RESTRICTED  WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/TPR/G/236 
30 August 2010  
 
(10-4459) 
Trade Policy Review Body Original:  French 
   
 
  
 
TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
 
Report by 
 
BENIN, BURKINA FASO AND MALI 
 
 
  
Pursuant to the Agreement Establishing the Trade Policy Review Mechanism (Annex 3 of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade 
Organization), the policy statement by Beni n, Burkina Faso and Mali is attached. 
 
 
Note: This report is subject to restricted ci rculation and press embargo until the end of the 
first session of the meeting of the Trade Policy Re view Body on Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali. Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali WT/TPR/G/236 
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CONTENTS 
 
  Page 
REPORT BY BENIN 7 
I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON BENIN 7 
II. ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 7 
(1) M ACROECONOMIC FRAMEWORK  8 
(2) T RADE DEVELOPMENT POLICY  8 
  (a) Trade regime 8 
  (b) Implementation of trade policy 10   (c) Making the business environment more secure 11 
III. SECTORAL DEVELOPMENT POLICIES 12 
(1) A
GRICULTURE  12 
(2) A GRO-INDUSTRY  14 
(3) T ELECOMMUNICATIONS  14 
(4) T RANSPORT  15 
(5) T OURISM AND CRAFTS  15 
IV. BENIN AND THE DOHA ROUND NEGOTIATIONS 16 
V. OTHER INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS AND ARRANGEMENTS 17 
(1) ACP-EU  PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT  17 
(2) R EGIONAL INTEGRATION AGREEMENTS  17 
(i) ECOWAS 17 
(ii) WAEMU 18 
VI. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND CAPACITY BUILDING 18 
REPORT BY BURKINA FASO 21 
I. ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 21 
(1) M AIN FEATURES OF THE ECONOMY  21 
(2) T RADE PERFORMANCE AND INVESTMENT  22 
II. TRADE REGIME 23 
(1) T REND IN FOREIGN TRADE FROM 2005  TO 2009 23 
(2) G ENERAL TRADE POLICY OBJECTIVES  24 
(3) F RAMEWORK FOR TRADE POLICY FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION  26 
(4) T RADE AGREEMENTS AND ARRANGEMENTS  27 
 WT/TPR/G/236 Trade Policy Review 
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Page 
III. SECTORAL TRADE POLICY OBJECTIVES 28 
(1) A GRICULTURE , LIVESTOCK AND WATER RESOURCES  28 
(2) M ANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT  30 
(3) T RANSPORT  30 
(4) T OURISM AND ART 31 
(5) T ELECOMMUNICATIONS  31 
(6) M INING AND ENERGY  32 
(7) I NDUSTRY AND CRAFTS  33 
IV. CONCLUSION 34 
REPORT BY MALI 35 
I. INTRODUCTION 35 
II. MACROECONOMIC SITUATION 35 III. TRADE AND INVESTMENT FRAMEWORK 36 
(1) API-M
ALI 36 
(2) APEX 36 
(3) D OING BUSINESS  37 
(4) P ROJECT IN SUPPORT OF RETAILERS (PACD) 37 
IV. SECTORAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY 38 
(1) A GRICULTURE  38 
(2) L IVESTOCK  39 
(3) F ISHERIES  39 
(4) F ORESTRY  39 
(5) W ATER RESOURCES AND ENERGY  39 
(6) T ELECOMMUNICATIONS  40 
(7) T OURISM  40 
(8) I NSURANCE  41 
(9) T RANSPORT  41 
(10) F INANCIAL SERVICES  42 
(11) I NDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT  42 Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali WT/TPR/G/236 
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Page  
V. MALI'S POSITION IN THE DOHA ROUND NEGOTIATIONS 42 
(1) A GRICULTURE  42 
(2) T RADE IN SERVICES  43 
(3) T RADE FACILITATION  43 
(4) S PECIAL AND DIFFERENTIAL TREATMENT (S&D) 43 
(5) T ECHNICAL ASSISTANCE  43 
(6) T RADE -RELATED ASPECTS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS  43 
(7) R ULES  43 
(8) A ID FOR TRADE  44 
VI. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND CAPACITY BUILDING 44  
 
 Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali WT/TPR/G/236 
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REPORT BY BENIN 
 
I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON BENIN 
1. Benin is a West African country situated in the inter-tropical zone, covering a total area of 
114,763 km2.  It is bordered by Niger and Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the west, and Nigeria to 
the east, and has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.  It has a virtually unrelieved landscape, rising 
from south to north, and 70,500 km2 of arable land, only 15 per cent of  which is farmed.  As far as 
climate is concerned, annual rainfall is relatively low (an average of 800 mm.).  Benin has two major 
basins:  the Niger River basin and the coastal basin. 
2. Benin's population is currently estimated to be 9 million, increasing at a rate of 2.9 per cent, 
with average density of 78 inh/km2 and life expectancy of 60 years.  Women account for over 51 per 
cent of the total population and the rural population represents 58.2 per cent. 
3. At the political level, the democratic pro cess launched in 1990 with the Conference of the 
Active Forces of the Nation continues and there have  been three smooth changes of head of State.  
Checks and balances have been put in place and each institution plays its role.  Since 1990, Benin has 
been a model for democracy in the West Afri can subregion and has been politically stable. 
4. Since 2006, the new Government has clearly un derlined its determination to meet the 
challenges of accelerated economic growth a nd development of human capital by promoting 
concerted governance and by supporting the private sector. 
5. The Government's vision contained in the Stra tegic Development Objectives (OSD), based on 
the Alafia 2025 overall framework, is to make Benin "a country which attracts investment, accelerates 
economic growth and fairly redistributes the resu lts, a country which becomes successfully integrated 
into the global economy thanks to its export capacity". 
II. ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 
6. Over the period 1995-2000, Benin's average rate  of economic growth was 5 per cent.  This 
figure rose to 6.2 per cent in 2001, before declining to 3.1 per cent in 2004 and 2.9 per cent in 2005.  
The reasons for this downturn are, on the one hand, th e services sector's lower share of value added in 
GDP formation following the trade restrictions im posed by Nigeria on re-exports, and, on the other, 
the crisis in the cotton subsector, Benin's lead ing export, combined with the increase in the 
euro/United States dollar exchange rate, and the con tinued rise in oil prices.  As a result of such 
sluggish economic performance, particularly in rela tion to demographic growth (3.25 per cent), in 
2005 Benin was one of the least de veloped countries in the world. 
7. Benin is an agro-pastoral country and the main feature of its economy is a GDP structure that 
corresponds to that of a developing country in wh ich the agricultural and services sectors predominate 
and the industrial sector is embryonic. 
8. On average, the agricultural sector accounts for 38 per cent of GDP and employs some 70 per 
cent of the working population.  The main products in this sector are cotton, followed by food crops 
and some other cash crops. 
9. For the time being, the industrial sector account s for only 14 per cent of GDP on average, but 
there is considerable potential for development,  particularly in the agro-industrial subsector. WT/TPR/G/236 Trade Policy Review 
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10. The services sector's average share of GDP is 48 per cent and the sector employs 21 per cent 
of the working population.  It includes businesses and some other important sectors for trade in services (transit, transport, banking, tourism, etc.).  As for its structure, an organized modern sector exists alongside a predominant and dynamic informal sector. 
11. The buoyancy shown in the services sector is related both to Benin's geographical position 
vis-à-vis  the large Nigerian market and the fact that it is a transit corridor for land-locked countries.  
Consequently, its economic growth  largely depends on regional and international circumstances. 
(1) M
ACROECONOMIC FRAMEWORK  
12. Following a persistent downward trend in economic growth over the period 2001-2005, 
Benin's economy has progressed at a relatively sustai ned pace.  In 2007, the rate of economic growth 
was 4.6 per cent, as against 3.8 per cent in 2006.  This performance has been boosted by the stronger 
measures taken to instil confid ence among economic operators, motivate cotton producers, and 
revitalize economic relations with Nigeria.  This  economic growth should have continued in 2008 
with a rate expected to exceed 5 per cent, but th e global food and financial crises, the surge in oil 
prices, lower prices for cotton on th e international market, the fall in the dollar rate marked by strong 
inflationary trends and real appreciation of the CF A franc, all had a negative impact.  The cumulative 
effect of all these factors led to a slowdown in economic growth in 2009. 
13. F.o.b. exports are estimated to be CFAF 474.9 billion for 2009, compared to 
CFAF 515 billion for 2008.  The estimate for re-expor ts in 2009 is CFAF 246.6 billion, compared to 
CFAF 274 billion the previous year, i.e. a 10 per cent drop.  Imports, estimated to be 
CFAF 815.5 billion in 2009, show a slight increase compared to their 2008 level 
(CFAF 794.3 billion). 
14. Hence, the deficit in the trade balance rose from CFAF 286.4 billion in 2008 to 
CFAF 340.6 billion in 2009, a CFAF 54.2 billion increase caused by the fall in exports. 
15. In addition to the deterioration in the trade balance, performance in  the services sector was 
also negative.  The net services deficit rose from CFAF 95.7 billion in 2008 to CFAF 116.5 billion in 
2009 because of larger deficits in the transport sector.  On the other hand, overall 
balance-of-payments performance was positive because of  the contribution made by external aid and 
foreign direct investment. 
16. In 2008, the inflation rate rose to 7.2 per cen t and measures are being taken to bring it down 
to the rate permitted in the West African Economic  and Monetary Union (WAEMU).  Over the same 
period, the investment rate was 20.5 per cent of GDP. 
(2) TRADE DEVELOPMENT POLICY  
(a) Trade regime 
17. It is the responsibility of the Ministry of Trade to draft, implement, follow-up and evaluate the 
State's trade policy in accordance with the laws a nd regulations in effect in Benin and with the 
Government's development vision and policy. 
 Accordingly, it is responsible, inter alia , for the following: 
 
- Defining trade policy, together with  the other ministries concerned; Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali WT/TPR/G/236 
 Page 9 
 
 
- contributing towards the ongoing improvement of the regulatory, institutional and 
economic environment for enterprises and trade-related investment, in cooperation 
with the other ministries concerned; 
- developing foreign trade; 
- contributing towards the adoption of fiscal and/or parafiscal measures conducive to 
the development of commercial enterprises; 
- representing and protecting the interests of the Republic of Benin in various 
international trade-related agencies; 
- encouraging, defining or assuming res ponsibility for the operation of various 
consultation and collaboration mechanisms w ith the stakeholders concerned in order 
to promote and revitalize the trade sector; 
- supporting development of the private bus iness sector, in cooperation with the 
Ministry responsible for development; 
- helping to remove regulatory, political and administrative barriers which hinder the 
development of trade; 
- helping to ensure consistency between th e policies implemented in other sectors and 
those that are the responsibility of the Ministry of Trade; 
- helping to define and implement a national regional integration policy. 
18. The Government has taken important measures sin ce the previous review of its trade policy in 
2004 to make the institutional a nd regulatory environment conducive to the development of trade. 
19. At the institutional level, establishment of the following should be mentioned: 
- Beninese Trade Promotion Agency; 
- Beninese Standardization and Quality Management Centre; 
- consultation structures for stakeholders  in various subsectors with potential; 
- an industrial free zone and industrial sit es in departments, as well as the introduction 
of an information system for the proper control of prices and stocks. 
20. At the regulatory and legislative levels: 
 Law No. 90-005 of 15 May 1990, which lays down the conditions for engaging in trade in the 
Republic of Benin and marks an important step towa rds economic liberalism, is still in force.  It 
stipulates non-discrimination between public and priv ate Beninese or foreign economic operators as 
far as the terms for establishment and engaging in  trade activities are concerned.  This Law also 
removed many constraints on trade activities. 
 WT/TPR/G/236 Trade Policy Review 
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(b) Implementation of trade policy 
Implementing institutions 
21. The Ministry of Trade is responsible for draf ting, implementing and applying Benin's trade 
policy, in cooperation with the private sector, civ il society and the competent State bodies, including: 
- The Ministry of the Economy and Finance; 
- the Ministry responsible for development; 
- the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries;  and 
- the Ministry of Justice, Legislation and Human Rights. 
22. As regards regional and multilateral negotiati ons, the Beninese Government has set up an 
inter-institutional commission responsible for fo llowing up and implementing the WTO Agreements 
and a committee for the negotiations on the Ec onomic Partnership Agreement between the 
European Union and the West African region.  These bodies are composed of the public sector, the 
private sector and civil society working closely together and: 
- Provide a platform for consultation to assist trade policy-related decision-making and 
to ensure coordination of the legislativ e and institutional amendments needed to 
comply with the commitments undertaken under bilateral, regi onal and multilateral 
trade agreements; 
- serve as a forum for examining and proposing Benin's negotiating positions; 
- monitor consistency with bilateral, re gional and multilateral trade objectives. 
Trade policy instruments 
23. Benin has several trade policy inst ruments, including the following: 
- Tariff measures:  customs duty, applied on an ad valorem  basis, the common external 
tariff (CET) introduced by WAEMU, and customs valuation; 
- other instruments:  internal taxes, preshipment inspection, the Community 
Competition Code, the Investment Code, rules of origin, etc. 
Investment 
24. In order to meet the challenges of making th e economy competitive and Benin an attractive 
destination, as well as good governance, the Govern ment of Benin has adopted a document entitled 
"Strategic Orientations for Benin's Development" .  This economic and social policy document has 
taken into account, inter alia , the major axes for development of infrastructure of the level required to 
increase private investment.  Aware of the leading role which Beninese and foreign private investors 
can play in attaining this goal, the Government has declared that it is both ready and committed to 
welcoming and above all protecting investment in strict  observance of reciprocal interests, the rules of 
international cooperation and good governance. Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali WT/TPR/G/236 
 Page 11 
 
 
25. The general provisions in the Inv estment Code provide that an industrial, agricultural, trade or 
crafts activity may be freely exercised in the Republic of Benin, and it includes a common law 
regime, preferential regimes and a special regime. 
26. Ordinance No. 2008-04 of 28 July 2008 ame nding Articles 11 and 33 of Law No. 90-002 of 
9 May 1990 containing the Investment Code has allo wed the scope of the benefits given to private 
developers to be expanded by introducing a regime D for heavy or structural investment. 
27. The institutional framework for the private sector has been reinforced by creating and 
maintaining several bodies and structures responsible for promoting investment in Benin.  These are the following: 
- The Investment Promotion Centre, whose obj ective is to provide investors with the 
assistance needed to complete formalities for their establishment, identify potential 
partners, and serve as a guide in their rela tions with the authorities.  It is also 
responsible for handling applications fo r approval under the Investment Code. 
- The Business Formalities Centre, which en ables Beninese and foreign enterprises and 
natural or legal persons to complete in th e same place, within a reasonable period and 
at lower cost, the legal, administrative, social, fiscal and statistical declarations 
required under the current laws and regulati ons to start up a business, modify it, cease 
activities, wind up the business or  create secondary establishments. 
- The Council of Private Investors in Benin (C IPB) is a forum for reflection, exchange, 
analysis and making proposals, and is a recognized partner of the national bodies 
responsible for decisions regarding Benin's economic, fiscal and social orientations.  
The CIPB helps to create an environment conducive to investment, employment, and making the best use of local resources. 
- The Doing Business Committee, whose task is to define orientations and strategies 
that will improve the Doing Business indicators for Benin. 
- The Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 
- The Presidential Council for Investment. 
- The Infrastructure Promotion Agency, whose objective is to increase the amount of 
investment in building infrastructure in Benin. 
- The Benin National Chamber of Agriculture. 
- The Chamber of Trades, etc. 
(c) Making the business environment more secure 
28. Benin is a member of the Organisation for the Harmonization of Business Law in 
Africa (OHADA).  Business law has revolutionized commercial law dating back over a century, and 
the State of Benin has also taken additional measures conducive to developing business, which 
include the following: 
- The establishment of a public-private part nership which is a standing forum for 
dialogue between the public and the private sector; WT/TPR/G/236 Trade Policy Review 
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- reinforcing the bodies representing private-sector components; 
- enhancing the legislative and regulatory fra mework for business by means of various 
measures for the reorganization of Benin's lega l and judicial system so as to make the 
Judiciary truly independent. 
29. Investors are also given guarantees w ithin this framework, for example: 
- Freedom to do business; 
- freedom of residence and movement; 
- freedom of management; 
- freedom to transfer capital;  and guarantee of non-expropriation. 
III. SECTORAL DEVELOPMENT POLICIES 
30. Since 2006, the State has identified poles of growth  on which it will focus its efforts in order 
to ensure the country's economic development and gr owth with a view to reducing poverty.  Through 
these poles, it is Benin's aim, inter alia , to triple its GDP by 2025.  The following sectors have been 
identified: 
- Agriculture; 
- agro-industry; 
- transport; 
- tourism, culture and crafts. 
(1) AGRICULTURE  
31. The agricultural sector is the key sector in Benin's economy, which depends on the 
performance of agricultural production (cr ops, animals, fisheries and forestry). 
32. Agricultural policy is therefore of crucial importance for Benin's Government, which is 
making strenuous efforts to meet the following challenges: 
- Ensuring food and nutrition security for a rapidly growing population (3.3 per cent 
annually); 
- increasing productivity and competitiveness in th e agricultural sector and in the rural 
environment; 
- making agriculture and the rural environment more attractive. Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali WT/TPR/G/236 
 Page 13 
 
 
33. These three challenges give the agricultural sector a dual role of accelerating economic 
growth and contributing towards poverty reduction.  In order to achieve these objectives, the State has 
introduced a Strategic Plan to Revive the Ag ricultural Sector (PSRSA) with a view to: 
- Promoting agricultural development on a profitable commercial basis in order to 
attract private investment and modernize production facilities; 
- supporting the development of small-scale agri culture on family farms so as to ensure 
sustainable food security for small farmers in rural areas, particularly by strengthening the farmers' associations representing them. 
34. The following are the guiding principles governing implementation of the PSRSA: 
- Participation by all stakeholders; 
- clear division of roles and responsibilities among the main stakeholders, namely:  the 
State (centralized and decentralized struct ures), agricultural producers' associations, 
private economic operators, NGOs, and local authorities; 
- public-private partnership for agricultural development; 
- refocusing of the State's role on its statutory functions; 
- responsibility of all stakeholders according to their terms of reference and not their 
competence. 
35. More specifically, in order to sustain th e Government's ambition of making Benin a 
subregional agricultural power, an ambitious ag ricultural mechanization programme has been 
implemented.  This has enabled Benin's agriculture  to acquire efficient agricultural equipment and 
machinery capable of contributing to a significan t increase in production and improving yields.  For 
this purpose, a mechanization mana gement agency has been set up. 
Cotton/textiles 
36. The cotton subsector produces Benin's leading export.  It provides 45 per cent of fiscal 
earnings and 80 per cent of export earnings, and contributes 13 per cent to GDP formation in terms of 
value added.  The goal defined for the cotton s ubsector focuses on its reorganization, building 
stakeholders' capacity, and attaining a position in  value added niche markets where Benin has 
considerable competitive advantages. 
37. The main programmes under way or to be implemen ted in order to develop this sector involve 
training and support for stakeholders in the cott on/textiles subsector, and the quality and market 
access programme. 
38. The Government is also pursuing its efforts to  upgrade this sector through structural reforms 
such as the partial privatization of the former National Agricultural Promotion Company (SONAPRA) and the creation of the Cotton Development Company (SODECO), which has taken over SONAPRA's industrial component. WT/TPR/G/236 Trade Policy Review 
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(2) AGRO-INDUSTRY  
39. Government policy in this sector is to encour age initiatives aimed at promoting the creation of 
jobs in agriculture and to create ideal conditions for processing agricultural raw materials in order to 
increase the sector's value added.  There are vast unexploited opportunities in this subsector for the 
production of exportable products such as cashew nut s, pineapples, mushrooms, shea butter, tropical 
fruits, palm kernels, etc. 
40. Processing agricultural products will help to l essen post-harvest losses and create substantial 
value added, as well as making these products more co mpetitive.  It is a question of encouraging the 
establishment of both small agrifood units by ma king it easier for processors to obtain loans to 
purchase suitable equipment, and of agro-industria l units through an appropriate tariff policy. 
41. With a view to achieving this objective, the National Charter for Small and Medium-Sized 
Enterprises (SME) and Small and Medium-Sized I ndustries (SMI) has been adopted, defining the 
legislative, regulatory, institutional and financ ial framework for development of SMEs/SMIs in 
Benin. 
42. The Charter gives enterprises numerous opportunities.  It determines the support measures 
and the benefits, as well as the commitments  which SMEs/SMIs will have to make vis-à-vis  their 
partners.  It provides for special tax exemptions under the Government's Finance Law, special aid for 
innovation, local development funds, and funds in s upport of transport and export.  Furthermore, the 
State provides the necessary support to enhan ce the competitiveness of SMEs/SMIs by making 
available to them information on:  traceability;  qual ity standards;  conditions for access to projects in 
support of SMEs;  dealing with su bregional and international comp etition;  setting up networks;  
developing appropriate websites, etc. 
(3) TELECOMMUNICATIONS  
43. In Benin, the telecommunications sector is  seen as a cross-cutting sector that has a 
considerable direct catalytic effect on all other sectors of economic activity.  Accordingly, the Government has introduced a policy to develop the sector under the auspices of the Ministry 
responsible for communications and promotion of information and communication technology (ICT).  
It has launched a reform of the postal and telecomm unications sector by bringing in private actors to 
increase the number of telecommunications and postal infrastructures.  This reform is underpinned by 
the following action: 
- Continued liberalization of the telecommuni cations sector by introducing a new legal 
and regulatory framework, in particular decrees on: 
(a) Creating and specifying the competen ce, organization and functioning of the 
Transitional Regulatory Authority for Post and Telecommunications; 
 
(b) approval of the clauses of the terms of  reference stipulati ng the conditions for 
establishing and operating the GSM sta ndard mobile telephony network in 
the Republic of Benin; 
 
(c) approval of the policy and strategy document (DPS) for the 
telecommunications, ICT and postal services sector; 
 
- privatization of the public telecommunications operator; Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali WT/TPR/G/236 
 Page 15 
 
 
- promotion of universal access to telecommunications and ICT services. 
(4) TRANSPORT  
44. In order to meet the challenges of maki ng its economy competitive and enabling Benin, 
because of its geographical situation, to play to the full its role as a country of  transit for land-locked 
countries and other neighbouring countries, the State has decided to develop infrastructure of the level 
needed to increase and boost private investment.  Si nce the previous review of Benin's trade policy, 
praiseworthy efforts have been made to remove the obstacles to productivity gains in the port of 
Cotonou and other links in the country's transport chain.  For this purpose, the Government is committed to finding sustainable solutions to urgent  problems that affect not only the national road 
network and the railway network operated by the Benin-Niger Joint Railway Organization (OCBN), 
but also the port and the airport at Cotonou and other domestic air services. 
45. Because of the special nature of this sector, wh en defining transport policy and strategies for 
its implementation the State has always attached pa rticular importance to the important links between 
the following: 
- Transport and transit; 
- transport and urban development; 
- transport and breaking the isolation of production zones; 
- transport and foreign trade. 
46. These efforts have led to the introduction of the following trade facilitation measures: 
- Expansion and modernization of the port's facilities; 
- substantial lowering of costs and time taken for goods to transit through the 
autonomous port of Cotonou; 
- creation and development of dry docks; 
- gradual modernization of airport facilities; 
- development of the road network; 
- giving the OCBN responsible for rail transport out on concession. 
(5) T
OURISM AND CRAFTS  
47. Because of its manifold aspects, including busi ness tourism, conference tourism and leisure 
tourism, tourism has considerable potential for accelerating economic growth, with knock-on effects 
on construction and public works, the agrifood indust ry, culture and crafts.  It is the second largest 
source of foreign currency after cotton, even though its sh are is still small (0.7 per cent).  In order to 
promote this sector, the Government has introdu ced a policy aimed at a ttracting vast amounts of 
private investment to upgrade the tourism infrastructur e.  It is intended to develop the national tourism 
potential, build institutional and operational capacity  in the sector, and encourage the promotion of 
Benin's tourism products abroad.  The pr ogrammes adopted focus on the following: WT/TPR/G/236 Trade Policy Review 
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- Encouraging renovation of the national hotel and restaurant sector as a whole; 
- developing access roads to the main existing hotels and cleaning up the surroundings; 
- creation of tourism development zones in  areas with considerable natural and 
socio-cultural potential; 
- promotion and development of domestic t ourism, thereby contributing towards the 
inter-mingling of peoples, tolerance and peace; 
- promotion of Benin as a destination on leading tourist markets so as to make the 
country better known and enhance its image; 
- arrange outstanding cultural events. 
48. The crafts sector's potential will be better e xploited by implementing the national crafts 
development policy.  Putting this into effect calls for the following: 
- The introduction of incentives and measures to  encourage the development of crafts 
activities; 
- improving the traditional apprenticeship system through a dual system; 
- promotion and support for the sale of crafts products. 
IV. BENIN AND THE DOHA ROUND NEGOTIATIONS 
49. Benin has signed and ratified the Marrakesh  Agreement Establishing the World Trade 
Organization and hence participates fully in the Orga nization's activities, entitled as it is to its rights 
and fulfilling its obligations as a least developed country, while at  the same time benefiting from 
special and differential treatment. 
50. The special feature of the Doha Agenda is  to place development at the heart of the 
multilateral trade negotiations.  Accordingly, Benin st rongly hopes that the outcome of this Round of 
negotiations will make a substantial contribution to its effective integration into international trade 
and, as a result, to its development, which is essential for poverty reduction. 
51. The issues of special interest to Benin in this Round are: 
- Agriculture, including cotton; 
- services; 
- trade facilitation; 
- rules. 
52. Cotton , Benin's leading export, has been one of th e subjects of concern in the negotiations on 
agriculture, particularly as regards market access and domestic support.  It is to be hoped that the 
negotiations on this issue will conclude as soon as po ssible with a balanced and ambitious outcome, in 
accordance with the established mandate and on the basis of the progress already made. Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali WT/TPR/G/236 
 Page 17 
 
 
53. Because of the country's potential in the area of services , Benin supports the proposals put 
forward by the LDC Group and hopes that the ne gotiations on mode 4 will offer market access 
opportunities in this respect. 
54. Trade facilitation  is of particular interest to Benin as a country of transit.  A number of 
reforms are under way at the national level follo wing an evaluation of the country's needs and 
priorities.  Some of the commitments resulti ng from the negotiations on trade facilitation cannot, 
however, be put into effect as their nature and sc ope requires until the necessary substantial technical 
assistance and capacity building have been provided. 
55. As a least developed country, Benin attaches prime importance to special and differential 
treatment in all the negotiating areas. 
V. OTHER INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS AND ARRANGEMENTS 
56. Benin participates in many other trade agre ements, including the ACP-EU Partnership 
Agreement and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). 
(1) ACP-EU  PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT  
57. The trade provisions in the Cotonou Agreemen t are intended gradually to integrate the 
ACP countries in the global economy.  The results of 25 years of trade cooperation, however, have 
shown that tariff concessions alone did not allow th e ACP countries to develop and to diversify their 
exports.  The Cotonou Agreement therefore envisages  a new cooperation strategy to overcome this.  
Both parties have initiated negotiations with a vi ew to replacing the unilateral trade preferences 
regime in the Lomé Conventions by a preferential tr ade regime based on reciprocity that is consistent 
with the WTO rules. 
58. The conclusion and implementation of this agreement raises important challenges, including 
the far-reaching structural reform of production sector s, involving in particular diversification of 
products, control of production costs, and rapid adjust ment to changes in regional and global demand, 
so as to take advantage of the anticipated new oppo rtunities.  This new agreement also calls for an 
in-depth revision of both national and regional fiscality (Economic Community of West African 
States (ECOWAS) CET, regional and national fiscal transition). 
(2) REGIONAL INTEGRATION AGREEMENTS  
59. Benin is a signatory to several regional trade-related agreements, including ECOWAS, 
WAEMU, the franc zone, and OHADA. 
(i) ECOWAS 
60. The principal objective of ECOWAS is to promot e cooperation and integration with a view to 
creating an economic and monetary union capable of ensuring development in all spheres of 
economic activity and particularly in industry, te lecommunications, transport, energy, agriculture, 
natural resources, trade, monetary and financia l matters, and social and cultural affairs. 
61. More specifically, it is planned, inter alia , to establish a customs union among member 
States, which should be followed by  an economic and monetary union. 
62. The share of ECOWAS members in Benin's forei gn trade is likely to grow with the effective 
introduction of the ECOWAS customs union.  Overall, member countries of ECOWAS in general and WT/TPR/G/236 Trade Policy Review 
Page 18 
 
 
Benin in particular would benefit greatly from thei r membership of the Community if the many trade 
and economic integration agreements  were respected in practice. 
(ii) WAEMU 
63. WAEMU's key objective is liberalization of tr ade among member States and integration in 
order to form a customs union.  For this purpose,  it aims to make its member States' economic and 
financial activities more competitive within an ope n and competitive market and an organized and 
harmonized legal framework. 
64. The texts also provide for the creation of a common market among member States based on 
the free movement of persons, goods, services,  capital, and the right of establishment for 
self-employed persons or employees, as well as a common external tariff and a common trade policy 
among member States. 
65. WAEMU is committed to drawing up common policies, especially as regards the 
development of the community's territory, ag riculture, the environment, transport, 
telecommunications, human resources, energy, indust ry, mining and crafts.  It has also set the 
objective of harmonizing the legislation of member States and especially their fiscal regimes. 
66. Benin's goal in participating in these agreements  and arrangements is to expand its trade with 
the developed countries and with member countries in the West African subregion and to promote 
intra-regional trade. 
67. In this connection, the Government has decide d to support regional integration and to adopt 
the means required to expand its trade with partner countries. 
VI. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND CAPACITY BUILDING 
68. Since the previous review of its trade policy in 2004, Benin has embarked upon a series of 
institutional and structural reforms aimed at en couraging the emergence of a prosperous and 
competitive economy, in accordance with its vision "B enin - Alafia 2025".  The reforms set out in its 
Growth Strategy for Poverty Reduction prog ramme (SCRP, 2007-2009) include most of the 
recommendations in the Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS). 
69. The objectives of the Aid for Trade programme are to increase developing countries' supply 
capacity so as to enable their econom ies to become better integrated in to international trade and derive 
greater benefits from trade.  Aid for Trade is inte nded to be additional and to take into account the 
need to build supply capacity in beneficiary count ries.  In Benin, the SCRP receives support from 
bilateral and multilateral donors which, within the of ficial development aid framework, are starting to 
direct their efforts towards national trade-related priorities. 
70. The needs concern the following inter alia : 
- Creation of accredited laboratories; 
- development of the agricultural subsectors  identified with a view to diversifying 
agriculture and building exportable supply capacity; 
- creation of infrastructure for trade facilitation so that Benin can take advantage of its 
situation as a country of transit; Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali WT/TPR/G/236 
 Page 19 
 
 
- improving the value chain in the subsector s identified, especially cotton/textiles; 
- development of agro-industry, etc. 
 These needs have been listed in documents such as: 
 
- The DTIS; 
- the evaluation of Benin's trade facilitati on-related technical assistance needs and 
priorities; 
- the UNIDO programme for building Benin's production and trade capacity, which 
concerns improving the value chain for cotton; 
- the Development Programme in th e Economic Partnership Agreement; 
- the SCRP paper; 
- the PSRSA. Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali WT/TPR/G/236 
 Page 21 
 
 
REPORT BY BURKINA FASO 
 
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON BURKINA FASO 
 1. Burkina Faso is a land-locked Sahelian country .  It lies in a loop in the Niger River in 
West Africa and covers 274,222 km
2.  It is bordered by Mali to the north and west, Côte d'Ivoire, 
Ghana, Togo and Benin to the south, and Niger to the east.  There are two seasons in Burkina Faso:  a 
rainy season from June to September and a dry season from October to May. 
2. The population is estimated to be 14,017,262 (general census of population and housing in 
2006), 51.7 per cent of whom are women, and is increasi ng annually at an average rate of 3.1 per cent.  
It is estimated that the working population is so me 49 per cent and life expectancy is 48 years.  
Almost 19 per cent of the population lives in the country's two major cities:  Ouagadougou and 
Bobo-Dioulasso. 
3. Burkina Faso's economy is chiefly based on agriculture and it possesses very few natural 
resources.  It suffers from the uncertainties of the Sahelian climate and rainfall is unevenly distributed 
in terms of both time and space. 
4. There are nonetheless very valid reasons to inv est in Burkina Faso, including the following: 
- A republican State based on the separation of powers; 
- a democratic, secular and tolerant nation; 
- political and institutional stability and the ability to deal with change; 
- stability and social peace based on the ongoing quest for social dialogue and political 
consensus; 
- an unwavering decision in favour of a liberal economy that is open to the outside; 
- an attractive and innovative legislative and regulatory framework that offers 
particular advantages; 
- an extremely favourable and profitable macr oeconomic context, with a 5.24 per cent 
average rate of economic growth; 
- stable, sustainable and non-inflationary growth prospects; 
- a stable monetary zone, with a common cu rrency within WAEMU, freely convertible 
at a fixed parity to the euro; 
- a young, energetic and entrepreneurial popula tion and an abundant labour force that is 
known to be hard working. 
I. ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 
(1) MAIN FEATURES OF THE ECONOMY  
5. Since the previous review of its trade policy in  2004, Burkina Faso's average annual rate of 
growth over the period 2005-2009 was around 5.24 per cent, compared to 5.42 per cent for the period WT/TPR/G/236 Trade Policy Review 
Page 22 
 
 
1999-2004, with an exceptionally high rate of growth of 8.7 per cent in 2005 but a lower rate of 
3.1 per cent in 2009.  This can be explained by the fact that the national, regional and international 
context for economic activity in 2009 was marked by  a difficult start to the rainy season, a surge in 
the prices of petroleum products, lower prices for cott on and a lower rate for the dollar, the impact of 
the global financial and economic crisis, and the floods that occu rred on 1 September 2009.  This 
unfavourable environment affected Burkina Faso 's economic and social performance throughout 
2009. 
6. GDP in constant terms was an average of CF AF 3,385.8 billion, or  US$6.78 billion over the 
period 2005-2009, whereas it had been CFAF 1,531.33 b illion for the period 1999-20 04.  This trend is 
attributable to performance in the agricultural sect or and the dynamism show n by industry and mining 
companies, as well as the buoyancy of tradable services. 
7. The primary sector's annual average contribution to GDP formation over the period 
2005-2009 was 29.6 per cent.  The figure is highe r in years marked by significant levels of 
agricultural production, indicating how growth depe nds on performance in agriculture and hence on 
weather factors.  In order to remedy this trend, it is  essential to bring about a change in the structure of 
the economy. 
8. From 2005 to 2009, the industrial sector's aver age annual contribution to GDP formation was 
19.6 per cent.  With the exception of the figure for 2009, in the other years its contribution was below 
20 per cent.  Efforts are being made to increase th is share by creating industries that provide decent 
jobs. 
9. Over the same period, the services sector's average contribution to GDP formation was 
43.6 per cent.  The reforms to the business envir onment either already implemented or under way 
should stabilize this situation.  Measures and refo rms in this sector are being undertaken on an 
ongoing basis to enable economic activities to take place under the best possible conditions. 
10. As regards price trends, over the period 2005- 2009 average annual inflation was 4.36 per 
cent, compared to 1.7 per cent for the period 2000-2004.  Inflation in 2009 was in fact 3.4 per cent 
(community level 3 per cent) compared to 10.7 per cent in 2008 and -0.3 per cent in 2007.  There was 
a modest overall increase in prices in 2009, contrary to  what occurred in the preceding period, mainly 
because of lower prices for food products on the inte rnational market and plentiful supplies of cereals 
on domestic markets following a successful harvest.  The lo wer rate of inflation is chiefly the result of 
lower prices for food products on the internationa l market and the successful agricultural season in 
2008/2009. 
(2) TRADE PERFORMANCE AND INVESTMENT  
11. Burkina Faso's trade balance h as a structural deficit, although it has improved somewhat over 
the past five years, from CFAF 293.4 billion in 2005 to CFAF 274.1 billion in 2009.  The largest deficit was in 2008 (CFAF 401.4 billion).  The trad e deficit could deteriorate by CFAF 49.39 billion 
in 2010 in comparison with the figure for 2009. 
12. In 2010, exports should amount to CFAF 468.7 billion, compared to CFAF 439.7 billion in 
2009, an increase of 7 per cent mainly attributable to growth in exports of cotton lint, sesame, livestock products and gold. 
13. Imports should rise by 11 per cent in 2010 as a result of economic activities within the 
country (real economic growth of 3.1 per cent in 20 09) in a context marked by lower global prices for Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali WT/TPR/G/236 
 Page 23 
 
 
petroleum products and the drop in prices for food products and capital goods.  Imports are expected 
to amount to CFAF 792.2 billion in 2010, compared to CFAF 713.8 billion for the previous year. 
14. During the period 2005-2009, there was a deficit in the services balance, which rose from 
CFAF 154.1 billion in 2005 to CFAF 212.2 billion in  2009.  At the end of 2010, this deficit will 
probably rise by CFAF 12.9 billion compared to th e previous year and is expected to increase from 
CFAF 212.2 billion in 2009 to CFAF 225.1 billion.  The average import/export ratio for the period 2005-2009 was around 20.1 per cent, meaning that e xports of services represented some 20 per cent 
of imports of services.  This ratio is expected to improve somewhat from 21.8 per cent in 2009 to 
21.9 per cent in 2010. 
15. As regards investment performance, gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) showed a 
substantial increase over the period 2005- 2008, from CFAF 359.8 billion in 2005 to 
CFAF 976.8 billion in 2008, equivalent to average a nnual growth of 39.5 per cent.  Investment fell by 
2.4 per cent in 2009 as against an increase of 16.7 per cent in 2008.  In 2009, GFCF rose by 0.8 per 
cent compared to 9.4 per cent the previous year a nd in real terms amounted to CFAF 984.2 billion.  
This performance is the result of the 20.3 per cent increase in public GFCF and the 4.8 per cent 
decrease in the private component.  In terms of c ontribution to GDP growth, investment contributed 
0.8 points in 2009 compared to 5.1 points in 2008. 
16. As to the future, development activities duri ng the period 2010-2014 will continue to pursue 
the objectives in the Priority Actions Program me (PAP) of the Poverty Reduction Strategy 
Paper (PRSP), while also following the broad outlin es of the Accelerated Growth and Sustainable 
Development Strategy (SCADD), namely: 
- To stabilize the economy and accelerate the pace of growth; 
- to develop human capital; 
- to develop the economic infrastructure; 
- to promote good governance; 
- to boost local development. 
II. TRADE REGIME 
(1) T
REND IN FOREIGN TRADE FROM 2005  TO 2009 
17. Over the past five years, th ere has been a global increase in  Burkina Faso's trade, which 
amounted to CFAF 751.1 billion in 2005, and CF AF 1,153.5 billion in 2009, an average annual 
increase of 11.32 per cent.  This increase is attribut able to the higher value of imports and exports.  
The trend in the import/export ratio was less marked , allowing the growing deficit to be absorbed.  
The deficit decreased from CFAF 293.43 billion in  2005 to CFAF 274.07 billion in 2009, having 
reached its peak in 2008 (CFAF 401.36 billion). 
18. Over the period 2005-2009, the average import/export ratio was some 51.33 per cent.  Imports 
accounted for around two thirds of the total value of foreign trade, compared to one third for exports.  
The maximum cover ratio during this period was in  2009 (61.6 per cent), the result of the boom in 
export revenue (41.68 per cent compared to 2008) caused  by the sharp rise in earnings from exports of 
gold and sesame, which were, respectively, the first and third most important export products;  in 
2009, cotton ceded its first place to gold as a result of  the emerging mining industry in the country. WT/TPR/G/236 Trade Policy Review 
Page 24 
 
 
 
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 
Exports f.o.b.  
Imports f.o.b.  Trend in Burkina Faso's exports and imports  
CFAF billion  
Source : BCEAO/DGC.   
 
 
(2) GENERAL TRADE POLICY OBJECTIVES  
19. Since the previous review of its trade policy in 2004, Burkina Faso, with the support of its 
development partners, has gradually consolidated its economic reforms so as to make its economy 
more competitive and to become more closely in tegrated into the global economy, thereby improving 
its population's well-being. 
20. The PRSP, which was drawn up in the course of  a participatory process that included all 
sections of society and was adopted by a br oad consensus that involved the full support of 
Burkina Faso's development partne rs, today constitutes the reference framework that groups all the 
country's economic, trade and social policies.  The PRSP makes economic growth the foremost 
priority in the poverty reduction strategy. 
21. However, the various revisions of the document in 2003 and 2006 highlighted some 
shortcomings that mainly concerned social sectors.   Accordingly, in 2009, Burkina Faso decided on a 
new development strategy that should boost the role of  trade in economic development.  This is the 
SCADD, which is due to replace the PRSP in 2011.  The SCADD lays emphasis on those sectors 
whose growth has the most marked impact in te rms of raising the population's living standards and 
reducing poverty. 
22. The tools for achieving such growth include, inter alia , the development of natural assets, 
human resources and the infrastructure, togeth er with the introduction of sound macroeconomic 
policies and Burkina Faso's greater integration into the global market. Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali WT/TPR/G/236 
 Page 25 
 
 
23. The overall objectives set by the Government under this trade policy are: 
- To liberalize trade; 
- to streamline the regulatory requirements for creating and operating private 
enterprises, both for Burkina nationals and for foreign investment, through the 
creation of Business Formalities Centres; 
- to encourage the development of business w ithin a secure legal framework consistent 
with international standards; 
- to continue adapting national regulations to those in force in WAEMU, ECOWAS 
and the WTO; 
- to facilitate rapid adjustment to economic developments by maki ng labour legislation 
more flexible; 
- to improve the productivity and efficiency of institutions providing support to the 
private sector, particularly those directly managed by the State; 
- to combat fraud and corruption; 
- to make a sizeable reduction in the number of local products whose prices are 
controlled by the State; 
- to abolish monopolies for the sale and di stribution of fast-moving consumer goods; 
- to pursue and intensify the ongoing and fruitful  dialogue established with the private 
sector; 
- to lower costs and/or improve the quality of public services controlled by the State; 
- to improve the terms of financing for ente rprises in general and for SMEs/SMIs in 
particular; 
- to lessen the fiscal burden on the formal sector; 
- to streamline import taxation on inputs; 
- to boost the modernization and effi ciency of all business services; 
- to promote the upgrading of skills among the local labour force; 
- to intensify the creation or rehabilita tion of zones equipped for industry; 
- to continue equipping zones de veloped for various activities; 
- to bring about a reduction in certain transport costs; 
- to improve the efficiency and fluidity of transport corridors into Burkina Faso; 
- to diversify sources of supply. WT/TPR/G/236 Trade Policy Review 
Page 26 
 
 
(3) FRAMEWORK FOR TRADE POLICY FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION  
24. The framework for trade policy formulation a nd implementation is made up of laws and 
regulations on trade.  The Ministry of Trade, En terprise Promotion and Crafts is responsible for 
drafting, implementing and administering Burkina Faso's trade policy.  It draws up trade policy 
measures in collaboration with the private sector , trade support structures, the other ministerial 
departments concerned and civil soci ety.  Once they have been endorsed by the Government at the 
Ministry's initiative, laws are sent to the Na tional Assembly for consideration and adoption. 
3.1 Trade legislation and regulations 
25. There have been no significant changes to Burk ina Faso's trade legislation and regulations 
since the previous review of the country's trade policy in 2004. 
3.1.1 The Constitution 
26. The Constitution of 2 June 1991, revised in 20021, is Burkina Faso's basic law.  It confers 
legislative power on the National Assembly, wh ich adopts laws, including those on trade. 
27. Pursuant to the provisions in the Constitution, the President of Burkina Faso is vested with the 
authority to negotiate and conclude  international agreements, although he may delegate this power to 
another member of the Executive. 
3.1.2 Legislative and regulatory texts 
28. Burkina Faso's constitutional provisions guarant ee freedom to import, export and re-export 
goods and products that are not banned.  These pr ovisions are based on those in Article 18 of the 
WAEMU Customs Code.  The import and export regi me is regulated by Ordinance No. 91-069 of 
25 November 1991 and its Implem enting Decree No. 91-034 of 27 November 1991, as well as 
Law No. 15/94 of 5 May 1994 on the organizatio n of competition and consumption, which was 
amended by Law No. 33-2001/AN of 4 December 2001. 
29. Any merchandise that is not banned may be  freely imported, exported or re-exported.  
Pursuant to the provisions in the WAEMU Customs Code, all goods whose import or export is banned 
in any way or which are subject to restrictions , quality or packaging standards, or to specific 
formalities that have not been respect ed are deemed to be prohibited. 
30. The import or export of goods may also be prohibited for reasons of public order, public 
security, protection of human or animal health or life, public morals, protection of the environment, 
etc. 
31. Burkina Faso's foreign trade measures follow the community principles.  Nevertheless, a 
certain number of products still require special aut horization.  Economic operators must also comply 
with administrative formalities in certain circumstances: 
- In order to draw up statistics on foreign trade and maintain control of financial 
movements, the State needs to know the types of goods imported.  It therefore requires the submission of a prior import d eclaration (DPI), issued by the Ministry 
                                                     
 
1 Law No. 001-2002/AN of 22 January 2002, published by means of Decree No. 2002-038/PRES of 
5 February 2002. Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali WT/TPR/G/236 
 Page 27 
 
 
responsible for trade, for the import of any goods with an f.o.b. value of 
CFAF 500,000 or more. 
- The State also requires that imported goods of a value of CFAF 3 million or more, 
irrespective of the customs regime requeste d, must undergo prior inspection of their 
quality, volume and price, by a specialized inspection firm.  From 2003 to 2005, the 
Société Générale de Surveillance  (SGS) was responsible for this task and since 2005 
it has been Cotecna SA. 
- Lastly, upon entry into Burkina Faso a numbe r of goods intended for consumption are 
required by the State to undergo an inspection of their quality, weight, quantity, 
packaging and labelling according to the sta ndards and technical regulations in force 
in Burkina Faso.  This inspection is carried  out by the services of the Ministries 
responsible for trade, health and agriculture. 
Investment Code 
32. The Investment Code is governed by Law No. 62/95/ADP of 4 December 1995, as amended 
by Laws No. 015/97/AN of 17 April 1997 and No. 07-2010/AN of 29 January 2010.  Intended to 
promote investment, the Code grants a number of attractive fiscal concessions and a preferential 
regime for export-oriented enterprises, which are exempt from customs taxes on equipment and on the 
set of replacement parts for the equipment (as well as spare parts). 
(4) TRADE AGREEMENTS AND ARRANGEMENTS  
33. The objective sought by the Burkina author ities through their trade agreements and 
arrangements is to create an environment conducive to Burkina Faso's integration into the regional 
and international economy in order to obtain outlets for its products and to promote the development 
of its industries.  The following are some of the agreements signed by Burkina Faso: 
4.1 Multilateral agreements 
34. Burkina Faso became a Member of the GATT in 1963 and ratified the Agreement 
Establishing the WTO, thus becoming a founder Member  of the Organization on 3 June 1995.  It is 
convinced that the Agreement Establishing the WTO will serve the interests of the developing 
countries in general and of the leas t developed countries in particular .  This is why it attaches great 
importance to the conclusion of the Doha Round nego tiations as a means of mitigating the impact of 
the global economic crisis, building an open and fair  trading system capable of reviving growth and 
reducing poverty.  It remains convinced that ste pping up assistance to the developing countries will 
enable them to derive greater benefits from these Agreements. 
4.2 Regional agreements 
35. Burkina Faso is a founder member of th e West African Economic and Monetary 
Union (WAEMU), created on 10 January 1994, with the following objectives, inter alia : 
- To make member States' economic and fi nancial activities more competitive within 
the framework of an open and competitiv e market and a properly organized and 
harmonized legal environment; 
- to ensure the convergence of member St ates' economic performances and policies by 
establishing a multilateral surveillance procedure; WT/TPR/G/236 Trade Policy Review 
Page 28 
 
 
- to create a common market based on free movement of persons, goods, services and 
capital and the right of establishment and of residence common market among member States based on the free movement of persons, goods, se rvices and capital 
and the right of establishment of self-emp loyed persons or employees, as well as on a 
common external tariff and a common trade policy. 
36.
 Burkina Faso is also a member of th e Economic Community of West African 
States (ECOWAS), which is negotiating an Eco nomic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the 
European Union.  The negotiation of EPAs under the Cotonou Agreement framework should reaffirm 
the partnership between the European Union and the ACP States.  All stakeholders agree that the new 
EPAs must be trade agreements that bring abou t development and are integrated into the overall 
development strategy of ACP countries, and that they  must be in line with the objectives defined in 
the Cotonou Agreement.  Like other countries in th e West African region, Burkina Faso considers that 
the development dimension must be a concrete element in the conclusion of a regional EPA. 
4.3 Bilateral agreement 
37. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) or the law on economic growth and 
opportunities in Africa is an integral part of the 2000 Law on trade and development.  Its aim is to 
boost trade and investment between the United States  of America and sub-Saharan African countries, 
to foster economic development and encourage acc ess and opportunities for American investment in 
this part of Africa. 
38. Burkina Faso was declared  eligible for the AGOA on 10 December 2004 and has done 
everything possible to meet the requirements of this Ac t and be classified in category 9 so as to enable 
its economic operators to deri ve benefits from the AGOA. 
III. SECTORAL TRADE POLICY OBJECTIVES 
(1) AGRICULTURE , LIVESTOCK AND WATER RESOURCES  
39. In Burkina Faso, the rural sector plays a v ital role in the national economy and employs 
86 per cent of the working population.  Some 30 per cent of GDP comes from agricultural activities 
(16.8 per cent for growing crops and 14.6 per cent for livestock farming, forestry and fishing), which 
are considered to be the country's  main sources of economic growth. 
40. After the agricultural sector was reorganized to  refocus the State's role, in December 2003 the 
Burkina authorities drew up and adopted a new Rura l Development Strategy (SDR) consistent with 
the PRSP. 
41. The SDR's overall objective is to achieve sustained growth of the rural sector so as to help to 
reduce poverty, build up food security and promote sustainable development. 
42. In order to implement the SDR and reforms in th is sector, a number of action plans have been 
drawn up, particularly in subsectors such as cotton,  fruit and vegetables, cereals, rural financing and 
the creation of agricultural trade associations. 
1.1 Agriculture 
43. The Government has taken action in the agricultu ral sector to intensify and diversify crop 
production.  The government measures in support of producers (renewed since the 2008/2009 agricultural season through the free distribution of improved sorghum, maize, rice, cowpea Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali WT/TPR/G/236 
 Page 29 
 
 
and sesame seed, subsidized fertilizer, capacity building through advice and support, subsidized 
post-harvest materials, etc.) have had an impact in  terms of increased domestic output.  This action 
has been combined with large-scale development of the plains and bottomlands.  Cereal production 
rose from 3.1 million tonnes in 2007 to 4.4 milli on tonnes in 2008, while rice production increased 
from 114,000 tonnes in 2006 to 195,000 tonnes in 2008, and then to 214,000 tonnes in 2009. 
44. These measures have indeed helped to raise ag ricultural output, but the Government intends 
to pursue its efforts to ensure sustainable food security by implementing projects and programmes in support of subsectors and food security.  Th is catalytic action will take place over the 
period 2010-2015 with production targets defined for th e 11 priority agricultural subsectors identified 
(sorghum, maize, cowpea, sesame, rice, mangoes,  tomatoes, onions, cassava, yams, and sweet 
potatoes). 
45.
 These subsectors have been chosen for the following reasons: -
 Their substantial contribution to food secur ity and poverty reduction, particularly in 
rural areas; 
- their contribution to achieving development goals; 
- the existence of a potential deemed intere sting and which needs to be sufficiently 
developed. 
Trend in crop production, 2000-2010 
(Tonnes million) 
 2000/ 
2001 2001/ 
2002 2002/ 
2003 2003/ 
2004 2004/ 
2005 2005/ 
2006 2006/ 
2007 2007/ 
2008 2008/ 
2009 2009/ 
2010 
Sorghum 847 1,372 1,373 1,610 1,134 1,553 1,516 1,507 1,875 1,521 
Millet 604 1,009 995 1,184 938 1,196 1,175 966 1,255 971 
Groundnuts 169 301 324 358 245 221 215 245 346 331 
Cowpea 128 376 330 457 276 445 436 253 538 454 
Potatoes 27 42 37 29 41 71 81 62 73 81 
Sesame 7 31 14 18 12 25 23 19 52 56 
Source : DGPER/MAHRH. 
1.2 Livestock 
46. Livestock farming plays a major social and econom ic role in Burkina Faso.  Over 80 per cent 
of households derive most of their income from livestock. 
47. Raising livestock also helps to increase produc tion on farms by harnessing animal power and 
fertilizing the soil through the integration of cr op farming and livestock breeding.  The size and 
diversity of the herd (8.23 million cattle, 20.7 million small ruminants, 36.2 million poultry and 2 million pigs in 2009) means that the liv estock subsector has vast potential. 
48.
 In order to ensure that the livestock subsector  fulfils the strategic role it should play, the 
Government has drawn up a National Sustaina ble Development Policy for Livestock (PNDEL2) up to 
the year 2025, which sets out the broad outlines of  the country's livestock policy and serves as a 
reference framework for medium and long-term action.   The PNDEL's aim is to  make Burkina Faso's 
livestock subsector " a competitive and environmentally friendl y livestock subsector around which is 
                                                      
2 The PNDEL was adopted by the Government of Burkina Faso in November 2009. WT/TPR/G/236 Trade Policy Review 
Page 30 
 
 
organized a proper processing industry and which makes a greater contribution to both food security 
and raising the living standards of the Burkina population ".  This policy is consistent with the 
government options in the PRSP and with the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). 
49. The PNDEL's overriding objective is to increase livestock's contribution to food and 
nutritional security, to the growth of the domes tic economy and to raising the population's living 
standards.  In line with this aim, action plans for the development of the following subsectors have 
been drawn up and await implementation:  traditi onal poultry breeding, cattle/meat, small ruminants, 
milk, pigs, and hides and skins.  At the same ti me, in order to place land tenure on a more secure 
footing so as to develop pastoral activities a nd increase animal-based production, a number of 
strategies are being drawn up, including secure f ood supplies for the animal herd, secure land tenure 
for pastoral activities and a national genetic improvement strategy for the animal herd. 
1.3 Water resources 
50. The National Drinking Water Supply and Sanita tion Programme (PN-AEPA) is part of the 
national strategy for integrated water resource management (GIRE).  Th e Programme's overall 
objective is to improve the population's quality of life  by giving fair and adequate access to drinking 
water and sanitation by 2015, whilst ensuring sust ainable and equitable management of water 
resources. 
51. This is the instrument through which Burkina Faso , in line with the PRSP, aims to attain the 
water-related MDG.  In 2007, 76 per cent of the pop ulation had access to drinking water, compared to 
74.2 per cent in 2005. 
(2) MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT  
52. The Government's policy for the management of  natural resources and the environment forms 
part of the National Environment Policy (PNE), wh ose main objective is to limit the trend towards 
environmental degradation and to boost the envi ronmental sector's contribution to the national 
economy and to the population's well-being as part of poverty reduction by 2015. 
(3) TRANSPORT  
53. Burkina Faso's land-locked situation, its close in tegration in regional trade and the extent of 
its foreign trade give the transport sector, particul arly land transport, a key role to play in the 
economy. 
54. Because of the special nature of this sector , in defining transport policy and implementing 
measures the Government has always laid partic ular emphasis on the important relationship between: 
- Transport and foreign trade; 
- transport and urban development; 
- transport and breaking the country's isolation. 
55. The role of transport in support of economic and social development is set out in the 
Transport Sector Support Programme (PASECT from 1992 to 1999) and the Sectoral Transport 
Programme-2 (PST from 2000 to 2010), adopted by  the Government and supported by donors. Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali WT/TPR/G/236 
 Page 31 
 
 
56. The main aim of Burkina Faso's overall trans port policy is to make the country into a 
crossroads for trade.  It has therefore embarked upo n a policy of strategic investment in airport, road, 
rail and storage infrastructure. 
57. The principal objectives of this overall policy are: 
- To lower transport costs and reduce shippi ng time, together with higher quality 
service and safety in nationa l and international transport; 
- to build management, planning, programming, monitoring and regulatory capacity in 
the transport sector; 
- to develop the transport infrastructure network. 
58. The sector nevertheless continues to suffer fro m a certain number of constraints in terms of 
controlling costs, road safety, overloading of truc ks, higher international prices for hydrocarbons, 
quality of service and consistency of the legislativ e and regulatory framework with the imperatives of 
competitiveness and economic efficiency. 
59. Removing these constraints and adapting trans port to international developments and the 
requirements of the production sector in terms of  mobility, accessibility and economic logistics has 
prompted the transport authorities to commission a study to update the deve lopment strategy for the 
transport sector in order to put in place a transport policy that allows investment in the sector to be 
made profitable and to maximize its contribution to the economy's growth and competitiveness. 
(4) TOURISM AND ART 
60. The vision underpinning this sector is to make Burkina Faso a welcoming and hospitable 
country and an attractive and accessible destinati on offering tourism products of quality that are 
diversified, visible and competitive. 
61. Objectives have been defined with a view to achieving this goal.  These include developing 
national tourism potential, building the sector's ins titutional and operational capacity, developing the 
tourism economy and helping to promote Burkina Faso's tourism abroad. 
62. Action programmes have been drawn up with a view to achieving these objectives.  They 
deal, inter alia , with protection and promotion of the nati onal tourism heritage, building institutional 
and operational capacity in the tourism sector, traini ng, consultation and organi zation of stakeholders. 
63. In Burkina Faso, the arts are divided into s ubsectors that are not equally well organized, for 
example, the visual subsector (cinema, television and video), the performing arts, three-dimensional 
and applied arts, and books. 
64. One of the country's major objectives is to  organize and develop the cultural economy, 
notably by developing business acumen and cultural industries, protecting products and performers, 
combating fraud and counterfeiting and taking th e cultural dimension into account in other 
development policies. 
(5) TELECOMMUNICATIONS  
65. In order to ensure that telecommunications play their role more effectively, in 2006 the 
Government created a Ministry responsible for information and communications technology (ICT). WT/TPR/G/236 Trade Policy Review 
Page 32 
 
 
66. The Ministry responsible for ICT defines a nd follows up the implementation of government 
policy on postal services and ICT, which consists of adopting a national cybe r strategy which expands 
the Ministry's responsibilities to include those prev iously assigned to the Directorate-General for 
Informatics, integrating the sectoral policy letter. 
67. The Government adopted the sectoral policy letter in December 2006 with the aim of 
developing synergy and implementing consiste nt policies and strategies to promote 
telecommunications and information, as a follo w-up to the sectoral telecommunications policy 
statement of 1999, and it defines the main orientat ions of government policy and its priorities for 
postal services and ICT for the period 2006-20 10, making this policy easier to understand. 
68. It also underlines the Government's determin ation not only to improve performance in the 
postal sector and make ICT a compe titive and attractive sector for investors, but also to upgrade the 
quality of postal services and ensure broader disse mination of ICT in society, its accessibility and 
utilization at all social levels and the mobilizati on of its potential in suppor t of national development 
strategies. 
69. To assist the Ministry in implementing this policy, an Electronic Communications Regulatory 
Authority (ARCE) has been set up under the authority  of the Prime Minister's Office.  ARCE is a 
monitoring, arbitration and regulatory body for the electronic communications sector. 
(6) MINING AND ENERGY  
6.1 Mining 
70. There has been a real boom in the mining sector  in Burkina Faso in recent years.  In 2003, 
only one mine was operating, whereas today there are five, with projects to open up other new sites.  
This spectacular performance in mining is the re sult of a series of reforms undertaken by the 
Government, which led to the definition of a mining policy and the adoption of an attractive 
Mining Code.  These reforms have drawn se veral mining companies to Burkina Faso. 
71. For the future, the Government intends to do the following: -
 Introduce a regulatory framework conducive to the development of mining and 
quarrying; 
- establish a model mining agreement for mining companies, with favourable fiscal 
terms for mining investment in Burkina Faso; 
- enhance the quality of information on mining resources by creating websites; 
- introduce good practices to ensure the efficiency of mineral ore mining and the 
exploitation of useful substances (creation of pilot mining centres - research project 
and development of useful substances). 
6.2 Energy 
72. Burkina Faso has limited energy resources.  Th e strategy adopted by the Government is to 
attract private investment to the sector, to involve the private sector more closely in its management, 
and to seek solutions for obtaini ng energy supplies at lower cost. Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali WT/TPR/G/236 
 Page 33 
 
 
73. In terms of the sectoral outlook, the State is considering other reforms to enhance the 
organization and efficiency of the sector and to improve access to modern energy sources in rural 
areas, while at the same time encouraging the deve lopment of the private sector and competition in 
the energy sector, as well as building the capacity of local communities to take on responsibilities. 
74. The projects intended to implement these reforms include the following: 
- Electrification of settlements along the Burkina Faso-Côte d'Ivoire interconnection 
line; 
- implementation of the Ouagadougou master plan for 2007 to 2010; 
- building of the hydroelectric dam at Noumbiel; 
- construction of electricity grids to increas e the rate of electrification from 26 per cent 
in 2009 to 60 per cent by 2015; 
- establishment of electricity interconnec tion between Ghana and Burkina Faso and 
electrification of the areas through which it passes; 
- pre-electrification of the main towns and villages using a photovoltaic solar system; 
- establishment of interconnection be tween Han (Ghana), Bobo-Dioulasso 
(Burkina Faso) and Sikasso-Bamako (Mali), and electrification of the areas through 
which it passes; 
- interconnection between Nigeria, Niger, Benin and Burkina Faso; 
- building of a pipeline between Ghana and Burk ina Faso for the transport of petroleum 
products. 
(7) INDUSTRY AND CRAFTS  
75. In the crafts sector, the Government has undertaken or plans the following promotion 
activities: 
 Action undertaken includes the following: 
 
- Preparation and implementation of a strategy to promote crafts (training, 
organization, marketing, fiscal legisl ation, financing and trade promotion); 
- putting the Ouagadougou International Arts  and Crafts Fair (SIAO) on a more 
professional footing; 
- building and professional operation of the Ouagadougou craft village (VAO). 
 The actions planned are the following: 
 
- Creation of a trade association; 
- building of craft villages; WT/TPR/G/236 Trade Policy Review 
Page 34 
 
 
- opening of a register of trades and intr oduction of a professional crafts permit. 
76. As far as industry is concerned, a new Investme nt Code has been drawn up.  In addition, the 
industrialization policy is being prepared and a ch arter for SMEs has recently been adopted by the 
Government. 
IV. CONCLUSION 
77. From a trade policy standpoint, Burkina Faso will continue to play an active role within the 
WTO.  The reinforcement and development of economic integration organizations (WAEMU and 
ECOWAS) will be an important component of Burkina Faso's trade policy, particularly in connection 
with the conclusion of the EPA and other trade ag reements with countries or groups of countries. 
78. A stronger multilateral system will remain a prior ity in the initiatives taken by Burkina Faso 
to establish an international economic and trade fra mework that is both effective and fair.  In the 
global financial crisis, Burkina Faso will spare no effort to ensure that the Doha Round negotiations 
reach a successful conclusion in order to mitigate th e impact of the crisis by developing international 
trade. 
79. Burkina Faso will resolutely pursue its ec onomic liberalization programme.  In this 
connection and in order to make  the institutional environment mo re attractive for business, the 
reforms under way in relation to WAEMU, ECOW AS and the WTO will be pursued and will be 
adapted for implementation in Burkina Faso. 
80. Burkina Faso is equally determined to meet th e challenge of poverty reduction.  A programme 
of structural, institutional and regulatory reform has been introduced with a view to catalyzing private 
investment, the main vector for developi ng production capacity and combating poverty. 
81. Burkina Faso is also seeking to promote foreign direct investment more actively so that it can 
assist the development of a dynamic and competitive  private sector.  The country intends to make 
greater efforts to develop basic infrastructure, with  the support of its technical  and financial partners 
and through public sector-private s ector partnerships.  A stronger infrastructure is indeed necessary if 
the private sector is to develop under satisfactory conditions. 
 
 Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali WT/TPR/G/236 
 Page 35 
 
 
REPORT BY MALI 
 
I. INTRODUCTION 
1. The Republic of Mali is a land-locked country, bordered on the east by Niger, the south-east 
by Burkina Faso, the south by Côte d'Ivoire and Guinea, the west by Senegal, the north-west by 
Mauritania and the north by Algeria.  It covers an area of 1,241,328 km2 and the population is 
estimated to be 13.1 million, i.e. a density of 10.9 inh/km2.  The population is unequally distributed 
throughout the country.  Mali's climate is desert in the north, Sahelian in the centre and west and 
Sudanian in the south.  The territory is divide d into 703 municipalities in eight regions (Kayes, 
Koulikoro, Sikasso, Ségou, Mopti, Timbuktu, Gao, and Kidal) and the district of Bamako. 
2. Mali is primarily an agricultural, forestry and pastoral country with a liberal economic 
regime.  At the political level, it has a democratic  regime headed by a Pr esident of the Republic 
elected in two rounds of voting for a once-renewable five-year term. 
3. Since the previous review of its trade policy in 2004, Mali has pursued a policy of 
development and openness based on the President of the Republic's economic and social development 
programme (PDES), together with the Growth and Poverty Reduction St rategy Paper (GPRSP), 
launched in 2006. 
4. The overall objective of the GPRSP in 2007 was to catalyze strong and sustained growth 
(around 7 per cent) and to make a significant reduction in poverty.  It was evaluated in order to make 
recommendations for the second and third years of implementation (2008 and 2009).  This evaluation 
enabled the authorities to verify that the govern ment growth and poverty reduction policies and 
strategies were being implemented satisfactorily so that in the short term the goals set in the GPRSP 
and, in the medium term, those for the de velopment millennium (MDG) can be achieved. 
5. The implementation of these various basi c documents has shown that today the 
macroeconomic and social aggregat es have, in general, improved. 
II. MACROECONOMIC SITUATION 
6. In 2009, Mali's economic situ ation was marked by a successful agricultural season and 
substantial production of gold.  In 2009, the real rate  of growth in GDP was 4.5 per cent, compared to 
5.0 per cent in 2008.  This slow-down in growth is a ttributable to the agricultural and services sectors, 
whose rates of growth were, respectively, 5.6 per cent and 3.5 per cent in 2009, as against 13.2 per 
cent and 4.3 per cent in 2008.  Inflation fell from 9.2 per cent in 2008 to 2.2 per cent in 2009 as a 
result of increased supplies of cereals and the fiscal measures taken to deal with the impact of the 
international crises. 
7. As far as the management of government finance is concerned, the State is pursuing its efforts 
to increase revenue and control spending.  Total revenue excluding grants was CFAF 725.0 billion in 
2009, a 19.4 per cent increase in comparison with 2008, as a result of the growth in fiscal revenue 
(20.2 per cent).  In 2009, the rate of  fiscal pressure was 14.7 per cent, as against 13.3 per cent in 2008.  
Total expenditure and net lendi ng amounted to CFAF 1,015.8 b illion in 2009, as against 
CFAF 828.2 billion in 2008, an increase of 22.6 per cent as a result of increased capital and current 
spending. 
8. With regard to the balance of payments, 2009 saw an improvement in Mali's foreign trade 
transactions following the recovery in cotton and gol d prices on the international market and transfers 
from migrants.  Exports amounted to CFAF 918.2 billion in 2009, as against CFAF 939.1 billion in WT/TPR/G/236 Trade Policy Review 
Page 36 
 
 
2008, i.e. a drop of 2.2 per cent.  Imports also fell by 7 per cent or CFAF 120 billion in comparison 
with 2008 and amounted to CFAF 1,387.5 billion. 
9. In 2009, the monetary situation was marked by a sharp increase in net external assets 
(CFAF +246.0 billion or +49.6 per cent), a domestic credit squeeze (CFAF 69.0 billion or -13.4 per 
cent) and an increase in the money supply (CFAF +164.3 billion or +16.1 per cent). 
10. In the sphere of education, the main ongoing reforms are the adoption of the First 
degree-Master's-Doctorate (LMD) sc heme and the introduction of a modular system to make technical 
education more professionally oriented. 
11. These macroeconomic results can be attributed to the efforts made by the Government to try 
and improve living standards for the Malian popula tion and to the support from the technical and 
financial partners for the c ountry's development efforts. 
12. A growth rate of 5.1 per cent is expected for 20 10.  The catalysts for such growth will be the 
services sector (5.3 per cent) and the industrial sector  (4.5 per cent).  The inflation rate is expected to 
be 1.5 per cent in 2010.  The Government's conti nuation and intensification of the efforts made in 
2009 will make these figures possible to achieve. 
13. The development projects and programmes in the PDES and the GPRSP will be consolidated.  
They involve the development of economic and social  infrastructure (building of roads, development 
and extension of communications ne tworks and ICT, building schools and health centres, support for 
the crafts sector, promotion of the private sector, etc.). 
III. TRADE AND INVESTMENT FRAMEWORK 
(1) API-M ALI 
14. Mali has an Investment Promotion Agency (AP I-Mali) to encourage and support foreign and 
Malian direct investment and to  regulate industrial zones. 
(2) APEX 
15. In order to promote domestic products, pursuant to the directives in the PDES, Mali is setting 
up an Export Promotion Agency so as to expand and consolidate exports of Malian products and 
services. 
16. This Agency will be responsible for the following, inter alia : 
- Helping to increase and upgrade the supply of exportable goods and services; 
- building the export capacity of Malian enterprises; 
- contributing to the introduction of tec hnical, banking and insurance facilities for 
products and services for export; 
- supporting technical and vocational training in  foreign trade for managers and civil 
servants; 
- providing information on quality standards and market access criteria for products 
and services; Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali WT/TPR/G/236 
 Page 37 
 
 
- giving Malian enterprises support to enable  them to take advantage of tariff 
preference-related trade opportunities and other trade benefits granted at the bilateral, 
regional and multilateral levels; 
- helping to verify foreign trade-related documentation; 
- encouraging cooperation between the privat e sector and the authorities so as to 
enhance the environment for exports; 
- encouraging the creation of strategic networ ks and partnerships to develop exports 
and promote Mali as an origin; 
- ensuring that the Agency is represen ted in Mali's diplomatic missions; 
- taking part in bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations. 
(3) DOING BUSINESS  
17. Since 2005, the Government has been committe d to improving the legal and practical 
framework for business.  For this purpose, it has unde rtaken effective and efficient regulatory reforms 
by adopting institutional measures that help to lowe r barriers to the development of private initiatives 
and infrastructure.  These measures were reinforced  with the adoption of the 2009-2010 action plan to 
make doing business easier and the initiation of the Jo int Committee's institutional reform.  It is the 
plan's ambition to make Mali one of the most effec tive reforming countries in  terms of enhancing the 
competitiveness of local enterprises and attracting private investment (both Malian and foreign). 
18. Following these reforms, the World Bank's Doing Business 2010  report classified Mali in 
156th place out of 183 economies at the global level, improving its ranking by six places in 
comparison with the previous year, and as fifth reforming country in sub- Saharan Africa.  This 
improvement in its position was the result of implem entation of the institutional reform of the single 
window for enterprise creation and regulatory and legislative reforms concerning the protection of 
investors, expeditious examination and execution of contracts, making building permits easier to 
obtain and facilitating cross-border trade. 
19. The reforms in the 2010 and 2011 action plan ar e intended to reinforce the measures initiated 
under the following four (4) strategic axes: 
• Axis 1 : Deepening the reforms already initiated; 
• Axis 2 :  Computerization and modernization of structures; 
• Axis 3 : Streamlining and lowering the level of duties and taxes; 
• Axis 4 : Improving access to credit. 
(4) PROJECT IN SUPPORT OF RETAILERS (PACD) 
20. This project's strategy for intervention is to build up a dynamic and complementary 
partnership between the authorities, the private sector  and the financial sector.  The authorities and the 
financial sector share their know-h ow with retailers who, in retu rn, place their activities on a formal 
basis and improve the quality of their service by setting up in a sound environment. WT/TPR/G/236 Trade Policy Review 
Page 38 
 
 
IV. SECTORAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY 
(1) AGRICULTURE  
21. Mali's agricultural policy is based on the PDES , the GPRSP, the Master Plan for Rural 
Development (SDDR), the Framework Law on Agricultu re (LOA) and the Ministry of Agriculture's 
action plan (PAMA), which aim to make agricu lture the catalyst for development in Mali. 
22. The goal of the LOA is to promote sustai nable, modern and competitive agriculture 
essentially based on security of tenure for family farm s.  It seeks to ensure food security and to make 
agriculture the driving force of the domestic econom y, as well as an essential tool in combating 
poverty. 
23. The main objective remains to promote subsectors with potential (rice, wheat, maize, fruit and 
vegetables, sugar cane, cotton, gum Arabic, etc.). 
24. Achieving this objective involves the following: -
 Implementation of the plan to produce 10 million tonnes of cereals by 2012 by 
pursuing crop intensification programmes (rice, maize, wheat, sorghum and cowpea) 
in order to meet domestic consumption n eeds and make Mali an exporter of cereals; 
- hydro-agricultural development of 103,356 hectares in the Niger Board Zone; 
- substantial support for research on variet y selection, proposals for appropriate 
fertilizer formulas and crop protection plans; 
- providing farms with small and large mech anized machinery and giving them access 
to agricultural inputs; 
- more advice and support so as to transm it technical information to agricultural 
producers more efficiently. 
25. For this purpose, it will be necessary: -
 To build the capacity of State structures to implement agreements; 
- to promote the development of infrastructur e for agriculture and its diversification 
towards agro- and processing industries to enable them to supply local and 
subregional markets; 
- to build the capacity of Malian producers to improve their coordination of production 
so as to obtain substantial advantages fo r the export of products from subsectors such 
as cotton, mangoes, shea nuts, soya beans, sesame, gum Arabic and cereals; 
- to create processing and conservation f acilities by introducing mechanisms for 
financing investment and establishing an appropriate institutional and legal 
framework; 
- to build the organizational and negotia ting capacity of producers and exporters 
through training and support and advice; Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali WT/TPR/G/236 
 Page 39 
 
 
- to train phytosanitary inspectors in the re gions in inspection and quality certification 
methods; 
- to support efforts by producers and processing industries to upgrade the quality and 
safety of their food products so as to protect consumers and make it easier for 
foodstuffs to enter the international market; 
- to ensure the implementation of comm unity (WAEMU, ECOWAS) and multilateral 
(WTO) agreements on sanitary and phytosanitary measures. 
(2) LIVESTOCK  
26. The strategies for the national policy to devel op the livestock subsector are among the options 
defined in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper an d the Master Plan for Rural Development.  The 
subsector is essentially based on the exploitation of natural resour ces and agricultural and agrifood 
by-products through various animal production sc hemes.  The overall policy therefore aims to 
develop all the existing schemes, whose functioning  is complementary and which are adapted to the 
prevailing ecological conditions. 
27. In order to achieve these objectives, the strate gy adopted focuses on the following:  better 
animal feeding;  improved animal health;  better animal husbandry performance;  development of the 
infrastructure and equipment for marketing and pr ocessing livestock products;  building the capacity 
of stakeholders;  and rational ma nagement of natural resources. 
(3) FISHERIES  
28. The objective of the development policy for fi sheries and aquaculture is to increase the 
contribution of fishing and fish farming to the domestic economy, to raise the living standards of 
fishing communities, to meet food needs, and to pr omote sustainable developm ent of fisheries.  The 
future prospects for the production and marketing policies chiefly depend on putting into operation 
the programmes in the Master Plan for th e Development of Fishing and Aquaculture. 
(4) FORESTRY  
29. The national forestry policy's aim is to protect  both water and soil, combat desertification, 
sustainably manage forests in humid zones, protect wildlife and its habitat, a nd preserve the biological 
diversity of species of wild fauna and flora. 
(5) WATER RESOURCES AND ENERGY  
30. The aim of Mali's energy policy is to expand the distribution of electricity to the largest 
possible number of the country's population, while at the same time promoting social and economic 
activities by responding to growing agro-industrial demands (Markala sugar project, the project for a 
tractor plant and the extension of a plant manufacturing tiles and paving stones).  In addition, Mali will promote the connection of mining industries and future agro-pastoral i ndustries to the national 
electricity distribution grid.  A total of an additional 1,000 MW should come into service within five years according to the PDES directives. 
31.
 This national policy has given rise to a numb er of national strategies with action plans 
focusing on the development of renewable energy and biofuels. WT/TPR/G/236 Trade Policy Review 
Page 40 
 
 
32. The water resources sector is of vital importan ce to Mali, a Sahelo-Saharan country severely 
affected by persistent drought.  The Government  considers the proper and sustainable supply of 
drinking water for the country's population and livestock  to be one of the priority objectives of its 
economic and social development policy, more particularly the poverty reduction policy.  
Accordingly, a national water resources policy docu ment to serve as a refe rence framework for the 
management of water-related issues has been dr awn up based on the concept of integrated water 
resource management (GIRE), and it will be impl emented through the national action plan for the 
integrated management of water resources. 
(6) TELECOMMUNICATIONS  
33. In the area of telecommunications, the PDES and the GPRSP highlight the continuation and 
intensification of the efforts already undertaken to  provide the infrastructure and equipment necessary 
for a rapid modernization of the national economy.  This will involve increasing teledensity, the 
introduction of a higher capacity electronic networ k and the gradual genera lization of broadband 
(ADSL), thereby opening up new opportunities for Ma li's regions and enterprises and new types of 
jobs with the emergence of a knowledge-based econom y.  In practice, such requirements will involve 
the following: 
- Access to the telephone network and the In ternet for rural communities.  The period 
2002-2007 saw a boom in telecommunications in all the regional capitals and main 
cities.  The period 2007-2012 will see the development of telecommunications in 
rural areas.  An ambitious and attractive programme will be developed to give all 
communes access to the telephone network and the Internet by encouraging operators 
to give priority to universal access; 
- the problem of Mali's digital isolation will be resolved by introducing information 
highways using optic fibre networks that link all Mali's major cities and the latter 
with neighbouring countries, in the context of a public-private partnership; 
- digital management:  all services will have  to be on the Web and each service will 
have an electronic address; 
- dissemination of information technology,  particularly among young people and in 
education, in order to boost access to the information and knowledge society. 
(7) TOURISM  
34. The aim of Mali's tourism policy is:  to offe r more hotel services in Bamako and in the 
interior;  to preserve and restore tourism sites;  to  diversify Mali's tourism services;  to make it easier 
for visitors to move around the country;  to promot e tourism in Mali in potential markets;  to upgrade 
the tourism analysis and information system;  to in crease the financial capacity of the national tourism 
authority;  to improve the organizational framework  for tourism and the competence of those involved 
in the sector;  and to develop partnership between the public sector, the private sector, civil society 
and local organizations in order to make Mali a sought after destination. 
35. By 2013, Mali aims to increase the amount spent by tourists by 70 per cent, on the one hand 
by increasing the number of international arrivals and, on the other, by placing greater emphasis on higher-spending tourists. Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali WT/TPR/G/236 
 Page 41 
 
 
(8) INSURANCE  
36. The main thrusts of the insurance industry development strategy drawn up by the 
Inter-African Conference on Insurance Market s (CIMA), on the one hand, and the National 
Directorate of the Treasury and Public Accounting ( DNTCP), responsible for regulating insurance, on 
the other, are the following: 
- Action by CIMA  is intended to increase the equity  capital of insurance companies;  
documentary and on-site control of insu rance intermediaries;  combat money 
laundering and financing of terrorism;  and regulate micro-insurance; 
- Action at the national level  (DNTCP) mainly concerns the domiciliation of major 
risks and the creation of a pool for public passenger transport insurance (TPV). 
(9) TRANSPORT  
37. Mali's transport policy is set out in the General Policy Declaration Letter for this sector.  The 
policy is intended to improve the following: 
- The medium and long-term efficiency of  the transport sector's operations by 
introducing healthy competition between enterprises and modes of transport; 
- the state of the existing infrastructure, par ticularly roads, railways and airports by 
means of an appropriate policy for their ma intenance and rehabilitation in order to 
open up the country internally and to the outside. 
Land transport 
 
38. Transport is a key component in the PDES deve lopment policy.  In order to turn its inland 
situation into a major advantage, Mali is striving to put into practice the saying that " The road to 
development is through development of the road ".  The Government accordingly intends to link all 
crop areas to the various domestic markets, on the one hand, and to link Mali to neighbouring 
countries by means of cross-border roads, on the other. 
Air transport 
 39.
 With the same aim, the project to upgrade and ex tend the airport in Bamako is also one of the 
Government's main concerns and it is intended to make this airport a West African hub.  The project 
comprises three interdependent activities, each of which plays an essential role in the country's 
economic development.  The first is to rehabilita te and extend the existing runway by 500 metres, 
together with the necessary works, the second is institutional strengthening (Air CO1), and the third 
involves the building of a new terminal and related infrastructure.  The works include the building of 
a passenger terminal, providing road access and parking facilities, the building of a system for treating 
solid waste, and the supply of medium-voltage elect ricity and drinking water.  The project will also 
include the treatment of waste water and a ne w building for maintaining runway equipment. 
Rail transport 
 
40. A number of studies are being conducted with a view to making better use of the Dakar-Niger 
railway board concession.  These include the following: 
- Environmental impact study of railway works; WT/TPR/G/236 Trade Policy Review 
Page 42 
 
 
- economic impact study of investment in the concession. 
41. As far as investment is concerned, it is planned to purchase 60 passenger carriages and 
four locomotives for national and in ternational passenger transport.  It  is also planned to repair the 
railway line itself and the transport equipment. 
42. The concession for the Dakar-Bamako railway w ill give further impetus to the process of 
opening up the country internally and to the outside already initiated by the Department of 
Infrastructure and Transport. 
43. The figures so far indicate an increase in pa ssenger traffic.  Ultimately, the State will no 
longer subsidize this traffic, formerly declared to be making a loss. 
44. Future investment and rehabilitation of the railw ay line will increase the monthly tonnage of 
goods traffic.  This will to a large extent resolve the problems of transporting goods. 
(10) FINANCIAL SERVICES  
45. Because the performance of Malian enterprises is to  a large extent linked to the availability of 
financial products and ease of access to them, Mali ai ms to implement appropriate instruments such as 
the Bank Guarantee Fund and the National Investment Fund without delay.  These will be tools to 
facilitate access to loans for SMEs in the local private sector. 
(11) INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT  
46. The overall objective of this policy is to encour age orderly, rapid and sustainable industrial 
development that will create 6,000 jobs in industr y and increase the manufacturing sector's share of 
GDP from 6 per cent to 10 per cent and the overall share of industry to at least 12 per cent.  The 
strategy is based on a subsector approach and gi ves priority to setting up industrial zones and 
duty-free zones in order to encourage the creation of new industrial units in the most promising 
subsectors.  There will be new investment projects in  five subsectors deemed to be highly strategic, 
namely:  oilseeds and products gathered in the wild  (shea nuts, gum Arabic);  fruit and vegetables 
(mangoes, potatoes, tomatoes, shallots, green beans, sugar peas, hibiscus);  animal products (cattle, 
meat, milk, fish, hides and skins);  dry cereals (rice,  maize, wheat);  and building materials (cement, 
plaster).  The aim of the approach is to strengt hen the link between agriculture and industry by setting 
up plants to process primary products. 
V. MALI'S POSITION IN THE DOHA ROUND NEGOTIATIONS 
47. Mali is concerned by all the issues being negotiated in the Round in general.  More 
particularly, in view of the nature of its economy,  Mali's interests focus on the negotiation of issues 
relating to the following:  agriculture, trade in se rvices, trade facilitation, special and differential 
treatment, technical assistance, TRIPS, trade rules and Aid For Trade. 
(1) AGRICULTURE  
48. Mali's exports chiefly come from the agricultura l sector, cotton in particular.  Developed 
countries are currently granting subsidies and do mestic support for their cotton subsector, which 
means that Mali's cotton is forced out of the intern ational market.  This is why the negotiations on 
reducing trade-distorting domestic support and expo rt subsidies are of great interest to Mali. Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali WT/TPR/G/236 
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49. The standstill in the multilateral negotiations pe nalizes Malian cotton producers but benefits 
their counterparts in developed countries.  The latte r will continue to subsidize their cotton subsector 
with impunity as long as the negotiations are not concluded. 
50. Consequently, Mali, like the other members of  the C-4 and all African cotton-producing 
countries, reaffirms its position on moving more quickly in addressing the cotton issue ambitiously, 
expeditiously and specifically, as recommende d in the July 2004 package and at the 
2005 Hong Kong Ministerial Conference. 
51. Before this issue is resolved, in the tr ade negotiations at the WTO Mali supports the 
establishment of an emergency fund to act as a safety net for Malian cotton producers.  The fund's 
resources should cover 100 per cent of the losses caused by the subsidies. 
(2) TRADE IN SERVICES  
52. As regards mode 4 of trade in services c oncerning physical presence, Mali supports all 
positions that help to eliminate the limitations on market access and national treatment existing in the 
specific commitments of developed countries, which have adopted a defensive position in this regard. 
(3) TRADE FACILITATION  
53. Because of its inland situation, Mali attaches crucial importance to the negotiations on this 
aspect.  Substantial progress in this area woul d make Mali's economy more competitive as regards 
imports and exports.  Mali has defi ned its priority needs in relation to trade facilitation and gives 
foremost priority to implementing these through Aid for Trade. 
(4) SPECIAL AND DIFFERENTIAL TREATMENT (S&D) 
54. S&D became part of the WTO's legal texts from 1979 onwards in order to allow the 
developing countries to participate more effectiv ely in global trade.  Mali therefore supports the 
position of the developing countries that  S&D should be made more binding. 
(5) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE  
55. As an LDC, Mali would like to receive more support from the developed countries so as to 
carry out the reforms needed for its integration into global trade. 
(6) TRADE -RELATED ASPECTS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS  
56. Mali is a foremost exponent of traditional kn owledge and therefore supports all initiatives 
aimed at protecting traditional knowledge, as well as the reforms under way to facilitate access by 
LDCs to generic medicines so as to bring their public health problems under control. 
(7) RULES  
57. Mali supports all clarifications of the rules with  a view to taking into  account the development 
concerns of the developing countries and LDCs.  It also supports the adoption of binding rules to 
determine the threshold for triggering the special safeguard mechanism (SSM) for certain agricultural 
products from developing countries. WT/TPR/G/236 Trade Policy Review 
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(8) AID FOR TRADE  
58. Mali supports the establishment of Aid for Trade that should help the developing countries, in 
particular LDCs, to achieve the supply-side capacity  and the trade-related infrastructure they need to 
be able to implement the WTO Agreements, derive benefits from them and, more generally, expand 
their trade.  Implementation of the programme requires predictable, sustainable and effective 
additional financing  in order to be able to carry out trade-related projects and programmes. 
VI. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND CAPACITY BUILDING 
59. Following the reform of its economy in the 1980s, Mali opted to liberalize its domestic trade 
and open up its market.  This led to Mali's accession to the WTO as a sovereign State on 31 May 1995 
after the Marrakesh Conference. 
60. Along the same lines, the country is striving to improve its economy's integration into the 
multilateral trading system so as to derive great er benefits from trade and reinforce its poverty 
reduction policy. 
61. For Mali, as a beneficiary of the Enhanced Inte grated Framework (EIF), achievement of this 
objective implies the involvement of partners in ensu ring the success of the EIF.  In practical terms, 
this means implementing the following: 
- Capacity building for sanitary and phytosanitary laboratories; 
- capacity building for members of the co mmittee responsible fo r multilateral trade 
negotiations; 
- boosting action to promote quality by provi ding the necessary support for the new 
national export promotion structure (APEX); 
- support for Mali in drawing up a strategy to  attract FDI in promising sectors; 
- support for action by INSTAT, the nationa l entity responsible for collecting and 
processing statistics; 
- development of products from subsectors with potential. 
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