WT/TPR/M/375  
 
21 November 2018  
(18-7301) Page: 1/98 
Trade Policy Review Body  
11 and 13 July 2018   
 
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
CHINA 
MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr Eloi Laourou (Benin)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMA RKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  2 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REP RESENTATIVE  OF CHINA  ................................ .........  4 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ................  8 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEM BERS  ................................ ................................ ........................  12 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRES ENTATIVE  OF CHINA AND ADDITIONAL COMME NTS ............  83 
6  CONCLUDING REMARK S BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .........................  97 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by China are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/ 375/Add.1  and will be available online 
at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The seventh  Trade Policy Review of China was held on  11 and 13 July 2018. The Chairperson, 
H.E. Mr . Eloi Laourou (Benin), welcomed the delegation of China  headed by Mr. Wang Shouwen,  
Vice Minister, Deputy China International Trade Representative, Ministry of Commerce ; the rest of 
the delegation; and the discussant, Ambassador Mr. Didier Chambovey (Switz erland) . 
1.2.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of trade policy reviews and the main elements of 
procedures for the meeting . The report  by China was contained in document  WT/TPR/G/37 5 and 
that of the WTO Secretariat in document WT/TPR/S/37 5. 
1.3.  Questions by the  following delegations had been submitted in writing before the deadline : 
El Salvador; Pakistan; Nigeria; Switzerland; Kazakhstan; Canada; Mongolia; United States; 
Mexico; Japan; Lao PDR; Australia; European Union; Ukraine; Hong Kong, China; Cambodia; 
Colombia; Costa Rica; New Zealand; Argentina; Israel; Trinidad and Tobago; Singapore; Russian 
Federation; Chile; India; Brazil; Norway; Chinese Taipei; and Korea, Rep. of . The following 
delegations submitted written questions after the deadline : Moldova; Egypt ; Dominican Republic; 
Indonesia; Ecuador; Turkey; Thailand; Guatemala; Malaysia; the Philip pines; Peru; and 
Saudi  Arabia . 
1.4.  During its previous Review in 2016, Members had noted that while China 's real GDP growth 
had slowed down since 2013, it had remained a t a relatively healthy level of 6.5% -7.0% a year, 
supported mainly by strong domestic demand. They had also noted the importance of China to the 
world economy, as the world 's largest trader, as the main trading partner for many WTO Members, 
and as an incre asingly important player in the multilateral trading system. Members had called on 
China to play a leading role in the WTO , commensurate with its trade weight.  
1.5.  At the time of the previous R eview, Members commended China for pursuing structural 
reforms which aimed at allowing the market to play a more decisive role. They welcomed 
initiatives such as establishing more Pilot Free Trade Zones and streamlining customs procedures. 
At the same time, Members observed that the State continued to play a very acti ve role in China 's 
economy. Some Members were of the view that transformation in the Chinese economy would 
require a more market -oriented approach to investment and resource allocation.  
1.6.  Members noted that, for instance, barriers to foreign investment stil l persisted. They 
expressed concerns with respect to: prohibition of foreign investment in film production, 
distribution and exhibition; regulation of the circulation of foreign audio -visual content; standards 
for banking and insurance; and market access i n telecommunications and financial services. Other 
issues of interest to Membe rs at the time of the previous R eview in 2016 had included: a more 
open, predictable and transparent foreign direct investment regime; and stepping up China 's 
protection of intel lectual property rights. The advance written questions for this TPR cover ed many 
of the same issues.  
1.7.  Turning to the current review period, as noted in the Secretariat 's report, China 's economic 
growth had  been moderating, prompting the authorities to addre ss these issues by focusing on the 
quality and sustainability rather than the quantity of growth.  
1.8.  China adopted various changes to its trade and investment policies and measures since its 
previous R eview, including a revision of the Catalogue of Industrie s for the Guidance of Foreign 
Investment and the expansion of P ilot Free Trade Zones. China continued to make efforts to 
reform its customs procedures; about one third of imports were now declared through single 
windows. China 's simple average applied MFN rate was 9.3% as of December 2017; a tariff reform 
implemented in December 2017 reduced applied MFN tariffs for some 200 consumer product s. 
Since January 2018, China has  prohibited the importation of 24 kinds of solid waste.  
1.9.  China is an active participant  in the multilateral trading system: it participated in the ITA 
negotiations and agreed to its expansion. It ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in 
September 2015. During the review period, it expanded its network of regional trade agreements 
by signing two new agreements.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  1.10.   The Chairperson turned Members ' attention  to some other issues they raised in their 
advance written questions for this TPR. These include d: implications of the Belt and Road 
Initiative, measures to reduce overcapacity in cert ain industrial sectors, the regulatory framework 
for investment, import prohibitions, subsidy programmes and their notification, competition 
legislation and its enforcement, state -owned enterprises and their reform, government 
procurement provisions, prote ction of intellectual property, agricultural policies, reform of the 
energy sector, new telecommunication legislation and policies including cybersecurity measures, 
and liberalization of financial services.  
1.11.   This meeting was a good opportunity for Members to discuss in greater detail issues of 
interest to them and of systemic importance to the multilateral trading system. The Chairperson 
was looking forward to a productive exchange of views.  
  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE OF CHINA (MR WANG SHOUWEN ) 
2.1.  I was here exactly 2 years ago. I am happy to be back for the Seventh WTO Trade Policy 
Review of China.  
2.2.  Let me begin by expressing my appreciation to Mr. Chair and the WTO 's Trade Policy Review  
team for your tremendous efforts for this review. My thanks also go to Ambassador Chambovey for 
assuming the role of discussant. Fairly impressed by the turnout of today 's meeting, I want to 
thank you all for coming and for your interest in China 's trade policies.  
2.3.  The G overnment of China attaches great impor tance to this review. Joining me today are 
30 colleagues from 14 government agencies of China, as well as our Ambassador Zhang Xiangchen 
and colleagues at the Mission here in Geneva.  
2.4.  In the past few weeks, my team has been working around the clock. So far,  we have received 
1,963 written questions from 42 Members. By yesterday, we had answered all 1,627 questions 
submitted by 33 Members two weeks prior to this meeting. And we are working hard on the 
remaining questions submitted after June 28th. We will prov ide responses in one month from now 
according to the rule.  
2.5.  This year marks the 40th anniversary of China 's reform and opening -up. In this process, 
China 's accession to the WTO was no doubt a historic  milestone. Two weeks ago, the G overnment 
of China publis hed a white paper on China and the World Trade Organization. The paper gives a 
comprehensive account of China 's fulfilment of its WTO commitments during its 17 years ' 
membership. It also expounds China 's policies and propositions in advancing higher -level reform 
and opening -up. Hard copies of the white paper are available in this room. I hope it could help you 
with a better understanding of China and its efforts.  
2.6.  Since the reform and opening -up of China, especially since China 's accession to the WTO, 
signif icant changes have taken place both in China and the rest of the world. However, one thing 
remains unchanged, that is China 's consis tent pursuit of opening -up for cooperation and mutual 
benefit with all countries. While developing itself in economic global ization, China has created 
important opportunities for the world economic growth, and delivered tangible benefits to its 
trading and investment partners.  
2.7.  Firstly, China has provided tremendous market opportunities for goods and services for the 
rest of the  world. From 2001 , when China joined the WTO , to 2017, China 's imports of goods 
increased at an annual average growth rate of 13.5%. That is twice as high as the world average. 
Last year, China 's imports of goods took up 12.8% of the global total. Between 2001 and 2017, 
China 's imports of services registered a yearly average growth of 16.7%, 2.7 times as much as the 
world average. Last year, China 's imports in services accounted for close to 10% of the global 
total, with a trade deficit in services close to  US$240 billion.  
2.8.  Secondly, foreign -invested enterprises (FIEs) in China have gained unprecedented 
opportunities of development. Last year, FIEs contributed to 44.8% of China 's total foreign trade in 
goods. Their total sales revenue in China exceeded US$5 trillion in 2016, representing an annual 
average growth rate of 15.8% since 2001.  
2.9.  Take the US -invested enterprises in China as an example. Their sales revenue in China 
reached US$600 billion in 2016 compared with only US$45 billion in 2001.  
2.10.   The latest survey by the European Chamber of Commerce in China also indicated that 
business operations of European companies in China have continued improving in 2017. About 
66% of the respondents reported higher revenue than 2016. And 93% of respondents a chieved 
growth in earnings.  
2.11.   Thirdly, more and more Chinese companies have gone global for win -win cooperation with 
their counterparts worldwide. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative 
proposed by President Xi Jin ping. In the past 5 years, the G overnment of China has vigorously 
promoted the Belt and Road Initiative and its alignment with the development strategies of various 
countries, based on the principle of achieving shared growth through joint consultation and WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  collaboratio n. By the end of last year, Chinese companies had established 75 overseas economic 
and trade cooperation zones in relevant countries, and these  companies had paid over 
US$1.6  billion worth of taxes to the host economies  and created 220,000 jobs for the loc al 
economies.  
2.12.   During the  period under this review, the G overnment of China has taken a series of 
measures for trade and investment liberalization and facilitation. Let me approach these areas 
from 5 perspectives.  
2.13.   We have significantly lowered import tariff s voluntarily and continuously. By the end of 
2017, import duties on over 900 tariff lines had been reduced, with the trade -weighted average 
tariff rate falling to 2.4%. That is a very low level even compared with developed economies. 
President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech at the Boao Forum for Asia in April this year. 
Following that, we further cut tariffs of about 1700 tariff lines in May and July. For example, the 
MFN rate on motor vehicles was reduced from 25% to 15%, and that on auto parts from 25% to 
6%. 
2.14.   China will be holding the first China International Import Expo in Shanghai in November this 
year. This Expo is already oversubscribed by more than 100 economies . I would like to take this 
opportunity to renew our invitations to fellow Memb ers, and warmly welcome you all to China to 
attend the Expo.  
2.15.   We have constantly expanded market access for foreign investors. On June 28th , just a few 
days ago, China published the 2018 Special Administrative Measures for the Access of Foreign 
Investment ( the Negative List), reducing the number of restrictive measures on foreign investment 
from 63 to 48.  
2.16.   Today, foreign financial institutions can invest in Chinese banks for 100% ownership. 
Foreign equity caps on securities, fund management, futures and life insurance companies have 
been raised to 51%. By 2021, the financial sector will be thoroughly open, allowing 100% of 
foreign equity ownership.  
2.17.   Foreign equities cap on shipbuilding and aircrafts, as well as special vehicles and new 
energy vehicles have been  also removed. Those on commercial vehicles and passenger cars will be 
lifted by 2020 and 2022 , respectively.  
2.18.   China has pragmatically implemented the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The average 
time of customs clearance has been reduced to less than 20  hours for imports, and to less than 
2 hours for exports. A standard version of international trade single window has been applied to all 
ports nationwide. Talking about honoring  the Agreement obligations, Category A measures have 
taken up 94.5% of China 's commitments, and the only 4 measures under Category B will be 
implemented at the expiration of the 3 -year transition period as scheduled.  
2.19.   China has also accelerated the construction of pilot fre e trade zones (PFTZs). In 
March  2017, seven new PFTZs were es tablished in Liaoning, Zhejiang and other prov inces. In April 
this year, the G overnment of China announced to support Hain an province in building a 
whole -island PFTZ, and in gradually exploring the development of a free trade port. On June 30th, 
the latest  version of PFTZ negative list for foreign investment was released. It c overs broader 
areas for opening -up than the negative list for the nationwide application that I referred to earlier 
on. 
2.20.   During the period under this review, China has comprehensively d eepened reform while 
opening further to the outside world.  
2.21.   We have annulled the business tax and replaced it with value -added tax (VAT), lowered the 
VAT rates and simplified its structure. We have advanced the supply -side structural reform, and 
resolved ov er 120 million metric ton nes of crude steel and over 500 million metric ton nes of coal 
capacity in 2016 and 2017 combined.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  2.22.   With regard to streamlining administrative approval, the establishment of FIEs in sectors 
outside the Foreign Investment Negative Lis t is subject to record filing rather than examination 
and approval. So far, over 96% of the establishment of FIEs is completed through record -filing.  
2.23.   With regard to IPR prot ection, Trademark law and Anti -Unfair Competition Law have been 
revised, and Copyri ght Law and Patent Law are under amendment to enhance the level of IPR 
protection. Besides, reform on trial of IPR cases has been stepped up. We have set up 10 
trans-regional IPR courts in 7 provinces and a dedicated IPR protection campaign was launched fo r 
FIEs last year.  
2.24.   It is fair to say that IPR protection in China has tremendously benefited IPR holders. The 
royalties China paid to foreign right holders surged from merely US$1.9 billion in 20 01 to 
US$28.6  billion last year. The 2018 White Paper by American Chamber of Commerce in China 
shows that among the biggest challenges facing the US -invested enterprises in China, IPR ranked 
only the 12th place. It is no longer a major problem in their business operation in China.  
2.25.   China has been a firm supporter  of the Multilateral Trading System (MTS). China has 
actively participated in all aspects of the WTO work, faithfully implemented its obligations, and 
striven to ensure the compliance of its domestic laws and policies with the WTO rules.  
2.26.   As for transparenc y, China 's relevant legislations explicitly provide that draft laws, 
administrative regulations and rules shall be made available for public comments. The system of 
government gazettes has also been constantly improved. Since the creation of trade policy 
compliance mechanism in June 2014, over 1,700 trade related policies have been reviewed for 
compliance.  
2.27.   As for notification, I would like to inform you that as a result of hard efforts over the past 
one and a half years, China had completed and submitted th e subsidy notifications at central and 
sub-central government levels for 2015 to 2016 before this TPR meeting, satisfying the 
requirement of Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (ASCM). For the first time, 
policies in all provincial -level adm inistrative regions were reflected in the sub -central subsidy 
notifications.  
2.28.   As for dispute settlement (DS), we have taken an active part in the negotiations on 
improving the DS procedures, and supported the independence and impartiality of the panel and 
the Appellate Body (AB). We have also urged for an early launch of the selection process of AB 
Members. By April 2018, China has brought 17 disputes to the WTO and China has complained 
against in 41 cases. As the respondent, China respected the WTO rulings,  and made adjustments 
to its measures according to WTO rules. Up to n ow, none of the complainants have  requested for 
retaliation against China.  
2.29.   The multilateral trading system is now confronted with severe challenges. We would like to 
call all WTO Members to resolutely defend the fundamental principles and core values of the MTS 
including MFN, National Treatment and S&D treatment for developing Members, and to firmly 
stand up to trade bully, protectionism and unilateralism. We strongly appeal to break the i mpasse 
for the AB member selection process, and to tackle the systematic thr eats posed by such unilateral  
actions as Section 232 and 301 investigations to the WTO.  
2.30.   We all agree that the WTO is not perfect and WTO needs to keep pace with the times. We 
sugge st updating some of the WTO rules based on the above principles, while accommodating the 
concerns o f the overwhelming majority of M embers.  
2.31.   As the largest developing country, China has been providing support to other developing 
Members, and is ready to assu me the international responsibilities commensurate with its level of 
development and capacities. By the end of last year, China had accorded zero tariff treatment on 
97% of all tariff lines to 36 LDCs that have diplomatic ties with China.  
2.32.   In response to th e Aid for Trade Initiative, China has donated US$3.2 million to the China 
Program me since 2011, and contributed US$1 million to the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement 
Fund. Roundtables on LDCs ' accession to the WTO were successfully held in Cambodia and WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  Argentina last year. This year, the Roundtable will be held in Kazakhstan. We stand ready to work 
with all Members in assisting more countries and regions to join the big family of the WTO.  
2.33.   On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of reform and opening -up, Chin a will pursue with 
firmness the vision of innovative, coordinated, green and open development for all. China commits 
itself to deepening reform on all fronts and opening up wider and deeper to promote common 
development across the world. Working together w ith other countries, China is committed to 
building a community of shared future with extensive converging interests and a high degree of 
interdependence.  
2.34.   China will continue to support and safeguard the multilateral trading system. Joining hands 
with othe r Members, we will assume the responsibilities of our times, address problems emerging 
in the economic globalization, and enable various economies, social strata and groups of people to 
share the opportunities and benefits of economic globalization.  
2.35.   With t hat I conclude my statement. And the whole of the Chinese delegation would be all 
ears to the comments and questions from the discussant and all the Members.  
  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  
3.1.  I wish to extend a very warm welcome to His Excellency Mr Wang Shouwen, Vice Minister for 
commerce, and the rest of the Chinese delegation. I would also like to express my personal 
appreciation for the remarkable work accomplished by Ambassador Zhang and his competent and 
knowledgeable team. I must also mention the ex cellent report drawn up by the Secretariat which 
provides a true wealth of information.  
3.2.  In my opening remarks as a discussant I wish to steer clear of the vicissitudes of the current 
trade policy climate. I want to make an effort to step back a little. Thi s with the aim of getting a 
better sense  of the overall picture. This is  an attempt at taking a long-term perspective. As my 
task is limited to stimulating a discussion, I may be forgiven for using a rather broad brush.  
3.3.  We all know that China is a big cou ntry. It is impressive in many senses of the word. It still is 
the most populous country in the world. It may not be the largest in terms of surface. But there is 
hardly a nation which shares a common border with as many other nations as China does.  
3.4.  And C hina's neighbours were witness to a truly astonishing development. Since the late 
1970s, China has undergone amazingly rapid economic and social development. Yes, it is a 
commonplace. Yet it is worth recalling that the Chinese economy has lifted more than 800 million 
people out of poverty. An achievement  which must be put into perspective.  
3.5.  China 's progress in reducing poverty is the biggest, the fastest and the most continuous the 
world has ever seen. This unique achievement was made possible by growth rates averaging 10%. 
It took place against the backdrop of the largest scale economic expansion in history. At best, a 
few other economies have done likewise - but for a limited amount of time. And cert ainly not  of 
the size of China. This significant incre ase in living standards has been a boon not only for the 
Chinese people. It has become an indispensable factor of stability.  
3.6.  The benefits of poverty alleviation in China were not confined to a region alone. Gradually, 
China 's economic development went han d in hand with the People 's Republic 's integration into the 
world economy. Back in 2000, just before acceding to the WTO, China was the 7th largest trader 
worldwide. Today, China competes with the United States for the top position among trading 
nations wh en imports and exports are combined. China 's international trade has risen almost 
tenfold over the last two decades.  
3.7.  These are all striking figures and we are dealing with numbers in the realm of the superlative. 
The question now is whether this rise to g rowing prosperity can be sustained. Moreover, the 
question is whether China can continue to be a major driver of global economic and trade growth. 
It should not be overlooked that China remains a developing country with per capita revenue 
levels clearly be low those of other big trading nations. Income inequality remains high.  
3.8.  China 's economic and trade position today has been obtained to a large extent by capital 
accumulation. Relentless production investment and re -investment were key. But for quite some 
time now China has been faced with the problem of diminishing returns on previous investments. 
As merely swelling the volume of existing capital is not very efficient, other ways must be found.  
3.9.  This difficulty is compounded by another development that I c annot fail to note as a former 
demographer. It has to do with China 's demography and her ageing society. Ageing populations 
naturally save for retirement. These savings have been a tremendous source for Chinese capital 
accumulation. As – over time - the si ze of the working population will decrease, the volume of 
savings will eventually drop – thereby reducing an important domestic pool for investments.  
3.10.   Since the last review, many problems affecting an economy with an ageing population and a 
special emphasis  on capital formation did not go away.  
• Some industries continue to be afflicted by excess capacity. They may comprise companies 
with low profitability that nevertheless manage to obtain credit or even subsidies. As has 
been pointed out before, excess capac ity may depress world market prices for some 
products and influence trade flows. At the same time, China has been engaged in lowering 
excess capacity.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  • In addition, lending has grown rapidly both in the private and non -private sector even 
though the author ities have tried to curtail this trend. There is still a risk of overleveraging, 
especially in the less profitable parts of the economy. It is uncertain whether these credits 
can all be repaid upon maturity. The IMF has spoken of downside risks. Given the size of 
China, any risks to her financial stability would have international ramifications and no doubt 
affect trade as well.  
• Yes, it is true. The current account surplus shows a declining trend. Yet , this process is 
largely due to an overall increase in investments relative to savings. And China 's saving s 
remain  exceptionally high.  
• The recent adjustment of the balance of payments could be consolidated through a 
transition from savings and investment to consumption. This transformation has already 
taken p lace – but to a degree only. China 's trade patterns have shifted from external to 
internal demand. Imports of services now grow faster than exports of goods. Even the 
domestic services sector has become more important compared to the traditional 
manufactur ing sector.  
3.11.   The Chinese authorities are aware of these issues. Efforts are being made to wean the 
economy away from its emphasis on capital accumulation and investment. There is a 
determination to re -balance, to find a different type of equilibrium. As Chi na's huge population is 
on the brink of shrinking, it is inevitable that high quantity will take second place. Quality will have 
to come first. Labour intensity will have to be replaced by better productivity. Investment will have 
to be more targeted. Inve ntion and innovation will  be more important as only high -quality 
products can generate the necessary profits to improve the country 's prosperity.  
3.12.   Let me now dwell on some developments which took place since the last review.  
3.13.   First, the Chinese authorities stress the importance they attach to FDI. In this vei n, reforms 
have been introduced  which are intended to create a more conducive investment environment. 
Underlying these reforms is the promotion of a "negative list ". Many foreign investments are now 
simply subject to administrative filing rather than an official examination and approval. This step, 
which had been in the offing before the previous review, will be welcomed by many investors 
abroad.  
3.14.   Seen in isolation, yearly FDI inflows into China have been  considerable. But investment 
outflows soared in 2016 when they exceeded inflows for the first time. Furthermore, statistics also 
show that FDI as a share of capital formation has been declining for two decades. One may 
wonder, whether the attraction of mo re foreign direct investment would not be beneficial to the 
Chinese economy. It could alleviate the need to rely on domestic savings or easy credit to fuel 
capital investment. Driven by market forces, FDI would make capital allocation more efficient. 
Enhan ced capital efficiency could in turn render the transformation towards a more consumption -
oriented economy easier.  
3.15.   However, the legal framework for FDI in China remains complex. There are three types of 
negative lists and several categories of investments associated with different regimes. It will be 
interesting to hear Members ' assessment of the most recent changes and their potential to 
improve the consistency and predictability of regulatory practices.  
3.16.   Second, I would be remiss if I did not address the issue of intellectual property. In its re port 
for this TPR, the Chinese G overnment str esses the objective to utilize i ntellectual property 
protection to promote innovation -driven development.  
3.17.   According to the Secretariat 's report, China 's laws with respect  to IPR have not really been 
amended since the last review. But enforcement of IPR has been stepped up. This by way of closer 
coordination within the administration. In addition to setting up specialized courts to strengthen 
judicial enforcement, customs o fficials have also been engaged in a campaign to fight against IPR 
violation.  
3.18.   Concurrently, innovation is promoted through a variety of overlapping initiatives. Innovation 
is a key objective in the current Five -Year Plan. Then , there is the "Made in China  2025" action WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  plan, which focusses on modern manufacturing. This is accompanied by the "Internet Plus " action 
plan, which seeks to combine digitalization with modern manufacturing including the use of 
industrial robots. This drive towards automation has al ready turned China into the world 's biggest 
market for robots.  
3.19.   Up to now, the results, especially as far as the protection of IPR is concerned, have been 
mixed. China ranks among the world 's largest issuer of patents, if not the largest. This can be 
ascribed to an increase in R&D expenditure and a surge in patent filings by foreign direct investors. 
But it seems that only a fraction of patents reflect s true innovation and that some innovations are 
not patented at all.  
3.20.   It has been claimed that this la ck of patenting zeal may be attributed to a certain 
resignation on the part of companies. On the other hand, it is encouraging to note that, according 
to a recent survey by the European Chamber of Commerce, many European direct investors rate 
China 's IPR e nforcement much more favorably  now. On top of that, China 's payments of licensing 
fees and royalties for the use of foreign technology have surged in the last few years. Yet , many 
companies still seem to be under the impression that patents do not provide the necessary 
protection against infringements. According to the Chinese State Intellectual Property Office, many 
companies filing for patent protection stated to have experienced violation of their rights. Overall, 
a majority of firms in China feel that b etter protection by patent rights would also spur more 
innovation. Members will surely address the issue of IPR in today 's review as well.  
3.21.   Third, let me briefly touch upon a new issue, which has emerged since the previous review. 
As the digitalization of the economy progresses, so do cross -border data flows. Indeed, 
international trade is increasingly contingent upon the functioning of unimpeded data transfers. On 
top of that, research investment relies increasingly on a smooth exchange of scientific data across 
national borders.  
3.22.   This development poses new challenges. On the one hand, it is legitimate to protect data 
privacy and to ensure cybersecurity. On the other hand, economic operators seek easy and  
cost-efficient cross -border access to data. The regu lators are sometimes faced with the challenge 
of striking a delicate balance between conflicting interests. China adopted a new law on 
cybersecurity at the end of 2016, which might entail a segregation of company data stocks with 
implications for business costs. Moreover, a new regulation passed in March of this year could 
equally curb the international exchange of research data as any transfer of such infor mation out of 
China would need G overnment approval. Members may also want to express their views on t his 
question.  
3.23.   Fourth, I would like to highlight the fact that State involvement in the economy remains 
considerable. State trading and state-owned  enterprises still play an important role. Members have 
raised many points on SOEs, expressing preoccupations when Chinese SOEs are directly 
competing with their products and services. Members are also seeking more information about the 
functioning of SOEs and the allegedly adverse trade effects resulting from regulations applicable to 
SOEs. These issues remain co ntroversial. However, like my predecessor as discussant , I would also 
like to encourage the Chinese authorities to bring about more transparency on the support 
provided to SOEs.  
3.24.   Finally, let me underline that it is impossible today to imagine multilateral cooperation 
without China 's active participation. This is especially true when it comes to the WTO, where 
China 's commitment is highly appreciated. China actively participates in WTO negotiations on 
traditional issues and considers that the WTO should also  address new issues such as investment 
facilitation and Ecommerce. China 's implementation of the trade facilitation agreement continues 
unabated - now with category B commitments having been notified as well. An increasing amount 
of imports are being proce ssed through the single window. Half a year ago, quite a few applied 
MFN tariffs were reduced. At the 2018 Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference, China announced 
plans to further reduce import tariffs. As a participant in the Information Technology Agreeme nt, 
China has agreed to its expansion. It intends to accelerate the negotiation process to join the 
Government Procurement Agreement. This picture could be further improved if China submitted 
outstanding notifications as it is already  singled out in the Se cretariat 's report.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  3.25.   I want to conclude by offering some personal observations. Over the last decades, China has 
reached the status of a major global economic power. But new power also means new 
responsibility. The white paper on China and the World Trade O rganization issued on 28 June 
clearly indicates that China is ready to assume such responsibility. It states and I quote that 
"China commits itself to opening up wider and deeper, to promote common development across 
the world, providing other countries wi th more opportunities to share the benefits of China 's 
development ". Implementing the Belt and Road initiative consistently with the tenets of the WTO 
system would contribute to the realization of this ambitious objective.  
3.26.   The stakes are high. So are the challenges faced by China in reconciling its responsibility as 
a global economic leader w ith domestic policy constraints.  The way China addresses these 
challenges may affect a wide range of WTO Members. It is in the interest of the international 
community that global repercussions are factored into China 's economic policymaking.  
3.27.   At the same time, China is transitioning to make its economic success story more 
sustainable. Given the size of the country and the complexity of the situation, this is something 
which may not be achieved overnight. This seems to be in keeping with one of the many wisdoms 
of one of China 's most famous sons. Confucius is quoted as having said that "the man who moves 
a mountain begins by carrying a few stones ". Quite a few stones have  been moved already. 
Today 's deliberations may provide indications as to the many other stones that should be moved 
next.  
3.28.   I am looking forward to our debate and to China 's responses to questions and comments 
and I wish it all success in pursuing the visio n of innovative, coordinated, green, and open 
development, as highlighted in the white book. 
  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S 
EL SALVADOR  
4.1.  To begin with, our bilateral relations with China are characterized by strong trade ties, chiefly 
on the import side, with Chin a ranking second among our suppliers. On the export side, although 
there has been an increase over the past three years, El Salvador still has a number of challenges 
to overcome in terms of both diversification, with a single low -value -added product accoun ting for 
80% of its exports, and in terms of the high trade balance deficit with China, which reached 
USD 1.4 billion in 2017.  
4.2.  Against this background, we are confident that trade relations between our two countries will 
grow still stronger in the future.  
4.3.  Turning to the current Review, it is important to stress that under the "New Normal", which is 
to be characterized by a somewhat lower and increasingly more service - and technology -oriented 
economic approach, China's development has been positive and stabl e, with annual growth rates 
of 7%. 
4.4.  We also note that according to the Secretariat report, there have been growth rebalances 
from investment to consumption, from external to internal demand, and from manufacturing to 
services.  
4.5.  Moreover, the reasons for the consumption -driven growth include strong employment 
creation. All of this has contributed to reducing income inequality and poverty.  
4.6.  Similarly, we would like to highlight the structural reform currently being carried out in China 
under the 13th Five-Year P lan (2016 -2020). This includes boosting private sector participation in 
the economy and the reform of state -owned enterprises, the adoption of market interest rates, the 
promotion of competition, fiscal reform, and the reform of the financial sector.  
4.7.  At the same time, according to the Secretariat report the fiscal deficit rose from 3.4% of GDP 
in 2015 to 3.8% in 2016. This could be due to a decline in tax revenues owing to the VAT reform 
at the national level, and to the increase in spending on social progr ammes, employment, and 
scientific and technological development for the benefit of urban and rural communities.  
4.8.  Similarly, total merchandise trade declined from 33.5% of GDP in 2015 to 31.2% in 2016. 
However, the report of the Chinese Government points out  that in 2017, growth in merchandise 
trade outpaced expectations by hitting a six -year high, reversing the negative trend of previous 
years.  
4.9.  The share of services in GDP exceeded 50% for the first time in 2015, the greatest 
contribution coming from e -comme rce sales and tourism services imports.  
4.10.   Meanwhile, China continues to be one of the largest recipients of foreign direct investment, 
which focuses mainly on manufacturing, real estate, rental and business services, and wholesale 
and retail trade. China is also an important foreign investor, concentrating on leasing and business 
services, banking, the manufacturing industry, and wholesale and retail trade.  
4.11.   On the subject of tariffs, we note the greater openness to external markets following the 
reforms of December  2017, which saw a decrease in applied MFN tariffs for a total of 
200 consumer products.  
4.12.   On the other hand, when it comes to subsidies, China has not submitted any notifications 
since 2014: in 2015, it implemented a major policy initiative known as  the "China Manufacturing 
2025" Plan which, as we understand it, includes pilot free trade zones with incentives for the new 
energy vehicles, integrated circuits and robotics sectors. We would be grateful if China would let us 
know when it intends to submi t notifications for programmes implemented as from 2015.  
4.13.   The reports also reveal that State participation in the economy continues to be considerable, 
with the State having a majority share in all but one of the  100 main listed companies.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.14.   We also note that  compliance with intellectual property rights continues to be a major 
challenge for China, and we highlight the efforts made at the national level to strengthen both the 
administrative and judicial protection of IPRs and reinforce related long -term mechani sms, 
mentioned in the Government report.  
4.15.   On the subject of financial services, we note the opening of the Internet insurance market 
during the review period to both foreign and domestic operators. China also allowed foreign 
insurers to engage in reinsuranc e in the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone.  
4.16.   Another interesting development is the establishment of pilot free trade zones which, as we 
understand it, were first introduced in 2013. This is a major movement of the Chinese Government 
to further the reform and opening up under new development circumstances. El Salvador has 
submitted a number of questions to China concerning the pilot free trade zones and various 
incentive schemes, and we look forward to receiving their replies during this exercise.  
4.17.   Before conclu ding we would like to point to China's active participation in the multilateral 
sphere: it has contributed a number of important proposals in various WTO forums, notably on 
subjects relating to e -commerce, and has participated actively in groups in which w e have 
common positions such as the MSMEs and the G -33. 
4.18.   We hope that under the leadership of China and other important Members of this 
Organization, we will be able to obtain concrete results for next year's Ministerial Conference.  
4.19.   It remains for me to wis h China every success in this exercise.  
PAKISTAN  
4.20.   Chair, Pakistan and China relations can be gauged from the fact that our people call each 
other "Iron Brothers ".  
4.21.   The recent launch of "One Belt One Road " (OBOR) initiatives and the China -Pakistan 
Economic C orridor (CPEC) has marked a new era in Pakistan and China relationship.  
4.22.   Since Pakistan is early harvest part of the BRI —let me share our perspective on the CPEC.  
4.23.   China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is linked with two large infrastructure projects 
embracing the whole of Asia and designed to establish new trade and transport links between 
China, South Asia, Middle East, Central Asia and beyond. CPEC is a vital link between Silk Road 
Economic Belt and the 21st -Century Mari time Silk Road – the "One Belt One Road Initiative ". 
4.24.   CPEC is a US$56 b illion initiative, it has all the vital elements of economic development, like 
Transport, Highways, Railways, Ports, Urban  Metero, industrial parks, IT; and last but not least 
Energy ( considerable part of this is rene wable energy ).  
4.25.   CPEC is proving to be a game changer for Pakistan and the region, it will be a bridge 
between three engines of growth, China, South Asia and Central Asia, thus giving a stimulus to a 
deep regional economic integration and creating a trad ing block of 3 billion people, nearly half of 
the planet. Mind you these also include half of world 's extreme poor. The deepening of economic 
integration will lower trade costs, essential for ending poverty.  
4.26.   Pakistan had a 4 to 5 thousand MW energy defici t in 2013, which is 25% of our total 
generation capacity, it was costing us 2% of GDP growth. This development deficit needed an 
initiative of "Big Bang Scale ", like CPEC. It is a set of 55 projects, 75% of funding is for providing 
17000 MW of energy, over  next ten years. This includes solar, hydro and w ind energy projects. 
Many of these being foreign direct investment of Chinese private sector. But let me mention CPEC 
has created opportunities for everyone. The solar and wind energy projects have wind turb ines and 
other components from Europe. Our solar projects have consultants for quality assurance from 
Germany. During 2016, exports from Europe to Pakistan incre ased by more than 20%, from 
USD$ 4.2 billion to US$ 5.2 billion , primarily due to increased econo mic activity resulting from 
infrastructure development through CPEC. In last three years , 10000 MW energy has been added 
to our National Grid. We no longer have compulsory shut downs for industry.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.27.   Hall mark of the CPEC is the North South Highway and Rail l ink, designed to link Arabian 
Gulf coast of Pakistan at Gwader in South, to North Western Chinese Region of Xinjiang and 
Kasghar, thus reducing the distance of China 's North West from Arabian Gulf from 14000 KMs to 
2500 KMs, thus transforming the trade cos t for whole region.  
4.28.   We firmly believe  CPEC will result in increase in trade, investment and financial flows, 
bringing peace and prosperity to the region and even beyond through enhancement in the 
competitiveness of the economie s and reduction in trade cos t CPEC epitomises South -South trade 
and investment at its best . 
4.29.   During the review period, the Chinese economy continued to be a major driver of global 
economic growth as attested by some of its economic indicators: Real GDP grew by 6.7% in 2016 
and is expe cted to be around 6.8% in 2017, inflation rate was at 1.6% in 2017, the share of 
services in GDP exceeded 50% for the first time in 2015.  
4.30.   In the services sector, e -commerce sales and tourism services imports have been 
particularly strong. Income inequalit y and poverty levels have declined.  
4.31.   China 's current account surplus contracted from US$202.2 billion in 2016 which was 
equivalent to 1.8% of GDP, to 1.3% of GDP in 2017.  
4.32.   China 's strong manufacturing sector continues to contribute significantly to its eco nomy. 
Trade in goods for the year 2017 stood at 32.3% of GDP, from 33.5% in 2015 and 31.2% in 2016. 
China remains a net importer of agricultural products. Imports of agricultural products, 
representing 6.3% of total merchandise imports in 2017 declined dur ing the period from 2013 to 
2016; on the other hand, exports of agricultural products increased in 2017.  
4.33.   China continues to be one of the world 's largest recipients of FDI, with inflows on the rise for 
the past several years. Outward FDI has also been tre nding upwards for a number of years. China 
remains a big investor in many developing countries across Asia and Africa, particularly in 
infrastructure projects.  
4.34.   Pakistan appreciates the Catalogue of Industries for the Guidance of Foreign Investment 
(Invest ment Catalogue), developed by China. This catalogue remains the main instrument used to 
guide FDI in China and is revised periodically.  
4.35.   We greatly appreciate China 's proactive role in WTO, apart from regular contributions in all 
committees and groups. Chi na participates and leads the discussion in new and emerging issues.  
4.36.   China continues to grant unilateral trade preferences to LDCs. As of Decembe r 2017, 
duty-free treatment on 97% of tariff lines was granted to LDCs.  
4.37.   Pakistan commends China 's continued efforts in reforming and harmonizing its customs 
procedures. About one third of imports are now declared through single windows. China accepted 
the Agreement on Trade Facilitation in September 2015. It notified its Category A and B 
commitments.  China does not have any Category C commitments.  
4.38.   The simple average applied MFN rate as of December 2017 is 9.3%, slightly lower than in 
2013 and 2015. Almost all tariff lines are ad valorem. The average tariff is 14.6% for agricultural 
products and 8.5% for non -agricultural products. All of China 's tariffs are bound.  
4.39.   Pakistan attaches great importance to the WTO 's Dispute Settlement Mechanism and 
considers it a crown jewel of the Multilateral Trading System. Pakistan appreciates China 's active 
participation and commitment to this mechanism. During the review period, China was involved in 
seventeen cases under the WTO dispute settlement system: in five cases as a respondent, in two 
cases as a complainant, and in the remaining ten cases as a third  party.  
4.40.   Since China 's previous Review, a noteworthy legislative development in the area of 
competition policy has been the amendment to the Anti -Unfair Competition Law, which entered 
into force on 1 January 2018. The new Law removes overlaps with the Anti -Monopoly Law.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.41.   China has continued to strengthen its IPR enforcement, both at the administrative and 
judicial levels. During the review period, the authorities issued various notices and measures with 
a view to strengthening China 's capacity to protect and  enforce IPR.  
4.42.   Regarding financial services, in June 2016 and June 2017, China issued two implementing 
regulations concerning the licensing of foreign bank card clearing institutions. In March 2017, 
China eased approval requirements for foreign -owned banks to supply certain investment banking 
services in the country and to invest in domestic banking institutions.  
4.43.   China has been an active supporter of the Multilateral Trading System and its contribution to 
world trade cannot be understated. Pakistan apprecia tes that China actively participates in global 
economic governance, firmly safeguarding the multilateral trading system and opposing 
unilateralism and protectionism, promoting further the construction of free trade areas (FTAs), and 
continuously enhancing South -South Cooperation. China 's efforts at inclusivity are also 
appreciated.  
4.44.   In recent times, China has been subjected to unilateral and arbitrary imposition of trade 
barriers by certain trading partners. China, given the size of its economy and the magn itude of its 
contribution to global trade, is a linchpin of the global economy. Such measures can not only have 
strong repercussions for the global economic and trading system but also be detrimental for 
developing countries as a whole.  
4.45.   We are very thankf ul to the Chinese team in Geneva led by His Excellency Zhang Xiangchen, 
who is  a thought leader in Geneva, for their support for the MTS and WTO and their constant 
efforts in taking forward matters pertaining to world trade, with a focus on development. We  are 
working together in areas such as FEDs, FIFD, MSMEs, in addition to the regular WTO committee 
work. The active involvement of China in global trade related matters helps the system to continue 
moving forward. From the reports, it comes out clearly tha t under the guidance of President Xi 
Jinping, China remains committed to the vision of building a new system of an open economy, 
continuing to push forward liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, not only within 
China but globally.  
4.46.   In the  end, we wish China a very successful and fruitful TPR.  
NIGERIA  
4.47.   The reports before us today reflect the excellent work of the Secretariat and the 
Government of China. Both reports spelt out the key objectives of China 's trade and economic 
policies since th e last review. We believe that this review has fostered a better understanding of 
China 's economic environment and t he challenges that lies ahead. China 's growth and 
development is not accidental; it is a product of careful and well-thought -out planning an d dogged 
implementation and commitment to the development of the country. Most analysts pointed to the 
1978 reform as a watershed in the history of Chinese economy. The elem ents of the reform clearly 
show that these are lessons for Nigeria and other develo ping countries in the quest for 
development. We submitted some questions and we are satisfied with the response to our 
questions. We may follow -up as appropriate.   
4.48.   According to the Secretariat report, during the review period, the Chinese economy 
continue d to be a major driver of global economic growth, and accounted for around 30% of global 
economic expan sion during the review period. However, real growth has been moderating as the 
economy adjusts to the "new normal ", which implies more stable, though low er, growth rates of 
around 7% per year in the foreseeable future; growth rebalances from investment to consumption, 
from external to internal demand, and from manufacturing to services. The growth has resulted in 
rising rural incomes; which has resulted in  declining income inequality and poverty levels. As a 
consequence, China 's GDP per capital has risen to US$8,124 in  2016. Nevertheless, despite the 
impressive growth and unprecedented poverty reduction, the income gap between the richest and 
the poorest re mains large. It will be interesting to know how the Government of China intends to 
address this challenge, while noting the efforts by the Government 's focus on the quality and 
sustainability rather than the quality of growth. The same report  noted that un der the 13th 
five-year plan (2016 -2020), the Chinese authorities intend to continue the process of structural 
economic reform, which includes the promotion of private sector participation in the economy, as WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  well as the reform of SOEs, while keeping the pre ponderance of public ownership. Other measures 
mentioned in the plan include the promotion of competition, fiscal reform, financial sector reform 
to increase private capital participation in banking and expand the provision of financial services, 
and makin g the exchange rate and interest rate more market -oriented. It is encouraging to note 
from the Secretariat report that reforms have advanced across many areas, including the 
introduction of measures to reduce overcapacity, strengthen the local government b orrowing 
frameworks, including addressing the risks associat ed with the financial sector.   
4.49.   As pointed out in the Secretariat report, China submitted a number of notifications to the 
WTO. Nevertheless, some notifications  those  related to state -trading ente rprises, domestic 
support, and subsidies provided by the central gov ernment are still outstanding. The Secretariat 
report also noted that the China 's main laws regarding intellectual property rights (IPRs) have 
remained largely unchanged since its previous  review. Enforcement of IPRs poses si gnificant 
challenge for China. However, during the period under review, the Chinese authorities issued 
various notices and measures with a view to strengthening China 's capacity to protect and enforce 
IPRs, while 11 add itional specialized IPR courts were established by the Supreme Peo ple's court in 
various cities.  
4.50.   Nigeria is pleased to note from the Government Report that China is committed to the new 
vision of development and building a new system of an open economy, c ontinue to push forward 
liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, and make  new ground in pursuing 
opening -up in all fronts. It is also encouraging to note that China will spare no efforts in making 
globalization more open, inclusive, and bal anced so that the accruabl e benefits are shared by all. 
Furthermore, we note the commitment of China to continue and deepen the reform agenda, 
advance law -based governance in every dimension, and keep promoting the modernization of 
China 's governance syste m and capacity. It is also encouraging to note the commitment of China 
regarding trade facilitation. In this regard, we note with encouragement that China retains only 
four Category B measures and its category A measures accounts for 94.6% as far as the 
implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement is concerned. We encourage China to fulfill its 
promise to implement all category B measures, as notified, within the stipulated 3 -year transition 
period. Furthermore, we note with encouragement that china h as made considerable progress in 
the trail of IPR cases in recent years and the sustained efforts by the Government of China in 
cracking down on IPR i nfringements and counterfeits. We acknowledge the important role played 
by China in the multilateral tradi ng system, both as an active participant and important 
contributor. In this regard, we commended China for its generous contribution to the trade 
Facilitation Agreement facility, including recently signed economic cooperation agreement with the 
WTO, by pro viding US$8 million in support of the research and relevant activities of the WTO, with 
developing countries for capacity building in the international trade field.  
4.51.   In the light of the serious challenges facing the multilateral trading system, we apprecia te 
the timely call by China on all WTO members, including China, to renew their commitment to the 
basic principles of the WTO, i.e. open, transparent, inclusive, Non -discriminatory, and rules -based. 
More importantly, the collective responsibility of all WT O members, on the need to safeguard the 
role of the WTO -centered multilateral trading system, as a fundamental stabilizer in global 
economic governance, and the firm resistance to unilateralism as well as protectionism, in order to 
contribute to the recove ry and growth of the world economy, including comm on development and 
prosperity. We agree with China that the WTO should discuss new issues, with development 
implications, in order to respond to the expectations of the business community as well as to 
maintain the relevance of the WTO in global governance. In doing so, the discussions should aim 
at multilateral results, adhere to the principles of openness, transparency and inclusiveness, 
bearing in mind that "one-sized" fits all ap proach may be inappropria te. 
4.52.   It is worthy of note that since 1978, China has pursued a strategy of gradual transition from 
a centrally planned to a market -based economy, with an "open-door" policy that has involved 
substantial liberalization of its international trade and investme nt regimes. China 's rapid growth in 
its economy and its emergence as a global economic power plays an important role in the world 
economy. The economy of China is the third largest in the world. Its global ranking has been 
impressive, the second largest tr ading partner in the world and the largest exporter and sec ond 
largest importer of goods.  
4.53.   As pointed out in the Secretariat r eport, China 's liberalization  of trade and FDI has 
stimulated competition in the economy and contributed to the improved competiti veness of WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  domestic producers. The major challenge however, is the need to balance the short -term growth 
target and the long -term development goal, given the impact of the global financial crisis and 
catastrophic natural disasters. We share the view express ed in the Government report, that 
although China has made great achievements over the past 30 years in its reform and economic 
development, it cannot be ignored that China is still a developing c ountry with a population of 
1.3 billion. It is commendable th at despite the challenges facing China, the government attaches 
great importance to the south -south cooperation with other developing countries. This includes 
providing economic and technical assistance to help developing countries build their development 
capacity, promote ec onomic and social development.  
4.54.   The current world economic slowdown presents new challenges for the Government. To 
overcome these challenges, China should be encouraged to provide additional impetus to trade 
and investment, including lo wering effective tariff protection, reduction in the use of import 
prohibitions as well as ensuring greater predictability to the foreign investment regime. China 
should be commended for ensuring that the multilateral trading system remains at the core of its 
trade regime. We attest to the fact that China is an active Member of the WTO. This testimony was 
also acknowledged by the Secretariat.  
4.55.   At the bilateral level, Nigeria and China established formal diplomatic relations  in 
February  1971. Agreements by b oth countries following the strategic partnership paved way for 
Chinese investment and develop ment opportunities in Nigeria. The recent resurgence in the 
relationship can be attributed to improve and deliberate mutual efforts at the highest political 
levels. The China principle of matching one province with one state in Nigeria, is a good attempt at 
the industrial development that will open and create more opportunities for Nigerian and impact 
positively on the industrial development of the economy. This is  in the spirit of the Belt and Road 
policy of the Chinese G overnment, which if implemented properly will further enhance our close 
cooperation. Nigeria recently signed currency swap agreement with China, which allows the 
Central Bank of Nigeria and People 's bank of China (PBoC) to among other purposes, provide 
liquidity in their respective currencies, to facilitate and promote trade and investment across the 
two countries. The Swap agreement is for a maximum of 15 billion Chinese yuan for N720 billion 
within a three -year tenor. The currency swap deal holds bright prospects to grow the Nigerian 
economy. Nigeria has always adhered to one -China policy in its relationship with China. We 
encourage China to improve on some of the imported Chinese goods imported in to the country. 
Problems associated with unethical conduct resurfaces as a key obstacle in the Sino -Nigeria 
relationship.  Similar apprehension existed about the realities of technology transfer and job 
creation for Nigerian citizens. Despite these challen ges, the Sino -Nigerian relationship continued to 
expand as a wide range of development projects were contracted to the Chinese.  Furthermore, 
the launching of the Forum on China -Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) - a programme designed to boost 
economic and social  development for Africa that consisted of four high -profile ministerial meeti ngs 
further cemented the China -Africa relationship, particularly, in the areas of skill acquisition, 
capacity developme nt, infrastructure and trade.   
4.56.   Before concluding, we wish t o briefly highlight the following: f irst, since its accession, China 
has established an economic and trade regime, consistent with both its national conditions and 
prevailing international rules and practices. Second, China is now the largest trading partner of 
over 120 countries and regions and in the next five years, Chin will import US$ 8trillion of goods, 
attract US$ 600 billion of foreign investment, and invest US$750 billion overseas, which will provide 
significant business opportunities for countr ies and regions. Third, China 's economy is in a pivotal 
stage of transforming its growth model, improving its structure, and fostering new drivers of 
growth. Fourth, China is accelerating its efforts to turn itself into an innovative country, deepen 
reform s in key areas, and taking tough steps to forestall and defuse major risks, through targeted 
poverty alleviation, prevent and control pollution. Fifth, China 's continued efforts in encouraging 
technology exchanges as well as cooperation between Chinese and  foreign enterprises, including 
the protection of lawful IPRs of foreign enterprises. Sixth, given the fact that events in China one 
way or the other impact on other WTO members, China should be encouraged to assume the 
increased responsibility linked with  being a major player in the multilateral trading system. 
Seventh, not the least, China 's per capital income still ranks low, while nearly 30 million people are 
living under the nationa l poverty conditions of China.  
4.57.   Finally, we believe this review exercis e provides opportunity for China to critically analyze  its 
approaches and make necessary adjustments or improvements in line with its national 
development al priorities. As an important M ember of the WTO, China, has remained a strong WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  supporter of the multil ateral trading system. In this context, it would be remiss of me not to 
mention the constructive and proactive engagement of the delegation of China in Geneva, under 
the dynamic leadership of Ambassador Zhang Xiangchen and his hard-working  team. We thank 
China for the prompt response to our questions an d the questions posed by other M embers. 
Nigeria would continue to work closely with China and the rest of the membership, as we approach 
MC12 and beyond. We wish China a successful review exercise and congrat ulate the entire 
delegation for their engagement . 
SWITZERLAND  
4.58.   Switzerland and China enjoy close and strong economic relations. These relations go back in 
time and have a somewhat unusual history. It was a Swiss company which towards the end of the 
1970s em barked upon the very first industrial joint venture of a foreign business with a Chinese 
state-owned  enterprise at a time when C hina was only beginning to open -up. Since then, our 
steadily growing trade relationship has been accompanied by a myriad of join t initiatives. A 
Memorandum of Understanding regarding the protection of intellectual property rights was 
concluded in 2007. Then in 2013, Switzerland was the first continental European country to sign a 
bilateral free trade agreement with China.  
4.59.   Swiss tr ade with China has grown more dynamically than Swiss trade with other trading 
partners. China now is Switzerland 's most important partner in Asia and the third most important 
trading partner worldwide, right after the EU and the US. In 2017, Swiss exporter s sold goods 
worth 24 bio. $ to China. Swiss imports of Chinese goods amounted to 13 bio. $. Switzerland sells 
mostly precious metals, pharmaceuticals, machines and watches to China, whereas China supplies 
Switzerland with consumer electronics, machines, a nd textiles.  
4.60.   China has also become our most important foreign direct investment destination in Asia. 
There are almost one thousand Swiss companies with a combined i nvestment stock in excess of 
21 bio. $ and employing well over 180 '000 people in the countr y today.  
4.61.   These figures bear testimony to the persistent interest of Swiss operators in China 's 
economy. It is striking to note that an increasing number of Swiss businesses have started to 
invoice their China business in the local currency. According to a recent survey, almost one third of 
exporters now seem to show a preference for invoicing in R enminbi. There may be a multitude of 
reasons for doing this. But it is also a sign of confidence in the Chinese economy.  
4.62.   This is not to say that the Chinese economic model is devoid of difficulties. To simplify 
things, these problems all have – to varying  degrees – to do with the position of the state in the 
economy. The state is either too preponderant and its function ought to be cut back. To us, the 
SOEs are a case in point. Or, the presence of the State may fall short, in which case its influence 
ought  to be stepped up. This might be the case when it comes to competition policy and the 
protection of IPR.  
4.63.   An outside observer cannot help but be struck by the fact that in virtually all publicly listed 
Chinese companies, the state remains a majority shareho lder. Whilst it must be recognized, that 
there have been various reform efforts aimed at making SOEs more efficient, it cannot be denied 
that quite a few such enterprises continue to suffer from modest productivity and questionable 
profitability.  
4.64.   Exposing  them more fully to the free play of market forces and reducing the role of the state 
would give them a competitive boost. Moreover, it would help create a level -playing field with 
foreign competitors. Within this context, we would also like to encourage the Chinese authorities to 
open-up additional sectors of the economy for FDI to foster competition.  
4.65.   An area in which the state no doubt has an important role to play is the enforcement of 
competition policy. It takes a strong state to assume the role of an  impartial arbiter who ensures 
an equal treatment in order to allow businesses to compete under fair conditions. We have taken 
note of China 's recent amendment to the Anti -Unfair Competition Law. It might be challenging for 
the Chinese authorities to pass just and even -handed judgments in relation to competition law. 
This, because the Chinese state with its active role in the economy could be both judge and 
participant in a particular case.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.66.   In many ways related to competition policy is the protection of intellectual property rights. 
Once again, this is an area, in which a strong state enforcing the legal rights of stakeholders is of 
paramount importance. We acknowledge that China has redouble d its efforts to enforce IPR on 
many fronts. Nevertheless, even Chinese companies still point to the existence of violations or 
infringements.   
4.67.   In any event, Switzerland welcomes the comprehensive efforts by China to implement test 
data protection in a tr ansparent and equitable manner that shall provide predictability, 
transparency and legal certainty to all stakeholders. In particular , we welcome the proposal for 
6 years of test data protection for innovative drugs and for 12 years of protection for biolo gical 
products in the current draft for implementing rules for pharmaceutical data exclusivity.  
4.68.   Before concluding, we would like to commend China for its commitment to fossil fuel subsidy 
reform. It is noteworthy that China was one of the first countries t o undergo the G20 peer review 
of its fossil fuel subsidies.  
4.69.   We thank China for having provided comprehensive replies to all the questions submitted in 
writing and wish its distinguished delegation a successful outcome of this trade policy review.  
KAZAKHST AN 
4.70.   Through implementing effective economic development policies China h as maintained high 
GDP growth o ver the review period. The country is successfully transforming its economy from 
export -oriented to the one based on services sector and domestic consumpt ion. 
4.71.   Kazakhstan commends China 's efforts in implementing more proactive import policies and 
enhancing trade facilitation. Furthermore, Kazakhstan welcomes the various measures undertaken 
by the Government of China, which are aimed at improving the investme nt climate in the country.  
4.72.   I would like to wish the Government of China a successful completion of the 13th five-year 
plan. 
4.73.   China is the 3rd largest trading partner of Kazakhstan after the European Union and the 
Russian Federation. In 2017, annual trade tu rnover with China exceeded US$10 billion with 
Kazakhstan 's exports totalling US$5.8 billion and imports figures reaching US$4.7 billion. 
Kazakhstan major export items to China were mineral products, chemical industry products and 
metals. Imports from China  included textiles, machinery, equipment, metals, minerals, ceramics, 
glass and consumer goods.  
4.74.   In recent years, our countries have actively developed cooperation in the energy sector, 
covering oil and gas, nuclear power and renewable energy.  
4.75.   China has gre atly contributed to the diversification of the Kazakhstan 's economy. As of 
31 December 2017, China 's commutative investments in Kazakhstan amounted to US$42.8 billion 
over the last 25 years (Chinese sources), US$15.5 billion since 2005 (NBRK). Last year, C hina's 
direct investment nearly reached US$1 billion. Chinese investments in Kazakhstan are mainly 
allocated to transport, warehousing, oil and gas, construction and mining industries.  
4.76.   Since 2005, Kazakhstan has invested over US$500 million in China. In 20 17, direct 
investment in China totalled US$38.6 million.  
4.77.   Within the framework of industrial and investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and 
China, more than 50 joint projects for a total amount of more than US$26 billion are in the 
pipeline. These projec ts cover such areas as automotive, agricultural, chemical, mining, oil and 
gas, construction, metallurgy, light industry, productions of mineral fertilizers, energy, transport 
and logistics, new technologies.  
4.78.   Since 2013, both our countries are conscientiou sly engaged in the implementation of China 's 
large-scale initiative – the construction of the Economic belt of the Silk Road within the framework 
of the "One Belt and One road " project. Over the past 4 years, this project has become a platform WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  for an open and inclusive cooperation, a global public product that enjoys wide support of the 
international community.  
4.79.   In addition to bilateral cooperation, active integration processes between the countries of 
the Eurasian Economic Community and the People 's Republic of Chi na are also taking place. On 
16 May 2018, an agreement on trade and economic cooperation between the member states of 
the EAEU and China was signed. Its purpose is to create a basis for further development of 
economic relations between the c ountries.  
4.80.   I would also like to highlight China 's recent accession to the Convention on International 
Transport of Goods Under Cover of TIR Carnets. This step has facilitated cross border trade and 
the use of TIR by China has the potential to increase the t otal trade volume among China and 
other Belt and Road countries by up to US$13.6 billion, representing 1.4% of China 's total volume 
of trade exports.  
4.81.   Kazakhstan being one of the largest grain exporting countries, is very much interested in 
realizing its ex port opportunities on China 's market. In this regard, we urge China 's Government to 
bring more transparency and predictability to its wheat TRQ administration processes.  
4.82.   In closing, I want to emphasize once again that the People 's Republic of China is one of the 
most important strategic partners of Kazakhstan. We are confident that there is a lot of potential 
to further develop our mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation in the years to come.  
4.83.   I would like to wish the delegation of China a success ful Trade Policy Review.  
CANADA  
4.84.   Since joining the WTO in 2001, China has undertaken major reforms in order to meet its 
WTO obligations, encourage its economic growth and expand its participation in international 
trade. It is evident that these efforts are leading to impressive economic results. However, it is 
equally evident that China still has challenges to address.  
4.85.   Canada took careful note of President Xi Jinping 's remarks at the Bo -Ao Forum for Asia on 
10 April 2018. In his speech, President Xi identifi ed four areas where China intends to pursue 
further reforms: broadening market access; creating a more attractive investment environment; 
strengthening the protection of intellectual property rights; and taking the initiative to expand 
imports. We apprecia te that China recognizes its role as a leading economy, and has identified an 
appropriate agenda for specific reforms. However, it is essential that China match these words 
with further action in the near term.  
4.86.   TPRs rely on open and frank dialogue between peers, so Canada will take the opportunity 
presented by this TPR to offer its perspective on aspects of China 's trade policy that are important 
to Canada. We encourage China to adopt the alternative timelines for written questions and 
answers for its next TPR. This would be a clear demonstration of China 's commitment to 
transparency and the TPR process.  
4.87.   We recognize China 's active involvement in the WTO and encourage China to conduct its 
trade policies within the WTO framework. Doing so will assist with Chi na's transition to a market 
economy, which is a transition that we hope will continue in earnest. We commend China for its 
strong track record of compliance with its notification obligations under the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement and urge it to comply with  other notification obligations, particularly with respect to 
subsidies. For instance, China 's last notification for agriculture domestic support was in 2010 in 
spite of the extensive support that China provides to its agricultural producers. And in the Fi sheries 
Subsidies ' negotiations, information regarding China 's subsidies would help advance the 
discussions.  
4.88.   With regard to China 's participation in WTO plurilateral agreements, we understand that 
President Xi a lso stated at the Boa o Forum that China is se eking to quickly accede to the revised 
WTO Agreement on Government Procurement. Canada welcomes this announcement. As this 
process has been ongoing for a number of years, we look forward to hearing more from China 
about its plans for GPA accession. We also  encourage China to participate in the WTO 's joint WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  initiatives on e -commerce, investment facilitation, and MSMEs, and to sign onto the Joint 
Declaration on Trade and Women 's Economic Empowerment.  
4.89.   With respect to non -tariff barriers, foreign companies operating in China continue to express 
frustration with China 's inconsistent and unpredictable regulatory practices and standards. We 
raised this point during China 's 2016 TPR and we are disappointed that this problem persists. The 
web of rules that foreig n companies must navigate through in order to export to and operate in 
China creates lengthy and difficult processes and high costs. This limits the ability of companies to 
effectively access the Chinese market. Canadian companies are committed to ensuring  compliance 
with Chinese laws and regulations, but are frustrated with the lack of regulatory transparency and 
the inconsistent application of rules to their goods and services in China. Canadian exporters have 
also expressed concern with inconsistent SPS testing regimes. Furthermore, we have also heard 
from Canadian businesses that, depending on the location where goods enter the Chinese market, 
Canadian exporters can be expected to comp ly with different regulations.  
4.90.   Effective protection and enforcement o f intellectual property rights is another area of 
concern that is cited by Canadian stakeholders and is critical to China 's transition to an innovation -
driven economy. We encourage China to continue its efforts to increase the predictability and 
effectiven ess of its intellectual property regime in order to address ongoing concerns in areas such 
as registration, infr ingement, and counterfeiting.   
4.91.   Canadian companies have also expressed significant concerns regarding the rules governing 
the conduct of Chinese  state-owned enterprises (SOEs). In particular, our companies have noted 
the difficulties associated with competing against SOEs in China, in third country markets, and 
even potentially in Canada, when the Chinese government accords them preferential treat ment. 
Canada is encouraged by the recent reforms to the Chinese banking sector. However, we also 
understand that Chinese SOEs in certain sectors continue to benefit from market distorting 
government financial support, a practice which distorts the market a t the expense of foreign 
competitors.  
4.92.   We recognize that China is taking steps to open its market and create a more attractive 
investment environment for g lobal companies and investors. We note that China has recently 
eased certain restrictions in its For eign Investment Negative List. Further progress in addressing 
key areas of concern to foreign investors, including joint venture requirements, local content 
requirements, technology transfer requirements, and foreign equity caps would help attract 
investment , spur high quality economic growth and innovation for China, and reinforce China 's 
pledge against protectionism.  
4.93.   We note China 's recent announcement of tariff reductions affecting products in certain 
sectors, such as imported automobiles, agriculture and agri-food, as well as further services and 
financial sector liberalization planned in 2018. We look forward to further details on how and when 
these reductions will be implemented.  
4.94.   As an increasingly important player in the global economy, we encourage Chi na to continue 
to take a balanced and inclusive approach to trade policy. Such an approach will create the 
conditions for the benefits of trade to be shared more broadly and ensure that governments 
around the world do not derogate from their global respons ibilities and obligations in the pursui t of 
zero-sum economic growth.  
4.95.   In this regard, Canada encourages China to address the environmental and labour 
challenges that have accompanied rapid economic development in recent years. We are 
encouraged by Preside nt Xi's statement during the 19th National Congress on October 18, 2017, 
that China "will pursue open, innovative, and inclusive development ", and will be "promoting green 
development ". Canada recommends that China link these broad initiatives to its appro ach to 
international trade. One pragmatic step that China could take is to ensure that its free trade 
agreements meaningfully address these important issues through the inclusion of binding 
obligati ons on labour and environment.  
4.96.   In conclusion, we look for ward to learning more about China 's continuous efforts to 
undertake meaningful economic reform, and further integrate into the global trading system. China 
must take quick and decisive actions in order to address the challenges faced by foreign WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  companies i n its market. Action is also needed in order to avoid a further escalation of current 
trade tensions, which threaten the global economy. Based on China 's impressive economic 
achievements to date, Canada considers China has both the capacity and the ability  to overcome 
these challenges; what is required now is a demonstration of Chinese willingness to do so through 
positive actions.  
MONGOLIA  
4.97.   Mongolia and China enjoy longstanding bilateral economic ties, supported by strong trade 
and investment flows. Over th e last two decades bilateral trade between two countries has been 
growing an d reached US$6.6 billion last year, which is the increase by 35% over the previous 
year. We attach great importance to the development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation 
with China and expect our bilateral trade and economic relationship to further strengthen within 
the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership.  
4.98.   Mongolia appreciates China 's contribution in the WTO forum and negotiations. Mongolia 
expects China, as a key player in the multilateral trading system, take a more leading role and 
make an even greater contribution to the multilateral trading system. As a landlocked country, 
Mongolia highly appreciates China 's efforts in the implementation of the Trade F acilitation 
Agreement.  
4.99.   We are pleased to see China 's progress to the new vision of development and building a new 
system of an open economy, pushing forward liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment 
as well as its reforms to advance law-based governance in every dimension.  
4.100.   We believe that China 's initiative in achieving shared growth through discussion and 
collaboration of countries along the Belt and Road (BRI) has a significant potential to boost trade 
and economic cooperation betwe en the countries and regions.  
4.101.   We thank the delegation of China for submitting the replies to our questions. However, we 
would like to make further clarifications. Mongolia would greatly appreciate if China could provide 
further information on the structure , organization and competences of provincial -level committees 
on trade facilitation, especially of those provinces bordering with Mongolia.  
4.102.   Mongolia would like to express appreciation to the delegation of China and the Secretariat 
for their hard work in pr eparing for this TPR.  
4.103.   We wish a very productive and successful Trade Policy Review of China.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.104.   Given the importance of China to the future of the World Trade Organization (WTO), I 
believe that we should be frank and direct in discussing China 's role as a WTO Member and the 
nature of its trade policies and practices.   
4.105.   China 's failure to fully embrace the open, market -oriented policies on which this institution 
is founded must be addressed, either with in the WTO or outside the WTO. Given China 's very large 
and growing role in international trade, and the serious harm that China 's state -led, mercantilist 
approach to trade and investment causes to China 's trading partners, this reckoning can no longer 
be put off.  If the WTO is to remain relevant to  the international trading system, change is 
necessary.   
4.106.   When China acceded to the WTO nearly 17 years ago, WTO Members expected that the 
terms set forth in China 's Protocol of Accession would permanently dismantle existing state -led, 
mercantilist policie s and practices that were incompatible with an international trading system 
expressly based on open, market -oriented policies and rooted in the principles of 
non-discrimination, market access, reciprocity, fa irness and transparency. But those expect ations 
have not been realized. Instead, China has used the imprimatur of WTO membership to become 
one of the WTO 's largest traders, while largely retaining its state -led, mercantilist approach to 
trade and investment, to the detriment of the United States and oth er WTO Members an d their 
industries and workers.  This situation is actually worse to day than it was five years ago.  The WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  state's role in China ' economy has increased, as have the seriousness and breadth of concerns 
facing foreign companies seeking to do bus iness in China or attempting to compete with Chinese 
companies in their home markets.  
4.107.   To be clear, the United States does not object to the Chinese G overnment 's desire to guide 
and support domestic industries through the issuance of five -year pl ans and oth er similar efforts. 
Other WTO Members also seek to help their industries develop. However, China 's overall approach 
is materially different, as China 's industrial policies typically go well beyond traditional approaches 
to guiding and supporting domestic i ndustries.  China provides massive, market -distorting subsidies 
and other forms of state support to its domestic industries, which too often leads to severe excess 
capacity, and at the same time it actively seeks to impede, disadvantage and  harm the foreign  
competition. China helps its domestic industries by skewing the playing field against imported 
goods and services and foreign manufacturers and services suppliers in myriad ways, such as 
market access limitations, investment restrictions  and massive finan cial support.  It also employs 
preferential treatment for state -owned enterprises and other favored Chinese companies, 
discriminatory regulatory requirements, unique national standards, technology transfer 
requirements, inadequate protection and enforcement  of intellectual property rights, cyber theft, 
overly broad and discriminatory cybersecurity measures, cross -border data restrictions and data 
localization requirements, and the use of competition law for industrial policy pu rposes, among 
many other ways. Exacerbating this situation is the abuse of administrative licensing and approval 
processes by Chinese government officials, China 's incomplete adoption of the rule of law, a lack of 
an independent judiciar y and inadequate transparency.  
4.108.   It is clear, moreov er, that the WTO currently does not offer all of the tools necessary to 
remedy this situation.  
4.109.   The WTO 's dispute settlement mechanism is not designed to addr ess a situation in which a 
WTO M ember has opted for state -led trade and investment policies that prevail over market forces 
and that pursues policies guided by mercantilism rather tha n global economic cooperation. Rather, 
it is narrowly targeted at disputes where one Member believes that another Member has adopted a 
measure or taken an action t hat vio lates a WTO obligation. While some Chinese measures have 
been found by WTO panels or the Appellate Body to run afoul of China 's WTO obligations, 
fundamental problems remain unaddressed as many of the most significant Chinese policies and 
practices are not directly disciplined by WTO rules or the additional commitments that China made  
in its Protocol of Accession.  
4.110.   Meanwhile, there is no clear path toward the negotiation of new rules to address the 
unique problems posed by China 's state -led, mercantili st trad e and investment regime.  As we all 
know, the WTO is a consensus organization, and the prospects for negotiating strong and effective 
new rules are low, and in any event they would not be timely in addressing the serious harm 
currently being suffered by WTO  Members. China 's claim to developing count ry status is also not 
helpful. The United States would remind Members that China 's Protocol of Accession questioned 
China 's claim to be a developing country and expressly denied China 's right to self -elect 
develop ing country status under several of the WTO agreements, yet China persists in claiming to 
be a "developing Member " in the context of every future negotiation at the WTO. Similarly,  
unhelpful is China 's claim to be a "recently acceded Member " after nearly 1 7 years of WTO 
membership.  
4.111.   The United States notes that, for many years, it tried to work cooperatively with China 
through e xtensive bilateral engagement. As we look back on that engagement, we find no 
indication that China has been prepared to make the fundamental changes that would be 
necessary to bring its trade and investment regime into alignment with the regimes of other WTO 
Members.  
4.112.   Going forward, the best solution is for China finally to take the initiative to fully and 
effectively embrace open, m arket-oriented policies.  China knows what needs to be done, and we 
urge China to take that route.  
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  MEXICO 
4.113.   Mexico's trade and investment relationship with China is extremely dynamic and of the 
utmost importance for our country. China is Mexico's second tra ding partner: trade between the 
two countries reached USD  81 billion in 2017, with foreign direct investment resulting in China's 
having shares in more than 1,000 companies in our country.  
4.114.   China's economic development over the past decades has been remarkable, and is 
reflected in numerous economic indicators. Not only is this good news for Mexico, but for the rest 
of the world as well, given the opportunities that it opens up at the global level.  
4.115.   China has the potential for strong economic growth in the medium term, and according to 
an assessment made by the IMF in 2017, this would require speeding up the reforms needed to 
address a number of significant economic challenges. It needs to stimulate domestic consumption, 
and that means reducing its high savings rates which, at 46% of GDP, are 26% higher than the 
annual average; and it needs to control speculative investment in real estate while ensuring that 
this does not slow down the economy.  
4.116.   There is yet another important challenge that is of particula r concern to Mexico, as 
mentioned on different occasions and in different forums, namely the reduction of industrial 
overcapacity, particularly in the steel sector. Although China has taken a number of steps to that 
end, this continues to be an area in whi ch greater effort and international coordination will be 
required to arrive at levels that do not adversely affect international markets. In addition, China 
should take better advantage of the resources that are currently directed to companies operating 
at a loss in sectors with excess capacity, and State enterprises.  
4.117.   Turning to the work being done at the WTO, we acknowledge China's leadership in the 
Friends of Investment Facilitation for Development Group and its active participation in the Friends 
of E-Commerce for Development Group. China's contribution to the work of these groups over the 
past year has unquestionably helped us to reach a better understanding of the benefits of 
investment facilitation and e -commerce for the developing countries.  
4.118.   We also a ppreciate China's participation in the discussion of other joint initiatives, such as 
domestic regulation of services, and small and medium enterprises.  
4.119.   Another pressing issue in which China is actively involved is the deadlock on the vacancies 
in the Appe llate Body, which is affecting not only the dispute settlement system, but also the 
credibility of the multilateral trading system.  
4.120.   Regarding the implementation of more proactive policies, my delegation recognizes China's 
effort in ratifying the Trade Faci litation Agreement. However, we hope that China will redouble its 
efforts to introduce a fully operational single window and to fulfil all of the provisions of the 
Customs Cooperation Agreement on time.  
4.121.   We welcome the fact that China, in keeping with its s ize, is taking on ever -greater 
responsibility in the multilateral trading system. But there are still areas of concern to my country 
which we see as opportunities for China to redouble its efforts to comply with its obligations, 
particularly as regards tra nsparency.  
4.122.   We are aware that gathering information can be a challenge, and although there has been 
overall compliance, China is significantly behind in the notification of state trading enterprises, 
subsidies, and domestic support provided by the Central G overnment. The consistent notification 
of state trading enterprises is made all the more important by the degree to which the State is 
involved in the economy: indeed, the State retains a majority share in all but one of the  hundred 
largest publicly listed  companies.  
4.123.   With respect to domestic support for agriculture, we note with concern that the latest 
notification was submitted in 2010 and that support was on the increase in the years prior to and 
subsequent to that notification. This lack of information i s unlikely to provide greater certainty in 
the relevant negotiations, particularly in view of the significance of China's agricultural 
performance in international markets.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.124.   Nor did China notify its subsidies during the period 2015 to 2017. And yet, accordi ng to the 
information available, it can be assumed, in principle, that considerable subsidies are granted to 
intelligent manufacturing, advanced technologies, new energy vehicles, and the fisheries sector.  
4.125.   From the recent presentation by Vice -Minister Wang , we understand that some of this 
information was supplied recently, and we look forward to reviewing it in detail.  
4.126.   Going forward, we would urge China to increase its efforts to provide the lacking 
information. By doing so, not only would China be fully co mplying with the commitments it 
assumed when it acceded to the WTO, but it would also be contributing to the transparency and 
credibility of the Organization and helping to restore confidence.  
4.127.   In conclusion, we wish China every success in this Review and t hank China for the efforts 
made to answer the many questions submitted by my delegation.  
JAPAN  
4.128.   17 years have passed since China 's accession to the WTO.  
4.129.   During this period, structural changes occurred in the global economy and China has 
become the world 's largest trading country. We expect China to fulfill its responsibility as one of 
the most important players in international trade by contributing to maintaining and enhancing 
free trade and by further promoting market -oriented economic reform.  
4.130.   From this st andpoint, Japan commends Vice Minister Wang Shouwen 's statement, and 
China 's willingness to further pursue reforms and liberalization.  
4.131.   We expect China to follow the famous Japanese maxim "yu gen ji kko ( 有言実行 )", which 
means keeping one 's word.  
4.132.   We, the WTO Members are required to abide by the WTO rules but today we should also 
proactively address numerous challenges facing the WTO.  
4.133.   In this TPR, we would like to mention two of the most serious challenges that we need to 
address together with China, namely "market -distorting measures " and "policies for next 
generation industry ". 
4.134.   First, I would like to discuss "market -distorting measures ".  
4.135.   Today, we are facing various threats to free and fair market competition. Excess capacity is 
the phenomenon produced by t he lack of fair market competition. There is an urgent need to 
tackle issues relating to excess capacity in the steel industry as well as the ship -building industry.  
4.136.   China announced that it had been successfully reducing its overcapacity in the steel sect or 
since 2016. We appreciate such efforts.  
4.137.   However, we believe that China should address the root causes of overcapacity including 
so called "zombie enterprises ". 
4.138.   Furthermore, in cutting -edge industries like semi -conductors, we also have a strong 
concern t hat a variety of supportive measures such as those included in "Made in China 2025 " will 
generate similar problems of excess capacity in the future.  
4.139.   From the viewpoint of ensuring a level -playing -field, we are also concerned about the 
expanding role of th e state sector and the increasing trend of providing public aid, including 
subsidies, to SOEs in China.  
4.140.   Since subsidies affect a level playing field, ensuring transparency is indispensable. We 
request China to update notifications on subsidies in accordan ce with the SCM Agreement.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.141.   Transparency and predictability are key factors in other areas too. We hear that foreign 
companies in China are often required to accept disadvantageous conditions including those 
requiring technology transfers to domestic compa nies, without any legal grounds. This is contrary 
to China 's Protocol on the Accession to the WTO.  
4.142.   Second, I would like to address the topic of "policies for next generation industry ".  
4.143.   We are facing great challenges regarding how to face and encourage th e new industrial 
revolution while avoiding over -restriction of business activities.  
4.144.   In this regard, we have some concerns on China 's Cybersecurity Law and its relevant draft 
regulations, which may have inflicted de facto disadvantages on foreign companies in terms of 
competitiveness. This situation may be inconsistent with Article 17 of the GATS (National 
Treatment), and we therefore request that this law be improved promptly.  
4.145.   Cross -border data transfer is another example; the free flow of data is an essent ial 
element in conducting global business today, and Japan is especially concerned that the data 
localization and safety assessment obligations stipulated in the Cybersecurity Law may function as 
an obstacle to the free flow of data.  
4.146.   Also, regarding new -energy vehicles, we would like to express our concern on the contents 
of the draft regulation,  as we believe it may be over -restrictive.  
4.147.   In addition, protection of intellectual property rights is essential in encouraging innovation 
and advancing next generation technologies. From this viewpoint, in order to ensure national 
treatment, we request revision of (i) the foreign suppliers ' liability and (ii) the attribution of 
improved technologies stipulated in the "Regulations on Technology Import and Expor t 
Administration ". 
4.148.   In conclusion, for this TPR of China, we have submitted a number of questions and 
requests, and these reflect our expectation for China to play a more positive role in the WTO. 
Historically, China 's "reform and opening -up policy " and its  unprecedented scale of economic 
growth have been undeniable driving forces for the development of global trade. We believe China 
would be able to further contribute to advancement of free trade, by joining collective efforts to 
achieve freer and fairer ru le-based market competition.  
4.149.   In China there is a saying that goes "xíng shèng yú yán ( 行勝於言 )", with the meaning that 
actions speak louder than words. Actually, we see this phrase in the calligraphy work hanging in 
the corridor of the WTO.  
4.150.   As China is alread y one of the most important WTO M embers, we hope China will put this 
saying into action and truly contribute to strengthening the WTO and the multilateral trading 
system.  
4.151.   We wish China a successful and productive TPR.  
LAO PDR  ON BEHALF  OF ASEAN  
4.152.   First and f oremost, ASEAN wishes to note that ASEAN -China relations have been strong, 
and stable. We established the ASEAN -China Free Trade Area in 2010 and took another step 
forward in 2016 when we agreed to pursue greater trade liberalization and better investment 
conditions by upgrading our free trade agreement.  
4.153.   These close trade and investment relations have proved to be mutually beneficial, and we 
welcome the continued strong and growing levels of trade, investment and tourism flows. In 2016, 
China was ASEAN 's largest trading partner, with a tota l merchandise trade reached US$ 368 billion 
and China continued to be ASEAN 's fourth largest external source of foreign direct investment 
valued at US$ 9.8 billion.  
4.154.   ASEAN looks forward to further strengthening these relatio ns with China and intensifying 
our efforts to meet the joint target of US$1 trillion in trade volume and US$150 billion in WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  investment by 2020. On this note, ASEAN wishes to highlight two points. First, ASEAN is pleased 
that we are intensifying our pursuit,  together with five other ASEAN dialogue partners, for a 
modern, comprehensive, and high -quality trade agreement in the Regional Comprehensive 
Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations.  
4.155.   Second, ASEAN appreciates China 's continued support towards the ASEAN E conomic 
Community through various initiatives, namely the ASEAN -China Expo to enhance ASEAN 's micro, 
small and medium enterprises participation in global value chains; harnessing synergies between 
the One Belt One Road and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connecti vity 2025; and the grant assistance 
for the Initiative for ASEAN Integration.  
4.156.   ASEAN would like to take this opportunity to commend China 's role in the Multilateral 
Trading System, including their active participation in various work and negotiations of th e WTO. 
In this regard, we would like to express our appreciation to China, in particular to Ambassador 
Zhang Xiangchen and his delegation for their constructive engagement with our delegations here 
in Geneva.  
4.157.   Some of the ASEAN m embers have submitted written questions to China and would like to 
thank China for their written responses. Last but not least, ASEAN would like to wish China a 
successful trade policy review.  
LAO PDR 
4.158.   Having already taken the floor, I will also speak on behalf of the Government  of Lao PDR. 
We are very honored  to be here today. In association  with the ASEAN statement, Lao PDR 's 
bilateral economic relationship with China is supported by strong and longstanding trade, 
investment, and people -to-people ties. Both sides have the syner gy to further expand and deepen 
cooperation in areas of our mutual interests and to work together at bilateral, regional and 
international fora.   
4.159.   In view of bilateral relation, China is the largest foreign investor, the second largest trade 
partner, and o ne of the largest development partners to Lao PDR while Lao PDR is the third largest 
destination of China 's investment in ASEAN countries. In 2017, total trade between the two 
countries amounted to over 3.02 billion, grew by an additional at 28.6%. By real izing the 
importance of developing human resources, the economy, trade, finance, investment and society, 
Lao PDR and China have carried out the 417 -kilometer construction of railway linking Vientiane 
Capital, with the Chinese border, with a view to boostin g current trade and investment levels.  
4.160.   Lao PDR continues to highly value China 's contribution and commitment to preserving and 
strengthening the multilateral trading system and t o overcome current challenges. We also 
appreciate China 's contribution in the WTO forum especially on issues supporting LDCs 
participating in international  trade.  
4.161.   In light of trade policy review today, we note the positive outcomes that China has 
demonstrated in its open and transparent economy. China ha s shown its commitments to op en-up 
trade, promote economic growth and job creation by participating in trade negotiations.  
4.162.   In this review, Lao PDR submitted question, covering the policies of our interests such as 
"Belt and Road Initiative ". We thank for the reply and hope that this i nitiative will further 
strengthen and enhance our bilateral cooperation especially the implementation of the WTO Trade 
Facilitation Agreement.  
4.163.   In conclusion, Lao PDR would like to express our appreciation to China for the cooperation 
in every level and to  China 's delegation for its hard work. We wish China every success in this 
Trade Policy Review.  
AUSTRALIA  
4.164.   Australia welcomes advances China has made over the period of the current review.  We 
welcome China 's strong support for and contribution to the multi lateral trading system, as 
highlighted in its country report and reaffirmed in its recent WTO White Paper.  We note President WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  Xi's commitment at the Boao Forum in April 2018 to ongoing trade and investment liberalization , 
lower  tariffs and expanding import s. We share China 's objective for an open global economy 
supported by rules that promote economic growth and development, trade liberalization  and free 
markets.   
4.165.   Australia and China are important trading partners. Our strong bilateral trade and 
economic r elationship continues to grow and diversify through implementation of the China 
Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA).  It has brought significant economic benefits to both our 
countries and serves as a model.  
4.166.   Australia values our cooperative relationship  with China in the WTO , as well as the G20 and 
APEC. We look forward to the early conclusion and implementation of the Regional Comprehensive 
Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement to lower trade barriers and further strengthen trade and 
investment in the A sia-Pacific region, and globally.  
4.167.   We commend China 's high level of participation acros s the WTO agenda. We particularly 
welcome China 's leadership on new and emerging issues in the WTO, such as e commerce and 
investment facilitation for development, and its active engagement across the MC11 Joint 
Statement initiatives.  
4.168.   We note the important role China played in the expansion of the Information Technology 
Agreement (ITA -2) and implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). We also note 
China 's contribution to the important work undertaken in regular WTO committees.  
4.169.   As we proceed with Australia 's accession to the Government Procurement Agreement 
(GPA), we look forward to China 's accession. We also look forward to China 's continued support for 
finalizing the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA) negotiations.   
4.170.   Australia appreciates China 's efforts to implement its WTO accession commitments. 
Progress has been made since the last review, in particular in simplifying an d reducing its import 
tariffs. However, some areas of concern remain. Australian firms in China continue to experience 
restrictions, including in serv ices and the financial sector. Intellectual property (IP) infringement, 
particularly counte rfeits, is an ongoing concern. China has recogniz ed the need for f urther reforms 
in these areas. Market distortions are still apparent in China 's economy, notably the lack of 
competitive neutrality disciplines on state -owned enterprises (SOEs). We encourage China to 
continue to reform and liberalize  its trade and investment environment to support continued 
strong growth.  
4.171.   Australia notes China 's recent nation -wide foreign investment Negative List, which will 
come into effect 28 July 2018, made modest improvements in reducing restrictions for foreign 
investors. We encourage China to review the List, reduce the number of restricted categories and 
provide more commercially meaningfu l access to foreign investors.  
4.172.   We encourage China to continue its efforts to harmonize  customs procedures and 
regulations across provinces and to adopt international standards wherever possible. Australia 
remains concerned about China 's export restrictions. We encourage China to adopt a risk -based 
approach and to ensure that certification requirements are not unduly burdensome.  
4.173.   We appreciate China increasing consultations with foreign governments and business on 
draft legislation and regulations. We encourage China to continue to work closely with the foreign 
business community to improve the transparency and predictability of its r egulations and to 
incorporate international standards and best practices into its regulatory systems.  
4.174.   Australia recognizes  China 's efforts to strengthen cybersecurity but we share the views of 
others that China 's Cybersecurity Law has imposed new restricti ons on business as digital trade is 
expanding. Australia encourages China to benchmark new regulations on cyber security against 
international best practices.   
4.175.   We note China 's undertaking to continue to fulfil its commitments and in this context,  look 
forward to improved adherence to existing obligations, in particular with WTO transparency and 
notification requirements where we see substantial room for improvement. For example, China has WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  not submitted a notification on agricultural domestic support since 2010 and has not notified any 
subsidies in relation to the fisheries or steel sectors.  
4.176.   We encourage China to demonstrate leadership in addressing curr ent challenges facing the 
WTO. The WTO and the rules -based trading system provide the frameworks and enfor cement 
mechanisms necessary to ensure all Members can benefit from global trad e. We cannot overstate 
the importance of continuing to use such WTO mechanisms to resolve trade disputes.  
4.177.   Australia looks forward to continuing to work with China to advance glo bal trade 
liberalization . We thank China for its replies to our written questions and look forward to reviewing 
them carefully.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.178.   China 's integration into the global economy has lifted China from one of the poorest 
countries in the world to an  upper -middle -income country and the world 's second largest economy. 
As Chin a describes in its G overnment report, China 's economic development is at a historic 
juncture, transitioning from rapid growth to high -quality development. China states, I quote, th at 
"developing a modernized economy is an urgent requirement for getting China smoothly through 
this critical transition ".  
4.179.   The EU certainly agrees, and encourages China to allow market forces to play a more 
decisive role in ensuring fair competition. We w elcome China 's recen t announcements to further 
open-up the economy to foreign investors, covering, among others, tariff reductions, elimination of 
some equity caps and openings in the financial sector. We trust that these announcements, which 
represent a s tep in the right direction, will be implemented swiftly and effectively.  
4.180.   Nonetheless, we see ro om and need for further opening -up. While China remains a key 
destination for investment, in the latest survey conducted by the European Chamber of Commerce 
in China, half of the respondents considered that doing business in China had become more 
difficult over the last year. The EU regrets that the 2017 Foreign Investment Catalogue did not 
contain meaningful openings, notwithstanding China 's claim that the numbe r of restrictions went 
down. Pilot programmes and Free Trade Zones have not attracted the volume of investments that 
the Chinese authorities expected, partly because too many limitations were maintained.  
4.181.   Openness has to go hand in hand with fairness. The EU is closely following the reform 
process of state -owned enterprises and encourages China to pursue structural reforms more 
vigorously. Our concerns over the potentially distorting effects of public intervention in commercial 
activities are to a large ext ent due to the persistent lack of transparency surrounding this 
intervention. Several of the EU 's advance questions relate to SOEs as we seek to learn more about 
the conditions under which they operate and the incentives they enjoy.  
4.182.   In this regard, I need to repeat the EU 's calls from China 's last TPR for China to truly 
honour its transparency obligations in the WTO. In its G overnment report, China seeks to reassure 
Members about the attention China pays to core WTO values and rules, including transparency – 
however, several notifications are long overdue, and we particularly urge China to submit its 
outstanding notifications on agriculture and its subsidy notification for 2015 -2017 (we take note of 
the opening statement of China on the latter). We also remi nd China of its commitment to publish 
all its trade -related laws and measures, translate them into one or more WTO languages, and 
ensure proper stakeholder consultations.  
4.183.   Various long -standing issues that have been worrying China 's trade partners persist. EU 
business continues to struggle with different behind -the-border measures, including related to the 
attribution of licenses , and the insufficient enforcement of intellectual property rights. These issues 
need to be highlighted because they are bound to g ain relevance as China increasingly focusses on 
innovation and high -tech production.   
4.184.   Two years ago, we stressed our concerns regarding overcapacity in particular in China 's 
steel sector. Urgent action is needed to address this problem and China is in a s pecial position to 
help. Beyond steel, we must equally address the causes for overcapacity in other sectors.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.185.   Industrial policies have traditionally played an important role in China. While China 's 
ambitions are understandable, initiatives such as "Made -in-China 2025 " raise serious concerns in 
relation to local content requirements, use of subsidies and forced technology transfer. 
Encouraging technological innovation should be based on market principles, to avoid the creation 
of new overcapacity.  
4.186.   Regarding C hina's cybersecurity legislation, while we acknowledge the need to protect 
cyberspace, we urge China to ensure that no new market access barriers are created. Measures 
should be proportionate and technology -neutral. In this regard, the EU is worried about the wide 
scope of the measures and potentially discriminatory effects on foreign firms in China. The EU also 
invites China to notify these measures under the TBT Agreement at its earliest convenience.  
4.187.   Finally, we acknowledge the possible benefits that the Belt and Road Initiative may bring, 
such as increased trade connectivity between Europe and Asia. The EU generally supports such 
initiatives as they contribute to sustainable growth in the Euro -Asian region. Done in the right way, 
more investment in cross -border infrastructure links can unleash growth potential with benefits for 
all. But such initiatives must be based on a level -playing field for trade and investment with full 
adherence to market rules and international norms. As China has already committed  to such 
principles e.g. in ASEM and bilaterally, we look forward to seeing practical progress.  
4.188.   China 's seventh Trade Policy Review comes at a time of stress and uncertainty for the 
multilateral trading system. While we were heartened to read how China con siders itself as a firm 
defender of WTO values in its report and recall President Xi 's speeches in Davos in 2017 and at the 
recent Boao forum, the WTO Membership is eager to see China translate these words into action. 
We all count on China to concretely d emonstrate its com mitment to transparency and 
non-discrimination, actively participate in current and future WTO negotiating activities, help find 
multilateral solutions to current trade problems and fill the gaps in the trade rulebook, in particular 
in relation to subsidies.  
4.189.   As one of China 's top trading partners, the European Union looks forward to continue 
working with China in a sense of shared responsibility to not only safeguard but strengthen the 
multilateral trading system.  
4.190.   On behalf of the EU, I wi sh China a productive and successful Trade Policy Review.  
UKRAINE  
4.191.   China has been and remains the strategic partner for Ukraine in terms of bilateral 
cooperation on wide range of issues, namely trade, infrastructure, industry and digital economy. 
Our countries enjoy effective cooperation within the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative as well 
as in the fields of agriculture, science, technology, space industry and investment. Implementation 
of infrastructure projects can be mentioned among the prospecti ve areas for further cooperation, 
in particular, development of port and airport infrastructure in Ukraine, road transport, railways 
electrification etc.  
4.192.   Foreign trade cooperation between Ukraine and China is regulated by the Trade and 
Economic Cooperation  Agreement between Government of Ukraine and Government of the 
People 's Republic of China (1992).  
4.193.   According to the Ukrainian statistic, the trade turnover between Ukraine and China in 2017 
amounted to US$7,69 billion . At the same time, Chinese export to U kraine amounted to 
US$5,65  billion (+20.5%), Chinese import from Ukraine amounted to US$2,04 billion (+11.3%).  
4.194.   Ukraine imports from China the following commodities: machinery and mechanical 
appliances, electrical equipment; textiles and textile products; base metals and articles of 
nonferrous metals; plastics and articles thereof; chemical products; miscellaneous industrial 
products. Ukraine exports to China mineral products; vegetables; animal or vegetable fats and oils 
and products of their processing.  
4.195.   In terms of bilateral investment cooperation (as of December 2017) China 's investments to 
Ukraine amounted US$18.2 million and covered the following areas: agriculture, forestry and WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  fishing, industry, wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and  motorcycles. Ukraine 's 
investments to China 's economy totaled US$1.5 million and were directed mainly to industrial 
enterprises.  
4.196.   Our country highly appreciates the partnership cooperation with China across the WTO 
bodies on different issues of mutual inte rest.  
4.197.   Within this TPR exercise Ukraine has submitted a number of specific questions and is 
seeking clarification on a range of the following topics:  
• applied MFN tariffs;  
• other charges affecting imports;  
• government procurement;  
• export support and promotion ; 
• price controls and market price support systems;  
• financial services etc.  
4.198.   We would like to express gratitude for the responses, which we are reviewing carefully.  
4.199.   In conclusion, I would like to express our deep appreciation to the delegation of China and 
especially to the team of China 's Mission to the WTO in Geneva for their hard work in preparing for 
this TPR and for cooperation on the range of WTO issues.  
4.200.   Ukraine wishes the delegation of China very successful Trade Policy Review and looks 
forward to fur ther strengthening of our bilateral relations.  
HONG  KONG,  CHINA  
4.201.   Hong Kong, China (HKC) maintains a very close economic and trade relationship with 
China. China has been our largest trading partner for decades, while we were their third largest 
trading part ner last year (2017). We are also China 's largest source of realized  foreign direct 
investment.  
4.202.   China being one of the largest economies in the world, its trade policy can have global 
impacts.  In his opening remarks, Vice Minister Wang recalled that 40 ye ars ago, China made a 
decisive move to reform and open -up. So, for the period under review, HKC would like to examine 
more closely the efforts that China has made in pursuit of this policy.  
4.203.   In Investment, the last two years saw China implementing certain measures that aimed at 
easing foreign equity restrictions and simplifying ad ministrative procedures. For instance, the 
Catalogue of Industries for the Guidance of Foreign Investment used to have a requirement that 
Chinese shareholders must hold a dominant position in various businesses, incl uding accounting 
and auditing. This re quirement was removed in 2017. Meanwhile, as a result of changes made in 
2016, more foreign -invested enterprises can have their establishment or changes effected through 
filing for r ecord, and the number of investment projects requiring central government approval has 
drastically reduced by 90%.  
4.204.   On the Services side, China has also introduced regulatory changes and reforms in sectors 
such as telecommunications, banking, insurance, le gal and accounting, which have led to 
streamlined procedures and greater market access. As China seeks to increase the share of its 
services trade in the economy, we look forward to further liberalization  of its financial sector, in 
particular banking and insurance.  
4.205.   Regarding g oods, the trading environment is conducive, and i mproving. With all tariff lines 
bound at ad valorem rates, China 's tariff regime is  fairly predictable , and ap plied MFN rates are 
going down.  Since ratification of the Trade Facilitati on Agreement, China has also stepped up the 
reform of its customs procedures, such that one -third of imports are now declared through single 
windows, and clearance times for both imports and exports have reduced by over 35% since 2016.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.206.   Technical standards,  however, h ave not seen a lot of changes. About 74% of the 
mandatory standards are ad options of international ones. This has been the  case for the past four 
years. We would encourage China to step up the harmonization  of standards to facilitate trade.  
4.207.   Talking about trade in goods, one development worth noting is that China is making it a 
major policy  initiative to promote import. This is notwithstanding a reducing surplus in its current 
account. The China International Import Expo, inaugurating later this y ear, will invite the world to 
sell more to the Chinese market. We hope that sustained efforts in this regard, reinforced by 
various facilitation measures, will create more business opportunities and inject new impetus to 
international trade.  
4.208.   There are oth er areas where we would like to see progress being made with the same 
vigour. Government procurement, for instance.  Here, we note that domestically, China is working 
towards a more comprehensive framework, including amending its regu lations to enable e -
tendering. But more importantly, we hope to see China 's accession to the WTO Government 
Procurem ent Agreement (GPA) expedited. We look forward to China 's next revised offer and its 
fruitful discussion w ith GPA Parties including HKC.  
4.209.   The protection and enforc ement of intellectual property rights is another area being 
developed.  Since the last TPR, China has continued to implement measures to enhance the 
protection of patents, trademarks, geographical indications, copyright of on line works, and trade 
secrets. Enforcement is also strengthened both at the administrative and  judicial levels. We 
welcome these efforts, and we encourage China to continue improving its IP regime.  
4.210.   One may say that, since China mad e its historic decision to open -up, this policy has 
fundamentally changed the way that China participates in i nternational trade. It has brought China 
to the WTO; given it the confidence to embrace globalization ; and inspired the kind of deep 
cooperation that underpins the Belt and Road Initiative.   
4.211.   The transf ormation has been phenomenal, and with it comes greater responsibi lities and 
higher expectations.  That is why we have heard today all those calls for China to do more: to 
further reduce state involvement in the economy; promote market competition; enhance the 
transparency of its trade regime, etc.  
4.212.   There are also expectations for China to make greater  contributions to th e multilateral 
trading system. Such contributions can, of  course, take different forms. As party to the Buenos 
Aires joint statements on e -commerce, investment facilitation and MSMEs, HKC is particularly 
pleased to see China participati ng actively in these discussi ons, and leading some of them. We also 
appreciate China 's firm commitment to preserving and strengthening the rules -based multilateral 
trading system. At a time when this organization  is facing so many challenges, and the globa l 
trade order so much disturbed, this is the assurance we need  from every Member of the WTO.  
4.213.   Looking ahead, we hope China can take bolder steps to liberalize  trade, and make 
contributions to the global economy that will benefit all of us.  
4.214.   We thank China fo r their timely response to our questions, and wish China a very fruitful 
and successful Trade Policy Review.  
CAMBODIA  
4.215.   My delegation congratulates China for the remarkable economic growth since its 6th 
Review. Chinese GDP grew at 6.7% in 2016 and 6.9% in 20 17. 
4.216.   We applause China for its commitments to deepen reform and advance law -based 
governance in every area as well as to maintain its predictable trade policy framework under the 
WTO Multilateral Trading System.  
4.217.   We note and thank Chinese delegation especia lly Gene va based led by Ambassador 
H.E. Mr. Zhang Xiangchen, for their good cooperation and active participation in the current 
negotiations to secure transparent principle and initiating proposals to build on new disciplines in 
the WTO.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.218.   In the context of regional arrangements, Cambodia associates itself with statement made 
by Lao PDR on behalf of ASEAN, and would like to stress that China has played a crucial role in the 
region in strengthening cooperation and exploring opportunity in creating intra -region al trade and 
regional value chains.  
4.219.   In the context of the global trade, my delegation takes this opportunity to express our 
appreciation to the Government of China for opening markets and providing zero tariffs for 97% of 
its tariff lines by the end of 201 7. I take also this opportunity to encourage China to expand 
product coverage and product interests that we are exporting to China into their duty-free list such 
as garment, natural rubber products and rice. We also encourage China to consider removing 
quotas for some products of our interests which we strongly believe that if China could do so, 
millions of people will be lifted out of poverty.   
4.220.   In the context of bilateral relation, China is our key trade and investment partner. 
Cambodia and China enjoy a long history of friendship and cooperation. In July 1958, diplomatic 
relations were officially established. This year, we are celebrating the 60 th Anniversary for our 
relations.  
4.221.   China is now the largest source of FDI and the largest trading partner with Cambodia. In 
2015, Chinese investment in Cambodia rose to US$961 million and bilateral trade between 
Cambodia and China grew to US$4.4 billion. O ur exports to China accounted for about 
US$600  million which was ranked China as the 5th export destination for Cambodia. Cambodia 's 
imports from China amounted to approximately US$4.5 billion which was set China as the 1st 
import destination to Cambodia. The total bilateral trade in 2017 has reached US$5,800 million, 
which was increased by 21.8% compared to the total bilateral trade in 2016, which was only at 
US$4,535 million.  
4.222.   In the context of Technical Assistance, my delegation would like to take this opportunity to 
thank China for providing the technical assistance to LDCs including Cambodia such as the TAs for 
South -South cooperation, for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 
and for other areas account for more than 600 as sistance program mes including infrastructure, 
agricultural development, medical and health care, aid for trade, poverty reduction and capacity 
building.  
4.223.   I would like to inform that Cambodia has submitted advance written questions. We thank 
China for the a nswers posed by Cambodia and other members. Cambodia is going to submit 
further written questions/requests by today related to the Trade Policies and Practices by Measure, 
SPS requirements and Chinese National Centers for Customs based on both reports.  
4.224.   Finally, my delegation wishes China every success in its 7th Trade Policy Review.  
COLOMBIA  
4.225.   We are pleased to note that China's economy has been contributing significantly to world 
growth and is a cornerstone of the global economy. The 6.8% growth rate record ed in 2017 and 
the rate of approximately 7% expected in the coming years, together with the controlled level of 
inflation of less than 2%, suggest that China can look forward to a new phase of economic stability 
with a slightly lower, but sustainable growt h rate, thanks to strong domestic demand and high 
rates of investment.  
4.226.   On the trade front, we note that since its accession to the WTO, China has signed 16 free 
trade agreements, which represented approximately 40% of its total foreign trade volume in 2016 . 
This trend is expected to continue with the construction of a high -standard FTA network: China is 
currently negotiating an agreement with Japan and South Korea as well as six agreements with 
other countries.  
4.227.   Meanwhile, China's services sector has been gr owing steadily, its share in GDP exceeding 
50% for the first time in 2015. In this context, the regimes governing the main tradeable services 
such as telecommunications, legal services and accounting, still impose limits on supply by foreign 
companies. How ever, there have been positive changes in key sectors such as financial services, WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  with the approval of the "three -year pilot programme for the city of Beijing to further open up a 
number of services sectors".  
4.228.   It is noteworthy that e -commerce has become a p riority for China. According to the 
Secretariat report, much of the contribution of trade in services to GDP is due to a high level of 
international sales using electronic payments. This is an area in which the public administration 
has sought to improve t he regulations, particularly those governing electronic payments and the 
facilitation of customs procedures. Indeed, the report points out that when it comes to 
e-commerce, there are no restrictions on foreign investment in the telecommunications sector.  
4.229.   We note China's increasing importance in the foreign investment area. According to 
UNCTAD, in 2017 China received more than USD 136  billion and invested more than USD 
124 billion abroad. China's investment regime is of particular interest. The Secretariat r eport tells 
us that the Investment Catalogue lists the industries to be encouraged or restricted according to 
national priorities. The catalogue was revised in 2017, and now seeks to attract companies offering 
advanced manufacturing, high technology, energ y savings and environmental protection as well as 
modern services industries. We would like to know the results of this new approach, and above all, 
what types of incentives and tools are proving most effective in achieving the objective of 
attracting comp anies with these characteristics.  
4.230.   Turning to agriculture, we have noted with interest China's goals of accelerating 
modernization in the sector to improve farmers' well -being in accordance with the 13th Five-Year 
Plan, which provides for the implementation  of many reforms in the agricultural sector. However, 
as mentioned in our questions for this review, the Secretariat report states that the general level 
of support for agriculture continued to grow during the review period, and that domestic support 
notifications have been pending since 2011. We urge China to comply with its notification 
obligations in order to provide us with greater clarity regarding its agricultural sector.  
4.231.   During the period under review, there were a number of positive changes in China 's 
competition policy. Amendments were introduced in 2016 and 2017 to improve the relationship 
between the Anti -Unfair Competition Law and the Anti -Monopoly Law. The amended Law also 
introduces provisions to prevent unfair competition activities carried ou t by technological means, 
such as malicious interference. These amendments represent a big step forward in competition 
policy, and are all the more important since this was the first time the Law had been amended 
since its adoption in 1993.  
4.232.   At the same tim e, the increasing competition and private sector participation in economic 
activity, both in the manufacturing sector and in services, for example the banking and financial 
sectors, are extremely positive developments. On the other hand, as mentioned durin g the Sixth 
Trade Policy Review in 2016, State participation in the Chinese economy remains considerable. In 
this connection, we await China's new notification on state trading enterprises as well as the 
information on public financial support for state -owned enterprises.  
4.233.   Turning to bilateral trade relations, China is an important partner for Colombia. In 2017, it 
was Colombia's third largest export market. That same year, there was a 45% increase in sales of 
non-mining/energy products, for example copper, leather and products thereof, and coffee. China 
was the second supplier of goods to the Colombian market, accounting for 19% of the country's 
purchases in the world.  
4.234.   We would like to highlight China's active participation in the WTO. We appreciate its 
comm itment to the ongoing negotiations in this Organization and its prominent role in various 
regular bodies. We especially welcome China's support for and commitment to the initiative on 
investment facilitation for development.  
4.235.   Finally, we note the "One Belt and One Road" initiative through which China, adopting a 
cooperative and constructive approach, has introduced an active policy of international cooperation 
in trade, investment and finance. The initiative will support growth, trade and international 
integration.  
4.236.   We wish China a successful trade policy review and look forward to continuing our close 
collaboration with Ambassador Zhang and his excellent team in Geneva.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  COSTA  RICA 
4.237.   Costa Rica has a special relationship with China, a relationship that we would like to 
continue strengthening. The two countries have concluded a Free Trade Agreement which has 
been in force since August  2011. Since then, bilateral trade has increased by close to 67%1, 
making China our main trading partner in Asia. Between 2012 and 2 016, trade grew at an average 
annual rate of  9.4%. Moreover, 2016 saw the adoption of the Investment and Promotion 
Protection Agreement with the People's Republic of China, a valuable instrument for the promotion 
of relations between the two  countries.  
4.238.   On the subject of China's performance, although its economic growth has been somewhat 
slower, it was still impressive and has accounted for around 30% of global economic expansion 
since the last review.2 China's economy continues to show signs of considerable  resilience, with 
growth rates of 6.9% in 2017 and 6.8% in 2018 according to World Bank calculations.3 
4.239.   Thanks to this growth, China has managed to reduce the number of people living in 
extreme poverty and to lessen income inequality. We note with interest the way in which China 
has transformed its economy so that consumption, domestic demand and services have become 
the predominant economic growth factors. Also worth noting is the growth of the services sector in 
China, which for the first time accounted fo r more than 50% of GDP in 2015.  
4.240.   My delegation would like to highlight China's leadership, as the world's leading energy 
consumer, in mitigating climate change. We welcome its objectives according to which by 2020, 
carbon dioxide emission per unit of GDP sh ould decrease by 40% to 45% compared to 2005, and 
we urge China to continue in that direction. The reform of fossil fuel subsidies is crucial to reducing 
the distortions and improving trade flows as well as to improving the environment. Like others, 
Costa  Rica appreciates China's continuing support for the G -20's agenda and commitments on this 
important topic, being one of the first countries to undergo a G -20 peer review of its fossil fuel 
subsidies. We encourage other G -20 members to volunteer for a peer review in order to increase 
policy transparency and share the lessons learned.  
4.241.   Costa Rica also recognizes the key role that China plays in the WTO's multilateral trading 
system and the efforts it has made to amend more than 2,300 national laws and regulati ons and 
some 190,000 local laws and regulations to bring them in line with its WTO commitments.4 At the 
WTO, we particularly welcome the work it is doing in areas such as e -commerce through its 
participation, for example, in the Friends of E -Commerce for D evelopment group as well as the 
Information Technology Agreement and its expansion.  
4.242.   It is important that China, in keeping with its WTO commitments and its predominant role 
in world trade and the global economy, should keep its notifications up to date. In  particular, we 
are concerned by China's outstanding notifications on subsidies mentioned in the Secretariat 
report, the last of which date back to 2014. The same is true for the Agreement on Agriculture, 
where China's last notification on domestic support  was submitted in 2015, for the period 
2009-2010.  
4.243.   My delegation is aware of the significant effort that has been made by the country under 
review in preparing its responses to the questions that have been posed, and we would like to 
thank China for the att ention it has given to our questions.  
4.244.   Finally, I take this opportunity to wish the delegation of China a successful trade policy 
review.  
  
                                                
1 Data for 2017, www.comex.go.cr.  
2 Secretariat report, paragraph 1.1.  
3 World Bank, China Economic Update – May 2018 
(http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/china/publication/china -economic -update -may-2018). 
4 https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d3d414f7a4d444e78457a6333566d54/share_p.html . WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  NEW  ZEALAND  
4.245.   Now more than ever it is important to be participating and engaging in the processes of 
the WTO and upholding its rules and agreements. Our world benefits from the rules of global 
trade. New Zealand 's trading relationship with China is an example of this.  
4.246.   New Zealand was the first OECD country to negotiate and enter into a Free Trade 
Agreement (FTA) wit h China in 2008 following their entry into the WTO. Two -way trade between 
New Zealand and China has more than tripled since the FTA was agreed, with trade now exceeding 
NZD$28 billion. China has become New Zealand 's largest export market and in recent year s our 
partnership has expanded into non -traditional areas, such as the creative sector, science and 
technology, and e -commerce. Trade in services (particularly education and tourism) are continuing 
to grow very strong ly. As a result, we are seeing an incre asingly vibrant and dynamic trade 
relationship, which we look to further broaden. An upgrade to the FTA is currently under 
negotiation, which is an opportunity to address barriers constraining trade, modernize  the FTA, 
and deepen our already strong coopera tion with China.  
4.247.   Recent years have seen China 's economy stabilize  and adjust to a "new normal " according 
to reports from the WTO Secretariat. China has also said they have been transitioning from a 
phase of rapid growth to high -quality development. While g rowth has slowed since 2013, real GDP 
grew by 6.7% in 2016 and is expected to be around 6.8% in 2017, supported by strong domestic 
demand.  
4.248.   We warmly welcome China 's stated commitment to trade liberalization  and economic 
reform in a fast -changing, complex e nvironment. New Zealand considers it crucial that China 
continue to pursue these goals. We welcomed comments by President Xi Jinping where he pledged 
a more open China, at the Business Forum in Boao in April 2018. In particular, President Xi 's 
promised act ions "to break new ground " including lower auto tariffs.  
4.249.   We welcome China 's engagement in the WTO including China 's participation in the Trade 
Policy Review, continuing to work within global trade rules and respecting the dispute settlement 
mechanism. We encourage China to effectively use transparency mechanisms within the WTO  
ensuring  its notification obligations are fulfilled in a timely way.  
4.250.   We appreciate this opportunity to seek clarification from China on aspects of its trade and 
economic policies an d we have posed a number of questions to that end.  
4.251.   As a major exporter, New Zealand has been encouraged to see China 's efforts to reform 
and harmonize  its customs procedures. In particular, the reduction in clearance times in 2016 and 
again in 2017 due to the launch of the National Customs Clearance Integration reform. One third 
of imports are now cleared through single windows. New Zealand has an interest in receiving any 
updates on when and what additional proportion of imports can be cleared through sing le 
windows.  
4.252.   New Zealand remains concerned about subsidies made available to the fisheries sector in 
China, which contribute t o overcapacity and overfishing.  China exercised very welcome leadership 
in APEC in 2014, which of course included the issuing of th e Xiamen Ocean -Related Ministerial 
Declaration.  In line with this Declaration and the more recent UN SDG Target 14.6, we look 
forward to updated notifications in this area and we encourage China to continue its efforts to 
eliminate and support multilateral  prohibitions on such harmful subsidies through the negotiations 
our Ministers have man dated us to conclude in 2019.  
4.253.   China 's government procurement legislative and regulatory regime has remained largely 
the same during the review period. New Zealand has an  interest in further understanding the 
operation of the "buy domestic " provision, and in particular how the exceptions under the provision 
operate.  
4.254.   New Zealand also seeks to further understand the implementation and impacts of China 's 
new cybersecurity la w which came into force 1 June 2017. The new cybersecurity law and its 
implementing regulations and standards create new duties for network operators, additional 
obligations for operators of critical information infrastructure and proposed additional requi rements WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  regulating the cross -border transfer of data. New Zealand has a strong interest in understanding 
how the measures have been designed to ensure they are no more burdensome than necessary to 
achieve their objective; and minimizing  impacts on companie s, given the nature of modern 
business relies on and produces large volumes of data.  
4.255.   Fossil fuel subsidy reform is crucial to reduce distortions and enhance trade flows, as well 
as improve the environment. New Zealand welcomes China 's continuing support f or the G20 's 
agenda and commitments on this important topic, being one of the first countries to undergo a 
G20 peer review of its fossil fuel subsidies. We strongly encourage other G20 members to similarly 
volunteer for peer review to increase policy trans parency and share lessons learned.  
4.256.   Finally, New Zealand is a strong supporter of WTO transparency mechanisms such as Trade 
Policy Reviews. These instruments play an essential role in allowing Members to better understand 
and review the policies and practi ces of other WTO members. We are encouraged by China 's 
participation and look forward to continuing to engage with China through the WTO to update and 
extend the scope of rules and mutual commitments in the multilateral trading system to ensure we 
can all continue to grow and prosper together in the future.  
ARGENTINA  
4.257.   Argentina is pleased to note that over the past few years, China's real GDP has grown by 
close to 7% annually. We also welcome the decrease in the income inequality and poverty levels.  
4.258.   We comme nd China for its Government's effort to introduce structural reforms to the 
economy under the Five -Year Plan (2016 -2020) to include the promotion of private sector 
participation in the economy and the reform of state -owned enterprises, and fostering compet ition, 
tax reform, financial sector reform and the adoption of largely market -based exchange and 
interest rates.  
4.259.   We stress China's active participation in the WTO and its support for initiatives relating to 
trade, sponsoring the least developed countries i n their accession to the WTO and donating funds 
for the Trade Facilitation Agreement during the Eleventh Ministerial Conference, as well as its 
economic cooperation in supporting research and activities relating to the WTO in the context of 
capacity buildi ng in the developing countries.  
4.260.   We also welcome China's adoption of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and notification of 
its Category A and B commitments.  
4.261.   It is in our interest to continue deepening the Integral Strategic Association established in 
2014. T he association is designed to enable our relations to develop in all directions and cover all 
areas, with close cooperation and coordination both at the bilateral level and in multilateral 
forums. In recent years, China has become a priority partner for Ar gentina in terms of trade and 
investment. It is one of the main destinations for our exports, and its investment projects cover 
areas of vital importance such as infrastructure, telecommunications and energy.  
4.262.   Another pillar of our bilateral relations over the past few years has been the Joint Action 
Plan 2014 -2018, which coordinates a number of priority areas for both countries. This being the 
last year of the plan, in view of a forthcoming State visit of President  Xi Jinping to the Argentine 
Republic in co nnection with the G -20 Summit efforts are being made to renew the Joint Action Plan 
for the period 2019 -2023.  
4.263.   At the same time, given the central importance of the "Belt and Road" initiative both for 
the current administration and for China's foreign polic y, President Mauricio Macri participated, on 
China's invitation, in the "Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation" (Beijing, May  2017).  
4.264.   Over the last 12 years, China rose from being Argentina's third trading partner (after Brazil 
and the United St ates) to second place.  
4.265.   Another key aspect of this strategic association is investment. From December  2015 to 
May 2018, a total of 15 Chinese enterprises announced 19 investment projects worth a total of WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  USD 1,323  million for the period. The main sectors involved are, in order of importance: industrial 
goods, renewable energies, oil and gas, and telecommunications.  
4.266.   Argentina believes that there are investment opportunities in infrastructure, mining, 
energy, technology and oil, among other areas, that could  be attractive to Chinese enterprises.  
4.267.   President Xi's State visit to Argentina at the end of November and beginning of December 
of this year on the occasion of the G -20 summit will undoubtedly help to deepen bilateral relations 
between the two countries, f ollowing up on previous bilateral presidential meetings at the Nuclear 
Security Summit in Washington (April  2016), the G -20 Summit in Hangzhou (September  2016), 
and the State visit to China by President Macri (May  2017).  
4.268.   In short, the political and economi c transformation taking place in Argentina coupled with 
China's economic growth have created a favourable environment for expanding business, trade 
and investment relations between our countries. In this context, we are convinced of the need to 
continue wo rking together to promote exports and stimulate FDI growth in strategic sectors.  
4.269.   Lastly, while reiterating our appreciation of this renewed opportunity to exchange 
information and comments on China's trade policies and practices, we would like to draw atte ntion 
once again to the importance of this exercise in transparency from every point of view, and to wish 
the Chinese authorities a successful conclusion to this Review.  
ISRAEL  
4.270.   Over the last two decades Israel and China have developed increasingly close ti es, 
including in trade, up to a point in which China has become our third largest trading partner. We 
believe this is a trend of incremental economic integration, shared with many Members of this 
Organization and seems quite a natural one.  
4.271.   In 2017, China 's total import and export of goods was up by 11.4% year -on-year, of 
which, the export was up 7.9%, and the import was up 16.1%. This performance has continued to 
attract investment into China as it continues to be one of the world 's largest recipients of FD I.  
4.272.   Regarding our bilateral relations, as mentioned earlier, trade continues to rise steadily. 
Israeli exports into China consist of Electronics and Components; Minerals and Chemicals; Medical 
Equipment and Pharmaceuticals; and Electric Machinery – amon g other various goods and 
value -added services. The leading sectors of imports from China into Israel are mechanical and 
electric machinery; textile and footwear; metals, stone and glass. In the period under review 
Chinese FDI into Israel grew in numbers as w ell as in quantity of investment.  
4.273.   The World Bank ranked China 93th in the Starting a Business indicator in 2017, up from 
the 136th place in 20165, while the indicator of Protecting Minority Investors ranked it in place 
119th in 2017, up from the 134th pla ce the year earlier .6 
4.274.   China 's accession to the WTO in 2001 has been a central milestone for the organization. It 
brought many benefits to China, but it also resulted in increased responsibilities and heightened 
expectations for China.  
4.275.   We welcome the Chines e structural reforms geared towards a greater involvement of the 
private sector in the economy; reform of State -Owned Enterprises; the promotion of competition; 
fiscal and financial sector reform to increase private capital participation – among other stru ctural 
improvements. We believe that a friendlier, rules -based and transparent business environment 
would be ultimately beneficial to consumers and traders alike.  
4.276.   In this context transparency is a core principle of the multilateral trading system and an 
area where there is room for improvement. For instance,  predictable fees or allowing sufficient 
                                                
5 Information available from the World Bank -Doing Business , available at: 
http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/ex ploretopics/starting -a-business . 
6 Information available from the World Bank -Doing Business , available at: 
http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploretopics/protecting -minority -investors . WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  time to comment on industry -wide regulations could help actors  to prepare for regulatory changes, 
manage risk better and optimize resources, which will result in further investments and jobs in 
China.  We also encourage China to submit its several outstanding notifications to the WTO. 
Regarding anti -dumping, while we acknowledge the institutional -level changes resulting in a 
reduction in measures applied, we continu e to note that the number of measures is still high.  
4.277.   Israel has submitted questions related to licenses, standards and technical regulations, and 
product certification. We would like to thank China for its written answers.  
4.278.   Finally, we would like to note that we are pleased with the possibility to collaborate with 
China in different areas here at the WTO, but also bilaterally, as we will commence our FTA 
negotiations in the near future.  
4.279.   We wish China every success in its Seventh Trade Policy Review.  
TRINI DAD  AND  TOBAGO   
4.280.   While Trinidad and Tobago and China established diplomatic relations on 20 June 1974, the 
two countries share historical links that precede official bilateral interaction, dating back to 1806 
when the first wave of Chinese immigrants arrive d in Trinid ad and Tobago. The current 
Sino-Trinidad and Tobago relationship is characterized  by cooperation in a number of areas such 
as trade, technical assistance, defense , energy, agriculture, healthcare, education, sport and 
culture. While there is no formal agreement, our interaction is governed by WTO rules and we 
share a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT).  
4.281.   Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, paid an Official 
Visit to China over the period 14 to 19 May 2018 and met with His Excellency Xi Jinping, President 
and His Excellency Li Keqiang, Premier of the People 's Republic of China. As a consequence, 
Trinidad and Tobago and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation 
within the Framework of the Silk R oad Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road 
Initiative with China. This is the first MOU on the Belt and Road Initiative that China has signed 
with a country in the Caribbean. Trinidad and Tobago looks forward to con tinued South -South 
Coopera tion. 
4.282.   The CARICOM m ember States have signaled  an interest in China 's "One Belt and One 
Road" initiative as an important cooperation development mechanism in the areas of regional 
transportation, renewab le energy and disaster relief.  
4.283.   For the period 2014 to  2017, total trade between China and other Belt and Road countries 
has exceeded US$4 trillion, while China 's accumulative investmen t in these countries near 
US$60  billion. Premier Li Keqiang has stated that China is willing to align the Belt and Road 
Initiative with Trinidad and Tobago 's development strategy.  
4.284.   From 2012 to May 2017 , China enjoyed a favourable trade balance with Trinidad and 
Tobago where Trinidad and Tobago 's imports from the Chinese market outweighed the exports. It 
is worth noting that dur ing the period, Trinidad and Tobago 's exports to the Chinese market 
steadily Increased from approximately TT$121 million in 2013 to TT$644 million in 2015. In 2016 
however, there was a sharp decline in exports to approximately TT$367 million. The main prod ucts 
exported to China are methanol and liquefied natural gas and they accounted for approximately 
91% of exports to China in 2016. Imports from China include Warships, Machines to 
Receive/Convert/Transmit/Regenerate Voice, Image, Data - Parts for Air -Conditioning Machines  
and Portable Radio -Telephones.  
4.285.   We take note of China 's reduction in import tariffs and its integrated Customs clearance 
reform; as well as its efforts to open its market in the manufacturing, services and financial 
sectors. We acknowledge  the Government 's attempts to establish Pilot Free Trade Zones (F TZs) to 
further reform and open -up under new development circum stances.  
4.286.   We also commend China for its contributions to the WTO 's Aid for Trade efforts particularly 
its financial contributions  to support the research and relevant activities of the WTO with 
developing countries for capacity building in the international trade field.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.287.   We recognize China 's efforts to address pollution, alleviate poverty and to address 
overcapacity in the steel and coal industries.  
4.288.   China, being the second largest economy in the world and the largest trading partner of 
over 120 countries and regions, is among the key players in the WTO and we urge China to make 
greater progress in the area of transparency, one of the  key principles of the multilateral trading 
system. We have submitted a number of written questions to the delegation of China and express 
our gratit ude for the responses provided.  
4.289.   Chair, through you, T rinidad and Tobago wishes China  a successful Trade Policy Review.  
SINGAPORE  
4.290.   We fully associate with the ASEAN statement delivered by Lao PDR.  
4.291.   As Chair of ASEAN and country coordinator for ASEAN -China dialogue relations this year, 
we welcome the continued strong and growing levels of tra de, investment and tourism flows 
between China and our 10 ASEAN countries. Singapore and China also share longstanding and 
substantive bilateral economic ties, underpinned by strong trade and investment flows. For the 
fifth consecutive year, China has been  Singapore 's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade 
growing by 17% year -on-year to reach S$137 billion in 2017. On the investment front, Singapore 
remained China 's largest foreign investor for the fifth year running in 2017, with investment flows 
amounting to almost US$5 billion in 2017. We also note the good progress made on the upgrade 
negotiations of the China -Singapore Free Trade Agreement, launched in November 2015, and hope 
to see it completed by this year.  
4.292.   2018 is a special year for China as i t marks the 40th anniversar y of China 's reform and 
opening -up. Over the past four decades, China has undergone phenomenal growth, and has 
continually strived to improve its business environment, trade and investment policy regime. 
Notably, at the April 201 8 Boao Forum for Asia, President Xi Jinping highlighted Chi na's 
commitment to further open -up its domestic market and forge co -operation with international 
partners through platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative. China has also announced the 
expans ion of market access and relaxation of rules for foreign participation in several areas, such 
as financial services, automobiles, investment and IT. Singapore welcomes these developments. 
The full and expeditious implementation of China 's latest commitment s and undertakings to press 
on with further and deeper economic reforms will boost regional and global trade and investment. 
In particular, the recently announced updated negative list for foreign investment, the expansion 
of Free Trade Zones, the developm ent of Free Trade Port, and the further liberalization of China 's 
service sectors, such as that in the maritime and financial sectors, could bring new commercial 
opportunities for our businesses.  
4.293.   We note China 's commitments and contributions to the multila teral trading system. This is 
evidenced by its active participation in all aspects of the WTO 's work including its efforts to 
advance issues such as e -commerce and investment facilitation in the WTO. Given China 's 
important role in the global economy and t rade flows, its continual commitment to the WTO 
framework is essential for the long -term health and development of an open and rules -based 
multilateral trading system.  
4.294.   In this light, we urge China to improve its notification record on state -trading enterpr ises, 
domestic support, and subsidies, as flagged in the Secretariat report. Transparency is a 
cornerstone of the WTO 's work, and key to ensuring a predictable trading environment. We also 
hope to see good progress on China 's accession to the Government Pr ocurement Agreement, and 
look forward to welcoming China as a party in the near future.  
4.295.   We are deeply concerned about the escalation of global trade frictions, and its implications 
on the multilateral trading system and the global economy. We positively no te China 's call for "all 
WTO Members to safeguard the role of the WTO -centered multilateral trading system ", and "firmly 
oppose unilateralism and protectionism ", as contained in its Government report. We continue to 
urge restraint from all. Unilateral tari ffs, and any resultant tit -for-tat retaliatory actions, would not 
resolve trade disputes. We call for an accommodation to be found to head off further escalations of 
trade tensions and for trade disputes to be resolved within the WTO framework.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.296.   Finally, ou r delegation has always enjoyed excellent working relations with Ambassador 
Zhang Xiang Chen 's very capable team in Geneva. We look forward to continuing this co -operation 
in our common goal of upholding the multilateral trading system. We wish China a suc cessful 7th 
Trade Policy Review.  
RUSSIAN  FEDERATION  
4.297.   China is one  of Russia 's main trading partners. Russia 's trade with China has expanded 
significantly. In 2017, the bilateral turnover had increased by more than 31% in comparison to 
2016 and showed diversified commodity nomenclature . Bilateral trade in services between Russia 
and China increased by 19.8%. New areas and formats for further cooperation have enjoyed rapid 
development, including at the level of Eurasian Economic Union. Trade and Economic  Cooperation 
Agreement between the People 's Republic of China, of the one part, and the Eurasian Economic 
Union and its member S tates, of the other part, has become another cornerstone of our economic 
relations.  
4.298.   We see lots of new opportunities to widen an d diversify our trade and investment 
relationship with China. Trade in services and investment are of particular interest for expanding 
our cooperation. Thus, Russia attaches great importance and attention to the trade regime of 
China and continuous effort s of Chinese authorities to improve China 's trade policies and practices 
making them more transparent, accountable and non -discriminatory. We are pleased to see 
China 's tangible steps in trade facilitation and simplification of procedures. Much work has be en 
done.  
4.299.   We look forward to further improvements with a view to cultivate a stable regulatory 
environment for business communities. In particular, much importance is attached to trade policy 
areas related to innovation and technologies, IPR, transparency, as well as matters related to 
ensuring competitive environment in the market.  
4.300.   Russia commends China for the important leadership role it has played within the WTO 
since its accession in 2001. We highly appreciate and share China 's continuous support for 
multilateral trading system as embodied in the WTO, which is systematically voiced on the multiple 
occasions of the BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the G20, the APEC and other 
international fora.  
4.301.   Russia fully supports and encourages a dialogue on those thorny issues we are working on 
together with our Chinese partners. We believe that together we can do more to promote proper 
functioning and development of global markets.  
4.302.   We see that sometimes actions by individual Members put other Members in a  tough spot. 
However, we are of a view that all trade conflicts should be resolved in full compliance with the 
rules and procedures of the WTO. Russia commends the ongoing efforts carried out by China in 
this regard.  
4.303.   The Russian Federation appreciates Chin a's active involvement in a wide range of activities 
at the WTO and intention to find a compromise on many topics. We look forward to working 
together closely to upkeep effective functioning of the Organization, to further contribute to the 
WTO for maintai ning and strengthening the MTS and for the global economy.  
4.304.   To conclude, the Russian Federation appreciates the opportunity to participate in this 
review. We would like to thank the delegation of China, the Secretariat and, of course, our 
esteemed Discussan t, for their hard work and wish partners from China a successful trade review.  
CHILE  
4.305.   Chile is particularly interested in this 7th Trade Policy Review of China, a country whose 
civilization, over  thousands of years of history, has been so closely linked to the development of 
production and trade in the world.  
4.306.   Bilateral relations between Chile and China date back to 1970, when our cou ntry became 
the first in South America to establish diplomatic relations with China.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.307.   This link has proven particularly stable over the years, as well as fruitful: together we 
promote greater integration through the establishment of political, commercial an d cultural 
dialogue at the highest level. 2016 saw the creation of the Integral Strategic Association with 
China, a move which helped to drive the Joint Action Plan and set up the Binational Standing 
Committee, the main mechanisms for sectoral coordination  and dialogue at the bilateral level, also 
reflected in the constant exchange of official visits by the two countries' highest authorities.  
4.308.   Our economic and trade relations revolve around a comprehensive free trade agreement, 
in force since 2006 – making C hile the first country outside the Asian continent to conclude an 
agreement on that scale.  
4.309.   The Agreement has become a central component of our bilateral relations, and thanks to 
its successful implementation and administration, China has become firmly esta blished as Chile's 
main trading par tner, with a total value of US$ 35 billion traded in 2017.  
4.310.   Chile exports to China during 2017 totalled approximately U S$19 billon, a growth of 1.1% 
since 2012. Mining exports account for an important share of those exports , with a total of 
approximately US$ 15.5 billion in 2017. Agricultural exports account for a growing share of our 
export basket as well: for example, fruit, wines, salmon, fish -meal, etc. This growth of exports is 
also reflected in the increasing number of Chilean companies exporting to the Chinese market.  
4.311.   Imports from China in 2017 totalled US$ 15.5 billion, representing a growth of 1.6% for the 
period 2012 -2017. Chile's main imports from China included mobile telephones (1,223  million), 
computers (435  million), automobiles (274  million), and footwear (225  million).  
4.312.   This growth can be seen not only at the bilateral level, but also at the multilateral level, 
where we participate together in various international organizations and forums, for example, the 
Forum  of East Asia -Latin America cooperation (FELAC) and, this year, the G -20. We also note with 
satisfaction China's observer status in the Pacific Alliance Integration Process.  
4.313.   The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) deserves special mention: in 20 19 it 
will be organized by Chile, and we hope to work hand in hand with China, particularly in pushing 
forward the initiatives that Chile will be proposing as host country.  
4.314.   We recall that in 1999, Chile was the first Latin American country to support China 's 
accession to the WTO, and since joining, China has become an extremely important player in this 
Organization. This has brought with it enormous responsibilities as regards both the 
implementation of the WTO  Agreements and the negotiations.  
4.315.   This trade po licy review has brought to light the recent reforms implemented by China. Of 
particular interest is the introduction of a new vision of development and the commitment to 
establishing an economy open to the world. We also note the development strategy pursu ed in the 
last few years, which saw the implementation and the planning of major structural reforms, 
especially in the areas such as trade facilitation, the creation of a more attractive investment 
environment, the strengthening of IPR protection, and the promotion of a platform for 
international cooperation.  
4.316.   We urge China to continue the policy pursued for the past 40 years of reforming and 
opening up its economy, particularly as regards both agricultural and fisheries subsidies. Similarly, 
we stress the n eed to step up compliance with WTO notification and transparency commitments.  
4.317.   Chile has submitted 21 questions in connection with this trade policy review, in areas such 
as services, anti -dumping, competition policy, state -trading enterprises, steel, sanit ary and 
phytosanitary measures, etc. We greatly appreciate the replies to those questions.  
4.318.   At the WTO, Chile and China have also been working together on a series of initiatives, 
particularly in the areas of e -commerce, investment facilitation and the prom otion of MSMEs. In 
this spirit, we also hope to reach substantive agreements on agriculture, fisheries subsidies and 
domestic regulation in services, all necessary components for strengthening the WTO.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.319.   Multilateralism requires a commitment from all Members  to an open, transparent, 
inclusive, and non -discriminatory system based on clear rules under which to promote free trade in 
goods and services. However, that commitment must be in keeping with the challenges facing us 
today, particularly when it comes to those of us that currently figure prominently in international 
trade.  
4.320.   Finally, we wish China a successful seventh trade policy review.  
INDIA  
4.321.   China with a share of 9.8% in international trade and contributing around 30% of the 
expansion in the world economy  during the period, is a key driv er of global trade and growth. 
During the period under review the Chinese economy continued to grow at around 7% per year, 
though adjusting to a 'new normal ' of moderated growth with the rebalancing due to consumption, 
internal demand and larger share of services in the GDP, which exceeded 50% for the first time in 
2015. China also continues to be one of the largest recipients  of foreign direct investment. In 
raising people out of poverty, enhancing economic growth and creat ing state of the art 
infrastructure, China has clearly had a dream run in the last two decades!  It is also gratifying that 
China has been a strong and steadfast supporter of the rules based multilateral tradin g system 
embodied in the WTO.  
4.322.   India and China share  close and long -standing ties. In recent years our multifaceted 
relationship has deepened and strengthened in all areas with regular high level political exchan ges 
between the two countries. Both countries have a broad based institutional framework in  place to 
strengthen trade and investment ties, which include a strategic economic dialogue, working g roups 
and other fora. Trade between both countries has grown rapidly with total trade of US$89.6 billion 
in 2017 -18. 
4.323.   We thank the Chinese delegation for the replies provided t o the questions we had raised. 
While these are being reviewed, let me underscore some specific issues and concerns which affect 
the vast underlying pot ential of our trade relations.  
• Trade is skewed in favour of China with it having a trade surplus of US$63 billion. This large 
and growing deficit is difficult for India to sustain and therefore, serious efforts need to be  
made to remedy the situation.  
• Exports from India of agriculture products, including bovine meat, face challenges due to 
stringent and often opaque regulatory requirements.  
• One important area that requires to be addressed is exports of non -basmati rice from India 
to China.  It is encouraging that a protocol on export of rice was signed during the visit of 
the Indian Prim e Minister to China in June 2018 and Chinese experts are likely to visit India 
soon for app roving rice mills.  Early completion of this process is necessary as it not only 
meets a long -standing demand of India but will also help increase exports from India to the 
mutual benefit of both countries.  
• India is one of the largest manufacturers of generic medicines and exports to more than 1 20 
countries around the globe. However, in spite of the expansion of the Chinese public health 
programme, exports of pharmaceu ticals from India to China have remained modest. This is 
in large measure due to the inability of Indian pharma companies to obtain market 
approvals in China for various generic formulations due to complex and on erous regulatory 
requirements. This needs to  be addressed and an important step to expedite this process 
would be for China 's Food and Drug Administration to hold workshops for Indian pharma 
companies to enable them to build capacity to file requests for market approvals, which 
should then be accord ed in a time bound manner.  
• Indian companies provide IT and IT -enabled services to a large number of companies 
including a majority of the Fortune 500. This has brought about a transformational change in 
the competitiveness of manufacturing and banking ent ities that  have accessed these 
services. There is great scope for collaboration between Chinese state-owned  enterprises 
and Indian IT sector which can provide state of the art custom designed solutions.  More WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  openness of Chinese SOEs to accessing these serv ices can be an area of partnership. 
Further, in the services sector, the challenges for Indian companies include complex 
requirements for participating in contracts of the state -owned enterprises and issues related 
to qualification requirements, licensing and taxation. Indian professionals are also facing 
visas restrictions like permits being granted only for a year. We would encourage the 
Chinese authorities to look into these  issues to resolve them early.  
• China is today the largest global investor, but it s foreign direct investment  in India remains 
very modest. The total Chinese inves tment in India aggregates to US$ 1.74 billion and 
annual inv estments are of the order of US$100 million. The increased liberalization in India 's 
FDI regime and the improvement in its global rank for ease of doing business, makes it an 
attractive dest ination for global investment. There is, therefore, a great potential for 
increasing Chinese investment in manufacturing and inf rastructure sectors in India.  
4.324.   India and China also wor k closely in multilateral fora like BRICS, and in a variety of other  
institutions.  In the WTO, as two large developing countries, we have core common interests and 
concerns on issues related to obtaining successful outcomes in addressing the historical 
imbalances in the Agreement on Agriculture and keeping development central to our work.  
4.325.   I would wish to place on record our deep appreciation for the constructive contribution of 
Ambassador Zhang Xiangchen and his team at the Chinese mission in Geneva in the ongoing work 
of the WTO.   
4.326.   We look forward to working closely with the authorities of China for further expanding and 
harnessing the potential of our trade and inve stment ties for mutual benefit.  We wish the 
delegation of China a productive and successful TPR. 
BRAZIL  
4.327.   China 's economic development has been a remarkable success story. Brazil commends 
China for the more recent efforts to rebalance its economy. We welcome the adjustment in the 
current account – the surplus now standing at 1.3% of GDP compares with a level of 9.1% in 
2008. While further trade liberalization and reforms would be welcome, including in areas of 
excess capacity, we are confident that China will continue to play a positive role in the world 
economy. We value the message given by VM W ang, highlighting that China is committed t o 
deepening reforms and opening -up. 
4.328.   China is a key partner for Brazil – bilaterally; in fora such as the BRICS and G20; and here 
at the WTO. Since 2009 China has become the main destination for Bra zilian exports. It imported 
US$47.4 billion from Brazil in 2017 – about 22% of our national exports.  
4.329.   At the same time, China continues to enhance its participation in Brazilian total imports. It 
has now become our main source of imports – or second, if the EU is taken as  a group - with a 
total of US$ 27.3 billion in 2017.  
4.330.   The importance of our bilateral economic relations has consistently expanded beyond 
trade. According to Brazilian [Central Bank] data, in 2016 the Chinese FDI stock in Brazil reached 
US$12.4 billion. On to p of that, in 2017 the net flow of additional Chinese FDI in Bra zil was 
US$10.9 billion.  
4.331.   In this overall positive picture, there are some important topics that require our attention. 
Around 80% of Brazil 's exports to China remain limited to commodities, in  particular soybeans, 
iron ore and oil. The one industrial sector which stands out in Brazilian sales to China is that of 
airplanes and helicopters, but accounting for less than 1% of the total. Brazilian exports to other 
markets – such as Latin America, t he US or the EU – show a much higher participation of industrial 
products. The composition of Brazilian exports to China does not reflect the diversification of our 
economy. Brazil looks forward to continuing our joint efforts with China in order to promot e the 
expansion and a more balanced diversification of bilateral flows.  
4.332.   In the area of trade remedies, we regret the application of provisional anti -dumping duties 
against poultry meat and the safeguard measure against sugar. Regarding chicken meat, the WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  investigation failed to produce evidence that there was dumping, injury and causal link. Our 
exports account for 5% only of total Chinese imports. The Brazilian poultry producers have never 
been subject to definitive AD duties by any of the WTO Members. We trust that the Chinese 
authorities will terminate the investigation without the application of definitive measures.  
4.333.   In the case of sugar, we continue to seek clarification on the administration of the 
measure, as well as wider access to statistics, in ord er to make possible a better assessment of 
the situation that would set the basis for the resumption of Brazilian exports according to 
historically consistent volumes. In b oth cases – poultry and sugar -, we encourage China to 
normalize trade flows as soon  as possible.  
4.334.   With regard to the licensing or authorization procedures related to commercial aircraft 
sales, we would welcome more predictability in the administrative process and clarity on 
documentation requirements.  
4.335.   China has become a crucial player in this Organization and we value its leadership and 
expressions of commitment to the rules -based MTS. China 's contributions are crucial for the 
preservation a nd strengthening of the system.  
4.336.   In this spirit, we encourage China to update notifications on agricu ltural domestic support. 
Brazil would also welcome further streamlined procedures for the approval of SPS protocols for 
beef, pork and poultry, as well as for the accreditation of est ablishments to export to China.  
4.337.   To conclude, I want to thank China for it s responses to our written questions. We wish 
China a very successful and productive Trade Policy Review.  
NORWAY  
4.338.   By virtue of the size of its economy, China is a major trading partner for most WTO 
members. What China does on the trade front matters.  Both i n economic and systemic terms.  
4.339.   Norway appreciates that China in its TPR report clearly states that China will actively 
participate in global economic governance, firmly safeguard the multilateral trading system and 
oppose unilateralism and protectionism. We also note that China will spare no efforts in making 
globalisation more open, inclusive, and balanced so that its benefits are shared by all. Norway 
looks forward to China 's continued engagement on these important issues.  
4.340.   Norway notes China 's expressed  willingness to contribute to promote liberalization and 
facilitation of global trade and investments. We look forward to concrete manifestations of this 
policy statement and to further openings of the Chinese market and China 's strengthened 
compliance wit h WTO rules and transparency commitments. We also share the concerns expressed 
by others on overcapacity and the role of SEOs.  
4.341.   Chair, China highlights the importance of  trade and development. If WTO M embers are to 
make progress in WTO negotiations and take steps toward strengthening the system that we all 
depend on, open debates on the interaction between trade and development will be essential. This 
includes a much -needed debate about the differences among developing members and how 
emerging economies, including China, can and must contribute.  
4.342.   Norway looks forward to continue working with China to advance WTO negotiations. 
However, safeguarding the negotiating function of the WTO means that negotiatin g proposals must 
be carefully calibrated to contribute to negotiated outcomes. This responsibility weighs on our 
collective shoulders. Conditioning discussions on a work program for future negotiations on 
domestic support in agriculture on elimination of c urrent AMS of developed members does not fulfil 
this test.  
4.343.   Norway thanks China for its efforts to implement the Agreement on Trade Facilitation as 
one of the first members. We look forward to China 's accession to the Agreement on Government 
Procurement, b ut believe a revised - and ambitious - Chinese offer is needed to move this process 
forward.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.344.   Chair, China 's protection of intellectual property is one of the underlying issues creating 
trade frictions. IPR protection continues to be a concern for foreign companies, and Norwegian 
companies are no exception. Despite some improvements, there is still much work to be done.  
4.345.   Norway appreciates the bilateral cooperation with China on government level in several 
fields. Norway is hopeful and confident that ongoin g processes will lead to increased trade and 
business cooperation. China and Norway are in the process of negotiating a bilateral FTA. Norway 
looks forward to concluding a comprehensive and not least, modern, free trade agreement with 
China.  
4.346.   Exports of se afood to China is one of the extensive areas of economic interaction between 
our two countries. Norway has some specific concerns on issues such as the CIFER system where 
establishments need to be registered in order to export seafood to China. Furthermore , procedures 
for approval of imports of new seafood species and other foodstuffs are cumbersome and time 
consuming. We will study China 's replies to our written questions regarding these issues.  
4.347.   Chair, Norway welcomes the active participation of China in the negotiations on fisheries 
subsidies. All Members must show political will and make the necessary domestic policy 
adjustments to implement all elements of the mandate in SDG 14.6. Norway sees the TPR as an 
additional source of information about each Mem ber's fisheries subsidy regime, and, as we have 
now understood, an updated subsidies notification has been put forward by China and we will 
study that too.  
4.348.   Let me also mention fossil fuels subsidies reform. Norway welcomes Chinese support for 
the G20 comm itment and agenda in this field.  
4.349.   According to China, the WTO should discuss new issues with development implications 
such as investment facilitation and e -commerce, to respond to the expectations of the business 
community as well as to maintain its releva nce in global governance. Norway thanks China for its 
participation in the joint initiative from Buenos Aires on investment facilitation for development 
and its inclusion in the joint ministerial statement on services domestic regulation. We also 
appreciat e that China takes active part in other discussions including on e -commerce. Norway 
believes that addressing these – and other pressing – issues is part of a necessary update of the 
WTO in light of the challenges of the 21st century . 
THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU  
4.350.   The Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu commends China 
on its continued commitment to trade liberalization and economic reform in this fast -changing and 
complex global trading environm ent. Its efforts in this regard are especially welcome in areas such 
as the financial sectors, customs procedures, and free -trade zones. We believe it is crucial for 
China to push forward even further with its programme of reforms towards establishing itse lf as a 
fair and open economy.  
4.351.   Here, I would just like to touch on certain areas of China 's trade policy where we do have 
some particular concerns, and where we look to China to build on its progress to date if it is 
eventually to fulfil its responsibilit ies as a Member of the global trading system:  
4.352.   Firstly, in the area of foreign direct investment (FDI), we would all agree, I think, that FDI 
is an essential driver of growth and development. In the broader context of economic and 
regulatory policy though, adequate protection of intellectual property rights (IPRs) are equally 
important in terms of attracting direct investment.  
4.353.   We acknowledge China 's efforts at liberalizing FDI and protecting IPRs with its revisions to 
the Catalogue for the Guidance of Foreign Investment Industries in 2017, to reduce the number of 
restricted sectors and strengthen the protection of IPRs.  
4.354.   However, while China has bee n upgrading its economy and attracting more FDI, the fact 
that technology transfer has now been an issue that calls for our special attention. We would like 
to see China moving towards a more ambitious open and level playing -field. Also, we would urge WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  China to re -double its efforts with regard to enforcement, including the fight against counterfeiting 
and copyright piracy in particular.  
4.355.   Secondly, the services sector, which accounts for more than half of China 's national 
economy, has been a major factor in fueling  economic growth over the period under review. We 
have noted that a number of regulatory changes have genuinely helped to liberalize the 
telecommun ications and financial sectors.  While recognizing Members have legitimate right to 
regulate, we are in favor of less trade restrictive approaches. What is unfortunate, however, is that 
some of the new laws and measures, especially in the telecommunications sector, contain 
elements that actually go against market -opening and the principles of transparency.  
4.356.   If we look, for instance, at China 's cyber security laws and the restrictions on Virtual 
Private Networks (VPNs) this year, we must question whether they are in compliance with 
international laws and regulations, and this raises serious concerns about the potential impact on 
trade. Further reforms to promote fair and open trade are needed urgently if China 's current 
momentum is to be sustained.  
4.357.   Thirdly, while fully recognizing China 's legitimate ambition to transform and upgrade its 
economy, certain initiatives, like the "Made -in-China 2025 " programme, immediately raise 
concerns about potential trade barriers for foreign companies, in the form of local content 
requirements and discrim inatory elements, for example.  
4.358.   In addition, on the topical subject of overcapacity, we welcome the steps that China is 
taking as part of the world -wide effort to curtail capacity in the steel sector, which causes prices to 
fall and creates major problems f or many other countries. Given its key role in the global steel 
market, it is essential that China translates the plans it has announced into real actions to help 
resolve these issues as soon as possible.  
4.359.   And, on a more general and long -standing point, we once again urge China to fully comply 
with its commitments under its Protocol of Accession in a number of key areas, such as 
transparency and notifications.  
4.360.   Finally, I just want to touch briefly upon the issue of fossil  fuel subsidies. This is an area of 
increasing importance for all Members. We absolutely welcome China 's continuing support for the 
G20's agenda and commitments on this important topic. We would strongly encourage other G20 
members to similarly volunteer for a peer review in order to increas e policy transparency and the 
sharing of lessons learned.  
4.361.   On the bilateral front, we have very close and long -standing economic ties with China. The 
level of two -way trade -flows between us remains strong at the present time. At the end of 2017, 
for exampl e, China was our largest trading partner, accounting for 30% of our total trade, and it is 
one of the major destinations for our overseas investment as well. We very much hope that these 
levels of bilateral trade and investment will continue to grow in the  future.  
4.362.   To conclude, we appreciate the opportunity to participate in this review of China 's trade 
policy. To sum up, perhaps, with one final message, we strongly encourage China to hold firm to 
its strategy of economic and trade policy reforms over the co ming years.  
REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.363.   This year holds a significant meaning as it marks the 40th anniversary of China 's reform 
and opening. President XI Jinping expressed his firm commitment to upholding the principles of 
China 's reform and opening at the 19th Nat ional Congress of the Chinese Communist Party as well 
as at the Boao Forum which took place in April this year.  
4.364.   In the same vein, China has recently been making efforts to expand its imports including 
by drastically lowering its import tariffs on autos and  consumer goods and holding the 
International Import Expo. We highly regard these efforts on the part of China.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.365.   Moreover, China adopted a negative -list measure in June this year to ease restrictions on 
foreign investment, including reducing the number of f oreign investment -limited items f rom 63 in 
2017 to 48 in 2018.  
4.366.   Korea also greatly appreciates the contributions made by China to the WTO. China has 
agreed on the expansion of the ITA and ratified WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Recently China 
has been ve ry active in the WTO discussion on E -commerce. As President XI promised to make 
faster progress toward joining the WTO Government Procurement Agreement, Korea hopes that 
China 's accession process to GPA will be a ccelerated in the near future.  
4.367.   However, Kore a is concerned about recent escalating uncertainties among major global 
trading partners and subsequent instability in the global trading environment. Korea believes that 
a stable and open trade policy is a necessary basis for the expansion of global trade  and the 
establishment of a fair-trade  order.  
4.368.   Bilateral economic relations between Korea and China have been on the rise since the 
Korea -China FTA took effect in 2015. These relations are now expected to develop one stage 
further, through the follow -up neg otiations for the Korea -China FTA on services and investment 
that were launched in March this year.  
4.369.   In particular, as President XI emphasized the opening of the financial sector at the Boao 
Forum, we hope that China accelerates the opening of its services market, including the financial 
sector, and strengthens investor protection.  
4.370.   I would like to make some comments in regard to the actual implementation of the 
Chinese trade policie s for openness on the ground.  
4.371.   First, I would like to voice some concerns ove r on-going restrictive measures in certain 
services areas of China including tourism. In particular, there still remain restrictions on the 
promotion of group tours and the gathering of tourists in groups to Korea. I hereby ask for China 's 
efforts to furth er open this area of services.  
4.372.   Secondly, there are concerns over discriminative measures still in place between Chinese 
domestic companies and foreign -invested companies. Korean companies are being excluded in 
regard to the new energy vehicles (NEV) batter y issue. In this light, I would like to call China 's 
attention to this matter for the equal treatment of both domestic and foreign companies in China.  
4.373.   Lastly, some Korean companies in the distribution and services sector have had difficulties 
in operating their business and obtaining licenses from Chinese authorities. In this regard, I would 
like to ask for China 's efforts to improve the foreign investment environment.  
4.374.   Now in Beijing, Korea and China are holding the second round of follow -up negotiations fo r 
the Korea -China FTA on services and investment. This shows the continuous efforts made by the 
two countries for further strengthening their bilateral economic relations. I hope that such efforts 
by each and every Member made for the purpose of open and f air trade will spread globally.  
4.375.   With this, I would like to conclude by expressing our appreciation to the delegation of 
China for its hard work and wishing the delegation every success in its TPR.  
REPUBLIC  OF MOLDOVA  
4.376.   As presented in the Report by China, this Trade Policy Review coincides with the 
celebration of the 40th anniversary of China 's ado ption of the reform and opening -up policy. We 
welcome China 's ambition, as stated in the Government Report, to engage itself "in the 
development of an open econom y in a wider range and more areas, at deeper level and higher 
standards, and expediting the transition from opening up itself to promoting the opening up of the 
world ". Being a major driver of global economic growth, one of the largest recipients of FDI an d 
overseas investor, and the top trading partner for over 120 countries and regions, fair and 
transparent trade policies implemented in China are vital given their impact on global economy. 
We therefore encourage China to continue its path of structural ec onomic reform, pursuing 
opening -up of the economy to ensure its ongoing development.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.377.   China 's growth has been stable during the review period, at around 7% per year, as the 
Government focuses on the quality and sustainability of growth in line with the stru ctural economic 
reforms undertaken under the 13th Five -Year Plan.  
4.378.   We note further opening to FDIs, with the 2017 revision of the Catalogue of Industries for 
the Guidance of Foreign Investment, which introduces a national "negative " list to guide foreign 
investment and cuts the number of special administrative measures restricting foreign investment 
from 63 to 48, compared to the previous 2015 version. We strongly encourage China to further lift 
barriers to foreign investment.  
4.379.   In the  same spirit, we commend China on the reform to harmonize its customs procedures 
and the implementation of the single window system, which has considerably reduced clearance 
times for imports and exports.  
4.380.   We note positively China 's continued efforts to st rengthen IPR enforcement both at the 
administrative and judicial levels. IPR protection continues to be an important prerequisite for 
investment attraction and opening -up of the economy.  
4.381.   We commend China for its active role in the WTO as Member of the Inf ormation 
Technology Agreement and Trade Facilitation Agreement, and acceding Member to the 
Government Procurement Agreement. We welcome the submission of SPS, TBT, trade facilitation 
notifications, and strongly encourage China to submit its outstanding not ifications on agriculture 
domestic support and state -trading enterprises. We look forward to the official circulation of the 
recently submitted notification of subsidies.  
4.382.   We would also like to note that as China 's economy has been shifting from manufacturi ng 
to services, e -commerce became an important development tool empowering SMEs and connecting 
the country.  
4.383.   We welcome the expansion of the network of free trade agreements concluded by China 
with the Maldives and Georgia. In 2017, Moldova and China have initiated negotiations of a Free 
Trade Agreement in goods. We hope that the next negotiation round, scheduled to take place 
during the second part of this summer, will set a clear negotiation framework which will allow for 
bilateral opening of markets in m utually beneficial areas of interest.  
4.384.   Bilateral economic and trade cooperation between Republic of Moldova and China have 
been witnessing an ascending dynamic over the past years. During the first 4 months of 2018, the 
volume of exports from Moldo va to Ch ina has increased by 49. 56% compared to the same period 
in 2016, similar to the volume of imports from China to  Moldova, which increased by 41. 04%. 
Main products exported from Moldova to China are wine, beer, wheat, textiles. Imports from China 
to Moldova include electrical machinery and equipment, equipment for cellular and wireless 
network, machinery and mechanical appliances, c hemical products, and vehicles.  84 companies 
with Chinese capital are currently operating in Moldova.  
4.385.   Key areas of cooperation b etween Moldova and China are information technology, health, 
transport, education and energy. China offers technical and financial assistance to the Republic of 
Moldova in these areas, and a new agreement signed in 2016 provides for a new grant of about 
€8.1 million. Important projects are being implemented in Moldova with the support of the Chinese 
Government in customs infrastructure and control equipment. Moldova reiterates its openness to 
collaborate with Chinese companies in key sectors for the Moldova n economy, such as 
infrastructure, energy and telecommunications, including in the creation of the national fiber optic 
data transfer network.  
4.386.   By signing a Memorandum with the Chinese Government in 2014, Moldova is strengthening 
economic cooperation within  the Silk Road Initiative. In addition, in May 2017 Moldova and China 
signed the Initiative on Promoting Unimpeded Trade Cooperation along the Belt and Road.  
4.387.   We look forward to extend our cooperation ties with China in areas mutually beneficial for 
our pe ople. We thank China for the replies to our questions, which we will study carefully and 
revert back if necessary in our bilateral dialogue.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.388.   We express our appreciation to the whole delegation of China, led by His Excellency Vice 
Minister Wang Shouwen, for  their participation in this important exercise and we wish China the 
utmost success during its 7th Trade Policy Review.  
EGYPT  
4.389.   As the S ecretariat report indicated, China has taken many positive measures to improve 
the performance of its trade policy, we be lieve that these measures will enhance the growth 
potential of the foreign trade between China and its trading partners. The most important of these 
measures are the following:  
• Clearance times were reduced to an average of 16.7 hours in 2017, from over 22 hours in 
2016, and about one third of imports are now declared through single windows.  
• A tariff reform implemented in December 2017 reduced a pplied MFN tariffs for some 
200 consumer products.  
• The average applied tariff on non -agricultural products also fel l slightly since 2013, to 8.5%. 
The percentage of tariffs that exceeded 15% (international tariff peaks) decreased to 
13.9%, from 14.4% in 2015, while the percentage of tariffs subject to domestic tariff peaks 
fell slightly, to 1.8%.  
• China continued to pro vide a number of financial incentives to different sectors and 
industries in order to accelerate transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, 
foster infant industries, stimulate innovation, promote development in remote areas, 
enhance competitiv eness of small and medium enterprises, and attract FDIs. Furthermore, 
support was also granted with a view to protecting the environment, reducing emissions, 
and conserving energy.  
4.390.   All these measures contributed to the fact that The Chinese economy continu ed to be an 
important engine of global growth; as it accounted for around 30% of global economic expansion 
during the review period. Real GDP growth was 6.7% in 2016 and it is expected that real GDP will 
grow by around 6.8% in 2017.  
4.391.   On the bilateral front China and Egypt have been enjoying flourishing multifaceted 
relations that have reached the apex with the establishment of the bilateral comprehensive 
strategic partnership in 2015. In the economic domain, trade volume between the tw o countries 
continued to increase in 2017 to reach US$9.3 billion, and the Chinese investments in Egypt are 
increasing in different fields. Egypt is looking forward to developing the bilateral economic and 
trade relations with China and to attract more Chi nese investments to Egypt 's mega projects.  
4.392.   Finally, we have put one question to China on how its legislations deal with the issues of 
authorized operators, procedures for goods in transit, as well as, promoting the use of single 
windows and await the repli es with interest. In closing, Egypt strongly commends China for 
achieving an impressive economic performance in the period reviewed, and we wish the delegation 
of China a very successful trade policy review.  
INDONESIA  
4.393.   The People 's Republic of China, as the  major driver of global economic growth, has played 
critical roles in the multilateral trading system. Indonesia and China are benefited from the 
progress of bilateral economic co -operation through years. Despite the trade deficit remain a 
prominent issue,  trade between China and Indonesia has been increasing and heading toward a 
state of balance. The trade deficit between Indonesia and China has been narrowing. In 2015, 
Indonesia experienced US $14,4 billion trade deficit. In 2016, that deficit was slightly  decreased to 
US$14,01. Even though experiencing another significant trade deficit, Indonesia recorded a better 
performance with a decrease of 9.2% or US$1,3 billion of deficit to US$12,7 billion in 2017.  
4.394.   China is Indonesia 's one of main source of foreign investment, which reached 
US$1,3  billion in 2017. The investment was allocated in over 763 projects. Hence, Indonesia hopes 
that more investment from China will come to Indonesia in the coming years.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.395.   Indonesia commends China 's efforts and commitments to mo re closely integrated into the 
global trading system. Beside the strong and positive economic ties between Indonesia and the 
People 's Republic of China that have been achieved during the last decade, we still find some 
unnecessary barriers to trade in Chin a. We found that China is still maintaining and adopting 
several restrictive measures, such as Administrative Measure on Cosmetics Labeling as well as the 
Cybersecurity law. Such barriers have prevented trade relations between the two countries from 
reachi ng its optimum outcomes.  
4.396.   In addition to that, Indonesia has concerns on China 's notifications of its non -tariff 
measures which actually limit Indonesia 's goods to enter China 's market. Indonesia experiences 
several barriers that hinder goods to enter China 's market including seaweed, exotic fruits, and 
other food and beverages ' goods. This is in contrast to the fact that on average in every sector, 
China recorded a four times level of trade compared to Indonesia.  
4.397.   It is on the expectation of Indonesia that both Members can increase the balance of trade 
among each other, so each Member can bring more benefits to the development of internal 
economy in the midst of global challenges and increasing skepticism to international trade 
practice. Indonesia also expec ts China to continue to make greater contribution to the multilateral 
trading system though fair and transparent trade policies.  
4.398.   Finally, I would like to conclude my remarks by expressing once again my profound 
appreciation to China 's delegation for its ha rd work, and wish China every success in its seventh 
TPR. 
ECUADOR  
4.399.   Ecuador has a major interest in participating in this review, China being one of our main 
trading partners in terms of both trade flows and investment.  
4.400.   In 2017, China was the sixth destination for Ecuador's non -petroleum expor ts with a share 
of 4%, i.e.  US$430 million. Petroleu m exports to China totalled US$ 342 million that year, 5% of 
our total sales of crude.  
4.401.   As regards imports, China is Ecuador's mai n supplier: imports reached US$ 3,477  million 
in 2017, or 22% of our country's total imports.  
4.402.   As a result, the trade balance between Ecuador and China has shown a deficit  for Ecuador 
which exceeded US$ 2,700  million in 2017.  
4.403.   Ecuador's main exports to China are shrimp, bananas, fish -meal, wood and copper scrap.  
4.404.   Meanwhile, Ecuador's main imports from China are mobile telephones, automobiles, iron 
and steel products, televisions, toys and motorcycles.  
4.405.   In 2017, China's investments in Ecuador reached USD 85  million, or 14% of total foreign 
investment in our country. They focused on mining and quarrying (52%), business services 
(25%), and construction (16%).  
4.406.   China is Ecuador's main source of external financing, and has been involved chiefly in 
hydroelectric, energy, transport, education, health a nd infrastructure projects.  
4.407.   Let me turn briefly to the report submitted by the Secretariat for this trade policy review, 
and highlight China's role in world trade.  
4.408.   As regards the external sector, although 2016 saw a decrease in the value and share of its 
exports and imports in GDP, there was a significant recovery in 2017, and its exports and imports 
now account for about 11% of world trade.  
4.409.   China's new type of growth based on consumption, domestic demand and services is 
already having a significant impact at the global level.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.410.   The sectors that have grown the most in this context are e -commerce and tourism.  
4.411.   It is important to note that apart from the obvious economic growth recorded during the 
review period, income inequality and poverty diminished. China has  clearly been able to take 
advantage of the opportunities offered by globalization.  
4.412.   Ecuador emphasizes the importance of the exercise in transparency and insight into public 
policy afforded by trade policy reviews at the WTO.  
4.413.   In this connection, we would l ike to highlight one of our questions concerning the 
"Measures for the Administration of Organic Product Certification", in which we seek to obtain 
further information on the certifications necessary for the products in question. For a dollarized 
economy l ike Ecuador's, increasing exports is a permanent task.  
4.414.   Lastly, we would like to thank the Chinese delegation in advance for its replies to our 
questions on specific aspects of its trade policy, which will provide invaluable inputs for 
strengthening relatio ns between our countries.  
4.415.   Let me conclude by wishing the entire delegation of China a successful trade policy review.  
TURKEY  
4.416.   China 's accession to the WTO has been a remarkable shift both for China and world 
economy. Its share i n world trade reached around 13%, which was only 4% before its accession to 
the WTO. Despite the country 's recent slowed growth, a with a GDP growth around 7%, China 
continues to be the main source of global economic growth with a 30% share. It is sure that the 
multilateral rules -based trading system has enormous benefits to China 's economy. Booming 
exports has led millions of people out of poverty and has positioned China as one of the pioneer 
countries in global trade. On the other hand, the benefits of China 's accession to the WTO f or the 
global economy are also undeniable.  
4.417.   After a long period of high growth magnified by exports, Chinese economy is undergoing 
significant structural changes and it adjusting to the "new normal ". Through devising the 13th Five 
Year Plan, China is now s hifting from an export led growth to an economy which is more 
concentrated on innovation, consumption and services.  We consider that this "new normal " 
perspective may create more efficient and resilient growth, help to escape middle -income trap and 
mitigat e the challenges of Chinese economy.  
4.418.   During the review period, we see that China implemented several reforms pursuing to 
strengthen the trade and investment liberalization  and facilitation. In addition to its efforts in 
multilateral fora, we also note that China has progressively expanded its free trade network 
through FTAs. Establishment of free trade zones also contributed to this positive trend. China also 
took measures to simplify its customs procedures, including the effective implementation of the 
single window system. We also commend the efforts of China to smoothly implement the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement and to realize all its Category B commitments until 2020.  
4.419.   As identified in Secretariat report, in recent years, excess capacity in some sectors have 
continued to increase in China, while recognizing  Chinese efforts to curb their effects. It is no 
doubt that overcapacity hurts global production and hampers the medi um-term growth and 
financial stability in China as suggested in Secretariat Report.  
4.420.   Secondly, we know that through the 13th Five -Year Plan, China already declared its 
willingness to follow structural economic reform program that aims to enhance the power of 
private sector in the economy and to reform State Owned Enterprises. Agreeing that China 's 
Guidelines on Deepening SOE Reforms may provide a comprehensive blue print, we also 
underscore the importance of the implementation of the efficient reform polici es swiftly to deal 
with the challenges posed by the SOEs.  
4.421.   On intellectual property rights, we recognize  the efforts of China to enhance the capacity to 
protect IPRs and to ensure the legal framework for this, such as amendments trademark and WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  patent law and setting up new intellectual property courts. However, these efforts beg further 
actions to enforce rules and laws in this field.   
4.422.   China is both one of the biggest importers and producers of agriculture products in the 
world, where the share  of agriculture in total employment remains high at 27% as of 2017.  
4.423.   Due to high population and rapid increase in urbanization , market price supports and 
public stockpiling are commonly used policies by China for assuring food security, regulating and 
stabilizing  the markets. In this respect, we should recognize  that the management of its stocks in 
certain products such as wheat, rice, maize and cotton is of extreme importance with respect to 
the stability in world markets. We believe that more predictabili ty is needed in this issue.  
4.424.   Turkey 's bilateral trade with China has almost tripled in the last ten -year period. In 2017, 
bilateral trade volume exceeded US$26 billion US dollars and China is now Turkey 's second trade 
partner. However, the bilateral trade i s growing in a very unbalanced way. This uneven trade 
pattern is not sustainable in the long run for both Turkey and China, which we believe has to move 
towards a balance.  
4.425.   To overcome this and sustain long-reaching bilateral trade relations , we believe th at we 
have to develop new instruments. In this regard, we also expect China to pursue and adopt 
policies towards mutual benefit and balanced trade. In this vein, we appreciate China 's decision to 
organize the first China International Import Expo this year , where also Turkey will take its place.  
4.426.   For "One Belt One Road " Initiative, Turkey and China are exploring cooperation areas and 
trying to identify projects to their mutual benefit. As a founding member of the Asian 
Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Turkey is willing to cooperate with Chin a in infrastructure 
projects.  
4.427.   We see China as a key player in the WTO whose active role in further advancing the 
multilateral trading system is critical. In this regard, we will continue work together with China 
towards an open and rules based multilateral system.  
4.428.   We wish China a successful completion of its Seventh Review.  
THAILAND  
4.429.   In starting off, Thailand would like to associate ourselves with ASEAN 's statement delivered 
by Lao People 's democratic Republic.  
4.430.   Thailan d and China have maintained the close and strong bilateral relations, underpinned 
by strong trade and investment flows. China has been Thailand 's number one trading partner since 
2013 and bilateral trade constantly expanded during the past four years. In 2 017, total trade 
between the two countries stood at US$74 billion, increasing by 13% from 2016. With respect to 
investment, China 's FDI was granted the fourth highest investment incentives in Thailand last 
year. 
4.431.   As a country coordinator for the relations b etween China and ASEAN, Thailand subscribes 
to the information presented earlier by L ao PDR. We are also pleased to highlight that the 
successful upgrade of ASEAN -China FTA signed in 2015 has further liberalized our trade in goods, 
services and investment as well as strengthen economic cooperation between ASEAN and China. 
In 2017, China continued to be ASEAN 's largest trading partner, with total bilateral trade at 
US$437 billion, and FDI flows from China to ASEAN amounted to US$11 billion, positioning China  
as ASEAN 's fourth largest source of FDI. In this regard, Thailand appreciates China 's constructive 
role, which brings about mutual benefits to both sides.  
4.432.   Thailand commends the Chinese Government 's initiative to adjust to the "new normal " in 
economic deve lopment, while making progress and maintaining stability. We note from the 
Secretariat report that despite challenges associated with the new normal, real GDP growth is 
expected to be around 6.8% in 2017.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.433.   Thailand welcomes reforms carried out under China 's "13th Five -Year Plan ", such as the 
promotion of private sector participation in the economy, the reform of state -owned enterprises, 
the promotion of competition, and the financial sector reform. We also welcome the "Belt and 
Road" initiative, which will notably promote greater economic integration as well as transportation 
and infrastructural cooperation between countries in the region, including Southeast Asia. We 
believe that these reforms and initiatives will bring tremendous benefits to all trading pa rtners of 
China.  
4.434.   Thailand very much values the proactive role of China in the WTO. China not only was 
among the first few Members to complete national ratification of the TFA, but also actively 
promoted more members to ratify the agreement when hosting the  G20 Hangzhou Summit. China 
substantially contributed to the conclusion of ITA Expansion negotiations and responded positively 
to the WTO Aid for Trade initiative. In addition, China continues to grant unilateral trade 
preferences to LDCs.  
4.435.   Since the last r eview in 2016, China has submitted to the WTO a number of notifications; 
nonetheless, some notifications including those on state -trading enterprises, domestic support, 
and subsidies provided by the central government remain pending. Given China 's major ro le in the 
global trade, it is important that China adheres to its WTO obligations. In this regard, we urge 
China to submit its outstanding notifications to the WTO to enhance transparency and 
predictability. Moreover, we encourage China to ensure that its tariff reduction commitments under 
the ITA Expansion are fully fulfilled.  
4.436.   In this review, Thailand submitted a set of questions, covering the policies and measures 
of our interests such as duties on multi -component semiconductors, capacity reduction in so me 
manufacturing sectors, SPS measures, VAT exemption for agricultural goods produced and sold 
directly by farmers and subsidies notification. Thailand thanks China in advance for written 
responses.  
4.437.   Let me conclude by expressing our appreciation to the Chi nese delegation for the 
cooperation in every level, and we wish China a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
GUATEMALA  
4.438.   We note that during the review period, China's economy has been one of the world's 
economic growth models. Its 6.8% GDP growth over the past years, due to the persistent efforts 
of its government to maintain constant economic stability, must be seen as a positive 
development. The chief aim of its Five -Year Plan (2016 -2020) is to maintain the country's growth, 
focusing on sustainability and  quality, with the inclusion of public -private partnerships to help 
promote new production sectors and inject private capital into domestic projects, bringing local 
government borrowing under control. During the review period, the Government of China 
introduced new fiscal reforms and strategies to stimulate competition and the search for new 
markets.  
4.439.   It should be noted that the success of China's exports is due to the fact that they consist, 
for the most part, of manufactured products heading mainly for des tinations such as the 
United  States, the European Union and Hong Kong. In terms of foreign investment, China is one of 
the main recipients at the world level, but this investment is reciprocal in that China invests 
considerably in other countries, particul arly in areas relating to manufacturing, real estate and 
banking services.  
4.440.   One of the points worth highlighting in this review is the efforts made by the Government 
of China to reform and harmonize its customs procedures, establishing single windows to spe ed up 
and streamline the formalities. As a party to the Trade Facilitation Agreement since 2015, China 
has been doing its utmost to ensure that by 2020 it will have fully complied with all of its Category 
B commitments.  
4.441.   To promote its exports to new market s, the Government of China organizes exhibitions and 
training activities so that its national companies can expand their commercial activities. One of the 
main initiatives in this respect was the "China Manufacturing 2025" plan, whose main objective is 
to promote manufacturing activities on an equal basis for all enterprises established in China. One WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  of the strategies pursued by this plan is to promote the development of new experimental 
manufacturing sectors such as alternative energies, robotics, etc.  
4.442.   Another development worth noting during this review period is the promotion of 
competition through the amended version of the Anti -Unfair Competition Law which entered into 
force in January of this year.  
4.443.   In 2013, with the announcement of the Silk Road Economi c Belt and 21st Century Maritime 
Silk Road, China opened up the prospect of trade connectivity with more than 65 countries through 
the construction of a network of ports, roads, railways, airports, power plants, information 
technology and telecommunication s, promoting new platforms for trade and international 
cooperation.  
4.444.   In the intellectual property area, in 2016, the State Council approved the implementation 
of the National Intellectual Property Strategy, and during the review period the Chinese 
Governmen t introduced legal reforms to its patent law, establishing mechanisms to ensure patent 
quality by optimizing the examination of patent applications. To help with enforcement, judicial, 
civil and penal IPR protection measures were strengthened. Amendments w ere also made to 
trademark law, including measures to facilitate registration procedures for product and services 
trademark applications. Over the past few years, more importance has been given to the Madrid 
System as a means of promoting trademarks at the  international level. With respect to copyright, 
we note the ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty for the visually impaired, and the adoption of 
measures to protect copyright in the digital environment. It is important to acknowledge the work 
of the collec tive management organizations, and it would interest my delegation to learn what best 
practice strategies have enabled them over the past few years to work so efficiently on behalf of 
the persons they represent.  
4.445.   In conclusion, we would like to thank China for its replies to our questions, which we shall 
transmit to our capital for consideration and comments. At the same time, we wish the delegation 
representing China here today a successful conclusion to this exercise.  
MALAYSIA  
4.446.   Malaysia associates herself t o the ASEAN Statement delivered by Lao PDR.  
4.447.   As the world 's second largest economy by nominal GDP and the world 's largest economy 
by purchasing power parity, China continues to exert great influence on the world 's economy. We 
note that from the Secretariat Report that since the last review in 2016, China had continued to be 
a major driver of global economic growth, while at the same time experiencing a moderate real 
GDP growth as the economy adjusts to the "new no rmal".  
4.448.   We commend China for its steadfast commitments towards the multilateral trading system, 
as outlined in the recent China 's White Paper on the WTO. We encourage China to continue to play 
its role as a responsible stakeholder in the multilateral tradi ng system by resisting protectionism 
and to undertake necessary reforms to widen access to Chinese markets.  
4.449.   At the multilateral front we also congratulate China for its swift adoption of many 
progressive trade and investment policies under the WTO such as the Protocol Amending the 
Agreement on Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs Agreement), the 
Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). We are also 
delighted to see China 's effort in shaping th e WTO discourse by actively participating in the various 
new and emerging issues such as the investment facilitation and e -commerce.  
4.450.   In 2017, China continued to be Malaysia 's largest trading partner for 9 consecutive years 
since 2009. Malaysia 's total tra de with Ch ina increased by 20.6% from US$241.0 billion in 2016 to 
US$290.7 billion in 2017, with exports to C hina grew by 28.0% to reach US$ 126.2 billion. Trade 
continued to grow strongly in the first quarter of 2018, with total trade increased by 15.6% to  
USD$ 24.4 billion, and export s to China grew by 18.4% to US$ 14.2 billion.  
4.451.   In investments, China was Malaysia 's largest investors in terms of approved investments 
for two consecutive years (2016 -2017).  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.452.   In recent years, bilateral trade and investment betwe en Malaysia and China grew 
enormously under the auspices of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) launched in 2013. Malaysia 
continues to welcome collaboration with China, particularly in high value investments, which we 
hope will move our Malaysian companies  up the global and regional value chains.  
4.453.   Malaysia -China relationship also grew significantly in the recent years through China 's 
trade with ASEAN.  China is ASEAN 's largest trading partner since 2009, and ASEAN as the 3rd 
largest trading partner of China s ince 2011. ASEAN benefited remarkably from the many 
assistance provided by China with the aim of narrowing the development gap, enhancing 
development capacity and promoting ASEAN community building, in line with the implementation 
of the ASEAN -China Free T rade Agreement (ACFTA) since 2010.  
4.454.   Relationship is also strengthening through Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership 
(RCEP) which is being negotiated. Both countries view the fora as important platforms in building a 
regional value chain through econ omic and technical cooperation.  
4.455.   While we note trade, initiatives undertaken by China during the period of review, we do 
seek some clarity on some of the measures and polices at hand including those of investment 
related policies as well as the cross -border  ecommerce policy frame work that is being formulated. 
Additionally, we are also interested on further deliberation on the reforms in the agricultural 
sector, particularly on the reduction of domestic support for this sector, as well as the agricultural 
strategy in China.  
4.456.   China is a key Member, both in the regular work of the WTO and in the DDA negotiations. 
We therefore look forward to a stronger leadership by China and other major Members in moving 
forward the Nairobi mandates and bring conclusion to the remaining DDA issues. In this role, we 
appreciate the role played by Ambassador Z hang Xiangchen and his team here in Geneva.  
4.457.   We take this opportunity to thank the Chinese delegation for responding to our questions 
and these are being examined at the Capit al. In addition, we will also be submitting additional 
questions and we look forward to receiving the feedback.  
4.458.   We wish China a productive and successful Seventh Trade Policy Review.  
THE PHILIPPINES  
4.459.   At the outset, the Philippines associates itself with the  ASEAN statement delivered by 
Lao PDR, and highlights China 's importance to ASEAN as its largest trading partner and 4th largest  
source of foreign direct investments.  
4.460.   China is still the world 's economic juggernaut, accounting for roughly 30% of global 
economic  expansion in 2016 to early 2018. Like many other rapidly growing countries in today 's 
global economic climate, China continues its calibrated adjustment to the "new normal, " as its real 
GDP growth rate moderated to a respectable 6.8% in 2017.  
4.461.   The Philippines notes China 's 13th Five -Year Plan for 2016 -2020, which focuses on quality 
and sustainability of economic growth, while seeking to further open the domestic market and 
address barriers to trade. We recognize China 's efforts to continue the proc ess of structural  
economic reform, which includes the promotion of private sector participation in the economy, as 
well as the reform of state -owned -enterprises, wh ile keeping the majority of pub lic ownership.  
4.462.   China figures prominently in the economic and  trade landscape of the Philippines. China is 
the Philippines ' top trading partner, with total trade amounting to US$23.82 billion in 2017. It is 
our 4th largest export market and our top source of imports.  
4.463.   Our trade relations are rich and dynamic. Philip pines ' exports to China grew by 9.73% from 
US$6.37 billion in 2016 to US$6.99 billion in 2017, while imports from China also expanded by 
8.14% from US$15.56 billion in 2016 to US$16.83 billion in 2017.   WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.464.   Our major exports to China include storage units, di gital monolithic integrated circuits, 
nickel ores, and semiconductor devices, while our major imports include petroleum oils, electronic 
and machine parts, material inputs, and accessories, and hot -rolled bars and rods.  
4.465.   The Philippines continues to value its partnership with China, and is keen to pursue deeper 
bilateral engagements, particularly in the areas of trade, investments, and economic cooperation . 
We intend to sustain the positive momentum of our bilateral trade relations and look forward to 
the c onvening of the 29th Meeting of the Philippines -China Joint Commission on Economic and 
Trade Cooperation or JCETC this year.  
4.466.   Through the JCETC, the Philippines hopes to maintain close coordination with China for the 
implementation of the strategies under the Philippines –China Six -Year Development Program 
(SYDP) for Trade and Economic Development for 2017 -2022. The Philippines is keen to make 
progress in the following areas covered under the program: Agriculture and Fisheries, 
Infrastructure and Public Work s, Energy, ICT, Industrial Parks Development, MSMEs, Standards, 
Technical Regulations and Accreditation, Cust oms and Trade Facilitation, Pro cessing and 
Manufacturing, Tourism, Engineering Services, Forestry, Financial Cooperation, and Trade and 
Investment Promotion.  
4.467.   On agricultural trade, we reiterate our strong interest towards the expeditious accreditation 
of our priority agriculture products, recognizing that this will substantially improve the level and 
scope of agriculture trade between the Philippine s and Chi na. We welcome several 
capacity -building initiatives in the field of agriculture and fisheries, w ith the goal of promoting 
inclusive agricultural trade.  
4.468.   The Philippines appreciates China 's recognition of the important role of MSMEs in achieving 
inclusive growth and sustainable development. China 's Belt and Road Initiative can create greater 
trade opportunities for MSMEs of developing coun tries and LDCs, and could poten tially translate 
into broad -based growth. In this regard,  we would appreciate mo re infor mation on China 's Plan on 
Promoting the Development of Small and Medium -sized Enter prises for 2016 -2020 issued by the 
Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. We are also interested to learn more about 
China 's incentives and support program mes to attract in -vestment in selected industries, 
accelerate the upgrading of traditional industries, and foster infant industries. The Philippines has 
also submitted a few other written questions based on China 's government and secretariat reports, 
and w e kindly thank China in advance for their written responses.  
4.469.   It certainly goes without saying that China is a key player in the WTO and a bona fide 
global trading powerhouse. Since acceding to the WTO  in 2001, China has made a game -changing 
impact on global trade and on the rules -based multilateral trading system in ways that cannot be 
adequately captured in a seven -minute statement. What China does with the economic and 
political weight it now carries in the multilateral trading system, whether as a r esponsible 
international actor, or as global hege mon, is something that all WTO M embers, large and small, 
have a profound interest in. We look towards China 's vision for the system, and based on its White 
Paper issued on 28 June, it seems that China has ch ecked all the right boxes. We thus look 
forward to China 's implementation of this  vision through its future poli cies and actions in the WTO.  
4.470.   In closing, the Philippines looks forward to further enhanc ing the mutually beneficial 
economic relations between our two countries through bilateral, regional, and multilateral fora.  
PERU  
4.471.   This review is unquestionably taking place at a very particular moment in the history of 
international trade. We share the concerns felt by many countries regarding the risks threat ening 
world trade and the multilateral system. This is why the Peruvian delegation recognizes the 
importance of China's statements during this review. It is a source of satisfaction that our main 
trading partner, with which we have maintained friendly rela tions for more than 100 years now, is 
using this review to renew its commitment to opening up the world economy, to more balanced 
trade, and to increased cooperation and dialogue, so that we can all share the benefits of trade 
and investment as promotors o f growth and development.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.472.   Let me now turn to our trade relations with the Member under review. To begin with, China 
is Peru's main trading partner. In fact, approximately 25% of Peruvian exports are destined for 
Chinese  ports. These consist mainly of miner als, and fishery and agricultural products, some of 
which are non -traditional exports such as avocadoes, grapes and cranberries. China, for its part, 
exports approximately US$ 9 billion worth of goods to Peru, chiefly manufactures. Bilateral trade 
has grown  steadily over  the past decade, exceeding US$ 20 billion in 2017. This promising 
dynamism is accompanied by close political and cultural ties resulting from our long -standing 
bilateral relations dating back to the 19th century, the cooperation between the t wo governments, 
and our shared economic interests. The importance of our economic relations is reflected in the 
Free Trade Agreement between the two countries that has been in force since March  2010 and has 
set the stage for the development and growth of b ilateral trade. For Peru, this FTA establishes 
clear rules of the game, within a transparent and predictable framework which makes it possible to 
maintain and promote orderly bilateral trade while safeguarding the national interests of both 
countries. It a lso sends a positive signal to investors that will help to heighten their interest in new 
initiatives in our markets. I would like to note, in this connection, that China's investments in Peru 
are considerable, and cover a range of different sectors of our  economy, such as mining, financial 
services and construction.  
4.473.   Peru has noted with great interest many of the points contained in the reports that are part 
of this review. We take a positive view of China's approach to economic growth based on quality 
and sustainability, and of China's achievements in reducing the poverty and inequality. Likewise, 
Peru has noted the progress made in deepening the reform of the monetary, financial and foreign 
exchange system in China, and in particular, the easing of policie s governing the yuan exchange 
rate, insofar as this is an important factor for international trade. We would also like to highlight 
the efforts made by the Chinese Government to streamline its customs procedures, and we have 
submitted a question to the Chi nese delegation regarding possible mechanisms for the exchange 
of information between customs.  
4.474.   We must note, however, in a spirit of constructiveness and transparency, that the support 
programmes offered by the Chinese Government to certain industries cont inue to be a source of 
concern in that they probably affect the production cost, and hence the export price, of 
merchandise from China. We have submitted a question regarding the assessment of the impact of 
these programmes.  
4.475.   Turning to the multilateral sys tem, we appreciate that this review has served as a 
framework for China to renew its commitment to the stability and soundness of the system, which 
can only be maintained and strengthened if all Members undertake to comply with the obligations 
they have as sumed. We also welcome China's active role and its efforts to be open to dialogue and 
to participation in the negotiation of various issues on the WTO's agenda.  
4.476.   Having raised these important points, it remains for me to thank (in advance) the 
delegation of  China for its replies, which will be carefully examined in Geneva and in our capital, 
and to wish China a successful trade policy review.  
KINGDOM  OF SAUDI  ARABIA  
4.477.   The Trade Policy Review reports prepared by China and the Secretariat reveal that the 
Chinese  economy remains strong, stable and diversified.  GDP growth has averaged around 7% 
annually during the review period. With a population of 1.3 billion, China became the second 
largest economy and is increasingly playing an important and influential role in  the global 
economy.  
4.478.   By setting out wise structural economic reforms based on the guiding principles spelled out 
by the 13th Five -Year Plan (2016 -2020), China 's economy has shifted to highly productive and 
competitive one based on greater innovative capac ity, technology and skilled labor. These reforms 
were undertaken in different sectors such as, increasing the private sector participation in the 
economy, State -Owned Enterprises, competition, fiscal, financial sector, Foreign Investment 
System, small and medium -sized enterprises, customs procedures, and protection of intellectual 
property rights.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.479.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomes China 's great efforts towards opening -up to the 
outside world through the removal of restrictions to facilitate foreign direc t investment and 
initiatives such as the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone and its expansion to 11 pilot free 
trade zones during the review period. According to the 2017 UNCTAD World Investment Report, 
China became the second -largest recipients of FDI  inflows (136 billion USD) in the world in 2017 
up from the 6th in 2007.  
4.480.   We also appreciate China 's firm commitment to the rules -based multilateral trading 
system, as well as to help developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) addressing 
their concerns and difficulties.  
4.481.   China and Saudi Arabia enjoy a friendly and substantive relationship, underpinned by 
commercial ties and supported by shared membership in the G20. China is one of Saudi Arabia 's 
top trading partners, with trade exchange stand ing at US$46 billion. Saudi Arabia primarily exports 
crude petroleum, Gas and petrochemicals to China. China exports to Saudi Arabia electronics, 
machinery appliances and parts, textiles, furniture and premade buildings and iron and steel.  
4.482.   Saudi Arabia an d China share a keen interest to boost cooperation in the area of energy, 
water desalination, transportation, telecommunications, Investments, education and technologies.  
4.483.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia believes that the multilateral trading system is a key e lement 
for global development. China has proved its commitment to support the multilateral trading 
system and has a long -standing tradition of constructive participation in the WTO, and an active 
role in the pr omotion of free and open trade.  
4.484.   I wish the Chinese delegation a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
CENTRAL  AFRICAIN  REPUBLIC  ON BEHALF  OF THE LDC GROUP  
4.485.   The LDC Group at the WTO would like to thank and congratulate the Ambassador and 
Permanent Representative of China to the WTO, H.E.  Mr Zhang Xian gchen, and his whole team, for 
their extremely important role in our discussions at the WTO and their contribution to 
strengthening the multilateral trading system – a system which is constantly being attacked for its 
systemic decline. We highly appreciate  China's support for the LDCs.  
4.486.   Since its accession to the WTO, China has aptly demonstrated that the multilateral trading 
system is the cornerstone of international trade and one of the important pillars of development. 
The LDC Group shares China's vision of an open, transparent, inclusive and non -discriminatory 
multilateral trading system, which is a guarantee of participation and integration of the LDCs in 
international trade.  
4.487.   We welcome the fact that China has embraced free trade, is opening its market, and is 
cooperating on a win -win basis while assuming its responsibility as a large country by opening up 
to the outside world. The LDC Group also welcomes China's efforts and actions on its behalf in 
different areas.  
4.488.   The LDC Group also appreciates China's approach as regards compliance with multilateral 
trade rules and its commitment to meeting notification requirements and its WTO obligations.  
4.489.   The level of LDC exports to China remains high and has been made possible by the 
preferential system for LDCs. The  LDCs benefit from duty -free and quota -free access to the 
Chinese  market for both agricultural and non -agricultural products.  
4.490.   The prospects for economic and commercial relations between the LDCs and China are 
very encouraging, particularly when it comes to  agriculture, fisheries, the exploitation of mineral 
resources, infrastructure, education, health and the tourism sector. The LDCs possess largely 
unexploited potential, and need significant support to implement their diversification and economic 
structura l transformation policies with a view to strengthening their production capacity and 
creating a real momentum for international trade.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.491.   The LDCs are engaged in a dynamic process to strengthen their respective economies and 
their integration into the global trading system, and have been implementing numerous action 
plans and initiatives in various sectors of activity they regard as key to building production 
capacity, promoting the competitiveness of the economy and reducing poverty.  
4.492.   The LDCs rely on China's reaffirmed support to operationalize and strengthen their policies 
in the fields of agriculture, fisheries, livestock breeding, infrastructure, transport, technology 
transfer, tourism, and human and institutional capacity building. They see China as an imp ortant 
partner, a major player and a driver of world growth with which they would like to further develop 
their trade.  
4.493.   We encourage China to continue to act with determination to promote world economic 
governance based on equality, impartiality, cooperatio n, and a win -win mindset, and to support 
the LDCs, particularly in the structural transformation of their economies.  
4.494.   On behalf of the LDC Group, the Central African Republic wishes the People's Republic of 
China every success with its reforms and initiativ es, and with its Seventh Trade Policy Review.  
BURUNDI  
4.495.   What we have seen and heard thus far shows that China is fully committed to promoting 
its economy in order to affirm its integration in the multilateral trading system.  
4.496.   Burundi therefore welcomes China' s celebration of the 40th anniversary of the adoption of 
its policy of reform and opening up to the world, as well as its considerable efforts to enter a new 
historical phase in its development that will benefit us all.  
4.497.   Consumption in China accounted for c lose to two thirds of economic expansion. The 
reasons for this consumption -driven growth include strong employment creation, rising incomes 
and improving coverage of the social safety net.  
4.498.   We also appreciate the considerable efforts made by China to solve the problems relating 
to the slowdown that the country has experienced over the past three years, focusing on the 
quality and sustainability of growth rather than its quantity with a view to encouraging 
innovation -driven, harmonized, green, open, and inclu sive development as a means of reducing 
poverty.  
4.499.   My delegation commends China for its policy of achieving its development objectives 
without leaving anyone behind. This is reflected in its implementation of targeted poverty 
reduction and alleviation measur es so as to ensure that, by the year 2020, all rural residents living 
below the current poverty line will have been lifted out of poverty.  
4.500.   My delegation also welcomes China's strategy of reforming pricing mechanisms for major 
farm products to strengthen th e role of market mechanisms and to reform, on a pilot basis, the 
land management system. The result has been to loosen control on the land -operating rights while 
maintaining the principle of collective ownership of the land. This measure deserves to be 
commended, because agriculture is the main source of livelihood for the developing countries and 
LDCs.  
4.501.   Moreover, the Chinese Government deserves credit for its determination to keep speeding 
up the modernization of agriculture and rural areas and fostering ne w growth drivers of rural 
development in order to keep fighting poverty and improving the living conditions of the 
population.  
4.502.   As China has pointed out, active participation in the negotiations on the outstanding Doha 
Round issues will ensure fair and effe ctive integration of all WTO Members in the multilateral 
trading system without forgetting development, which must be the key task of the WTO's work.  
4.503.   In the same spirit, Burundi maintains that all WTO Members should join hands to meet the 
challenges faced by the world economy, create new opportunities for development, seek new 
development momentum, expand new development space, achieve mutual complementarity and WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  mutual benefit, and continuously move in the direction of a community with a shared future for 
mankind.  
4.504.   My delegation remains convinced that this will only be possible if all Members of the WTO 
remain committed to the basic principles of the WTO, a fundamental stabilizer in global economic 
governance.  
4.505.   My delegation encourages China to implement the m easures suggested by the 
WTO Secretariat, inter alia  to reduce the subsidization of enterprises and to further de -leverage 
the private sector.  
4.506.   Finally, my delegation would like to present its compliments to the Chinese Government 
and express its appreciati on for the ties of friendship and cooperation that already exist between 
our two countries.  
4.507.   The Government of Burundi takes this opportunity to thank China for all of the projects 
that it launched for Burundi in different areas, and to wish China every suc cess for its 7th Trade 
Policy Review.  
OMAN  
4.508.   Oman has long historical and friendly relations with China. Our bilateral trade has grown 
significantly over the past years making China one of the biggest trading partners of Oman. Our 
main exports to China include petrochemicals and other energy related products. We plan to 
diversify our exports base in the near future. Oman and China have recently established a 
strategic partnership, which we expect to further expand and strengthen our already strong 
economic and trade relations in the coming years.  
4.509.   We would like to congratulate China on the impressive performance of its economy. 
Despite numerous challenges, GDP growth stood at just under 7% during the period under review. 
This is a high growth rate by any standard and is in fact among the highest in the  world. China has 
a current account surplus of US$ 202.2 billion, which is equivalent to approximately 1.3% of total 
GDP. Remarkably, in 2015 China 's services sector has for the first time exceeded 50% of its total 
GDP. 
4.510.   China 's exports continue to be domina ted by manufactures which account for 93.7% of 
total merchandise exports. During the period under review, merchan dise exports stood at around 
US$2,000 billion and in terms of its performance in services exports stood at approximately 
US$200 billion. China is thus a major player in world trade.  
4.511.   China, which is an Article 12 Member, has bound 100% of its tariff lines. Its simple 
average applied MFN rate is 9.3%, which notably represents a small decrease from previous years. 
We are pleased to note that China has taken steps early this year to streamline and review its 
domestic standards framework.  
4.512.   Oman welcomes and supports the Chinese -proposed plans to revive the Silk Road through 
the "One Belt One Road Initiative ". The famous port city of Sohar in Oman was once known in the 
region as the "Gateway to China ". We hope to be able to revive its historic role through this very 
important global initiative. Oman is willing to actively participate in projects under this framework 
and will continue to support and part icipate in the Belt and Road Forum for International 
Cooperation.   
4.513.   China is a very active M ember of the WTO. It is a strong supporter of the multilateral 
trading system and an active participant in negotiations. We hope China will continue its active 
engagement as an Article 12 Member in fulfilling the WTO 's objective of liberalization and 
expansion of world trade.  
4.514.   Finally, we wish China a very successful 7th trade policy review.  
  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  NEPAL  
4.515.   It is noteworthy that the economic fundamentals of China are on track. The Chinese 
economy, the major driver of global economic growth, is expanding at over 6% in real GDP with 
strong services sector especially the e -commerce sales and tourism services. Ac cordingly, the 
future growth could also be boosted by the Belt and Road Initiative which aims to foster 
multinational cooperation in trade, investment and finance for the infrastructure development and 
connectivity at the regional and global level.  
4.516.   It is appreciable that due to visionary and dynamic leadership, hardworking people, good 
governance, among others, China continues to rise, and level of poverty and inequality continue to 
decline.  
4.517.   Applying new vision, establishing new mechanisms, including trade facilitation, innovative 
business modes, conducive investme nt environment, further opening -up manufacturing and 
financial sector are dynamic initiatives of Government of China.  
4.518.   As a faithful supporter of the rule based multilateral trading system, Ch ina could play a 
vital role in strengthening the WTO and help bring the DDA to a logical conclusion for the benefit of 
poor and marginalized countries of this august House.  
4.519.   We appreciate China 's effort in granting preferential rules of origin and preferent ial tariff 
treatment to the products entering to the Chinese markets from the LDCs. Similarly, China 's 
trade -related South -South co operation in the context of the Aid for Trade initiative is appreciable.  
4.520.   Being neighbors, Nepal and China enjoy long politica l, economic, religious, social and 
cultural relations. The economic relations between two countries have been strengthened further 
since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1955, which is based on the Five Principles of 
Peaceful Coexistence. Nepal -China relations have always remained cordial  and cooperative.  These 
relations have been marked by friendliness and based on mutual support, understanding and 
appreciation of each other 's sensitivities.  
4.521.   We appreciate China 's continued support to Nepal in its economic development. The 
bilateral mechanisms at different levels in the areas of trade, transit, tourism, hydro, connectivity 
and infrastructure, human resources development, industry and investment, among others, need 
to be strengthened further to r ealize the expected benefits in a sustained way.  
4.522.   Since China is the second largest trading partner of Nepal after India, we appreciate 
China 's effort in extending the duty -free market access for over 8,000 (8030) Nepali goods 
exporting to China. Despite si gnificant rise in exports of Nepal to China, trade deficit of Nepal with 
China continues to widen. Therefore, we encourage China to simplify the duty -free market access 
facility extended to LDCs including Nepal and modify HS Code to six digits from eight d igits. 
4.523.   Similarly, we request China to lower the non -tariff measures so that Nepal could reap the 
benefits from trade opportunities.  
4.524.   Finally,  my delegation believes that China could play a crucial role in strengthening and 
safeguarding the multilateral tra ding system in the interest of all member countries.  
4.525.   We value the relationship between the two countries and expect strengthened partnership 
for our socio -economic development. We wish China a great success for the 7th Trade Policy 
Review.  
MYANMAR  
4.526.   Myanmar and China are friendly neighbours, sharing a long border. Our two countries have 
established diplomatic relations since 1950, and the bilateral trade agreement has been signed 
since 1971.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.527.   According to our trade data, China has stood as Myanmar 's largest t rading partner for over 
a decade. The bilateral trade has increased, year on year. In the 2017 -2018 Fiscal Year, the trade 
turnover reached over US$11.76 billion. We expect to see the continuation of this positive trend.  
4.528.   In terms of the Foreign Direct Inv estment in Myanmar, China takes the first place, with 
over US$19.96 billion investment from 237 Chinese companies.   
4.529.   Based on the Secretariat 's report, I would like to draw your attention to progressive trade 
regime of the People 's Republic of China. With  continuous reforms and opening -up its policy, China 
has reached a new historic juncture in its development. The Chinese economy continued to be a 
major driver of global economy. We learned that the Government of China focused on the quality 
and sustainabil ity rather than the quantity of growth.    
4.530.   The merchandise trade volume of China was US$3,685.5 billion in 2016 and there was 
trade surplus about US$509.7 billion in 2016. This trade performance is remarkable with similar 
structure of trade in goods. We no ted that China has already signed 17 regional trade agreements. 
As of December 2017, China granted 97% of tariff lines as a duty -free treatment for LDCs.  
4.531.   In terms of investment flow, China continues to be one of the world 's largest recipients of 
FDI. FDI inflows have been growing for a number of years and outward FDI has also been trending 
upwards for a number of years.  
4.532.   We recognize China 's strong commitments to build an open world economy by promoting 
coordination and cooperation among countries, deepening the friendship and common 
development, as well as by enhancing further unity and cooperation with the developing world.  
4.533.   In the face of difficulties in world economic development, China put forward the Belt and 
Road Initiative. The Belt and Road I nitiative plays an important role in promoting in -depth 
cooperation and common development between countries and regions, upholding and growing an 
open world economy, making economic globalization open, inclusive, balanced, win -win and 
beneficial to all an d advancing the building of community with a shared future for all.  
4.534.   China is a n important partner and active supporter of both regional and multilateral trading 
system. At this critical juncture of the WTO 's system under many challenges, we are happy to se e 
continuous and effective support of China to the WTO especially in strengthening its rules -based 
multilateral trading system, enforcing global trade rules, and bringing the current WTO 's trade 
negotiation forward.  
4.535.   Finally, the Delegation of Myanmar is p leased to convey appreciation to His Excellency 
Mr. Wang Shouwen, and his delegation for their friendship and constructive engagement 
throughout this TPR process.  
4.536.   We would like to wish the Chinese Del egation every success in their s eventh Trade Policy 
Review. 
BENIN 
4.537.   A major economy, China has accounted for an annual average of 30% of world economic 
growth since the period following the international financial crisis.  
4.538.   China has pursued its reforms under the 13th Five-Year Plan 2016 -2020, which aims to 
revise the country's current economic structure, inter alia  through private sector participation and 
the promotion of competition, giving an impetus to the country's economic growth, which has 
settled at around 7% of GDP annually.  
4.539.   These  reforms concern, in particular, the investment regime, the fiscal regime, and the 
financial system.  
4.540.   With respect to trade, the delegation of Benin notes that since 2014 China has continued to 
make substantial progress in two -way investments and foreign tr ade. Thus, Chinese imports and 
exports of goods have ranked first in the world for the third consecutive year since 2013, and WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  overall trade represented 53.4% of total exports and 54.9% of total imports. China has also 
diversified its trading partners as we ll as the volume of trade with its partners, and private 
enterprises have continued to record above -average results, particularly in the services sector.  
4.541.   The delegation of Benin wishes to highlight China's commitment to the multilateral trading 
system, and  in particular its involvement in the work and its commitment to the conclusion of the 
Doha Round negotiations.  
4.542.   Benin welcomes China's initiatives to advance the negotiations at the WTO, and the 
beneficial involvement of Ambassador Zhang Xiangchen and his team.  
4.543.   Turning to bilateral cooperation, our delegation would like to express its appreciation for 
the excellent cooperation prevailing between our two countries, a cooperation that is gathering 
pace in the fight against poverty and the promotion of economi c and social development in Benin.  
4.544.   The delegation of Benin highly values the support provided by China not only to Benin, but 
to all of the C -4 countries, the cotton -producing African countries and LDCs, for the promotion of 
this strategic economic and soc ial sector.  
4.545.   We wish China success and a fruitful trade policy review.  
VIET  NAM 
4.546.   We would like to associate ourselves with the ASEAN joint statement delivered by Lao PDR.  
4.547.   At the outset, Viet Nam would like to commend that China 's economy has again 
experienced continued strong growth during the period under review, with GDP growth rates 
remain at around 7% a year, supported by strong domestic consumption, making it one of the 
fastest growing economies in the world today.  
4.548.   As the Secretariat noted, Chi na continues to be one of the main drivers of the world 
economy and a major player in global trade. Therefore, we particularly welcome the Chinese 
Government 's commitment and steps taken so far to comprehensively deepen reform, promote 
innovation, expand p rivate -sector participation in the economy, further advance the reform of 
state-owned enterprises and develop the services sector. Given these strong commitments, we 
trust and expect that China 's economy will continue to be the driving force of, and make 
contributions to, the growth of global economy.  
4.549.   Turning to the bilateral side, China and Viet Nam enjoy long -standing bilateral economic 
ties, underpinned by strong trade and investment linkages. China is currently Viet Nam 's largest 
trading partner, while  Viet Nam stands as China 's eighth largest tr ading partner. In 2017, the 
two-way trade reached US$93.7 billion, up 30.2 % compared to 2016. Of the total, Viet Nam 's 
export to China recorded US$35.5 billion, a year -on-year increase of 61.5 %. Import from Chin a 
rose by 16.4 % year-on-year to US$58.2 billion. In the first four months of this year, trade 
between the two countries totaled US$29.65 billion, an increase of 16.9 % from the same period 
last year. China is our second biggest export destination and bigges t import source.  
4.550.   In terms of investment, up to June 2018, China has 1955 investment projects in Viet Nam 
with the registered capital of US$12.490 billion, ranking seventh out of 128 countries and 
territories investing in Viet Nam.  
4.551.   These figures speak for themselves: we should continue to step up our efforts in enhancing 
the bilateral trade and cooperation to ever attain new heights, while at the same time we should 
have more effective and practical activities and measures to address the recent trade issues  such 
as labelling and packaging requirements for food, and registration procedures and risk assessment 
requirements for imported fruits etc., to ensure sustainability and balance of benefits for 
businesses and people of the two countries.  
4.552.   Viet Nam appreci ates the positive role of China in support of the multilateral trading 
system. We have high expectations and attach great importance to areas where China can help WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  consensus building in the WTO, such as trade facilitation, agriculture reforms and support to  small 
and medium enterprises.  
4.553.   In conclusion, I would like to take  this opportunity to thank Ambassador Zhang Xiangchen 
and his dedicated team for the preparation of this review and wishes China every success in its 
economic and soci al development and the  Chinese d elegation a fruitful trade policy review.  
MAURITIUS  
4.554.   I wish to underline that Mauritius has longstanding and close bilateral relations with China 
and China is one of our strategic partners for the economic development of Mauritius.  
4.555.   Mauritius recog nizes the strong commitment of China to multilateral trading system and its 
active participation in the WTO.  
4.556.   Mauritius commends the Chinese Government for the implementation of reforms aimed at 
improving the business climate and attracting investment, name ly under the 13th Five -Year Plan 
2016-2020. We encourage China to pursue the reforms with a view to further improving its 
ranking in the Global Ease of Doing Business, which has significantly improved in the last three 
years. The ambitious Belt and Road In itiative could potentially generate tremendous gains in terms 
of improving trade connectivity for China and its trade partners.  
4.557.   With respect to its multilateral obligations, Mauritius welcomes the significant efforts of the 
Chinese Government to reform and  implement the Trade Facilitation Agreement. We appreciate 
that one third of imports are now declared through the Single Windows and clearance times for 
exports are being continuously reduced. We further note that China has reduced its simple 
average appli ed MFN rate to 9.3% as at December 2017 and has implemented reduced applied 
MFN tariffs for some 200 products, an important step towards further liberalizing  trade.  
4.558.   We however note that while China maintains a strong record of notifications to the WTO, 
some still remain outstanding. We therefore encourage China to take necessary steps to conform 
to the WTO requirements in a timely manner for the sake of transparency.  
4.559.   On the bilateral front, Mauritius is currently negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with 
China, covering trade in goods and services, intellectual property, trade remedies, economic 
cooperation and dispu te settlement, amongst others. We look forward to concluding the 
negotiations by the end of the year.  
4.560.   The signature of China -Mauritius FTA would be mutually beneficial to our nations in terms 
of further expanding bilateral trade and investment exchanges, and in a larger context, by 
injecting fresh momentum to the relationship between China and Africa as well as promoting the 
Belt and Road Initiativ e in Africa.  
4.561.   Finally, I would like to wish a successful trade policy review to the Chinese delegation.  
PANAMA  
4.562.   In its report, China notes that its economic development has entered a new phase in which 
it is seeking to achieve development that is "more open,  inclusive and balanced", and in which the 
benefits are shared by all. Panama would like to take this opportunity to highlight China's 
commitment to the multilateral system, and some of the important steps it has taken since its last 
review towards achievi ng those aims, ensuring that its economy continues to be an important 
driver of global economic growth.  
4.563.   We note that according to the Secretariat report, China has sought to move forward on 
quality and sustainability issues. Moreover, under the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016 -2020) it aims to 
continue the process of structural economic reform that includes the promotion of private sector 
participation in the economy as well as the reform of state -owned enterprises, although 
maintaining the preponderance of public  ownership.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.564.   There is a every reason to believe that China has made efforts to reform and harmonize its 
customs procedures, and a third of its imports are currently declared through single windows. 
Moreover, China accepted the Agreement on Trade Facilitatio n in September  2015, and we expect 
further progress in that direction.  
4.565.   Also worth noting is China's most recent agricultural strategy, which aims to deepen the 
supply -side structural reform in agriculture by improving structures, promoting "green" producti on, 
extending the sector's industrial and value chain, boosting innovation and consolidating shared 
rural development.  
4.566.   In the WTO, China and Panama belong to the Group of Article XII Members, which is 
seeking to balance the commitments of recently acceded countries with those of original GATT 
Members. This group is currently active in the negotiations on agriculture, market access and 
services.  
4.567.   Moreover, in agriculture both countries belong to the G -33, a negotiating group which 
ensures the protection of th e vulnerable sectors of agriculture in the developing countries. China is 
one of the largest contributors to the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce, and recently 
submitted a proposal, together with India, on domestic support.  
4.568.   Panama and China recently c elebrated the first anniversary of the establishment of 
diplomatic ties. During that period, the two countries concluded important agreements for the 
promotion of investment in the economic, logistical, educational and tourism sectors, which have 
significa nt trade dimensions. Since Panama is relying on its strategic logistical position in an 
increasingly integrated world, we appreciate the importance of Air China's decision to 
introduce  flights between Beijing and Panama City, making Panama the main air hub  for China 
in Latin America.  
4.569.   A joint Panama -China Committee was set up to strengthen and promote bilateral 
cooperation on economic matters, trade, and investment, fostering welfare not only between China 
and Panama, but also between Asia and America.  
4.570.   Yeste rday, as a result of these joint initiatives, Panama and China launched negotiations 
for a trade agreement.  
4.571.   During the period 2012 -2016, without an FTA, imports from China increased by 24% 
from US$809  million in 2012 to US$ 1,070  million in 2016. On the oth er hand, Panama's expo rts to 
China reached barely US$ 35.5 million in 2016. Notwithstanding this difference, we acknowledge 
that China represents a potential market for certain Panamanian exports, just as Panama could be 
interesting for certain Chinese inve stors.  
4.572.   Finally, it is important to mention that China ranks second among users of the Panama 
Canal, through which 6% of world's maritime trade transits, and the container vessel "Andronikos" 
belonging to China Cosco Shipping Corporation Limited made the fi rst transit through the 
Expanded Panama Canal.  
4.573.   We would like to thank China for its commitment and its active participation in the 
multilateral system, and to wish it a successful trade policy review.  
SRI LANKA  
4.574.   China continued to be a major driver of globa l economic growth standing as the largest 
trading nation in the world. It has been able to maintain its economic growth at an averag e 7% 
during the review period. We also observe that the local consumption has significantly contributed 
China 's growth. It i s interesting to note that Government of China intends focusing on the quality 
and sustainability rather than the quantity of growth. We believe the latest Five -Year Plan which 
was launched in 2016 aiming at structural economic reforms, has captioned this sustainability 
aspect of the Government.   
4.575.   China has bound all its tariff. Although the tariff reform implemented by the Chinese 
authorities in December 2017 has reduced the applied MFN tariffs for some 200 consumer WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  products which resulted a slight decline  in average applied MFN tariff, it is still relatively high, and 
it may deprive the competing opportunities for the small countries like us.  
4.576.   My delegation appreciates the significant role played by China in the multilateral trading 
system since its accessi on to WTO. It is also interested to note that China has notified category B 
commitments under TFA without maintaining any commitments under category C. China is also an 
active member of likeminded group on Friends of E -Commerce for Development in the WTO. We 
note with interest the active engagement played by delegation of China in the Open -ended 
discussions taken place on MSMEs and Investment Facilitation.  
4.577.   In regard to bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and China, our ancient relations were 
mainly on re ligious and cultural relations. Since independence of Sri Lanka in 1948 our trade and 
economic relations sta rted to grow up significantly. In 1952, opening a new chapter in trade 
relations between the two countries, China and Sri Lanka entered into a Barte r Trade Agreement 
on rubber and rice, called 'Sino-Lanka Rubber -Rice Pact '. This has become historic as it was the 
first trade agreement signed by China with a non -communist country. 5 years after signing this 
agreement, China established diplomatic relati ons with Sri Lanka.  
4.578.   Over the past decade, the total trade turnover between two countries has been increased 
almost by 4 times. However, the balance of trade is always heavily in favour of China. In terms of 
total trade, China is our second largest trading partner. Imp orts from China in 2017 was 
US$4191  million while Sri Lanka 's exports to China remai ns at US$ 415 millio n. The trade gap 
remains at US$ 3,776 million in 2017.  
4.579.   Around 40% of Sri Lanka 's exports to China enjoy preferential market access under Asia -
Pacific Agreement (APTA) formerly Bangkok agreement. Although Sri Lanka has the potential to 
increase its export to China under this regional agreement, a review of sensitive list of China may 
be required to avail of this opportunity.  
4.580.   China has been an important source of funding for many infrastructure development 
project s in Sri Lanka. Building of Port City reclaiming 02 sqkm land, development of second 
seaport in South of Sri Lanka and developing second international Airport in the country are the 
latest of such assistance. China has also invested in tourism industry.  
4.581.   Sri Lanka and China has initiated negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement 
since 2014 following the State visit of C hinese President to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka also attracts 
signification number of tourists from China.  
4.582.   In the multilateral front, my delegation appreciates China 's highly valued contribution to 
the multilateral trading system. China as an active member of WTO continues to engage 
proactively in the ongoing negotiati ons. The dynamic role played by the Ambassador Z hang and 
his team in Geneva is highly commendable.  
4.583.   In concluding, my delegation sincerely wishes Chinese delegation a successful deliberation 
on its seventh Trade Policy Review.  
GHANA  
4.584.   Ghana 's economic and trade cooperation with China has achieved gratifying results with 
trade volume surging from less than US$100 million in 2000 to US$5.6 billion in 2014, and 
US$6.67 billion by the end of 2017, a percentage increase of about 12% over the 2016 volume of 
trade.  
4.585.   Although Ghana 's exports to China hit US$1.85 billion in 2017 after surging to a record 
high of US$1.4 billion in 2014, representing over 41 % increase, trade between the two countries 
remain unbalanced in favour of China due to Ghana 's large volumes of imports.  
4.586.   Currently, China is one of the main sources of foreign –direct investment in Ghana which 
has financed a number of projects that have boosted the socio -economic growth of Ghana. In 
2015, China made direct investments of US$174 millio n in Ghana, with an over -all accumulated WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  amount of US$1.3 billion, ranking China as the current leading source of investments in terms of 
number of projects in Ghana and fourth among African countries.  
4.587.   China 's investment in Ghana last year included US$50 m illion for the construction of a 
Fishing Harbour Complex in Accra to enhance productivity and create job opportunities for the 
fisher folks in the coastal communities. Chinese investments are in the fields of energy, 
manufacturing, aviation and agriculture  including the Sunon Asogli Power Plant, Africa World 
Airline and the Sentuo Steel factory, which had played key roles in providing job opportunities for 
the local people, improving their livelihood, promoting interconnection of the sub -region, and 
helping  to resolve electricity power shortage.  
4.588.   Other areas that have benefitted from Chinese investments and worthy of mention include 
E-Governance, Water Supply Expansion, Gas Processing and rural electrification as well as satellite 
TV covering 300 villages acr oss the country. We are confident that the phase 2 of the University of 
Health and Allied Sciences project will also proceed as planned.  
China -Africa Cooperation  
4.589.   Ghana ranks high in China -Africa cooperation achieved through jointly cultivated and 
nurtured political trust.  
4.590.   During the China -Africa Cooperation Summit in Johannesburg last year, China mentioned 
agricultural modernization , infrastructure, green development and poverty reduction as priority 
areas of China -Africa cooperation. We remain confident t hat China would uphold the guidelines on 
its relations with Africa to further take the China -Africa economic and trade cooperation to a new 
level.  
4.591.   According to the International Institute for the Advanced Study of Cultures, Institutions 
and Economic Enterp rise "China emerging as the world 's largest economy, and has moved from 
being the world 's factory to one of the world 's largest consumer markets ". The new era of 
China -Africa relations, potentially offers not only mutually beneficial collaborations for bot h sides 
but also, a chance for Africa as a whole and Ghana, in particular, to use innovation in converting 
its rich sources to create supply for "the world 's largest consumer ". 
Review Reports  
4.592.   From the reports, we note China 's adoption of the policy reform to open its economy which 
celebrates its 40 years this year and which has reached a new historic juncture in its development, 
under the guidance of President Xi Jingping.  
4.593.   The reports indicate that Real GDP grew by 6.7% in 2 016 and was expected to maintain 
that growth in 2017 engineered mainly by consumption with the share of services in GDP 
exceeding 50% for the first time in 2015 generated by e -commerce and tourism services.  
4.594.   Whereas the share of merchandise trade in GDP, i ncome inequality and poverty levels have 
declined, excess capacity in some energy and manufacturing sectors and implicit assistance to 
state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have increased over several years.  
China and the WTO  
4.595.   China has been an active member of th e WTO and participates fully in all its deliberations. 
Of particular mention are its commitments to joining the Government Procurement Agreement, its 
Observer status to the Pluri -lateral Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft and contribution to the 
expansio n of the Information Technology Agreement, as well as in the implementation of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement. The latter is exemplified by categorization of all but 4 measures for 
immediate implementation and the remaining four as measures to be impleme nted within 3 years.  
4.596.   We note that, and as indicated by other members, state trading and state-owned  
enterprises are prevalent and highly solicited and encourage China to divest itself of this 
endeavour and encourage competition. The aging population and ex cess capacity of some of these 
companies need to need to be address if stability is to be maintained.   WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.597.   We are confident that China as a defender of the principles of rules, openness, 
transparency, inclusiveness and non -discrimination as indicated in the c ountry report, will help 
address the current protectionist and unilateral policies of certain Members and bring sanity in the 
MTS. 
4.598.   As a global leader, we expect China to channel its capacity to benefit other developing 
countries in the spirit of south -south cooperation.  
4.599.   Ghana congratulates China on its 7th TPR and wishes it every success in the review.  
TAJIKISTAN  
4.600.   Tajik-Chinese trade and economic relations were established in 1992 after the acquisition 
of sovereignty by the Republic of Tajikistan.  
4.601.   It is wor th to note that the Republic of Tajikistan builds its relations with China taking into 
account its dynamically developing economy and its large financial resources, which create 
favourable conditions for mutually beneficial cooperation, primarily in the fi eld of trade and 
investment.  
4.602.   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 President of the People 's Republic of Chin a Xi Jinping during the State visit of the President of 
the Republic of Tajikistan to China in August 2017.  
4.603.   Constructive exchange of views was held on the expansion of political, economic, 
investment, trade, scientific, technical, and cultural cooperation . 
4.604.   Following the official negotiations,  a number of documents were signed which have laid the 
foundation to legal treaty basis of cooperation between Tajikistan and China.  
4.605.   During state visit to China the Head of State Emomali Rahmon emphasized that Tajikist an 
is interested in the active participation of the Chinese side in the implementation of projects for 
the construction of medium -capacity hydroelectric power plants. The sides elaborated constructive 
ideas and proposals on the strengthening of interstate relations in the direction of reconstruction of 
Tajikistan 's hydropower capacities, in the transport and transit sector, including the construction of 
the regional railway China -Kyrgyzstan -Tajikistan -Afghanistan -Iran, which revives the southern 
branch of t he "Great Silk Road ". The Tajik side particularly emphasized the great potential of the 
country in establishing effective cooperation with China in the construction and reconstruction of 
aluminum production plants, the import of modern machinery and techno logies from China and the 
export of fruits and vegetables to China. In order to improve relations in the areas of mutual 
interest, the parties considered it necessary to intensify the work of the Intergovernmental 
Commission of the Republic of Tajikistan a nd the People 's Republic of China on Trade and 
Economic Cooperation. The meeting also discussed issues related to the development and 
expansion of interaction between Tajikistan and China in the spheres of production of building 
materials, processing of co tton fiber and mining - metallurgical minerals.  
4.606.   On the sidelines of the session of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai 
Cooperation Organization in China in 2018, the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of 
the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon had a meeting with President 
of the People 's Republic of China Xi Jinping.  President of Tajikistan confidently stated that we will 
continue to make efforts to strengthen and expand the partnership and strategic relatio ns between 
the two countries and expressed gratitude for the worthy contribution of the Chinese Government 
in ensuring the sustainable socio -economic development of Tajikistan and implementing important 
infrastructure projects.  It was mentioned that the pa ckage of earlier signed documents will make a 
significant contribution to the implementation of Tajikistan 's plans and state program mes, 
including the National Development Strategy for the period up to 2030, the achievement of 
strategic goals and the trans formation of the country from agro -industrial to industrial -agrarian 
country.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.607.   The foreign trade turnover between Tajikistan and China for 2017 amounted 
US$591,5  million and decreased by US$293,7 million comparing to 2016. Of the total amount of 
foreign trade turnover import constitutes US$556,1 million but there is a decrease in comparison 
with 2016 by US$284,9 million . Export constituted US$35,4 million and decreased by 
US$8,2  million comparing to 2016. The share of trade with China in 2017 was 14.8 %. 
4.608.   The expansion of trade cooperation with Chi na is in the interests of both S tates. In this 
regard it is important to make use of available opportunities for the development of trade relations 
between Tajikist an and China.  
4.609.   This seventh Trade Policy Review of China provides a great opportunity to improve our 
understanding of its trade and investment regime.  
4.610.   Allow me to highlight  some key aspects of TP reports. The Chinese economy continued to 
be a major driver  of global economic growth. Real GDP growth has been moderating as the 
economy adjusts to the "new normal " with growth rates of around 7% per year in the foreseeable 
future; growth rebalances from investment to consumption, from external to internal demand , and 
from manufacturing to services. Consumption was responsible for around two -thirds of the growth 
during the review period. The share of services in GDP exceeded 50% for the first time in 2015. 
Within services, e -commerce sales and tourism services imp orts have been particularly strong. 
China expanded its RTA network by signing two new agreements with the Maldives and Georgia, 
bringing the total number to 17. However,  the volume of Chinese trade covered by FTAs remains 
small.  
4.611.   China as an active Member of the WTO continued to make efforts to reform and harmonize 
its customs procedures. About one third of imports are now declared through single windows. 
Clearance times of imports were reduced to an average of 16.7 hours in 2017 from over 22 hours 
in 2016.  China accepted the Agreement on Trade Facilitation in September 2015. It notified its 
Category A commitments, which cover the majority of measures, in June 2014, and its Category B 
commitments in June 2017. China does not have any Category C commitments. The indicative 
implementation date for most Category B commitments is February 2020.  
4.612.   My delegation acknowledges China 's continued pursuit of trade liberalization in a 
multilateral as well as bilateral context. China 's contribution to and constructive invol vement in 
various areas of the work and negotiations of the WTO is also remarkable. We also acknowledge 
the China 's efforts to support the integration of developing economies into the global trading 
system.  
4.613.   We are confident that China continues to undertak e 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.  
4.614.   In conclusion I wish China a very productive and successful trade policy review  exercise.  
GUINEA  
4.615.   For the Republic of Guinea, the progress made by the People's Republic of China over the 
past few years is proof of the Chinese Government's commitment to a more open and competitive 
market based on the rules of the multilateral trading s ystem.  
4.616.   Since its last trade policy review, growth in China has remained relatively robust. 
The Chinese economy has proved resilient, supported by sound economic data showing growth at 
about 6%.  
4.617.   Thanks to China's impressive progress, 800  million citizens ha ve been lifted out of poverty.  
4.618.   China has become one of the main motors of world growth, and a major partner of the 
developing countries in general and the LDCs in particular, through qualitative investment in 
sustainable development objectives.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.619.   As you know , China is a long -standing strategic partner for Guinea. The close relations that 
already existed between our two countries were further strengthened with the signature, in 
September  2017, of a framework agreement for the financing of priority infrastructu re projects to 
the tune of USD  20 billion over the next 20 years.  
4.620.   This agreement is the result of several months of negotiations, and comes within the 
framework of the comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement for the promotion of a win -win 
partnership . 
4.621.   As you know, the Republic of Guinea has a wealth of mineral resources, but lacks the 
capital to finance the basic infrastructure it needs. This is why the Guinean and Chinese 
Governments set up a win -win strategic partnership following the 2006 China -Africa Forum.  
4.622.   The underlying principle of this partnership is to supply China with raw materials and 
mining products in exchange for financing and technologies for the development of infrastructure 
and industrialization of the country.  
4.623.   The funding will begin with a total investment of about US$ 1.3 billion for several 
infrastructure projects, including roads in the capital, Conakry, the extension of the Port of 
Conakry, the reconstruction of part of the highway, the building of an electric power line between 
Linsan and Fomi, and the rehabilitation and extension of a regional university.  
4.624.   In addition to the Kaléta hydroelectric dam built in 2015 by China, Guinea and the 
International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, with the capacity of 
240 MW, the Guinean Government is currently building a second hydroele ctric dam at Souapiti 
worth  US$1.5 billion, in partnership with China and in the framework of public -private partnership.  
4.625.   Similarly, there are projects to extend the Sino -Guinean hosp ital, to build Parliament 
headquarters, and to support the national programme for adaptation to climate change, all funded 
by a Chinese grant f or a total of approximately US$ 100 million.  
4.626.   We note that Chinese companies are also involved in sectors such as h ealth, agriculture, 
banking, distribution, infrastructure, mining and air transport.  
4.627.   However, trade between China and Guinea is not very diversified and remains centred on a 
few traditional industrial products imported by Guinea.  
4.628.   As an LDC, Guinea is grant ed certain market access opportunities by the Chinese 
Government, but makes little use of them owing to the lack of business between Chinese and 
Guinean SMEs.  
4.629.   This is why we urge the Chinese authorities to encourage Chinese companies to strengthen 
their co operation with Guinean companies in order to help them build up their market access 
capacity.  
4.630.   To conclude, I would like to take this opportunity to thank China for its different 
contributions to the WTO on behalf of LDC projects and to invite WTO Members t o encourage the 
People's Republic of China to continue the admirable efforts it has made to modernize its economy 
since its last trade policy review.  
COTE D'IVOIRE  
4.631.   The delegation of Cote d'Ivoire endorses the statement made by South Africa on behalf of 
the African Group.  
4.632.   On Friday, 2  March  2018, the highest authorities of Cote d'Ivoire and China celebrated the 
35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries in Adibjan.  
4.633.   For 35 years, relations between China and Cote d' Ivoire have survived the vicissitudes of 
time and grown stronger. True to the principles of equality and mutual benefit and respect, the WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  two countries have become good partners, linked by sincerity and confidence, and working 
together in mutually beneficia l cooperation.  
4.634.   Cooperation between China and Cote d'Ivoire in the training area is becoming more and 
more intensive, with some 300 Ivorian government officials and representatives of other sectors 
participating in different internships, traineeships and se minars in China in the course of 2017.  
4.635.   China's financial support for Cote d'Ivoire targets many important infrastructure projects, 
including the Soubré dam, the Abidjan -Bassam highway, the extension of the Port of Abidjan, the 
installation of a video -surve illance network in Abidjan, the extension of the national electricity grid, 
and the Abidjan water supply system.  
4.636.   The strengthening of friendship and cooperation between China and Cote d'Ivoire is also 
reflected in China's commitment to help with the implem entation of Cote d'Ivoire's National 
Development Plan 2016 -2020, in particular in the areas of industrialization, agricultural 
modernization and infrastructure.  
4.637.   Turning to trade, we note that trade between China and C ote d'Ivoire increased 
from US$1.44  billion in 2014 to US$ 8.85 billion in 2016. This means that China is Cote d'Ivoire's 
leading supplier and its third trading partner. In 2017, the volume of trade reached 
US$1.85 billion.  
4.638.   The Chamber of Commerce of Chinese Enterprises in Cote d'Ivoire (CCEC) w as recently 
inaugurated in Abidjan. This gathering of Chinese companies in Cote d'Ivoire serves as a hub for 
cultural and economic exchange between Cote d'Ivoire and China and a platform for the exchange 
of information, mutual assistance and cooperation.  
4.639.   As pointed out in the Secretariat report, the Chinese economy has continued to be a major 
driver of global economic growth. Real GDP grew by 6.7% in 2016, and is expected to increase in 
the coming years.  
4.640.   Income inequality and poverty have decreased. Under the 13th Five-Year Plan 
(2016 -2020), the authorities intend to continue the process of structural and economic reform, 
which includes the promotion of private sector participation in the economy as well as the reform 
of state -owned enterprises, while keepi ng the preponderance of public ownership. During the 
review period, China continued to pursue a proactive fiscal policy, which was guided by supply -side 
restructuring and adjusting to the "new normal".  
4.641.   Thus, it would appear from both the Secretariat and Go vernment reports, that China is 
working to fulfil its commitments under the WTO multilateral trading system. Its contribution to 
the integration of LDCs and developing countries in world trade is considerable.  
4.642.   The delegation of Cote d'Ivoire expresses its best wishes for a successful trade policy 
review of China, whose support for the development of South -South cooperation is commendable.  
GABON  
4.643.   According to the reports, China's economic and commercial growth is continuing at an 
annual rate that has increase d slightly, from 6.7% in 2016 to 6.8% in 2017. In spite of this 
relative stagnation, the Chinese economy remains one of the main drivers of world economic 
growth.  
4.644.   Indeed, China has implemented a development strategy focusing, inter alia , on innovation 
and entrepreneurship, government support for small and medium -sized enterprises, the creation 
of pilot free trade areas, and the opening up of its market to private capital, in particular banks, 
which has led to the creation of many companies over the past few  years.  
4.645.   Gabon welcomes the fact that not only is China continuing to open up its economy, but 
also remains committed to an open and inclusive multilateral trading system; and we note with 
appreciation the personal involvement of the Chinese Ambassador, H.E . Mr Zhang Xiangchen, and 
his colleagues in this process.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.646.   My country looks forward to seeing China complete its 13th Five-Year Plan as scheduled, 
in 2020.  
4.647.   Gabon also welcomes China's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cap its coal 
consumption a s reflected in the adoption, under the Five -Year Plan for Energy 2016 -2020, of 
measures such as a shift from coal to natural gas at city -cluster level; a toughening of air -quality 
standards; and the decision not to construct more than 100 coal -fired plants  that had already been 
planned.  
4.648.   Gabon appreciates the excellent cooperative relations with China under the guidance of the 
highest authorities of the two countries, namely H.E.  Mr Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of the 
Gabonese Republic, and H.E.  Mr Xi Jinpin g, President of the People's Republic of China. These 
relations have been developing in a lasting and stable manner for some 40 years.  
4.649.   The partnership is a comprehensive one, forged through the strengthening of multifaceted 
relations, particularly in the p olitical and economic areas and at the multilateral level, thanks to 
convergence on the important issues of major interest.  
4.650.   Today, nearly 30 Chinese enterprises operate in Gabon, notably in sectors such as health, 
mining, forestry, the hotel and catering i ndustries, fisheries and the development of infrastructure.  
4.651.   Gabon appreciates its cooperation with China under the Paris Agreement and in the fight 
against climate change.  
4.652.   China's crucial contribution to the Gabonese economy rests among other things on its  
proven expertise in the transformation of natural resources with a view to increasing value added 
and creating jobs – a win -win cooperation that contributes to poverty reduction and development.  
4.653.   In the first quarter of 2017, China was Gabon's main trading  partner, with an estimated 
trade volume of CFAF 327.8  billion, compared to CFAF 131.7  billion in 2016.  
4.654.   From the point of view of South -South cooperation, trade between Gabon and China is 
highly significant and is a source of great satisfaction to my count ry. 
4.655.   Finally, I would like to stress that China remains a major partner in speeding up the 
diversification of the Gabonese economy, one of the priorities of our Head of State together with 
the programme for equality of opportunity for all Gabonese nationals , which is of crucial 
importance to the President of the Republic.  
4.656.   Gabon wishes China every success in its trade policy review.  
CHAD  
4.657.   We fully endorse China's vision which firmly defends WTO rules while advocating an open, 
transparent, inclusive and non -discriminatory multilateral trading system. My delegation 
commends China's efforts in various areas, in particular liberalization, trade and investment 
facilitation, defence of the dispute settlement mechanism, and agricultural export competition.  
4.658.   Chad als o welcomes China's approach to compliance with multilateral trade rules, its 
determination to meet notification requirements and its commitment to fulfilling its WTO 
obligations.  
4.659.   We note that the level of exports from the LDCs, which include Chad, to China , is 
extremely encouraging, and has been made possible by the preferential system for LDCs. The 
LDCs enjoy duty -and quota -free access to the Chinese market for both their agricultural and 
non-agricultural products. However, much remains to be done for our countries to be able to 
increase their exports to China.  
4.660.   We also welcome China's notification of preferential treatment for service suppliers and 
services of LDCs. We hope that China can provide further assistance in line with paragraph 1.5 of WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  the Nairobi Ministerial Decision to help implement the preferences provided in its notifications so 
that LDC suppliers on the ground can appreciate the good news concerning these ratifications.  
4.661.   Chad appreciates China's support for the "Aid -for-Trade" initiative and it s commitment in 
favour of cotton, the acceding LDCs and the Enhanced Integrated Framework. We rely heavily on 
China to maintain its approach to trade capacity building in the least developed countries.  
4.662.   As stated in the Outline of the 13th Five-Year Plan (2 016-2020), the Chinese authorities are 
intent on continuing the process of structural economic reform, which includes the promotion of 
private sector participation in the economy, as well as the reform of state -owned enterprises 
(SOEs), while keeping the p reponderance of public ownership. Other measures mentioned in the 
Plan include the promotion of competition, fiscal reform, financial sector reform to increase private 
capital participation in banking and expand the provision of financial services, and mak ing the 
exchange rate and interest rate more market -oriented.  
4.663.   We encourage China to maintain this momentum and to continue supporting the LDCs, 
particularly in the structural transformation of their economies and technology transfer.  
4.664.   In terms of bilateral cooperation, China is an extremely important partner for Chad, a 
partner with which we would like to further develop our trade relations. Mutual political confidence 
between our two countries has reached a high level, as reflected in the long -term developm ent 
plan adopted by President Idriss Deby Itno and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.  
4.665.   Many meetings of experts, ministers and heads of state have taken place and continue to 
take place between China and Chad. From a long -term strategic standpoint, our two  countries 
have always shown mutual understanding and support on issues involving their vital interests and 
major concerns.  
4.666.   Chad and China have concluded several agreements, notably concerning infrastructure, 
agriculture and water.  
4.667.   In 2017, China provided Chad with CFAF 17.5  billion for the construction of stadiums and 
the supply of drinking water in the capital (N'Djamena). T his support, together with 
CFAF 36 million in emergency food aid, has been in the form of non -repayable grants. A 
well-drilling proje ct was also completed, as was a feasibility study for the construction of a school 
for vocational training.  
4.668.   A trade agreement was signed providing for duty - and quota -free access to the Chinese 
market for 400 Chadian products, together with an agreement fo r the export of meat and cotton 
lint to China. At the same time, China is involved in the exploration and exploitation of petroleum 
resources in Chad with the Société de Raffinage de Djarmaya (SNR). The SNR is a 
Chadian -Chinese consortium that has been in operation since 2011.  
4.669.   China is also involved in the Sarh spinning industry in Chad, and in the Pala cement works. 
At the same time, academic cooperation and capacity building as well as sociocultural cooperation 
between Chad and China have developed consid erably. Chad's imports from China consist of 
manufactured and electronic products.  
4.670.   The economic and trade outlook for our two countries is encouraging, particularly in 
agriculture, mining and tourism. This largely unexploited potential, pinpointed by the Government 
of Chad in its policy of diversification and structural transformation of the national economy, will 
help to build up the country's production capacity and to create an important dynamic for 
international trade with a view to sustainable develop ment.  
4.671.   Chad wishes China every success with its trade policy review.  
BURKINA  FASO 
4.672.   China has become a major world economic power, currently representing more than 15% 
of international trade and contributing on average more than 30% of global economic growth 
annually.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.673.   Although China's economy has slowed down over the past few years, the economic growth 
momentum achieved over a long period has helped to support its structural transformation.  
4.674.   As a result, thanks to its enlightened and persistent economic reforms , China has 
progressively become a major player in the new era of globalization.  
4.675.   Indeed, China has made the promotion of economic liberalization and trade and 
investment facilitation a cornerstone of its integration in the multilateral trading system and i ts 
sustainable development.  
4.676.   The country is actively involved in defending world economic governance based on the 
fundamental values of multilateralism and the fight against protectionism.  
4.677.   Turning to trade -related technical assistance, Burkina Faso is grate ful for China's continued 
efforts to help strengthen production and trade capacity in the countries that are experiencing 
particular difficulties in deriving benefits from world trade.  
4.678.   The application to LDCs of an average preferential tariff of 0.7% and a  share of duty -free 
lines of 96.5% provides Burkina Faso with duty -free and quota -free access to the vast Chinese 
market.  
4.679.   China remains Burkina Faso's second most important trading partner, accounting for 9.7% 
of its overall trade.  
4.680.   With the recent renewal of diplomatic relations with China, the two countries have 
undertaken new bilateral cooperation projects, particularly in the areas of security, energy, 
housing, education, health, trade, industry, agriculture, infrastructure, technology and investment.  
4.681.   On behalf of the Government of Burkina Faso, let me conclude by expressing the hope that 
China will continue to show excellent results as it pursues it economic reforms, and by wishing it 
every success for its 7th Trade Policy Review.  
KYRGYZ  REPUBLIC  
4.682.   China i s the world 's largest trader and is one of the main largest trading partners of the 
Kyrgyz Republic.  
4.683.   For the period  2013-2015 the average goods turnover between our countries is 
US$1,22  billion . 
4.684.   Kyrgyzstan 's export to China ma inly comprises of raw material s (raw skin, ferrous and 
non-ferrous scraps, different types of metals, certain types of hydrocarbons and others).  
4.685.   China imports to Kyrgyzstan: machinery (industrial equipment), diversified goods from 
metal, electrical machinery and equipment, textiles and  different types of garments, various food 
products, building materials, other products.  
4.686.   As of today, our countries have signed numerous agreements, which set a certain basis in 
regard to  legal framework, administrative processes etc. which is allowing further development of 
a mutually beneficial relations and diversified cooperation on bilateral level, as well as on the 
regional and international levels including in the framework of Shang hai Cooperation Organization, 
the United Nations, WTO and other international organizations.   
4.687.   The Kyrgyz Republic was one of the first to officially confirm the country 's active 
participation in the revival of the Great Silk Road in 2014. The initiative o n economic development 
framework for primarily integrating trade and investment in Eurasia by building the Silk Road 
Economic Belt (also known as One Belt, One Road Initiative ) is being considered by 
Kyrgyz  Republic as a way to promote the opening up of in land and border areas as well as 
balanced development among different regions.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.688.   The partnership has achieved new era of evolution during the last meeting held in China 
between the Presidents of the Kyrgyz Republic and China. As result of those meetings, Chi na and 
Kyrgyzstan have agreed to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership.  
4.689.   We are pleased to see that China continues to deepen its market -oriented reforms, moving 
in the direction of liberalization  and simplification of its procedures, including c ustoms reforms, 
which will contribute to removing  trade barriers.  
4.690.   Taking the opportunity, the Delegation of the Kyrgyz Republic wishes the People 's Republic 
of China a very successful seventh Trade Policy Review.  
ZIMBABWE  
4.691.   Since China 's last trade policy r eview in 2016, the Chinese economy continued to be a 
major driver of global economic growth, with GDP growth moderating around 7% per year. Real 
GDP growth grew by 6.7% in 2016, and was expected to be around 6.8% in 2017. We are 
delighted to note that Chin a's economic growth has transitioned from a phase of high growth to 
high quality growth and development with a new vision based on an open economy which has 
become a growth and development model.  
4.692.   China is an active member of the WTO and continues to contri bute towards shaping the 
agenda of the Multilateral Trading System. They have also championed the cause of the small 
economies in terms of provision of technical assistance for accessions and cotton development 
amongst others as well as guidance in DDA neg otiations.  
4.693.   At bilateral level, since 2012, Trade between the two countries has generally been in 
Zimbabwe 's favour, surpassing a  mark of US$1 billion per year. Tobacco is Zimbabwe 's largest 
single export commodity to China, with nearly 60% of total export s being absorbed by China, 
while machinery and equipment are the country 's single largest imports from China. There is great 
scope to increase these trade figures if the trade potential and market access opportunities 
between our two countries are fully ta pped. Zimbabwe has diversified the country 's markets for 
flowers to China where the demand is growing. Furthermore, the process to facilitate the 
exportation of Zimbabwe citrus fruits and other products is underway.  
4.694.   China continues to be Zimbabwe 's biggest  source of foreign direct investment. To this end, 
the two countries are considering reviewing the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection 
Agreement (BIPPA) to improve its scope in line with new international best practices.  
4.695.   Effort is being put to p romote business -to-business engagement to further strengthen 
relations between the two countries ' private sectors and attract more investments.  
4.696.   Investment inflows into Zimbabwe from China have been increasing from US$189 million 
in 2015 to around US$300 m illion in 2017 and is expected to exceed US$2 billion in 2018. A 
number of Chinese companies have been contracted to implement some projects in Zimbabwe 
using both concessional and commercial loans sourced from China Eximbank.  
4.697.   China is cooperating with Zi mbabwe in the planning, construction and management of 
Zimbabwe Special Economic Zones and to this end, Chinese Government extended training to 
Zimbabwe Government officials on the operationalization  and management of these zones.  
4.698.   The Chinese Government ha s also extended financial and technical support to the 
Government of Zimbabwe for the following infr astructure development projects:  
• Kariba South Hydropower Expansion Project which was commissioned in March 2018 with 
capacity to generate 300MW of electrici ty into the national grid.  
• The 600MW Hwange 7 & 8 Thermal Power Expansion Project worth US$1,5 billion which was 
commissioned for construction on 27 June 2018.  
• Upgrading of the Victoria Falls International Airport to an international gateway.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  • Harare City Council 's Sewer and Water Reticulation Project  
4.699.   Zimbabwe anticipates more investments from mega deals already signed between 
Zimbabwe and China.  
4.700.   Furthermore, Zimbabwe is open for inflows of foreign direct investment from China and 
envisions becoming one of China 's leading economic, technological and industrial development 
partners in Southern Africa.  
4.701.   I wish China a successful trade policy review.  
MALI 
4.702.   My delegation associates itself with the statement delivered by Benin as coordinator of the 
Group of Co -Sponsors of the Sectoral Initiative in Favour of Cotton (C4).  
4.703.   We have noted with particular interest the continued efforts of the People's Republic of 
China to improve their participation in international trade in accordance with the WTO rules, and in 
the facilitation of trade with other WTO Members.  
4.704.   Despite a challenging world economic environment, Chinese im ports and exports grew 
from US$3,685.5  billion to US$ 4,107  billion between 2016 and 2017, representing an increase of 
11.4% in one year. These results  are the fruit of significant structural and economic reforms 
undertaken by China in recent years, which have enabled it to become one of the world's leading 
economic powers.  
4.705.   We also appreciate China's efforts at transparency, which do a great deal to impr ove the 
level of trade with its partners. The results achieved, which are mentioned in China's report, are 
remarkable, particularly with regard to South -South cooperation and bilaterally with my country.  
4.706.   We welcome the excellent political, economic, trade and cultural relations between China 
and Mali, for which China is one of the main development partners.  
4.707.   Mali is one of the privileged beneficiaries of the foreign aid provided by the People's 
Republic of China for major infrastructure projects in all devel opment sectors of the country's 
economy, particularly in the transport, agricultural and digital sectors.  
4.708.   We share the position held by China, which reaffirms its trust in the multilateral trading 
system and the vital role of the WTO in that system, and ap preciate its support and availability 
during the negotiations on cotton within the WTO. We encourage China to pursue and persevere 
with its reform policies for the benefit of multilateral trade.  
CUBA  
4.709.   I would like to begin by pointing out that not only has China been one of Cuba's major 
trading partners for decades, but that partnership continues to develop, and we feel certain that 
our solid historical ties will grow ever stronger.  
4.710.   The Chinese economy clearly continues to be one of the main drivers of world  economic 
growth. Since joining the WTO, China has done its part, as a responsible Member, to fulfil the 
broad market access commitments that it undertook during the negotiations and to meet the 
numerous obligations it assumed.  
4.711.   As a WTO Member, China parti cipates actively in the daily work of the Organization. It is 
also a fervent defender and staunch supporter of the multilateral trading system. We join other 
Members in congratulating the Chinese Ambassador and the entire team in Geneva for their work.  
4.712.   China was one of the first Members to ratify the Agreement on Trade Facilitation and is 
meeting its obligations under that Agreement. It points out that it has only four Category B 
measures and that its Category A measures account for 94.5% of the total. It h as undertaken to WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  apply all Category B measures during the three -year transition period. It does not have any 
Category C provisions.  
4.713.   China should particularly be commended for the significant decrease in its income 
inequality and poverty levels. Between 201 3 and 2017, it made decisive progress in lifting over 
68 million people out of poverty, including the relocation of 8.3  million individuals living in 
inhospitable areas, and the reduction of the poverty headcount ratio from 10.2% to 3.1%.  
4.714.   China has made a positive contribution to the development of South -South cooperation, to 
the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and to the building of a 
community with a shared future for mankind. At the same time, it provides support for many 
developing countries and has granted unilateral trade preferences to LDCs. China also deserves 
credit for providing duty -free treatment to a number of LDCs on 97% of tariff lines 
in December  2017.  
4.715.   Through continuous reform and opening -up, China has establis hed an economic and trade 
system in line with both its national conditions and international prevailing rules and practices. It is 
currently the main trading partner of over 120 countries and regions.  
4.716.   China continues to strengthen its administrative and ju dicial protection of intellectual 
property rights, and has strengthened its long -term mechanisms to guarantee that protection.  
4.717.   Furthermore, it has always held that an open, inclusive and non -discriminatory multilateral 
trading system was the critical insti tutional guarantee that promoted world economic growth and 
trade facilitation and liberalization.  
4.718.   China has repeatedly stressed that trade frictions and disputes should be addressed 
through constructive dialogue, consultations and communications, based on mutual respect and in 
accordance with WTO multilateral trading rules. It has expressed its deep concern over the 
unilateral and protectionist practices of a Member that is openly in breach of the fundamental rules 
and spirit of the WTO, the GATT and the Ag reement on Safeguards.  
4.719.   We wish China every success in this trade policy review and in its efforts to achieve higher 
levels of development, and to improve the well -being of its people.  
BOLIVARIAN  REPUBLIC  OF VENEZUELA  
4.720.   This trade policy review is special in that it coincides with the 40th anniversary of China's 
reform and opening -up process. Today, we are able to appreciate the fruits of an unprecedented 
model that has served as an example to the world of sustainable economic growth.  
4.721.   In this regard, I am plea sed to add the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the long list of 
Members that have recognized China as a strategic and reliable trading partner.  
4.722.   China and Venezuela established diplomatic ties in 1974. Since then, our bilateral relations 
have flourished, particularly in the last two decades. We have signed around 470 agreements 
involving over 700 bilateral economic and technological cooperation projects, mainly in the areas 
of energy and mining, agriculture, infrastructure and high technology. Our relations have now 
been defined and consolidated as a Strategic Partnership for Joint Development, and this has 
made for better mutual understanding and broader and deeper bilateral cooperation.  
4.723.   At the international level, we share the same ideals and defend common principles. We are 
both firm advocates of South -South cooperation and we oppose any hegemonic pretensions on the 
part of those who wish to undermine the sovereignty of States through the imposition of unilateral 
coercive measures. We are inte rested in preserving and defending the multilateral trading system; 
for example, together with most WTO Members we call for the prompt initiation of the selection 
process to fill the vacancies in the Appellate Body, which have already undermined one of the  
Organization's main functions.  
4.724.   Such unity is particularly important in the current context, in which we are witnessing 
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  by some countries to enhance their pa rticipation in world trade, increase local value added, and 
promote industrial diversification and technological convergence.  
4.725.   We appreciate China's efforts to fulfil the commitments that it undertook when it acceded 
to the WTO, and we wish it every success  in the current trade policy review.  
GEORGIA  
4.726.   We are pleased to see that Chinese economy remained as one of the major drivers for 
global economic growth during the reviewed period. Although the Chinese economy is in the 
process to adjust the "new normal ", which implies more stable, albeit lower growth rates, we 
commend that China managed to reach 6.7% real GDP growth in 2016 and 6.8% growth in 2017.  
4.727.   We would also like to highlight that China continues to be one of the largest recipients of 
foreign direct  investments in the world. FDI inflows have been growing for a number of years and 
the trend continued in 2016. China is a significant overseas investor. Outward FDI has also been 
trending upwards for a number of years. We are pleased to note that China 's investments in 
Georgia has dramatically increased in 2017 estimating 89% grow th compared to 2016 reaching 
US$53  million.  We do believe this growing trend will continue in the future.  
4.728.   China is a very important trade and economic partner of Georgia. Both co untries display an 
exemplary strong cooperation in order to reach common economic goals.  
4.729.   The clear example of the existing cooperation is the joint effort to develop the New Silk 
Road initiative which is one of Georgia 's main priorities. International eve nt "Belt and Road Forum " 
launched last year in Georgia was specifically dedicated to the objective to create new platform, 
which serves to enhance the cooperation in crucial sectors such as trade and establishment of 
business contacts, investments, tourism , transport, energy and other important areas. Pursuing 
this spirit, we strive not only to maintain, but also to further develop amicable relations in all 
areas.  
4.730.   China and Georgia also enjoy very active and fruitful cooperation in the format of Central 
Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program. It is another organizational platform to 
enhance and consolidate trade and economic ties by means of new bilateral and regional projects 
encompassing multiple areas such as trade facilitation, transport, ene rgy and other significant 
fields.  
4.731.   From the economic viewpoint, it is important to note, that China has always taken primary 
positions among Georgia 's foreign trade partners. Trade relations between the two countries have 
been dynamically increasing over t he course of past years. Trade turnover between China and 
Georgia in 2017 amounted to little less than US$1 billion, which constitutes an increase by 31% as 
compared to 2016. There are also significant improvements in exports from Georgia to China 
estimati ng US$210 million in 2017 – a number  indicating a 23% growth since previous year.  
4.732.   It is also very important to note that in January this year the free trade agreement 
between China and Georgia became effective. Let me underline that Georgia is the first c ountry in 
the region to enjoy an FTA with both the EU and China. Georgia -China FTA not only enhances 
trade and economic links between two countries, but also has broader regional benefits. Georgia 
emerges as an attractive FDI destination for investors, who  seek to enter or further intensify 
economic ties with Europe. On the other hand, investors from the EU will have better access to 
untapped economic potential of South Caucasus and Asia regions.  
4.733.   In conclusion, we would like to reiterate that China is a val ued partner of Georgia. We 
strongly believe the existing durable and amicable cooperation will be maintained and developed 
through continued joint efforts in the future.  
4.734.   We wish China a successful review.  
  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  KENYA  
4.735.   Kenya enjoys cordial and constructive econo mic and trade relations with China. Over the 
past years, the relationships have continued to achieve significant progress. The bilateral trade 
between Kenya and China have steadily grown and continues to yield positive benefits to b oth 
countries. We note t hat China became the leading source of Kenya 's imports since 2015.  In 2017, 
goods from China accounted for 22.6 % of our total imports, while the total bilateral merchandise 
trade between the two countries amounted to US$3.5 billion, with trade balance tilt ed heavily in 
favour of China.  We believe that there is immense potential for trade expansion between the two 
countries.  
4.736.   China is an important partner in the implementation of Kenya 's Vision 2030 capital -
intensive flagship projects such as the Standard Gau ge Railway line. Since its launch of operations 
in June 2017, The Nairobi, Mombasa Standard Gauge Railway has archived tremendous results in 
terms of contribution to Kenya 's GDP and lowering of transport and logistic costs. We believe that 
there is room for further improvement in our economic and trade ties.   
4.737.   According to the secretariat report, China 's growth rate has stabilized , and in overall terms 
the economy has performe d well, with a positive growth prospect. Real GDP grew by 6.7% in 2016 
and 6.8% in 2017, with domestic consumption playing an increasingly important role in China 's 
economic growth.  
4.738.   We note that merchandise trade declined from 33.5% of GDP in 2015 to 31.2%  in 2016, 
with both exports and imports falling. Exports, which accounted for 93.7% of total merchandise 
exports in 2016, continue to be dominated by manufactures, while merchandise trade accounted 
for 32.3% of GDP.  
4.739.   China continues to be one of the world 's largest recipients of Foreign Direct Investment. 
FDI inflows have been growing for several years and this positive trend continued in 2016. China is 
also a significant overseas investor, with outward FDI experiencing increasing growth for several 
years.  
4.740.   We commend China for putting in place an ambitious reform programme under its 13th 
Five-Year Plan since last review, that continue the process of structural economic reform namely 
the promotion of private sector participation in the economy, the reform of s tate-owned 
enterprises, the promotion of competition, fiscal reform, financial sector reform, the introduction of 
measures to reduce overcapacity, strengthening local government borrowing frameworks, and the 
addressing of financial sector risks.  
4.741.   China is a  strong defender of a rules -based multilateral trading system. Since its Accession 
in 2001, China has participated actively in the WTO 's regular work programmes and trade 
negotiations. China accepted the Agreement on Trade Facilitation in September 2015 an d during 
the review period has fulfilled most of the notification requirement under the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement, such as notification of category A and B commitments and indicative implementation 
date for most the of Category B commitments. We commend  China 's continued effort to reform 
and harmonize it customs procedures. This has led to reduction of the clearance times of imports 
to an average of 16.7 hours and for exports to a nationwide average of 1.1 hours in 2017, with 
Single Window now absorbing one third of declared imports.  
4.742.   During the review period we also note that China did not maintain or introduced any export 
subsidies on agricultural products. China also offered 97% duty -free, quota -free access to all LDCs 
during the review period.  
4.743.   At regio nal and bilateral levels, China concluded and signed two new Regional Trade 
Agreements with the Maldives and Georgia. China is also negotiating new and reviewing existing 
agreements with a view of expanding trade volume and optimizing  benefits from these t rade 
agreements. Kenya therefore appreciates the continuous effort of China to open its market and 
promote trade and investment liberalization . 
4.744.   We also appreciate China 's contribution to the WTO 's Aid for Trade initiative and Trade -
Related Technical Assistance Programme for least -developed countries under the China WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  Programme devoted in helping LDCs integrate into multilateral trade system as well as support 
them to implement the trade policy revie w recommendations.  
4.745.   In conclusion, we wish China every success in their seventh Trade Policy Review.  
MOZAMBIQUE  
4.746.   As indicated in the reports  and also referre d to by the Deputy Minister in h is presentation, 
the People 's Republic of China Government has contin uously undertaken reforms that enabled a 
situation of a more open policies since 1978, and those reflect the China 's current broader 
reforms, that not only characterize  the current trade regime, but several reforms and 
improvements being undertaken in seve ral areas of the Chinese economy.  
4.747.   The reforms enabled the country to achieve a historic juncture, on its development; a new 
stage to which China remains committed to; a new vision of development and an open economy.  
4.748.   We commend the Government for its deter mination to continue reforms mo dernization, 
firmly contribute to safeguard the Multilateral Trading System and oppose protectionist trends, 
thus, contributing for promotion of free  trade areas and enhancing inclusiveness, more openness 
and cooperation.  
4.749.   Thanks to liberalization of governance system vision of development, China was able to 
build a new system aiming at devel opment, which can be testimony  in various fields of action 
having the annual growth ra tes shown very positive status during sequential years, as well as the 
evolution of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), despite global economic trends.  
4.750.   The strong enga gement and Government 's commit ments, based on the undertaken 
economic policies and other relevant reforms, led the Government of People 's Republic of China to 
a successful promotion of development, aiming  at structural transformation, more job creation, 
strengthening of small and medium enterprises, all  these, being driven  towards poverty  reduction 
and economic development . 
4.751.   All th e initiative s undertaken by the  Government aiming at a more openness and 
multilateral advancement are well commended, and at a moment some challenges arise, the 
People 's Republic of China 's Government is among countries that encourage its companies to 
invest in Mozamb ique, in view to help and contribute to creating conditions for future 
development.  
4.752.   It is our hope th at the Government will continue to achieve its long-term objectives of the 
reforms and development strategies, based on the common V ision and Strategies o n trade, 
industry, and other sectors, guided by the  assumption that trade can lead to growth and 
development, and that can also  contri bute to the attainment of the Sustainable Development  
Goals.  
4.753.   Mozambique and China enjoy long and friendly bilateral relati onship that has been being 
translated into substantive actions of cooperation in domains of agriculture, industrial productive 
capacity building, food aid, aquaculture development,  horticulture and other areas, just to mention 
some.  
4.754.   Within triangular coope ration, Mozambique is beneficiary of the Programme of Partnership 
for Investment and Growth in Africa  together with 3 more African countries, through which, there 
has been exchange of visits in view to strengthening productive capacity, small and medium 
enterprises development, job creation, that has been under implementation and assistance of the 
International Trade Centre.  
4.755.   In trade area, Mozambique 's exports to People 's Republic of China  are composed of 
different range of goods; that include metals, ceme nt line products, fish, precious stones, salt, 
wood and wood products, so to mention some. Imported goods from China include; mechanical 
machinery, equipment, vehicles and spare parts, so to mention some, having in 2017, totalized  
US$252,158 and US$493.355 million , respectively.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  4.756.   Some of the areas of engagement of Chinese companies are infrastructural projects, 
agriculture, capacity building on aquaculture and other areas. Most recently, China is engaged in a 
triangular cooperation under the Partners hip for Development in Africa  that involves some other 
African countries, Tis, envisages diversification of production and exports, job creation.  
4.757.   Though recognizing that challenges stil l remain, it is our hope that, with strong policies, 
strategies, openne ss, reforms, determination, inclusion and so forth, the economic development as 
well as resilience will prevail, and the Global Economy as well as the Multilateral Trading System in 
general will benefit.  
4.758.   To conclude, we wish China  a successful 7th Trade Po licy Review.  
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF CHINA  AND ADDITIONAL COMME NTS 
5.1.  Over the past couple of days, Mr. Chair, the Discussant, as well as Ambassadors and 
representatives of 66 Members offered observations on China 's economic and trade policies duri ng 
the period under this review. Most of their opinions are constructive, but some are completely 
unacceptable. However, I can assure you that my colleagues and I will take all the comments very 
seriously. On behalf of the Chinese delegation, I would like to thank you all for your input.  
5.2.  I would also like to express my appreciation to Members ' acknowledgement of China 's 
fulfilment of its WTO obligations and commitments, China 's efforts in advancing higher -level 
opening -up and firm support for the multilateral trading system.  
5.3.  Some Member mentioned "Actions speak louder than words ". That reminds me of an old 
saying in China, "No sooner said than done ". Just three months after President Xi Jinping made his 
speech at the Boao Forum for Asia this year, the relevant opening -up measures that he referred to 
have been implemented in succession.  
5.4.  June 28th saw the release of the 2018 revised negative list for foreign investment, 
introducing 22 opening -up measures in such areas as financial services, automobile  
manufacturing. Since July 1st, import duties on automobiles a nd car parts among nearly 
1,500  tariff lines of consumer goods have been lowered. And of July 9th, the G overnment of China 
unveiled another 15 specific measures for promoting trade liberalizatio n and facilitation.  
5.5.  The majority of questions and issues raised by Members in their interventions have already 
been responded to in my opening statement the day before , and China 's written replies to written 
questions. Let me now take this opportunity to a pproach and clarify the priority areas identified by 
Members.  
Regarding the role of the G overnment.  
5.6.  The 3rd Plenum of the 18th CPC Central Committee held in 2013 spell ou t the relationship 
between the G overnment and the market, letting the market play the decisive role i n resources 
allocation and the G overnment play its role better.  
5.7.  In recent years, the role of market has been brought into full play in China. The interest rate 
is already market -based, and the market -oriented exchange rate formation mechanis m has been 
constantly improved. Restrictions on the access of foreign investors have been cut by nearly two 
thirds. And investment in areas outside the negative list is by and large administrated through the 
filing for record system. The number of products  and services subject to central government -set 
pricing is only 7 now, mainly those prone to natural monopoly, as well as important public utilities 
and servic es relating to public benefit. These are natural gas, certain water supply (for water 
conservancy ), electricity, special drugs and blood, certain transportation, po stal and professional 
services.  
5.8.  On the other hand, the G overnment has been playing its role better. We have vigorously 
strengthened IPR protection, minimized monopoly, and continuously impr oving the business 
environment. For example, foreign investors in China feel very secure. No one in China has to 
worry falling victim of gun violence.  
5.9.  It is due to both the decisive role of the mar ket and the better role of the G overnment that 
China has ac hieved rapid development, and provided opportunities for its trading partners. The 
current situation is not perfect of course, but Chi na will continue enabling its G overnment and its 
market optimally play their respective roles.  
Regarding Made in China 202 5 
5.10.   According to UNCTAD studies, over 100 countries in the world have supportive industrial 
policies. About 60% of them are for manufacturing, and 25% are related to the new round of 
industrial revolution.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  5.11.   The US once released many strategic program mes or po licy acts, like Manufacturing 
Enhancement Act of 2010, Advanced Manufacturing Partnership 2012, and National Strategic Plan 
for Advanced Manufacturing 2012, just to name a few. Germany has  a plan entitled Industry 4.0. 
and France has New Industrial France 2013.  
5.12.   Made in China 2025 is essentially the same in nature as these plans and program mes I just 
mentioned. It is implemented in an open, transparent and non -discriminatory manner. It applies to 
both Chinese enterprises and FIEs in China, and in certain asp ects, it even applies to foreign 
companies. In fact, many foreign enterprises including American ones have already participated in 
the projects implemented under Made in China 2025.  
Regarding overcapacity  
5.13.   Overcapacity is a global economic issue of both cyc lical and structural nature. The 
United States in the 1970s and Japan in the 1980s both encountered with the ov ercapacity issue in 
crude steel sector.  
5.14.   The 2008 international financial crisis resulted in global economic recession and decline in 
global market demand. To deal with the crisis, China adopted an economic stimulus plan to boost 
domestic demand and expand fixed -assets investment, thus contributing to rescuing the world 
from the crisis. As a side effect, China 's responsible actions also led to capacity increase in steel.  
5.15.   Taking a responsible position again, China has been making tremendous efforts to address 
domestic overcapacity. So far, China is the only country that has set a quantitative indicator and 
acted to accomplish it. For 2016 and 201 7, China cut its capacity of crude steel by 120 million 
tonnes in total. Director General Edwin Basson of the World Steel Association said that the global 
steel industry has felt the significant contributions made by China to capacity reduction.  
5.16.   Although C hina's steel and iron production accounts for half of the global total, no worry 
that it would affect your industry a lot. Because China 's steel and iron export only takes up 9.5% 
of its total production, while some other countries export 65%, 39% and 47% of their production 
respectively today. Addressing overcapacity needs collective actions. China stands ready to join 
hands with other countries to tackle this g lobal problem together.  
Regarding SOEs  
5.17.   SOEs can be found in many WTO Members. The United States has Fannie Mae and Freddie 
Mac. Canada, France and a number of developed Members also have SOEs.  
5.18.   SOEs in China, just like private companies, FIEs and other types of enterprises in China are 
independent market players that compete on a level playing field. If a Member believes that 
certain SOEs get spec ial subsidies from the Chinese G overnment, and if their exports affect  
Member 's domestic industry, the Member could just conduct countervailing investigations 
according to the rules of the SCM Agreement, just like what they normally do with private 
companies and FIEs. WTO rules can address this issue adequately.  
Regarding IPR  
5.19.   Strengthening IPR protection is the inherent demand of China 's innovation and 
development. It serves the interests of Chinese enterprises , and it also caters to the interests of 
foreign companies.  
5.20.   China has no law that mandates the transfer of technologies by foreign enterprises to their 
Chinese cooperation partners. The technical cooperation between Chinese and foreign companies 
are absol utely contractual behaviour based on voluntary business deals. As for the groundless 
accusation of IPR theft, I wish to emphasize that the Chinese G overnment has established a 
relatively complete legal system for IPR protection, set up IPR courts and dedic ated tribunals. The 
dominant role of judicial protection of IPR has been continuously cemented in China. And we will 
keep improving upon enforcement.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  Regarding cyber security and data flow  
5.21.   By implementing its Cyber Security Law and regulating data flow, Ch ina does not intend to 
impede cross -border data flow, let alone restricting international trade. Rather, the aim is to 
ensure cyber security and orderly flow of data within the applicable legal framework, protect the 
legitimate rights and interests of its citizens and legal persons, and safeguard national security and 
social public interests.  
5.22.   As a developing Member, China has to take these measures to prevent incidents like data 
leakage by Cambridge Analytica, and prevent the interference into China 's domes tic affairs by 
external powers that should jeopardize China 's stability and security.  
Regarding transparency  
5.23.   Like the vast number of developing Members, China still faces capacity constraint when it 
comes to implementing the transparency obligations. Howev er, China has all along been sparing 
no efforts in honoring  its notification obligations under the WTO agreements. We submitted the 
first notification on subsidies at the sub-central government level before the last TPR. Prior to this 
TPR, we handed in the  2015-2016 notification for both central and sub -central subsidies 
program mes. The notification encompasses 190 items in such fields as R&D of enterprises, 
environment protection and energy conservation, as well as fisheries. And for the first time, 
progra mmes in all provincial -level administrative regions in China are reflected.  
5.24.   In terms of the domestic support notification, China has basically completed technical 
preparations. However, in view of the ongoing WTO disputes, submission has to be postponed.  
Regarding GPA  
5.25.   On top of China 's persistent endeavor  to join the GPA at an earlier date, President Xi Jinping 
announced at the Boao Forum for Asia in April this year that China will pace up the process. That is 
a reiteration of China 's consistent position by  our top leader. A revised offer will be submitted to 
the WTO as soon as possible.  
5.26.   China has already made considerable efforts to join the GPA. However, its accession process 
depends on not only China 's own efforts, but to a large extent, the positions and  expectations of 
the parties to the GPA. We hope that all the parties could adopt a flexible and pragmatic attitude 
towards China 's joining the GPA as well.  
Regarding support for developing Members and LDCs  
5.27.   China 's status as the world 's largest developing country has not changed. At present, per 
capita GDP in China is below US$9000, ranking the 71st globally. Due to imbalanced and 
incomplete development, more than 30 million rural people still live in poverty. China lags far 
behind the developed countries i n pension, healthcare and other social security areas. It is 
therefore unrealistic to require China  to undertake the same responsibilities as developed 
Members.  
5.28.   However, China is ready to shoulder the international responsibilities commensurate with its 
development level and capacities. We are willing to provide support to developing Members, 
especially LDCs within our capabilities. We have actively expanded import, promoted investment 
and firmly supported the implementation of S&D entitled to developing Me mbers under the 
multilateral trading system. As regards the first China International Import Expo to be held in the 
coming November, we will provide assistance and convenience to exhibitors from developing 
countries and exempt LDCs from their participating  fees. A countr y or any country pursuing 
state-led mercantilist trade policies would never do that.  
Regarding the Belt and Road Initiative and the WTO  
5.29.   The Belt and Road Initiative aims at deepening cooperation among countries in a pragmatic 
manner for shar ed prosperity. Adhering to the principle of achieving shared benefits through WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  consultation and collaboration, it is open to all like -minded friends. These are in line with the 
objectives of the WTO, and compatible with WTO rules.  
5.30.   It is worth mentioning tha t the Belt and Road Initiative explicitly proposed, in terms of 
unimpeded trade, that the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core be upheld, trade 
and investment liberalization and facilitation be advanced, and protectionism be strongly oppose d. 
This initiative will be implemented in a manner consistent with the multilateral trading rules.  
Regarding FTAs  
5.31.   While firmly safeguarding the multilateral trading system as the main channel, China has 
been vigorously promoting free trade arrangements wit h its trading partners. Our recent FTA 
negotiating partners include Moldova, Mauritius and Panama. China will remain committed to 
building a network of high -standard free trade areas which is open to the world. We look forward 
to making progress jointly wi th our FTA partners and attaining the objective of common 
development.  
5.32.   This concludes my responses to the key issues identified in the first session of this TPR. I 
thank you all very much for attention.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.33.   Let me , first of all , congratulate Vice -Minister Wang Shouwen and his team for the 
outstanding work done in this review.  
5.34.   As we are nearing the end of our deliberations, my impression is that one theme has 
permeated many interventions by Members. This was the necessity for a sh ift of emphasis in 
China 's economy, a transition from quantity to quality.  
5.35.   In some ways, this was also reflected in the lively exchange we had on the first day of this 
review. There was an exceptionally high number of Members who took the floor. What foll owed 
was a high number of statements of outstanding quality. This is a clear sign that China matters to 
all of us. That its trade and investment policies are taken very seriously and studied very carefully 
in our capitals. It shows the degree to which Chin a has become a key Member of the multilateral 
trading system.  
5.36.   How can on e sum up this lively discussion ? How to do it justice in light of the wide spec trum 
of different interventions ? 
5.37.   There was much praise for what China has achieved. It became manifest t hat China 's 
commitment and sense of initiative at the WTO is highly appreciated by many Members. The "Belt 
and Road initiative " has become a significant element in the economies of a number of Members.  
5.38.   At the same time, virtually no delegation felt that Ch ina should rest on its laurels. To put it 
more bluntly, it became obvious that the status quo is not an option. China was encouraged to 
pursue an ambitious reform agenda.  
5.39.   Membership at the WTO is multifaceted. We all have different types of economic model s, 
differing frameworks for trade and investment. Yet , at the centre of this diverse universe is a more 
or less common belief in the virtues of market forces. So, in a way, it was no surprise that many 
called for rolling bac k the frontiers of the Chinese S tate, for more openness and liberalization. To 
create more competition and a level -playing field.  
5.40.   At the same time, if S tate intervention is to be, it should be made more transparent. This 
was also expressed by numerous delegations. Competitors want to kn ow under what conditions 
they have to compete with their Chinese counterparts. It was a positive sign that this trade policy 
review coincided with a set of notifications made by China, which had been pending.  
5.41.   May we take this step as a sign that there  will soon be more transparency ? More 
transparency when it comes to official support for the agricultural sector as well ? Given the size of WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  China 's agricultural market, it is only natural that a great number of Members show a keen interest 
in this type of gove rnment intervention.  
5.42.   Moreover, a number of foreign competitors are o f the view that if the Chinese S tate 
intervenes in the economy, it should do so more even -handedly. Re gulations, in particular 
behind -the-border -measures, should be more predictable and c onsistent with WTO obligations. On 
top of that, the regulatory framework is of a certain complexity. Here, much could be done to 
improve the overall conditions under which businesses operate.  
5.43.   Then, overcapacity remains a recurring issue. It had been dealt with at the previous review. 
And it did come up again at this review even though China has already undertaken concrete steps 
to reduce excess capacity in some areas.  
5.44.   Some new themes did emerge since the last review. China 's drive towards innovation and to  
prepare the country for the new digital age was discussed at greater length this time. What struck 
me was the worry expressed by some that in this push towards modernity , some of the 
controversial policies followed in the past could be reissued. Will ther e be new industries 
benefitting from special treatment or subsidies which - in turn - could create an other situation of 
overcapacity ? 
5.45.   Cross -border data flows are closely entwined with the digital economy. Within this context, 
a number of Members considered  that care should be taken to avoid unnecessary bar riers to the 
free flow of data.  
5.46.   In any event, no modern economy may flourish and be competitive in the long run without a 
solid protection of intellectual property rights. I am under the impression that th e strong call by 
several Members for better enforcement of IPR in China did not go unnoticed.  
5.47.   In time for this trade policy review, the Chinese authorities have published a White Book on 
China and the World Tr ade Organiz ation. It is a document which contains a wealth of information. 
But more importantly, it holds out the promise of more reforms. There is to be more openness, 
more liberalization and – yes – a better level -playing field.  
5.48.   At the core lies China 's commitment to the multilateral trading system. It is a common 
thread which runs through China 's work at the WTO and through the White Book. We are confident 
that this compelling commitment will be followed up by concrete actions. China lifted itself out of 
poverty. It certainly has the capacity  to transition towards a more market -based economy. 
Nothing would strengthen the multilateral and rules -based trading system more than a tangible 
reform effort by one of its most important Members.  
5.49.   The WTO did much for China. It offered the country a pred ictable framework for what you 
might call a first phase of internal reform s. It helped China derive considerable benefits from 
globalization. As China received much, there are now expectations that it assumes responsibility 
and lead by example. The orienta tion of its second wave of reforms was set ou t in the report of the 
Chinese Government for this TPR,  and I quote "The core issue is to properly handl e the 
relationship between the G overnment and the market, so that the market pl ays the decisive role… 
and the Government plays its role better ".  
5.50.   With this, I would like to conclude, Mr. Chairman.  
DOMINICAN  REPUBLIC  
5.51.   In this seventh review of China's trade policy, we note that as indicated in the Secretariat 
report, China remains one of the main drivers of world  economic growth, a status it had already 
achieved two years ago when its previous trade policy review took place. However, its economic 
growth has slowed somewhat, with real GDP increasing by 6.7% in 2016 and by a similar amount 
in 2017, compared with 7.3 % in 2014 and 6.9% in 2015. Furthermore, we note that the sources of 
economic growth in China have rebalanced from investment to consumption, from external to 
internal demand, and from manufacturing to services. It is interesting to observe that consumptio n 
accounted for almost two thirds of the growth and that the share of services in GDP exceeded 50% 
for the first time in 2015, with a particularly strong showing for e -commerce sales and tourism 
services imports. We congratulate the People's Republic of Ch ina for maintaining these growth WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  rates while at the same time ensuring that they led to a reduction in income inequality and poverty 
levels.  
5.52.   We also note that under the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016 -2020), the authorities plan to pursue 
the process of structur al reform of China's economy, which includes boosting private sector 
participation in the economy and the reform of state -owned enterprises. Other important 
measures included in the Plan are the promotion of competition, tax reform, financial sector 
reform  to enhance private capital participation in banking and the broadening of the supply of 
financial services, and the adoption of largely market -based exchange and interest rates. We are 
also pleased to know that China has made progress with the reforms to address overcapacity in 
some industries. We hope that China will continue its efforts to move towards a market economy, 
and we encourage it to pursue these reforms.  
5.53.   We are pleased to note that during the review period China continued to encourage foreign 
direct investment and joint ventures between Chinese and foreign companies. It also continued to 
expand the pilot programme to reform the foreign investment regime, launched in 2013 through 
the establishment of the Pilot Free Trade Zone (Shanghai) and which  now comprises 11 pilot free 
trade zones.  
5.54.   With regard to trade facilitation, China has pursued its efforts to reform and harmonize 
custom procedures in order to make them more efficient. Approximately one third of imports are 
now declared through single wi ndows. Clearance times of imports were reduced to an average of 
16.7 hours in 2017 from over 22 hours in 2016.  
5.55.   We observe that China has a fairly open tariff regime. The simple average applied MFN rate 
as of December  2017 was 9.3%, slightly lower than in 2 013 and 2015, as a tariff reform 
implemented in December  2017 reduced applied MFN tariffs for some 200 consumer products. We 
also note that China has made moderate use of trade remedies in the period under review.  
5.56.   The Secretariat report indicates that, dur ing the review period, China submitted a number of 
notifications to the WTO, although those regarding state trading enterprises, domestic support and 
the subsidies granted by the central government are still pending. We urge China to submit these 
notificat ions as soon as possible.  
5.57.   At the same time, we note with satisfaction that in the area of competition policy, significant 
legislative reforms have been implemented through the amendment of the Anti -Unfair Competition 
Law, which entered into force on 1  January 2018. The new Law removes overlaps with 
the Anti-Monopoly Law by, inter alia , deleting provisions prohibiting public utility enterprises or 
monopolistic enterprises from requiring consumers to purchase designated products, and 
provisions on collusive t endering. Furthermore, the new Law introduces provisions on the 
prevention of unfair competition activities carried out by technological means on the Internet.  
5.58.   Lastly, we have submitted questions to the Chinese delegation on, inter alia , subsidy 
notificati ons, value added tax and plans to promote small and medium -sized enterprises, and we 
are grateful for the replies, which we shall examine with interest. We urge China to continue its 
reform process aimed at opening up trade, and wish it every success in th is trade policy review 
and in the future.  
URUGUAY  
5.59.   Uruguay maintains friendly and constructive ties with China in the various spheres covered 
by our bilateral relations, which include not only policy, the economy and trade, but also 
corporation and culture.  
5.60.   Uruguay and China established diplomatic relations on 3  February  1988, so that this year 
marks the 30th anniversary of the event.  
5.61.   Since China's last trade policy review in 2016, bilateral relations between Uruguay and 
China have grown stronger. High-level meetings and the significant increase in trade between the 
two countries has made China Uruguay's main trading partner. The relationship was further 
strengthened by the State visit of the president of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay, WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  Dr. Tabaré  Vázquez, to the People's Republic of China in October  2016. The most significant result 
of this visit was the signing of a joint declaration between the two countries covering the most 
important aspects of the bilateral agenda, and above all, elevating the  relationship between the 
two countries to the status of strategic partnership.  
5.62.   As mentioned, trade between Uruguay and China has increased significantly over the past 
decade. In 2017, Uruguay's trade balance showed a surplus of US$ 122 million. That ye ar, bilateral 
trade reached US$ 3.4 billion. Uruguay's goods exports to China reached a new historical record in 
2017 with an increase of 56% over the previous year, representing 22% of Uruguay's total sale of 
goods abroad for that year.  
5.63.   Uruguay's main export i n 2017 was soya beans, with a total of US$ 747 million exported, 
representing 42% of Uruguay's total exports to China. In 2017, Uruguayan exports to Ch ina from 
free zones reached US$ 802 million, and consisted mainly of cellulose, soya, and beverage 
concentr ates. 
5.64.   Meanwhile, China ranked first among Uruguay's suppliers in 2017, accounting for 21% of 
the country's total imports. Uruguayan imports increased in 2017, reaching US$ 1.6 billion, 
10% higher than the previous year. The main import item was electrical a pparatus for line 
telephony o r line telegraphy, of which US$ 180 million worth were imported in 2017, 11% of total 
imports.  
5.65.   Uruguay would like the highlight the Belt and Road Initiative which, in its objective, has 
considerable potential to generate diversi fied growth among the small and medium -sized 
enterprises, which could benefit from new trade opportunities. In fact, the initiative represents a 
great opportunity to transform and upgrade traditional industries, to foster infant industries, 
stimulate innov ation, promote development in remote areas, and enhance the competitiveness of 
small and medium -sized enterprises.  
5.66.   Uruguay commends the work China has done in this field and encourages it to continue 
participating in the WTO's informal working group on MSM Es so that we can join forces in working 
towards the successful integration of MSMEs into international trade.  
5.67.   Finally, the delegation of Uruguay reaffirms its interest in continuing to work towards a 
positive result at the next WTO Ministerial Conference and to protect the multilateral trading 
system based on predictable, transparent and balanced rules.  
5.68.   Uruguay  wishes China every success with its 7th Trade Policy Review.  
JAMAIC A 
5.69.   China and Jamaica share strong historical ties; Chinese immigrants and indentured 
labourers from as far back as the nineteenth century, have contributed to the enrichment and 
development of the Jamaican economy, culture and society as a whole.   
5.70.   The Nation al and Secretariat reports prepared for China 's seventh Trade Policy Review show 
that China has remained committed to pursuing its unique brand of economic development, 
characterised, in part, by further opening -up of its economy, strengthening of the rule  of law, 
increased monitoring, checks and balances, foreign direct investment and greater attention to 
quality control and sustainability. It is clear that the challenges faced by one of the world 's largest 
economies and its trade policy regime, are many and complex and equally clear that the Chinese 
Government is unwavering in its determinati on to address these challenges.  
5.71.   China is Jamaica 's fourth largest trading partner, after the USA, the UK a nd Canada. 
Jamaica 's main exports to China are alumina and w aste and scrap metal. There are also significant 
exports of coffee, spirits, paperboard and other manufactured goods.   
5.72.   Recent efforts have been made to increase Jamaica 's exports of seafood to China. In 
September 2017, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between both countries to 
facilitate t he export of lobster to China. Arising from this MoU, a team of inspectors from China 
visited Jamaica earlier this year, in order to inspect facilities and tour Jamaican seafood plants, as WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  part of the final step in the verification process to facilitate market access for the expor t of 
Jamaican seafood to China.  
5.73.   China is also one of Jamaica 's key bilateral partners. China continues to provide 
development assistance in a number of trade - and investment -related projects in Jamaica in the 
areas of infrastructural development, mining and institutional strengthening, which have helped to 
fuel Jamaica 's social and economic development. China has made significant investment in the 
development of Jamaica 's infrastr ucture and agricultural sector.  The Jamaica North -South 
Highway, which was opened in March 2016, is one of the largest investments in  infrastructure in 
Jamaica.  
5.74.   The Bauxite and Alumina Industry remains one of Jamaica 's four largest earners of foreign 
exchange and the single largest contributor to domestic traditional exports. The industry has been 
the focus of renewal and expansion, particularly with the entry of Jiuquan Iron and Steel (Group) 
Company (JISCO), which has acquired and reopened the Alumina Partner s of Jamaica (ALPART) 
Alumina Refinery, and has proposed further investment with the construction of a new alumina 
refiner y over the next four years.  
5.75.   The second meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Forum of the Community of 
Latin America and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Peoples ' Republic China was held in 
January  2018, at which the Declaration of Santiago and a Joint Action Plan for Cooperation on 
Priority Areas (2019 -2021) were adopted. Both sides committed, inter alia , to undertake measu res 
to stimulate and deepen trade and investment relations. Importantly, CARICOM and China 
reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen existing CARICOM -China cooperation mechanisms, 
including the Caribbean -China Economic and Trade Forum.  
5.76.   Jamaica looks forwar d to participating in the China International Import Exposition which 
will be hel d in Shanghai in November 2018.  
5.77.   In closing, Jamaica commends China for its determination to address challenges in its 
econom y and its trade policy regime. We acknowledge China 's commitment to development 
assistance for other develo ping countries including LDCs. We encourage the Government of China 
to continue to pursue various reforms aimed at simplifying trade and rectifying the various 
imbalances in the economy, for the benef it of the social and economic development of the Chinese 
people and the global economy, while remaining true to the character of China.  
5.78.   We wish Vice Minister Wang and the d elegation of China a successful seventh Trade Policy 
Review.  
CAMBODIA   
5.79.   My delegation takes this opportunity to express our congratulations to the Chine se 
delegation for the good work  and successful conclusion of the 7th TPR.  
5.80.   Chinese 7th review has clearly shown that China has used all efforts to reform trade policies 
for the main purpose of enhancing compliance with the transparency mechanism. We  have listened 
carefully to 66 M embers who most of them expressed their satisfaction and appreciation on China, 
especially their appreciation on the increase of investments and trade b etween China and those 
countries. I have noted that more than half of those who  took the fl oor on the first day and today 
have raised the same sentence "China is our key partner " and another sentence "China is the 
largest economy ". These two sentences are revealing as a proof that China is crucial for most of 
us, both in terms of relation and economy.  
5.81.   Cambodia also takes this opportunity, once again, to thank the Vice Minister for his precise 
remarks  reflecting comments made by M embers and thank the discus sant, Ambassador 
Chambovey, for his insightful comments responded to the results of the review. We also thank the 
Chinese delegation for their clear and comprehensive answers to questions.  
5.82.   We look forward to receiving written responses to our follow -up que stions that we have 
submitted on the first day of the review.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  5.83.   With this short note, we wish the Chinese delegation led by Vice Minister H.E. Mr. Wang 
Shouwen a pleasant stay and safe trip back home.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.84.   Let me begin by expressing our appreciatio n to the Chinese delegation for the replies to the 
EU's advance written question s and for the hard work done in this TPR. All ow me to extend a 
special thank  and best of luck to our colleague, Mr Yu Benlin, who has been working hard on this 
TPR and will be leaving Geneva soon.  
5.85.   As we heard on Wednesday, China received over 1900 questions, 155 of them from th e EU. 
I echo the remark by the d iscussant that the high numbers speak about China 's important role in 
the global trading system  and this Organiz ation. As China 's trade policy has an impact on all of us, 
we are eager to understand it better.  
5.86.   Today, we would like to share some brief obse rvations on the review so far.  
5.87.   In its opening statement and the statement today, China emphas ized the me asures it has 
taken to liberaliz e and facilitate trade and investment during the period under review, while 
refocusing its economic growth on quality rather than quantity, as also noted by the d iscussant. 
We heard that China is the main or a major trading partner to mos t Members in the room and that 
therefore Members expect China to turn its policy announcements into action soon and effectively. 
This expectation is shared b y foreign businesses in China.  
5.88.   I listened carefully to the positive evaluation given by China abou t the improvements made 
to its investment and business environment. The question is not about having SOEs and public 
industrial policies – of course they exist also in the EU. Concerns that were often quoted rather 
relate to the lack of a "level and fair p laying field " when priva te companies compete with 
state-owned enterprises and a difficult business environment whic h persists despite the 
liberalization announcements.  
5.89.   China is an active Member of this Organiz ation and this is positively regarded by the o ther 
Members. At the same time, China was encouraged on several occasions to demonstrate 
leadership in addressing cur rent challenges facing the WTO.  In this context, I would like to 
highlight the Discussant 's reminder that China 's size means it must be cog nizant of the effect it 
has on the Members, and the globa l repercussions of its actions.  
5.90.   Transparency w as also often mentioned by the d iscussant in the discussion on Wednesday, 
as Members expect China to fulfil its notification obligations and submit outst anding notifications, 
notably on domestic support in agriculture, subsidies, ST Es and in fisheries subsidies.  
5.91.   The EU has taken careful note of Vice Minister Wang 's announcement that China has 
submitted its subsidies notification for the 2015 -2016 period j ust before the TPR. We welcome this 
news but are concerned that the notification is already 1 year late and would have hoped to 
receive it earlier so that it could have contributed to our discussions here, as several of our 
questions address subsidies in C hina. We trust that the notification is complete and up to date, 
covering all subsidies granted at central and sub -central level. We look forward to examining it 
through the review procedures in the special meetings of the Committee on Subsidie s and 
Counte rvailing Measures. We trust that in doing so we will find that China has indeed met its 
notification obligations by providing a compr ehensive subsidy notification.  
5.92.   We hope these observations will be useful to China as it continues on its announced path of  
further opening -up its economy.   
5.93.   The EU has submitted a number of follow -up questions to the Secretariat in order to seek 
additional information and clarifications from China in the  following areas, among others:  
• Subsidies  
• Services  
• Standards  
• Energy policy  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  • China 's draft export control law  
• The Belt and Road initiative  
• Connected driving  
5.94.   As per usual practice, we look forward to receiving the replies to these questions within one  
month after the meeting.  
5.95.   In concluding, I would like to express once more the EU 's appreciation to the whole 
delegation of China for their participation and valuable contributions to this 7th Trade Policy 
Review of China.  
PAKISTAN  
5.96.   We have followed the very important discussion during this TPR with great interest and note 
the tre mendous progress achieved by China in the past decades in terms of inclusive growth and 
the allevi ation of poverty due to opening -up of its economy. We also note that China has been a 
firm, consistent advocate for free trade and the multilateral trading sy stem, opening its markets to 
the world and fulfilling its obligations under the  WTO. We also note some of the M embers ' concerns 
with the multilateral system. All of us are cognizant of the reality that the multilateral system 
needs systemic reform and are participating in tough negotiations to achieve that goal. However, 
we distance ourselves from the use and advocacy of unilateral measures being utilized by any 
Member S tate to achieve their goals since these run counter to the fundamental principles of the  
WTO.  
5.97.   While legitimate criticisms of our rule -making history and present negotiations surrounding 
issues such as industrial policy, SOEs and subsidies warrant us to have a hard look at the 
framework we 've created to achieve our goals of inclusive prosperi ty, we would like to highlight a 
systemic concern and our alarm at the direction of certain conversations taking place at this 
forum. We need to appreciate that a restructuring of the rules might, to put it proverbially, shift 
the goal post or burn the bri dges for countries at a lower stage of development at the moment. 
This would be very detrimental to the system and unfair to many countries which have faithfully 
executed their obligations under the multilateral trading system with the knowledge that the r ules 
applicable to them will remain the same while they participate in the system as those that existed 
for countries that were in their position a few decades ago. We need to avoid such a scenario and 
ensure that all countries retain a fair level of polic y space in order to leverage their domestic 
policies for inclusive growth and prosperity.  
5.98.   It is disappointing to note that developed countries – once the champions of multilateralism 
and its enshrined principles are now sceptical of the rules they stood fo r. 
5.99.   The calls for abandoning legitimate policy objectives, relinquishing development goals, 
surrendering the pursuit of technology, industrial upgradation and building productive capacities, 
only denies developing countries their right to make lives better for their people. It amounts to 
kicking away the development ladder after climbing it; and burning the development bridge after 
crossing it. It takes away from our G overnments the chance to do what G overnments are 
supposed to do – that is make lives better  for their people and make countries better for them to 
live in.  
5.100.   The WTO is an institution for all – that is why all countries want to accede and take benefit 
from it. It allows a chance to all countries to integrate and reform at their own pace and pursu e 
their objectives according to their own peculiar circumstances. Developing countries want to 
integrate and we are willing to participate. But their need for policy space must be recognized, and 
their objectives must be supported.  
JAPAN  
5.101.   First of all, I wo uld like to express our sincere appreciation for dedicated efforts made by 
the Chinese TPR team headed by Vice Minister Wang Shouwen and  the excellent comments and 
remarks made by the discussant , Ambassador Chambovey.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  5.102.   During this TPR of China, many questi ons and requ ests were put forward by the M embers, 
including on transparency of subsidies, treatment of SOEs, over capacity, cross border data flow, 
forced technology transfer and IPR. And Vice Minister Wang has just given us some additional 
explanations. Certainly, this TPR has provided us with an  opportunity to better understand each 
other. But I think many of those issues raised by many M embers need to be further clarified or 
more concretely addressed; we look forward to continuous dialogue with China.  
5.103.   This morning, the Japanese delegation  submit ted 27 additional questions on the matters in 
which we think China 's answers are not clear or sufficient. For example, on the Regulations on 
Technology Import and Export Administration, China 's answer says: China  "is willing to estimate 
the amendment of th e regulations carefully and comprehensively. " We would like to know more 
exactly what China plans to do with these regulations. We expect China to respond to our 
questions in due course with more clarity.  
UNITED  STATES  
5.104.   Today we would like to make a few obs ervations in light of the discussions that took place 
on Wednesday and also explain the concerns that underlie some of our more important follow -up 
questions, which we submitted earlier today.  
5.105.   As we listened on Wednesday, we heard several Members identify serious problems with 
China 's trade and investment re gime. These problems included:  
• Severe and persistent excess capacity, especially in the steel, alu minum and shipbuilding 
 sectors;  
• Preferential treatment for state -owned enterprises that creates an un -level playing field for 
 foreign companies seeking to compete, not only in China but also in other markets;  
• An overly broad cybersecurity regime that seems designed to block sales of imported 
 information and communications technology (ICT) p roducts and serv ices in China;  
• Overly broad cross -border data restrictions and data localization requirements that work to 
 disadvantage foreign manufacturers and services suppliers and their products and servi ces 
 in a wide range of sectors;  
• Forced technology transfer;  
• Numerous rest rictions on foreign investment;  
• Inadequate regulatory transparency;  
• China 's use of its Anti -Monopoly Law for industrial policy purposes;  
• Inadequate enforcement of intellectual property rights;  
• Problematic sanitary and phy tosanitary (SPS) measures; and  
• A poor record of submitting WTO notifications, especially in the areas of industrial subsidies, 
 agricultural d omestic support and fisheries.  
5.106.   It is, of course, not unusual to see Members identify problems with another Membe r's 
trade and investment regime.  
5.107.   What is unusual is the very long list of problems that have been identified in China 's trade 
and investment regime.  
5.108.   Why is that?  
5.109.   We pro vided the answer on Wednesday. China has not yet fully embraced the open, 
market -oriente d policies on which this institution is founded. China continues to pursue a 
state-led, mercantilist ap proach to trade and investment.  
5.110.   China often describes its approach as win -win, but that 's not accurate. A mercantilist sees 
trade as a zero -sum game, and  that is the equation that underlies so many o f China 's industrial 
policies. China seeks to help its domestic industries too often by pursuing policies and practices 
that impede, disadvantage an d harm the foreign competition.  
5.111.   In the United States ' view, as  we said on Wednesday, change is necessary, and China  
knows what needs to be done.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  5.112.   As we listened to other Members on Wednesday, we heard many of them say that they do 
not want to hear more promises from China. What they want is to see China taking concret e 
actions. As one Member said it, "actions speak louder than words ". The United States  fully 
supports that sentiment.  
5.113.   Next, we would like to comment on some of the stateme nts made by China on Wednesday.  
5.114.   First, China asserts that it faithfully implements ad verse WTO dis pute settlement rulings.  
5.115.   We have a different view.  
5.116.   In DS414, the dispute involving China 's antidumping and countervailing duties on imports 
of U.S. grain -oriented electrical steel, the United States won decisively, with a panel and the 
Appellate Body both ruling that China should n ever have put duties in place. China nevertheless 
issued a redetermination that kept the duties in place, and the United States was forced to bring a 
compliance proceeding under Article 21.5 of the DSU. The Art icle 21.5 panel ruled that China had 
not com plied with the earlier rulings.  
5.117.   An almost identical scenario played out in DS427, the dispute in which the United States 
successfully challenged China 's antidumping and countervailing duties on imports of U.S. ch icken 
broiler products.  
5.118.   Meanwhile, in DS413, the China ‒Electronic Payment Services dispute, China agreed to 
comply with an adverse ruling by July 2013, that is, five years ago. However, China still has not 
complied, and as a consequence U.S. suppliers of e lectronic payment services remain  blocked from 
China 's market.  
5.119.   Another comment by China on Wednesday that requires a response is China 's insistence 
that inadequate IPR enforcement "is no longer a major problem " for U.S. companies ' business 
operations in China.  That statement simply is not true.  
5.120.   Each year since China joined the WTO, including this year, the United States has 
catalogued in various reports the enormous difficulties and challenges posed by China 's inadequate 
protection  and enforcement of intellectual property rights.  
5.121.   Moreover, a report released just yesterday by the American Chamber of Commerce in 
Shanghai ranks inadequate IPR protection as the top regulatory challenge facing U. S. companies in 
China 's market.  
5.122.   Finally, l et me highlight s ome of our follow -up questions.  
5.123.   We have asked several follow -up questions about the Belt and Road Initiative. In our 
original questions, we had highlighted concerns raised by many countries about the need for Belt 
and Road projects to begi n adhering to internationally accepted best practices in infrastructure 
development and financing, so as not to cripple countries with unsustainable debt problems, and 
about inadequate transparency and inclusiv ity in Belt and Road projects. We sought infor mation 
about how China was working to address these concerns, but China responded by deflecting 
responsibility from the Chinese G overnment and instead asserting that Belt and Road projects are 
implemented by enterprises and that these enterprises determine  how to operate Belt and Road 
projects, not the Chin ese Government. This response is puzzling, given that the Communist Party 
of China has included the pursuit of the Belt and Road Initiative in its Constitution and given that 
Chinese state -owned enterpris es and Chinese state -owned banks dominate Belt and Road projects. 
So, we have asked China for  clarification of its response.  
5.124.   We also have asked some follow -up questions relating to the activities of Communist Party 
cells in enterprises in China. In our ori ginal questions, we had asked about the accuracy of recent 
reports about an increase in the activities of Communist Party cells in many wholly foreign -owned 
enterprises, foreign -invested enterprises and Sino -foreign joint ventures in China. We also asked 
specifically about the role of Communist Party cells in business management decisions affecting, 
for example, R&D, investment, hiring and firing personnel, expansion or reduction of 
manufacturing capaci ty, etc. in these enterprises.  In its response, China d id not d irectly answer WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  these questions.  Instead, it simply asserted that the establishment of Communist Party cells in 
these enterprises "conforms to the wi shes of enterprise employees. " So, here, too, we have asked 
China for  clarification of its response.  
5.125.   Our remaining follow -up questions concern a variety of topics, including familiar topics 
such as WTO notifications and transparency obligations and emerging issues like China 's 
discriminatory bans and restrictions on imported  waste and recovered materials . 
5.126.   We look forward to China 's responses to all of these follow -up questions.  
CANADA  
5.127.   Canada would like to thank China for its engagement and the hard work of its officials 
throughout this TPR process.  
5.128.   We hope that the many issues raised by Members over the course of this TPR will be given 
serious consideration in Beijing and addressed in the near term.  
5.129.   Canada has submitted several follow -up questions and we are awaiting responses on two 
of our original questions. So , we look forward to receiving these respon ses as soon as possible and 
we would like to wish the delegation from Beijing a safe journey home.  
NIGERIA  
5.130.   We thank you Chair and the Secretariat for your hard work and also for the conduct of  the 
meeting. We also thank His Excellency Vice Minister Wand S houwen for his response to the priority 
areas  and key issues raised by Members during the first day. We thank China for the prompt 
responses to our questions which are under review in our capital. Nevertheless, at the moment , 
we are satisfied and we do not have any follow -up questions.  
5.131.   In addition, we are encouraged to note the commitment of China to assume responsibility 
befitting of its titles, and also in  relation to its capacity given its domestic constraint. We also note 
the additional and closing remar ks by the discussant, more importantly we call  for China to lead 
by example.   
5.132.   We note also the great interest the R eview has generated and also as evidenced in the first 
day and also today closing where we still have some Members  engaging with China and I think 
that is part of the interactive  nature of the Trade Policy Review.  
5.133.   In the light of the serious  challenges facing the multilateral trading system, we appreciate 
the timely call by China and other WTO Members, including China,  to renew their commitme nt to 
the basic principle of the WTO , which is open, transparent, inclusive, non -discriminatory and 
rules-based. More importantly, the collective responsibility of all WTO Members on the need to 
safeguard the rule of the WTO -centred  multilateral trading sy stem as a fundamental stabilizer  in 
global economic governance and the firm resistance to unilateralism as well as protectionism in 
order to contribute to the recovery and growth of the world economy, including development  and 
prosperity.  
5.134.   Finally, we also take note of the commitment by China to take into consideration some of 
the concluding remarks , including the serious issues of concern raised by Members , and we hope 
that the concluding remarks by the Chair will also be taken into consideration in the subsequent 
Review.  
5.135.   We congratulate China for a successful review and wish the delegation back to China a safe 
trip. 
AFGHANISTAN  
5.136.   I am delivering this statement on behalf of my Ambassador who is not in town today.  WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  5.137.   On behalf of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, I am honoured  to participate in the 
seventh trade policy review of China and would like to welcome China 's delegation. China is an 
important strategic and economic neighbour  and partner of Afghanistan and a  key player in the 
global trading system. We highly value the good cooperation between China and our country.  
5.138.   As per data, in 2017, China was ranked as  the third largest import partner and was the top 
7th export destination for Afghanistan.  
5.139.   On behalf of Af ghanistan, I wish China a very productive and successful review.  
MONGOLIA  
5.140.   Mongolia thanks the delegation of China led by Vice Minister Wang for the participation in 
this review process and appreciates their active involvement. We also thank the Secretariat, as 
well as Ambassador Chambovey for their hard work.  
5.141.   Mongolia strongly believes in the continued efforts of China in trade facilitation. We 
submitted further clarifications to the replies of China to our questions.  
5.142.   Mongolia looks forward to r eceiving adequate and clear  responses to our questions, 
especially concerning the competencies of provinces as concerns imports and exports . 
5.143.   I wish the delegation of China a safe trip back home.  
MR. WANG  SHOUWEN  (HEAD  OF DELEGATION)  
5.144.   I want to express our deep appreciation to the Secretariat for their very hard work and 
their very high level of professionalism in making the preparations for these TPR meetings. I also 
want to thank you, Chair, Ambassador Laourou, for your very able lead ership. And I want to thank 
Ambassador Chambovey for steering these lively  discussions. Of course, I wish to thank all WTO 
Members for your questions, comments and support.  
5.145.   As I promised at the beginning of my remarks this morning, most of your remarks are  
constructive. Some of them are not acceptable to us but we promise you we will take all those 
remarks very seriously, and we will provide written replies to all your questions within one month 
according to the rule.  
5.146.   This morning, some new questions were r aised. I hope I have the sufficient time to 
address each and every one of them but obviously I am not able to do so. But I am very glad to 
tell you that all these issues can be dealt within the framework of the WTO.  
5.147.   I have noticed that many Members have expressed their concern over the current 
state-of-play of the multilateral trading system. I share your concerns. At the moment, the 
unilateralism is posing a very serious challenge to the multilateral trading system. But, once again, 
I want to assure you th at China staunchly supports the multilateral trading system. As President Xi 
mentioned , "China will make efforts to safeguard the authority and efficacy of the WTO, including 
the basic values, the core principles of the WTO. Like most favoured nation treat ment, national 
treatment and S&D for developing Members ". 
5.148.   China has every confidence and trust in the WTO, and China will be supportive and 
committed to the multilateral way for a shared and better future for all of us. Thank you very 
much.  
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  6  CONCLUDING RE MARKS BY THE CHAIRPE RSON  
6.1.  This seventh Trade Policy Review of China has allowed us to take a closer look at the trade 
and economic policies of China and to deepen our understanding of developments in those policies 
since its previous Review in 2016. I would  like to thank, once again, Vice Minister Wang Shouwen 
and his delegation for their constructive engagement throughout this exercise. I would also like to 
thank the discussant, Ambassador Chambovey, Permanent Representative of Switzerland at the 
WTO, for h is insightful and comprehensive remarks; and the 70 delegations which have taken the 
floor for their active participation.  
6.2.  In their interventions, Members highlighted the importance of China 's contribution to global 
growth over recent years and noted that the pace of its economic expansion has been moderating 
recently, prompting the authorities to rebalance growth by focusing on quality and sustainability 
rather than quantity.  
6.3.  Members general ly expressed appreciation for China 's active role in the WTO. China being the 
world 's biggest merchandise trader and one of the largest recipients of FDI, its policies have a 
direct impact on the global economy. Hence, Members called upon China to assume t he increased 
responsibility linked with being a major player in the multilateral trading system. Members also 
appreciated China 's contribution to ongoing discussions on recent initiatives, such as e -commerce, 
MSME, and investment facilitation for developme nt. Members also noted China 's further 
involvement in regional trade agreements.  
6.4.  Members commended China on its recent reform initiatives aimed at broadening market 
access and investment opportunities, the greater involvement of the private sector in the 
economy, and its commitment to fossil fuel subsidy reform. Members appreciated China 's ongoing 
reform of customs procedures, such as further use of single windows, and commitments in the  
Trade Facilitation Agreement. Regarding the TFA, Members encouraged C hina to implement all its 
category B commitments within the specified transition period. Several Members commended 
China on the Belt and Road Initiative and viewed it as an avenue for mutual cooperation and 
growth; some invited China to follow internationa l best practices and adhere to a level -playing field 
for trade and investment opportunities for all. Members also commended China 's recent 
announcements of liberalization in financial services and tariff reductions in the automobile sector. 
China was congr atulated for providing far -ranging preferences to products from LDCs. Many 
Members expressed appreciation for China 's support and assistance to developing countries in 
areas such as Aid for Trade.  
6.5.  While many Members appreciated China 's continued liberaliz ation of its foreign investment 
regime, they also encouraged China to further enhance access conditions for foreign investors. In 
this respect, concerns were raised regarding joint venture requirements, and also with regards to 
what some perceived as being  inconsistent and unpredictable regulatory practices and technology 
transfer requirements.  
6.6.  In their interventions  many Members expressed serious concerns about the preponderant role 
of the State in general, and of state -owned enterprises in particular. So me Members felt that State 
influence in China 's economy has increased in various sectors. Many Members were of the view 
that China would require a more market -oriented approach to investment and resource allocation.  
6.7.  Members raised questions about China 's support and subsidy policies and local content 
requirements, including those that may be part of the 2025 plan. Some Members noted the 
importance of enforcing competition policy, particularly in view of the recent amendment to the 
Anti-Unfair Competition L aw. Members looked forward to China 's early accession to the Agreement 
on Government Procurement, while several Members also noted continuous issues in China 's IPR 
regime and encouraged continued IPR protection and enforcement. Some Members called for more  
predictability regarding market price support and public stockpiling measures used for certain 
agricultural products. Other areas of concern raised by Members included: administrative licensing 
and approval process, inconsistency in certain sanitary and p hytosanitary measures, restrictions 
on certain agricultural products, cross -border data restriction and data localization requirements, 
the scope and impact of China 's cybersecurity legislation and restriction of Virtual Private Network 
services, restricti ve measures in certain services sectors such as tourism, and industrial policies in 
certain manufacturing sectors, including the prod uction of new energy vehicles. Several Members WT/TPR/M/3 75 • China  
 
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  also referred to what they perceived to be market -distorting policies result ing in excess capacity in 
some sectors, such  as steel and semi -conductors. China was called upon to help address global 
overcapacity in these sectors.  
6.8.  As in the previous Review, China was encouraged to increase transparency of its trade policy 
regime. Memb ers highlighted the importance of fulfilling all WTO commitments, in particular the 
notification obligations concerning, for example, subsidies (including those on fisheries), 
agricultural support, and state -trading enterprises. In this regard, Members wel comed the 
statement by China 's representative regarding the recent submission of China 's subsidy 
notification. Members encouraged China to publish all laws, regulations and other measures 
related to trade, and to make them available in one of the WTO offic ial languages. In this context, 
Members hoped that sufficient time would be given for comments before the introduction of new 
regulations.  
6.9.  China has received more than 1,900 advance written questions, and has already responded 
to most of them. This TPR wil l be successfully concluded in a month 's time, when China replies to 
all outstanding questions. I am confident that China has taken good note, not only of the 
well-deserved praise that it received during this meeting, but also of the critical comments that  
emerged in the course of this TPR. I hope that China will find Members ' comments useful and 
constructive in its pursuit of economic and trade reforms.  
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