Window for Foreign Trade, the im plementation of a risk management system and a 
simultaneous inspection system for containerized cargo, the introduction of an Authorized 
Economic Operator scheme, and the promulgation of a new Customs Statute. However, some 
Members noted that a number of p rovisions of the Customs Statute had not yet been 
implemented. Overall, Colombia was encouraged to improve the implementation and enforcement 
of legislation and to increase efforts to wards regulatory transparency.  WT/TPR/M/372 • Colombia  
 
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  6.9.  Members appreciated that Colombia has a re lative open trade regime with an average MFN 
tariff of 7.1% in 2017. However, they expressed concern over certain areas and invited Colombia 
to address them. These include: the widespread use of registration and import licensing 
requirements; the use of re ference prices for imports of textiles, clothing and footwear; taxation 
rules on beer; complex customs procedures; certain labelling requirements; and the scraping 
scheme for trucks. Members also noted the increased use of trade contingency measures, in 
particular the greater number of antidumping investigations initi ated during the review period.  
6.10.   Members acknowledged the changes introduced by Colombia to improve efficiency in 
government procurement, and invited Colombia to consider becoming a party to the GPA in light of 
the importance of this sector to its economy.  
6.11.   Colombia was also commended for the improvements made to its framework for the 
protection of intellectual property rights (IPRs) since the last review. However, some Members 
highlighted the nee d for a transparent and accountable implementation of the IPRs provisions 
related to pharmaceuticals in the National Development Plan; others stated that they would 
monitor the implementation of rules relating to the use of compulsory licences.  
6.12.   Some Membe rs praised Colombia for playing an active role in pursuing agricultural policy 
reform, while others noted that imports of agricultural products face higher tariffs than imports of 
non-agricultural products. Some concerns were expressed regarding the effect  of the Andean Price 
Band System and Sanitary and Phytosanitary requirements on trade flows.  
6.13.   Members commended Colombia for maintaining an open services regime. Some referred in 
particular to improvements in the telecommunications sector; others highlight ed progress made in 
air connectivity and the efforts to promote tourism, which had produced some good results. 
Colombia 's open regime in maritime transport was also welcomed. In the energy sector, Colombia 
was invited to continue its efforts to reduce foss il fuel subsidies.  
6.14.   Colombia has provided answers to almost all the 370 advance written questions raised by 
Members. This TPR will be successfully concluded once Colombia has replied to all outstanding 
questions that emerged during the meeting in a month 's time as it is the practice . I believe 
Members felt heartened by the reforms undertaken and the good results achieved by Colombia 
and encouraged it to persevere in that path and address the remaining challenges. I hope that the 
discussion held during this r eview will prove useful to Colombia in the continued implementation of 
economic and trade reforms and in its pursuit of policies to achieve sustainable growth and 
increase competitiveness.  
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