RESTRICTED  
  
WT/TPR/W/145  
18 April 2018  
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Trade Policy Review Body    
 
* In Original language only/ En langue originale seulement /En el idioma original solamente . 
  
EGYPT 
DRAFT MINUTES  OF THE MEETING* HELD ON 20 AND 22 FEBRUARY 2 018 
Delegations are invited to submit factual corrections, if any, on their own statement to the 
Secretariat ( Mrs Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , or to  tprd@wto.org ) no later 
than 2 May 2018 . 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
 
ÉGYPTE 
PROJET DE COMPTE REN DU DE LA RÉUNION* TENUE LES 20 ET 22 F ÉVRIER 2018  
Les délégations sont invitées à soumettre  leurs éventuelles corrections factuelles concernant leurs 
propres déclarations au Secrétariat ( Mme Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , ou 
tprd@wto.org ) le 2 mai 2018  au plus tard.  
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
 
EGIPTO 
PROYECTO DE ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN* CELEBRADA LOS DÍAS 20 Y 22 DE FEBRERO D E 2018  
Las delegaciones pueden enviar a la Secretaría (Sr a. Barbara Blanquart: 
barbara.blanquart@wto.org , o tprd@wto.org ) a más tardar el 2 de mayo de 2018  las 
correcciones fácticas que deseen introducir en sus propias declaraciones.  
 
 
_______________  
 
  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
 
EGYPT 
DRAFT  MINUTES OF THE MEETI NG 
Chairperson: H.E. Mr. Junichi Ihara (Japan)  
CONTENTS  
 
1   INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ ......................  3 
2   OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE O F EGYPT  ................................ ........  5 
3   STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  ................................ ................................ .............  11 
4   STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S ................................ ................................ ........................  15 
5   REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF EGYPT A ND ADDITIONAL COMMEN TS ...........  57 
6   CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ ........................  64 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by Egypt are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/367/Add.1 and will be available online 
at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The fourth Trade Poli cy Review of Egypt was held on 20 and 22 February 2018. Ambassador 
Juan Carlos González (Colombia), the Chair of the Trade Policy Review Body, was unfortunately 
unable to chair this meeting as he had to leave Geneva for personal reasons. He sent his apolog ies 
to the Egyptian delegation and to all delegations attending the meeting. He asked H.E. Mr. Junichi 
Ihara (Japan) to act on his behalf, as provided for in the TPRB's Rules of Procedure in Paragraph 8. 
H.E. Mr. Junichi Ihara welcomed the delegation of Eg ypt headed by H.E.  Mr. Tarek Kabil, Minister 
of Trade and Industry; the rest of the delegation; and the discussant, H.E. Ambassador Sondang 
Anggraini (Indonesia).He also welcomed the presence in the room of the government officials who 
were participating i n the WTO Advanced Trade Policy Course in English.  
1.2.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of the Trade Policy Reviews and the main elements of 
the procedures for the meeting. The report by Egypt was contained in document WT/TPR/G/367 
and that of the WTO Secr etariat in WT/TPR/S/367.  
1.3.  Questions by the following delegations had been submitted in writing before the deadline: 
India; Oman; Canada; European Union; Switzerland; Colombia; Chile; United States; Japan; 
Indonesia; New Zealand; Australia; Moldova; Ukraine;  Brazil; and China. The following delegations 
submitted written questions after the deadline: Russian Federation; Dominican Republic; Thailand; 
Ecuador; and Malaysia.  
1.4.  During the previous TPR meeting, Members had acknowledged Egypt's macroeconomic and 
structural reform efforts, including the privatization programme and the liberalization of the 
exchange rate regime and had noted that trade had been an important engine for Egypt's 
economic recovery. Nonetheless, while inflation rates had been brought under co ntrol, the fiscal 
deficit had been high, and GDP growth rates had been insufficient to have a significant impact on 
the reduction of poverty and unemployment. Since then and into the current review period, 
Egypt's real GDP had expanded at an annual average  rate of 4.5% during the 2005 -2017 period, 
although growth had begun to decelerate in 2011. The Secretariat's report noted that growth had 
accelerated in recent years on the basis of an expansionary fiscal policy that had led to strong 
consumption and inve stment expenditure, and an economic reform programme had aimed at 
fostering growth.  
1.5.  Both during the previous Trade Policy Review and for this TPR, Members had expressed 
interest in Egypt's regional and bilateral trade agreements. Egypt had several preferen tial trade 
agreements, which had played an increasingly important role in its trade policy. In addition to 
preferential agreements with the European Union, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), 
Turkey and MERCOSUR, Egypt was party to the Pan Arab Fre e Trade Agreement (PAFTA), the 
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the Agadir Agreement. Egypt had 
also benefited from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes of several countries. On 
the other hand, Egypt had offered im proved market access to least developed countries (LDCs). 
Egypt had participated in the Framework Agreement on the Trade Preferences System of the 
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (TPS -OIC), which was still to enter into force. In their advance 
written questions, Members had enquired about these agreements.  
1.6.  At the multilateral level, Egypt had continued to participate actively in the WTO. In June 
2017, Egypt had ratified domestically the Trade Facilitation Agreement, but had still to submit to 
the WTO it s instrument of acceptance of the Agreement. Egypt had notified its category "A" 
commitments, in January 2015, and the authorities were currently working on category "B" and 
"C" commitments. Members had expressed an interest in learning further about this through their 
advance questions.  
1.7.  With regard to trade policy, at the time of the previous review, Members had congratulated 
Egypt for its efforts to reduce the number of tariff lines where applied rates had exceeded the 
corresponding bound rates, and had invited it to bring the remaining lines into conformity with its 
WTO obligations. Various Members had also encouraged Egypt to simplify its tariff structure by, 
inter alia , reducing tariff peaks. The Secretariat's report for this Review indicated that Egyp t's 
simple average applied MFN tariff rate was 19.1% in 2017, slightly down from 20% in 2005, but 
higher than 16.5% in 2012. The Report also noted that the relatively high 51.6% average tariff in 
agriculture reflected tariff peaks for alcohol, which could be as high as 3,000%. Egypt had bound WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  99.3% of its tariff lines, and the simple average bound tariff was 37.2%. In 2017, some 46 lines 
had exceeded their bindings. The Report noted that despite recent reforms, Egypt's tariff system 
remained somewhat comple x, with a number of exemptions, reductions, and concessions.  
1.8.  In the previous TPR, Members had welcomed Egypt's efforts to streamline customs 
procedures, including the implementation of the WTO Agreement on Customs Valuation, but some 
concerns had been expressed about the continued use of customs surcharges and the 
discretionary behaviour of customs officials. During the period under review, Egypt had continued 
its reform process, with a view to making its customs administration more efficient and 
transp arent, by reducing the number of documents required for import and export processes and 
allowing their presentation electronically. As the Secretariat report noted, Egypt's customs regime 
was still based on the Customs Law of 1963 as amended, although a ne w Draft Customs Law was 
currently being examined to incorporate, among others, the amendments needed to implement 
the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the Kyoto Convention.  
1.9.  Other important trade and trade related reform initiatives had been undertaken by E gypt 
during the current review period, notably in the investment regime. In May 2017, a new 
Investment Law had entered into force, and in October 2017, the regulations to implement the law 
had been approved and published in the National Gazette. The new la w and regulations were 
aimed at updating Egypt's investment regime and the incentives schemes to attract more 
investment.  
1.10.   Other issues of interest to Members, included in the advance written questions, were: 
standards and technical regulations; mandatory r egistration and inspection requirements; import 
licensing and restrictions; incentives; enforcement and protection of intellectual property rights; 
local-content requirements; government procurement rules; competition policy; state -owned 
enterprises; SPS m easures; agriculture, including price support and food subsidies; the energy 
regime; and services, notably plans for further privatization and dismantling of MFN exemptions 
and import licensing regime notification.  
1.11.   This meeting would be a good opportunity for Members to discuss in greater detail issues of 
interest to them and of systemic importance to the multilateral trading system. The Chairperson 
looked forward to a fruitful exchange.  
  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE O F EGYPT (H.E.  MR. TAREK KAB IL) 
2.1.  I am honoured to be here today representing Egypt in its 4th Trade Policy Review and I really 
look forward to our productive exchange during the course of this meeting.  
2.2.  Let me start by commending you Mr. Chairman for your efforts in chairing this impo rtant 
Body and for the insightful introductory remarks. Let me also thank sincerely Her Excellency 
Ambassador Sondang Anggraini of the Republic of Indonesia for accepting to be the discussant in 
Egypt's fourth TPR.  
2.3.  I would like as well to extend my appreci ation and thanks to the WTO Secretariat for its 
diligent efforts and excellent collaboration throughout the proceedings of this review and for the 
preparation of the report. Let me also put on record my appreciation to all delegations present 
here today fo r showing interests in Egypt's Trade Policy review through the questions submitted.  
2.4.  As a Member of the World Trade Organization since its establishment in 1995 and earlier as a 
contracting party to the GATT since 1970, Egypt remains committed to the multil ateral trading 
system despite the hard times it has passed through over the past few years.  
2.5.  In this vein, Egypt highly appreciates the opportunity offered by this trade policy review to 
shed some light on the economic developments it has witnessed since it s last TPR in 2005 and 
during a remarkably dynamic transitional period on the national and regional levels.  
2.6.  Since our last Trade Policy Review in 2005, Egypt has undergone an era of foundational and 
rapid changes on both the political and economic fronts. The first period of 2005 -2011, Egypt 
experienced a relatively fast -paced economic growth that mounted to an average of 5 -7% GDP 
growth annually, driven by progressive economic policies and phased reforms . 
2.7.  However, in 2011, and due to the political circumstances which occurred on both national and 
regional level, the Egyptian economy was severely affected, resulting in an outcome of an overall 
decline in all economic activities as well as a massive capital outflight.  
2.8.  In 2015, the Government of Egypt started an ambitious economic reform programme that 
stems from a comprehensive overall National Sustainable Development Strategy (Egypt 2030) 
putting the economic aspect at the very core of its scope and focusing on three main pillars:  
1. Realizing and sustai ning macroeconomic stability.  
2. Advancing structural reforms to sustain a solid recovery.  
3. Enhancing social protection and human development.  
2.9.  In the path to pursuing the first pillar of the programme, Egypt has adopted some difficult yet 
inevitable policy op tions mainly:  
 Reducing the budget deficit : the Government implemented a value -added tax (VAT) as 
part of its reform programme, which aims to increase tax revenues sustainably. The 
Government also took steps to reform expenditures, including notably energy subsidies. 
Resources from the higher VAT and more efficient spending will slow the accumulation of 
public debt, which had been rising rapidly.  
 Flexible exchange rate regime : with the floating of the Egyptian pound, the foreign 
exchange  market normalized, a nd parallel market for foreign currency disappeared. The 
focus of monetary policy is to bring down inflation, which increased severely due to the 
sharp depreciation of the pound and the impact of the energy and tax reforms.  
 Energy subsidy reform : the Gover nment has taken bold steps to reduce energy subsidies, 
which benefit mostly to the rich, and skew production to energy -intensive industries. The 
Government reallocated part of the resources to social spending, including on health and 
education, and for tar geted cash transfers.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  2.10.   To support the home -grown reforms, the Government embarked on an IMF -supported 
program me to restore the stability of its finances, promote growth and employment, while 
shielding the poor from the adverse effects of the changes.  
2.11.   On the second pillar of structural reforms , our main objective was to create a conducive 
environment for the growing businesses, thus a set of legislative refo rms targeting the 
improvement of governance and the investment climate have taken place, mainly:  
 The Civil Service Reform Law , which constitutes a major step towards the institutional 
restructure of the public sector in a manner to increase its productivit y and efficiency; which 
led to decrease of Public sector employees by 6% and Government sector by 12% and 
increase of privet sector workforce to 76%.  
 The new investment law  with the main objective of improving the business climate 
through a series of guara ntees and incentives for national and foreign investors, and which 
was accompanied by reforming a number of investment -related legislations including the 
Companies Law.  
 The Import Registry Law , which simplifies import procedures for foreign companies 
operating in Egypt.  
 The Industrial Licensing law  with the main goal of facilitating the procedures of industrial 
facilities licensing, which resulted in shortening the period needed for licenses issuance from 
634 days to a maximum of one week, noting that it a llows almost 80% of industrial facilities 
to commence their activities within one week of notifying the Egyptian authorities.  
 The Industrial Land Allocation Amendment Law , which organizes and limits the 
mandate for granting industrial land licenses into on e single entity, the Industrial 
Development Authority (IDA), a body under the Ministry of Trade and Industry.  
 The human development and social safety networks constitute an integral pillar of 
Egypt's economic reform programme : the Government of Egypt has a dopted a package 
of social protection/safety net measures to address the adverse effects of some of the 
economic reform measures on the poor and the vulnerable. It has also intensified its effort 
to move away from inefficient and generalized subsidies to m ore efficient and better poverty 
targeted social safety nets.  
2.12.   Furthermore, the Government continues its tireless efforts to enhance the education and 
health systems. In fact, a new Law on a comprehensive health insurance scheme was adopted by 
Parliament la st December.  
2.13.   In tandem with these measures, the Government adopted the "Industry and Trade 
development strategy 2016 -2020"  that revolves around 5 major pillars: Industrial 
Development; Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Entrepreneurship Development; E xports 
Development; Upgrade of Technical and Vocational Education and Training; Governance and 
Institutional Development.  The main goals of this comprehensive strategy are:  
1. Increasing the annual industrial growth rate to 8%.  
2. Increasing the contribution rat e of industrial product to Gross Domestic Product from 18% to 
21%.  
3. Increasing private sector micro, small and medium enterprises sector's contribution to GDP 
by 10%.  
4. Increasing the growth rate of exports to 10% annually while employing 3 million people by 
2020.  
2.14.   To this end, we have adopted a number of measures to attract national and foreign 
investments in the industrial sector in Egypt. Furthermore, we have recently launched the WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  industrial investment map  which includes around 4,800 investment opportunities  available in 
8 different industrial sectors in different areas of Egypt . 
2.15.   The results of our strategy within 2016 -2017 are:  
 Launching 28.5 million square meters of industrial land for new industrial projects.  
 Moving on the right track towards achieving our goal of establishing 22 specialized industrial 
clusters by 2020; we successfully completed Leather and Plastic Cities, moreover launched 
furniture as well as two textile cities.  
 Introducing over 500 ready -made licensed industrial complexes and building 4400 more this 
year for small industry.  
 New 2654 factories were established with an average 3.7 factories per day, reaching total 
investments of 62.4 billion Egyptian pounds while offering 80 thousand direct jo b 
opportunities.  
2.16.   Acknowledging the vital role MSMEs play in the Egyptian economy, the Government 
established the "MSMEs Development Authority"  as an independent body with a mandate to 
lead national MSME policymaking, providing low -cost technical support, including capacity -building, 
sectoral guidance, financial assistance and facilitate access to soft credit.  
2.17.   A new MSME's law is under discussion  in the Cabinet with better definition for SME's and 
strong incentives for informal sector to move to formal one.  
2.18.   In parallel, Egypt executed a set of mega projects,  mainly:  
 The doubling of Suez Canal and establishing Economic Zones along the corridor.  
 Adding 5,000 kms to the road network.  
 Adding 50% of the power generated historically in Egypt in the spend of the last couple of 
years.  
 Building twelve cities in which three of them are large cities, including the new 
Administrative Capital.  
 Building 3 new po rts and upgrading another 3.  
 The launch of Egypt's planned agricultural mega -project; a  new and ambitious plan for the 
reclamation of 1.5 million acres of desert land.  
 Offering 28.5 million square meters of industrial land for investment, 3 times more than  
what we offered from 2007 to 2015.  
 the Golden Triangle project in Southern Egypt, which aims at establishing an economic, 
mining and touristic area on the coast of the Red Sea.  
2.19.   As an outcome of the ongoing economic reforms, the Government of Egypt has rev ised in 
the beginning of 2018 its economic growth forecast for the fiscal year 2017 -18 to be up to 
5.3-5.5% as compared to the previous forecast of 4.8%, resulting in Egypt's outlook for the period 
2020-2024 to reach 6% average real GDP growth.  
2.20.   Moving to E gypt's trade policy, and despite the fact that we are focusing on boosting 
industry, it is our strong belief that international trade remains paramount to our economic 
development and raises the standards of living of our people, thus, our long -term trade policy 
objectives are focused on further integrating into the global economy, enhancing market access at 
the national, bilateral, regional and international levels.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  2.21.   In achieving this, the Government of Egypt created a new national trade promotion 
organizat ion, the Export Development Authority (EDA)  under the Ministry of Trade and 
Industry.  
2.22.   In addition, an export development strategy has been adopted with focus on specific sectors 
which have a competitive edge and high potential.  
2.23.   Egypt has also made huge eff orts to ensure better integration into the world 
economy . According to the WTO statistics, Egypt had a trade (goods and commercial services) to 
GDP ratio of approximately 33.5% in 2016. However, it is our near -term trade policy objective to 
boost this figu re to 45% in 2020 and to reduce our current account deficit to around 3% of GDP.  
2.24.   In this context, Egypt has taken some bold steps with respect to trade in goods , 
tariffs reflected around 1% of fiscal revenues in 2017 and will decline gradually over the lon g run 
in terms of fiscal importance. We have also been committed to the enhancement of trade 
facilitation . 
2.25.   This was evident from Egypt's accession to the World Customs Organization's in 2008. It 
was also most recently reflected in its ratification of the W TO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) 
earlier in 2017 and transposing it into the national Law.  
2.26.   Furthermore, the Government of Egypt has also activated in 2017 a Single Administrative 
Document (SAD) system for import and export processes as a preliminary s tep towards the 
eventual implementation of an electronic single -window system.  
2.27.   This is in addition to extensive capacity -building efforts and investments in strengthening 
the Risk Management systems at Egypt's border conformity assessment body between 2005  and 
2016, which resulted in major improvements in the processing time for several border clearance 
processes.  
2.28.   We have also managed to reduce the number of documents required to implement an 
import transaction into Egypt from 11 documents in 2016 to 6 docu ments in 2017. Similarly, the 
number of documents required to execute an export transaction declined from 9 documents in 
2016 to 5 documents in 2017.  
2.29.   We are aiming to finalize new rules by 2019 that will reduce the number of documents 
required to carry out  import or export transactions to be not more than 3 in total.  
2.30.   Moreover, in the context of the enhancement of the quality infrastructure and the 
competitiveness of Egyptian products, we have continued our efforts to harmonize our technical 
regulations, con formity assessment procedures and SPS measures with international ones. 
Further, the Government of Egypt has worked hard to bring together all of the different national 
bodies involved in matters of food safety, in particular, into a single agency.  
2.31.   This ha s finally resulted in the establishment in 2017 of Egypt's National Food Safety 
Authority (NFSA),  a body which is under transitional functionality in 2017 and which will be fully 
functional by 2019.  
2.32.   On trade in services , there have been some remarkable dev elopments in a number of 
sectors including the increase in the share of foreign banks in Egypt  (foreign -controlled 
banks and branches of foreign banks) increased from 15.4% in 2005 to 27% in 2015. Additionally, 
since 2005, Egypt has issued several licenses  for both 3G and 4G generation network bandwidths 
to both domestic and foreign operators.  
2.33.   Besides, considerable investments have been made since 2005 to develop the Suez Canal 
Economic Zone (SCEZ), and in particular, for logistics, including port -related logistics, 
warehousing, distribution and other services.  
2.34.   A number of national projects have also been carried out from roads to rail to logistics zones 
in order to address some of our more prominent transport bottlenecks, which have driven up the 
cost of trading and distribution and reduced mobility. Egypt is do ing more than fixing WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  problems . We are working to overhaul the entire transportation platform with the ultimate goal of 
positioning Egypt as a major transit and trading corridor for both air and sea transportation.  
2.35.   Egypt also undertook a number of enabling policies to enhance trade performance  
including the establishment of Egypt's Consumer Protection Agency (ECPA) in 2007, the full 
operationalization of the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA), and the establishment of the 
Regulatory Authority on Road Trans port in 2012.  
2.36.   This is in addition to the establishment of Specialized Economic Courts entitled to handle 
cases of economic or commercial nature, the enhanced enforcement of the Intellectual property 
rights law, and enhanced enforcement of environmental law s as well.  
2.37.   On the bilateral and regional fronts,  Egypt recognizes the important role of regional and 
bilateral trade arrangements in enhancing free trade. In this context, I would like to stress that 
African economic integration remains a time -honoured priority for Egypt.  
2.38.   To this end, the Egyptian Gover nment attaches great importance to both the Tri -Partite Free 
Trade Agreement (TFTA) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) negotiations. We are 
also working on deepening the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) 
arrangement. Si milarly, Egypt remains active in deepening the Greater Arab Free Trade Area 
(GAFTA).  
2.39.   As regards the multilateral front,  Egypt acknowledges the vitality of the multilateral 
trading system as an essential stepping -stone towards deeper integration of Developi ng and Least 
Developed Countries into the global economy, and it is with this developmental perspective that 
Egypt engages in almost all discussions and negotiations taking place within the framework of the 
WTO.  
2.40.   Having said that, the Government of Egypt r emains committed to continue working with its 
trading partners towards a strengthened multilateral trading system that remains resilient to the 
changes of the global economy, while maintaining at its heart, the special developmental needs of 
Developing and  Last Developed Members.  
2.41.   Egypt stresses the importance of the active engagement of all the WTO Members  
post our eleventh Ministerial conference held in Buenos Aires last year to ensure achieving a 
win-win outcome for all Members that meets the aspiration o f our people . 
2.42.   Standing among such distinguished gathering today, I would like to conclude my statement 
by referring to the latest report issued by the IMF in January 2018 on the performance of the 
Egyptian economy.  
2.43.   As per the report, GDP growth rate reboun ded from 3.5% in 2015/16 to 4.2% in 2016/17, 
and is projected to strengthen further to 4.8% in 2017/18 and to 6% in the medium term.  
2.44.   The primary fiscal deficit narrowed from 3.5% of GDP in 2015/16 to 1.8% of GDP in 
2016/17, and is projected to turn into a surplus of 0.2% of GDP in 2017/18. In addition, the 
exchange rate has started to stabilize despite the volatility it has displayed in the early days of 
floatation, and inflation is projected to keep on declining until reaching a single digit number by 
2020. 
2.45.   However, we are fully aware of the challenges we are still facing against our strategic 
developmental goals, on the top of which are unemployment and inflation, and it is the approach 
of our Government to address these challenges in the most open, transp arent and inclusive 
manner.  
2.46.   I thank you all for giving me the time and the opportunity to briefly demonstrate Egypt's 
reform efforts and strategic vision.  
2.47.   Let me as well extend my thanks and appreciation for my team on all the efforts they have 
demonstrate d during this review.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  2.48.   Meanwhile, the Egyptian delegation remains fully ready to respond to any further inquiries 
and questions raised by the distinguished participants in this meeting.  
2.49.   Thank you very much Mr. Chairman.  
  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  
3.1.  First o f all, I wish to thank H.E. Tarek Kabil, Minister of Trade and Industry for leading the 
Egyptian delegation in its fourth WTO Trade Policy Review. Your presence in this process, 
accompanied by a strong and impressive delegation representing various Ministr ies and 
Government bodies responsible for national rules making in trade and trade -related issues, 
demonstrates Egypt's commitment, not only to this review process, but also to the WTO broadly.  
3.2.  This is the fourth review process for Egypt since it joined th e WTO twenty -three years ago in 
June 1995. After thirteen years since the last review in 2005, the multilateral trading system is 
here again to interact and discuss trade and trade -related policy concerns with the distinguished 
Egyptian authorities.  
3.3.  It is a privilege to act as discussant for this trade policy review of Egypt, and at the outset, I 
thank the delegation of Egypt for giving me this opportunity.  
3.4.  We recall that the WTO – or the preceding international bodies that aimed to regulate 
international t rade practices – was formed in the spirit to encourage cooperation in trade and to 
ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible, as well as to prevent 
conflicts between Members.  
3.5.  Peace and security issues, and how they become a f actor in altering a Member economy's 
macroeconomic situation, were recently evident in Egypt. Back in 2011, which fall within the time 
period for this review process, the growth of trade decelerated and investment flocked out from 
Egypt as the nation embar ked on a new internal consolidation process.  
3.6.  This socio -political transformation phase has altered Egypt's course of development planning 
and have affected trade -related investment goals. However, Egypt showed much resilient, as the 
Government capitalizes on the challenges being faced in devising reform programmes to balance 
between goals for economic development and economic growth, as well as for market 
liberalization.  
3.7.  Egypt's constant and active participation in the rules -based multilateral system, throu ghout 
the implementation of these reform programmes, are of great importance; especially in ensuring 
that domestic steps being undertaken are WTO consistent. And to that end, it is encouraging to 
see the significant progress Egypt has made in facing this c hallenge.  
3.8.  I'd like to cover four topics in my remarks, as follows: firstly, I will briefly elaborate on 
Egypt's macroeconomic environment; second, I will briefly highlight Egypt's trade and investment 
profile; third, I will briefly touch upon Egypt's participation in multilateral and regional trade 
agreements; and lastly, I will address trade -related reforms.  
Macroeconomic environment  
3.9.  Turning first to Egypt's macroeconomic environment, Egypt has sustained economic growth 
during the period under review although it was interrupted in 2011 -2013.  
3.10.   As highlighted in the Secretariat's report, real GDP expanded at an annual rate of 4.5% over 
the 2005/06 up to 2016/17 periods with a caveat of growth deceleration, in the aftermath of the 
2011 internal political t ransformation, that is growth slowed down to 3.2% over the 
2010/11 -2015/16 period.  
3.11.   In recent years, growth has accelerated again, on the basis of successful Government 
reform programme aimed at stimulating a higher rate of economic growth and improving the  
business environment focused at raising standard of living, poverty alleviation, and reducing 
unemployment.  
3.12.   Going specific into Egypt's reform programmes, I also wish to highlight that over the review 
period, Egypt is putting in place a more liberal mark et economy, despite the strong presence of 
the State in the economy in the near past. For example, the Sustainable Development Strategy WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  (also known as the SDS or the "Egypt Vision 2030") strives towards increasing private sector 
participation in light of p roduction being concentrated amongst large public sector enterprises.  
3.13.   Additionally, in terms of trade policy reform programme, the Egyptian Government has put 
in place the SDS -consistent programme called the Industrial Development Strategy (or the IDS). 
The IDS, which is implemented for five years starting in 2016 up to 2020, aims at making Egypt 
an industrial economy in the MENA region, as well as at making Egypt a main export hub for 
medium -technology manufactured products by 2025 – thus, paving the way f or Egypt to further 
diversify its export base.  
Trade and investment profile  
3.14.   Now let me turn to discussing the trade and investment profile of Egypt. After having 
studied the Secretariat and Government of Egypt reports, I concur that the Egyptian economy is  
highly trade -oriented. And, as we all know now, the services, manufacturing and agriculture 
sectors dominate the Egyptian economy with a share of 55.3%, 17.1%, 11.9% to GDP 
respectively. The main contributor to the services earning is the remittances from  the Egyptians 
working overseas and travel and tourism.  
3.15.   In terms of merchandise export, in 2016, mineral products take up 15.7% share of total 
export; second largest export share goes to vegetables products with 12.5%; and third largest is 
export of precio us stones and metals with 11.8%.  
3.16.   Let's recap; the largest merchandise contribution to total export is one: mineral products 
such as fuel products; two: vegetable products; and three: precious stones and metals. Now let's 
compare this ranking with that in 2011, one: also mineral products, but at twice the percentage 
amount; two: chemicals and textile and textile articles; and three: machinery and electrical 
equipment. Hence, it is apparent that throughout the course of 13 years of this review period, 
Egypt succeeded in diversifying away from exporting mineral/fuel products, into exporting less of 
mineral products and more of food/vegetable products, more of precious stones and more 
machinery and electrical equipment. It shows the successful of the industry a nd trade 
development strategy implemented by the Ministry of Trade and Industry.  
3.17.   And with whom does Egypt engage in merchandise trade? In terms of ranking of export 
destination Egypt's exports go to: one: the EU; two: the United Arab Emirates; three: Saudi  
Arabia; and four: Turkey. In terms of ranking of import origin, Egypt's imports come from: one: 
the EU; two: China; and three: Asian countries.  
3.18.   On tariff policy, based on schedule LXIII (63) Egypt has bound 99.3% of its tariff lines, 
consisting mostly of ad valorem  rates ranging from 0% to 3000% and some non -ad valorem  tariff. 
The average bound tariff is 37.2%, however, average bound tariff for agriculture products are 
96.4% higher compared to non -agriculture products. The Government of Egypt implemented M FN 
Applied Rate lower than its bound rate with a large gap. On 30 November 2016, the Government 
of Egypt introduced a Presidential Decree No. 538/2016 which sets 51.6% average rate for 
agriculture products, with the highest ad valorem  rate applying to cere al and preparation 30.3%. 
However, Egypt's commitments in Trade Agreement with some Members of the WTO have been 
gradually reducing its effective rate of protection and supporting increased trade and FDI.  
3.19.   We now discuss Egypt's services export. Recalling services sector dominates the share in 
GDP, it is logical to conclude that Egypt has been traditionally a net exporter of services. Within 
the services sector, retail distribution (including food and beverages establishment) as well as real 
estate services  have led growth by a substantial margin, underlining the phenomenal five -fold 
increase in the total financial value of consumer spending in Egypt since 2005. However, over the 
13 years of review period, the services balance to the current account has dete riorated 
significantly – leading to current account deficit.  
3.20.   Based on the Secretariat report, we found that Egypt is a relatively active user of trade 
remedy measures and the number of investigation substantially increased. From 2005 to 
June 2017, Egypt ha s initiated 31 AD investigations, 16 of which resulted in the imposition of 
definitive AD duties. During the same period, Egypt initiated 14 safeguard investigations, imposed 
provisional measures in all and final measures only to three products. There are,  however – as in WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  the case for other countries – opportunities for improvement which could avoid activity as 
deterrent to trade.  
3.21.   Investment is the remedy to trade deficit, and the Egyptian Government has been steadfast 
in addressing disincentives to the inf low of investment. There have been important changes to 
Egypt's investment regime since the last TPR. There is the new Investment Law, as well as new 
investment regulations aims at updating Egypt's investment regime and incentives schemes to 
attract more i nvestment – not only from the traditional sources in the EU, the USA, and Arab 
countries, but also from other new sources (both foreign and domestic sources). As a result, FDI 
inflows have been rebounded during 2013 -2016 period even though it is lower than  2005-2007 
figures.  
3.22.   Raising transparency and building market confidence are among Governments' measures to 
support attract its reform programme. FDI inflows in large infrastructure projects, such as the 
Suez Canal Development Project, will surely reinvigor ate the canal's capacity in contributing much 
more to services sector remittances.  
Participation in the multilateral and regional agreements  
3.23.   Over the review period, Egypt has deepened its engagement with the multilateral trading 
system and participated in various FTAs and plurilateral agreements.  
3.24.   Under the WTO, and since the last TPR, Egypt accepted the Protocol amending the TRIPS 
Agreement in April 2008 and entered into force in Egypt in January 2017. In December 2014, 
Egypt notified its category A commitm ents of the TFA; and the Egyptian Parliament approved the 
TFA in June 2017. Egypt has also been active in numerous ministerial conferences in seeking the 
conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda, including through submission of proposals on 
agriculture, N AMA, S&DT, dispute settlement, rules, services, and trade facilitation.  
3.25.   In line with the rules of negotiation, Egypt is actively engaged in the negotiation of rules in 
light of Paragraph 28 of the Doha Declaration: improving the Agreement on Implementation  of 
Article VI off GATT 1994 and on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures.  
3.26.   In addition to its engagement at the multilateral level, Egypt has also focused on 
strengthening regional economic ties with other Arab countries and African countries. Under Agadir  
agreement and Pan Arab Free Trade Area Agreement, the Members have been eliminated import 
duties for goods originating in and coming directly from Arab Countries.  
3.27.   As a member of COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa), Egypt with 
13 other member States eliminated tariff on COMESA originating products as well as implemented 
a monetary harmonization programme to reach a full -fledge monetary union by 2025.  
Trade -related reforms  
3.28.   The Secretariat and Government reports specify in detail a number of trade -related reforms 
that Egypt has undertaken during the review period. In this respect, I wish to highlight a few 
reforms.  
3.29.   The economic dimension of 2030 Sustainable Development provides a clear vision and focus 
on a singular over -arching economic ta rget by 2030. It will help foreign investor to invest by 
enhancing of regulatory and business environment. It is also reforming the energy sector 
(including petroleum, gas and electricity) by improving efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas 
emission.  
3.30.   The investment guarantees and incentives law (Law No. 72/2007) gives exemption to 
producers and exporters in free zones from all inspection and registration procedures as stipulated 
in Decree No. 770/2005 and Law No. 121/1982. Further reforms in outside free Z ones areas will 
improve ease of doing business in Egypt and attract more investors.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  Conclusion  
3.31.   This Trade Policy Review is taking place in the context of a rapidly evolving global economic 
and trade environment, and amidst our joint effort to follow up wit h what were achieved during 
MC-11. 
3.32.   These reforms being undertaken, and the related achievements attained, have significant 
potential to further strengthen Egypt's institutional economic framework. It is very important that 
Egypt keeps implementing these ca refully planned reforms to enhance its integration into the 
multilateral trading system and to build further resilience against future political and economic 
transformation.  
3.33.   Let's see how trade can contribute towards not only raising per capita income, but  also 
countering the trend of rising share of the Egyptian population living under the poverty line and 
reducing the size of the informal economy.  
3.34.   I look forward to listening to Members' views and knowing more about Members' questions 
including follow -up questions. I wish Egypt a successful Trade Policy Review. I thank you Chair.  
  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  4   STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S 
INDIA  
4.1.  During the period under review from 2005 -06 to 2016 -17 the real GDP of Egypt grew at an 
average rate of 4.5%. In this period there have been phases of growth slowing down, however, in 
recent years Egypt has been able to sustain and accelerate the pace of growth. The per capita GDP 
of Egypt has also increased from US$1514 in 2005 -06 to US$3462 in 2015 -16, though it is 
expected to come down to US$2508 i n 2016 -17 due to currency depreciation. Egypt also relies on 
remittances from abroad, Swiss Canal revenues as well as on travel and tourism. The challenges 
for Egypt include addressing poverty, unemployment, fiscal deficit, public debt and diversification 
of the economy.  
4.2.  We commend the Government of Egypt for the various measures it has been taking to 
sustain economic growth and attract investments. These include implementing a reform 
programme, various macroeconomic measures, improving governance and Egypt 's investment 
regime. Under its 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy Egypt has also set an objective to 
elevate from a lower middle -income economy to a higher middle -income economy.  
4.3.  India and Egypt share historic, close and friendly relations and in recen t years there have 
been regular high -level exchanges between both countries. Strengthening of trade and economic 
relations is an important pillar of our bilateral relations. Bilateral trade between both countries 
stood at US$3.23 billion in 2016 -17. There is considerable potential to expand our trade ties in 
areas including textiles, automobiles, minerals, chemical fertilizers, pharmaceuticals and 
agriculture sector. Investments between both countries are also growing with several Indian 
companies operating  in Egypt in areas including textiles, power, specialized chemicals, 
pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, healthcare and auto components. Egyptian companies have 
also invested in India in areas including power equipment, paints and construction industry.  
4.4.  We ha d posed a number of questions to Egypt for the TPR and are thankful for the responses, 
which would be reviewed by our authorities. However, I wish to highlight the following concerns:  
 Indian pharmaceutical companies face procedural difficulties for registr ation of drugs due to 
the complex certification regime in Egypt.  
 Recently, Egypt has imposed a ban on import of three -wheelers from India.  
 New guidelines have been issued for making it mandatory for foreign manufacturers to 
register with Egyptian Organizat ion of Export and Import Control for export of certain items 
which is making exports procedurally difficult and cumbersome for companies.  
 While investments of Indian companies are growing in Egypt many of them are also facing 
difficulties for obtaining wor k permits for professionals due to the restrictions being imposed 
by Egypt.  
 Lastly, in a number of tender floated by Egyptian public -sector companies restrictions have 
been imposed on Indian companies to participate in the bidding process.  
4.5.  We hope that the  authorities in Egypt would look into these issues for constructive resolution 
as they impinge upon our growing economic and important ties.  
4.6.  To conclude, we look forward to working closely with the authorities of Egypt for further 
expanding and harnessing the potential of our trade and investment ties for mutual benefit. We 
wish the delegation of Egypt a productive and successful TPR.  
OMAN  
4.7.  Egypt is a country with a lot of untapped economic potential. It has a relatively large 
population, a highly educated a nd skilled workforce, and a geostrategic location that makes it the 
linchpin linking Africa to Asia. As such, it is no surprise that Egypt is considered to be the most 
important country in the Arab world - and rightly so.  
4.8.  Egypt is located in a region that  is rife with many challenges. It is vital therefore that Egypt, 
as well as other similarly situated developing countries, be given the needed flexibility to liberalize 
trade in accordance with their level of development and economic needs. Egypt's economi c 
stability remains essential to ensure the stability of the region as a whole  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  4.9.  We are pleased to note that Egypt's economy has, on the whole, performed well since its last 
review in 2005 - its GDP having grown at an annual average rate of 4.5%, despite a challenging 
environment. This is due in large part to Egypt's success in diversifying its economy, which has 
helped Egypt in confronting the challenges of the political events that ensued in 2011. We 
commend Egypt's policies that have gone a long way in fu rthering economic diversification.  
4.10.   On the bilateral front, Omani -Egyptian relations date back to ancient history – 
archaeological research indicates that trade between the two peoples goes as far back as three 
millennia, where evidence suggests that Omanis  used to export the precious frankincense to the 
Egyptian Pharaohs who required it for the embalmment process. Oman and Egypt continue to 
share cultural, political and trade relations at a very high level. Egypt is an important trading 
partner for Oman. As  recently as two weeks ago, the President Abdulfatah Al -Sisi visited Oman 
accompanied by a high level delegation. During this visit the two sides discussed means to 
enhance cooperation in various areas, including in trade and investment. Although the total  value 
of bilateral trade over the past few years has remained fairly static, we expect it to grow in the 
near future.  
4.11.   The delegation of Oman compliments Egypt on its commitment to the multilateral trading 
system, which it considers to be an important fea ture of its overall trade and investment policy. 
Egypt supports an open, fair and rules -based trading system and is an active participant in 
negotiations. Egyptian delegates in Geneva contribute actively in the regular work of the WTO and 
regularly chair W TO Committees. Egypt is an important and active member of the Arab League 
and the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA).  
4.12.   We note that according to the Secretariat Report, Egypt has since its last review in 2005 
implemented a number of changes to its tariff system that have resulted in tariff cuts and 
reduction in the number of tariff bands. The report indicates that this trend was reversed in 2011 
and that a number of import tariffs have increased since. Particularly because of the economic 
challenges that a rose in the aftermath of the political events that took place during that year. The 
report further indicates that, as a result, in 2017 some applied MFN rates exceeded their bindings. 
Oman sympathizes with the challenges that Egypt had to go through, and c ontinues to go through, 
and understands that these are exceptional circumstances. We therefore encourage others to show 
their understanding in this regard as well.  
4.13.   In closing, the delegation of Oman wishes the delegation of Egypt a very successful Trade 
Policy Review.  
CANADA  
4.14.   Canada is pleased to participate in Egypt's fourth WTO trade policy review and extends a 
warm welcome to Minister Kabil and the entire delegation from Cairo.  
4.15.   I would like to begin by applauding Egypt on the results of its economic refor m efforts 
initiated in 2014. Since then, Egypt's GDP per capita has almost doubled, the fiscal deficit has 
relatively declined, and balance -of-payments and foreign currency reserves have begun to 
improve. Egypt's commitment to implementing these economic r eforms has enabled trade to hold 
steady amidst a difficult political and security environment.  
4.16.   As a trade -oriented economy, Egypt's commitment to the multilateral trading system and 
the importance it puts on increased participation in regional and prefere ntial trade agreements are 
well noted. Canada appreciates that Egypt actively pursues its interests in WTO negotiations and 
often plays an important role as a representative of regional and like -minded partners. In this 
regard, we urge Egypt to join and br ing its perspective to discussions on some of the issues raised 
at the Eleventh Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires, namely on Micro, Small and Medium -Sized 
Enterprises, on Trade and Women's Economic Empowerment, and on E -Commerce.  
4.17.   Canadian -Egyptian co mmercial relations are broad in scope and our two -way trade has been 
relatively stable over the last five years, with two -way trading reaching $1.3 billion in 2016. 
Canada has sizable investments in Egypt in the field of petrochemicals and oil and gas, wit h the 
potential for growth in several other sectors, given improvements in the Egyptian economy.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  4.18.   Egypt's prime location, its large low -cost labour force and its strong productivity growth are 
factors working in its favour. Canada welcomes changes made to E gypt's investment regime which 
provides incentives and preferential import duty rates, and efforts to make its customs 
administration more efficient and transparent. However, despite Egypt's recent, more favourable 
economic outlook, Egypt still faces many challenges. Future economic growth and stability will 
depend on a number of conditions, such as a lasting commitment to instituting economic reforms, 
including making relevant laws business friendly, making major improvements to institutional 
effectiveness  and the development of a more effective commercial legal system. This is why it is 
imperative that the aggressive reform program in Egypt must continue.  
4.19.   To build on recent success, Egypt will need to maintain prudent macroeconomic policies and 
broaden it s growth -enhancing reforms. Indeed, further recovery of economic sectors and tourism 
revenues in particular should help Egypt's deficit and hard currency reserves. In addition, Egypt 
needs to continue to expand and diversify its economy, attract more forei gn investment and 
improve confidence through greater transparency and predictability in its economic environment. 
Allow me to highlight specific areas that will contribute to Egypt's economic success through 
enhanced trade and investment:  
4.20.   First, Egypt's r anking of 128 in the World Bank's 2018 Ease of Doing Business rankings 
suggests that there is significant room for improvement on the predictability and transparency of 
regulations and business processes in Egypt. Indeed, Canadian companies continually not e that 
the business environment in Egypt remains a challenge. Improving its business climate would help 
Egypt increase foreign investment and growth opportunities.  
4.21.   Second, Canada encourages Egypt to improve its procurement process in order to make 
informa tion more accessible and provide clear guidelines for the decision -making process. 
Transparent, rules -based reasoning for cancelling tenders would also help to improve openness 
and predictability in Egypt's business climate.  
4.22.   Third, while Egypt has taken s teps to reduce monopolistic practices, the Egyptian State and 
large public sector enterprises, most notably the military, still have a strong presence in the 
economy. This indirect monopoly may lead to a suboptimal allocation of resources and risk 
crowding  out dynamic elements within the public sector. Egypt would benefit from adopting a more 
market -oriented approach.  
4.23.   Fourth, in terms of steps that can be taken at the WTO, Egypt is encouraged to bring its 
trade defence legislation into conformity with WTO A greements. We also encourage Egypt to join 
the Agreement on Government Procurement and to reconsider the suggested 15% preference for 
Egyptian bidders which might lead to inefficiencies. We also encourage Egypt to ratify and 
implement the Agreement on Trad e Facilitation. In addition, we would like hear more about 
Egypt's plans to simply its tariff regime.  
4.24.   Fifth, Egypt has taken a variety of measures to address corruption and reduce its 
devastating impact on the economy. We commend Egypt for these efforts, b ut we note that Egypt 
still ranks 108th out of 176 in Transparency International's 2016 Corruption Perceptions Index. We 
welcome Egypt's continuing efforts in combatting corruption.  
4.25.   In conclusion, Canada expects that Egypt's continued implementation of im proved trade and 
economic policies, including in the five areas mentioned above, will be most fruitful. Canada 
wishes Egypt the best of luck as it continues with its laudable efforts towards economic reform and 
we look forward to reviewing Egypt's response s to the advance written questions we submitted.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.26.   The EU wishes firstly to commend Egypt's resilience in spite of a troubled and challenging 
regional context. The EU acknowledges that Egypt is going through significant domestic 
challenges; ne vertheless, Egypt has showed continued commitment towards the multilateral 
trading system, balancing the internal and exogenous shocks.  
4.27.   Egypt has demonstrated this commitment through deep economic reform to enable it to 
harness international trade as a le ver for growth. These reforms included cutting subsidies, WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  floating the national currency and significant investment in infrastructure. Changes were also 
made to improve the business climate in order to attract investment.  
4.28.   Today, Egypt's projected growth r ate is very positive although high unemployment persists 
and poverty alleviation remains a primary concern. In order to preserve this overall positive 
trajectory and begin to resolve these systemic problems, the EU encourages Egypt to continue to 
implement  deep and lasting economic reform and fully supports Egypt's objectives to foster a more 
participatory role of the private sector in the economy, to diversify exports and to stimulate 
investment.  
4.29.   At the bilateral level, the EU and Egypt enjoy a free trade  area through our Association 
Agreement and the EU is Egypt's primary import and export partner. Since the coming into force of 
the Agreement, EU -Egypt trade more than doubled from €11.8 billion in 2004 to €27.3 billion in 
2016. Egypt is also engaged in re gional negotiations and collaboration elsewhere, including 
deepening the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) arrangement as well as 
the Greater Arab Free Trade Area.  
4.30.   Despite these decidedly positive aspects, the EU considers that Egypt s hould invest further 
in certain areas to enhance its trading environment.  
4.31.   The issues raised in our written questions are confirmed by EU operators as obstacles to 
trade. Today, I will list only some of them.  
4.32.   Firstly, the EU notes with concern that Decree  43/2016 has made imports of twenty -four 
categories of goods more difficult, in that (inter alia), shipments must come from registered 
manufacturers or trademark owners. Registration is an onerous process, and comes in addition to 
the requirement of compul sory pre -shipment inspection. While the EU understands that these 
measures were implemented in the midst of serious foreign currency shortages, foreign currency 
levels are now at their record high, covering 8 months of imports. In the spirit of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement, the EU thus expects that these measures will be lifted.  
4.33.   Indeed, the EU welcomes Egypt's ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the 
activation of the Single Administrative Document system. Furthermore, the EU also recogn izes 
Egypt's continuous efforts towards reducing the documentary burden on businesses in this 
context. Nevertheless, we note that the Category A commitments cover only 20.1% of all 
commitments under the TFA. In this respect, the EU would invite the Governm ent of Egypt to 
re-visit those commitments.  
4.34.   Secondly, the EU considers that aligning SPS requirements to international standards and 
minimising their restrictiveness is a key prerequisite to improving Egypt's trading environment; 
this is why we have reque sted clarifications on a number of SPS measures, relating to (inter alia) 
moisture levels in wheat and yeast levels in cheese, avian influenza measures for day -old chicks 
and reference country lists for infant milk.  
4.35.   Thirdly, although Egypt has taken certa in steps to improve the efficiency and transparency 
of its customs administration, the EU believes that further action is required to remove the 
remaining hurdles. Notably, the EU would encourage improving certain customs procedures, in 
particular the requ irement to send certain customs documents through banks, and to avoid that 
the vast majority of imports are still processed through the more cumbersome "red channel". 
These examples tend to negate Egypt's efforts elsewhere to simplify the customs process.   
4.36.   Finally, the EU appreciates the efforts Egypt has made to update its notifications as part of 
the present review and would encourage Egypt to continue doing it on a constant basis.  
4.37.   On behalf of the EU, I look forward to a constructive exchange of views during this review. I 
wish the Egyptian delegation every success during its Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  SWITZERLAND  
4.38.   It is of course difficult to embark on reforms without having stabilized a volatile situation 
first. Stabilization has therefore been at the fore front of Egyptian economic policy efforts. Indeed, 
the pernicious predicament of what is commonly known as "twin deficit" is being addressed head 
on by the Egyptian authorities. The recent floating of the currency and a fiscal consolidation 
programme will certainly help reduce both the current account and the budget deficit.  
4.39.   Spreads in the financial markets have already come down which is always a good indicator 
of a successful stabilization policy. This achievement should provide the necessary breathing s pace 
to harness the forces needed for long -term economic reform.  
4.40.   Egypt's reform plans are comprehensive and far -reaching. Two of their aspects have in 
particular caught the attention of the Swiss delegation. One is the industrial policy to turn Egypt 
into a primary export base for medium -technology industrial goods. The other is the revision of the 
Egyptian public procurement law to catch up with best international practices.  
4.41.   Turning to the industrial policy first, it seems to us that experience in many c ountries shows 
that any such undertaking harbours the temptation of favouring certain industrial sectors at the 
expense of others. This in order to nurture national champions. Unfortunately, preferential 
treatment of this kind often does not yield the desi red outcome. A more promising approach would 
probably entail the creation of propitious overall conditions in which business in general may 
flourish. Having looked at Egypt's near -term industrial vision, we get the impression that Egyptian 
economic policy is providing incentives to a wide range of operators. Still, the process appears 
selective.  
4.42.   Now the excellent report drawn up by the secretariat demonstrates that – when it comes to 
public procurement – public tenders are open to both Egyptian and foreign  suppliers, even though 
a 15 % price preference may be granted to Egyptian products. We welcome the announcement of 
the Egyptian authorities to introduce new procurement methods in line with modern practice. We 
encourage Egypt to underpin such a reform by considering participating in the GPA.  
4.43.   Government procurement is of special interest not least on account of the preponderant role 
still played by the state in the Egyptian economy. We commend the government of Egypt for 
envisaging more participation of the  private sector. Indeed, we feel that a general rollback of the 
frontiers of the state could give Egypt's trade perspectives a positive boost.  
4.44.   Egypt is an important trading and investment partner for many members of the WTO. Yet 
there is much trade potent ial, which remains untapped. Doing business with Egypt is in many ways 
encumbered by excessive red tape and a lack of transparency.  
4.45.   Recently issued decrees appear to compound the problem. These decrees have on the one 
hand brought about an increase of MFN  applied tariffs of up to 60 % on certain items. Moreover, 
imports of a plethora of products are now subject to an additional and burdensome registration 
requirement. We also noted that some applied tariffs exceed bound rates.  
4.46.   Such policies can make it mo re difficult for Egypt to become integrated into regional or 
global value chains. They may make it more difficult for much needed products or input materials 
to enter the local economy where they might contribute to value -added transformation or become 
a competitive re -export item.  
4.47.   We have submitted a couple of questions in writing as we remain concerned about the 
stringent quality and registration requirements introduced by Decree No. 43/2016. The responses 
given to our queries allay some of our misgivings . We thank Egypt for making extra efforts to add 
clarity to a hitherto rather opaque implementation of the requirement for exporters to be 
registered with the GOEIC. A publicly accessible database of registered companies would no doubt 
provide the highest degree of transparency. Further improvements in customs clearance and 
release times – as announced by Egypt - would also be welcome.  
4.48.   For we value Egypt as a precious trading partner. The free trade agreement, which we 
concluded with Egypt together with ou r partners of EFTA, constitutes a landmark in our bilateral WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  trade relations. We are pleased to buttress the implementation of the agreement with a series of 
trade supporting seminars to enable Egyptian operators to reap more fully the benefits of this vita l 
trade liberalization enterprise.  
4.49.   In concluding, we wish the distinguished delegation of Egypt a very successful outcome of 
this trade policy review.   
COLOMBIA  
4.50.   Colombia y Egipto mantienen relaciones diplomáticas desde 1947 y desde entonces hemos 
mantenid o una relación comercial bastante amistosa. Históricamente los montos de intercambio no 
han sido muy altos, pero el comercio bilateral es bastante dinámico y diverso. Por ejemplo, en 
2016 y 2017 primaron las exportaciones no minero -energéticas de Colombia hacia Egipto y 
productos como "partes de maquinaria destinadas exclusiva o principalmente a las máquinas de 
sondeo o perforación" y "tubos de perforación de hierro o acero" comparten espacio junto a 
productos más tradicionales como el café sin tostar, las gelatinas y sus derivados, y los plátanos y 
bananos.  
4.51.   A partir del informe de la Secretaría se observa una tendencia positiva en el desarrollo de la 
economía egipcia. Por ejemplo, el PIB per cápita se elevó de 1.514 dólares EE.UU. en 2005 -2006 a 
3.462 dólares EE.UU. en 2015 -2016, aunque tuvo una caída signifi cativa durante el último año 
atribuible a la depreciación de la libra egipcia. Entendemos que la caída en este indicador durante 
el último año es atribuible a la depreciación de la libra egipcia debido al nuevo régimen cambiario 
de flotación de la moneda. Creemos importante resaltar este nuevo régimen cambiario que 
facilitará continuar en la senda de crecimiento.  
4.52.   Egipto ha mantenido una alta tasa promedio de crecimiento de su PIB, alcanzando el 4,5% 
durante el periodo 2016 -2017, e incluso durante épocas más  difíciles nunca disminuyó del 3,5%. 
La diversificación económica es admirable, y es de resaltar como el sector servicios prima en 
cuanto a su participación en el PIB con un 55,3% durante el periodo 2015 -2016, mientras que la 
participación de las manufactu ras fue de 17,1% y la agricultura fue del 11,9% durante el mismo 
periodo. También es destacable la diversidad en las exportaciones, y aunque priman los 
combustibles minerales, otros productos como las hortalizas, las piedras y metales preciosos, 
productos químicos, y los textiles también tienen una destacada participación.  
4.53.   Hacia adelante, como muchos otros países en desarrollo, Egipto enfrenta los retos de 
disminuir el desempleo y la pobreza. Para este fin, el reporte destaca esfuerzos que adelanta el 
Gobie rno como importantes programas de protección social y redes de seguridad, así como una 
Estrategia de Desarrollo de una Agricultura Sostenible (2030) con lo que se espera mejorar el nivel 
de vida en todas las regiones. Adicionalmente, el Informe señala una alta participación del sector 
informal dentro de la economía, especialmente como empleador de la población joven. La 
formalización de la economía es un reto que enfrentamos muchos países en desarrollo sobre el 
cual vale la pena compartir experiencias exito sas en la materia.  
4.54.   Egipto participa activamente en la OMC. Hace parte del Acuerdo sobre el Comercio de 
Aeronaves Civiles, del ATI, y ratificó el Acuerdo de Facilitación. Destacamos el esfuerzo realizado 
para presentar notificaciones en diferentes áreas, in cluyendo 227 notificaciones de OTC y 80 de 
MSF. Alentamos a Egipto a continuar este esfuerzo de transparencia extendiéndolo a lo relativo el 
régimen de licencias de importación.  
4.55.   El informe de la Secretaría destaca la creciente importancia que tienen para E gipto los 
acuerdos comerciales preferenciales, suscritos y en negociación. Es de interés conocer las 
perspectivas futuras en esta materia, particularmente con relación a nuevas prioridades 
comerciales y cobertura temática.  
4.56.   Notamos con interés el énfasis gu bernamental en motivar una mayor participación de la 
empresa privada que se ve reflejada en su nueva Ley de Inversión. Adicionalmente, el informe 
señala las reformas que trajo la Ley n° 72/17 y su reglamento que van desde incentivos en forma 
de deducciones , derechos preferenciales de importación, exenciones impositivas, entre otras.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  4.57.   El informe resalta también el interés del Gobierno egipcio por promover el uso de Zonas 
Francas que privilegian el componente exportador para otorgar beneficios. Creemos importa nte 
profundizar sobre la aplicación de estos beneficios en el marco de los compromisos multilaterales.  
4.58.   Colombia ha formulado preguntas sobre la evolución económica reciente de Egipto, sus 
acuerdos comerciales internacionales, su régimen de inversiones, su estructura arancelaria, y sus 
procedimientos aduaneros, temas de marcada relevancia para la Organización. Un asunto de 
interés para Colombia es la lucha y prevención del comercio ilícito. El informe de la Secretaría 
señala que la Autoridad de Aduanas de Eg ipto adelanta actividades orientadas a promover el 
comercio legítimo y luchar contra el comercio ilegal que consideramos sería importante compartir 
con los demás Miembros.  
4.59.   Deseo finalizar deseándole a Egipto el mayor de los éxitos en su Examen de política 
comercial y animamos al Embajador Youssef y al equipo de su Misión a continuar su rol activo al 
interior de la OMC en pro de un mejor y más incluyente funcionamiento del sistema multilateral de 
comercio.  
CHILE  
4.60.   Chile recibe con especial interés la realización del cuarto Examen de Política Comercial de 
Egipto. Las relaciones bilaterales formales entre Chile y Egipto se  iniciaron hace más de 80 años. 
Es un vínculo que históricamente se ha caracterizado por su espe cial estabilidad, ausencia de 
asuntos controvertidos y estrecha cooperación en los foros internacionales.  
4.61.   Para este ejercicio de Examen de Política Comercial, Chile ha formulado 15 preguntas, en 
áreas como: salvaguardias, inversiones, servicios (telecomun icaciones, postales y transporte 
aéreo), prohibiciones y requisitos a la importación, asuntos sanitarios y fitosanitarios, entre otros. 
Agradecemos profundamente las respuestas a dichas consultas.  
4.62.   En lo que respecta a las relaciones comerciales, Chile y E gipto han desarrollado un 
importante vínculo, cuyo último hito ha sido la firma del Memorándum de Entendimiento sobre 
Cooperación Comercial, suscrito en El Cairo el 28 de marzo de 2017, el que permitió articular la 
relación bilateral sobre la base de las n ecesidades y desafíos actuales. La primera reunión del 
Comité de Comercio, creado al amparo de dicho Memorándum, tuvo lugar en diciembre de 2017 
en Santiago de Chile, donde las autoridades de ambas partes acordaron trabajar en áreas tales 
como: promoción d e exportaciones e inversiones, requisitos sanitarios, innovación agrícola, y 
energías limpias, entre otras. Todo ello con miras a alcanzar un Plan de Acción para fortalecer la 
relación económica comercial y a la vez promover el acercamiento entre el sector  privado de 
ambas partes.  
4.63.   Destacamos además que en el plano regional, Egipto es uno de los dos países africanos 
Observadores de la Alianza del Pacífico, donde ha manifestado especial interés en desarrollar 
actividades de cooperación en materia de agricult ura y pesca, medicina, energía, cambio climático 
y turismo. Esperamos que tal vinculación se desarrolle durante los próximos años.   
4.64.   La relación comercial entre Chile y Egipto se enmarca dentro de las reglas de la OMC, 
puesto que a la fecha ningún acuerdo preferencial regula nuestro vínculo en este ámbito.  
4.65.   Aun así, el intercambio con Egipto es importante y va adquiriendo dinamismo, 
especialmente dentro del continente africano y países del medio oriente. El comercio bilateral 
entre Chile y Egipto tuvo una e xpansión a una tasa promedio anual de 1,6% durante el periodo 
2011-2016. Las exportaciones a Egipto durante el periodo se han incrementado en un 23%. Entre 
los principales productos exportados a Egipto destacan: cátodos de cobre, madera, ciruelas secas, 
fungicidas, entre otros. En relación a las importaciones provenientes de Egipto, en el año 2016 
sufrieron una contracción de un 24% respecto al 2011, que deberíamos revertir para mutuo 
beneficio. Los principales productos importados por Chile desde Egipto so n: alfombras, pantalones, 
habas, camisetas, entre otros.  
4.66.   Las inversiones de Chile en Egipto han tenido un interesante comportamiento, y ya alcanza 
un total acumulado de más de 580 millones de dólares EE.UU.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  4.67.   Con respecto al proceso de desarrollo que lleva  adelante Egipto en los últimos años, se 
observan importantes reformas estructurales, especialmente aquellas circunscritas dentro de la 
Estrategia de Desarrollo Sostenible 2030, que busca en el plano económico alcanzar la categoría 
de economía de ingreso a lto a través el aumento del PIB per cápita de su población, proyectos 
nacionales de infraestructura, apertura a la inversión extranjera, y la mejora del entorno 
reglamentario y empresarial que permita el desarrollo económico del país.  
4.68.   Además, especial int erés reviste el objetivo de reducción de la deuda pública al 50% del 
PIB, alcanzar una tasa de crecimiento en torno al 7%, la disminución del desempleo al 5% e 
introducir mayor eficiencia en el uso de la energía, mediante la reducción de la intensidad 
energética al menos en un 14%.  
4.69.   Adicionalmente, observamos con especial interés la importancia que Egipto ha entregado al 
rol de las pequeñas y medianas empresas en sus políticas de fomento empresarial. Su experiencia 
en este ámbito podría contribuir positivam ente a las actuales conversaciones que están teniendo 
lugar actualmente en la OMC, por lo que invitamos a Egipto a unirse al Grupo Informal de Trabajo 
sobre Micro, Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas que hemos creado un grupo significativo de Miembros 
de la OMC p ara avanzar en la promoción de la integración de estas unidades productivas en el 
comercio internacional.  
4.70.   Como mencioné con anterioridad, con Egipto tenemos importantes coincidencias y, por 
tanto, esperamos seguir estrechando nuestra relación bilateral, en  el ámbito político, comercial y 
cultural.  
4.71.   Asimismo, fruto de este diálogo, esperamos seguir cooperando y contribuyendo 
conjuntamente a la defensa del sistema multilateral de comercio basado en reglas, y fortaleciendo 
el rol de la OMC como organismo centr al del comercio global.  
4.72.   Deseamos a Egipto un exitoso Examen de sus políticas comerciales.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.73.   The United States would like to welcome the delegation from Egypt on the occasion of the 
government's fourth WTO Trade Policy Review. A dozen years hav e passed since the previous 
review in 2005, and the Egyptian Government has made significant changes to its economic model 
since 2006, including the promulgation of a new constitution. So, this review is particularly 
important, and the United States would like to thank Egypt and the Secretariat for their work in 
compiling reports that have helped explain these changes and other trade issues, and we are 
grateful for their thoroughness. We wish to thank Egypt for its responses to our written questions.  
4.74.   The Se cretariat report notes that Egypt's economy has faced many external and internal 
challenges in the intervening years stemming from an extended period of instability. Since 2014, 
Egypt, working with the IMF, has undertaken notable reforms, including floatin g the Egyptian 
pound, tax reform, fuel subsidy reform, and further privatization steps.  
4.75.   Furthermore, Egypt ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement in 2017, and adopted a new 
investment law, which offers further incentives, reduces bureaucracy, and simpl ifies and enhances 
investment processes to promote foreign investment. Egypt has eliminated some customs fees and 
charges on imports, and has begun to implement the TFA. The United States applauds these 
efforts and will assist where possible in helping Egy pt meet these new commitments.  
4.76.   However, the Secretariat also notes that weak growth and limited foreign exchange 
earnings have led Egypt to adopt a number of trade restrictive policies. Raising tariffs on a broad 
range of imported consumer goods and imposing onerous registration require ments for foreign 
manufactures seeking to export to Egypt, among other measures, can reduce consumer choice 
and raise the costs of living for all Egyptians.   
4.77.   The United States is consistently looking to enhance relations with partners willing to 
remove tr ade barriers and open their markets to our exports. We believe Egypt shares our goals, 
and we hope to strengthen our relationship under our bilateral Trade and Investment Framework 
Agreement. Although we see great commercial potential in the Egyptian marke t, reforms are still WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  needed. Egypt's economy has improved and, in our view, the need for these trade restrictive 
measures intended to conserve hard currency has passed; allowing them to remain in place may 
send a signal that Egypt is not open for business.  
4.78.   Many of the questions we posed for this Trade Policy Review reflect our desire to encourage 
Egypt to increase transparency and predictability in its import policies and the protection and 
enforcement of intellectual property rights, as these steps will he lp Egypt attract more foreign 
trade and investment. For example, Egypt adopted a number of complex certification and quality 
control requirements on many products, while asserting that it is committed to relying on 
standards that conform to the TBT Agreeme nt. The United States wishes to learn more about 
Egypt's ongoing initiatives in this context.  
4.79.   The United States also wishes to learn more about Egypt's plans to set up a new food safety 
agency, in an effort to adopt scientific approaches to sanitary and p hytosanitary measures. We 
continue to have concerns that U.S. agricultural exports, specifically corn seeds developed through 
agricultural biotechnology and seed potatoes, face unwarranted trade barriers, including delayed 
approvals and importation bans. F urther, Egypt's import bans on poultry parts, and its refusal to 
allow the use of Codex -approved veterinary drugs in imported meat products raise questions of 
Egypt's WTO compliance. The United States asks whether Egypt plans to abandon these 
requirements,  and if not, requests that Egypt to provide scientific risk assessments and work with 
the United States to resolve these issues. Additionally, the United States encourages Egypt to give 
greater attention to submitting notifications to the WTO with respect to its import licensing regime.  
4.80.   The United States remains concerned about inadequate enforcement of intellectual property 
rights (IPR), particularly with respect to the prevalence of pirated and counterfeit goods, including 
software, music, and videos. The  United States looks forward to learning more about Egypt's plans 
on IPR protection, as strong intellectual property protections are critical to creating a 
business -friendly environment.  
4.81.   In closing, we would also note Egypt has shown commitment to the WTO  as an important 
element of its economic growth strategy. We would like to commend Egypt for undertaking 
substantial economic reforms and for joining the Trade Facilitation Agreement. We are, of course, 
committed to working with our Egyptian colleagues to strengthen and deepen our trade and 
investment relationship, and we wish Egypt a successful Trade Policy Review.  
JAPAN  
4.82.   Before mentioning the Egyptian trade policies, let me touch upon our bilateral relationship. 
Although our relationship has a long history , since President El -Sisi visited Japan in 2016, our 
diplomatic relationship has developed dramatically. Particularly, we are pleased to see the steady 
implementation of the "Egypt -Japan Education Partnership", which was announced by President 
El-Sisi and Prime Minister Abe on that occasion. In addition to the Education Partnership, we are 
supporting the ongoing project of building the Great Museum of Egypt. It is our sincere hope to 
further develop these strong ties between us.  
4.83.   The Egyptian economy is now in the course of recovery after the political turmoil in 2011. 
The Secretariat report notes that the annual rate of growth has been accelerated to more than 4% 
since 2014. Japan is aware that this is due to your expansionary fiscal policy, which led to str ong 
consumption and investment expenditure, and your economic reform programme. Both of these 
initiatives are commendable.  
4.84.   In terms of your trade policies, Japan positively evaluates the Egyptian efforts to strengthen 
the multilateral trading system with t he WTO at its center. Although Egypt has not yet participated 
in the GPA, you are an important participant in the WTO agreements, such as the ITA. Among 
other achievements, we heard that the domestic procedure for the TFA has been completed, and 
we expect that Egypt will soon make Category B or C notification. We are looking forward to your 
participation in ongoing discussions on modern trade issues, such as e -commerce, in order to 
strengthen the multilateral trading system in the WTO.  
4.85.   As for regional trade  agreements, we are aware that Egypt has joined several regional trade 
agreements including the EFTA, the preferential agreements with MERCOSUR and Turkey, the WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  PAFTA and the COMESA. We hope that Egypt will continue its effort to liberalize trade, and also 
hope that your efforts on regional trade agreements will eventually complement and reinforce the 
multilateral trading system.  
4.86.   Before concluding, Japan would like to briefly touch upon several concerns we have.  
4.87.   First, we have concerns with some of your labo ur and employment regulations. For 
example, the percentage of foreign workers cannot exceed 10% of all workers, although the 
percentage can be 25% in the free zones. Strict regulation on female participation in the labour 
market during the night is also on e of our concerns. Moreover, we are concerned with the uniform 
requirement of HIV testing to foreign workers. Long examination periods to issue work permits to 
foreign workers is also of serious concern to us. We encourage the Government of Egypt to 
reasse ss its labour and employment regulations with a view to creating a more attractive market 
to foreign investors.  
4.88.   The second issue is about your new regulation on invoices of import settlement. As far as 
we understand, the Central Bank of Egypt (CBR) issued an official notice that foreign exporters are 
required to send their Shipping Documents such as commercial invoices to domestic commercial 
banks in Egypt through foreign banks. Before this notification, foreign exporters were allowed to 
send Shipping Docum ents directly to importers in Egypt. Also, we are concerned with your 
requirement that consular documents be accompanied by shipping documents. Japan is concerned 
that complicated import procedures hinder international trade with Egypt and discourage Egypt ian 
importers to do business with us. In this regard, Japan requests the Government of Egypt and the 
CBR to publish the CBR's official notification to the domestic banks, and hopes that this 
requirement will be eased in order to facilitate international tr ade. 
4.89.   Other than the points I mentioned above, we expect your efficient and fair implementation 
of the Ministerial Decree No. 43/2016. To date, it has been extremely time consuming to complete 
procedures under this Ministerial Decree so our impression is th at it hinders business efficiency.  
4.90.   In conclusion, I would like to express our strong wish for continued cooperation between 
Egypt and Japan. We wish Egypt a successful and fruitful TPR.  
INDONESIA  
4.91.   Indonesia applauds Egypt for the economy's high resilience t o unconducive social and 
political circumstances, macroeconomic imbalances which described the Egyptian economy during 
the last TPR has over time been transformed among others into real GDP expansion, into income 
per capita increment, into export -based div ersification and into an increased investors' confidence. 
We are encouraged with these parameters and we wish the Government of Egypt further success 
in the implementation of the Egypt Vision 2030 Strategy.  
4.92.   Bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Egy pt has gone a long way. The Egyptian 
Government is one of the first few who recognized Indonesia's independence of 1945. In the last 
five years, in the period between 2012 and 2016, which is covered within the time -frame of this 
review period, Egypt and In donesia have been enjoying a good bilateral trade relationship. 
Average yearly trade within that five -year period reached over US$1.3 billion. Despite sharp 
fluctuations in both exports and imports figures throughout the five -year period between 2012 and 
2016, the average value of bilateral trade recorded a positive growth of 4.69 per year. The figure 
is encouraging and Indonesia highly values this productive trade relationship with Egypt.  
4.93.   Hence, there are some concerns that Indonesia tries to raise since t he start of this review 
process. Concerns that where addressed would ensure the sustainability of this mutually beneficial 
trade relationship. Among these concerns are two majors stated in the Secretariat report, namely 
Ministerial Decree N° 25/2016 and Mi nisterial Decree N° 538/2016. We regret to say that these 
measures have raised customs tariffs on at least 16 of our export products, including 2 of our main 
exports into Egypt, which are paper products and vehicle tyres.  
4.94.   Indonesia continues to support Eg ypt's commitment to lowering tariff, thus Indonesia 
encourages Egypt to respond by expediting the issuance of a new applied tariff.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  4.95.   Additionally, many business practitioners are facing hardship in coping with the 
implementation of Ministerial Decree N°  43/2016 which requires importers to register with GOEIC. 
On this, we encourage the Egyptian Government to put in place follow -up detailed technical 
regulations that would better guide business practitioners in budgeting their time and financial 
cost. 
4.96.   We have  addressed these details on these concerns in our written questions. They include, 
among others, issues related to lagging notifications, including notifications on import licensing, on 
the complex tariff system, on special conditions for export restrictio ns as well as for import 
restrictions, and on additional costs related to import licensing and registration.  
4.97.   We thank Egypt for the replies to these advance written questions which we received 
yesterday late afternoon. We are looking into them, we will be submitting follow -up questions to 
these answers and we will be doing so within this TPR process.  
4.98.   The Indonesian delegation will be in touch with the Geneva -based Egyptian delegation and 
Indonesia wishes to use this opportunity to convey much appreciation t o H.E. Ambassador 
Youssef. We commend H.E. Ambassador and his Geneva -based delegation on the excellent 
cooperation accorded to the delegation of Indonesia in Geneva and for their very active 
engagement in various issues of common concern.  
4.99.   Lastly, Indonesia  wishes much success to Egypt in this fourth Trade Policy Review.  
NEW  ZEALAND  
4.100.   New Zealand has an active interest of Egypt's trade and investment policies and 
congratulates Egypt on the introduction and implementation of an ambitious economic reform 
programme over recent years. It is clear that these efforts have started to generate positive 
macroeconomic signals through attracting investment, stimulating domestic competition and 
innovation.  
4.101.   The floating of the Egyptian pound, implementation of a new system of GST and cutting of 
subsidies were difficult but necessary reforms, and the country appears to be facing a brighter 
economic future as a result of the Government's willingness to tackle structural imbalances built 
up over previous decades.  
4.102.   Specifi cally, New Zealand has welcomed the way in which Egypt has worked to reduce and 
eliminate fossil fuel subsidies while also prioritizing the development of large scale renewable 
energy projects. While there is still some way to go, this commitment reduces d istortions, and 
enhances trade flows, as well as greatly improving the environment. As we did during MC11, New 
Zealand would like to underline the significance that we attach to this issue for all WTO Members.  
4.103.   Egypt's ambitious targets to increase agricult ural and fisheries production should also be 
celebrated. New Zealand stands ready to assist Egypt and we have already begun cooperation in 
the agricultural sector. At the same time, however, we encourage Egypt to ensure development of 
this sector is done s o sustainably, and through the implementation of effective land, water and 
quota management systems, to ensure these successes are lasting and deliver net economic 
gains.  
4.104.   While Egypt has demonstrated its commitment to open trade, some concerns remain, and 
our written questions submitted in the context of this TPR address some of those concerns. We 
note from the Secretariat's report, for example, that despite tariff reform in recent years, tariffs on 
certain agricultural items, including fish products, have increased. We encourage Egypt to extend 
its tariff reforms to the fisheries sector, as an effective means to lower the cost of production, 
remove incentives to illegal and unregulated fishing, and increase local industry competitiveness.  
4.105.   As a WTO Member wh o relies on international trade in agricultural products for its 
prosperity, New Zealand also has a particular interest in ensuring that food regulatory systems are 
science -based and implemented consistent with the SPS Agreement. We note that the SPS 
Agree ment calls on WTO Members to base their measures on international standards. We are 
interest to learn more, through this TPR, about the extent to which Egypt's standards and technical WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  regulations are based on international standards, including those of the  International Organization 
for Standardization (ISO) and the Codex Alimentarius for food products.  
4.106.   In that context, we also welcome the establishment of a National Food Safety Authority in 
Egypt. This will streamline the regulatory process for food and ag ricultural imports and will 
hopefully promote the modernization of Egypt's food regulatory legislation.  
4.107.   We also note from the Secretariat's report that "the presence of the Egyptian State in the 
economy remains strong" and that "the productive structure of  the Egyptian economy is skewed 
towards large public -sector enterprises, which may result, on occasions, in a sub -optimal allocation 
of resources". We echo the Secretariat's recommendation of adopting a more market -oriented 
approach to economic policy impl ementation, and welcome Egypt's commitment to a more 
participatory role in the economy for the private sector under the Sustainable Development 
Strategy (SDS) "Egypt Vision 2030".  
4.108.   In conclusion, the reports by the Government of Egypt and the Secretariat il lustrate that 
there is a good trajectory of economic reform in Egypt that should generate positive trade, 
economic and environmental effects. We welcome Egypt's commitment to the multilateral trading 
system and look forward to further building our positive  trading relationship.  
AUSTRALIA  
4.109.   We have warm relations with Egypt based on longstanding ties. Egypt is an important 
regional trade partner for Australia, and was Australia's 53rd largest merchandise trading partner in 
2016-17. Our primary exports to Egypt  have been agricultural products, and imports have included 
floor coverings, clothing and motor vehicles.  
4.110.   Australia commends Egypt's efforts to rebuild its economy following a period of political 
upheaval from 2011. We recognize that Egypt has undertaken d ifficult but important reforms to 
improve its economic outlook. We recognize that significant work remains, and support Egypt's 
efforts to continue these economic and structural reforms.  
4.111.   Australia also commends Egypt's efforts to improve its investment env ironment, including 
through the introduction of a new investment law in May 2017. In 2017, Egypt was ranked 128th in 
the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business report. These changes to Egypt's investment regime will 
help to make Egypt a more competitive inves tment destination.  
4.112.   Egypt has ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement and notified its Category A 
commitments. We encourage Egypt to provide its Category B and C notifications as soon as 
possible to assist with the implementation of this agreement.  
4.113.   For th is review, Australia has submitted a number of written questions relating to Egypt's 
trade, investment and taxation regime. We look forward to Egypt's response to these questions.  
4.114.   Australia wishes Egypt a successful and constructive trade policy review.  
REPUBLIC  OF MOLDOVA  
4.115.   The Republic of Moldova appreciates Egypt's commitment to strengthening the multilateral 
trading system in the interest of all WTO Member States and its active participation in the regular 
work of the WTO and in trade negotiations.  
4.116.   We ar e pleased to notice that since its last Trade Policy Review, Egypt's GDP growth has 
accelerated, especially following the implementation of the reform programme aimed at fostering 
growth, improving governance, investment climate and business environment, w hich will restore 
macroeconomic stability and competitiveness of the Egyptian economy.  
4.117.   We welcome the adoption of Egypt's Sustainable Development Strategy "Egypt Vision 
2030" and of the Industrial Development Strategy, particularly the emphasis given to th e 
participatory role of the private sector, the development for MSMEs, innovation promotion and 
energy conservation. We appreciate Egypt's efforts in the implementation process of this strategy WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  and we express our confidence that Egypt will continue adoptin g a more market -oriented approach 
to its economic policy. We also notice the positive evolution in the diversification of Egypt's 
economy, as well as its export base during the review period.  
4.118.   In agricultural sector, we take note of the fact that the main target of the agricultural 
policy of Egypt is to ensure the supply of food to the entire population at reasonable prices and 
encourage Egypt to further seek improving its current policy with a view of eliminating inefficient 
subsidies and finding the right  balance in order to reduce trade barriers.  
4.119.   We congratulate Egypt on reforming its customs administration in order to increase 
efficiency and transparency through several trade facilitation measures, such as: reducing the 
number of documents required for import and export and their electronic presentation, activating 
the Authorized Economic Operator system, introducing x -ray devices in most customs posts. We 
also congratulate our Egyptian partners on the establishment of the Ministerial Steering Council fo r 
Egyptian Trade Facilitation and stand ready to exchange experiences on the functioning of the 
national trade facilitation committees between our countries. We encourage Egypt to further 
strengthen the reforms initiated in the area of trade facilitation, including the adoption of a 
comprehensive Customs Law based on the TFA and the Kyoto Convention. We believe that the 
creation of an Egyptian National Single Window system will represent an important tool to develop 
customs controls and increase trade flows . As a country attaching a high importance to the 
implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, the Republic of Moldova stands ready to share 
and exchange experiences with Egypt in this area.  
4.120.   We also encourage Egypt to consider joining plurilateral trade agreements, such as the 
Government Procurement Agreement.  
4.121.   Moldova has addressed several questions to Egypt regarding the customs procedures and 
clearance control inspection, trade facilitation, import licensing regime and government 
procurement syste m. We thank Egypt for providing answers to our questions.  
4.122.   We welcome the participation of Egypt in several preferential trade agreements which play 
an increasingly important role in its trade policy. The Republic of Moldova would also like to 
reiterate its  interest in signing a Free Trade Agreement with the Arab Republic of Egypt. There is 
an increased interest from Moldovan producers, and a positive feedback and support from the 
Egyptian Agricultural Export Council to establish trade relations between the Republic of Moldova 
and Egypt.   
4.123.   Even if at the current stage, commercial relations between Moldova and Egypt register 
modest values, we believe that a Free Trade Agreement will boost our trade flows and will improve 
trade indicators for both countries.  
4.124.   The current main exported products of Moldova to Egypt are wheat, maize, sunflower oil, 
soy beans, walnuts, animal feed and apples. The current main imported products by Moldova from 
Egypt are medications, polymers of propylene, tobacco substitutes, fruit a nd vegetables.  
4.125.   The Moldovan part deems Free Trade Agreements as a new platform for a further opening 
of trade and an effective approach to integrate into global economy and strengthen trade 
cooperation with other countries, such as countries from North Africa and Middle East. A Free 
Trade Agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the Arab Republic of Egypt will create new 
opportunities for Moldovan and Egyptian exporters, farmers, businesses and consumers, by 
eliminating barriers in trade. The Govern ment of the Republic of Moldova has already presented an 
initial proposal of a Free Trade Agreement to the Government of Egypt and we stand ready to 
engage in consultations with the Egyptian side in order to discuss all the aspects of an FTA.  
4.126.   The Republic of Moldova is confident that the 4th exercise of the trade policy review will 
help Egypt assess the impact of its trade and economic policies on sustainable and robust trade 
growth to the benefit of its citizens, as well as of the world economy.  
4.127.   We look fo rward to continue further strengthening our bilateral relations with Egypt and we 
wish to the Egyptian Delegation the utmost success during this trade policy review cycle.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  UKRAINE  
4.128.   Ukraine is closely monitoring the economic development of Egypt. Ukraine is interested in 
strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation, in particular within the WTO. Analysis of 
trade and economic relations between Ukraine and Egypt demonstrates an upward trend and 
opportunity for further development, in such spheres as agriculture, tourism, energy, industry and 
pharmaceuticals.  
4.129.   Egypt is the Ukraine's biggest trading partner in Africa, the total turnover in goods 
between our countries amounted to almost US$2 billion in 2017. The main commodity groups are: 
ferrous metals; oils and fats; grain crops; sugar; meat; tobacco etc. The volume of trade in 
services between Ukraine and Egypt amounted to around US$105 million.  
4.130.   Within this TPR exercise Ukraine has submitted a range of issues of specific interest on the 
following topic s:  
 customs procedures;  
 import registration regulations and licensing requirements;  
 anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures;  
 sanitary  and phytosanitary measures, in particular forms of veterinary certificates for products 
of animal or plant origin.  
 We also attach particular importance to such topics, as:  
 government procurement;  
 domestic support measures in agriculture;  
 export duties on sugar and feed components;  
 long-term national investment policy;  
 implementation of public -private partnership; and  
 free trade agreements.  
4.131.   Furthermore, we would like to express our continuing interest in the simplification (or 
abolishment) of requirements of Egypt for consular legalization of the goods' origin certificates, 
issued by the authorized bodies and submitted for customs clearance upon import from Ukraine, 
based on the principle of reciprocity 0 (questions by Ukraine 9 -12).  
4.132.   Ukraine would also lik e to express its explicit interest in the simplification of the 
registration process of foreign exporting companies, which currently creates additional technical 
barriers for access of Ukrainian exporters to the Egyptian market (questions 1 -7, 14-21). 
4.133.   Amon g these issues our experts are particularly interested in getting clarification from 
Egypt on implementation mechanism of Ministerial Decree No. 43/2016 regarding the Amendment 
of the Rules Organizing the Registration of the Factories Qualified to Export P roducts to Egypt and 
its compliance with the WTO TBT Agreement.  
4.134.   We are grateful to Egypt for the responses to the Ukraine's set of questions, which we are 
reviewing closely.  
4.135.   In conclusion, I would also like to express our appreciation to the delegation of  Egypt for 
their hard work in preparing for this TPR.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  4.136.   On behalf of Ukraine, I wish Egypt a very productive and successful Trade Policy Review 
and look forward to further strengthening our bilateral relations.  
BRAZIL  
4.137.   Brazil congratulates Egypt for its robust economic performance since the last trade policy 
review, with GDP expanding at an annual average rate of 4.5%. The ambitious economic reform 
programme being implemented since 2014 has helped stimulate economic growth and has 
considerably improved th e business environment.  
4.138.   Brazil welcomes the trade policy progress Egypt has made since its last review in 2005. We 
appreciate Egypt's commitment to the multilateral trading system and to the goals of this 
Organization. Brazil notes with satisfaction that t he Trade Facilitation Agreement was approved by 
Egypt's Parliament and ratified by the President. In this context, we welcome Egypt's efforts to 
make customs administration more efficient and transparent – including by means of the 
activation of the Author ized Economic Operator system – and we expect that new legislation, 
already drafted, will allow for full implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement.  
4.139.   Brazil encourages Egypt to keep improving the transparency of its trade policies. We have 
taken not ice of the fact that, as stated in the Secretariat's report, pending notifications were 
submitted to the WTO during the review process, including some in agriculture. But we also noted 
that, according to the Secretariat, Egypt has not yet submitted any not ifications with respect to its 
import licensing regime.  
4.140.   Brazil would also like to call attention to the large gap between tariffs applied to 
agricultural products and those applied to non -agricultural goods. As noted in the Secretariat's 
report, in 2017, p rotection granted to agricultural products remained high, with an average tariff 
of 51.6% while tariffs on non -agricultural products were generally lower, averaging 13%. Some 
extremely high tariff peaks are also a matter of concern.  
4.141.   Egypt is a very importa nt partner for Brazil. From 2016 to 2017, our exports to Egypt 
increased by 41% and those of Egypt to Brazil increased by 65%. Exports in 2017 amounted to 
US$2.4 billion, which is about 26% of our exports to Africa. 3% of all Egyptian imports in 2016 
originated in Brazil.  
4.142.   Brazil is committed to further strengthening our bilateral trade relations. The entry into 
force, last July, of the MERCOSUR -Egypt FTA and the economic recovery under way in Brazil will 
open new opportunities for our economic agents, in bo th directions.  
4.143.   The MERCOSUR -Egypt FTA, the first between Brazil and an Arab country, will promote full 
liberalization of trade in industrial, agricultural and processed agricultural commodities, with very 
few exceptions. Egypt and MERCOSUR have just recent ly notified the Agreement to the WTO.  
4.144.   This FTA is already generating a positive dynamics: just recently, at the beginning of 
February, the first meeting of the Brazil -Egypt Business Council was held in Cairo.  
4.145.   We look forward to building these solid foundat ions in order to continue to enhance our 
integration and trade relations, as well as a closer dialogue with Egyptian trade authorities on 
topics of mutual interests.  
4.146.   We have submitted a set of questions on Egypt's trade measures and policies. We thank 
the Egyptian delegation for the answers provided, which will be conveyed to our Capital.  
4.147.   Let me conclude by wishing the Egyptian delegation a successful Trade Policy Review.  
CHINA  
4.148.   We note that Egypt generally maintained a strong positive average annual growth of more 
than 4.5% during the period under review. This growth is mainly attributed to its expansionary 
fiscal policy, diversified economy and aggressive economic reform. However, we have to admit 
that many challenges remain to be resolved for Egypt to full y exploit its growth potential and WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  achieve more economic and social development, such as the need to further diversify its exports, 
reduce foreign investment barriers, improve employment opportunities for women and youth, and 
address the poverty and inequa lity challenges.  
4.149.   We encourage Egypt to further improve its business climate through concrete measures, 
such as simplifying clearance procedures, undertaking FDI reforms and improving transparency in 
particular. It is encouraging that Egypt has ratified the  Trade Facilitation Agreement last Julys and 
we wait for its formal submission to the WTO. We are also confident that, with the smooth 
implementation of Industrial Development Strategy 2016 -2020, Egypt will become a leading 
regional industrial economy. In this regard, we also call upon other WTO Members to provide 
necessary assistance to facilitate its domestic action.  
4.150.   On the bilateral front, China and Egypt enjoy very close economic ties. It is stated in the 
Secretariat's report that China has been an impo rtant trading partner for Egypt. According to the 
statistics, though the total volume of bilateral trade for year 2017 are note available, trade figure 
for the first eleven months in 2017 witnessed a positive sign, in particular a 65% year -on-year 
increase  of China's imports from Egypt. In order to better understand the latest development of 
Egypt's trade policy, we have raised some questions, covering areas of foreign investment, export 
restriction and prohibition, trade defense measures, supporting polici es to industries, visa 
requirements for foreign affiliates. We appreciate the Egyptian delegation for their responses and 
will study them carefully.  
4.151.   As the largest trading partner and the closest friend of Africa, China commits itself to 
cooperate with Afr ica countries through concrete measures in a wide range of areas, such as 
infrastructure, agriculture, development and research, poverty reduction. We are willing to develop 
a comprehensive trade and investment relationship with all Members and seek to imp ort various 
products they could provide. In this regard, I would like to invite all WTO Members to the first 
China International Import Exhibition to be held in Shanghai this November.  
4.152.   On the multilateral front, China commends the positive role of Egypt in  supporting the 
multilateral trading system and safeguarding the developmental interests of developing 
economies, by aligning its position with the African Group and the ACP countries. China shares 
with Egypt that special and differential treatments are vi tal for the smooth integration of 
developing members into the world economy. China is willing to work closely with Egypt and other 
WTO Members towards a strengthened multilateral trading system that remains resilient to the 
changes of the global economy, w hile maintaining the special needs of developing and least -
developed members at heart.  
4.153.   Let me conclude by wishing the Egyptian colleagues a successful review and a nice stay in 
Geneva.  
RUSSIAN  FEDERATION  
4.154.   We commend the progress made by Egypt in terms of im proving its trade policies and 
practices since the last Trade Policy Review in 2005. The Russian Federation appreciates Egypt's 
active engagement in a wide range of activities at the WTO.  
4.155.   Egypt is one of Russia's important trading partners. Our countries e njoy fruitful bilateral 
economic relationship. According to the Russian customs statistics, our turnover in 2017 had 
increased by more than 60% in comparison to 2016 and had boasted diversified commodity 
nomenclature. The main products of Russia's export t o Egypt are machinery and equipment, 
wheat, ferrous metals, lumber, sunflower oil, paper and oil products. Russia imports from Egypt 
oranges, textile and clothing, potatoes, onion and garlic.  
4.156.   Unfortunately, our bilateral trade in services has dropped signi ficantly last year. In this 
regard, we look forward to finding new opportunities to increase our bilateral trade turnover in 
different spheres of services, not just in tourism.  
4.157.   Let me highlight our fruitful bilateral cooperation in the field of nuclear ene rgy. On 
19 November 2015, an intergovernmental agreement on the construction and operation of nuclear 
power plants and an intergovernmental agreement on Russia's granting Egypt a state export credit WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  for these purposes were signed in Cairo. On 31 December 2 016, our countries signed a major 
commercial contract for the construction of nuclear power plants. In August 2017, Russia and 
Egypt agreed on long term contracts for the life cycle of nuclear power plants, including for the 
supply of nuclear fuel, assista nce in the operation of the plant and management of used nuclear 
fuel. 
4.158.   Prior to this review, the Russian Federation has submitted a number of advance written 
questions to Egypt. We are now carefully studying the provided answers. We would also appreciate 
if Egypt could provide more information concerning its agricultural regime and safeguards 
procedures, as well as information regarding Egypt's plans regarding the implementation of the 
Trade Facilitation Agreement.  
4.159.   To conclude, let me reiterate that the Rus sian Federation and the Arab Republic of Egypt 
have important common interests, and our bilateral relations are strong. We would like to thank 
the delegation of Egypt, the Secretariat and, of course, our esteemed discussant, for their hard 
work and wish pa rtners from Egypt a successful trade review.  
REPÚBLICA  DOMINICANA  
4.160.   El primer elemento que se destacar al leer el informe de la Secretaría es que, a pesar de 
los disturbios políticos ocurridos en el 2011, la tasa de crecimiento del PIB real en promedio fue d e 
4,5% en razón de la aplicación de una política fiscal expansiva que propició un fuerte gasto de 
consumo e inversión y de un programa de reforma económica destinado a impulsar el crecimiento. 
Sin embargo, consideramos que se debe poner atención a la tasa de desempleo, la cual es alta, se 
mantiene en torno al 12%, con tasas más altas entre los jóvenes y las mujeres, y a la reducción 
de la pobreza, ya que la proporción de personas que viven por debajo del umbral de la pobreza ha 
crecido en los últimos años y  la reducción de la pobreza sigue siendo uno de los mayores desafíos 
a que se enfrenta el país.  
4.161.   Por otro lado, vemos con satisfacción que la economía de Egipto está diversificada, siendo 
el sector de los servicios el que más contribuye a la economía egipcia en cuanto a participación en 
el PIB (el 55,3% en 2015 -2016), el empleo y las exportaciones, siendo el turismo uno de los 
principales motores de este sector.  
4.162.   Felicitamos a Egipto porque durante el período examinado continuó el proceso de reforma 
para mejorar la eficacia y transparencia de su administración aduanera, reduciendo el número de 
documentos necesarios para la importación y la exportación y posibilitando su presentación 
electrónica. Actualmente, se está examinando un nuevo proyecto de Ley de  Aduanas para 
incorporar, entre otras cosas, las modificaciones necesarias para aplicar el AFC y el Convenio de 
Kyoto. Notamos con interés que ya se han introducido diversas modificaciones para facilitar el 
comercio, como por ejemplo el programa de operado res económicos autorizados, la habilitación de 
aparatos de rayos X en la mayoría de los puestos aduaneros para facilitar el control aduanero y 
reducir los plazos de levante, y el desarrollo de un sistema electrónico para la importación y 
exportación de mer cancías por vía aérea. Además, se ha establecido un Consejo Directivo 
Ministerial para la Facilitación del Comercio en Egipto (EgyTrade) cuyo objetivo es la creación de 
un sistema de ventanilla única nacional.  
4.163.   Es muy positivo que Egipto cuenta con una legi slación de competencia eficiente y que 
pertenece a la mayoría de los tratados de propiedad intelectual.  
4.164.   Por último hemos presentado preguntas a Egipto, relativas al régimen de licencias de 
importación y las disposiciones aduaneras, entre otros, cuyas respu estas esperamos con interés. 
Para terminar, deseamos felicitar al Reino de Egipto en este examen y desearles lo mejor en el 
futuro.  
THAILAND  
4.165.   Thailand and Egypt have maintained the close and cordial bilateral relations for over sixty 
years. In 2014, we cele brated the sixtieth Anniversary of our diplomatic relations.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  4.166.   Egypt and Thailand have worked cooperatively at different levels and in different areas. 
The Trade Agreement between both sides was signed in 1984 and the Agreement on the 
Promotion and Protectio n of Investments was signed in 2000. In addition, we established the 
Thai-Egyptian Joint Commission in 1989. These partnerships have strengthened our relations and 
enhanced economic opportunities between the two countries.  
4.167.   In terms of trade, Egypt has been  Thailand's second largest trading partner in Africa. In 
2017, total trade between the two countries amounted to US$771 million. Thailand's exports 
valued at US$685 million, with machinery, rubber, vehicles and parts as major products. It is 
important to h ighlight that Thailand's imports from Egypt has constantly increased by 58% per 
year on average since 2014. Last year, Thailand's imports valued at US$86 million with iron, steel, 
fertilizers, cotton yarn, and machinery as key products.  
4.168.   We acknowledge the growth of Egypt's real GDP at an annual average rate of 4.5% from 
2005 to 2017. The accelerated growth in recent years was driven by an expansionary fiscal policy 
that led to strong consumption and investment expenditure, and an economic reform programme.  
4.169.   Thailand commends Egypt's active participation in the multilateral trading system, both in 
the regular work of the WTO and in various negotiations. Egypt is a party to the Agreement on 
Trade in Civil Aircraft, and to the Information Technology Agreement. I n April 2008, Egypt notified 
the WTO that it had accepted the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement. In June 2017, Egypt 
ratified domestically the Trade Facilitation Agreement, but has still to submit to the WTO its 
instrument of acceptance of the Agreemen t. Moreover, Egypt submitted a number of notifications 
to the WTO during the review period.  
4.170.   We welcome the continuous efforts of Egypt in promoting trade and investment facilitation. 
For instance, the introduction of the new law and regulations on investme nt in 2017 aimed at 
updating Egypt's investment regime and incentives schemes to attract more investment. The 
reform process during the review period made its customs administration more efficient and 
transparent, by reducing the number of required documen ts and allowing their presentation 
electronically. In addition, it is interesting to note that Egypt has accepted the WTO Code of Good 
Practice for the Preparation, Adoption and Application of Standards.  
4.171.   In this review, Thailand submitted a number of quest ions to Egypt, covering the policies 
and measures of our interests such as tax privilege under the Companies Law, the establishment 
of a new business, customs valuation, the justification of exceeding tariff bindings in 46 lines, 
import prohibitions, restr ictions, and licensing. We would like to thank Egypt for the timely 
responses to our questions and we will study them in detail with great interest.  
4.172.   In conclusion, we wish Egypt every success in this Trade Policy Review.  
ECUADOR  
4.173.   Mi delegación atiende con g ran interés este cuarto Examen de Políticas Comerciales dada 
la relevancia que tiene para Ecuador las relaciones bilaterales que mantiene y busca fortalecer con 
Egipto.  
4.174.   Del informe de la Secretaría, tomamos nota que en el periodo 2016 -2017 la economía 
egipcia registró una tasa media anual de crecimiento del PIB real del 4,5%, retomando de esta 
manera el ritmo de crecimiento que sostuvo desde el 2005 hasta el 2011, año en el cual su 
economía inició una desaceleración a consecuencia de varios disturbios polí ticos. Vemos que la 
recuperación de la economía egipcia se ha intensificado gracias a la aplicación de una política fiscal 
expansiva que propició un fuerte gasto de consumo e inversión. El Gobierno busca afianzar esta 
recuperación con un ambicioso programa  de reformas destinado a estimular el crecimiento 
económico y mejorar el entorno empresarial.  
4.175.   Reconocemos, por otra parte, el pleno derecho que le asiste al Gobierno Egipcio de 
mantener una activa política pública y de regulación de la competencia. Sin du da, en países en 
desarrollo aquello puede ser necesario para propiciar que la mayor actividad económica beneficie a 
la mayor parte de la población.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  4.176.   En el ámbito de comercio exterior se aprecia que los bienes primarios constituyen 
importantes productos de su exportación. En este punto, es de destacar los objetivos de la política 
comercial que establece la Estrategia de Desarrollo Industrial para 2016 -2020 de Egipto, el cual 
busca facilitar la transformación del país en una de las principales economías indus triales de la 
región de Oriente Medio y África del Norte y en un importante centro de exportación de productos 
manufacturados de tecnología media para el año 2025. Resaltamos la relevancia que se ha 
otorgado al rol de las microempresas y las pequeñas y med ianas empresas en este fin. Asimismo 
manifestamos nuestro interés en conocer de manera más amplia cómo opera el esquema de 
asociaciones entre los sectores público y privado en Egipto.  
4.177.   Reconocemos todos los esfuerzos que el gobierno egipcio ha venido llevan do a cabo en 
aras de su recuperación económica. Confiamos en que las medidas adoptadas así como la 
estrategia de desarrollo de Egipto confluyan en mejores condiciones de vida para su población.   
4.178.   En lo concerniente a las políticas y prácticas comerciales, merece destacarse la 
consolidación de sus líneas arancelarias. Por otra parte, la utilización de contingentes 
preferenciales y otras medidas no arancelarias como reglamentos técnicos, medidas sanitarias y 
fitosanitarias, cuyo proceso de análisis de riesgo no siempre es expedito, pueden restringir el 
acceso efectivo al mercado egipcio. Varias de las preguntas que Ecuador planteó a Egipto abordan 
estas temáticas.  
4.179.   Reconocemos el intercambio comercial que existe entre nuestros países. Es de señalar que 
el caso de Ecuador, según cifras de nuestro Banco Central, en el 2016 las exportaciones a Egipto 
ascendieron a 13.2 millones de dólares EE.UU. versus un total de 1.7 millones de dólares EE.UU. 
que sumaron las importaciones, resultando en una balanza positiva para el Ecuador de 
11.4 dólares EE.UU. Cabe señalar que los principales productos de exportación fueron banano y 
camarones. Lamentablemente, el año 2017 presentó un escenario distinto. Entre enero y 
noviembre de 2017, las exportaciones a Egipto cayeron drástica mente, generando una balanza 
negativa. El total de exportaciones apenas llegó a un total de 2.6 millones de dólares EE.UU. 
mientras que las importaciones sumaron 4.4 millones de dólares EE.UU. En este sentido, es 
pertinente solicitar se analice cuidadosame nte la aplicación de regulaciones que puedan 
convertirse en medidas restrictivas al comercio.  
4.180.   Entre las cuestiones que preocupa al Ecuador, esta también el Decreto Presidencial No. 25 
de 2016, con el cual Egipto procedió a aumentar las tasas arancelarias a  cerca de 600 artículos de 
importación, las cuales incluyen el banano, cuyo arancel se elevó en ese entonces del 20% al 40% 
aproximadamente. Así también preocupa el Decreto No. 43 de enero de 2016, por cuanto presenta 
dificultades para su aplicación. Alent amos a Egipto a aportar reglamentaciones adecuadas que 
guíen esta aplicación.  
4.181.   Antes de concluir, quisiéramos anticipar nuestro agradecimiento a la delegación de Egipto 
por sus respuestas a las preguntas que hemos planteado sobre algunos aspectos concretos de su 
política comercial, las mismas que proveerán información importante para el fortalecimiento de las 
relaciones bilaterales en materia de comercio exterior. Finalmente deseamos a Egipto éxito en el 
presente examen.  
MALAYSIA  
4.182.   It is commendable that Egypt  has managed to maintain the annual average rate of 4.5% 
for its GDP over the period of 2005 to 2017, although growth began to decelerate in 2011 in the 
aftermath of political turmoil. With the growth rate of 5.6% through 2016, Egypt has emerged as 
top 10 fastest -growing large -population economies worldwide over the period 2015 -2016. It is also 
pleased to hear that Egypt's positive expectation for 2017/2018.  
4.183.   Since its last Trade Policy Review in 2005, Egypt has undertaken various reforms to 
enhance the comp etitiveness and develop the country's economy. We welcome the efforts by 
Egypt undertaking reforms, in the area of investment – which include the adoption of a new 
Investment Law and its regulations, the implementation of large infrastructure projects; as well as 
reforms in customs administration making it more efficient and transparent. We look forward to 
receiving further information on the latest progress of Egypt's structural reform initiatives.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  4.184.   At the multilateral front, Egypt has been an active Member  of the WTO and a strong 
advocate of the multilateral trading system. In this regard, we appreciate Egypt for her 
contribution to the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and her ratification of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement (TFA). We do hope Egypt wi ll continue her efforts as well as her 
commitments at the multilateral front.  
4.185.   Malaysia's bilateral trade with Egypt has been positive but there is still room to grow. 
Among the 54 African countries, Egypt was Malaysia's 3rd largest trading partner, 3rd largest 
export destination and 5th largest import source.  
4.186.   Malaysia notes the various initiatives undertaken by Egypt to facilitate trade, including 
efforts on simplification of customs procedures and reduction in documentation. Nevertheless, we 
would like to gain more insight from Egypt on the new rules and requirement under the Egyptian 
General Organisation for Export and Import Control (GOEIC). We would also be interested to hear 
more in the import prohibition and licensing regime of Egypt. Such, we look forward to the 
responses.  
4.187.   To conclude, we wish the delegation of Egypt a very productive and successful fourth 
Trade Policy Review.  
KINGDOM  OF SAUDI  ARABIA  ON BEHALF  OF THE ARAB  GROUP  
4.188.   Despite the daunting challenges faced by Egypt due to socio -political tr ansformation 
between 2011 and 2013, the Egyptian economy remained resilient and open. There are positive 
signs of economic recovery. Measures taken by the Egyptian authorities, since 2016 to stabilize 
the economy and rebuild market confidence, are increasi ngly yielding results. According to the 
World Bank 2017 report, the economy is gradually improving with the annual growth reaching 
4.5% in 2015/2016. The overall budget deficit declined in the first half of 2017 to 5.4% of GDP, 
down from 6.4% in the same p eriod last year. Meanwhile, current account deficit narrowed in 
dollar terms supported by non -oil exports and tourism receipts. Unemployment rate slipped to 
11.3% in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to 12.4% in the same period of 2016, specifically 
among Egypt's youth and including more women in labour force.   
4.189.   Economic recovery during the review period has been supported by the improvement of 
trade balance, increasing FDIs, lower inflation rate, growth rates for manufacturing, extraction 
industries, IC T, and domestic trade. In addition, tourism is showing positive signs.  
4.190.   The Arab group welcomes the efforts of Egypt in sustaining macroeconomic stability and 
pursuing an open and transparent trade and investment regime. There are a number of reasons to 
be optimistic about the positive economic transformation of the country especially after the large 
stimulus structural reforms undertaken by the government in different sectors such as, public 
sector, finance, tax and subsidy systems, tariff lines, pricing a nd competition, customs procedures 
and investment.  
4.191.   The Arab Group commends Egypt for its Sustainable Development Strategy "Egypt Vision 
2030" and for its ambitious Industrial Development Strategy for 2016 -2020 and trusts that all 
these hard efforts will co ntribute to sustainable economic development for the direct benefit of its 
population.  
4.192.   We are also happy to note that in order to identify concrete steps towards enhancing the 
investment climate and ease of doing business, Egypt has set out a series of reg ulatory packages 
between 2015 and 2017 including a new Investment Law and several amendments in investment 
related laws.  
4.193.   In addition to being a firm supporter of a rule -based and transparent multilateral trading 
system, Egypt has been active in negotiating  a number of bilateral and regional trade agreements.  
4.194.   To conclude, Egypt proved its commitment to support the world trading system and the 
WTO and demonstrated its desire to continue to play an active role in the promotion of free and 
open trade.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  4.195.   In this regard, the Arab Group appreciates the active role of H. E. Ambassador Alaa 
Youssef and Mr. Ahmad Al Lubaidi, Chief of the Commercial Office and his experts in WTO 
negotiations and other activities at large.  
4.196.   We wish Egypt a very successful Trade Policy Re view.  
KINGDOM  OF SAUDI  ARABIA  
4.197.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia commends Egypt for maintaining its strategy to diversify its 
economy, improve its trade performance and its well -educated labour force capacities and 
liberalize its foreign trade regime even in diff icult times.   
4.198.   We also welcome the "Egypt Vision 2030" which is a roadmap for making Egypt a 
sustainable, competitive, fair and knowledge based economy.  
4.199.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Egypt are not only neighbours enjoying brotherly 
outstanding relations  but prominent trading partners, their trade relations go back several 
centuries in time. Today, the bilateral trade ties are being steadily expanded and further 
strengthened by continuous interaction and cooperation. Egypt is one of Saudi Arabia's most 
important trading partners at the level of the Arab region. Bilateral trade between Egypt and Saudi 
Arabia surpassed US$4 billion in 2016. Egyptian exports to the Kingdom include; steel and 
agricultural products; while Egyptian imports from the Kingdom inclu de; oil products and 
chemicals.  
4.200.   Saudi Arabia is the biggest Arab investor in Egypt with total investments US$6 billion 
distributed among 3420 projects in various fields, such as: contracting, housing, IT, 
telecommunications, agriculture, tourism and transp ort. On the other hand, Egypt's investments in 
the Kingdom amount to US$2.5 billion in 1300 projects in the fields of contracting, 
telecommunications, healthcare and industry.  
4.201.   As an original Member of the WTO, Egypt is an active Member of this Organizatio n and an 
active supporter of the multilateral trading system. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia wishes to seize 
this opportunity to congratulate the Government of Egypt for the impressive economic 
achievements and developments.  
4.202.   I wish Egypt a very successful Tra de Policy Review.  
BURUNDI  
4.203.   Au niveau bilatéral, le Burundi se réjouit des excellentes relations d'amitié et de 
coopération avec la République Arabe d'Égypte depuis la signature, le 22 mars 1986, de l'Accord 
général de coopération économique et technique et ratifié le 6 juillet 1987. Cet accord prévoyait 
une coopération soutenue dans divers domaines comme la santé, l'éducation, le commerce, le 
transport, l'agriculture et l'élevage, la sécurité et bien d'autres domaines.  
4.204.   Depuis lors, la coopération égypto -burundaise s'est accrue de manière satisfaisante grâce 
à plusieurs échanges de visites au niveau présidentiel, ministériel ainsi que d'autres hauts cadres 
des deux pays.  
4.205.   Depuis l'établissement de ces relations diplomatiques, l'Égypte est restée au côté du 
Burundi pendant les moments difficiles, à travers divers projets de développement et le Burundi en 
est très reconnaissant.  
4.206.   À travers les rapports fournis par l'Égypte et le Secrétariat de l'OMC, le Burundi note qu'en 
dépit des défis politiques et économique s sans précédent auxquels l'Égypte était confrontée ces 
dernières années, elle n'a pas manqué à mettre en œuvre son programme de réformes 
économiques pour renforcer le commerce au niveau mondial. Cela s'est démontré par le fait que le 
PIB réel de l'Égypte s'est élevé à un taux annuel moyen de 4,5% sur la période 2005/06 -2016/17, 
malgré la période de perturbations qu'a connu le pays entre 2011 et 2013. Aussi, le taux annuel 
moyen de croissance du PIB est revenu à 3,2% sur la période 2010/11 -2015/16, avant d' accélérer 
ces dernières années grâce à une politique budgétaire expansionniste qui a renforcé la WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  consommation et les dépenses d'investissement, et à un programme de réforme économique 
visant à stimuler la croissance.  
4.207.   Son dynamisme dans les investissements nationaux et dans les infrastructures sont 
également d'autres éléments qui ont contribué à stimuler l'économie et ont aidé l'Égypte à 
renforcer sa capacité économique et servir d'une plaque tournante en ce qui concerne la 
fabrication et l'exportation de bi ens ainsi que devenir un centre de premier plan pour le 
développement et la prestation de services à valeur ajoutée étant donné que le domaine des 
services constitue le principal pilier de l'économie, d'emploi et d'exportations pour l'Égypte.  
4.208.   Néanmoins, ma lgré la récente accélération de la croissance, le taux de chômage de 
l'Égypte avoisine toujours 12%, et surtout que ce taux reste le plus élevé chez les jeunes et les 
femmes. En outre, en dépit de la hausse du revenu par habitant, la part de la population vivant en 
dessous du seuil de pauvreté a augmenté ces dernières années quand bien même la lutte contre la 
pauvreté reste un enjeu majeur pour le gouvernement égyptien.  
4.209.   En dépit de cela, ma délégation se félicite du fait que l'Égypte reste déterminé à créer  des 
conditions favorables au commerce. Elle se réjouit également que le Gouvernement continue à 
promouvoir et à faciliter les échanges pour optimiser l'allocation des ressources limitées du pays à 
travers l'intégration du commerce dans les diverses politi ques et stratégies sectorielles définies 
conformément à la Stratégie de développement durable de l'Égypte "Vision nationale 2030". En 
plus, le Gouvernement continue à mener des réformes destinées à améliorer les conditions de 
l'activité des entreprises. Ce s réformes, axées notamment sur les licences d'exploitation, la main 
d'œuvre et l'expansion du commerce visent à améliorer la compétitivité de l'économie par 
l'investissement, la productivité, le développement des entreprises et l'emploi. Le Burundi 
encour age l'Égypte à aller encore plus loin pour atteindre les objectifs communs pour toute 
l'Afrique.  
4.210.   En plus, le Burundi a noté que la politique agricole de l'Égypte s'oriente toujours dans le 
cadre de la Stratégie de développement durable à l'horizon 2030 bie n que sa part dans le PIB a 
diminué au cours des dernières décennies. Ma délégation encourage l'Égypte de continuer à 
prendre des mesures visant à maintenir l'agriculture au premier plan surtout que ce dernier reste 
un pilier stratégique essentiel de l'éco nomie égyptienne et une importante source d'emplois.  
4.211.   De l'avis de l'Égypte, le système commercial multilatéral et l'OMC doit aujourd'hui avoir 
pour objectif essentiel de préserver l'ensemble des progrès réalisés par les Membres depuis 1995, 
quelles que so ient les pressions néo protectionnistes internes auxquelles certains d'entre eux sont 
confrontés.  
4.212.   Cela montre que l'Égypte reste donc très attachée au système de l'OMC, à ses cadres de 
règles et à ses objectifs, y compris ceux mettant en avant le fait que les relations économiques 
internationales en général, et le commerce international en particulier, devraient être orientés vers 
le relèvement des niveaux de vie, la réalisation du plein emploi et renforcer les moyens d'y 
parvenir de façon compatible compte  tenu des besoins et les soucis respectifs à différents niveaux 
de développement économique.  
4.213.   Dans le même contexte et pour témoigner de son engagement à garantir la libéralisation 
du système commercial mondial et améliorer la facilitation des échanges, l'É gypte a ratifié l'Accord 
de l'OMC sur la facilitation des échanges et a mis en place un système de document administratif 
unique pour permettre de poursuivre l'amélioration des mesures de facilitation des échanges, en 
privilégiant les modalités numériques afin de réduire les coûts et la durée des transactions pour 
toutes les parties concernées. Le Burundi l'encourage à fournir plus d'efforts pour présenter son 
instrument d'acception.   
4.214.   En ce qui concerne le système commercial multilatéral, le Burundi, autan t que l'Égypte, est 
d'avis que pour mieux contribuer aux négociations engagées sur le programme convenu dans 
différentes conférences ministérielles, il y a la nécessité de renforcer au préalable les capacités 
techniques des pays en développement et des PMA  dans de nouveaux domaines de discussion afin 
que le manque de compétences techniques ne risque pas de ralentir le rythme ou la progression 
des nouvelles négociations au niveau multilatéral.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  4.215.   Pour terminer, le Burundi réitère la volonté de continuer l'entre tien fructueux des relations 
existant avec l'Égypte et lui souhaite plein succès pour son 4ème Examen des politiques 
commerciales.  
SINGAPORE  
4.216.   In 2017, total bilateral trade between Singapore and Egypt amounted to SGD 660 million, 
which was an increase of 23 % over the previous year. Singapore has varied investments in Egypt, 
ranging from transport and logistics, oil and gas, to retail shoe stores. One such Singaporean 
company is Charles & Keith, which has set up shoe stores in Egypt, including one in the Mall  of 
Arabia in Cairo.  
4.217.   Since 2014, GDP growth in Egypt has accelerated on the basis of an expansionary fiscal 
policy, which has led to strong consumption and investment expenditure. GDP growth has also 
been boosted by Egypt's economic reform programme aimed at fostering growth, improving 
governance and the investment climate. We are encouraged by these developments and urge 
Egypt to sustain its efforts in this direction.  
4.218.   We welcome Egypt's "firm commitment to the WTO and the multilateral trading system, to 
its rules framework and to its objectives" as indicated in the Government report (WT/TPR/G/367, 
paragraph 1.1). We further welcome Egypt's objective to raise its real per capita Gross National 
Income classification from the lower -middle -income economy groupi ng to the higher -middle -
income economy grouping by 2030, including through deep and further engagement in 
international trade.  
4.219.   We note that Egypt has ratified domestically the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in 
June 2017. We look forward to Egypt submit ting to the WTO its instrument of acceptance of the 
TFA very shortly. As for the Agreement on Government Procurement, while Egypt is not a party, 
Egypt could consider taking part as an observer as a first step.  
4.220.   In the area of tariffs, we observe that while  Egypt's applied MFN rates are in most cases 
considerably lower than bound rates, some 46 lines exceeded their bindings in 2017. In this 
respect, we urge Egypt to bring its applied tariffs into conformity with its bound commitments. We 
also encourage Egypt  to submit its outstanding notifications to the WTO with respect to its import 
licensing regime.  
4.221.   Finally, we are happy to note that H.E. Tarek Kabil was recently in Singapore two weeks 
ago to discuss bilateral economic cooperation and trust that he had a f ruitful trip. We would like to 
take this opportunity to wish Egypt every success in its 4th Trade Policy Review.  
UNITED  ARAB  EMIRATES  
4.222.   I seize this opportunity to pay tribute to H.E. the Ambassador Alaa Zakaria  Youssef for his 
leadership, active participation and substantive contribution to the work of the WTO, along with his 
team.  
4.223.   Egypt has undertaken commendable efforts to restore stability in its economic situation 
and to recover from the aftermath of the pol itical turmoil this WTO Member has faced since 2011. 
Of course this is a long and painstaking process, but the Egyptian Government, while maintaining 
its historical commitment to the multilateral trading system, is making every effort to implement 
an econo mic reform programme within its national Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS), 
namely "Egypt Vision 2030".  
4.224.   The objective of this ambitious plan, as it is pointed out in the report of the Secretariat, 
aims at enhancing growth, stimulating employment and narrowing budget deficit, in addition to 
fostering and diversifying export -oriented industry.  
4.225.   Egypt has always been a strong defender of the Multilateral Trading System, and a firm 
believer in the WTO as the main forum to negotiate multilateral trade rule s, as well as the 
centrality of development of the WTO's work.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  4.226.   Egypt remains one of the key partners of the UAE. Cooperation between our two countries 
cover sectors related to communication, banking, real estate, tourism and information technology.  
4.227.   In closing, the delegation of the UAE wishes Egypt a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
SRI LANKA  
4.228.   My delegation commends the continuous efforts of Egypt in recovering the economic 
slowdown shown, despite uncertain political, security, and policy environment p revailed within the 
country as well as in the region since 2011. We have observed that the growth has accelerated in 
recent years on the basis of an expansionary fiscal policy and an economic reform programme 
aimed at fostering growth. In this regard, we r ecognize the second wave of reforms which is 
currently under way to improve governance and the investment climate. We believe that the 
Egypt's Sustainable Development Strategy "Egypt Vision 2030" will pave the way in the 
achievement of targeted growth and reduction of fiscal deficit.  
4.229.   We note with great appreciation the ongoing reform process of simplifying the customs 
administration prior to ratifying the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Certain restrictive measure 
on importation on quality control, inspec tion, licensing requirement, quantitative restrictions and 
certain administrative formalities appeared to have been trade restrictive.  
4.230.   Let me briefly reflect on the bilateral trade and other economic relations between the two 
countries. During the period f rom 2010 -16, the trade between the two countries has increased 
over 100%. This is mostly owing to increase in imports sourced from Egypt to Sri Lanka. However, 
Sri Lanka continues to enjoy a trade surplus of the bilateral trade, except in few years. The hi ghest 
total trade between the two countries were recorded in 2012. Sri Lanka's exports to Egypt are 
equally dominated by Desiccated coconut for confectionary industry and tea with a share of 30% 
each, followed by pneumatic tyres that contribute for 10% of exports. Trading of these selected 
goods has been regular. The main imports of products from Egypt are essential oils and resinoids 
used for cosmetic preparations followed by chemical products and fresh fruits. Occasional imports 
of fertilizers and sugar f rom Egypt have also been recorded. In the 1970's, Egypt had been the 5th 
largest export destination for Sri Lanka.  
4.231.   Sri Lanka's bilateral trade and economic relations with Egypt dates back to the 80's. An 
Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement has bee n signed in 1987 paving the way for 
setting up of a Joint Committee to address broader and specific trade issues which was upgraded 
to a Ministerial level Joint Commission in 1996. This commission also builds a forum for discussions 
on cultural exchange an d tourism. Both countries celebrated tis 60 years of diplomatic relations in 
2017.  
4.232.   My delegation values Egypt's active engagement in the multilateral trade negotiations. We 
also take this opportunity to appreciate the contribution made by the Geneva based Egyptian 
delegation. We sincerely wish a successful conclusion of Egypt's 4th Trade Policy Review.  
KINGDOM  OF BAHRAIN  
4.233.   Egypt has been an important and historic regional partner of Bahrain, sharing a strong 
economic and cultural relationship that stretches back decades. The value of our total bilateral 
non-oil trade reached over US$267 million in 2017, with Egypt being a major destination for 
Bahraini aluminium products.  
4.234.   This trade has been cemented by a number of bilateral economic agreements such as a 
bilateral trade promotion agreement, an investment promotion agreement, a recently signed 
double taxation agreement, as well being parties to the Pan -Arab Free Trade Area (PAFTA).  
4.235.   We are delighted to see from the report that Egypt has been able to maintain a f ast 
growing well -diversified economy which has grown by an average of 4.5% during the period under 
review, backed by a strong services sector.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  4.236.   This of course comes after Egypt has gone through significant changes and faced a number 
of challenges during the  long period under review, such as a period political instability which has 
resulted in a growing youth unemployment rate.  
4.237.   However, despite those challenges, and through the current leadership, we are pleased to 
see that Egypt's economy has been restructur ed to take on a more market -oriented approach, 
with plans to allow beneficial private sector involvement in the economy.  
4.238.   Looking forward, we view great interest and opportunity in investment in Egypt and its 
untapped potential for attracting Foreign Direct  Investment. As the report shows, it has made 
significant progress in fostering the investment climate.  
4.239.   I cannot conclude without highlighting Egypt's role as a long standing and strong supporter 
of the WTO and the multilateral trading system. As an active  member in various WTO negotiations, 
as well as through their leading role in the League of Arab States, Egypt has always worked hard 
to safeguard the rights of developing countries.  
4.240.   Finally, we would like to thank the discussant for their remarks and acti ve discussion and 
the WTO secretariat for their efforts in preparing the detailed report.  
GHANA  
4.241.   Ghana associates itself with the statement made by South Africa on behalf of the African 
Group.  
4.242.   Let me begin by commending Egypt for its place in the top 10 fas test growing 
large-population economies which could not have come without much effort culminating in a real 
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of over 5.6% through 2016. This exceeds the 
International Monetary Fund's (IMF) 2016 -17 GDP growth estimate  by 20%.  
4.243.   The Government of the Republic of Ghana and the Government of the Arab Republic of 
Egypt have signed an agreement desiring to create favourable conditions for greater economic 
cooperation between them, and in particular, for the encouragement and reciprocal protection of 
investments by investors in each other's territory, but this agreement remained to be 
implemented.  
4.244.   Even though Ghana and Egypt have very close traditional relations and historical ties, it did 
not move much beyond the memories of the "good old days" of the first president of Ghana, 
Dr Kwame Nkrumah and the then President of Egypt, H.E Abdul Gamel Nasser. However, in recent 
years both countries have called for fruitful and mutually beneficial relations between them. In 
furtherance o f this, a business forum was held in Ghana, in October 2017, to strengthen our 
mutual cooperation through the promotion of trade and investment.  
4.245.   Available statistics from COMTRADE for 2016 indicates that Ghana's exports to Egypt was 
US$15.3 million represe nting less than 1% of Ghana's total exports although this represents 4.8% 
increase over the 2012 figures. Ghana's imports from Egypt amounted to US$69.4 million 
representing less than 1% (0.6%) of Ghana's total imports. The major trading products include 
minerals, pharmaceutical products, machinery, cereals, electrical and electronics, aluminium 
articles, rubber products, cotton etc. It is desired that trade between our two countries will expand 
in the near future.  
4.246.   Available data indicates that about 12 –20% of Africa's trade is intra -regional, while it is 
22% for South America, 40% for North America, 50% for Asia and 70% for Western Europe. This 
emphasizes the need for Africa to deepen its intra -regional trade and the Continental Free Trade 
Area (CFTA) agree ment is a unique opportunity to drive Africa's transformation and development.  
4.247.   The role of Egypt in both the Tripartite and Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) 
negotiations, as well as in the deepening of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa 
(COMESA) arrangement, and the making of African economic integration a high political and 
economic long -term priority, are therefore worthy of note.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  4.248.   At the Multilateral level, Egypt has demonstrated its openness to international trade with 
reduced tariffs w hich constituted only around 1% of total revenues in 2016. The history of Egypt 
and its contributions to world trade, and to a fair and equitable MTS is well known and 
commendable. The ratification of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in 2017 and its 
transposition into national law as well as the acceptance of the Protocol amending the TRIPS 
Agreement earlier in April 2008 are ample demonstration.  
4.249.   Egypt is an active participant in the multilateral trading system as a party to the 
Information Techn ology Agreement and the plurilateral Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft and 
has submitted a number of notifications to the different WTO Committees during the period under 
review. Indeed Egypt's role in the WTO African Group as focal point and various fo ra cannot be 
underrated.  
4.250.   As the reports indicate, Egypt has undertaken aggressive economic reforms since the last 
review, including slashing subsidies, floating the national currency and massive national 
investment in infrastructure which have stimulated t he economy and strengthened its capacity to 
serve as a major hub for the manufacture and export of medium -technology goods and delivery of 
value -added services in a range of sectors.  
4.251.   As 2017 investment figures suggest, Egypt ranked second in FDIs receipts in Africa in 
2016, a 17.1% increase over the previous year.  
4.252.   Egypt has also undertaken of number of initiatives which require mention and 
commendation, including;  
 The special rules put in place to facilitate the access to simplified industrial licensing 
processes through the IDA that are tailored for MSMEs.  
 The services provided at multiple regional outreach centres by Ministry of Investment and 
International Cooperation (MIIC) to support MSME incorporation.  
 The provision of special assistance and facilitat ion of support for entrepreneurship and MSME 
assistance sought by women, youth and the physically challenged by all national institutions.  
 The reduction in the entire process for industrial license from over 600 days in 2005 to 
under 7 days in 2017 for over 80% of applications, with no application requiring more than 
30 days to process in all cases.  
4.253.   Despite the recent acceleration of growth, Egypt's unemployment rate remains at around 
12%, and even higher among young persons and women. Furthermore, despi te an increase in per 
capita income, the share of the population living under the poverty line has increased in the last 
few years and poverty alleviation continues to be one of Egypt's major challenges.  
4.254.   As indicated in the reports, Egypt's potential for a ttracting foreign investors and fostering 
domestic investment remains largely untapped. Indeed, its FDI inflows averaged some US$6 billion 
per year during 2013 -16 compared with an annual average of around US$9 billion in 2005 -07.  
4.255.   Finally, Ghana encourages  Egypt to address these challenges and continue the review of its 
trade and investment policies and measures to reap the full potential of its open economy.  
4.256.   In conclusion, my delegation congratulates Egypt on the fourth Trade Policy Review and 
wishes them a successful outcome.  
MAURITIUS  
4.257.   We commend the bold economic vision of the Government of Egypt as reflected in 2030 
Sustainable Development Strategy (2030 SDS) and which caters for improvement in regulatory 
and business environment under an environmentally  sustainable economic model.  
4.258.   Mauritius and Egypt share longstanding trade ties. A significant percentage of our COMESA 
imports is sourced from Egypt. Continued improvement in trade facilitation processes is vital to WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  removing non -tariff barriers and trade o bstacles with a view to enhancing trade between our two 
countries.  
4.259.   In this context, we welcome measures such as the establishment of the Egyptian 
Development Agency and its important role in spearheading regulatory reform, including 
streamlining import and  export procedures, as well as the activation of the Single Administrative 
Document (SAD) system for import and export processes. We encourage Egypt to pursue its 
efforts towards the eventual implementation of an electronic window system.  
4.260.   We also wish to c ommend Egypt for its active leadership in the negotiation processes of 
the Tripartite and Continental Free Trade Area and we also appreciate the commitment of Egypt to 
completing the outstanding talks as soon as possible.  
4.261.   We look forward to working closely  with the delegation of Egypt with a view to making 
significant progress at the WTO.  
GUATEMALA  
4.262.   Guatemala y Egipto han mantenido sólidas relaciones comerciales desde hace varias 
décadas. El principal producto de exportación por parte de Guatemala es el card amomo 
representando el 95% total de exportaciones a Egipto. Las importaciones cuyos productos son; 
materiales plásticos y manufacturas representando 47%, seguido por papel y cartón con un 26%, 
los artículos de vestuario con un 12% y los productos farmacéut icos con el 9%.  
4.263.   Asimismo fuera del ámbito comercial, Guatemala y Egipto han firmado dos convenios 
sobre Cooperación Cultural, Técnica y Científica, creando un Programa Ejecutivo de Cooperación 
desde el año 2006.  
4.264.   En relación con la evaluación que hoy nos co ncierne, resaltamos la formulación de su 
Estrategia de Desarrollo Sostenible 2030 así como las tres dimensiones fundamentales que la 
conforman: la económica, la social y la ambiental. Con la cual se busca que para el año 2030 
Egipto pase hacer un país en l a categoría de economía de ingreso medio alto.  
4.265.   Dentro de esta Estrategia, el Gobierno de Egipto ha realizado un enfoque preciso y sólido 
en lo referente a inversión pública y privada.  
4.266.   Otro punto a destacar es el establecimiento dentro de sus prioridades, el mejoramiento del 
clima de inversiones a fin de generar un buen clima competitivo que permita incentivar la 
innovación, la investigación, así como la creación de cadenas productivas que contribuyan al 
crecimiento económico del país. Con la promulgación d e su nueva ley de inversiones se garantiza 
la aplicación de trato nacional recíproco, la utilización de sistemas electrónicos que favorecen a los 
Centro de Servicio para Inversores con el fin de hacer más eficientes los procesos de solicitud de 
licencias, reduciendo los tiempos para su otorgamiento. Este tipo de medidas han hecho que 
Egipto en el año 2016, haya alcanzado recibir inversión extrajera por 8.100 millones de dólares 
EE.UU., convirtiéndose en el segundo país de mayor recepción de inversión extran jera en África.  
4.267.   En lo que respecta a las MIPYMES, el Gobierno ha realizado alianzas interinstitucionales 
con el objetivo de establecer programas complementarios que motiven y den apoyo a las 
iniciativas empresariales tradicionales e innovadoras. Creó el O rganismo de Desarrollo de las 
MIPYMES como ente formulador de políticas públicas sobre esta materia. Asimismo, el Banco 
Central del Egipto ha asignado un fondo de 200.000 millones de libras egipcias para proyectos de 
inversión relacionados a las MIPYMES.  
4.268.   En lo referente a su política de sostenibilidad, Egipto ha formulado líneas de acción 
enfocadas a buenas prácticas ambientales y ecológicas con el fin de concientizar el mejoramiento y 
mantenimiento del medio ambiente, así como la eficiencia energética.  
4.269.   Egipto dentro de su política comercial, ha tomado medidas tecnológicas que le permitan 
cumplir de manera eficiente con los compromisos adquiridos en materia de facilitación de 
comercio, tal es el caso de la reducción de documentos necesarios para realizar l os procedimientos 
de importación y exportación.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  4.270.   Con el fin de acrecentar el número de exportaciones, el Gobierno de Egipto ha creado el 
Organismo de Fomento a las Exportaciones, que no solo realiza actividades de promoción, sino 
también trabaja con el sec tor privado en la identificación de reformas normativas que pueden 
llegar a mejorar esta actividad, así como los escenarios a nivel mundial donde pueden existir 
oportunidades de mercado.  
4.271.   La política arancelaria de Egipto busca como finalidad a largo plazo  establecer un entorno 
en la que los aranceles no sean obstáculos para el consumidor.  
4.272.   En materia de propiedad intelectual, cabe resaltar la creación de los Tribunales Económicos 
Especializados, con los cuales se fortalece la adecuada observancia de este ti po de derechos.  
4.273.   Finalmente, Guatemala reconoce los esfuerzos realizados por Egipto durante el período 
evaluado en este informe y desea a la delegación que hoy los representa, una exitosa conclusión 
de su Examen de políticas comerciales.  
RÉPUBLIQUE  CENTRAFR ICAINE  AU NOM  DU GROUPE  DES  PMA 
4.274.   Sur la base des rapports présentés, il apparaît clairement que la politique menée par 
l'Égypte pour favoriser sa croissance économique et son développement est ambitieuse et ancrée 
dans une dynamique.  
4.275.   En effet, malgré la période de perturbations qu'a connu le pays entre 2011 et 2013, 
l'évolution du produit intérieur brut égyptien a été positive. Ce denier a connu, mis à part la 
période de tension, une progression moyenne de 5,6% entre 2005 et 2016. Les secteurs d'activité 
qui contribuent le plus à la formation de richesses du pays sont dans l'ordre: les services à hauteur 
de 55,3% du PIB, les activités manufacturières à hauteur de 17,1% du PIB, et l'agriculture à 
hauteur de 11,9% du PIB.  
4.276.   Toutefois, l'Égypte ambitionne de re nforcer les caractéristiques de son développement et a 
élaboré pour se faire une stratégie de développement durable à l'Horizon 2030, reposant sur trois 
dimensions d'ordre économique, social et environnemental. En l'occurrence, il s'agit notamment 
d'augmen ter le revenu réel par habitant pour que celui -ci atteigne la tranche supérieure du revenu 
intermédiaire selon le classement de la Banque mondiale. Il s'agit également de parvenir à ce que 
les exportations contribuent au moins à 25% de la croissance du PIB . 
4.277.   L'Égypte ambitionne, par ailleurs, de réduire significativement son déficit budgétaire et 
vise à ce que la répartition des revenus tirés des activités économiques et commerciales soit mieux 
faite au sein de la population afin de réduire les inégalités.  
4.278.   Le Groupe de PMA encourage pleinement l'Égypte dans les démarches entreprises de 
renforcement de son économie. Celle -ci passe, en particulier, par plus d'industrialisation en vue de 
faire du pays l'une des principales bases en Afrique de fabrication et d'e xportation des biens de 
moyenne technologie, davantage d'industrialisation et également une haute priorité pour les PMA.  
4.279.   Dans ce cadre, l'Égypte possède une autorité dédiée au développement industriel et qui a 
vocation à fournir des services spécialisés au x entreprises locales pour que ces dernières se 
développent dans un environnement propice. Outre l'appui technique et les aides au renforcement 
des capacités et à l'accès aux crédits à des conditions favorables pour les entreprises, les autorités 
égyptienn es comptent aussi agir sur d'autres dimensions. Cela peut également servir de modèle 
pour les PMA.  
4.280.   Il y a notamment la politique de facilitation du commerce et l'engagement du 
Gouvernement de continuer à faciliter les procédures d'exportation ou d'importat ion. Par exemple, 
par la réduction à venir du nombre de documents requis, un peu plus de 3 d'ici 2019, ce qui est 
propice aux affaires des entreprises et industries locales.  
4.281.   L'agriculture est aussi une priorité pour le Gouvernement égyptien, tout comme po ur les 
PMA du fait de son essentialité pour l'économie et les emplois. Ainsi, l'Égypte avait déjà lancé 
depuis 2009 une stratégie de développement durable de l'agriculture à l'Horizon 2030 basée sur WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  une utilisation durable des ressources agricoles naturell es et un renforcement de la compétitivité 
des produits agricoles, et une amélioration de la sécurité alimentaire.  
4.282.   Enfin, le Groupe des PMA souhaite remercier vivement le Gouvernement de l'Égypte pour 
son soutien constant dans le cadre des négociations mult ilatérales et quant à l'importance de 
prendre en compte la dimension développement et la situation particulière des PMA dans le forum 
du commerce multilatéral.  
4.283.   En guise d'appui aux économies des PMA, il faut noter, par ailleurs, que l'Égypte fait l'effort 
de faciliter l'accès à ses marchés en accordant aux PMA des réductions de 10% à 20% sur les taux 
de droit appliqués à une centaine de produits. En outre, une cinquantaine de matières premières, 
principalement des minéraux, bénéficient d'un accès en franchi se de droits.  
4.284.   Le Groupe des PMA espère que les relations commerciales avec l'Égypte pourraient être, à 
l'avenir, encore davantage approfondies.  
4.285.   Au nom du Groupe des PMA, la République centrafricaine souhaite à l'Égypte un plein 
succès dans ses initiatives  de politique économique et une réussite de son Examen de politiques 
commerciales.  
GABON  
4.286.   Le rapport présenté par l'Égypte souligne que ce pays a connu une crise politique et 
économique de grand ampleur entre 2011 et 2013, il n'en demeure pas moins que son Produit 
intérieur brut (PIB) a augmenté de 5,6% jusqu'en 2016, grâce aux réformes menées par le 
Gouvernement dans divers secteurs d'activités économiques.  
4.287.   Il s'agit particulièrement de la réduction des subventions, du passage à un régime de 
change flexible , du renforcement des infrastructures, des politiques soutenues en matière 
d'investissement, d'entrepreneuriat, d'industrie, de commerce, de la création des tribunaux 
économiques, de la création d'une autorité de la protection de la concurrence et d'une au torité 
nationale de sécurité sanitaire des produits alimentaires.  
4.288.   Dans la perspective de faire passer l'Égypte de la catégorie des économies à revenu 
intermédiaire de la tranche inférieure à celle des économies à revenu intermédiaire de la tranche 
supérieu re, le Gouvernement égyptien s'est lancé, en mars 2015, dans un vaste programme de 
développement durable à l'horizon 2030 dénommé "Vision nationale 2030".  
4.289.   Ce programme vise, entre autres, à accroître le revenu national brut (RNB) réel par 
habitant, à rédui re de moitié la dette publique, à parvenir à un déficit national de 5% du PIB et à 
faire baisser le chômage de 5% de la population active.  
4.290.   Par ailleurs, les autorités égyptiennes ont adopté, en février 2016, pour une durée de 
quatre ans, une stratégie nati onale de développement industries (IDS) axée sur le développement 
industriel des micros, petites et moyennes entreprises (MPME), la promotion des exportations et 
de l'innovation, ainsi que l'amélioration du climat des affaires. Plusieurs autres mesures pha res 
permettent d'attirer les investissements étrangers directs telles que la loi sur les sociétés qui 
exonère de tous droits et taxes les entreprises et leurs actionnaires.  
4.291.   Mon pays salue l'attachement de l'Égypte au système commercial multilatéral conduit  par 
l'OMC, en témoigne sa participation active aux négociations en cours. Dans cet élan, le Gabon 
encourage fortement l'Égypte à déposer auprès de l'OMC son instrument d'acceptation de l'Accord 
sur la facilitation des échanges (AFE) qu'elle a ratifié en j uin 2017.  
4.292.   Le Gabon se réjouit des excellentes relations de coopération qu'entretiennent les deux 
pays, gage d'une coopération sud -sud. 
4.293.   Les relations diplomatiques entre le Gabon et l'Égypte ont été établies en 1973 par feux 
Présidents Omar Bongo Ondimba et  Anouar El -Sadate. Ces relations n'ont cessé de s'intensifier 
avec les visites des Chefs d'État dans les deux capitales. Le dernier accord de partenariat WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  économique conclu entre nos deux pays date du 16 août 2016. Il concerne plusieurs secteurs 
notamment d u bois, de la pêche, de l'agro -alimentaire, du ciment et des ressources minières.  
4.294.   Cet accord vise d'une part à développer le volume de nos échanges commerciaux et à 
renforcer, d'autre part, la coopération gabono -égyptienne riche d'une vingtaine d'accords e xistants 
dans les domaines de la santé, de l'éducation et de la sécurité.  
4.295.   Ma délégation souhaite plein succès à l'Égypte dans l'Examen de sa politique commerciale.  
PAKISTAN  
4.296.   Pakistan and Egypt enjoy very cordial bilateral relations. The bilateral trade of a round 
US$200 million between Egypt and Pakistan is not reflective of the immense trade potential that 
exists between our two countries. Pakistan and Egypt face similar security, political, social and 
economic challenges, we can greatly empathize with Egypt 's reform effort.  
4.297.   Pakistan appreciates that, despite huge challenges, Egypt's real GDP expanded at an 
annual average rate of 4.5% over the 2005/06 -2016/17 period. GDP per capita increased from 
US$1,514 in 2005/06 to US$2,508 in 2016/17.  
4.298.   It is worth noting that Egypt's economy is diversified. The services sector is the mainstay 
of the economy in terms of GDP share which was 55.3% in 2015/16.  
4.299.   The share of agriculture in GDP has been declining and reached 11.9% in 2015/16, while 
the contribution of manufacturing to GDP was 17.1% in 2015/16.  
4.300.   Pakistan appreciates Egypt's reform programmes aimed at stimulating economic growth 
and improving the business environment. The first wave of reforms focused on re -balancing the 
macroeconomic situation, and includ ed various fiscal, monetary and exchange rate policy 
measures. A second wave of reforms is currently under way to improve governance and the 
investment climate. The achievement on all these fronts is very impressive.  
4.301.   Remittances from oversea which were US$ 17.1 billion in 2015/16, as well as travel and 
tourism and Suez Canal revenues, are of primary importance for the Egyptian economy, all these 
three avenues are facing challenges.  
4.302.   Egypt's export base has become more diversified during the review period: the  share of 
exports of fuel products declined from 43% of total exports in 2005 to 14.3% in 2016. Despite 
this, fuel remains Egypt's single most important export product, followed by vegetables, precious 
stones and metals, chemicals, and textiles. Egypt's me rchandise exports in 2016 were 
US$22.5  billion. In 2016, the European Union was Egypt's main export destination. Merchandise 
imports amounted to US$58.1 billion in 2016. Machinery and electrical equipment is the single 
most important import group.  
4.303.   In June 2017, Egypt ratified domestically the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), its 
Category A commitments have been notified since January 2015 and the authorities are currently 
working on Category B and C commitments. Membership looks forward to Egypt's submis sion of 
instrument of acceptance of the TF Agreement to the WTO, we are confident that the ratification of 
the TFA will further spur up Egypt's reform effort.  
4.304.   During the period under review, Egypt continued making its customs administration more 
efficient and transparent, by reducing the number of documents required for import and export 
processes and allowing their presentation electronically. Egypt's simple average applied MFN tariff 
rate was 19.1% in 2017, slightly down from 20% in 2005, but higher than 16.5% in 2012. Some 
two thirds of all tariff lines face rates of 10% or lower.  
4.305.   There have been important changes to Egypt's investment regime since its last Trade 
Policy Review in 2005. The new law and regulations aim at updating Egypt's investment regime 
and incentives schemes to attract more investment. Egypt's foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows 
averaged US$6 billion per year during 2013 -16. WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  4.306.   Egypt is a member of most of the main international treaties on intellectual property rights 
(IPRs). In April 2008, Egypt notified the WTO that it had accepted the Protocol Amending TRIPS 
Agreement. The Intellectual Property Law N°. 82/2002 is a unified law that covers the major areas 
referred to in the TRIPS Agreement.  
4.307.   Egypt has a large banking sector. There are no legal limitations to the number of licences 
that can be granted, but there is a policy of consolidation of existing banks. Licences are open -
ended. Egypt has a well -developed insurance sector. Insurance companies must take the form of 
joint stock compan ies and have a minimum capital of Egyptian Pounds 60 million. Branches of 
foreign insurance companies are not allowed.  
4.308.   Egypt is an important market for telecommunication services in view of the size of its 
population. Mobile telecommunications services are  open to foreign investment. Egypt has a liberal 
aviation policy with few restrictions. Maritime transport is the main means of transportation used 
for Egypt's international trade. The Suez Canal is of a vital economic importance for Egypt, as it 
generated  US$5.12 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2015/16, accounting for 9.8% of total external 
account receipts.  
4.309.   Despite being severely affected by events in the past few years, tourism continues to be a 
key service in Egypt as it employs, directly and indirect ly, 12.6% of the total work force and is one 
of the main earners of foreign exchange. The sector is largely open to foreign investment and the 
authorities are trying to promote it through the incentives contained in the new Investment Law.  
4.310.   The measures tak en and achievements made vis -à-vis Ease of Doing Business and pro -
reform policies of Egypt are commendable and are great learning for other developing countries 
facing similar challenges.  
4.311.   We are appreciative of Egypt's role in the upholding of the multilat eral trading system. In 
the WTO, Egypt has been a vocal and very important voice for development, its role as coordinator 
of NFIDCs has been most commendable.  
4.312.   We wish Egypt a very successful and fruitful Trade Policy Review.  
EL SALVADOR  
4.313.   A pesar de los acontecimientos enfrentados por Egipto en los últimos años, así como los 
retos que enfrenta, como la disminución de la pobreza, se destaca el crecimiento que ha 
mantenido el Producto Interno Bruto.  
4.314.   La economía de Egipto está fuertemente apoyada en el secto r de los servicios y el turismo. 
El desempeño de la economía es el resultado del programa de reforma destinado a estimular el 
crecimiento económico y mejorar el entorno empresarial, iniciado por el Gobierno en 2014. Vemos 
con satisfacción los esfuerzos rea lizados para la modernización de las aduanas y de los procesos 
aduaneros, aunque hay retos significativos con respecto a la revisión de los aranceles de 
importación y otras restricciones.  
4.315.   Dentro de la Organización, vemos muy positivo el cumplimiento de sus  compromisos de 
transparencia, habiéndose puesto al día en casi todas sus notificaciones.  
4.316.   En el plano bilateral, apreciamos las relaciones comerciales existentes entre El Salvador y 
Egipto, las cuales se concentran principalmente en productos de papel y ca rtón, hilados 
texturados, bolsas de papel, y suéteres de fibras sintéticas o artificiales en cuanto a la exportación, 
mientras que en cuanto a la importación, se concentra en placas, láminas y hojas de plástico, y 
esperamos continuar fortaleciendo nuestras  relaciones en el futuro.  
4.317.   Por todo lo anterior, solo nos resta felicitar a Egipto, y desearle el mayor de los éxitos en 
este ejercicio y en los años venideros.  
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  ARGENTINA  
4.318.   La República Argentina observa con gran interés el desarrollo económico de Egipto, c uyas 
reformas económicas como la reducción de las subvenciones, la flotación de la moneda nacional, la 
inversión en infraestructura y la aplicación de una política fiscal expansiva han impulsado el 
crecimiento, a pesar de los choques económicos externos.  
4.319.   Celebramos las medidas adoptadas para estimular el crecimiento económico y mejorar el 
entorno empresarial, como así también para aumentar la participación del sector privado y las 
medidas tendientes a aumentar la Inversión Extranjera Directa.  
4.320.   En cuanto al c omercio bilateral, cabe destacar que Egipto participa de los acuerdos 
preferenciales con el MERCOSUR y se encuentra en negociación un Proyecto de Acuerdo sobre 
Cooperación y Asistencia Aduanera.  
4.321.   Las principales exportaciones de Argentina se concentran en productos de origen 
agropecuario y/o productos primarios. El primer lugar lo ocupa el maíz en grano que comprende el 
37% de los 4 principales productos exportados, en segundo lugar harina y pellet de soja (28%), 
habas (15%) y aceite de soja en bruto (14%).  
4.322.   Durante el año 2015, las importaciones argentinas se concentraron en combustibles, 
Gasóleo Gas oil (43%), Urea (22%), y superfosfatos (11%).  
4.323.   Entre 2015 y 2017, se registraron exportaciones argentinas por 1374 millones de dólares 
EE.UU. en promedio, e impo rtaciones por 16 millones en promedio, arrojando un saldo comercial 
superavitario para nuestro país de 1358 millones de dólares EE.UU.  
4.324.   Asimismo, destacamos la participación activa de Egipto en el sistema multilateral de 
comercio, tanto en la labor ordinari a de la OMC como en las negociaciones en la Ronda de Doha 
para el Desarrollo.  
4.325.   Finalizando, y al tiempo de reiterar nuestro reconocimiento por esta nueva oportunidad de 
intercambiar de juicio y consideraciones sobre las políticas y prácticas comerciales de Egipto, 
permítanos señalar, una vez más, la relevancia de este ejercicio de transparencia en todos sus 
aspectos y desear a las autoridades egipcias la exitosa conclusión del presente examen.  
URUGUAY  
4.326.   Nuestro país mantiene amistosas y constructivas relacione s con Egipto en los distintos 
ámbitos de la relación bilateral: tanto en el plano político, económico -comercial, como de 
cooperación y cultura.  
4.327.   Desde el último Examen de las políticas comerciales de Egipto en el año 2005, el 
relacionamiento político y come rcial entre Uruguay y Egipto se ha fortalecido.  
4.328.   En septiembre de 2015, el Presidente de Uruguay, Dr. Tabaré Vázquez, mantuvo una 
reunión con el Presidente de Egipto, Sr. Abdulfatah Al -Sisi, durante la cual intercambiaron 
opiniones respecto a las posibilida des de generar mayores oportunidades de cooperación e 
intercambio comercial entre ambos países.  
4.329.   Asimismo, el Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores de Uruguay, Sr. Rodolfo Nin Novoa, 
mantuvo un nuevo encuentro con el Sr. Presidente Al -Sisi en diciembre de 2016,  en el cual se 
analizaron nuevas vías de cooperación en el ámbito agrícola -ganadero, y el fomento de una mayor 
cantidad de encuentros empresariales y de promoción de inversiones.  
4.330.   Con relación al intercambio comercial, el saldo de la balanza comercial entre  Uruguay y 
Egipto ha sido fluctuante desde el último período de examen. Durante los años 2012 y 2015, la 
misma fue notoriamente superavitaria para nuestro país, y las exportaciones uruguayas al 
mercado egipcio presentaron una tasa de crecimiento promedio a nual de 10% durante el período 
2011-2016.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  4.331.   En cuanto a los productos, las exportaciones uruguayas hacia Egipto están concentradas 
en los bovinos vivos, ya que su participación representa más del 60% del total exportado en 2016. 
Otro producto de relevancia e s la lana sin cardar ni peinar. Leche y nata, así como subproductos 
cárnicos y manteca representan, en su conjunto, el 10% del total.  
4.332.   Las importaciones desde Egipto se concentran en productos como abonos minerales o 
químicos nitrogenados, representando el 39% del total importado durante el año 2016. Tubos y 
abonos minerales o químicos fosfatados participan respectivamente del 26% y 21%; y, en las 
últimas posiciones, encontramos calentadores eléctricos y cables, trenzas, eslingas de hierro o 
acero que suman de forma global el 5%.  
4.333.   Uruguay quisiera destacar la Estrategia de Desarrollo Industrial de Egipto para el período 
2016-2020, en la cual se establecen objetivos de política comercial para facilitar la transformación 
de Egipto en una de las principales econo mías industriales de la región de Oriente Medio y África 
del Norte.  
4.334.   Uno de estos es el desarrollo industrial de las microempresas y las pequeñas y medianas 
empresas, así como el incremento de la contribución de las MIPYMES al PIB. Asimismo, Egipto creó 
un nuevo organismo público para brindar apoyo a las MIPYMES, y su presupuesto en 2017 
ascendió hasta cerca de los 5.000 millones de libras egipcias.  
4.335.   Uruguay encomienda la labor realizada por Egipto en este ámbito y alienta a dicho país a 
participar del Grupo Informal de Trabajo de las MIPYMES, a los efectos de aunar esfuerzos hacia la 
exitosa integración de las MIPYMES en el comercio internacional.  
4.336.   Finalmente, quisiéramos reafirmar el interés de seguir trabajando para alcanzar un 
resultado positivo en la Confe rencia ministerial y proteger el sistema multilateral de comercio 
basado en normas previsibles, transparentes y equilibradas.  
4.337.   Uruguay le desea a Egipto el mayor de los éxitos en su cuarto Examen de políticas 
comerciales.  
REPUBLIC  OF TAJIKISTAN  
4.338.   Diplomatic r elations between Tajikistan and Egypt were established in 1992.  
4.339.   The issues related to the development of friendly relations and cooperation between the 
two countries have been considered at the meeting of President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, 
with the P resident of Egypt during the State visit of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan to 
Egypt in February 2007.  
4.340.   Head of Tajik State, Emomali Rahmon, in his speech, emphasized the importance of 
relationship between the two countries, including the follow ing: "A friendly and economic 
relationship with Egypt along with other Arab countries, from the perspective of the regional and 
international policy among the important directions of foreign policy of Tajikistan".  
4.341.   Constructive exchange of views was held on  the expansion of political, economic, 
investment and trade cooperation.  
4.342.   Following the official negotiations, a number of documents were signed which have laid the 
foundation to legal treaty basis of cooperation between Tajikistan and Egypt. During 2016 -17, 
Tajikistan's foreign trade turnover with Egypt amounted to US$3.6 million, export constitutes 
US$19.2 thousand and import US$3.5 million.  
4.343.   The expansion of trade cooperation with Egypt is in the interests of both States. In this 
regard, it is important to  make use of available opportunities for the development of trade 
relations between Tajikistan and Egypt.  
4.344.   I would like to point out a number of important areas of cooperation between Tajikistan 
and Egypt, including production of medicines, rehabilitation a nd construction of irrigation 
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  resources, processing of fruit and vegetables, cotton fiber processing, textile and leather 
production, food industry, education, tourism and so on.  
4.345.   This fourth Trade Policy Review of Egypt provides an excellent opportunity to get 
acquainted and improve our understanding of its trade regime.  
4.346.   I would like to highlight some key pints of TP R reports. Rapid macroeconomic 
development in Egypt since 2005 was briefly interrupted by a rare transitory shock of popular 
socio-political transformation between 2011 and 2013, temporarily impeding the pace of economic 
growth. Since 2014, however, the economy has accelerated and exceeded the expecta tions of key 
observers. Aggressive economic reforms, including slashing subsidies, floating the national 
currency and massive national investment in infrastructure have all resulted in stimulating the 
economy. This has strengthened Egypt's capacity to serv e as a major hub for the manufacture and 
export of medium -technology goods and to serve as a major location for the development and 
delivery of value -added services in a range of sectors. Egypt's macroeconomic development since 
2005 has averaged a real GDP  growth rate of over 5.6% through 2016, placing it among the top 
10 fastest -growing large -population economies worldwide over the period 2005 -16. The main 
components of Egypt's productive GDP are services, manufacturing and agriculture, which 
respectively accounted for 55.3%, 17.4% and 11.9% of GDP in 2015/2016. Despite the recent 
acceleration of growth, Egypt's unemployment rate remains at around 12%. Furthermore, the 
share of the population living under the poverty line has increased in the last few years  and 
poverty alleviation continues to be one of Egypt's major challenges.  
4.347.   Egypt, as an active Member of the WTO, has taken the commitment to improve trade 
facilitation processes. This commitment to improve trade facilitation was most recently reflected in 
its ratification of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement earlier in 2017.  
4.348.   Egypt has participated in eleven WTO disputes since 1995 as a third party, and it is 
commendable that has neither filed any complaint nor been a respondent to any dispute since 
2011.  
4.349.   My delegation acknowledges Egypt's continued pursuit of trade liberalization in a 
multilateral as well as regional and bilateral context. Egypt's contribution to and constructive 
involvement in various areas of the work and negotiations of the WTO is also  remarkable. We also 
acknowledge the Egyptian efforts to improve the business environment and liberalize foreign 
trade. At the 10th WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi, Egypt together with its trading partners 
played an important role towards ensuring that the needs of Net Food Importing Developing 
Countries were adequately addressed in the Ministerial Decisions on Agriculture.  
4.350.   We a re confident that Egypt continues to undertake further trade policy and structural 
reforms to improve its overall efficiency and to maintain an open WTO -consistent trade and 
investment regime to secure sustainable growth.  
4.351.   In conclusion, I wish Egypt a very  productive and successful Trade Policy Review exercise.  
SOUTH  AFRICA  ON BEHALF  OF THE AFRICAN  GROUP   
4.352.   At the outset, we would like to commend the Government of Egypt for its commitment to 
the WTO and to a fair and equitable multilateral trading system. Egy pt continues to be a pro -active 
participant in all WTO Ministerial conferences since the Organization's establishment, and has 
continuously engaged positively in different negotiations in its capacity as an individual WTO 
Member and as a member of various groupings including the African Group within which Egypt 
plays a leading role as the group's focal point in agriculture and NAMA negotiations.  
4.353.   We note that despite the unprecedented political and economic challenges facing Egypt 
since 2011, Egypt continued  to implement an economic reform programme that confirms its 
commitment to keep trade open and increased integration into the global economy, with an 
objective to further strengthen the economy by improving export capacity, increasing the 
competitiveness o f exports. Aggressive economic reforms, including slashing subsidies, floating the 
national currency and massive national investment in infrastructure have all resulted in stimulating 
the economy. This has strengthened Egypt's capacity to serve as a major hub for the manufacture WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  and export of medium technology goods and to serve as a major location for the development and 
delivery of value -added services in a range of sectors.  
4.354.   At the macroeconomic level, most key economic indicators suggest that the more 
challenging impacts of Egypt's recent socio political transformation phase between 2011 and 2013 
are over. GDP growth rate of over 5.6% through 2016, places it among the top 10 fastest -growing 
large population economies worldwide over the period 2005 -16. 
4.355.   We also comment the Government of Egypt for its strong commitment to industrialization 
and structural transformation, which are among the key pillars of the continental overarching 
objectives under The Africa Agenda 2063 –The Africa We Want that calls for the structural 
transformation of the continent's economies to create shared growth, decent jobs and economic 
opportunities for all, through Enhancing the Productivity Agenda for Africa, as an essential engine 
for industrialization, progressively enhancing the competitiveness of the continent in the global 
economy, and promoting macroeconomic policies that facilitate growth, employment creation, 
investments and industrialization.  
4.356.   In this context, the GoE 2030 sustainable development strategy, near -term industria l 
policy seeks to: (1) make Egypt a leading industrial economy in the MENA region and the primary 
export base for medium technology industrial goods by 2025; (2) to foster an environment of 
innovation that can facilitate industrial research and development ; (3) to leverage energy 
efficiency within production processes as an instrument to enhance national competitiveness; and 
(4) to more rapidly acquire greater technical know -how and engage a higher proportion of 
semi-skilled labour in the industrial sector.  
4.357.   To translate this near -term policy into measurable objectives, the Egyptian Ministry of 
trade and industry has put in place a series of five -year Trade and Industrial Development 
Strategies, with the current cycle (2016 -20) focused on five key objectives by 2020: (1) industrial 
development; (2) export development and competitiveness; (3) MSME development; (4) technical 
and vocational labour development and integration; and (5) business climate continuous 
improvement.  
4.358.   We also acknowledge the GoE achievement  in the area of FDIs, series of regulatory 
packages have been put into force between 2015 and 2017, including a new Investment Law that 
replaced the previous legislation. The new law guarantees reciprocal national treatment, 
consolidates several procedural  elements involved in the application process for various licences, 
including using E -Systems, further empowers key institutions to provide the required services in a 
single location. All these steps and reforms made Egypt Africa's top investment destinati on in 
2018.  
4.359.   Regarding regional integration in our continent, the African Group notes with satisfaction 
that African economic integration remains a very high potential and economic long term priority for 
Egypt. We welcome the leading role Egypt is currently  playing in the Continental Free Trade Area 
(CFTA) negotiations process that will bring together fifty -four African countries with a combined 
population of more than one billion people and a combined gross domestic product of more than 
US$3.4 trillion; the  main objectives of the CFTA being to create a single continental market for 
goods and services, with free movement of business persons and investments, and thus pave the 
way for accelerating a full economic integration of Africa. Egypt also plays a pivota l role in 
deepening the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and was one of the 
first African countries to sign and ratify the Tri -Partite Free Trade Agreement (TFTA).  
4.360.   Finally, it is our collective hope as African Group that with this im pressive economic 
performance and the commitment of the current leadership, the Egyptian economy will soon 
overcome all challenges and will continue to engage in a steady economic structural 
transformation for the benefit of the Egyptian people. And we wis h the delegation of Egypt a very 
successful Trade Policy Review.  
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  KENYA  
4.361.   At the outset, my delegation would like to associate itself with the statement made by the 
distinguished Representative of South Africa on behalf of the African Group.  
4.362.   Kenya enjoys st rong and longstanding economic and trade relations with Egypt. The 
relation has deepened over many years of diplomatic and high -level interaction. Both countries are 
members of COMESA and COMESA -EAC-SADC Tripartite FTA, which are Africa's largest trade 
blocs. The two countries are also actively engaged in the ongoing Continental Free Trade Area 
(CFTA) negotiations, which is one of the key initiatives in the industrialization and economic 
development of Africa.  
4.363.   Kenya commends Egypt for its overall economic p erformance during the review period. We 
note from the Secretariat's report that Egypt registered growth in its real GDP at an annual 
average rate of 4.5% due to having a strong consumption, investment expenditure and vibrant 
economic reform programmes. Thi s growth is particularly commendable given the political 
situation the Government faced in 2011.  
4.364.   Kenya also notes that Egypt's economy is diversified with the services being an important 
sector contributing 55.3% of GDP in 2015/16 and posting a high contri bution to employment and 
exports. We therefore encourage full implementation of existing reforms aimed at strengthening 
this important sector.  
4.365.   Kenya welcomes Egypt's commitment to the multilateral trading system and its active role 
and participation in the  WTO work, including negotiations. Egypt is also an active member of the 
African Group and we encourage that it continues to play a leadership role in this group on trade 
matters, among others.  
4.366.   Kenya applauds the positive changes made by Egypt in the inves tment sector during the 
review period. The new law on investment and the repealed Investment Guarantees and Incentive 
Law now gives foreign investors a choice to invest in Egypt either under the Companies Law or the 
Investment Law.  
4.367.   Egypt has also implement ed many reform programmes aimed at stimulating economic 
growth and improving the business environment. These include introduction of the value -added 
tax, a shift in the exchange rate regime, reduction of energy subsidies, and other ongoing reform 
programme s to improve the governance and the investment climate. We encourage Egypt to 
sustain these reforms in line with its Vision 2030.  
4.368.   On the bilateral front, Egypt remains and important partner for Kenya. In 2015, the two 
countries signed a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) which established a Joint Trade Committee 
aimed at strengthening and developing economic and commercial relations.  
4.369.   Kenya exports a limited number of products to Egypt. Kenya exports to Egypt are 
dominated by tea at 85% of the total exports in 2016. Nevertheless, the total volume of trade 
between Kenya and Egypt stood at about US$506 million in 2016 while the highest value was 
US$597 million in 2012. During the review period, the trade balance was in favour of Egypt. We 
believe that there is scope to deepen our bilateral ties through greater economic cooperation.  
4.370.   Finally, Kenya wishes the delegation of Egypt a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
KUWAIT  
4.371.   We associate ourselves with the statement made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on behalf 
of the Arab Group, and take this opportunity to thank the WTO Secretariat and the delegation of 
Egypt for their work and report.  
4.372.   The State of Kuwait welcomes Egypt commitment to the WTO and the importance of its 
role in safeguarding the multilateral trade sy stem, and to ensure a fair, transparent, and 
predictable rules -based system.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  4.373.   The State of Kuwait appreciates Egypt's active in the negotiations of interest to developing 
countries and LDCs, and its vital role on enhancing special and differential treatmen t for 
developing countries to ensure their smooth integration into the world economy.  
4.374.   Also we would like to congratulate Egypt for its commitment to the continuous 
improvement of trade facilitation processes, and economic policies.  
4.375.   Kuwait -Egypt relations have been growing steadily throughout history at all levels, and 
especially at commercial level. The strength of relations between the two countries stems from the 
fraternal ties between the two peoples to extend bridges of cooperation in all fields.   
4.376.   We wish Egypt every success in its Fourth Trade Policy review.  
PERÚ  
4.377.   El Perú saluda los progresos de Egipto en su desarrollo económico durante el período bajo 
examen, entre los que caben destacar el crecimiento económico sostenido, las reformas en favor 
de la atracción de inversiones, y el aumento de la contribución del sector manufacturero en la 
producción interna. En el ámbito comercial, nuestra delegación se alegra de los pasos que viene 
dando el Gobierno egipcio en favor de facilitar los intercambios, en pa rticular en lo que respecta a 
la creación de agencias especializadas para la promoción de las exportaciones y para el 
establecimiento de estándares fitosanitarios compatibles con las normas internacionales. De igual 
manera, apreciamos la intensa participac ión de Egipto en esta Organización, donde tiene un rol 
destacado, así como su participación en diversos Acuerdos Comerciales Regionales.  
4.378.   Si bien no hemos presentado preguntas para el Examen en curso, cabe acompañar lo 
señalado por otras delegaciones respe cto al valor de continuar aproximando la política comercial y 
de inversiones de Egipto a mayores niveles de liberalización y apertura. Egipto goza de un gran 
reconocimiento internacional por su larga y rica historia, también por su importante rol entre los  
países árabes y en la comunidad internacional, y por su ubicación privilegiada en las rutas 
comerciales internacionales. Nuestra delegación confía en que estos atributos distintivos de Egipto, 
sumados a una política macroeconómica estable, una apertura cr eciente y un sistema comercial al 
amparo de los compromisos del sistema multilateral de comercio, llevarán a Egipto a exponer aún 
mayores éxitos económicos en su próximo Examen de Políticas Comercial.  
4.379.   Acabo esta intervención deseándole a la delegación egi pcia un exitoso Examen de sus 
políticas comerciales.  
JORDAN  
4.380.   We congratulate Egypt for the improvement in its economy despite the challenges it is 
facing. Egypt is succeeding in implementing economic reforms and in continuing efficient 
development and trade  policies aiming at stimulating the economy and further integrating it into 
the global economy.  
4.381.   The 2030 sustainable development strategy and its economic dimension provide a clear 
vision for economic development, and we wish Egypt all success in its imple mentation.  
4.382.   We commend Egypt's commitment towards its WTO obligations, and its constructive role in 
the efforts to strengthen the multilateral system.  
4.383.   The brotherly and historical relations that Jordan and Egypt enjoy are a symbol of a 
successful and fruitf ul partnership.  
4.384.   Our bilateral trade is governed by a number of agreements, mainly the Pan Arab Free 
Trade Area (PAFTA) and the Agadir Agreement.  
4.385.   The bilateral trade between Jordan and Egypt amounted to US$573 million in 2016, where 
Jordan's exports to Egy pt reached US$99 million in 2016. While Jordan's imports from Egypt 
amounted to US$474 million for the same period.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  4.386.   Jordan attaches great importance to its relations with Egypt and has always been keen to 
further expand our good bilateral economic ties on all levels, which always hold further promising 
opportunities ahead for both countries.  
4.387.   Finally, we wish Egypt all prosperity and a successful Trade Policy Review.  
TCHAD  
4.388.   Le Tchad s'associe à la déclaration faite par l'Afrique du Sud au nom du Groupe africa in et 
par la République centrafricaine au nom des PMA.  
4.389.   Le rapport montre la volonté politique affichée par l'Égypte dès la première vague de 
réformes, qui a mis l'accent sur un rééquilibrage au niveau macroéconomique. De ce point de vue, 
il a été mis en év idence l'introduction de la taxe sur la valeur ajoutée qui est relevée à 14%, le 
passage d'un régime de taux de change indexé sur le dollar à un régime de flottement libre de la 
livre égyptienne, l'élargissement de l'assiette fiscale, la réduction des subv entions à l'énergie, et 
l'encadrement des augmentations salariales dans le secteur public. Ajouté à cela d'autres réformes 
économiques et commerciales et la mise en place d'une stratégie de développement durable dans 
le domaine de l'agriculture à l'horizon  2030 visant la compétitivité des produits agricoles.  
4.390.   Ma délégation salue toutes ces initiatives lancées par le Gouvernement égyptien pour faire 
de la République d'Égypte une économie forte.  
4.391.   Le Tchad se félicite également de la vision à laquelle souscrit l'Égypte en ce qui concerne 
les règles commerciales multilatérales, en particulier, le fait que les échanges commerciaux 
doivent être envisagés, à l'instar de toute relation dynamique, comme un processus en devenir.  
4.392.   Il est clair qu'aujourd'hui l'Égypte, à travers le choix opéré et la mise en œuvre de sa 
politique commerciale, contribue à redynamiser le processus de libéralisation des échanges 
commerciaux multilatéraux. Ce processus passe notamment par la simplification des procédures 
du commerce extérieur, l'instauration d'un environnement propice au développement des affaires 
et des investissements, l'élargissement de ses relations commerciales et économiques, mais 
également la vision du Gouvernement de faire de l'Égypte une plate -forme de l'innovation, de la 
fabrication et de l'exportation de produits de haute technologie à forte valeur ajoutée.  
4.393.   Ma délégation félicite l'Égypte pour sa détermination à satisfaire aux prescriptions en 
matière de notification et à son engagement à se mettre en conformité avec s es obligations à 
l'OMC.  
4.394.   L'Égypte est un partenaire important du Tchad dans divers domaines, notamment 
l'éducation, la santé, la sécurité, les infrastructures, l'agriculture, l'élevage et l'augmentation 
croissante du volume des échanges commerciaux entre no s deux pays. En témoigne la récente 
visite officielle du Président du Tchad en Égypte et celle de son homologue égyptien au Tchad.  
4.395.   Les deux Chefs d'État ont convenu de réactiver "dans les meilleurs délais" la commission 
mixte de coopération pour évaluer et  accélérer la mise en œuvre des différents termes d'accords 
militaires et économiques conclus entre les deux pays. Ce partenariat fécond et mutuellement 
bénéfique démontre à suffisance la vocation panafricaine qui a toujours caractérisé la politique des 
plus hautes autorités de deux pays et rappelle l'expression concrète de la fraternité qui lie les 
peuples égyptiens et tchadiens.  
4.396.   Le Tchad salue les efforts non négligeables de la République arabe d'Égypte pour créer une 
dynamique importante pour le commerce  et le système commercial multilatéral. Ma délégation 
encourage l'Égypte à poursuivre ses efforts et lui souhaite plein succès pour son Examen des 
politiques commerciales.  
NIGERIA  
4.397.   Nigeria is pleased to note from the Secretariat report that Egypt's real GDP expanded at an 
annual average rate of 4.5% over the 2005/06 -2016/17 period, due to an expansionary fiscal 
policy that led to strong consumption and investment expenditure, and an economic reform WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  programme aimed at fostering growth. The reforms have helped enhanced the Egyptian business 
environment and have produced balanced and inclusive growth. To alleviate the adverse effects of 
the economic reforms on the poor and vulnerable, th e Government has also adopted 
social -protection and safety -net mitigating measures and have intensified efforts to move away 
from inefficient and generalized subsidies to more efficient and better poverty -targeted social 
safety nets.  
4.398.   We welcomed the Egypt Vision 2030, which is a comprehensive development plan 
introduced in March 2015 that seeks to foster GDP growth and employment and gradually reduce 
the budget deficit. The aim of the Vision 2030 is to help Egypt become a leading industrial 
economy in the M iddle East and North Africa region and a main export hub for medium -technology 
manufactured products by 2025.The Egyptian trade policy objectives as set out in the Industrial 
Development Strategy (IDS) for 2016 -2020, in accordance with Egypt's Sustainable Development 
Strategy (SDS) "Egypt Vision 2030". The IDS covers the following areas: industrial development 
for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); export promotion and import rationalization; 
innovation promotion; energy conservation; the developm ent of technical and vocational 
education; and improvement of the business climate. The main goals are to accelerate industrial 
growth, increase the contribution of MSMEs to GDP, spur export growth and create productive 
jobs. To help implement the Vision, we call on Egypt's development partners to provide adequate 
funding and technical assistance.  
4.399.   Consistent with its rights under the WTO, Egypt has used the anti -dumping Agreement to 
initiate investigations during the period under review. We believe that the  Agreement can be used 
a key tool for development, through which developing countries can protect their industries. In this 
context, we call on Egypt to use its capacity to help African countries understand and use the 
Agreement.  
4.400.   On the bilateral relations , Nigeria and Egypt have cordial and steady trade relationship for 
decades and have been sustained by mutual interests and friendship of our peoples. The volume of 
trade between the Nigeria and Egypt is around US$100 million, which can be improved through 
working together so that we can leverage on the enormous potentials that exist.  
4.401.   As an important Member of the WTO, Egypt we look forward to further collaboration in the 
work of the WTO. We wish the delegation of Egypt a successful trade policy review.  
SOUT H AFRICA  
4.402.   South Africa joins the African Group and other Members in welcoming the Minister of Trade 
and Industry, His Excellency Mr. Tarek Kabil, to Geneva and to the WTO. We also extend greetings 
to his delegation.  
4.403.   We take the floor to congratulate Egypt f or successfully pursuing its work in preparing for 
this TPR. We fully recognise the difficulties and challenges Egypt has had to confront in recent 
years and express our solidarity with the Egyptian Government and people as you work to 
overcome those.  
4.404.   The strides Egypt has taken in the last two or so years in rebuilding its economy are all the 
more remarkable given the domestic challenges and the fragility and unevenness of the global 
economic recovery.  
4.405.   We are particularly impressed by the dedicated focus  Egypt has given to pursuing a revival 
of its industrial base through well thought -out industrial development policy and strategy. Trade 
policy and strategy should support that effort to sustain socio -economic progress.  
4.406.   In a few weeks, at the upcoming AU S ummit in Kigali, African governments will launch the 
Continental FTA. We are also making progress on completing the work of the Tripartite FTA that 
co-joins SADC, COMESA and the EAC. These efforts will contribute to deepening integration and 
development ac ross the continent.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  4.407.   As markets become increasingly integrated across Africa, we will need to give greater 
attention to promoting industrial development across Africa, including through the development of 
regional value chains so that all African countries  can benefit from more open markets.   
4.408.   We look forward to working with Egypt and other AU Members on this project and ensuring 
that the WTO supports those efforts. Again, we congratulate Egypt for a successful TPR.  
YÉMEN  
4.409.   Je voudrais vous remercier de nous avoir convoqués à cette réunion sur le quatrième 
Examen des politiques commerciales de la République arabe d'Égypte. J'aimerais ajouter que la 
délégation égyptienne à Genève a joué un rôle très actif dans les activités de l'OMC, y compris les 
négociations menant à la onzième Conférence ministérielle, sous la direction de 
S.E. l'Ambassadeur Alaa Youssef, qui a pris ses fonctions moins d'un mois avant la conférence.  
4.410.   Le Yémen apprécie les excellentes relations culturelles, économiques et commerciales avec 
l'Égypte, qui est l'un de nos précieux partenaires commerciaux. Cette réunion est une occasion 
louable de mieux apprécier les politiques commerciales, économiques et d'investissements de 
l'Égypte, ainsi que les vastes réformes qui ont été entreprises ces dern ières années. Les rapports 
présentés dans le cadre de ce cycle d'examen montrent clairement l'évolution positive des 
politiques et l'ouverture à tous égards, ainsi que l'engagement total de l'Égypte envers le système 
commercial multilatéral. Les rapports d u Gouvernement et du Secrétariat de l'OMC confirment 
clairement les énormes réformes qui ont été entreprises depuis le dernier examen. L'économie 
égyptienne s'est bien comportée malgré tous les défis et s'est engagée à poursuivre un régime 
commercial libér al. En conséquence, l'économie a connu une croissance saine malgré quelques 
difficultés principalement causées par des facteurs externes défavorables. Entretemps, l'Égypte a 
pris plusieurs mesures pour libéraliser davantage les différents secteurs, tant da ns le secteur des 
services et des marchandises que dans celui des investissements. Les objectifs de développement 
national et de croissance économique ambitieuse sont inclus dans sa stratégie de développement 
durable – Vision égyptienne 2030. L'objectif pr incipal est d'élever le niveau de vie de 100 millions 
de personnes, en passant d'une économie à revenu moyen supérieur d'ici à 2030. La volonté 
politique de la direction de l'Égypte est très visible pour atteindre cet objectif et au -delà. La 
délégation du Yémen se félicite des efforts déployés par l'Égypte et de ses politiques bien établies 
en faveur d'une économie plus ouverte au profit de sa population, de la région et du monde.  
4.411.   Cette réunion est très utile pour reconnaître et encourager de nouvelles mesu res, pour 
contribuer et soutenir la performance économique globale émergente positive de l'Égypte. Par 
conséquent, j'appelle les Membres de l'OMC à soutenir favorablement la stratégie de l'Égypte 
visant à développer et à faire progresser ses politiques com merciales dans les années à venir. Je 
souhaite sincèrement que cet exercice aboutisse.  
UGANDA  
4.412.   Uganda associate itself with the statement made by South Africa on behalf of the African 
Group.  
4.413.   We note with satisfaction the many reforms being undertaken by the  Egyptian 
Government, particularly in the laws concerning land and agriculture, investment, and industry; 
and also measures on financial services. We also note efforts being made in infrastructural 
reforms, covering civil service, health and others affecti ng civil society in general, and private 
sector in particular. We believe all these reforms are meant to better the living standard of the 
Egyptian people.  
4.414.   Egypt's role in the multilateral trading system and its commitment to the values of regional 
economic integration is fully recognized and very much appreciated. However, we thing Egypt 
should do something about the reform in the Customs Law, which we understand is rather old, the 
law of the year 1953, and which appears to adversely affect the othe r members of the regional 
economic integration of COMESA.  
4.415.   Egypt and Uganda are both members of the COMESA and above all, members of the Nile 
Basin Organization. As such, they have very close links with each other in a number of areas and WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  fields, including trade. For example, Uganda was exporting goods to Egypt worth US$5.8 million 
before the 2011 political revolts. These exports comprised fish fillet, coffee and tobacco, amongst 
others. More recently, Uganda and Egypt agreed to form joint business ventures encompassing 
agriculture, tourism and industry.  
4.416.   It is worthy to note that the consularization measures undertaken by the Egyptian 
authority tend to negatively affect the need for air trade between Egypt and some members of the 
economic integration, COMESA.  Members of COMESA are supposed to be exempt from exports tax.  
4.417.   Nevertheless, my delegation notes with appreciation the good performance of the Egyptian 
economy, with the GDP growth rate of 4.5%. We only believe and trust that this growth is 
inclusive for a ll the Egyptian people.  
4.418.   I conclude this statement by wishing Egypt a successful 2018 Trade Policy Review.  
TUNISIE  
4.419.   Tout d'abord, la Tunisie s'inscrit à la déclaration prononcée par l'Arabie Saoudite au nom 
du Groupe arabe ainsi qu'à celle prononcée par l'Af rique du Sud au nom du Groupe africain.  
4.420.   Ma délégation tient à saluer l'Égypte pour les efforts considérables qu'elle a déployés 
depuis le dernier examen de sa politique commerciale en vue de poursuivre sa politique de 
libéralisation économique et commercia le à travers notamment :  
 le renforcement du processus d'ouverture et la promotion de la compétitivité;  
 la poursuite de la réduction de la protection tarifaire et de la simplification des procédures 
du commerce extérieur;  
 l'instauration d'un environnement  propice au développement des investissements; et  
 l'élargissement et la diversification de ses relations commerciales et économiques par la 
conclusion d'accords de libre -échange avec ses principaux partenaires.  
4.421.   Nous sommes ravis de souligner que l'Égypte a  connu une croissance malgré la transition 
socio-politique qu'elle a connue depuis 2011.  
4.422.   Les différentes mesures législatives prises le Gouvernement Égyptien montrent clairement 
la volonté et la détermination des autorités égyptiennes à aller de l'avant da ns le chemin de la 
libéralisation et de la conformité aux principes et règles de l'OMC.  
4.423.   Sur le plan bilatéral, la Tunisie et l'Égypte entretiennent des relations excellentes d'amitié 
et de coopération tant au niveau bilatéral, sous -régional, régional et m ultilatéral. Ces relations se 
sont renforcées suite à la signature d'un accord portant création d'une zone de libre -échange entre 
les deux pays et la conclusion de l'Accord d'Agadir entre la Tunisie, l'Égypte, la Jordanie et le 
Maroc.   
4.424.   La 16ème session de  la Haute Commission mixte tuniso -egyptienne tenue au Caire en 
novembre 2017 a été couronnée par la signature de 10 accords de coopération notamment dans le 
domaine de la douane, de l'énergie renouvelable, ainsi qu'en matière d'investissement.  
4.425.   La Tunisie e t l'Égypte qui sont deux pays en développement et qui ont vécu des 
changements politiques depuis 2011, partagent leur point de vue sur un grand nombre de sujets 
de négociation au titre du programme de travail de Doha et œuvrent en commun pour une 
meilleure  consécration de la dimension développement dans les résultats de ces négociations.  
4.426.   Je tiens finalement à saluer la délégation égyptienne pour le rôle important qu'elle joue au 
sein de l'OMC qui témoigne son attachement au système commercial multilatéral.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  4.427.   Nous souhaitons à nos frères égyptiens tout le succès dans cet Examen de leur politique 
commerciale.  
IRAK  (OBSERVER)   
4.428.   We commend Egypt for the achievements that have been accomplished by its economic 
reforms and the adaptation of efficient development and  trade policies despite the challenges that 
face the country. As Egypt is always an important and active member of the Arab league, the 
Pan-Arab Free Trade Area and the WTO.  
4.429.   Additionally, we highly recognize Egypt's commitment to the multilateral trading s ystem 
which has provided a good model for the developing countries and the Middle -East and North 
Africa.  
4.430.   Finally, we wish Egypt all prosperity and a successful Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF EGYPT A ND ADDITIONAL COMMEN TS 
5.1.  At the outset I would like to express my utmost appreciation to you and to H.E Ambassador 
Sondang Anggraini for your statements and remarks made throughout our TPR meetings.  
5.2.  I would also like to sincerely thank all the delegations that have submitted written ques tions 
or raised concerns during the first day of the meeting, we have received 381 written questions 
until the first session, and we responded in writing to them all including the questions we received 
on Tuesday.  
5.3.  However, three delegations submitted follo w-up questions yesterday and this morning, and 
while we thank them for their interest, the points raised require further study by the capital 
experts. Therefore, we will respond to these follow -up questions within the agreed timelines set in 
the rules of p rocedures of the TPR.  
5.4.  In addition, we are particularly grateful to all the delegations that have shown support and 
acknowledgement to the economic reform efforts in Egypt.  
5.5.  The questions and concerns raised by Members clearly indicate the interest many coun tries 
share with regard to Egypt's trade policies, and overall economic performance.  
5.6.  Allow me to address the main issues and concerns raised by delegations during the first 
session of the TPR, namely:  
 The investment climate;  
 The banking sector;  
 Depositing the instrument of TFA ratification;  
 Simplifying customs procedures and tariffs;  
 SPS and TBT;  
 Transparency and notification requirements;  
 Intellectual property rights enforcement.  
5.7.  On the investment climate in Egypt, the new Investment Law 72/2017 grants an array of tax 
and non -tax incentive schemes, and all investments are guaranteed national treatment. In 
addition, an administrative unit "Investor Service Centre" is established under GAFI's auspices to 
provide an electronic services system.  
5.8.  Furthermore, the  new law enhances transparency through several elements including 
creating databases and maps for available investment opportunities as well as the target 
investment projects and activities. In addition to availing an Investors' Guide for procedures, 
docum ents, licenses and permits, etc. The official forms related to the investment affairs have 
been standardized and made available electronically. Decisions by the authority concerning 
facilitating procedures and speeding up of services have been enforced.  
5.9.  On the banking sector, it is properly and adequately regulated by the Central Bank of Egypt 
(CBE) through an efficient Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP) including Internal 
Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP) as CBE requires all banks t o present their ICAAP 
report annually including a stress test as an integral part of said report.  
5.10.   The supervisory regime is based on a set of prudential regulations that are in line with 
international best practices including applied Basel III in line wit h Basel committee time line, 
Liquidity risk regulation (LCR & NSFR), Concentration risk, along with other regulations regarding 
acquisition finance and developer finance risks where all of them are given higher risk weight in WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  calculating risk weighted asse ts in Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR). Accordingly, transition of risk 
from the parent company to their branches and subsidiaries in Egypt is considered a minimal risk.  
5.11.   In relation to the requirement of the intervention of a foreign and Egyptian bank in impor t 
documentation instead of the exchange of documents between the importer and exporter directly; 
the CBE is currently revising its instruction issued in December 2016 in an attempt to simplify it in 
the near future.  
5.12.   On depositing the instrument of ratifica tion of the TFA, great efforts were exerted. It has 
been ratified on 22 June 2017 by Presidential Decree No. 149/2017. Egypt is currently taking the 
necessary steps at the national level to deposit the instrument in accordance with the unified 
model docume nt. 
5.13.   On the simplification of customs procedures, the Egyptian Government has undertaken 
massive efforts in this regard, including the reduction of the number of documents required for 
import and export processes, allowing their submission electronically, s tarting on the 
implementation of a Single Administrative Document (SAD), and issuing advance rulings with 
respect to tariff classification and rates. Other simplification measures have been adopted like 
following Integrated Supply Chain Management (ISCM) p rocedures, using x -ray scanning devices, 
applying a risk management system with the aim of reducing further release.  
5.14.   In addition, Egypt started a national project with the objective of creating the Egyptian 
National Single Window (ENSW) system.  
5.15.   With respect to tariffs, Egypt is in the process of issuing its applied tariffs according to the 
Harmonized system HS2017. In this context, Egypt will ensure the simplification of the tariff 
structure including having an applied tariff at the bound rates or bel ow for both WTO and non -WTO 
Members. Noting that in the limited cases where the applied tariff exceeds the bound rate, the 
Egyptian Law guarantees that WTO Members would benefit from the lower rate.  
5.16.   Furthermore, on high tariffs on tobacco products and alco holic beverages, it is important to 
note that these are imposed within the limits of the bound rates and are maintained for legitimate 
objectives including health and religious reasons.  
5.17.   On SPS and TBT, Egypt has taken vast steps on the road of alignment wi th International 
standards, guidelines and recommendations, and will continue on this path. Egypt is also taking 
the necessary steps to ensure the full functionality of Egypt's National Food Safety Authority 
(NFSA) by 2019 including the modernization of it s food regulatory legislation. Furthermore, Egypt 
is currently formulating its National Biosafety law and working towards the establishment of a fully 
operational National Biosafety Framework (NBF).  
5.18.   On concerns over Ministerial Decree No. 43/2016, it is i mportant to note that the Egyptian 
Government has taken the appropriate measures to speed up the registration process and make it 
more transparent. Furthermore, it should be highlighted that Egypt is currently reviewing all 
trade -related measures and regul ations with a view to enhancing the business environment and 
facilitating trade.  
5.19.   On transparency, Egypt is fully committed to fulfil its notification obligations in the context 
of the various WTO Agreements. This is apparent from the increase in the number  of notifications 
since 2005 in the areas of SPS, TBT, trade in services, trade remedies and recently agriculture. 
However, Egypt recognizes that more needs to be done in this area. To this end, we are currently 
taking stock of all the trade -related measur es and regulations that have not been previously 
notified in order to prepare and submit the appropriate notifications in the context of the relevant 
WTO committees.  
5.20.   On intellectual property rights, Egypt acknowledges the significant contribution of IPR to  
investment, growth and development. And in this vein, Egypt has undertaken enormous efforts in 
different aspects affecting the IPR environment, including the organization of major awareness 
campaigns with the aim of increasing the public awareness of IPR issues.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  5.21.   Moreover, the Government established specialized departments for enforcement actions, 
entitled to combat counterfeit and pirated products in the local market through investigating 
complaints and conducting raids to seize products infringing IP righ ts. In addition to the 
enforcement efforts carried out at the borders through applying IPR Border Measures.  
5.22.   Furthermore, the national IP bodies continuously try to facilitate and shorten the procedures 
for registrations and examination. The national bodies  have also signed various agreements and 
MoUs with international bodies and counterpart foreign IP offices, aiming at mutual cooperation 
and facilitation of searching mechanisms and registrations.  
5.23.   Additionally, in order to keep pace with the international developments in the IP 
environment, Egypt is keen on observing the new issues that arise continuously in various IP 
forums, and discussing their compatibility and applicability to the Egyptian IPR regime. As well as 
considering accession to international I P treaties that will further promote the IP regime in Egypt.  
5.24.   In conclusion, we would like once again to assert on our appreciation of the opportunity this 
TPR gave us to shed some light on the developments the Egyptian economy has witnessed in the 
past 13 years since our last TPR in 2005, and to elaborate on Egypt's efforts to take the necessary 
measures to address the concerns and inquiries of our trade partners.  
5.25.   It is only through such active engagement and constructive discussions that we can further 
promote a profound -established multilateral trading system based on the principle of 
transparency.  
5.26.   In the meanwhile, the Egyptian delegation welcomes further comments or inquiries by any 
of the esteemed delegations.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.27.   This 4th TPR of Egypt has been a  very constructive review. From my observation, the 
number of Members' questions and statements throughout this review is among the biggest one. It 
reveals the Membership strong interest in Egypt engagement in the WTO.  
5.28.   On the other hand, Egypt's positive e ngagement in this review, including its responses to 
questions submitted by Members – demonstrates its ongoing commitment to the multilateral 
trading system and highlights the positive development Egypt has taken to improve its trade and 
investment environ ment since the last review, especially after the socio -political transformation 
period.  
5.29.   I will start by sharing a few reflections on the interventions and statement from Members 
and follow by Egypt's response.  
5.30.   On questions and statements by Members, Member s raised several issues among others:  
1. A number of Members commended Egypt for its overall achievement in reforming its 
economy after interrupted by a rare transitory shock of popular socio -political 
transformation. The reforms have helped enhanced the Egyp tian business environment and 
have produced balanced and inclusive growth.  
2. Members also view great interest and opportunity in investment in Egypt and its untapped 
potential for attracting Foreign Direct Investment, which has made significant progress in 
fostering the investment climate.  
3. Most Members welcomed Egypt commitment in the multilateral trading system and its active 
role and participation in WTO work, including ratification of Protocol Amending TRIPS 
Agreement, and domestic ratification of TFA and activation of a Single Administrative 
Document System. Some Members look forward to Egypt submitting to the WTO its 
instrument of acceptance of the TFA and encourage Egypt to provide its category B and C 
notification shortly.  
4. Several Members suggest Egypt to use its capacity to help neighbouring countries 
understand and use AD Agreement, given that Egypt has used the anti -dumping Agreement 
to initiate some investigations during the period under review.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  5. On Customs administration, a Member has congratulated E gypt on reforming its customs 
administration in order to increase efficiency and transparency through several trade 
facilitation measures.  
6. Some Members sought clarification on Egypt's applied MFN rates that in most cases 
considerably lower than bound rates , and some 46 lines exceeded the bindings in 2017.  
7. With regard to some Laws and Presidential Decrees, several Members also raised concerns 
to these measures, which have led Egypt to adopt a number of trade restrictive policy and a 
number of complex certification and quality control requirement on some products and made 
imports of goods more difficult.  
5.31.   On Egypt's response, I was encouraged by Minister Kabil statement to remain committed to 
the multilateral trading system despite the hard time it has passed through over the past few 
years and the need of Egyptian to contin ue working toward strengthening the multilateral trading 
system that remains resilient to the changes of the global economy.  
5.32.   The effective implementation of Egypt's ambitious economy reform will be critical; especially 
the programme identified by Egypt ali gns strongly with the concerns raised by Members during 
this review, among other new investment law, import registry law, value -added tax, industrial 
licensing law, etc.  
5.33.   I was pleased to hear that Egypt will take on board the comments from Members during t his 
review as well as follow -up questions, and to continue an active dialogue with its trading partners.  
5.34.   On a personal note, please let me conclude by saying how grateful I am for the opportunity 
to act as the discussant for Egypt 4th Trade Policy Review.  
5.35.   In conclusion, the trade policy review process provides an important mechanism for 
strengthening each Member's commitment to the multilateral trading system, and I am glad to 
have participated in this review. I thank you, Chair.  
BÉNIN  
5.36.   La délégation du Béni n s'associe à la déclaration faite par l'Afrique du Sud au nom du 
Groupe africain.  
5.37.   Sur le plan économique, l'Égypte a enregistré sous la période sous examen des 
performances encourageantes qui se sont traduites par un taux de croissance réel du Produit 
Intérieur Brut (PIB) de plus de 5,6% en moyenne jusqu'en 2016. À l'échelle mondiale, ce résultat 
a classé le pays dans le rang des dix économies très peuplées ayant connu la croissance la plus 
rapide au cours de la période 2005 -2016. Pour la période 2020 -2024, le Gouvernement égyptien 
prévoit un taux de croissance du PIB réel moyen compris entre 5% et 6%.  
5.38.   La fiscalité de porte contribue seulement à peine à 1% au PIB de ce pays, signe d'un 
désarmement tarifaire significatif, mais d'une capacité élevée de mobilisation des ressources 
fiscales internes.  
5.39.   La délégation du Bénin félicite le Gouvernement égyptien pour ses efforts de diversification 
de l'économie, notamment dans le secteur des services, en particulier la logistique, l'entreposage, 
la distribution au détail et les services immobiliers.  
5.40.   L'importante contribution de l'Égypte à la civilisation universe lle et à l'économie mondiale, 
n'est plus à démontrer. L'humanité a connu l'Égypte des Pharaons avec l'idée géniale de 
construction d'un canal pour faciliter le commerce et les échanges entre la mer rouge et la 
méditerranée. Le canal de Suez constitue aujou rd'hui un important outil de facilitation des 
échanges mondiaux, et la troisième source de revenus pour l'Égypte. Avec l'établissement de la 
Zone de Libre Échange Continentale (ZLEC), et l'élargissement du Canal de Suez, qui deviendra le 
plus important au monde, l'Égypte tirera un plus grand avantage et des résultats substantiels des 
réformes et des réalisations qu'elle mène dans le domaine économique et commercial.  
5.41.   La délégation du Bénin félicite l'Égypte pour son engagement constructif dans le processus 
de mise en place de la ZLEC.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  5.42.   La délégation du Bénin remercie le Secrétariat de l'OMC et le Gouvernement égyptien pour 
les rapports très informatifs élaborés dans le cadre de la présente session d'Examen des politiques 
commerciales de l'Égypte.  
5.43.   Elle souhait e plein succès à l'Égypte et un examen réussi de ses politiques commerciales.  
UKRAINE  
5.44.   Ukraine would like to thank Egypt for the comprehensive replies' package (consisting of 
more than 30 pages) to our advance written questions, which we are now reviewing.  
5.45.   Bearing in mind further strengthening of our trade relations and ensuring greater 
multilateral transparency, Ukraine is seeking further clarification on the following issues, in 
particular:  
 procedure of consular legalization of the certificates of origin o f goods;  
 mandatory registration of exporters in Egypt in accordance with Decree No. 43/2016 
Regarding the Amendment of the Rules Organizing the Registration of the Factories Qualified 
to Export Products to Egypt; and  
 anti-dumping investigation against imp orts of steel rebar.  
5.46.   We are going to submit follow -up questions in due course.  
5.47.   Ukraine looks forward to further fruitful cooperation between our countries and please 
accept my wish for a safe travel to those returning to capital.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.48.   The EU would like to thank the delegation of Egypt for the replies provided and we also 
noted the considerable interest in this TPR and Members' general appreciation to the economic 
reform programme implemented since 2015. In particular, the EU listened wi th interest the 
presentation made by Egypt on the first day on it's the several "mega -projects" undertaken in 
recent years, involving the Suez Canal and economic zones, road networks, new cities, new ports 
and upgrading others. We also take note of the sta tement today and the information provided.  
5.49.   The EU would like to encourage Egypt to continue with the reforms it has in the pipeline 
paying attention to the need of further diversification of its economy.  
5.50.   The EU would also like to thank the delegation of E gypt for the responses received and for 
the additional information provided today including to the questions we put forward on the first 
day in our statement.  
5.51.   However, we consider that some of our initial questions were only partially replied. For this 
reason, we have submitted a number of follow -up questions covering the areas where the EU 
traders encounter the most of the problems.  
5.52.   It could be noted that the follow -up questions cover in particular customs procedures and 
sanitary and phytosanitary issues, areas of concerns raised by several other Members on the first 
day.  
5.53.   The EU would like to underline to be particularly interested in receiving detailed replies to its 
follow -up questions and is confident that this TPR will help Egypt in better understandin g the areas 
in need of reforms and to ensure that they are favourable for attaining its economic objectives 
while respecting its international commitments.  
5.54.   We thank Egypt for its participation in this exercise.  
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  INDONESIA  
5.55.   Once more Chair, on behalf of the  Indonesian delegation, I would like to convey 
appreciation to the delegation of Egypt, for the good cooperation and communication throughout 
this trade policy review process and for the statement delivered today.  
5.56.   On that note, we would like to notify that  we have submitted twenty (20) additional 
follow -up questions, seeking further clarification to the discussion conducted last Tuesday and to 
our advance written questions.  
5.57.   I wish His Excellency, Minister Tarek Kabil, a productive, remaining stay in Geneva;  and a 
safe flight back to Cairo, both to His Excellency, and to his capital -based Egyptian delegation.  
5.58.   Last but not least, the Indonesian delegation wishes to thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the 
excellent conduct of this important review process.  
UNITED  STATES 
5.59.   The United States would like to thank the delegation of Egypt for their constructive 
participation in the TPR process, as well as the Secretariat for their excellent preparation for this 
trade policy review. Thank you as well to the Egyptian delegation for this morning's statement and 
to Ambassador Anggraini's capable insights as discussant.  
5.60.   The United States would like to thank Egypt for its answers to our previously submitted 
questions. The United States has submitted follow -up questions on the topics of labelling 
requirements, state trading enterprises, export financing and copyrights and related rights. We 
look forward to receiving Egypt's responses in due course.  
5.61.   The United States looks forward to working with our Egyptian colleagues to strengthen an d 
deepened our trade and investment relationship. Please accept our best regards and our wish for 
safe travel to those returning to capital.  
HEAD  OF DELEGATION  
5.62.   Thank you Mr. Chairman for giving me the floor once again. Thanks to all the delegations 
who too k the floor today: Benin, Ukraine, EU, Indonesia and the United States. The Egyptian 
delegation is very grateful for the opportunity to offer active closing remarks.  
5.63.   I would like to say that this exercise was very constructive and beneficial for us. We hig hly 
appreciate this TPR process as it showed to a great extend how we are doing from our partners' 
perspectives.  
5.64.   Egypt noted with careful detail all the points that were raised by the Members in this 
process and we are very grateful for the concerns, encou ragements and support we received in 
more than 50 statements that were made by the Members and Observers who intervened in this 
review.  
5.65.   Mr. Chairman, there is more than one message that Egypt wants to deliver through the 4th 
TRP review. The first one, to h old our TPR during this time after 13 years from the last review it is 
a message that Egypt sends to its trade partners that Egypt is keen on letting them know as much 
as possible about the condition of its trade and ongoing related procedures and institut ional 
reform. The second message is that as a Member of the WTO since its establishment in 1995 and 
earlier as a contracting party to the GATT, Egypt remains committed to the multilateral trading 
system. The third message, we are fully aware of the challen ges we are still facing against our 
strategic developments goal on the top of which are unemployment and inflation and it is the 
approach of our Government to address these challenges in the most open, transparent and 
inclusive manner. My final message to all our partners is that Egypt, as a stable and open market 
economy is doing more than just fixing problems. Egypt through its trade and industry 
development strategy has a clear and solid and sustainable determination to advance the economy 
and to move wi th fast and fastidious steps to create a better business climate that is appropriate WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  to the private sector, particularly micro, small and medium -size enterprises and integrating them 
into the local and global supply chain.  
5.66.   Regarding the additional question s we received on Tuesday, we answered all of them and 
for the follow -up questions we received them yesterday evening and we reserve our right to 
answer them within the time -frame indicated in the rules of procedure of the Trade Policy Review 
Body.  
5.67.   Again Mr . Chairman, thank you very much and thanks to Ambassador Anggraini and to the 
WTO Secretariat led by our good friend Willy Alfaro. My especial thanks to our team: Angelo, 
Pierre, Ricardo, Mena Hassan and Mrs. Sharon Morris. Thank you for attending the TPR of Egypt.  
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  The fourth Trade Policy Review of Egypt, which has taken place 13 years after the previous 
one, has provided us the  opportunity to deepen our understanding of its trade and investment 
policies and practices, and to collectively appreciate the challenges it has faced in recent years . 
I would like to thank the Egyptian delegation, led by H.E. Mr. Tarek Kabil, Minister of Trade and 
Industry, for its engagement throughout this Review . I would also like to thank the discussant, 
H.E. Ambassador Sondang Anggraini of Indonesia  for her insightful remarks, and all the 
delegations that took the floor for their valuable contributions. The 380 questions submitted by 
21 Members and the interventions by 50 delegati ons, are evidence of the importance attached to 
Egypt's trade and investment policies and practices.  
6.2.  In their interventions, Members commended Egypt for its sustained economic growth since 
its previous Review in 2005, which has averaged 4.5% annually in th e last twelve years. Although 
GDP growth slowed down in 2011, in recent years economic activity has accelerated on the basis 
of an expansionary fiscal policy. Members remarked that, since 2014, Egypt has undertaken 
notable reforms, including floating the E gyptian pound, tax reform, fuel subsidy reform, and 
further privatization steps.  Nonetheless, it was noted that Egypt faces important challenges, 
notably reducing its relatively high unemployment rate and poverty alleviation. In this regard, 
Members took n ote that Egypt is implementing an ambitious economic reform programme that 
stems from its National Development Strategy (Egypt Vision 2030), that seeks to promote the 
participation of the private sector in the economy so as to foster GDP growth, and furthe r address 
its external and fiscal imbalances. Additionally, the Industrial Development Strategy 2016 -20 aims 
at making Egypt a leading industrial economy in the Middle East and North Africa region and a 
main export hub for medium -technology manufactured pr oducts by 2025, thus paving the way for 
Egypt to further diversify its trade.  
6.3.  Egypt was commended by Members for being a strong advocate of the multilateral trading 
system, as witnessed by  its active participation in the WTO . In particular, Members recogni zed 
Egypt's participation in the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and its ratification of the 
Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement . Members noted that Egypt had completed the domestic 
ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and invited it t o submit its instrument of 
acceptance to the WTO and to notify its Category B and C commitments as soon as possible.  Some 
Members invited Egypt to join in the MSME Initiative launched at the last Ministerial Conference. 
Efforts to update its WTO notificati ons as part of the present review were noted with appreciation 
and Egypt was encouraged to continue to submit notifications on a regular basis.  
6.4.  Members recognized Egypt's important efforts to improve its business climate and further 
liberalize foreign inve stment restrictions, including the introduction of a new Investment Law and 
its regulations in 2017, as well as reforms in customs administration, making it more efficient and 
transparent. It was noted, however, that more needs to be done to improve the bu siness 
environment, including further simplifying customs procedures, improving the risk assessment 
system, reducing red tape and increasing transparency.  
6.5.  Egypt was praised for reducing its general average tariff compared to 2005. However, it was 
noted tha t the 2017 tariff average was higher than in 2011. Also, several Members pointed out 
that tariff peaks remained in place in agriculture. Several Members showed concerns with respect 
to the increase of some tariff rates to 60% and called for their reduction . Noting that tariff bindings 
appeared to be exceeded by applied rates for 46 tariff headings, Members urged Egypt to take 
action to ensure that all applied rates remained within their bound levels.  
6.6.  Several Members raised questions regarding Egypt's exten sive use of import licensing and 
invited Egypt to notify its regime to the WTO. Egypt was also encouraged to review import 
registration and other regulatory requirements, which some Members considered an obstacle to 
trade. Some concerns were expressed rega rding the frequent use of trade contingency measures, 
in particular anti -dumping and safeguard measures. Members invited Egypt to reform other 
measures that may restrict trade, including complex certification and quality control requirements 
on many produc ts. Egypt was also requested to align its SPS requirements to international 
standards. Members enquired about Egypt's p lans to create a food safety agency and to modernize 
its food regulatory legislation.  WT/TPR/W/145  • Egypt  
 
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  6.7.  Members welcomed the changes implemented with respe ct to government procurement, 
namely the steps adopted to encourage private sector participation in the procurement process 
and the introduction of new procurement methods. They noted, however, that the 15% preference 
granted to domestic suppliers and products remained in place,  and enquired about plans to 
eliminate this preference. Noting the strong participation of the State in the economy, some 
Members were of the view that this could lead to a suboptimal allocation of resources and 
encouraged Egypt to a dopt a more market -oriented approach .  
6.8.  Some questions were asked about the enforcement of intellectual property rights, particularly 
with respect to the prevalence of pirated and counterfeit goods, including software, music, and 
videos. In this regard, Egy pt was encouraged to increase transparency and predictability in the 
protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, to help it attract more foreign trade and 
investment.  
6.9.  Egypt has provided answers to the advance written questions raised by Mem bers. This TPR 
will be successfully concluded once Egypt has replied to all outstanding questions that emerged 
during the meeting, in a month's time. I am certain that the constructive comments and discussion 
held during this Review will prove useful to Eg ypt as it continues on the path of implementing 
policies to achieve sustainable growth and reduce poverty while at the same time improving the 
business climate and enhancing competitiveness.  
__________