WT/TPR/M/376  
21 November 2018  
(18-7300) Page: 1/40 
Trade Policy Review Body   
17 and 19 July 2018  
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
ISRAEL 
MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr. Eloi Laourou (Benin)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMA RKS BY  THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  2 
2  OPENING STATEMENT  BY THE REPRESENTATI VE OF ISRAEL  ................................ ........  4 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ................  7 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEM BERS  ................................ ................................ ........................  12 
5  REPLIES BY THE RE PRESENTATIVE OF ISRA EL AND ADDITIONAL CO MMENTS  ...........  34 
6  CONCLUDING REMARK S BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .........................  39 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies provided 
by Israel  are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/ 376/Add.1  and will be available online at 
http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/M/37 6 • Israel  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY  REMARKS BY THE CHAI RPERSON  
1.1.  The fifth Trade Policy Review of Israel was held on 17 and 19 July 2018. The Chairperson, 
H.E. Mr Eloi Laourou (Benin), welcomed the delegation of Israel headed by Mr. Ohad Cohen, Trade 
Commissioner of the Foreign Trade Administ ration at the Ministry of Economy and Industry; the rest 
of the delegation; and the discussant, H.E. Ambassador Roberto Zapata  (Mexico ). 
1.2.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of trade policy reviews and the main elements of 
procedures for the meeting. The report by Israel  was contained in document WT/TPR/G/37 6 and 
that of the WTO Secretariat in document WT/TPR/S/37 6. 
1.3.  Questions by the followi ng delegations had been submitted in writing before the deadline: 
Mexico; Colombia; China; Brazil; European Union; Costa Rica; Japan; Canada; New Zealand; 
Russian Federation; Ukraine; and Australia. The following delegations submitted written questions 
after the deadline: Argentina; Dominican Republic; Chinese Taipei ; Guatemala; United States; 
Turkey; Korea, Republic of ; Ecuador; Thailand; and the Philippines.  
1.4.  During the previous TPR meeting in 2012, Members had commended Israel for its impressive 
economic performance and quick recovery from the global economic crisis, thanks to sound economic 
fundamentals and prudent regulation of its financial markets. Members had welcomed Israel 's 
unilateral trade liberalizatio n initiatives. In this regard, MFN tariffs on a range of consumer products 
had been  eliminated in 2012, and further tariff reductions or eliminations on textiles, apparel and 
certain agricultural or food items were to be implemented. Several Members had noted Israel 's 
progress in aligning its technical requirements with international norms. The planned tax reform for 
alcoholic beverages had also been welcomed.  
1.5.  In the current review period, Israel 's economic growth averaged 3.3% driven primarily by 
private c onsumption, domestic investment, and strong services exports. Trade and trade related 
reform initiatives  were undertaken to increase competition in several sectors, such as finance, 
telecoms, and air and maritime transport. Also, Israel was in the process of establishing a sovereign 
wealth fund for the purposes of safeguarding tax revenues from natural gas production. As indicated 
by the advanced written questions, Members were looking forward to learn ing more about Israel 's 
reform agenda in these areas.  
1.6.  With regards to Israel 's participation in the multilateral trading system, Members also recalled  
that, at the time of the previous R eview, they had commended Israel for its strong commitment to 
the WTO. Some Members had highlighted Israel 's active participat ion in the revision of the 
Agreement on Government Procurement, and its support for services trade liberalization in the WTO 
and the updating of the  ITA A greement. Israel continued  to be an active participant in the multilateral  
trading system. Notably, it  had accepted the Trade Facilitation Agreement on 8 December 2017. 
Since the last Review, Israel concluded free trade a greements with Colombia and Panama, which 
are not yet in force.  
1.7.  With respect to trade policy, whi le at the time of the previous R eview Me mbers had highlighted 
the overall openness of the Israeli economy, concern was expressed about the high level of tariff 
protection in agriculture, particularly dairy products. Israel was encouraged to examine the scope 
for market -oriented reforms in agricu lture and further opening its markets to imports of agricultural 
and food products. Israel was also invited to review its agricultural tariff and tariff quota system and 
consider converting mixed and compound duties into ad valorem  duties, to improve the t ransparency 
of its agricultural trade regime.  
1.8.  Israel, a net import er of agricultural products, took measures to improve market access in the 
agricultural sector since its last Review, such as tariff reductions and the implementation of 
autonomous tariff qu otas. N onetheless, the sector continued  to be protected by relatively high tariffs, 
including non -ad valorem  duties, and by export subsidies. These export subsidies are due to cease 
on 1 January 2023. A number of questions were raised on Israel 's agricultural sector for this Review.  
1.9.  Other issues of interest to Members at the time of the previous Review in 2012 included the 
following: the considerable gap between Israel 's bound and applied tariffs; Israel had been  urged to 
complete the transposition  of its Schedule of Concessions from HS 1996 nomenclature; the 
complexity of Israel 's non -automatic import licensing procedures; the nature and basis of the WT/TPR/M/376 • Israel  
 
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  "safeguard levy " within the framework of the Trade Levies and Safeguard Measures Law; calls had 
been made for greater clarity and transparency of Israel 's investment incentives; Israel had been  
requested to review the rationale and basis of export -based eligibility criteria; and concerns over 
intellectual property protection had been  raised, particularly  regarding patents, copyright, and 
enforcement.  
1.10.   Israel 's average applied MFN tariff was reduced from 7.6% in 2012 to 5.2% in 2018, largely 
as a result of unilateral elimination of import duties on several products. During the review period, 
Israel also tra nsposed its Schedule XLII of concessions from the Harmonized System (HS) 1996 
nomenclature to the HS2012 nomenclature. As the Secret ariat report noted , it was presently under 
waiver for the introduction of HS2017 changes.  
1.11.   The Chairperson drew Members ' attention to some issues of interest to them derived from the 
advance written questions submitted for this TPR. These include d, among others, the following: 
outstanding notifications, in particular of SPS -related m easures; steps to update the 
HS classification ; competition matters and whether Israel would consider further liberalizing its 
foreign investment regime in order to stimulate competition; Israel 's incentives system and 
innovation policy; the state of play to implement certain WIPO treaties, and whethe r Israel had  plans 
to reform its agricultural support system, notably for dairy and eggs.  
1.12.   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 t he multilateral trading s ystem.  The Chairperson was 
looking forward to a fruitful exchange.  
  WT/TPR/M/37 6 • Israel  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE OF ISRAEL (MR. OHAD COH EN) 
2.1.  Mr. Chairman, thank you for your introductory remarks.  
2.2.  Israel welcomes the opportunity to review recent developments in the Israeli economy and its 
trade policy in the framework of the Trade Policy Review Mechanism of the WTO.  
2.3.  We are honoured by the presence of Ambassador Roberto Zapata , Permanent R epresentat ive 
of Mexico to the WTO, who is serving as the discussant in this TPR of Israel. I am confident that your 
contribution  will enlighten the discussion and I look forward to hearing your comments.  
2.4.  I would also like to commend the efforts made and time spent by the Secretariat towards this 
TPR and the Report, which I believe is of very high-quality.  
2.5.  I would also like to thank the 22  Members who presented written questions and comments. 
This transparency exercise is one of the pillars of the multilateral tradin g system and the Members ' 
active interest in Israel 's TPR is a reflection of the importance of this tool. We have received many 
written questions during the last few days prior to today 's meeting, and we will indeed make every 
effort to respond to these qu estions and others that might arise in the course of the review.  
2.6.  Finally, I would like to thank the Israeli team, some of them are present here, some of them 
are still in Jerusalem, for their hard work that has been invested in the past few months towards  
this exercise. Thank you, team . 
2.7.  Looking at the Israeli economy, it has done well in recent years. Israel 's GDP per capita has 
increased to over US$40,000 in 2017, while averaging an economic growth of 3.3% since our last 
TPR. I am pleased to report that t his growth level is higher than  the OECD average for this period. 
Israel also enjoys a historic low unemployment rate of 4.2% in 2017 as well as very low inflation 
rates. Interest rate has remained low during this period, reaching 0.1% in February 2015 and  
remaining at this level since. If one remembers, Israel until 1976 (40 years ago) was a World Bank 
client country and today we are with more than US $40,000 GDP per capita. We feel very proud as 
we celebrate 70 years of independence. Services accounts for around 80% of Israel 's GDP – clearly 
the growth engine of our economy. Israel  is a net exporter of services.  In terms of figures, our 
exports of services have increased strongly, reaching US$44.3 b illion in 2017, up from 
US$31.7  billion during our last rev iew in 2012.  
2.8.  Mr. Chairman, you mentioned the natural gas. This reminds me of a story that we tell in a 
Passover. Passover is one of the largest Jewish holidays where we tell the story of Exodus, where 
the people of Israel left Egypt towards Israel. Moises , who was our leader at the time , was wondering 
why it took him 40 years in the desert to move the people of Israel from Egypt  (it doesn 't take 40 
years to move from Egypt to Israel even if you walk very slowly). We have many reasons and one 
is that we thin k that it took him such a long time because he was looking for the only country in the 
Middle East that does not produce oil. Oil we don 't have but natural gas we have.  The year 2013 
marked a milestone for Israel 's energy independence, as major domestic su pplies of natural gas 
came on stream from the Tamar field. This will be reducing energy costs and the use of polluting 
energy sources. In addition, it will open new industrial opportunities  for Israel .  
2.9.  Since 2011, one of the main drivers of our trade poli cy has been tackling the cost of living, and 
this continues to be one of our main challenges.  
2.10.   As the Report mentions, Israel has taken several measures and policies with the aim of 
reducing the cost of living. Perhaps one of our more visible efforts has b een the systematic unilateral 
elimination of import duties, which has brought the NAMA average applied MFN tariff down to 3.0% 
in 2018, from an already low 4.2% back in 2012, bringing our total duty-free lines to around 67% 
of our schedule. As these reduct ions have been mainly unilateral, all WTO Members have benefited 
from them. Recognizing the benefits of tariff reductions to the multilateral trading system, Israel 
has sought initiatives in the WTO that aim to bring more tariff reductions to the WTO Membe rs. This 
was the main reason for Israel to be part of the Information Technology Agreement expansion (as 
well as in the original one) and one of the main reasons for us to join the Environmental Goods 
Agreement; this last on e is still pending but we hope M embers will get back to the negotiating table 
and conclude it soon.  WT/TPR/M/376 • Israel  
 
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  2.11.   Continuing with our efforts in agriculture, Israel introduced new voluntary Tariff Rate Quotas 
open for all WTO members on a number of highly demanded food and agricultural products such a s 
fresh and chilled beef, hard cheese and olive oil. Furthermore, Israel was one of the first Members 
to notify our commitment to stop agriculture export subsidies from January 2023, as mandated in 
the Nairobi Ministerial package.  
2.12.   As we all know well a griculture is a special sector which, for many reasons, poses a great 
challenge for Israel. Israel exceeded its AMS levels for the period 2011 to 2014. However, Israel has 
had an open and transparent process of discussing and  consulting with M embers. T he AMS l evels 
for the period 2015 to 2016 were below the threshold but we recognize that there is still work to be 
done. It is important to note that Israel is up to da te in all its notifications in a griculture.  
2.13.   An area where we made good progress since the last TPR is the transposition of Israel 's 
Harmonized System (HS) schedule. In this regard, Israel, together with the Secretariat, transposed 
its HS Schedule of concessions from HS96 to HS12, and we are currently working on the HS17 
transposition. We believe the se efforts bring certainty and predictability regarding our bound rates 
to our trading partners. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Secretariat for their 
assistance throughout this process.  
2.14.   Our efforts regarding transparency at the WTO also extend to our notification obligations. 
During the period under review, Israel has provided over 500 WTO notifications on a range of topics 
including our comp lete record on agriculture and anti -dumping semi -annual notifications, as well as 
our impressive number of TBT notifications through our focal point, to name just a few. Additionally, 
it is worth noting our recent notifications on Rules of Origin, STEs, and Subsidies. Although we have 
made great strides on this front, we are aware there is still room for improvement. In that regard, 
this TPR exercise has made us reflect on areas where we can improve our notification procedures, 
and we are working towards making the necessary changes.  
2.15.   Our goal to reduce the cost of living in Israel has also l ed us to look at other aspects, such as 
competition policy. Since the last TPR, the Israel Antitrust Authority (IAA) has been granted 
additional powers which include higher monetary penalties for competition law infringements as well 
as potential imprisonm ent for antitrust offenders. Since our last TPR , new laws such as the Promotion 
of Competition and Reduction of Concentration Law, and the Promotion of Competition in the Food 
Sector Law have been enacted, in order to combat the centralization in some sect ors of the Israeli 
economy.  
2.16.   Another area worth noting is standards and regulations. Israel has been working hard to align 
its technical standards to international ones. Additionally, in October 2014, a resolution on 
Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) was a dopted aiming at reducing unnecessary regulatory 
burden and creating the adequate balance between vital governmental intervention and space for 
market forces to operate. We are only at the beginning of implementing this new tool, but we believe 
it will pro ve effective.  
2.17.   I would be remiss if I did not mention an area that we feel is synonymous with Israel, and 
that is innovation. In the period since the last review, Israel has maintained its strong position in 
innovation — reflected in Israel 's total expendi ture on R&D as share of the GDP standing at 4.3% 
for civilian R&D, venture capital availability, number of patents per capita and quality of research 
institutions, to mention just a few parameters. These parameters are the result of a self -reinforcing 
innovation eco -system that helps create a business environment that is conducive to 
entrepreneurship and favours  risk-taking. This could not be reached without a strong IP regime. This 
has put Israel in a leading position in the High -Tech sector – a sector tha t in 2017 accounted for 
roughly 11% of the total employment in Israel, while the High -Tech portion of Israel 's industrial 
exports, including services, was 50%. In 2017 , there were around 5,000 start -ups in Israel (and we 
are only 8 million people country) , and over 300 foreign Multinational Corporations have trusted 
Israel to set up their R&D centers.  
2.18.   As part of our innovative ecosystem , Israel has introduced necessary changes to its 
infrastructure as well. Since our last TPR , Israel established the "Israel  Innovation Authority " (IIA). 
Under this new agency there are several dedicated innovation divisions that administer program mes 
targeted at start -ups, R&D financing, technological infrastructure improvement and international 
collaboration in R&D, to name j ust a few.  WT/TPR/M/37 6 • Israel  
 
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  2.19.   All this creativity needs stable markets. Therefore , Israel 's trade policy is first and foremost 
outward looking. Israel is a small island -like economy dependent on a level playing field in 
international trade. It is highly important for Israel to be able to rely on a strong, stable, rules -based 
trading environment. This means that for Israel, multilateral agreements are a priority. A good 
example is the Trade Facilitation Agreement, for which Israel notified the totality of its  obligations 
under  Category A. In addition, Israel sees merit and value in pursuing its interests through joint 
initiatives with those who want to take part in aiming at improving and updating international trade 
rules, where needed, and hopefully taking forward WTO negotia tions. For Israel, some of these 
efforts have been reflected in the revised GPA and the still pending TiSA. Looking forward, we see 
great potential for some similar initiatives, namely the ones stemming from the joint statements 
during MC 11, which include areas such as domestic regulation, MSMEs and e -commerce.  
2.20.   In parallel, Israel has always been a great believer in free trade agreements as a tool for trade 
growth. We have implemented this strategy through our recently concluded FTA 's with Colombia, 
Panama  and the FTA update with Canada. These efforts will continue as we are currently looking at 
new initiatives to expand our market access to other countries through either multilateral or bilateral 
agreements which , at the moment , include FTA negotiations wi th Chi na, Korea, India, Ukraine, 
Viet Nam and the Eurasian Economic Union.  
2.21.   I cannot conclude without recognizing that there are some areas in the WTO that may need 
to be improved or updated in order to enhance the effective and efficient functioning of thi s 
Organization. Some Members have already identified some of these areas and a few proposals have 
been tabled, such as the one relating to transparency function of the WTO through improvements 
to the notification system. Israel is open to discussing these,  as well as other proposals that may be 
brought up. We need to continue our work on this front as well as in other fronts, such as the 
Appellate Body.  
2.22.   One area worth noting which works well, is the regular committees, where we believe there 
is room to fur ther utilize them to their full potential. The Committees can provide solutions to some 
concerns before they escalate into a dispute, and I say this with confidence because Israel has 
benefited from this function. Israel believes this area can benefit from  further thought and some 
specific proposals in order to improve its functioning.  
2.23.   On a personal note, c oming here for the second time for Israel 's TPR and having followed the 
work of this Organization for many years, I believe we should always remember ho w valuable the 
World Trade Organization is and how important it is to ensure its well -functioning.  
2.24.   I hope the exchange of information and views with other Members on issues related to Israel 's 
trade policy over the next couple of days will serve that end. We stand ready to respond to quest ions 
and comments from Members. I thank you Mr. Chairman.  
  WT/TPR/M/376 • Israel  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  
3.1.  Mr. Chairman, H.E. Ambassador Eloi Laourou  (Benin), Mr. Ohad Cohen, Tr ade Commissioner, 
(Head of the delegation of Israel), H.E.  Ambas sador Aviva Raz Shechter, distinguished colleagues.  
3.2.  I would like to warmly welcome the delegation of Israel. It is an honour  for me to have been 
distinguished to be the discussant for Israel 's fifth Trade Policy Review.  
Introduction  
3.3.  Since its last review, Israel has outstandingly carried on the path of steady growth and 
economic reform, in spite of challenges brought on by particular geographical conditions, a general 
lack of natural resources, that was alluded  to in Mr. Cohen 's intervention, and a complex regional 
and international econ omic and political environment.  
3.4.  Without doubt, Israel understands the importance of in ternational trade, particularly  its 
contribution to sustainable development. Its modern market economy with a thriving and innovative 
high-technology sector has benefited from a faithful implementation of overall sound macroeconomic 
and trade policies, the latter based  on multilateral trading rules.  
3.5.  As we have witnessed from previous reviews, Israel 's trade policy has not developed in a 
vacuu m nor has it resulted from an undiscriminating deployment of its policy space. In simple words, 
playing largely by the WTO rules, and relying largely on development -oriented domestic policies, 
has allowed Israel to create a solid framework that fosters eco nomic development and provides 
predictability to  national and foreigners alike.  
3.6.  Israel 's high regard for trade policy as a complementary tool for development and as part of a 
wider solution for social challenges was tested seven years ago, when faced with social unrest d ue 
to high cost of living. The G overnment listened to the concerns of its citizens, appointed a committee 
to analyse  socioeconomic problems, and followed their recommendations and implemented changes. 
Through this collaborative process they were able to pin point where trade could effectively address 
those concerns, which led to market -opening measures, reducing prices as a result of more 
competition, and boosting innovation and employment by having on ly a targeted use of subsidies.  
3.7.  In the pe riod under review, Israel reduced tariffs, opened unilateral tariff quotas, and adopted 
measures to enhance competition in several services sectors. Additionally, reforms in certain key 
areas, such as telecommunications, financial services, health and inno vation, which are aimed at 
providing compe titiveness, are still ongoing.  
3.8.  Yet, there are areas of opportunity for Israel, where more could be done, and that I 'll disc uss 
as part of my intervention  today . 
Economic environment  
3.9.  During the review period, Israe l economy continued to show remarkable achievements, 
growing in average 3.3% per year since 2012, with a GDP per capita that has not stopped growing 
in years. It increased by 25% since the last TPR and now is about to reach US$40,000, which places 
Israel a s a high -income country. It has maintained a good position or moved up in many indicators 
and rankings. It has gone from being the 48th freest economy in 2012 to the 31st in 2018, according 
to the Economic Freedom Ind ex of the Heritage Foundation.  
3.10.   Accordi ng to the OECD, the standard of living has continued to improve, and the Israeli 
population is generally more satisfied with their lives than residents from most other OECD countries.  
3.11.   Other indicators show that economic policy has succeeded in many other aspects, such as:  
• Keeping the inflation well below 3%;  
• Reducing public debt from 68% to 62% of the GDP;   
• Achieving the historical un employment rate of 4.2% in 2017;  
• Increasing its private consumption rate by 6% in 2016.  WT/TPR/M/37 6 • Israel  
 
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  3.12.   However, since its last TPR review, Israel has also lost some places both in the 2018 World 
Bank's ease of doing business and the 2016 United Nations ' Human Development Index, and now 
ranks 54th and 19th, respectively. This, I am sure, will deserve deep reflection within the 
Government of Is rael in terms of identifying areas of opportunities to stay competitive, and in 
continuously improvin g the wellbeing of its society.  
Investment and innovation  
3.13.   Despite not having a foreign investment legislation, the Israeli legal system protects the right 
of both foreign and domestic entities to establish and own business enterprises, as well as the right 
to engage in remunerative activity. Beyond some limitation on foreign investment in certain sectors 
- such as international fixed telecommunications servi ces, maritime transport and energy  - the 
Government encourages and supports the inflow of foreign capital.  
3.14.   Israel 's discovery and exploitation of natural gas a few years ago has opened up opportunities 
for foreign investment and has unquestionably had a p ositive impact in its economic performance 
and will surely continue to spur growth with its own  supply to its internal market.  
3.15.   Special mention deserves the fact that Israel has largely fostered innovation and research and 
development activities in a range of sectors like industrial manufactures, computing, national 
security, health, water and agriculture; thus, it is not surprising that the main recipients of foreign 
and domestic investment have strong links to these activities, and that there has developed  a strong 
connection between R&D activities and competitive  export sectors in the economy.  
3.16.   Indeed, Israel relies on a very strong system of protection of intellectual property rights, on 
a robust respect and enforcement of the rule of law and on a very int eresting and dynamic scheme 
aimed to boost innovation and technology development, whose main features c ould be summarized 
as follows:  
• An expenditure on Research and Development of 4.3% of the GDP, which ranks among the 
highest in the world.  
• Numerous prog rammes, some of them addressing poverty, like the Design Product 
Programme aimed to support manufacturers employing up to 100 employees in factories 
located in disadvantaged areas.  
• Incubators of small enterprises that receive grants up to the 85% of approved innovation and 
development expenses.  
3.17.   All these program mes and its implementation may explain why foreigners are willing to invest 
their capital in Israel, while protected by Bilateral Investment Treaties and Free Trade Agreements 
that cover intell ectual property rights within their legal definition of investment. It is true that not 
all program mes have been as successful as they were conceived, and some bottlenecks have 
emerged during the process, but the Israeli economy seems to be dynamic in a ma nner that it 
manages to adapt to the changing circumstances and grasp t he opportunities as they come.  
3.18.   In July 2015, the Government set up the Innovation Authority which leads the innovation 
system of the country and is a more modern version of the Office of the Chief Scientist. Furthermore, 
its Intellectual Property office recruited more patent and trade mark 's examiners to deal faster and 
more efficiently wi th the increasing applications.  
3.19.   That said, M embers still have questions regarding the lack of a for eign investment law and 
the further liberalization of the investment regime to promote competition. This is an area where 
Israel may want to u se the opportunity of their TPR  to address such  questions.  
Compliance and participation in the WTO:  
3.20.   On the complia nce and participation in the WTO, Israel 's regard for the multilateral trading 
system is evident in its generally good record of compliance with WTO commitments and 
transparency obligations, as well as with its active participation in multilateral negotiat ions and in 
plurilateral initiatives and agreements, like the Government Procurement Agreement, the 
Information Technology Agreement and the  negotiations on the  Environmental Goods Agreement.  WT/TPR/M/376 • Israel  
 
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  3.21.   During the review period, it notified its modified schedule of commitments in accordance to 
the Nairobi Decision on export competition and ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement, putting all 
the provisions of Section I under the Category A.  
3.22.   However, questions have been raised regarding the compliance with some WTO commitments, 
particularly in agriculture and bound tariffs, as we will discuss shortly.  
Market a ccess  
3.23.   During the period under review, 67% of the tariff lines were duty -free. The av erage MFN 
applied rate was reduced to 5.2% through unilateral liberalization, almost 15 percentage points 
below the average bound rate.  
3.24.   Israel has a system of unilateral tariff quotas (TRQs). Some Members showed interest in 
knowing more details on the ope ration of those TRQs, and again, this trade policy review could 
present an opportunity to delve deeper into this issue.  
Agriculture  
3.25.   Despite the fact that geography and weather elements are not conducive for agricultural 
production, Israel has a highly deve loped industry and is a leader in agricultural technologies and 
innovation. With its unique characteristic of having mostly state -owned land and resources, and a 
cooperative community production system, it has managed to harness research and development, 
knowledge and technological progress to create success stories in agriculture. Although Israel is a 
net-food importer, it has managed to expand agricultural output.  
3.26.   The G overnment has been able to achieve this with a mix of trade policies. In the period und er 
review, Israel granted and notified export subsidies. In accordance with the 2015 Nairobi 
Declaration, it has committed to their elimination by the 1st of January 2023 and reflected this in its 
revised schedule.  
3.27.   In addition, the G overnment reduced the a pplied MFN tariff rate to agricultural products from 
a 27.7% in 2012 to 19.8% in 2017, but protection remains high in comparison to non -agricultural 
products, with some products having particularly high level of protection, such as dairy pro ducts 
with aver age duties of 65. 7%, an issue which Members have highlighted in past occasions. There 
are areas of opportunity to continue the positive steps by undertaking additional liberalization in this 
area. 
3.28.   Domestic support program mes maintained by Israel tend to fa ll in the trade distorting 
category and are concentrated in some products. During the review period, Israel 's support 
surpassed its commitment levels according to the notifications presented to the Committee on 
Agriculture in milk and eggs from 2011 to 201 4, raising concerns from some WTO Members. Again, 
this can be another area worth looking into during this TPR discussions.  
Trade f acilitation  
3.29.   Customs are interconnected by an automated system; there is a fully operational single 
window, and an authorized e conomic operators ' program me in force, as well as mutual recognition 
agreements with Canada, China, the U nited States, Korea and Chinese Taipei.  
Trade in s ervices  
3.30.   Services are an extremely important component of the Israeli economy,  they represent almost 
85% of the GDP. To cement its condition of net exporter of services, Israel has undergone important 
reforms to foster competition and improve efficiency, particularly in the financial services sector. It 
accepted the Fourth and Fifth  Protocols of the GATS, which deal with telecommunications and 
financial services, respectively.  
3.31.   The financial system is robust, due to the fact that banks comply with the capital objectives, 
and regulations make them not so exposed to financial problems. On the other hand, the two largest 
groups have almost 60% of total bank assets and there have been no new entrants in almost half a WT/TPR/M/37 6 • Israel  
 
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  century. In the insurance sector, the landscape is pretty similar, with five top insurers controlling 
the 94% of the life in surance market and 57% of the non -life. Even though foreigners are allowed 
to enter into the Israeli banking markets, four foreign banks held less than 2% of bank assets last 
year. 
3.32.   The telecommunications sector has benefited from liberalization and further  reform, which 
has translated into better conditions for its consumers. Last year , the penetration rate for mobile 
telephone services reached 120%. In 2014, Israel issued its policy of shared use of networks and 
one year thereafter granted some licenses to  suppliers of international mobile 4G (Generation) 
services. In addition, as part of the initiative, "Digital Israel ", an advanced fiber -optic-broadband 
infrastructure is expected to be installed and to improve Internet speed for households and 
businesses up to one thousand megabytes per second. This will certainly contribute to keep Israeli 
traders always competitive in an increasingly digital environment and its population always ready to 
grasp t he opportunities provided by e -commerce, in particular, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, 
in general.  
Antitrust and e nvironment reforms  
3.33.   The internal market of Israel is relatively small but faces high concentration in some sectors 
such as the food industry, electricity, financial services, cement, rail and see ports. The relatively 
small population puts some difficulties to its Antitrust Authority, but some years ago the Knesset 
passed a number of pieces of legislation, mainly the Restrictive Trade Practices Law, the Promotion 
of Competition and Reduction of Con centration Law and the Promotion of Competition in the Food 
Sector Law. Furthermore, under the amended law, Israel will limit the use of pyramidal control 
structures, which are particularly widespread and complex and have allowed a handful number of 
busine ss groups to control a large proportion of the economy.  
3.34.   Israel has also taken some measures to exploit its few water sources in a sustainable way, 
which can be taken as an example by other Members. This system permits a rational use and saving 
of water fo r human consumption while keeping enough water to meet its agriculture and industrial 
needs.  
3.35.   On a wider perspective for environmental issues, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change 
poses more challenges for Israel. The country established the target to inc rease the share of 
renewable energy production to 10% by 2020 and to 17% by 2030. So far , it has managed to 
increase it by 3% last year, and one could reflect if the boom in the natural gas industry has had 
the result of discouraging investments in renewab le energies.  
Policy recommandations  
3.36.   Notwithstanding the numerous achievements, there remain some areas where additional 
trade policy measures could contribute to enha ncing the business environment  in Israel : 
• Israel has bound about the 75% of its tariff li nes; certai nly, a higher level would be desirable, 
given the predictability that it could bring to exporters from other countries.  
• Some import tariffs remain high, for example 560% for dates, 146% for fish products, 65% 
for dairy products, 36% for animals,  22% for textiles, almost 17 for certain minerals and so 
on.  
• Moreover, the analysis by the Secretariat has identified applied import tariffs that exceed their 
bound limits for 18 tariff lines. This situation turns more serious for some products, such as 
some machine parts and electronic devices, which have a bound tariff rate of 0% ad valorem  
and an applied one of 12%.  
• There is a tax, best known as TAMA, which approaches the declared value of imports to local 
wholesale prices, and whose effect is similar to a surcharge on imports. Given the increasing 
per capita GDP and appreciation of the shekel, this could undermine its efforts of promoting 
more competition in the domestic market.  
• Even though Israel has fully implemented the Trade Facilitation Agreement , it went from being 
ranked in the 10th place to the 60th during the period under review, regarding the category 
of cross border trade of the Doing Business Index of the World Bank, because cost and time 
for importing and exporting is still high and long i n comparison to other countries.  WT/TPR/M/376 • Israel  
 
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  • The same World Bank 's Doing Business indicator shows that Isr ael fell from rank 59 to 99 in 
paying taxes during the last six years. While the Heritage Foundation highlights that Israel 's 
citizens and companies face heavy tax burdens.  
• On transparency, some notifications are still pending, like those of the Committee on Import 
Licensing and the transparency notifications under articles 1.4, 10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of 
the Trade Facilitation Agreement. Israel presented about  450 TBT notifications but none to 
the SPS Committee during the period under review. Some Members wonder on why this is 
happening and whether Israel is submitting its SPS notifications to the TBT Committee instead.  
3.37.   I believe that Israel can take appropria te steps to tackle the above -mentioned opportunity 
areas, using to the extent possible trade policy responses  as it has done in the past.  
Closing remarks  
3.38.   I have nothing more, Mr. Chairman, but to congratulate Israel on all it has accomplished to 
date, and encourage it s Government  to continue with reforms that would ensure that the country 
can harness the positive effects of technological advancements and their ac hievements in trade in 
services  without leaving behind the population depending on manufact uring and agriculture sectors.  
3.39.   I hope that through the detailed review of Israel 's trade policies, we can all draw positive 
experiences and areas of attention that the country and the membership could focus on, so as to 
contribute to building a stronge r multil ateral trading system.  
3.40.   I wish Israel success in tackling the challenges to come and encourage it to work in the 
windows of opportunity that the Members, themselves, have identified in this review, and I hope 
that this review elicits a substantive debate, and wish Israel a very successful trade policy review. 
Thank you.  
  WT/TPR/M/37 6 • Israel  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S 
MEXICO 
General economic situation  
4.1.  Israel is an excellent example of discipline and sound implementation of economic policies. It 
has a free market economy oriented towards the export of high -tech goods and services thanks to 
its high level of spending on research and development, exceeding 4% of its GDP – in other words, 
the highest in the world.  
4.2.  Israel's macroeconomic performance during the review period was solid: for example inflation 
– that is official estimates – fluctuated at rates below 3%, while unemployment declined to about 
4% in 2017. At the same time, public debt as a percentage of GDP decreased to 61% in 2017, while 
per capita GDP grew considerably and is  among the highest at USD 40,000 in 2017.  
4.3.  Meanwhile, during the review period international trade in goods declined by 9%, so that in 
spite of the good performance of services exports, the total share of trade in GDP decreased from 
72% to 57%.  
Market acces s 
4.4.  As I mentioned, Israel is an open -market economy: almost 85% of its tariff lines are below 
10%, and of those, 67% are duty free. As a result, Israel's average applied MFN tariff is currently 
5.2%.  
4.5.  In spite of the above, there remain a number of areas of opportunity, for example:  
• tariff peaks, which can reach as much as 560 % for certain agricultural products;  
• the TAMA, which approximates domestic wholesale prices, the effect of which could be similar 
to an import surcharge;  
• the 25% of tariff lines that remain unbound, potentially  generat ing a certain amount of 
uncertainty for trade operators;  
• the 18 tariff lines that exceed ed the bound limits by as much as 12 percentage points.  
 
Legislative improvements  
4.6.  At the same time, my delegation would like t o congratulate Israel for its legislative initiatives 
aimed at promoting private -sector productivity and improving the well -being of its population. These 
include:  
• the initiatives designed to align Israeli standards to international standards and those a imed 
at revising all its technical regulations by August  2019;  
• improvements to the competition regime, for example allowing the Anti -Trust Authority to 
impose monet ary penalties;  
• the noteworthy introduction in 2014 of a programme for the privatization of 
government -owned companies, in particular ports and postal services. Other companies, for 
example electricity and water , were partially privatized.  
 
Bilateral relations  
4.7.  As regards bilateral relations, following the entry into force of our Free Trade Agr eement almost 
20 years ago, Mexico and Israel have been steadily increasing their business links and trade flows 
in recent years. Israel's contribution to Mexico's world competitiveness has been strategic, with 
high-technology products in certain sectors t hat are important for our country, such as agriculture 
and telecommunications.  WT/TPR/M/376 • Israel  
 
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  Conclusion  
4.8.  In short, I would like to congratulate Israel for the sound management of its economic policies, 
which has undoubtedly contributed significantly to improving the stan dard of living of its population. 
We thank Israel for its replies to my delegation's questions and wish it every success in this review.  
COLOMBIA  
4.9.  Six years after Israel's last trade policy review, we note the country's commitment to the 
multilateral tradin g system and its active role in the negotiations and the work of the regular bodies. 
My country shares with Israel the objective of supporting a transparent, robust and rules -based 
multilateral system, which needs to be strengthened whatever the circumstan ces. 
4.10.   Israel's average annual economic growth rate of 3.3%, driven by increasing trade flows, 
domestic investment and private consumption, reflects a sound economy and a diversified 
production base which has specialized in high -tech goods and services.  
4.11.   Israel's innovation model, supported by public spending in excess of 4.3% of GDP on 
innovation and development, is of particular interest. This percentage, which is the highest in the 
world, provides incentives and benefits for economic operators that inve st in priority sectors that 
have been crucial to the country's growth and economic development.  
4.12.   Of particular note is the central role of the services sector in Israel's economy and foreign 
trade. Government investment and the reforms adopted during the re view period in the regulatory 
area and in the country's competition and intellectual property regimes help to explain its leadership 
in the exportation of computer and research services, with an extremely dynamic and innovative 
private sector.  
4.13.   Turning to t ariff policy, we note the reduction in the tariffs applied to certain products such as 
electrical equipment, textiles and clothing, and certain agricultural products such as meat and 
cheese. However, as pointed out in the Secretariat report, Israel's tarif f structure continues to be 
dispersed and complex, with compound and mixed tariffs that have an adverse effect on trade flows, 
particularly in the agricultural sector. Another source of concern is the fact that certain industrial 
products have MFN -applied tariffs that exceed the bound tariffs, and Israel maintains import 
prohibitions and non -automatic import licensing for a considerable number of products.  
4.14.   Trade between Colombia and Israel has been dynamic, with a surplus of USD 178  million for 
Colombia in 2017. In addition to coal, coffee and emeralds, Colombia also exported manufactured 
products such as parts of airplanes or helicopters and plastic sheeting.  
4.15.   We are confident that the imminent entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement between 
the two cou ntries will help to strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations. The innovation 
and high -tech sectors are of great interest to Colombia.  
4.16.   After examining the reports for this review, Colombia submitted a number of questions to 
Israel on certain aspe cts of its economic and trade policies that are of interest to us, such as tools 
to promote innovation and productivity, Qualifying Industrial Zones, and tools to attract foreign 
investment. We also raised questions regarding Israel's intellectual property  protection mechanisms 
and its actions to tackle illicit trade. We thank the delegation of Israel for its replies, which we shall 
examine in detail.  
4.17.   Let me conclude this statement by wishing Israel and its delegation a successful 
trade  policy  review and expressing our appreciation to the Geneva team, headed by 
Ambassador  Aviva Raz Scechter, for the excellent working relation and cooperation between our  
missions.  
CHINA  
4.18.   We are pleased to see that Israel has achieved robust economic performance with an average 
growth rate at 3.3% d uring the period under review. This is attributed to the effective 
macroeconomic policy, substantial structural reforms, trade liberalization and innovation. We believe WT/TPR/M/37 6 • Israel  
 
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  that Israel will maintain the growth momentum with further reforms, trade liberalization, and 
actively integration into the global economy.  
4.19.   International trade has been an engine for economic growt h of Israel, whic h is an 
export -oriented economy specializing in high -tech products and services. Over 22% of Israel 's 
industrial exports in 2015 were high -tech products from the machinery, pharmaceuti cal and 
electronics industries.  In particular, we commend Israel 's effor t in trade liberalization and eliminating 
tariffs on more than 1,300 tariff lines on many consumer goods, with the average applied MFN tariff 
rate reduced from  7.6% in 2012 to 5.2% in 2018.  
4.20.   As a founding member of the WTO, Israel has been strongly supporti ng and upholding the 
fundamental principles and norms of the multilateral trading system.  Israel has actively participated  
in all activities in the WTO. We note that Israel has joined the revised Information Technology 
Agreement, the revised Government Pr ocurement Agreement, accepted the TRIPS amendment and 
the Trade Facilitation Agreement, submitting a notification regarding Category A commitments, and 
at MC11, signed Joint Statements on E -commerce, MSMEs, and Domestic Regulation.  
4.21.   Recent years have seen rapid growth of China -Israel bilateral economic an d trade cooperation. 
China is currently Israel 's largest trading partner in Asia and third larges t trading partner in the 
world.  In 2017, the bilateral trade in goods reached US$13.2 billion,  increased by 1 5.6% annually. 
China 's imports from Israel are mainly integrated circuits, medical equipment  and diamonds, while 
China 's exports to Israel are mainly mechanical and electrical products, clothing and textiles, and 
furniture.  
4.22.   By 2016, China has invested in I srael US$510 million in total, mostly in the areas of chemical, 
food, healthcare and IT industry, while Israel has invested in China US$380 million, mainly in the 
areas of semiconductor, telecoms equipment, IT service and pharmaceutical industry.  
4.23.   To better  understand the latest development of Israel 's trade policy, we have submitted some 
written questions in areas of agriculture ，customs procedures, trade facilitation and investment.  We 
appreciate the replies provided by Israel to our questi ons which we would duly study.  
4.24.   In 2016, China and Israel started FTA negotiations.  So far, four rounds have been held with 
positive progre ss. We expect to sign a FTA at an earlier date. In 2017, China established an 
innovative comprehensive partnership with Israel.  C hina will further promote cooperation with Israel 
through  the Belt and Road Initiative. This November, we will hold the first China International Import 
Expo in Shanghai and Is rael has confirmed to join us. We readily welcome more Israel enterprises 
and pr oducts to China.  
4.25.   Currently, the WTO is facing systemic challenges that have to be dea lt with the entire 
Membership. China would work with Israel and other Members to uphold the fundamental principles 
of this Organization, resist unilateralism and protectio nism, and collectively safeguard the rule -based 
multilateral trading system.  
4.26.   To conclude, I would wish this Review a complete success.  
BRAZIL  
4.27.   Israel is a particularly thriving economy, with a GDP per capita equivalent to many developed 
Members. Notwithstan ding the sharp decline of the ratio of trade in goods and services to GDP since 
Israel 's last Trade Policy Review – from 72% to 57% – trade figures still indicate the country 's deep 
integration to international trade and investment flows, with special emph asis on  high-tech goods 
and services.  
4.28.   Israel 's active role in the WTO as well as its firm support to the rules -based multilateral trading 
system has not prevented it from developing an extensive network of free trade agreements with 
partners around the wor ld. Particularly, Israel was the first country outside Latin America to have a 
Free Trade Agreement with MERCOSUR. The MERCOSUR -Israel Agreement entered into force in 
Brazil in 2010.  WT/TPR/M/376 • Israel  
 
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  4.29.   In the last decade, Israel was among the six main Brazilian trading partn ers in the Middle 
East, with significant deficits for Brazil. In 2013, bilateral trade reached its highest volume, at 
US$1.57 billion. In 2017, howeve r, trade flows decreased to US$ 1.35 billion . Brazilian exports 
reached US$ 466 million, an increase of 9.7%  compared to 2016, and exports from Israel to Brazil 
grew 27.3%, reaching US$ 885.3 million.  
4.30.   Thus, the potential for deepening our commercial ties is significant and new business 
opportunities can be explored. As for Brazilian exports to Israel, the fact t hat only around 0.5% of 
Israel 's imports are originated in Brazil suggests untapped potential for improvement. Frozen beef 
leads the list of products most exported by Bra zil to Israel in 2017, with US$ 86.2 million. Next are 
sugar and corn, representing eac h 11% of total exports. Brazil imports many Israeli products and 
technologies that integrate into our agribusiness cluster, such as pesticides, fertilizers, chemicals 
and drip irrigation know -how, and also medicaments and medical instruments.  
4.31.   On a less pos itive note, domestic support disbursements are a concern, especially regarding 
milk and eggs, where support exceeded not only the "de minimis " level of 10% for the period 
2011-2016 but also the AMS limit of US$ 568.98 million between 2011 and 2014, although  
notifications for 2015 and 2016, however, show that total AMS disbursements went back below the 
overall AMS limit. While average applied MFN tariff on non -agricultural products is relatively low 
(3%, compared with 4.2% in 2012), tariffs on agricultural go ods averaging 19.1% are still high. 
Dairy products, moreover, show a high average of 65.6%. Many agricultural tariffs comprise specific, 
compound or mixed duties. We also note that tariffs on fish and f ishery products reached 146.3%.  
4.32.   As regards investments , many Israeli companies have been active in Brazil for a long time. 
There were 85 Israeli companies in Brazil in 2015 and di rect investment amounted to US$ 456 million 
in 2016. 8% of investments went into the agricultural sector, 37% into industrial areas (beverages 
and automotive sector, for example) and 55% in services (22% in financial services).  
4.33.   High-level visits between Brazil and Israel have been a constant feature in our positive 
bilateral relations. In February 2018, Brazil 's Minister of Foreign Aff airs visited Israel in the context 
of his first tour of the Middle East. He met Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Rivlin.  
4.34.   Brazil continues to follow with interest domestic developments in Israel 's trade policy. We 
have submitted some questions for which answe rs would be highly appreciated.  
4.35.   Let me conclude by wishing Israel a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.36.   The EU would like to start by highlighting the good progress of the Israeli economy during the 
period under review as showed by its robust GDP growth since 2012, with a yearly average of 3.3% 
– a significant result for a developed OECD economy. This was accompanied by the improvement of 
several important indicators, starting with unemployment (down from 6.9% in 2012 to 4.2% in 
2017) and continuing with good financial results in terms of a decreasing budget deficit and public 
debt. Israeli economy appears in good shape.  
4.37.   We praise the competi tiveness of Israel as a host of technological innovation. One of the 
strengths of the Isra eli economy lies in the technology sector, in which 84% of the investments in 
Research and Development come from business, including more than half of those investments done 
by foreign companies. Also, about 50% of Israel 's industrial exports, including se rvices, come from 
the high -tech sector.  
4.38.   We also commend the effort to approximate Israeli regulatory activity to international best 
practices, as shown by the recent amendment to the Standards Law of 1953, and to reduce the 
regulatory burden via a new req uirement, the Regulatory Impact Assessment. We are expecting 
positive results from those initiatives.  
4.39.   The EU commends Israel for its support to an open and rules -based multilateral trading 
system. It ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement in 2017 and is  taking part in some important 
plurilateral agreements, notably the Information Technology Agreement and the Government 
Procurement Agreement.  WT/TPR/M/37 6 • Israel  
 
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  4.40.   With reference to our bilateral relationship, the EU is Israel 's main trading partner. Our 
bilateral trade in goods increased in the 2012 -2017 period fro m €29.8 billion to € 36.3 billion. The 
composition of this trade is balanced, with similar share of agricultural, fishery and industrial 
products for imports and exports. The overall stock of foreign dir ect investm ents has gone from 
€38.7 billion to € 86.8 billion in the same period. During the period 2012 -2017, the EU and Israel 
were consolidating their economic partnership with the signature of an "Open Sky " agreement, which 
is bringing about a considerable increas e of air traffic and very significant economic benefits between 
our two sides.  
4.41.   We also would like to underline some issues where we encourage Israel to improve the current 
situation or to pay at least special attention.  
4.42.   First, in its efforts to improve th e regulatory framework in certain sectors, we invite Israel to 
consider the need to open the domestic market to competition. In particular, the EU sees that the 
recently adopted law on nutritional marking and the law on cosmetics, currently under discussio n, 
include deviations from the international best practices and standards that constitute, or may 
constitute, a discriminatory burden on exporters.  
4.43.   Secondly, the EU notices that while the service sector has a preeminent role in the Israeli 
economy, account ing for ca. 80% of its GDP, some sectors see very little activity by international 
operators, like in retail banking, insurance, or construction. Opening up those sectors to competition 
would have a positive impact on the cost of living.  
4.44.   Third, the EU is concerned about Israel 's lack of data protection for biological medicines as 
well as its application of restrictive requirements in public procurement which we hope will stop with 
the expiry of the waiver at the end of 2019.  
4.45.   Finally, the EU appreciates Is rael's generally good performance in terms of notifications to the 
WTO (including the recent submission of the notification pursuant to Article XVI:1 of the GATT 1994 
and Article 25 of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures). However, the E U notes 
that with reference to some notification obligations Israel is lagging behind. We would therefore 
encourage Israel to catch up with its obligations in the areas of import licensing, quantitative 
restrictions and STEs.  
4.46.   Again, on the Trade Facilitat ion Agreement, the EU is pleased that Israel is applying all 
provisions (section I) since the entry into force of the Agreement, but should still notify the 
transparency obligations, which will be very helpful to all trade operators.  
4.47.   In conclusion, the EU encourages Israel to continue its efforts to further facilitate trade and 
to implement the announced plans of reform.  
4.48.   On behalf of the EU, I look forward to a constructive exchange of views during this review and 
I wish the delegation of Israel the utmost  success during its Trade Policy Review.  
COSTA  RICA 
4.49.   Costa Rica is pleased to participate in this Trade Policy Review of Israel, a country with which 
we have undertaken initiatives together and share common interests in the WTO, such as the 
liberalization o f trade in services, information technology, environmental goods, the promotion of 
e-commerce, MSMEs, and the empowerment of women in trade.  
4.50.   Costa Rica's trade with Israel has grown at an annual average rate of 3.1% over the past 
decade. During that time, exports increased by an annual average of 9.3%, and imports by 2%. 
Israel is the second export destination for Costa Rica in the Middle East. Over the past decade, 
foreign direct investment from Israel reached USD 53 million, mainly in the services and rea l estate 
sectors.  
4.51.   As regards this Review specifically, we would like to begin by highlighting the soundness and 
sustained growth of Israel's economy, characterized by low inflation and unemployment rates, 
prudent fiscal management and a very dynamic servic es sector, in particular high -tech and research 
and development services.  WT/TPR/M/376 • Israel  
 
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  4.52.   As mentioned in the reports for this Review, Israel's spending on research and development 
amounts to more than 4% of its GDP, which is one of the highest percentages in the world. W e take 
considerable interest in the initiatives that Israel has undertaken during this review period, in 
particular the creation of the Innovation Authority as well as its high ranking on the WIPO Global 
Innovation Index: eleventh out of 126 countries in 2 018. 
4.53.   Allow me a few thoughts at this point on innovation and entrepreneurship. As our 
understanding of the Fourth Industrial Revolution progresses, some of us believe that the big 
challenge for the not -too-distant future will be employment, in particular the employment of young 
people. Machine learning forces us to reflect on the kinds of jobs that will be carried out more 
efficiently by robots. Those people, of whom there are hundreds of millions throughout the world, 
will be faced with the challenge of d eveloping, in the short term, a culture of entrepreneurship similar 
to what Israel has managed to develop. It would be nice if the rest of the world did not have to 
spend seventy years developing these capacities, as Israel has done; so that we hope that e xporting 
knowledge, technology, best practices, public policy, and innovation -oriented entrepreneurial culture 
will develop into an Israeli contribution to the world.  
4.54.   Also, in these times when climate action is so important, Israel is a country which came into 
existence in an environmental setting that posed enormous challenges: access to drinking water, 
limited forest coverage and low soil fertility, relatively low biodiversity, and high temperatures during 
several months of the year. It is perhaps these c ircumstances that have made Israel a leader in 
agricultural efficiency, and this is a transformation that the other countries in the world must also 
make to avoid sacrificing our planet to food production.  
4.55.   While Israel may have made considerable progress i n the services -related sectors, its 
agricultural sector is still highly protected by high and complex tariffs, domestic support and export 
subsidies, although the elimination of export subsidies is planned for 2023.  
4.56.   For this trade policy review, Costa Rica  submitted several questions relating to Israel's policies 
with regard to renewable energy sources. I would like to thank Israel for its attention to these 
questions and to conclude by wishing it every success in this trade policy review.  
CANADA  
4.57.   Canada and  Israel enjoy a steadfast friendship and  strong, growing bilateral relations in many 
areas based on shared values, including democracy. We also share the belief that international trade 
benefits nations and contributes to global peace, security and prosper ity. 
4.58.   Since the Canada -Israel Free Trade Agreement first came into effect over two decades ago, 
the value in two -way merchandise trade has more than tripled, totalling $1.7 billion in 2017. Just a 
few weeks ago, Israel 's Minister of Economy and Industry Eli  Cohen was in Montreal to sign the 
mode rnized Canada -Israel Free Trade Agreement. This progressive agreement includes new 
chapters on gender, small and medium enterprises, labour and environment, as well as a new 
corporate social responsibility article. It  demonstrates Canada 's and Israel 's serious commitment to 
a new, modernized approach to trade, and to ensuring that the jobs, growth  and prosperity 
generated by the global trading system are sustainable, inclusive and innovative.  
4.59.   In addition to the moderni zed CIF TA, a number of bila teral agreements support Canada -Israel 
trade relations such as the 2016 Convent ion for the Avoidance of Double Taxation, the 
2017-amended Agreement on Air Tra nsportation, and the 2012 Canada -lsrael Agreement on  
Bilateral Coopera tion in Industrial Research and  Development. Israel invests heavily in research and 
development and together we have established a variety of joint -programs for scientific research. 
These types of agreements demonstrate the maturity of Canada -Israel trade relations as well as our 
respective commitment to the ongoing promotion of open markets and liberalized trade and 
investment.  
4.60.   Canada applauds Israel for its stead y and vigorous growth in GDP, its current account 
surpluses and steady decrease in unemploymen t rate during this review period, in addition to its 
efforts to increase competition and efficiency in some sectors of its economy. With services 
accounting for 80 per cent of its GDP and a focus on innovation, research and development, Israel 's WT/TPR/M/37 6 • Israel  
 
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  economy  is unmistakably forward -looking, and its durable success will likely require engagement 
from all segments of its population.  
4.61.   We welcome Israel 's administrative and regulatory reforms regarding imports, commitment 
to eliminate export subsidies for agricultura l products as of January 2023, and efforts to adopt 
international standards.  
4.62.   We also commend Israel for its consistent support for the multilateral trading system, namely 
for its active role in the negotiations of the Tr ade Facilitation Agreement, the revised Government 
Procurement Agreement, the expansion of the Information Technology Agreement and, most 
recently, its endorsement of the Joint Declaration on Trade and Women 's Economic Empowerment 
at MC11 . We look forward to working with Israel to fully impl ement the Joint Declaration.  
4.63.   An important characteristic of the multilateral trading system, for both exporters and 
importers, is transparency. In this regard, Canada notes Israel 's strong history of fulfilling its 
transparency commitments under the Techni cal Barriers to Trade Agreement, and encourages Israel 
to practice the same under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement.  
4.64.   Finally, I would like to wish the delegation every success in carrying out its task and would 
like to convey Canada 's appreciation for th e opportunity to participate in this review.  
NEW  ZEALAND  
4.65.   New Zealand has an active interest in Israel 's trade and investment policies. We congratulate 
Israel on its commitment to structural reform, unilateral trade liberalisation including the removing 
of tariffs on certain consumer products, and the pursuit of multilateral and bilateral trade 
agreements. It is clear that these efforts have started to generate positive macroeconomic and fiscal 
outcomes. We welcome the improvements in Israel 's economic indicators since Israel 's 2012 review.  
4.66.   We commend Israel 's efforts to increase market access and competitio n, including through 
the elimination of import duties and the opening of autonomous tariff quotas, which has resulted in 
Israel 's average MFN tariff reducing from 7.6% in 2012 to 5.2% in 2018. While these reforms 
included some agricultural products, we not e that Israel 's dairy industry remains closely regulated 
and controlled through production quotas, reregulated prices for milk from producers, and regulated 
retail prices for milk and other dairy products. We would encourage further liberalisation and tari ff 
reductions in areas such as dairy, as well as non -agriculture sectors such as fisheries, where tariffs 
are particularly high.  
4.67.   New Zealand also commends Israel 's achievements in technological innovation, stemming 
from Israel 's strong commitment to Resear ch and Development, its business and research -driven 
approach, and other factors. Israel 's investment in innovation has had a positive impact on domestic 
employment and in attracting foreign investment.  
4.68.   New Zealand welcomes Israel 's efforts to encourage th e uptake of renewable energy and its 
established targets under the Paris Agreement for renewable energy use, aiming for 10% by 2020 
and 17% by 2030. Israel 's commitment to continuing the "Israel NewTech " programme, which aims 
to support water and renewable  energy technologies to find solutions to environmental challenges, 
will play an important role in meeting these targets. Additionally, we encourage Israel to rationalize 
any inefficient fossil -fuel subsidies that incentivise wasteful consumption so as to avoid 
disadvantaging renewable energy uptake.  
4.69.   In conclusion, the reports by the Government of Israel and the Secretariat illustrate that there 
is a good trajectory of economic reform in Israel that should continue to generate positive trade and 
economic ef fects. We commend Israel 's commitment to ongoing reform for domestic support as well 
as increasing market access for various agricultural products. New Zealand also welcomes the plan 
to move towards minimizing price support and promote the move of Israel 's agriculture to more 
Green Box measures, thus reducing AMS support.  
4.70.   We welcome Israel 's commitment to the multilateral trading system and look forward to 
further building our positive trading relationship.  WT/TPR/M/376 • Israel  
 
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  RUSSIAN  FEDERATIO N 
4.71.   Israel is an important trading partner for Russia, second largest in the Middle East after 
Turkey. In 2017 the bilateral turnover increased by more than 14% in comparison to 2016 and 
showed diversifie d commodity nomenclature. Russia 's export reached almost 1.7 billion dollars, and 
our imports from Israel increased to 830 million doll ars. The main products of Russia 's expo rts to 
Israel are mineral fuels  (39%), precious or semi -precious stones,  precious metals (32%), cereals 
(7%).  Russia imports from Israel vegetables (22%), electrical mac hinery and equipment (13%), 
optical and surgical appliances (8%).  
4.72.   New spheres for further cooperation have enjoyed rapid development, including at the level 
of the Eurasian Economic Union. We are of the view that the FTA between Israel, of the one part, 
and the Eurasian Economic Union and its Member States, of the other part, that we are currently 
negotiating will become an important cornerstone of our economic relations.  
4.73.   Our bilateral economic and political coope ration stands on a solid level. Russian is the third  
language spoken in Israel after Hebrew and Arabic.  
4.74.   We welcomed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Russia 15 times. And his latest visit took 
place just last week, when he held negotiations with President of Russia Vladimir Putin and visited 
the semi-final of the World Cup.  
4.75.   The development of bilateral trade and economic relations is facilitated by the Russian -Israeli 
Intergovernmental Commission and Business Councils. Let me give some examples of bilateral 
cooperation. Russia has launched 9 Isra eli sputniks. Israeli company Teva has built a pharmaceutical 
plant in the Russian town of Yaroslavl. Moscow metro constructing company is tak ing part in the 
construction of Tel Aviv —Jerusalem rail route. Annually 300 thousand  of Russian tourists visit Isr ael 
and 150 thousand  Israelis come to Russia.  
4.76.   Russia is pleased to see Israel 's tangible steps in improving its trade policies and practices. 
Much work has been done.  
4.77.   We look forward to further improvements with a view to cultivate a stable and transparent  
regulatory environment for business communities. Getting a clear understanding on new voluntary 
Tariff Rate Quotas applied by Israel seems also important in this regard.  
4.78.   Russia appreciates Israel 's significant developments  in the area of IPR protection an d 
encourages Israel to stay at that course.  
4.79.   The Russian Federation would like to thank Israel  for providing answers to our advance written 
questions.  
4.80.   We wish our partners from Israel a successful trade review.  
UKRAINE  
4.81.   We highly value the trade partnership with the State of Israel. Ukraine and Israel are now in 
the process of finalizing a comprehensive bilateral free trade agreement. Our broad cooperation in 
trade, agriculture, investment, energy, tourism etc. reflects the special role Israel plays in our 
bilateral relationship.  
4.82.   According to the Ukrainian statistics, the trade turnover between Ukraine and Israel in 2017 
amounted to almost US$1.0 billion (13% increase compared to the previous year), with Ukrainian 
export to Israel accounted for more than US$780 million , and imports from Israel totalled  
US$200 million .   
4.83.   The main import positions from Israel include various chemical products; mineral fuel, oil and 
products of their refining; plastics, polymers; energy equipment, machinery, electric machines and  
pharmaceutical.  
4.84.   We export to Israel cereals; ferrous metals; oil seeds; food industry products; wood etc.  WT/TPR/M/37 6 • Israel  
 
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  4.85.   We appreciate the cooperation with Israel across the WTO bodies on different issues of mutual 
interest.  
4.86.   Within this TPR exercise Ukraine has submitted a number of specific questions and is seeking 
clarification on a range of the following topics:  
• - investment regime;  
• - measures directly affecting imports, import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing;  
• - export finance, insurance, and guarantees;  
• - sanitary and phytosanitary requirements;  
• - intellectual property rights;  
• - trade in services;  
• - participation in plurilateral initiatives etc.  
4.87.   We would like to express our gratitude for the responses, which we are reviewing carefully.  
4.88.   I am positive that this meeting would be a good opportunity for Members to discuss in greater 
detail the issues of interest to them in the trade policy regime of Israel.  
4.89.   Ukraine wishes the delegation of Israel very successful Tra de Policy Review and looks forward 
to further enhancing of our bilateral relations.  
AUSTRALIA  
4.90.   Israel is Australia 's 38th largest merchandise trading partner, with over AU$1 billion in goods 
traded in 2017.  
4.91.   In 2017, Israel was Australia 's 50th largest expor t marke t, with a total value of 
AU$216  million. Live animals were Australia 's largest export to Israel, valued at over AU$53 million 
in 2017. In this context, we note our concerns at the prospect of an Israeli ban affecting our live 
animal trade, given leg islative proposals in Israel to phase out then eliminate the trade. Other 
prominent exports include plastic plates, sheets and film, and pearls and gems.  
4.92.   Australia was Israel 's 21st largest merchandise export destination in 2017. Australia 's major 
imports  from Israel include the mineral manufactures, pearls and gems and plastic plates, sheets 
and film categories.  
4.93.   In 2016, Australian investment in Israel was AU$807 million and Israeli investment in Australia 
was AU$302 million.  
4.94.   We appreciate Israel 's trade  policy objectives involve continued integration of the Israeli 
economy into the global trading system and the creation of an attractive climate for investors, 
businesspeople and consumers.  
4.95.   Australia commends Israel for its efforts towards trade liberalis ation, including unilateral tariff 
reductions, as a part of its broader economic policy agenda.  
4.96.   An issue that remains of concern, however, is Israel 's continued intervention in its agricultural 
sector. This is illustrated by the significant gap between av erage applied MFN tariffs for 
non-agricultural products of 3 % and agricultural products which average at over 19 %. While this 
gap has reduced since Israel 's last trade policy review in 2012, it remains significant.  
4.97.   We appreciate Israel 's commitment, in line with the Nairobi Ministerial Decision for developing 
country members to eliminate export subsidies by the end of 2022 and look forward to this use of 
subsidies ceasing.   
4.98.   We commend a number of initiatives Israel has undertaken to adv ance its economy. This 
includes Israel 's five -year initiative, which commenced in 2015, to reduce regulatory burden and to 
cut administrative costs; Israel 's requirement for mandatory regulatory impact analysis implemented 
in 2016; and Israel 's plan to ali gn of all Israel 's technical standards to international standards by WT/TPR/M/376 • Israel  
 
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  August 2019. We also would like to acknowledge Israel 's acceptance of the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement and its notification of its category A commitments.  
4.99.   We note that Israel has taken a  range of measures since 2012 to address concerns about the 
high cost of living. Our trade in agricultural and other products will help to address these high cost 
of living pressures.  
4.100.   For this Trade Policy Review , we submitted a n umber of questions in wri ting. We thank the 
Israeli delegation for the answers we have received,  which we will examine further.  
4.101.   Australia looks forward to continuing to work with Israel t o advance global trade liberaliz ation 
and on bilateral initiatives to grow our trade and investment relationship.  
ARGENTINA  
4.102.   Argentina welcomes Israel's economic growth over the past few years, driven primarily by 
private consumption and domestic investment. We also commend Israel for reaching a historical low 
in unemployment in 2017.  
4.103.   We also note the considerable effort made to reduce tariffs, to introduce autonomous tariff 
quotas and to apply measures to improve competition in various sectors of the economy, such as 
the financial sector, the telecommunications sector, and the air and maritime  transport sector.  
4.104.   At the multilateral level, we place particular emphasis on Israel's participation in the WTO. 
Israel has implemented the revised Information Technology Agreement and the revised Government 
Procurement Agreement; accepted the Trade Facil itation Agreement and submitted a notification on 
its Category  A commitments; accepted the TRIPS Amendment; and, in line with the 
Nairobi  Ministerial Decision, submitted a notification stating that it would stop using export subsidies 
for agricultural prod ucts from 10 January 2023.  
4.105.   On the bilateral front, bilateral trade between our countries is worth approximately 
USD 345.76  million. Historically, Argentina has maintained a trade surplus with Israel, which in 2017 
reached USD 57.3 million.  
4.106.   Argentine expor ts to Israel (USD 201.5 million) account for 0.35% of its total exports. For 
the period January -February 2018, they reached USD 52 million. They consist mainly of primary 
products: frozen boneless bovine meat, with 59.46% of the total (USD 201.5 million); grain corn 
(5.12% of the total at USD 10.3 million); fresh or chilled bovine meat (4.91% at USD 9.8 million); 
ground nuts (3.64% at USD 7.3 million); frozen hake fillets (3.5% at USD 7 million); and chickpeas 
(2.47% at USD 4.9 million).  
4.107.   Argentina's import s from Israel amounted to USD 144.19 million, which represents a 
0.22%  share in Argentina's total imports. In the first two months of this year, they totalled 
approximately USD  21 million. The main imports include herbicides (18.65% at USD 26.8 million); 
transmission apparatus incorporating reception apparatus (8.24% at USD 11.8 million); laser 
surgery devices (4.85% at USD 6.9 million); and medicines (USD 6.4 million).  
4.108.   It is worth noting that Israel is an important investor at the global level, ranking 36th in the 
world (in 2016) with a tendency to rise in the rankings, and with a stock of USD 102,054 million, 
14% higher than the previous year.  
4.109.   Meanwhile, in 2016 Israel ranked 31st among foreign investors in our country, with an 
FDI stock of USD 109 millio n. With the exception of 2012 and 2016, Israel's FDI stock has been 
growing since 2005, when it stood at USD 56 million. Israel's FDI is concentrated in the following 
sectors: crop farming, livestock breeding, hunting, forestry and fishing (77%); informati on and 
communications (8.25%); manufacturing (7.58%); and wholesale and retail trade (6.14%).  
4.110.   We must also mention, in the context of this meeting, the agreement between MERCOSUR 
(our trade bloc) and Israel. Indeed, Israel is the first extraregional partn er with which MERCOSUR 
signed an FTA, and the only developed country with which the bloc has concluded an agreement of 
this kind (December 2007, in force for Argentina since September 2011).  WT/TPR/M/37 6 • Israel  
 
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  4.111.   The FTA's impact on overall trade in the past ten years has amou nted to approximately 
USD 1,800  million, with exports concentrating in agri -food products and imports in the chemical 
industry. We recall in this connection that our country would like to expand trade and investment 
with Israel and take further advantage o f the Agreement.  
4.112.   The recently concluded bilateral agreements include an Air Services Agreement, a 
Memorandum of Understanding on Air Services between Aeronautical Authorities, a 
Mutual  Assistance Agreement on Customs Issues, a Joint Declaration for Cooper ation on 
Technological Innovation, and a Cooperation Agreement between the Israeli Cooperation Authority 
and the Argentine Secretariat of Industry.  
4.113.   To conclude, we would like to reiterate our appreciation of this new opportunity to exchange 
information an d ideas concerning Israel's trade policies, and stressing the importance of this exercise 
in transparency, we wish the Israeli authorities a successful conclusion to this review.  
DOMINICAN  REPUBLIC  
4.114.   We congratulate Israel for its excellent macroeconomic performance since its last trade policy 
review in 2012: it has maintained an average economic growth rate of 3.3% and a very high 
per capita GDP level, which reached USD 40,000 in 2017. This growth is chiefly due to private 
consumption and domestic investment, and the Israeli economy specializes in high -tech goods and 
services, notably in the area of computer components manufacturing, software engineering, medical 
technology and pharmaceuticals. The ser vices sector accounts for 80% of GDP.  
4.115.   The Secretariat report tells us that Israel's external position remains strong, with a current 
account surplus and comfortable reserves, against the background of an appreciating currency and 
an unemployment rate which  reached a historical low of 4.2% in 2017.  
4.116.   We note with interest that since 2011, Israel has introduced a number of important reforms: 
for example, tariff reductions were made, autonomous tariff quotas introduced, and measures taken 
to increase competitio n in several sectors, including finance, telecommunications, and air and sea 
transport. Other reforms were continued, and it is hoped that administrative costs and regulatory 
requirements for imports will be reduced.  
4.117.   We commend Israel for maintaining a fa irly open tariff system, with an average MFN applied 
tariff that was reduced from 7.6% in 2012 to 5.2% in 2018. Some 67% of all tariff lines are now 
duty free, and only 3.7% are above 20%.  
4.118.   Another positive development was the introduction of major reforms to the competition 
regime to enhance productivity at the firm level, foster GDP growth, and improve consumer welfare. 
Furthermore, 2013 saw the enactment of the Promotion of Competition and Reduction of 
Concentration Law.  
4.119.   Israel also deserves praise for i ts well -developed intellectual property system and for the 
fact that, during the review period, it undertook additional investment in the administrative 
functioning of the examination procedures of the Israel Patent Office and continued to modernize its 
intellectual property legislation, particularly as regards patents and designs.  
4.120.   Finally, the Dominican Republic submitted a number of questions to Israel in relation to its 
investment regime and looks forward to examining the replies. It remains for us to wi sh Israel every 
success on the path of progress and development.  
THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU  
4.121.   Since its last Review in 2012, Israel 's economy has grown at an average annual rate of 3.3%. 
It is impressive to see its gro wth in exports of services has been strong, its costs of administrative 
works have been reduced, and the start of natural gas production and the establishment of a 
sovereign wealth fund have made its future even more promising.  
4.122.   We are pleased to note Israe l's on-going policy liberalization and commitment to global 
engagement, including the signing of FTAs. It is equally encouraging to see that Israel has WT/TPR/M/376 • Israel  
 
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  implemented both the revised Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and the Government 
Procurement Agree ment (GPA), and has accepted the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the TRIPS 
amendment.  
4.123.   We welcome Israel 's plan to stop using export subsidies for agricultural products from 2023, 
and we welcome its established targets for renewable energy use, aiming 10%  by 2020 and 17% 
by 2030. We believe it 's commitment to the "Israel New Tech " programme will help fulfil the targets, 
and we encourage it to rationalize any inefficient fossil -fuel subsidies that could incentivize wasteful 
consumptions.  
4.124.   I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the contributions made by the 
Permanent Mission of Israel to our collective works here in Geneva, such as promoting the Joint 
Ministerial Initiatives at the recent MC11 in the areas of MSMEs, e -comm erce, services domestic 
regulations, as well as "trade and women 's empowerment. " 
4.125.   Apart from that, we believe Israel deserves special praise for organizing many Trade Lecture 
Sessions held at the WTO in recent years to discuss key trade issues.  
4.126.   In the agric ulture negotiations, because we share the same non -trade concerns such as food 
security, the coexistence of various forms of agriculture, and the issue of stronger disciplines on 
export restrictions, my delegation enjoys a close partnership with Israel, pa rticularly within the G10 
Group of net food -importing Members.  
4.127.   Bilaterally, the total trade value between us was over US$1.7 billion last year, which makes 
Israel our 31st largest trading partner. We acknowledge that Israel is renowned for its agricultural  
technologies dealing with extremely arid climate conditions and serious lack of high quality water. 
Our own farmers face similar natural constraints, so we are working closely with counterparts in 
Israel on the common challenges we 're both facing. We are confident that our cooperation will 
continue to grow closer and become more fruitful in the future.  
4.128.   My delegation has already submitted written questions to Israel in advance, relating to 
various topics, such as its trade and investment regime, trading arr angements, as well as its trade 
policies in the electricity sector and on Intellectual Property Rights. We look forward to Israel 's replies 
in due course.  
4.129.   I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Asi Yosef , DPR of Israel who is about 
to leav e, for his long -time support and friendship. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.  
4.130.   Finally, we wish Israel a ve ry constructive and successful Trade Policy R eview.  
GUATEMALA  
4.131.   We would like, in connection with  this review, to highlight the efforts made by the 
Government of Israel to introduce legislative reform with a view to facilitating procedures relating 
to competitiveness and diversifying imports in the various goods and services sectors.  
4.132.   The Digital Israe l initiative implemented by the Government seeks to promote the use of 
new information technologies as a useful tool for economic growth, and to develop a digital 
government to facilitate efficient and rapid public access to administrative activities.  
4.133.   As regards measures to implement the Trade Facilitation Agreement, Israel has made every 
effort to notify its commitments under the Agreement. Since it has a technologically advanced 
customs system, it is able to facilitate customs formalities and reduce the time required to a 
minimum, thereby facilitating the development of trade.  
4.134.   Israel is party to the WTO plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) and 
was among the first ten parties to accept a revised GPA which entered into force on 6 April 20 14. 
This makes it easier for foreign companies to participate in bidding processes through special 
procedures and exceptions that provide an incentive for investment.  WT/TPR/M/37 6 • Israel  
 
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  4.135.   In the intellectual property area, Israel has taken steps to improve its intellectual pr operty 
system by investing in the administrative functioning of the Israel Patent Office examination 
procedures, and further modernizing its IP laws, particularly in the areas of patents and designs. 
Israel acknowledges that it has a highly innovative and competitive industry in which many 
companies make use of the IPR protection systems, and the implementation of enforcement 
measures means that there is constant judicial activity on behalf of IPR owners.  
4.136.   One of the major challenges facing us today is the introduction of legislation or processes to 
regulate activities in the digital environment and their relationship with intellectual property rights.  
4.137.   Turning to bilateral relations, in 2017 Israel ranked 69th among Guatemala's export trading 
partners and 4 1st in terms of imports.  
4.138.   That same year, Guatemala ranked 67th among Israel's export trading partners and 83rd in 
terms of imports. Guatemala's main exports to Israel in order of importance are: cardamom; coffee; 
fresh, dried and frozen fruit; pepper; art icles of clothing; bulbs, roots and ornamental plants; fruit 
preparations; sugars and sugar confectionary; and plastics and plastic products.  
4.139.   Guatemala's main imports from Israel include: plastics and plastic products; insecticides, 
fungicides and disinfe ctants; aluminium; bulbs, roots and ornamental plants; transmission and 
reception apparatus; various products of the chemical industry; medical instruments; machinery 
and mechanical equipment for electrotechnical use; paints; and preparations of vegetables .  
4.140.   For Guatemala, Israel is an investment partner. In 2017 Israel invested chiefly in the 
electricity sector and the manufacturing industry, and in various other activities.  
4.141.   It is also important to highlight Israel's trade in services achievements, as a r esult of which 
the services sector now accounts for almost half of GDP and employment in the country.  
4.142.   In conclusion, Guatemala's wish is that, in implementing its economic and trade policies, 
Israel may reap further success in terms of economic growth and  development.  
4.143.   We thank Israel for its replies to our questions, which we shall send to our capital for 
consideration and comments.  
4.144.   We wish the Israeli delegation here today a successful conclusion to this trade policy review.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.145.   During Israel 's last TPR in 2012, the Chair noted that Israel 's various program mes of 
economic reform had succeeded in fostering impressive economic growth, while keeping inflation in 
check, reducing public debt, and strength ening Israel 's current account.  But the Chair  also 
highlighted a number of areas in which additional efforts were needed to sustain economic growth 
and contribute to a better allocatio n of resources in the economy. This included reducing the gap 
between bound and applied tariffs. The Chair also noted the concerns expressed by a number of 
Members regarding remaining restrictions on trade, including a high level of tariff protection in 
Israel's agricultural sector.  
4.146.   Today , we are pleased to have the chance to review developments since  the 2012 TPR and 
discuss Israel 's recent economic performance.  
4.147.   Economic growth in Israel has been impressive since the previous review, providing evidence 
of the success of th e government 's reform efforts. Its core strength lies i n its capacity for innova tion. 
Israel 's support for start -up enterprises and research and development is fuelling  an increase in 
domestic consum ption and domestic investment. This, in turn, has led to a drop in the 
unemployment rate an d has kept inflation low.  One key change in Is rael's trade and investment 
posture noted in the Secretariat 's report is the pronounced shift in Israel 's exports of goods to 
exports of services.   
4.148.   At the same time to lower the costs of imported goods, Israel reduced its average applied 
MFN tariff from 7.6% to 5.2 % in 2018. Also, noted were Israel 's increased commercial engagement WT/TPR/M/376 • Israel  
 
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  toward countries in the Asian region and the European Union, and a concurrent decline in imports 
from free trade pa rtners elsewhere.  
4.149.   Mutual trade and investment between the Uni ted States and Israel have generated increased 
employment opportunities in both countries, and the United States continues to support Israel 's 
efforts to boost economic growth through free and fair trade under the U.S .-Israel Free Trade 
Agreement. Furtherm ore, we applaud Israel for implementing the revised Information Technology 
Agreement and the revised Government Procurement Agreement in addition to their acceptance of 
the Trade Facilitation Agreement.  
4.150.   Despite the positive aspects described in the Secreta riat's report, however, there are areas 
where we believe Israel co uld make further improvements.  
4.151.   Continuing progress in eliminating trade restrictions and increasing transparency would 
benefit Israel 's economy by improving efficiency and raising productivi ty to supp ort sustained 
economic growth. We urge Israel to redouble its efforts to open its market to world trade, particularly 
in the agriculture area, and to ensure world class intellectual property protection – all of this would 
greatly increase the com petitiveness of the Israeli economy and lower the costs of living  borne by 
the Israeli citizen. The United States offers our questions and comments on the Israeli trade regime 
in a constructive spirit and we would like to thank the Israeli delegation in ad vance for considering 
and responding to them.  
4.152.   The United States notes continued concerns with aspects of Israel 's import prohibitions, 
licens ing, and associated practices. We would welcome a better understanding of actions taken to 
address trade remedies,  including legislative amendments to the Trade Levies Law and provisions 
governing antidumping and countervailing duties.   
4.153.   We urge Israel to ensure prompt and full notification to WTO members of steps Israel intends 
to take to modify measures affecting im ports, including the use of standards, technical regulatio ns 
and conformity assessments. We urge Israel to recognize the WTO TBT Committee Decision on 
international standards, and we would welcome greater detail on how Israel is managing their 
regulat ory impact assessment process.  
4.154.   We would like to recognize Israel 's continued efforts to strengthen intellectual property 
protection, and in particular, its recent efforts to enhance patent protection and establish reasonable 
royalties.  Nonetheless, we observe t hat some concerns on intellectual property remain. While the 
Secretariat 's report highlights continued constructive steps taken by Israel in the area of intellectual 
property rights enforcement, we believe that further comprehensive, coordinated and sustai ned 
efforts in this area are necessary to ensure the protection of intellectual property in Israel.  We would 
be interested in an update on any legislative, judicial or enforcement steps the Israeli government 
anticipates in this area.  
4.155.   We recognize Israel 's view of the role that agriculture p lays in its national security. 
Nevertheless, the significant and growing costs to the Israeli consumer of the use of licensing 
procedures to implement WTO and preferential tariff quotas on agricultural products should 
encourage Israel to re -examine its policies in this regard.   
4.156.   The Uni ted States welcomes Israel 's continued sup port and commitment to the WTO.  The 
United States appreciates the opportunity to participate in this r eview and provide observations.  We 
look forward to continuing our work with Israel and our trading partners to s trengthen the global 
economy, allowing trade and investment opportunities to expand.  
REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.157.   Korea and Israel have developed a strong and stable economic relationship since the 
establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962. Specifically, Korea ex ports to Israel finished products 
such as automobiles and cell phones, and imports from Israel the necessary equipment and parts to 
manufacture finished goods. Thanks to this complementary trade structure, bilateral trade volume 
has consistently reached ov er US$2 billion since 2011.  WT/TPR/M/37 6 • Israel  
 
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  4.158.   Korea and Israel launched bilateral FTA negotiations in May 2016 in order to deepen their 
complementary economic partnership. In March this year, the two countries held the 6th round of 
negotiations to discuss remaining issues i n the areas of goods, services, investment, SPS, 
cooperation and general provisions. I hope that bilateral economic relations will be further upgraded 
by concluding the FTA negotiations as soon as possible.  
4.159.   From a trade policy perspective, according to the  Secretariat 's report, the Israeli economy 
has performed well over the review period. The GDP growth rate has averaged 3.3% and the 
unemployment rate declined to a historic low of 4.2% in 2017.  
4.160.   Israel has been very active in the WTO. As the Secretariat 's report noted, Israel has accepted 
the expansion of the ITA as well as ratified the WTO TFA. Furthermore, Israel was among one of the 
first parties to accept the revised GPA. Korea appreciates Israel 's active participation in the WTO 
and expects that it will  make continuous efforts to strengthen the multilateral trading system.  
4.161.   As the Secretariat 's report highlighted, the Israeli government has made efforts to improve 
and ease trade barriers with reg ard to regulations and SPS measures. However, as some Member s 
raised in their written questions, there still remain some concerns and questions regarding relevant 
Israeli trade policies. Korea urges Israel to continue to eliminate its trade barriers an d share  the 
results with the Members.  
4.162.   My delegation has submitte d, albeit somewhat late, our written questions on recent 
development and policy on the FTA and technical regulation. We look forward to receiving answers 
in due course.  
4.163.   Korea hopes to continuously develop our economic relationship with Israel going forward . In 
addition, we expect Israel to continue to contribute towards strengthening the multilateral trading 
system.  
4.164.   With this, we would like to express our deep appreciation to the Israeli delegation for its 
hard work and wish the delegation every success in  this TPR.  
ECUADOR  
4.165.   Ecuador had a major interest in participating in this review because it is always important to 
diversify and extend markets and products as regards both exports and imports, and to analyse how 
trade policy contributes to development in a  country with certain specific characteristics in terms of 
climate, production and agricultural goods.  
4.166.   In 2017, Ecuador's exports to Israel totalled USD 13 million. Our main exports to the Israeli 
market were palm hearts, jams, quinoa and edible fruit.  
4.167.   That same year, Ecuador's imports from Israel totalled USD 26 million. The main imports 
include polymer plates, radio navigational aid apparatus, appliances for spraying liquids and other 
mechanical appliances.  
4.168.   In other words, Ecuador's trade balance with Isr ael has shown a deficit for Ecuador which, 
in 2017, stood at USD 13 million. We obviously keep a close eye on consistently negative balances 
owing to the dollarization of the Ecuadorian economy.  
4.169.   Turning to the Secretariat report for this trade policy revie w, I would like to underscore the 
active role played by Israel in multilateral policy.  
4.170.   The country's economic growth during the review period, driven by private consumption and 
domestic investment, has rightly been highlighted.  
4.171.   At the same time, it would a ppear that the Israeli economy, specialized in the production of 
high-tech goods and services with research and development spending in those sectors reaching 
approximately 4.3% of GDP in 2015, can boast the highest spending in the world in those areas. We  
note with interest this active public policy to create conditions that will benefit the country.  WT/TPR/M/376 • Israel  
 
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  4.172.   For example, we were intrigued by the creation of the Innovation Authority in the Ministry 
of Economy and Industry, offering programmes for the development and introduction of innovative 
ideas in a series of specific and carefully spelled -out stages.  
4.173.   Regarding the external sector, services exports increased considerably, recording the world's 
highest share in GDP (80%) and surplus in the balance -of-payments s ervices account.  
4.174.   The sectors that attracted the most FDI were computer services, the manufacturing sector, 
telecommunications and financial services.  
4.175.   Meanwhile, it is important to note the decrease in the unemployment rate, which reached a 
historical minim um of 4.2% in 2017.  
4.176.   Ecuador emphasizes the importance of these exercises in transparency and the insight into 
public policy afforded by trade policy reviews at the WTO.  
4.177.   In this connection we would like to draw attention to one of our questions concerning t he 
Protection of Public Health (Food) Law, the purpose of which was to obtain broader information 
concerning certifications and the marketing of organic products. For an economy such as ours, which 
has no control over the exchange rate, expanding and diver sifying exports is an arduous and 
permanent task.  
4.178.   In closing, we thank the Israeli delegation in advance for its replies to our questions on 
various specific aspects of the country's trade policy, which will serve as important inputs for 
strengthening rela tions between our countries.  
4.179.   Finally, we wish the entire Israeli delegation a successful trade policy review.  
THAILAND  
4.180.   Thailand and Israel have enjoyed the close and cordial bilateral economic relations. Both 
countries signed the Trade Agreement in 2012, a nd the first Joint Trade Committee Meeting was 
successfully held in Bangkok in July 2015. In 2017, total trade between the two countries amounted 
to over US$1.3 billion, expanding by 22% from last year.  
4.181.   Israel is Thailand 's fifth largest trading partner i n the Middle East. Both sides share 
complementary trade relations with a great potential to grow. Thailand 's major exports are led by 
vehicles and parts, jewellery , machinery, plastics, fish products, and rice while Israel 's key exports 
concentrate on jewellery, machinery, optical equipment, fertilizers, and chemical products. We are 
pleased to highlight that Thailand has been Israel 's biggest supplying market for rice for 15 years. 
We wish that both sides can achieve the trade target set at the Joint Trade  Committee Meeting to 
boost our bilateral trade to US$2 billion by 2020.  
4.182.   Since the last Trade Policy Review in 2012, Israel 's economic growth has averaged 3.3%, 
and GDP per capita increased to more than US$40,000 in 2017. We acknowledge that Israel 's 
external position remains strong with a current account surplus in every year of the review period, 
and the unemployment rate declined to a historical low of 4.2% last year.  
4.183.   Thailand welcomes Israel 's consistent efforts in promoting trade liberalization by redu cing 
tariffs. The average applied MFN tariff was considerably reduced from 7.6% in 2012 to 5.2% in 2018. 
Israel has taken a range of measures to increase competition in several sectors, including finance, 
telecoms, and air and sea transport. Moreover, refo rms are continuing to reduce administrative costs 
and regulatory requirements for imports.  
4.184.   Thailand commends Israel for showing its commitment to the rules -based multilateral trading 
system, including by implementing the ITA Expansion Agreement, ratifying the TFA, notifying its 
acceptance of the Protocol amending the TRIPS Agreement, and submitting a notification stating 
that it will stop using export subsidies for agricultural products from 1 January 2023.  
4.185.   Israel has a well -developed intellectual property system. During the review period, Israel 
undertook additional investment in the administrative functioning of the Israel Patent Office 's WT/TPR/M/37 6 • Israel  
 
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  examination procedures and modernized intellectual property legislation, particularly in the areas of 
patents and desig ns, which deserve positive mention.  
4.186.   Chair, in this review, Thailand submitted a few questions to Israel. We note from the 
Secretariat report that MFN applied rates of Israel exceeded their bound levels for 18 tariff lines on 
products such as parts and acce ssories of machines. In this regard, we request that Israel provide 
justification and clarification of this matter.  Furthermore, Israel has not made a notification on SPS 
measures since 2011 although some of the TBT notifications submitted since then may include 
references to SPS -related issues. Thailand would like to seek clarification whether measures with 
reference to the SPS matters could also be notified to the SPS Committee. Thailand thanks Israel in 
advance for written responses.  
4.187.   In conclusion, we w ish Israel a successful outcome of this Trade Policy Review.  
PHILIPPINES  
4.188.   We have a rich history of bilateral relations with Israel. The Philippines and Israel established 
our diplomatic relations in 1957 with the signing of the Treaty of Friendship in Febr uary 1958. Early 
this year, we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the signing of our Treaty of Friendship. 2017 marked 
the 80th anniversary of our former President Manuel L. Quezon 's Open Door  Policy, when from 1937 
and 1941 the Philippines became a sanctuary for 1,300 Jewish refugees rendered stateless during 
World War II.  
4.189.   Bilateral trade between the Philippines and Israel has great potential and has continued to 
grow in recent years. Philipp ine exports t o Israel rose by 23.6% from US$46.23 million in 2015 to 
US$57.14 million in 2016. This was mainly due to increase in exports of semiconductor devices, fish 
fillets, and polypropylene. Likewise, Philippine imports from Isr ael expanded by 27.32%  from 
US$103.99 million in 2015 to US$ 132.40 million in 2016. The increase was attributed to the increase 
in imports of tanks and other armoured  fighting vehicles, materials for manufacture of dice and 
semiconductor devices.  
4.190.   Israel is a founding and active  member of the WTO. It has implemented the revised 
Information Technology Agreement and the revised Government Procurement Agreement, and 
accepted the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the TRIPS amendments. It is also a co -signatory to 
the Joint Ministerial  Declaration on the Establishment of a WTO Informal Work Programme for MSMEs 
noting that small -and-medium enterprises employ 60% of Israel 's workforce and constitute about 
99% of all its businesses.  
4.191.   Israel is an open, industrialized democracy with an aver age GDP growth rate of 3.3% from 
2012 through 2017. One of the core strengths of the Israeli economy lies in its capacity for 
innovation. Expenditure on civilian R&D amounted to about 4.3% of GDP in 2015, which is t he 
highest share in the world. The Philip pines recognizes the Israel Innovation Authority, which 
encourages both local and foreign investment by offering a wide range of incentives and benefits to 
investors in industry, tourism, and real estate. We would appreciate receiving more information on 
the functioning of this institution and explore possible collaborations with Israel as the Philippines 
also develops an innovation ecosystem through our government 's Inclusive, Innovation -led, 
Industrial strategy or i3s (pronounced as "I cube S "). We are al so very keen to learn more about 
Israel 's foreign investment incentive regime and its national digital health initiative. The Philippines 
has submitted a few other written questions based on Israel 's government and secretariat reports, 
and we kindly thank Israel in advance for their written responses.  
4.192.   In closing, the Philippines looks forward to further enhancing the mutually beneficial 
economic relations between our two countries through bilateral, regional, and multilateral fora.  
INDIA  
4.193.   During the period u nder review the economy of Israel grew at an average rate of 3.3% and 
the GDP per capita increased to US$40,285 in 2017. Another noteworthy development was that in 
2013 Israel was able to augment domestic supplies of natural gas from the Tamar field to add ress 
its energy security.  This also led to co nsiderable savings in imports. Though the share of trade in 
GDP declined during the period the growth in the economy has been supplemented by strong growth WT/TPR/M/376 • Israel  
 
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  in exports of services, private consump tion and domest ic investments. The flow of both inward and 
outward foreign direct investment also remained positive averaging US$10 billion and US$ 7 billion 
respectively between 2012 -16.   
4.194.   The major challenges for Israel include raising productivity growth, increasing la bour 
participation, addressing demographic challenges in the labour market, high burden of defence 
spending, diversifying the economy, addressing pov erty and income inequalities.   
4.195.   We commend the government of Israel for the initiatives it has taken to keep the economy 
focussed on cutting edge level technologies in high tech goods and services notably in the areas of 
computer components manufacturing, software, medical, technology,  pharmaceuticals and services. 
Israel also spends considerable amount on c ivilian R&D and has comprehensive innovation policy to 
preserve it s core strengths in innovation.  
4.196.   India shares warm and friendly relations with Israel with regular high level political 
exchanges between both countries. Both countries have a broad based ins titutional framework in 
place to promote cooperation in areas including trade, science a nd technology and agriculture. Trade 
between both countries has continued to grow and stood  at US$5.4 billion in 2017 -18. There is 
considerable potential to promote tra de in sectors like petrol eum products, precious and 
semi-precious stones, electrical components, chemicals, agricultural equipment, ph armaceuticals 
and automobiles.  
4.197.   Companies from Israel are investing in India in high tech industries and sectors like 
renewable energy, telecommunication, agriculture, chemicals, water  technologies and real estate. 
Many Indian companies are also operating in Israel in the areas of information technology, 
pharmaceuticals, waste wa ter treatment and irrigation.  
4.198.   The India -Israel FTA has also been under discussion for the last few years and conclusion of 
the Agreement will give a further boost to our trade and investment ties.  
4.199.   To conclude, we look forward to working closely with the authorities of Israel for furth er 
expanding and harnessing the potential of our trade and inve stment ties for mutual benefit.  We wish 
the delegation of Israel a productive and successful TPR.  
SINGAPORE  
4.200.   Israel and Singapore enjoy a strong and broad -based economic relationship. B ilateral trade 
has been robust at S$1 .76 billion in 2017, with Singapore importing more than S$853 million worth 
of Goods and Services from Israel for the year. Key products traded include precious metals, 
integrated circuits and specialty chemicals. The stock of I sraeli Foreign Direct Investm ent (FDI) in 
Singapore was S$1. 742 billion at the end of 2016. Singaporean investments into Israel during this 
review period include investment in an Israeli equity crowd -funding platform with the potential to 
support activitie s of small -and medium -sized enterprises across Asia.  
4.201.   During the period under review, Israel  implemented a series o f measures that led to further 
trade liberalisation and increased competition in various services sectors. Notably, Israel 's average 
applied M FN tariff fell from 7.6% in 2012 to 5.2% in 2018, while reforms undertaken in the financial 
services and telecommunications sectors have contributed to the addition of new players, expansion 
in consumer credit and availability of ICT -related service option s for consumers. These measures 
have enhanced the economic competitiveness of Israel, while allowing it to record sustainable 
average growth of more than 3% annually for the period under review.  
4.202.   Israel is reputed for its innovation and research and develop ment (R&D). Not only does Israel 
have the highest level of civilian R&D expenditure in the world, as a  proportion of GDP, it has 
well-developed intellectual property infrastructure. This has enabled the emergence of a flourishing 
technology start -up scene an area where Singaporean companies continue to have strong interest 
in. 
4.203.   Israel participates actively and constructively in all areas of the WTO 's work. This is 
evidenced by its implementation of the revised Information Technology Agreement (ITA), and 
assuming of 100% Category A commitments under the Trade Facilitation Agreement. Israel was WT/TPR/M/37 6 • Israel  
 
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  among the first parties to accept the revised Government Procurement Agreement. Israel has also 
notified its revised schedule for phasing out all remaining agriculture e xport subsidies.  
4.204.   We encourage Israel to take steps to fulfil its outstanding transparency obligations in areas 
such as domestic support, import licensing, and sanitary and phytosanitary measures. We also urge 
Israel to bring its applied tariffs into confo rmity with its bound commitments, as highlighted in the 
Secretariat 's report  
4.205.   Singapore looks forward to building on our constructive cooperation  with Israel and we wish 
Israel every success for this TPR.  
SRI LANKA  
4.206.   Israel with a knowledge based, technologic ally highly advanced, free market economy, has 
been successful in maintaining an average economic growth of 3.3% since its last review, despite 
decline in its share of trade to GDP ratio. The trade has grown in real terms though the values 
declined. Touris m and services exports play a vital role in the economy, offsetting the merchandise 
deficits and contributing to maintain positive current account balance. We believe the recently 
commenced natural gas production project will boost the economy recovering a ll downturns 
experienced by the Israel economy. It is evident that the economy will be more resilient to external 
shocks with the commencement of projected natural gas exploitation projects in the country.  
4.207.   We note the unilateral liberalization of customs d uties that has resulted reduction of average 
MFN duty from 7.6% in 2012 to 5.2% in 2018. Only 3.7% of tariff lines are subject to import duty 
above 20%. However, it is noted with concern the average applied agriculture tariff is high as 
approximately 20%, whereas the average applied tariff on non -agricultural products is only 3%. We 
note with appreciation the Israel Government 's decision to stick on to the Nairobi decision on export 
subsidies for agricultural products from 1st January 2023.  
4.208.   Let me briefly r eflect on the bilateral trade and other economic relations between two 
countries. Though the bilateral trade does not reflect a regular pattern, Sri Lanka continues to enjoy 
a trade surplus with Israel. Diamonds are the major import as well as export produ ct to and from 
Sri Lanka. It represents 68% of Sri Lanka 's exports to Israel and 78% of Sri Lanka 's imports from 
Israel in 2017. We have noticed that Diamonds accounts for a greater portion of Israel 's international 
trade with the world as well. This impli es Sri Lanka is an important part of value chain in Israel 's 
renowned diamond processing industry. In contrast, Israel is also an important buyer of Ceylon Tea.  
4.209.   The two countries have held Business Forums several times strengthening bilateral ties. In 
2007, Sri Lanka and Israel signed a historic Trade and Economic Co -operation Agreement for 
enhancing bilateral relations to new levels. Since then, the bilateral trade has surged by over 175%.  
4.210.   In concluding, my delegation appreciates Israel 's valued contri bution to the multilateral 
trading system and its active engagement in the negotiations. We also wish to commend the active 
contribution made by the Geneva based delegation of Israel in the WTO deliberations. We sincerely 
wish the delegation of Israel a su ccessful conclusion of its 5th Trade Policy Review.  
GEORGIA  
4.211.   At the outset, I would like to underline that existing partnership and cooperation with Israel 
is crucial for Georgia, particularly in the context of multi centennial friendship between the two 
peoples.  
4.212.   I also would like to commend the Government of Israel and the Secretariat for their 
outstanding work in compiling the comprehensive report on trade policy developments over the 
course of the review period.  
4.213.   Georgia appreciates endeavours  taken by Is rael towards the economic development since 
the last review in 2012, which resulted in the economic growth averaged by 3.3% and increased 
GDP per capita to more than US$40.000 in 2017. It is also important to note that investment trends 
in country are exce ssively promising demonstrating average of US$10 billion inward and US$7 billion WT/TPR/M/376 • Israel  
 
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  outward investment per year for 2012 -16 with the main recipients of FDI were manufacturing sector, 
information and financial services.  
4.214.   It is essential to highlight, that notw ithstanding the decrease in investment flow from Israel 
to Georgia in last couple of years, we believe that the re -introduced favourable  business and 
investment environment in Georgia will significantly contribute to an increase of bilateral investment 
activities.  
4.215.   In light of the relatively inactive trade and economic activities between Israel and Georgia 
and taking into account the fluctuating trends in terms of trade turnover during the review period 
expressed in comparably low figures, we could, neverth eless, see some increasing trends over the 
recent years. Trade turnover amounted to US$20 million in 2017, showing 31% growth compared 
to 2016. Export to Israel from Georgia in 2017 increased by 28% compared to the previous year 
based on the export growth of such commodities as wine, mineral water, fruit juice, beer and others.  
4.216.   Moreover, it is of an utmost importance to underline that very recently relevant ministries 
of both states signed the joint declaration on the launch of the feasibility study on the  negotiations 
of free trade agreement between Georgia and Israel. We do believe that the entire process will be 
conducted in accelerated manner, consequently producing the successful trade instrument which will 
serve as a foundation for the commencement of  new stage for economic development.  
4.217.   Israel is a developed, growth -oriented and high-income  State specializing in high -tech goods 
and services together with significant agricultural exports. It is in Georgia 's interest to enhance and 
consolidate the coope ration with Israel and benefit from the profound experience and knowledge it 
has in these sectors.    
4.218.   In conclusion, we would like to reiterate that Israel is a valued partner of Georgia. We 
strongly believe the existing durable and amicable cooperation will be maintained and developed 
through continued joint efforts.  
4.219.   We wish Israel a very successful review.  
PANAMA  
4.220.   We congratulate Israel for its macroeconomic achievements, and in particular for its 
impressive growth in per capita GDP coupled with a high h uman development index and low 
unemployment. It is important, however, to address the social development challenges to the 
country's economic well -being.  
4.221.   Israel and Panama maintain close ties which are reflected in various forms of international 
cooperatio n, added to which they have had an active trade promotion agreement since 2010. 
Panama is an importer of iron greenhouses and electronic medical and communications equipment, 
and an exporter of wood and other raw materials to Israel.  
4.222.   In order to enhance th is trade relationship, on 17 May of this year the two countries also 
signed a free trade agreement which is currently in the process of rectification in the respective 
assemblies. We hope that this agreement will result in a significant increase in trade t o the benefit 
of both countries.  
4.223.   Israel has managed to considerably diversify its economy, with important achievements in 
the development of technology, and more specifically software, communication equipment, medical 
equipment and irrigation equipment. It  has also developed robust financial services, logistics and 
tourism sectors. When it comes to innovation, Israel is an example to be followed: it is the country 
with the highest level of investment in terms of percentage of GDP.  
4.224.   In agriculture, considerab le progress has been made in transforming areas that were 
previously unsuited for production, at great cost to the country. We urge Israel to stick to its AMS 
commitments and devote more attention to agricultural export subsidies.  
4.225.   We commend Israel for its  participation in groups such as the MSMEs and e -commerce, and 
for its active role in organizing various expert groups. We hope that it will continue to participate WT/TPR/M/37 6 • Israel  
 
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  more and more actively in the technology transfer, e -commerce, services, and agricultural 
development areas. Its contributions will be of considerable benefit to the WTO and the development 
of our discussions.  
4.226.   We wish Israel every success in this review and would like to highlight the admirable work 
of its delegation in Geneva.  
PERU  
4.227.   Thanks to this review, Peru has learned with satisfaction of Israel's different successes in the 
economic field during the review period, in particular its sustained growth, its openness and its 
participation in international trade and investment, its deve lopment of innovation, etc. We also 
welcome Israel's efforts to fulfil its WTO commitments and the very active participation of Israel's 
WTO delegation.  
4.228.   Peru and Israel maintain good relations, and in that context, trade between the two countries 
has conti nued to grow over a period of many years, reaching the USD 100 million mark. Peru has a 
trade deficit with Israel which has grown over the past five years. Nevertheless, Peru's exports of 
non-traditional products are an important part of its total exports to Israel. We are continuing to 
work with Israel to increase our exports and strengthen our trade relations. We note that up to 2016, 
Peru and Israel had been negotiating a Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA), and we hope to resume 
the negotiations soon. Fi nally, we would like to echo other delegations in stressing the importance 
of eliminating Israeli agricultural export subsidies as quickly as possible to ensure a level playing 
field in international agricultural trade.  
4.229.   My delegation raised a number of sp ecific questions for this Review, and it remains for me 
to commend the Government of Israel once again for its impressive economic results and wish it 
every success in its future development and in this Review.  
TOGO  
4.230.   This trade policy review of Israel helps  us to understand not only Israel's economic situation 
since the last trade policy review in 2012, but also, and above all, Israel's ambitions for its economy 
in the future.  
4.231.   According to Israeli statistics, in 2013, Togo was Israel's second trading partne r in Africa 
after South  Africa. Economic and trade relations between our two countries have continued to grow 
stronger over the years. In 2015, Togolese imports totalled slightly more than USD 3 million. 
Although they fell sharply in 2016 (more than 42%), they recovered in 2017 and rose by 10%.  
4.232.   While the figures for exports over the past few years are fairly low, they increased from 
USD 14,000 in 2015 to USD 178,000 in 2016, in other words by 1,171%.  
4.233.   The trade balance may still favour Israel, but the fact r emains that the deficit has decreased 
over the past two years and could continue to do so if the trade potential and market access 
possibilities between our two countries are fully exploited.  
4.234.   According to the Secretariat report, since Israel's last trade p olicy review its economy has 
achieved positive results, with a 3.3 average annual increase in GDP from 2012 to 2017. There were 
significant improvements in the labour market as well, with a notable decrease in the rate of 
unemployment and an increase in th e participation rate. In 2017, per capita GDP was USD  40,000, 
which, according to IMF statistics, meant that Israel ranked 22nd in the world.  
4.235.   Growth was driven primarily by private consumption and domestic investment, and while 
trade is very important to the economy, the trade (goods and services) to GDP ratio declined from 
72% in 2012 to 57% in 2017. However, in spite of a decline in the value of imports and exports of 
goods in 2012 -2016, the total value of trade (goods and services) in nominal terms incr eased thanks 
to a sharp growth in services exports and a more modest growth in services imports.  
4.236.   Israel's external position remains strong, with a current account surplus in every year of the 
review period and comfortable reserves, against the background of an appreciating national WT/TPR/M/376 • Israel  
 
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  currency. Its trade balance is generally in surplus, exports having reached USD 102.3 billion in 2017 
compared to imports of USD  96.7 billion.  
4.237.   In conclusion, Togo would like to congratulate Israel for the various initiatives it  has 
undertaken to liberalize its trade, a guarantee of improved living conditions for its population, and 
we wish it every success in its trade policy review.  
  WT/TPR/M/37 6 • Israel  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF ISRAEL  AND ADDITIONAL COMM ENTS  
5.1.  I wish to thank all Members for their interest, comments, questions, kind words and in some 
instances, challenging remarks on our trade policies.  
5.2.  Special thanks to the d iscussant, Ambassador Roberto Zapata , for your efforts and insightful 
contributions.  
5.3.  Thank you Ambassador Eloi Laourou for your contributions and for the efficient manner you 
handled the discussions.  
5.4.  I also would like to thank the Secretariat for the organization of the meeting and for their hard 
work throughout this whole process.  
5.5.  Israel recognizes the importance and value of the TPR — not only does it enhance transparency 
within the MTS, but it also helps build trust between Members as well as facilitate and foster trade.  
5.6.  We took careful note of all statements made on Tuesday. They provided an informed 
assessment of o ur participation in the WTO, of our trade policy and our bilateral relations.  
5.7.   Israel received nearly 300 written questions. We have already answered all the questions 
submitted within the deadline.  
5.8.  After the deadline and during the meeting, we received a dditional questions to which we have 
started sending responses.  
5.9.  We will complete responding to the rest of them as soon as possible, within the one -month 
deadline. And in this sense, I would like to thank again my team for working very hard the past 
coupl e of days to answer some of the questions that have been raised by Members.  
5.10.   With reference to Tuesday 's meeting, let me comment on some of the main issues raised by 
Members.  
5.11.   I would like to begin by addressing the comments made by several Members concernin g 
Israel 's agricultural trade policy.  
5.12.   Members highlighted the high tariffs on imports of agricultural products and the gap between 
applied and bound rates.  
5.13.   It is true that relatively high tariffs are imposed o n certain agricultural products. H owever , 
the support that Israel provides to its farming sector is relatively limited.  
5.14.   As a result, tariffs are used as the main policy tool to support and protect a sector that 
contributes to the country 's important interests in several aspects including food securit y, rural 
development, protection of green spaces and allowing farming activity under harsh conditions.  
5.15.   It is important to note that Israel is a net food importing country. Import of food and 
agricultural products increased from US$2.7 billion in 2006 to U S$6.1 billion in 2017 whereas exports 
of these products increased from US$1.5 billion to only US$2.2 billion.  
5.16.   Bound tariffs in Israel 's schedule are the result of ceiling bindings used by Israel in the 
Uruguay Round.  
5.17.   However, applied agricultural tariffs on most of the imports to Israel are much lower than the 
bound ones.  
5.18.   This import policy expands trade and allows market access opportunities beyond Israel 's 
commitments.  WT/TPR/M/376 • Israel  
 
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  5.19.   Israel reviews its policy periodically, lowering the applied tariffs or increasing v oluntary TRQs 
whenever deemed necessary.  
5.20.   This has been the case for beef, yogurt, butter, cream, semi -hard cheese, different types of 
fish and olive oil.  
5.21.   We conclu de this topic  by thanking Members for acknowledging Israel 's unique contribution 
in innovat ion and agro -technology as well as commending us in changing our schedule on export 
subsidies for agricultural products.  
5.22.   Let me turn to transparency, which Israel believes is one of t he pillars of the work in this 
Organization.  
5.23.   We have a good record regar ding our notifications, as pointed out by several Members and as 
evide nced by our complete record in agriculture and anti -dumping semi -annual notifications.  
5.24.   In addition, Israel recently submitted its notifications on STEs and Subsidies and we are 
currentl y working on completing and submitting our Import Licensing notification and the 
transparency TF notification.  
5.25.   For our SPS notifications, it is worth noting that during the preparation of the Secretariat 
report it was brought to our attention that some TB T notifications might also be relevant to the SPS 
mechanism.  
5.26.   We plan to look into the matter and make the necessary changes moving forward.  
5.27.   Continuing with transparency and specifically that related to Tariff Rate Quotas, the 
information is published on the Ministry of Economy and Industry and the Ministry of Agriculture and 
Rural Development 's websites.  
5.28.   Several Members asked about the applied rates exceeding Israel 's bound rates.  
5.29.   We are currently reviewing these tariff lines and we will make the necessary adjustments as 
soon as possible.  
5.30.   Another theme with great deal of interest was Israel 's innovation ecosystem and digital health.  
5.31.   We are always happy to share information and best practices on these topics, and we have 
done so in various committe es at the WTO and other organizations.  
5.32.   In this context, we appreciate the comments made by Members on Israel 's high -level IP 
system.  
5.33.   Israel views Intellectual Property Rights as an important element of its thriving innovation 
ecosystem.  
5.34.   Members also exp ressed some interest in the TAMA mechanism.  
5.35.   In this sense, I believe it is important to clarify that the TAMA mechanism no longer applies 
to alcoholic beverages as we have been phasing out this mechanism in recent years and TAMA 
currently applies to only a couple of products.  
5.36.   It should be noted that as an alternative to TAMA, importers have the option of declaring the 
actual wholesale value of their products.  
5.37.   There was also some interest by Members in Israel 's foreign investment regime.  
5.38.   Let me first stat e that Israel is open to foreign investors and we welcome and encourage 
capital investment across practically all sectors, with some limited exceptions subject to specific 
regulations.  WT/TPR/M/37 6 • Israel  
 
- 36 - 
 
  5.39.   Moreover, we have no specific legislation that requires pre –screening o r approval of 
investments by foreigners in Israel.  
5.40.   Another area of interest for several Members was Israel 's financial sector, which has been 
subject to several reforms since 2012 in order to increase competition in the Israeli market.  
5.41.   The latest reforms  were introduced in 2016 which tackled the regulatory frameworks such as 
non-banking credit institutions and deposits without credit, to name a few.  
5.42.   Israel looks forward to continuing our engagement and work with WTO Members in order to 
promote and guarant ee an effective, open and predic table rules -based trade system. Thank you  
Chair. 
DISCUSSANT  
5.43.   Mr. Chairman, H.E. Ambassador Eloi Laourou (Benin), Mr. Ohad Cohen, Trade Commissioner, 
Head of the Foreign Trade Administration at the Minist ry of Economy (and Hea d of the delegation of 
Israel), H.E.  Ambassador Aviva Raz Shechter , distinguished colleagues.  
5.44.   As we approach the end of our deliberations, let me first highlight the good level of 
engagement shown in this TPR; clearly Israel 's policies are of great interes t to Members. Israel had 
around 300 questions and heard the views of 31 Members on Tuesday and today. The Members 
heard a very detailed presentation from Mr. Cohen on Tuesday about Israel 's economic, trade and 
investment regimes, and also listened to the c omprehensive responses from the Trade Commissioner 
and his team just a few minutes ago. I believe there has been a fruitful exchange of views, and thus 
a successful exercise.  
5.45.   Israel was highly commended for the progress done since its last review, particul arly on its 
sound economic policy, through which it has achieved solid macroeconomic results. Furthermore, 
Members recognized the important role played by its innovation policy as a driver of growth and 
competitiveness. I could not agree more with these as sessments.  
5.46.   In addition, Members described their dynamic bilateral commercial relationship in trade in 
goods, services and investment, which is conducted either in the broader context of the WTO, or 
through bilateral institutional arrangements. In particula r, they highlighted Israel 's distinctive role 
in complementing the value chains and the economies of its trading partners through its innovative 
technological contributions. I am confident the same can be said of its efforts to continue the 
diversification  of its international trade through unilateral measures, and the negotiations of new 
Free Trade Agreements with Colombia, Panama, China, Korea, India, Ukraine, Viet Nam a nd the 
Eurasian Economic Union.  
5.47.   We all noted Israel 's unilateral liberalizations effor ts, and commend Israel 's desire to 
strengthen the multilateral trading system, through continuous participation in WTO initiatives, be 
it fully established ones, like the Government Procurement Agreement, the Information Technology 
Agreement, or new ones, like the initiatives derived from the Buenos Aires joint statement s, which 
include areas such as domestic regulation on trade in services; micro, small and m edium enterprises, 
and e -commerce.  
5.48.   Members also highlighted that additional work could be undertaken in some areas. Indeed, 
although Israel has succeeded in largely opening its economy to international competition for the 
mutual benefit of its businesses, consumers and trading partners, pro ducts in some sectors remain 
highly protected, like in agriculture, or de facto closed, such as retail financial services and 
construction. The sense from several Members is that more can be done in these areas in order to 
enable well -functioning markets. I hope that the recent antitrust reforms, for example, contributes 
to improving the business environment, reducing the cost of living of the population and enhancing 
consumers choices and welfare.  
5.49.   I encourage Israel to pursue further reforming efforts, so  as to be able to witness their 
outcomes in the near future. I am confident that the Israeli dynamic and responsive political system 
will make the necessary adaptations and improvements in order to obtain those policy goals.  WT/TPR/M/376 • Israel  
 
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  5.50.   I trust that Israel 's high -regard to the multilateral trading system and its rules, combined with 
the country 's innovative and entrepreneurial spirit will keep yielding novelties and technological 
advances in multiple sectors, including industrial and digital goods, water management an d health 
care, which will continue to have a positive effect in its growth and development.  
5.51.   I have nothing more but to congratulate Trade Commissioner Cohen, his team, and the 
Mission of Israel in Geneva for the remarkable work done in this review, to wish  them success in 
tackling the cha llenges ahead, and to wish the d elegation of Israel a warm farewell and a  safe trip 
back to its capital. Thank you.  
URUGUAY  
5.52.   Uruguay has friendly and constructive relations with Israel in the various spheres covered by 
our bilateral relations, not only policy, the economy and trade, but also cooperation and culture.  
5.53.   Since Israel's last trade policy review in 2012, political and trade relations between Uruguay 
and Israel have grown stronger.  
5.54.   Bilateral ties between Uruguay and  Israel date back to the creation of the State of Israel in 
1948, and this explains the stability of our trade relations, driven by the trade agreement in the 
framework of MERCOSUR.  
5.55.   In December  2016, The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, Mr Rodolfo N in Novoa, paid an 
official visit to Israel and held a working meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during 
which an Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters was concluded 
between the two countries. This agreement is a sig nificant instrument for bilateral trade facilitation 
and for preventing, investigating, combating and persecuting customs offenses.  
5.56.   With regard to trade, Uruguay's exports to Israel came to USD  157 million in 2017, focusing, 
inter alia, on the following pr oducts: meat and edible offal; preparations of fruit and vegetables; 
electrical machinery and apparatus; and cereals.  
5.57.   Uruguay's imports from Israel totalled USD 18  million in 2017, and focused, inter alia, on the 
following products: machinery and mechanica l appliances; miscellaneous chemical products; and 
electrical machinery and equipment.  
5.58.   Turning to the WTO, Uruguay would like to note that Israel accepted the WTO Trade 
Facilitation Agreement on 8  December  2017 and has submitted a notification regarding Ca tegory  A 
commitments.  
5.59.   Also worth noting is the work done by the Israel's Small and Medium -Size Business Agency of 
the Ministry of the Economy and Industry, which coordinates government assistance to small and 
medium -sized enterprises (SMEs). About 540,000  SMEs employ 60% of Israel's workforce in the 
business sector, and constitute about 99% of all businesses in Israel.  
5.60.   Uruguay congratulates Israel for the work it has done in this field and encourages it to continue 
participating in the WTO's informal workin g group on MSMEs so that we can join forces in working 
towards the successful integration of MSMEs into international trade.  
5.61.   Finally, we would like to reaffirm our interest in continuing to work to achieve a positive 
outcome to the Twelfth WTO Ministerial Conference and to protect the multilateral trading system 
based on predictable, transparent and balanced rules.  
5.62.   Uruguay wishes Israel every success in its fifth trade policy review.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.63.   Let me first thank I srael for the comprehensive overv iew presented last Tuesday and this 
morning of the main developments occurred during the review period.  We also thank Israel for 
replying to our questions.  WT/TPR/M/37 6 • Israel  
 
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  5.64.   The EU is pleased to note that this review has been very useful for better understanding the 
trade p olicy of Israel and hopes that it will take duly into account some of the few challenges 
highlighted by Members.  
5.65.   As mentioned, t he EU appreciates the timely replies provided to our questions.  
5.66.   We have  submitted four follow -up questions related to areas such  as competition, costs and 
time lines for unloading shipments at ports, test certificates, a nd financial sector reforms. We look 
forward to the replies in due course.  
5.67.   In conclusion, the EU would like to thank Israel for its constructive participation in th is 
exercise.  
UNITED  STATES  
5.68.   The delegation of the United States wishes to express its appreciation to Trade Commissioner 
Ohad Cohen for his excellent stewardship of Israel 's Trade Policy R eview. We also want to recognize 
the extensive efforts made by Israel 's Mission and other government officials to respond to the many 
questions posed by Members. Ambassador Zapata, we thank you for your insightful remarks which 
helped guide us through  this review and we greatly appreciate the work of the Secretariat staff i n 
preparing the policy review documents that made these discussions possible.  
5.69.   We appreciate Trade Commissioner Oh ad Cohen 's remarks this morning  acknowledging 
Members ' questions concerning market access for agriculture.  
5.70.   The active participation of Members in this Trade Policy R eview serves to highlight the keen 
interest we all share in trade -related developments in Israel.  
5.71.   In closing, the United States appreciates the opportunity to have participated in this TPR , and 
we offer our sincere congratulations to the entire Israeli delegation for a successful Trade Policy 
Review.  
MR. OHAD  COHEN  (HEAD  OF DELEGATION)  
5.72.   I just want to say that, on a personal not e, as I said on Tuesday, this is my second TPR, I 
believe it will be the last one. S o, I just want to thank all Members, my team and the Mission in 
Geneva head ed by Ambassador Aviva Raz Shechter. I want again to commend Mr. Asi Yosef, who is 
going back to Jerusalem in a month , so I wish him  success and a soft landing in the Holy L and. I 
want to thank Ambassador Zapata and you, Chair, and the Secretariat for the hard work. I hope we 
will meet again  in seven years. Thank you.  
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  This fifth Trade Policy Review of Israel has given us the opportunity to discus s the trade and 
investment policies of Israel and their development since the last review in 2012. I would like to 
thank the head of the Israeli delegation, Mr. Ohad Cohen, the Trade Commissioner in the Ministry 
of Economy and Industry, for his statements and the discussant, Ambassador Roberto Zapata of 
Mexico, for his interesting and perceptive comments. I would also like to thank all delegations for 
their interest in this Review with over 300 questions submitted before the review by 22 delegations , 
and 30  delegations intervening on the first day of our meeting.  
6.2.  Members commended Israel for having taken measures to further liberalize trade over the past 
six years, following protests in 2011 about the high cost of living. Since then, Israel has pursued a 
unilateral process of trade liberalization, notably by eliminating tariffs on many consumer goods. 
Israel is a high -income country with a strong economy and a GDP per capita of over US$40,000. 
During the period under review, economic growth averaged 3.3%, inf lation has been subdued and 
unemployment declined to a historic low of 4.2% in 2017. It was noted that although the value of 
trade in goods declined during the period under review, trade in services grew strongly, particularly 
exports of computer and other  high-tech services. Furthermore, the decline in the value of trade in 
goods was not caused by measures that restrict trade but by the decline in imports of hydrocarbons 
as the Tamar gas field started production in 2013 replacing imports of gas, while Isra eli goods ' 
exports declined for a number of reasons including an appreciating currency.  
6.3.  In addition to exports of services, economic growth has been driven by several factors, 
including Israel 's growing strength in innovation and technology, private consum ption, and domestic 
investment. Many delegations praised Israel 's economic performance and noted that it could be even 
stronger if Israel were to open up further to competition from imports and investments by foreign 
service providers.  
6.4.  Many delegations wer e particularly interested in Israel 's policies concerning high technology 
goods and services and they noted the high level of investment in civilian research and development 
which is consistently over 4% of GDP. Several Members wanted to know more about th e Israel 
Innovation Authority and its role in promoting the high -tech sector which is, in many ways, the basis 
for Israel 's strong performance. As several delegations noted, research and development, not only 
in computers and electronics but also in more t raditional fields like irrigation and chemicals, must 
be backed by a robust legislative framework for the protection of intellectual property rights and the 
enforcement of these rights. However, while recognizing improvements in the law and its 
enforcement , a number of Members encouraged Israel to do more in this regard.  
6.5.  Trade reforms undertaken by Israel over the past six years were noted by many delegations. 
In particular, Israel 's autonomous tariff reductions which reduced the average applied MFN tariff to 
5.2% in 2017 from 7.6% in 2012 with over two -thirds of tariff lines duty free. In addition, Israel is 
currently implementing a programme to reduce the regulatory burden and cut administrative costs 
for imports, and it is in the process of aligning many technical standards to international standards.  
6.6.  Israel 's active role in WTO was praised by Members who noted that Israel had accepted the 
amendment to the TRIPS Agreement, ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement and submitted a 
notification of its Catego ry A commitments, and notified that it would no longer give export subsidies 
for agricultural products after 1 January 2023. Israel is also a party to the expanded ITA and the 
revised Government Procurement Agreement. Some delegations also welcomed Israel 's active 
participation in the ongoing discussions on recent joint initiatives after MC11. Members remarked 
that Israel has signed regional trade agreements with Canada, EFTA, the EU, Jordan, Mexico, 
MERCOSUR, Turkey, and the United States, while new free t rade agreements concluded with 
Colombia and Panama are not yet in force. In addition , the Israeli delegation informed Members that 
Israel is currently engaged in negotiations with China, the Republic  of Korea, India, Ukraine, 
Viet Nam, and the Eurasian Eco nomic Union.  
6.7.  While noting that Israel is largely open to trade and investment and has taken several initiatives 
over the past six years to reduce barriers to trade, Members also highlighted several areas where 
they felt more could be done. In particular, t hey noted that tariffs on some products remain high, 
including on fish and fish products and agriculture in general, but particularly animals and animal 
products, dairy products, and fruits and vegetables. In addition, t he domestic TAMA tax is usually WT/TPR/M/37 6 • Israel  
 
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  based on local prices, which  being higher than import prices is perceived by some delegations as a n 
additional  charge on imports. Furthermore, many high tariffs are either specific duties or in more 
complex forms, the applied tariff on some products is in exce ss of the  tariff bindings, and about 
one-quarter of tariff lines are not bound. In addition to high tariffs, Members also raised concerns 
about import prohibitions on some products, non -automatic licensing on others, and other measures 
which restrict impor ts. 
6.8.  Another area where some delegations felt improvements could be made was in investment. 
Although the investment regime was generally open, there is little competition from foreign 
operators in some areas, such as retail banking, insurance, and construct ion and there are foreign 
ownership restrictions in other areas such as air and maritime transport services, and 
telecommunications and broadcasting.  
6.9.  While Israel was praised for its good record for notifications, particularly for being up -to-date 
with not ifications on domestic support for agriculture, several delegations pointed out that there 
were few SPS notifications while some TBT notifications concerned SPS measures. Furthermore, 
some other notifications are currently outstanding, such as for import l icensing, quantitative 
restrictions, and state trading enterprises.  
6.10.   Israel has answered all questions submitted before the deadline of 3 July. This TPR will be 
successfully concluded when Israel has replied to all outstanding questions submitted before the  
meeting. I am sure Israel has taken note of the points made during this meeting - including those 
comments that suggested more could be done to improve the trade and investment climate for both 
high- and low -tech goods and services.  
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