WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/TPR/M/240 
21 January 2011 
 (11-0353) 
Trade Policy Review Body 
24 and 26 November 2010  
 
 
 
TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
 
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO 
 
Record of Meeting  
 
Chairperson:  H.E. Mr Bozkurt Aran (Turkey) 
 
 
Page 
I. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 3 
II. OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEMOCRATIC 
REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO 4 
III. STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  9 IV. STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS 14 
V. REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE 
CONGO AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS 30 
VI. CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 40 
 
 
 
 
     
 
    
 
   
 
Note: Advance written questions by WTO Members and the replies provided by the Democratic 
Republic of the Congo are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/240/Add.1 and will be 
available online at http://www.wto.org/ english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm. 
  WT/TPR/M/240 
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  I. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
1. The first review of the trade policy of the De mocratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was held 
on 24 and 26 November 2010.  The Chairperson, H. E. Mr Bozkurt Aran (Turkey) welcomed the 
delegation of the DRC, led by Minister Mr Albert  Kwete Minga Bope, Secretary General of Trade, 
and the discussant H.E. Mr Jean Feyder (Luxembourg). 
2. The Chairperson recalled the purpose of Trade Po licy Reviews and the main elements of the 
meeting's procedure.  The report by the Gove rnment of the DRC was contained in document 
WT/TPR/G/240, and that of the Secretariat in document WT/TPR/S/240. 
3. The following delegations had sent in writte n questions in advance, which had been 
transmitted to the delegation of the DRC:  Un ited States;  Japan and the European Union. 
4. The Chairperson noted that the reports prepared  for this meeting emphasized the steps taken 
by the DRC in recovering from its socio-political crises, with economic growth of about 6 per cent 
per year on average since 2001.  Its inflation a nd public deficit had been on a downward trend over 
the period, with budget surpluses recorded certain y ears.  However, the reforms had fallen short of 
improving the DRC's business environment. 
5. The lack of infrastructure, a plethora of tr ade duties and charges collected by multiple 
non-coordinated institutions and administrative ha ssles significantly added to the costs of doing 
business in the DRC.  In consequence, the economy was yet to attract the foreign direct investment 
(FDI) needed to exploit its immense potential,  including large mineral endowment and abundant 
agricultural production factors.  It would be interest ing to hear from the delegation the DRC's plans as 
to how to make the business environment conducive to the needed FDI. 
6. He noted that the DRC was a Member of the WT O, but it was also a signatory to almost all 
regional agreements in Central, Eastern and S outhern Africa, although it was not yet implementing 
their trade provisions.  Overlapping membership of different trade agreements bore costs and certain challenges.  It would be interesting if the delega tion of the DRC shared with us the way it plans to 
manage all these agreements. 
7. The DRC had a relatively simple tariff stru cture.  However, the imposition of over 
100 different duties and charges, as well as the interventions of several bodies at the borders, significantly complicated its trade regime.  This  aggravated its import costs and undermined the 
competitiveness of its few export products.  Further information on the DRC's planned trade reforms, 
including the trade facilitation programme, would be appreciated. 
8. Because of the socio-political crisis, the DRC' s access to technical assistance programmes had 
been limited.  Therefore, a useful outcome of this  Review would be to identify the constraints to the 
DRC's fruitful participation in the multilateral tr ading system and the way we, as WTO Members and 
international organizations, could best assist it in overcoming these. WT/TPR/M/240 
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  II. OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPR ESENTATIVE OF THE DEMOCRATIC 
REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO 
9. It should be noted that the Trade Policy Review  which my country has undertaken to submit 
for the first time today represents a highlight in our economic history as it reaffirms the Government's 
commitment and unshakeable dete rmination to integrate the DRC's economy into the multilateral 
trading system.  International trade is indeed  a valuable tool for promoting socio-economic 
development, creating jobs, raising incomes, re ducing poverty and, consequently, improving the 
living conditions of the population as a whole. 
10. As you already know, complying with the WTO' s trade policies and practices in order to 
facilitate the functioning of the multilateral tradi ng system through transparency is an obligation 
incumbent upon all Members of the WTO.  My count ry, the DRC, cannot be exempt from compliance 
with the principle of evaluating trade policies and practices, so taking advantage of the more serene 
political climate following a lengthy process of na tional reconciliation that culminated in the 
organization of free, democratic and transparent el ections since June 2006, it proposed to submit its 
first Review since it became a Member of the WTO.  For your information, the DRC, an original 
Member of the WTO, has been independent since 30 June 1960, so this year  it is celebrating the 
50th anniversary of its accession to nation al and international sovereignty. 
11. The DRC is situated in the heart of Africa and its surface area of 2,345,000 km2 makes it the 
third largest country in Africa, after Sudan a nd Algeria, and the most densely populated in 
central Africa, with a population estimated to exceed  68 million.  It extends from the Atlantic Ocean 
to the eastern plateau.  The North of the country, one of the largest areas of equatorial forest in the 
world, is one of the country's greatest assets and alone accounts for over 45 per cent of all the 
equatorial forest on the African continent.  It c ontains sought after species such as afromosia, ebony, 
wenge, iroko, sapelli, sipo, tiama, tola, kambala and lifaki.  The Eastern part of the country runs 
alongside the East African Great Rift valley, with mount ains and hills, great lakes, but also volcanoes.  
The South and the Centre are wooded savannah and form  a high plateau that is rich in mineral ores, 
making the DRC a genuine "geological scandal", w ith bauxite, coal, Colombo tantalite or coltan, 
copper, cobalt, diamonds, tin, iron, methane gas, mangan ese, gold, oil, bituminous schists, etc.  In the 
far West, the coastline runs for 40 km. along the Atlantic Ocean. 
12. As far as the land itself is concerned, the D RC has over 120 million hectares of fertile arable 
land suitable for agro-industry.  The climate is c onducive to agriculture on a large scale throughout 
the year.  As regards fauna, the DRC has several na tural parks and reserves, which contain such rare 
species as okapis, white rhinoceroses and bonobos, ma king them major tourist attractions.  The DRC's 
water resources consist of rivers, water courses  and lakes with magnificent views and fabulous 
landscapes from which active or extinct volcanoes em erge, and its water basin contains innumerable 
species of fish. 
13. The Congo River flows for some 4,700 km. from one end of the country to the other and has 
the most regular and powerful flow of water in the world (80,000 m3/second) after the Amazon.  Its 
energy potential is estimated to be around 100,00 0 Megawatts of potential power.  My country 
occupies a central geographical position and has co mmon borders with:  Angola and the Republic of 
the Congo to the West;  the Central African Repub lic and Sudan to the North;  Uganda, Rwanda, 
Burundi and Tanzania to the East;  and Zambia and Angola to the South.  Its population is made up of 
several hundred ethnic groups.  French is the offi cial language, and kikongo,  lingala, tshiluba and 
Swahili are national languages.  WT/TPR/M/240 
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  14. Its strategic geographical position means that the DRC is the largest market in Central Africa, 
with potential for large-scale agriculture and indus try and for producing goods and services that can 
easily be sold locally, with the surplus exported to  markets in Africa, Europe, America and Asia.  
My country's people, however, have not yet been ab le to take advantage of all these opportunities.  
For the past two decades the DRC's economy has continued to shrink, notably because of the 
breakdown in bilateral and multilate ral cooperation, errors in econom ic management, political and 
institutional instability, exacerbated by successive wars  and armed conflicts in the East of the country 
and a lengthy period of transition, ending in elections in 2006. 
15. At the monetary level, the strong expansion of internal liquidity, driven mainly by the 
growing financing of the public deficit, has led to distortion in the form of continued depreciation of 
the national currency against the major foreign curre ncies because of the hyperinflation that reigned 
throughout this period.  The climax was reached w ith the extensive dollarization of the economy, the 
justification being that the American currency should serve as a safe haven. 
16. During the review period, domestic produc tion suffered from both keen and unfair 
competition from finished products originating in  countries with lower production costs, or the 
product of organized smuggling.  The DRC is a predominantly agricultural country and almost all of its traditional production and export sectors were e ither stagnating or declining.  The years of 
"economic breakdown" are viewed by some observers  as being "the cost of the political adaptation" 
the country has to pay for the transition from a singl e party regime to an inclusive multiparty regime. 
17. Nevertheless, over the same peri od, attempts by the international financial community to 
reorganize the country's economic management th rough structural adjustment programmes signed 
with the Bretton Woods institutions did not reach the goals set, inter alia , because of the failure to 
adapt some of the recommended measures to the local situation and also to the slow disbursement of 
the funds, combined with terms that were sometimes too stringent in light of the fragility of African 
economies. 
18. You will recall that, since 2002, with the re turn to institutional stability, the DRC has 
embarked upon a sustainable democratic transition that has allowed the country's political and 
institutional balance to be restored and the promo tion of rebuilding and modernization.  The country 
has undertaken an uninterrupted series of reforms,  with progressive liberalization of the economy and 
greater openness to international competition in order to  bring it into line with the rest of the world.  
Like other African countries, the DRC is aware of the importance of international trade for a nation's 
economic development. 
19. In the area of trade, it should be noted th at competitiveness is an essential component to 
which the DRC must remain attentive with rega rd to the dissemination and implementation of 
measures and instruments to regulate business activiti es with the aim of:  streamlining formalities and 
procedures;  standardizing and improving infrastru cture and physical facilities;  and harmonizing the 
relevant legislation and regulations. 
20. For this purpose, the Diagnostic Trade In tegration Study (DTIS) conducted under the 
Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), with suppor t from the World Bank, which I thank, has already 
drawn up a list of constraints that are hampering development of trade in the DRC.  These obstacles concern the country's supply chain, the handling of g oods at the border, and their internal distribution. 
21. In light of these constraints, my country has prioritized three axes, namely:  improving the 
corridors along which goods are transported to the DRC.  Economic operators in the East and 
South-East operating in the provinces of North and South Kivu, Maniema, Katanga and Orientale province use Mombasa in Kenya, Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania, Durban in South Africa, and 
Walvis Bay in Namibia as ports of transit.  They  transport their goods along these North, Central and WT/TPR/M/240 
Page 6 
 
 
  North-South corridors and encounter problems when using them, for example, physical and 
non-physical barriers.  These difficulties have a negative impact on our country's supply chain and mean that within the country such  goods are scarce and their prices  higher.  You will agree with me 
that such a situation constitutes a major economic problem, which the Government is endeavouring to 
resolve, in cooperation with neighbouring countries and other partners concerned. 
22. The aim of the reform of the single wi ndow, which is intended to operate under a 
public-private partnership with a view to saving time in dealing with foreign trade transactions at the 
border, is:  to handle all stages of foreign trade operations, namely, pre-customs clearance, clearance 
and post-clearance (integrated single window);  to encourage the use of electronic media for 
processing files (virtual single window);  gradually to cover the whole national territory and all modes 
of transport (national single window);  to make information and communication technology (ICT) the 
real tool for developing foreign trade in the D RC;  to improve mobilization of government revenue 
earned from clearance operations;  to draw up a single and harmonized system for disseminating 
information in the customs cordon in order to allow cross-checks. 
23. As far as internal distribution is concerned, the Government is  advocating better infrastructure 
in order to finalize its multimodal transport polic y.  In this connection, the Head of State, 
H.E. Mr Joseph Kabila, in his recent statement of  4 July 2010 when the DRC reached the completion 
point under the HIPC Initiative, unequivocally reaffi rmed the Government's strong determination to 
take the necessary incentive measures to improve the business climate in our country, notably by 
providing a fiscal stimulus for investme nt and by eliminating all red tape. 
24. Along the same lines, the Government has alread y taken courageous measures to enhance the 
business climate in the DRC by:  streamlining the fo rmalities to be completed in order to set up a 
business;  acceding to the Organization for the Ha rmonisation of Business Law in Africa (OHADA);  
enacting a new government procurement law;  br inging down the base lending rate of the Central 
Bank of the Congo;  enacting Investment, Govern ment Procurement, Mining, Forest, Customs, 
Agricultural and Labour Codes (it should be noted th at the Commercial Code is under preparation);  
establishing the National Investment Promotion Ag ency (ANAPI) and the Mining Property Register;  
gradually extending the introduction of commercial c ourts throughout the country;  and revising the 
Criminal Code in order to guarantee legal and judicial security for business. 
25. At the sectoral level, a large number of measures have been taken.  The adoption of a 
simplified customs policy with a tariff structure comp rising four rates for imports has been the most 
beneficial. 
26. Through these different reforms, the DRC hopes to  regain its place in the multilateral trading 
system by relying on the country's numerous adva ntages in terms of natural resources, human 
potential and its privileged geographical position at the heart of the African continent, halfway 
between Central, Eastern and Southern Africa. 
27. It is the Congolese Government's responsib ility to meet the daunting challenge of 
reconstruction in order to ensure the developm ent and integral well-being of our economy.  
Furthermore, since 2006 the Government has adopt ed the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy 
Paper (GPRSP) and is currently implementing the triennial programme for the period from July 2009 
to June 2012, which was agreed with the IMF a nd is supported by the Pove rty Reduction and Growth 
Facility (PRGF).  WT/TPR/M/240 
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  28. The Trade Policy Review, a historic exercise which the DRC is undergoing for the first time 
today before you, shows the Congolese Government's determination to work in favour of open and 
transparent trade in keeping with the commit ments undertaken within the framework of the 
multilateral trading system.  Through the Review of its trade policy, the DRC underlines its 
willingness and its determination to diversify its econom y, whose trade balance has a structural deficit 
because exports basically consist of raw materi als or unprocessed mining products, with no value 
added. 
29. For its part, the Government intends to pursue its economic reforms with a view to promoting 
the private sector as the engine of the Congolese economy, and will also endeavour to improve the 
composition of spending, channelling it towards poverty  reduction by prioritizing the social sectors, in 
particular health, education and rural development.  In order to strengthen the market economy 
mechanisms, the Government will take appropriate measures to reform its trade policy, further 
liberalize economic activities and enhance dialogue a nd partnership with the private sector and civil 
society through joint management of the economy so as to establish a competitive environment in 
various sectors with growth potential. 
30. More recently, the Republic's "Five Priority Work  Sites" launched by the Head of State with a 
view to restoring and developing infrastructure, education and health, creating jobs, and providing 
access to water and electricity, as well as housing, confirm the DRC's unshakeable determination 
definitively to follow the path of modernization. 
31. At the multilateral level, the Government of  the DRC made significant commitments under 
the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) during the Uruguay Round, and has bound 
tariffs.  As a least developed country (LDC), the DRC has been given a transitional period for 
implementing a number of the provisions in va rious WTO Agreements, such as the Customs 
Valuation Agreement, the Agreement on Trad e-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property 
Rights (TRIPS) and the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures.  This gives us the opportunity to 
reaffirm the DRC's commitment to a multilateral tr ading system based on equitable and mutually 
beneficial rules for all and its active particip ation in the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) 
negotiations.  The DRC hopes to benefit from the "A id-for-Trade" (AfT) initiative in order to pursue 
its programme of reforms and modernize its trade sector. 
32. The Government of the DRC recognizes that in ternational trade plays a catalytic role in 
promoting development and hence in combating povert y.  This is why the DRC has played an active 
role in the Doha Development Round negotiatio ns at the WTO and in economic partnership 
agreements (EPAs) with the EU in the group of  Central African countries.  The DRC therefore 
remains committed to maintaining an increasingly op en economy, to the multilateral trading system 
and to the timely conclusion of the negotiations under the DDA. 
33. The DRC believes that EPAs should be incorpor ated into the development policies of the 
ACP countries and regions and fully integrated into the European Community's development 
cooperation policies.  They should foster sust ainable development, the gradual and harmonious 
integration of Central African economies into the world economy and the eradication of poverty.  
I hope that the progress achieved at the Hong Kong  Ministerial Conference will not be called into 
question in the current negotiations, partic ularly as regards agriculture and AfT. WT/TPR/M/240 
Page 8 
 
 
  34. The goal pursued by the DRC in submitting this Trade Policy Review is to create a 
regulatory, fiscal and institutiona l environment in which domestic and foreign trade can develop 
unhindered, thereby ending the isolation of our vast  territory and integrating it into regional and 
international trade channels.  As an LDC, however , the DRC faces supply-side constraints in relation 
to infrastructure and productivity an d is highly susceptible to fluctuati ons in commodity prices.  This 
is why it is hopeful that WTO Members and deve lopment partners will assist it in addressing 
supply-side constraints so as to enable the country  to take full advantage of the market access 
opportunities created at the multilateral level. 
35. In light of the foregoing, allow me to affirm be fore this distinguished assembly that the DRC's 
economic development prospects are promising and that my country remains attached to 
implementing an increasingly open economy and to the multilateral trading system.  To conclude, 
I should like to recall that the DRC will always  observe its commitments to the international 
community in general, and to the WTO in particular , while reserving the right to utilize its power to 
regulate sensitive areas for the well-being of its p opulation as a whole, as necessary, in compliance 
with the rules.  WT/TPR/M/240 
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  III. STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT H.E. MR JEAN FEYDER (LUXEMBOURG) 
36. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (D RC) occupies an area of 2,345,000 km2 and is the 
second largest country in sub-Saharan Africa.  It shar es borders with nine countries.  Its population is 
estimated to be 70 million and its rate of growth 3 per cent.  Around 30 per cent of the population live 
in cities.  The DRC became independent in 1960 and last June celebrated the 50th anniversary of its 
independence.  History has not been kind to it;  the DRC is emerging from over 15 years of war and civil unrest that have once again led to decline of the country, its administration and the economy.  The transitional Constitution adopted in 2003 provides for a unitary and highly decentralized State.  
The country has 11 provinces, with a further subdi vision into 25 provinces planned for after the 
elections in 2012.  Decentralized territorial entities are currently being introduced. 
37. UNDP's Human Development Report 2010 ranks the DRC 168
th out of 169 countries.  It also 
indicates that the DRC is one of the three countries whose Human Development Index (HDI) is now lower than it was in 1970.  The DRC is thus a very p oor country and one of the least developed.  Life 
expectancy is only 48 years;  75 per cent of the population is under-nourished.  Per capita gross 
domestic product (GDP) was US$182 in 2008.  This aver age income hides the fact  that there is wide 
income disparity and does not take su fficient account of the informal sector. 
38. The DRC has vast economic potential both as rega rds agriculture and mining and forestry.  
The (mostly informal) mining sector provides a large fraction of real GDP and merchandise export earnings.  Agriculture plays an important role.  At least 75 per cent of the population work in 
agriculture and the sector accounts for over 40 per cent of the GDP.  The manufacturing sector 
remains extremely small, while the services sector's  share of GDP is around 30 per cent.  It has 
developed rapidly since 2000, particular ly in the area of mobile telephony. 
39. The DRC has a sizeable balance-of-payments deficit, which rose from US$271 million in 
2000 to US$493 million in 2008.  Ther e is a high rate of unemployment, estimated to be 40 per cent, 
and this explains the size of the informal sector, which accounted for 20 to 25 per cent of GDP in 
2008.  Some 80 per cent of non-agricultural jobs are in the informal sector.  Trade and cottage 
industries play a key role in this informal economy, creating jobs at lower cost while at the same time 
meeting the population's needs. 
40. To serve an area comparable to that of the whole of Western Europe, the DRC has a network 
of just 2,500 km. of paved roads, most of which are in a bad state of repair.  This immense deficit in 
infrastructure, particularly transport, notably lim its the development of sectors, particularly the 
agricultural and mining sectors.  Only 5 per cent of the population has access to electricity. 
41. The DRC has one of the climates least favour able to economic activities in the world, 
according to the report of Transparency International  or the World Bank's Doing Business  Report .  
To this must be added corruption on a gigantic scal e, the absence or weakness of the State in vast 
regions of the country, excessive bureaucracy, decen tralization that does not function properly, a 
plethora of taxes levied by an uncontrollable number of officials, and lastly the persistence of a 
climate of violence and insecurity, especially in the Eastern part of the country. 
42. Following a decade of stagnation or even dec line in the 1990s, from 2000 to 2008 there was a 
net improvement in the GDP growth rate, from -7 to  6 per cent as a result of the reforms implemented 
in 2001 and favourable commodity price trends.  Eco nomic recovery has, however, been weakened by 
the financial and economic crisis and by the fall in ra w material prices.  To overcome the obvious lack 
of infrastructure, the authorities have taken several  measures, including entering into contracts with 
Chinese firms to modernize the transport infrast ructure (roads, ports and maritime transport 
installations), and reforming the energy and telecommunications sectors, promoting infrastructure-related investment, reform  and development of the banking sector. WT/TPR/M/240 
Page 10 
 
 
  43. For a long time the Government had to meet  a monthly debt servicing bill amounting to 
US$50 million.  In July 2010, the DRC attained th e completion point under the HIPC Initiative, which 
afforded it debt relief totalling some US$12.3 b illion.  Progress has been made as well on budgetary 
issues, and total public income has grown substa ntially since 2000, from 10.7 per cent of GDP in 
2000 to 30.2 per cent in 2007, before falling back  to 18.9 per cent in 2008, mainly because of the 
difficult economic situation and the absence of new grants.  Fiscal revenue rose from 3.5 per cent of 
GDP in 2001 to 14.2 per cent in 2008, mainly from foreign trade earnings.  Tax collection has become 
more efficient.  The inflation rate, which ha d been 511 per cent in 2000, was brought down to 
53 per cent in 2009.  The national currenc y underwent a substantial depreciation. 
44. Although the trade structure has not changed to any significant extent since 2000, the share of 
goods and services imports in GDP rose from 6.7 per cent in 2000 to 50.7 per cent in 2007, while exports expanded from 6.5 per cent to 45.1 per cent.   Total merchandise expor ts were estimated at 
US$3.7 billion in 2008, compared to US$1.2 billion in 2000, reflecti ng higher prices for raw materials 
on world markets and their increased production in the DRC.  Over the same period imports increased 
even more rapidly, from US$655 million to US$3.7 billi on in 2008, i.e. a fivefold increase.  The main 
imports include food products, fuels, transport machinery and equipment, and non-electrical 
machinery, most of whose prices have surged.  The average trade surplus of US$447 million enjoyed 
by the DRC between 2000 and 2005 became a defi cit of around US$633 million between 2006 and 
2008. 
45. As far as imports are concerned, South Africa h as become the largest partner, followed by the 
European Union (EU), Zambia and China.  The EU's share fell from 43.5 to 28.9 per cent between 2000 and 2008.  Exports consist mainly of mining pr oducts, with the DRC's leading partners being the 
EU - especially Belgium - China, Zambia and the Un ited States.  China's share rose from 2 to 42.5 per 
cent between 2000 and 2008, while Belgium's fell from 62.3 to 13.17 per cent.  The composition of exports changed over the period, with the share of  diamonds falling from 60 to 12 per cent, while 
copper's share rose from 0.4 to 29.9 per cent and c obalt from 11.1 to 40.1 per cent.  Intra-regional 
trade only plays a minor role in exports, with onl y a small percentage going to African countries, 
except for Zambia. 
46. With regard to trade in services, the DRC is a net importer in a sector in which transport and 
telecommunications predominate.  Imports amounted  to less than US$550 million up to 2004, but rose 
to over US$2 billion in 2008. 
47. The DRC still attracts little FDI because of th e overall economic environment and a climate 
that is not very favourable to the private sect or.  It nevertheless doubled from 2004 to 2009, from 
US$405 million to US$951 million, after having atta ined US$1.8 billion in 2007.  Investment goes 
mainly to the mining sector, telecommunications, and also energy. 
48. The second Government Economic Programme focuses on five major work sites:  
infrastructure, health and education, water and elect ricity, housing and jobs.  The principal objectives 
are to improve governance and combat corruption.  Another of the objectives of trade policy is to reduce imports of food products by increasing local food production, a worthy objective that should 
be strongly encouraged.  Diversif ication of export products to high er value added manufactured goods 
is another priority. 
49. The DRC has been an original Member of th e WTO since 1997.  It grants at least most 
favoured nation (MFN) treatment to all its trad ing partners.  Within the framework of the 
Doha Round, it is a member of the ACP, G-90 and LDC negotiating groups.  The DRC's participation 
in the multilateral trading system remains limited, w ith only eight notifications submitted to the WTO 
between 2004 and 2010.  WT/TPR/M/240 
 Page 11 
 
 
  50. The DRC is a founding member of the African Union, and belongs to three regional economic 
communities, namely the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Southern 
African Development Community (SADC), and the Economic Community of the Great Lakes 
Countries (CEPGL).  How does the DRC propose to re solve the contradictions  and inconsistencies 
resulting from its membership of three regional communities? 
51. The DRC belongs to the Cotonou Agreement between the EU and the ACP countries.  As 
such and as an LDC, it is eligible for the "Everything But Arms" regime on the EU market.  
Negotiations are under way on an EPA between the EU and ECCAS.  As to trade relations with the 
United States, the DRC qualifies for the A frican Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). 
52. The aim of the new Investment Code is to encourage domestic and foreign investment, but it 
does not specifically promote export-related investme nt.  Foreigners may hold the majority of the 
capital.  The Code provides fiscal and parafiscal  benefits.  Some sectors such as mining and 
hydrocarbons are subject to special legislation.  The DRC is a member of the Multilateral Investment 
Guarantee Agency (MIGA).  Bilateral investment agreements have been signed with around a dozen 
countries. 
53. The DRC's applied MFN tariff is entirely ad valorem  and comprises four rates:  zero, 
5 per cent, 10 per cent and 20 per cent.  Agricultural and non-agricultural products are subject to virtually the same average levels of nominal  protection, which are 11.2 and 11.3 per cent, 
respectively.  Positive tariff escalation, however, applies, inter alia , to the textiles, and clothing and 
paper industries. 
54. The DRC has bound its tariff lines at ceiling ra tes, the simple average of which is 
96.2 per cent, or 98.1 per cent for agricultural products and 95.9 per cent for non-agricultural 
products.  This leaves the DRC a broad margin to increase its applied rates while fully complying 
with its WTO commitments.  A large number of othe r taxes and duties, including the turnover tax, 
are, however, imposed on imports and are unrequited or  their proportions far exceed the utility of the 
services rendered.  Despite the creation of single windows for imports and exports, several other 
institutions continue to carry out systematic cont rols that overlap, prolonging the time required for 
administrative formalities and increasing their cost. 
55. The DRC is finding it difficult to implement its legislation based on the WTO Customs 
Valuation Agreement and utilizes reference valu es provided by the company BIVAC.  Imported 
plants and plant products must be accompanied by  a phytosanitary certificate and imported animals 
and animal products by a sanitary certificate, both issued in the country of origin.  Export duties are levied on a certain number of products, includi ng green coffee and minerals.  The DRC has no 
government structure responsible fo r promoting or financing exports. 
56. The new 2010 Government Procurement Code promotes transparency and favours the use of 
bidding, but provides for national and regional pref erences.  A programme to reform State-owned 
enterprises has been launched and should lead to th eir elimination, either by converting them into 
private companies or into public institutions or services.  The enforcement of intellectual property 
legislation is still limited. 
57. Agriculture is deemed to be one of the engines of economic growth necessary for the 
country's reconstruction and for pove rty reduction.  Agriculture has vast economic potential.  Only 
10 per cent of the 80 million hectares of cultivable land are currently being used.  Moreover, this 
sector is highly labour intensive and could play a ke y role as far as food security is concerned, and in 
supplying inputs to local industri es.  However, imports, including input s and equipment, are subject to 
a multitude of levies and taxes and to cumbersome formalities, which reduce the level of protection 
that the authorities declar e they wish to provide to domestic producers. WT/TPR/M/240 
Page 12 
 
 
  58. In the absence of a proper agricultural policy,  agricultural productivity in all branches has 
declined significantly since independence.  Farmi ng practices are still outdated.  Production of food 
crops has increased at a slower pace than the birth ra te, which explains the growing food insecurity in 
the country, despite a rise in imports.  For exampl e, 100 per cent of demand for wheat is covered by 
imports, 20 per cent of demand for maize, and 90 per cent for rice. 
59. Reviving the production of palm oil, rubber, cocoa, cotton, tea and coffee, which have been 
devastated since independence, are among the prior ities.  The same priority should be given to 
development of food crops.  An Agricultural Code and a Forest Code have recently been adopted in 
order to revitalize agriculture, forestry, fishing and aquaculture, with a view to the sustainable 
management of resources. 
60. The DRC has 50 million hectares of dense forests,  which have been little exploited to date.  
The Congolese forests constitute an important "carbon sink" at the global level. 
61. With regard to the mining and energy sector, the DRC has vast potential, but it only makes a 
minimal contribution to economic growth.  The subsoil has abundant resources of copper, gold, 
diamonds, cobalt, uranium, manganese and zinc in pa rticular.  A large part of the exploitation and 
export of diamonds and gold, to mention only th ese two mining products, belongs to the informal 
sector and is therefore not recorded.  Illegal exploitation by foreign firms deprives the DRC of indispensable resources.  Some 200,000 people depend directly or indirectly on the industrial mining 
sector while at the same time between 500,000 an d 2 million people are engaged in small-scale 
mining, often working in very precarious and da ngerous conditions.  Annually, between US$200 and 
US$400 million in fiscal revenue, i.e. between 20 and 40 per cent of the total, come from the mining 
sector.  A Mining Code was adopted in 2002.  An ad valorem  tax, as well as numerous other taxes 
which bring total taxation up to nearly 80 per cent,  mean that exploiting mines and exporting mining 
products are not very competitive. 
62. The manufacturing sector remains under-develope d and accounts for less than 5 per cent of 
the GDP.  The DRC has no clear strategy for developi ng the sector, which is composed of a few small 
agrifood, chemical, beverage, tobacco, textile, forest  product and capital equipm ent units.  Growth in 
the sector was 8 per cent from 2005 to 2008, but production facilities are often obsolescent.  
Protective tariff rates range from 10 to 20 per cent and differ according to the industrial branch.  A 
proliferating, complex and non-transparent system of  taxes, the generalized corruption, the high cost 
and uncertain outcome of legal proceedings and an  uninviting Investment Code create an environment 
that is unfavourable to expansion of this sector. 
63. The services sector is witnessing increasingly st rong growth.  In 2005, telecommunications, 
transport and financial services enabled this sector to post growth of 7.8 per cent.  
Telecommunications, Information and Communicat ion Technology, transport and energy are the 
principal services exposed to international competi tion.  The breakdown of infrastructure, outdated 
regulations and high taxation hamp er further development of this sector, particularly as the DRC has 
no sector specific policy for promoting trade in services.  It has, however, undertaken GATS commitments in a number of services branches, some of which have opened up almost completely, and others only partially.  The State monopoly is ma intained for services such as water and electricity, 
fixed telephony and some postal services.  WT/TPR/M/240 
 Page 13 
 
 
  64. The banking sector is small and there are only some 300,000 bank accounts in the DRC.  
Only 19 banks are operating.  Most banking opera tions consist of deposit taking and short-term 
financing, and this represents one of the gr eatest obstacles to the development of small and 
medium-sized enterprises.  Since the early 2000s, th e DRC has witnessed an increase in the number of 
financial messaging institutions (FMIs), savings an d loan cooperatives and other types of financial 
institutions set up as NGOs.  Owing to its capacity to mobilize savings, micro financing facilitates access to loans for farmers and micro, small and medium sized enterprises, whilst the FMIs and 
savings and loan cooperatives are playing an in creasingly important role in poverty reduction. 
65. The National Insurance Company (SONAS) holds a monopoly, but its turnover was only 
around US$45 million in 2009.  Improving performance in  this sector would help to boost economic 
operations.  Opening the market to competition w ould also encourage the pursuit of competitiveness. 
66. In 2008, the DRC received official development assistance (ODA) amounting to almost 
US$1.7 billion.  After an interval of several  years, the DRC once again received AfT, which 
amounted to US$54 million in commitments and US$34 million in disbursements in 2007.  ODA and 
AfT are modest considering the country's development needs, but since 2000 ODA has financed on 
average around one third of the DRC's State budg et.  Since March 2008, the DRC has been a 
beneficiary of the EIF programme.  The DTIS was conducted in 2009 and 2010 and identified the 
following major constraints on the development of tr ade:  the absence of an appropriate legal and 
commercial framework;  the lack of suitable tr ansport, telecommunications and electricity 
infrastructure;  the inefficiency  of the structure for ensuring compliance with regulations;  an 
environment that is not attractive to business;  lengthy customs clearance procedures;  and numerous unlawful services at the border. 
67. The DRC needs a better regulatory, fiscal a nd institutional environment in which domestic 
and foreign trade can be conducted without hindrance.   Another major challenge is training and the 
development of human resources. 
68. The DRC's short and medium-term economic pros pects are encouraging, provided that the 
Government is able to stabilize s ecurity in the East of the country.  The injection of additional 
resources into the economy, following external debt  relief delivery, is intended to boost economic 
activities, particularly those targeting poverty reduc tion.  To do this, the Government will have to 
increase the State's absorption capacity and step up  the struggle against corruption, ensuring "good 
governance".  The continuance of labour intensive projects such as building roads and railways would 
help reduce unemployment and restimulate the economy. 
69. The implementation of the conclusions of th e DTIS by the Congolese Government must go 
hand-in-hand with continued, and even intensifie d, cooperation with the DRC on the part of the 
international community in order to reinforce ins titutions that are often still weak and to speed up 
economic and social development.  This is the price to be paid for definitive stabilization of the DRC, 
and progress in combating poverty.  The impact for a region that is strategic for the African continent 
as a whole cannot be over-estimated. WT/TPR/M/240 
Page 14 
 
 
  IV. STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS 
UNITED STATES 
70. The United States is aware of the special ci rcumstances affecting the DRC's trade policy 
environment, including the vastness of the country, its status as an LDC, and its recent history of 
armed civil conflict. 
71. Since the holding of democratic elections in 2006,  the DRC, an original Member of the WTO, 
has demonstrated a commitment to open markets, a nd to implementing structural reforms that have 
enabled the country to begin to recover from the economic stagnation brought on by years of armed 
conflict and civil strife.  For example, many Stat e-owned enterprises have been targeted for reform, 
including in the telecommunications, mining, an d energy sectors.  Si nce 2009, the commercial 
banking system has undergone a restructuring and sev eral new commercial banks have opened in the 
country.  The Government has also made commitme nts in the GATS in a number of sectors.  We 
encourage the Government to extend commitments to its services sectors to improve transparency and 
predictability, and to attract investment in these sectors that are critical to economic growth and 
development. 
72. The country has become a candidate for the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative 
(EITI), which seeks to increase transparency in tr ansactions between governments and companies in 
the extractive industries.  The Government is also  about to join OHADA, wherein Members agree to 
adopt a common set of commercial laws and subm it interpretation of such laws to the final 
jurisdiction of the OHADA court.  The country's National Investment Promotion Agency has opened 
a one-stop shop for those interested in starting a bus iness in the DRC in an attempt to reduce barriers 
to doing business.  Although measures that the Gove rnment has undertaken over the last few years 
have not yet brought the higher levels of investme nt and two-way trade that the Government seeks, 
they have, nonetheless, helped lay the foundation for future success.  We, therefore, strongly 
encourage the Government to continue its economic  reforms and liberalization.  The Government's 
trade liberalization measures have not gone unno ticed by donors and international financial 
institutions.  Recognizing the progress that has been  made on economic reforms, the Boards of the 
IMF and World Bank voted to approve the DRC's ex it from the HIPC Initiative in July 2010.  As a 
result, last week, the Paris Club group of credito r nations agreed to cancel US$7.35 billion of the 
DRC's bilateral debts.  The United States joined with other creditors in commending the Government 
for implementing economic reforms, but stressed that there is still much work to do. 
73. The DRC still faces many challenges in improvi ng its trade and investment environment and 
employing trade to boost economic growth, developmen t, and poverty alleviation.  In spite of the 
progress made since 2006, and despite the country's  natural endowments, the DRC remains an LDC 
with a daunting business environment.  The busin ess climate suffers greatly from, among others, 
insufficiencies in infrastructure, problems with co rruption, and burdensome bureaucratic procedures.  
In our view, these, along with serious human right s concerns, have had a negative impact on the 
country's ability to increase trade and investment.  We urge the Government to give these issues high 
priority attention and to address them urgently.  We  also encourage the Government to continue to 
tackle the problem of child labour in all sectors a nd we look forward to seeing further progress in this 
area.  WT/TPR/M/240 
 Page 15 
 
 
  74. The Government's increased efforts to improve the DRC's investment climate are welcome, 
particularly those efforts to ensure the fair tr eatment of investors and the full and transparent 
application of trade and investment-related regula tions and laws.  Companies currently operating in 
the DRC are its best advocates for attracting increased foreign trade and investment.  However, we are 
concerned about the increasing number of comme rcial disputes between the Government and 
multinational firms operating in the DRC.  If these companies view their tr eatment as corrupt and 
unfair, they typically do spread the wo rd to future investors and traders. 
75. We recognize the DRC's need for trade capacity- building programmes in order to improve its 
trade environment and to participate more effectivel y in the WTO.  The United States offers such 
programmes and trade-related technical assistance through its East and Central African Regional 
Trade Competitiveness Hub in Nairobi, Kenya.  Th e United States also supports the trade-related 
assistance activities of the WTO Secretariat through contributions to the D oha Development Agenda 
Global Trust Fund.  We are interested to know  about the Government's plans for addressing the 
challenges it faces to convince its technical and financ ial partners that more assistance is warranted.  
The challenges in this regard seem to be twofold:  (1) to mobilize more resources on a stable basis in 
order to develop infrastructure and production capacity;  and (2) to clearly identify and precisely identify priority action. 
76. I would like to highlight some aspects of the Secr etariat Report that deserve special attention.  
According to the Report, imports are subject to a large number of non-tariff fees that are 
disproportionate to the costs of any services rende red and act as additional taxes on trade.  Every 
excessive fee impedes the ability of trade to stimul ate growth and development.  Moreover, despite 
the creation of a one-stop shop for imports and expor ts, several other institutions are still operating 
outside that framework, thereby prolonging the time required for administrative formalities and 
increasing their cost.  Preshipment inspection is also  mandatory for imports of US$2,500 or more, and 
the corresponding fees are borne by the importer.  If PSI firms are conducting customs clearance (and 
charging for it), we wonder why imports are nonetheless subject to so many fees. 
77. We encourage the DRC's Government, as well as those of its neighbours, to continue their 
efforts to regulate the trade in minerals mined in th e Eastern part of the country that have been used 
by armed groups to fuel conflict.  The Governme nt's continued collaboration with international 
forums will be critical to curbing illicit trade. 
78. Finally, the DRC's Government does not app ear to have given sufficient attention to 
intellectual property rights protection.  Intellectual property rights are in principle protected by laws, 
but their enforcement is still limited, and this giv es rise to numerous infringements.  Strong protection 
of intellectual property rights helps attract invest ment, and we urge the Government to give due 
consideration to this fact in its policy deliberati ons.  Furthermore, according to the Secretariat, the 
Government has not yet notified the WTO of its intellectual property legislation or appointed a 
contact point, as the TRIPS Agreement requires.  We  would like to know what plans the Government 
has to notify the WTO of its legislation and when it will appoint its contact point.  We look forward to 
the new law that is reportedly being prepared in orde r to bring domestic legislation into line with the 
relevant WTO and WIPO provisions. 
79. The United States has submitted a number of qu estions seeking clarification and elaboration 
on some of the points made in the Government's and Secretariat's Reports.  We are most interested in 
the Government's responses to our questions, in cluding those involving the Government's import 
licensing practices and its intentions with respect to sanitary measures.  We plan to examine the 
Government's responses carefully. WT/TPR/M/240 
Page 16 
 
 
  80. In closing, the United States believes that LDCs  such as the DRC have much to gain from a 
balanced and ambitious result in the Doha negotiatio ns that include meaningful new market access for 
all.  Such a result could further enhance opportunities for your nation's trade and investment growth 
and, hence, help you achieve your development aspirations. 
JAPAN 
81. I would like to begin with the DRC's economic  policy and environment.  Thanks to the 
structural reform implemented with the assistance of the World Bank and the IMF, the DRC got out 
of its economic stagnation caused by its armed co nflicts of the 1990s.  The DRC has grown by an 
average of 6 per cent per annum from 2001 to 2008.  Japan appreciates the various efforts made by 
the DRC toward sound macroeconomic policies, whic h include restrictive monetary policy and fiscal 
policy and have brought a reduced infl ation rate and a balanced budget. 
82. In addition, the policies under "five major areas for action by the DRC" adopted by 
President Kabila have been gr adually producing some apparent results in the development of 
infrastructure, such as the road network.  Japan welcomes these efforts, which have created a more 
favourable investment environment. 
83. In this respect, Japan has been supporting the development of infrastructure through grants.  
As analysed by the DTIS, the lack  of infrastructure is one of th e substantial constraints for the 
development of industry and trade in the DRC.  We expect that further development of the 
infrastructure will contribute to an increase in FDI and to economic development combined with trade 
expansion. 
84. Having said that, as the Doing Business Report  by the World Bank ranked the DRC in 2008 
and 2009 as the least favourable country among 182 count ries, it is necessary for the DRC to seriously 
tackle the improvement of the business and investment  environment.  We have learned that the DRC 
has set up a Doing Business  Steering Committee to implement measures to improve the business 
climate.  Japan would like to express its hope for fruitf ul and positive results.  It would be helpful if 
the DRC could explain some of its achie vements completed under this Committee. 
85. With regard to some sectors, I would like to make three comments on trade and investment 
policies.  Firstly, in the area of mining, we a ppreciate the adoption of the Mining Code and the 
application to join the EITI.  Since mining is the la rgest export industry in the DRC, we believe that 
better transparency will help attract investors.  Ho wever, according to the Secretariat Report, the tax 
burden reached 80 per cent, which seems to discourag e trade.  We would like to know whether any 
initiatives are being considered or taken to attract investments and promote exports in this regard. 
86. Secondly, in the manufacturing sector, the Secretariat Report explains that some industries are 
protected by positive tariff escalation, but that it is likely to spoil international competitiveness.  In 
addition, for other products, the mixed tariff escalations seem to raise the production cost, 
contradicting the DRC's intention to develop its manufacturing sector.  We would like to know the 
views of the DRC on these tariff structures in light of its industrial policy. 
87. Thirdly, we would like to refer to the services sect or.  It has been rapidl y developing, with an 
average of 7.8 per cent per annum.  Within the services sector, telecommunications services have 
been referred to as a successful case of liberalization in the Secretariat Report.  Japan expects that the 
DRC will continuously develop its liberalization po licy in other sectors based on its successful model 
of telecommunications services.  We hope that appropr iate liberalization of basic services will benefit 
the entire economy through wider and mo re reliable provision of services.  WT/TPR/M/240 
 Page 17 
 
 
  EUROPEAN UNION 
88. For this first Trade Policy Review, I should li ke to start with a few words on the economic 
situation in the DRC.  Following an economic decline lasting several decades, attributable notably to 
the insecurity in the 1990s, the DRC - currently classified as an LDC - has once again started to "take 
off" and launch economic recovery, assisted by its commitment to implementing reforms, but also by 
external factors.  As the DRC itself declares in  its Report, the year 2002 marked the commencement 
of a sustainable process of democratic transition th at enabled the country to restore its institutions 
after democratic elections and to gradually move  forward along the path to reconstruction and 
modernization. 
89. The DRC's authorities have made progress in key sectors for economic governance.  Notable 
improvements have recently been made in th e area of government procurement (Government 
Procurement Code), financial management (with improved procedures in the spending chain, 
including at the provincial level, and significantly  less recourse to so-called "emergency" procedures), 
as well as in managing government finance as a whol e (in particular, through the adoption of a PFM 
strategy whose implementation is coordinated with the Steering Committee for the Reform of 
Government Finance).  The procedure initiated by the DRC in order to accede to the OHADA Treaty 
should also be seen as a key step in improving the business climate in the country. 
90. The EU also notes with satisfaction that, fo llowing a series of problems from mid-2008 to 
mid-2009 caused by the global recession, the DRC,  with the assistance of several development 
partners (the IMF, the World Bank, the African  Development Bank, the EU and Belgium) has 
gradually been able to stabilize its macroec onomic environment and achieve GDP growth of 
6.1 per cent. 
91. In addition, the fact that in July 2010 the DRC reached the completion point under the HIPC 
Initiative shows that the reforms implemented ha ve led the DRC along the right path.  Despite 
numerous pressures, the Government of the DRC h as been able to limit government spending in light 
of its resources.  This effort will, however, have to continue, particularly in order to increase tax 
revenue, a key element in maintaining a stable fi scal policy well after the HIPC completion point. 
92. The EU congratulates the DRC on this performan ce and encourages it to continue putting into 
practice all the reforms under way and planned with th e same energy, while at the same time keeping 
sustainable economic and social developmen t as the main target of its efforts. 
93. In spite of all these positive and encouraging r ecent achievements, much remains to be done.  
Although the DRC has given priority to improving the business climate by taking certain encouraging measures (such as accession to OHADA), the experience of economic operators in the field is still 
different and difficult.  We would like to emphasize that the key to sustainable economic growth and a 
diversified economy will be to improve the investme nt climate by resolving the serious infrastructure 
problems, reducing the informal sector's larg e share of the economy, combating corruption, 
streamlining complex administrative procedures, a bolishing discriminatory taxation of imports, and 
enhancing legal security so as to provide a more stable and predictable economic environment - a 
basic prerequisite for investment. 
94. Special attention should be paid to the e ffective implementation of the Government 
Procurement Law and to the reform of public sect or enterprises, which are still over-dependent on 
hand-outs from the State.  The "Agricultural Code", put before Parliament some time ago, should now 
be adopted.  In addition, we welcome the rural a nd agricultural development sectoral strategy, adopted 
by the DRC in March 2010.  It should be noted th at the DRC has drawn attention to problems in 
implementing the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement;  in this respect, we encourage the DRC to WT/TPR/M/240 
Page 18 
 
 
  intensify its efforts to implement this new legisl ation.  We also encourage the DRC to undertake 
reform in the area of competition and to enhance the enforcement of intellectual property rights. 
95. Diversifying the economy is a vital objective that has already been mentioned.  In this regard, 
the growing importance of the services sector in the DRC's economy should be welcomed, although 
we encourage the DRC to continue liberalization of several important sectors and of basic services. 
96. Trade and trade policies are essential for the su ccess of sustainable development.  The DRC's 
participation in the EIF programme - noting that the DTIS was approved in July 2010 - as well as the efforts being made by the Ministry of Trade to integrate trade into GPRSP II should be noted and 
encouraged.  The EU welcomes these results, not  only because it is one of the DRC's leading 
economic and trading partners, but also because it is the principal development partner;  the EU has in 
fact earmarked approximately €1 billion for th e DRC since 2002 (one third in the form of 
humanitarian aid).  The EU once again reaffirms its readiness to assist the DRC's authorities in 
implementing the AfT programme.  In recent years, the EU has given the DRC support for developing and rehabilitating its infrastructure.  For this pur pose, €193 million have been made available, in 
particular for rehabilitating highways.  In additi on, the EU has supported the computerization of 
customs offices in the Katanga region and has assigned a resident adviser to the Ministry of Trade for 
assistance in the current trade negotiations (including  the EPAs).  We would also like to inform you 
that an AfT programme financed by the EU fo r a total of €16 million will start to operate in 
November 2010.  This AfT envelope will be s upplemented by other investment in transport 
infrastructure, especially, road and river routes, in an amount of €287 million. 
97. While the negotiations on the EPA with the cen tral African region are going on, the DRC is a 
beneficiary of the "Everything but Arms" special regime for LDCs, which allows it to export its 
products to the European market free of duties or quotas. 
98. Regarding the EPAs, we would like to make th e following clarification:  the Government's 
Report states that "In the interests of efficiency, the DRC would like to see the EU avoid waiting until 
the year 2010 to achieve the target of €2 billion for Aid for Trade, since the EPAs are supposed to 
enter into force on 1 January 2008."  The EU would lik e to clarify that its AfT strategy is intended to 
enable developing countries, especially LDCs, to beco me better integrated into global trade and to use 
trade more effectively and sustainably to reduce povert y.  In conformity with its AfT strategy, a total 
of €2 billion will potentially be available each y ear from 2010 onwards.  Around one half of this 
amount is for African, Caribbean and Pacific count ries with which the EU is currently negotiating 
EPAs.  These funds will be available for priority needs identified by the ACP States and included in 
their national and regional programmes. 
99. Still on the subject of EPAs, the Government's Re port states that "the DRC wishes to see the 
introduction of an effective monitoring mechanism that operates within th e general framework of 
EU-ACP relations, and also at regional level".  He re, we would like to clarify that EPA monitoring 
can be an activity included in the Agreement itself an d that, in such cases, its definition and its content 
are the result of a joint decision by the parties.  Monitoring can also be conducted within the framework of the common institutions provided in the EPA.  The DRC is invited to make a proposal 
on this issue during the forthcoming negotiations. 
100. The EU welcomes the fact that sustainable so cial and economic development, and poverty 
reduction, constitute the fundamental objectives of th e DRC's long-term strategies, as indicated in the 
GPRSP and in the National Multisectoral Reconstruc tion Programme.  We note that the goal of the 
DRC's trade policy is to create a regulatory, fiscal  and institutional envir onment in which domestic 
and foreign trade can be conducte d without hindrance, opening up the country's vast territory and 
integrating it into regional a nd international trade.  The links  between trade and sustainable  WT/TPR/M/240 
 Page 19 
 
 
  development are crucial and we would like to ask  the DRC to explain how it envisages pursuing the 
search for synergy between trade polic ies and sustainable development. 
101. In conclusion, I should like once again to encourage the DRC to pursue reforms and to 
improve the domestic environment in order to ma ke it more favourable for investment.  Although 
numerous challenges remain, the DRC has many adva ntages in pursuing the path to development and 
can count on the support of the EU to assist it.  Th e EU attaches great importance to partnership with 
the DRC and we hope to continue working together  towards sustainable development and elimination 
of poverty in the DRC.  The EU is certain that when  the DRC's trade policy is next reviewed we will 
be able to see further progress. 
SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY OF TAIWAN, PENGHU, KINMEN AND MATSU 
102. We are pleased to learn that the DRC has achieved some steady and sustained economic 
growth over recent years, with an average GDP increase of 6 per cent per annum from 2001 to 2009, 
due in part to the Government's structural reforms.  We were also pleased that, in July 2010, with the 
completion of the HIPC Initiative, the DRC was gran ted debt relief of some US$12.3 billion, which 
should greatly help in furthering much needed infr astructure development and in the creation of jobs. 
103. The DRC, however, still faces a number of re ally major challenges in the areas of 
infrastructure, administrative procedures, the tax re gime, the judicial system and access to credit - all 
of which make it difficult to do business in th e country, as reflected in the World Bank's Doing 
Business Report 2010 .  It is evident that extensive reform of trade policies and improvements in both 
the trading environment and the foreign and domes tic investment climate are required.  Further 
measures are needed to improve productivity, specif ically in the agricultural, mining, energy and 
manufacturing sectors.  And, then, there is the n eed to diversify its exports, expand its base of 
traditional trading partners and make bette r use of its abundant natural resources. 
104. In this regard, we all know that the WTO multila teral trading system provides some valuable 
tools that can help a Member to diversify its ec onomy and expand its trade.  Moreover, making best 
use of AfT and further trade liberalization can he lp to improve the performance of the services and 
industrial sectors, and to boost their shares of GDP.  We believe, also, that the DRC would benefit 
from improving its implementation of the WTO Agreements.  And we would encourage it to 
participate as actively as possible in the system and in the DDA negotiations, which could help in 
gaining substantial support and technical assistance from the international community, and in better 
exploiting the trade preferences it has been granted. 
105. The total value of two-way trade between us  in 2009 was just US$18 million, but we have 
seen a significant increase in trade so far this year, with a total of US$38 million already in the first 
eight months of 2010.  We look forward to furthe r expansion in trade between us in the future, 
especially in sectors that are comple mentary to our respective economies. 
106. In conclusion, we would welcome the future  continuation and enha ncement of the DRC's 
programme of structural and investment reforms, aimed at improving the business environment and enhancing productivity.  We would also encourage it to find a proper balance in its policy objectives 
between economic, social and sustainable development. 
CHINA 
107. China notes with pleasure that economic reform s have replaced armed conflicts as the main 
theme of society in the DRC over the last ten year s, especially since 2006.  As a result, the economy 
has grown steadily at an average rate of 6 pe r cent per annum over the period 2001-2009.  The 
Secretariat Report listed many strong points fo r the DRC economy, such as its vast territory, WT/TPR/M/240 
Page 20 
 
 
  favourable climate and fertile so il, and abundant forest, lake a nd mining resources, including 
petroleum.  The Secretary General made a detailed in troduction to all this in his opening remarks.  
However, several infrastructural, institutional a nd administrative limitations  have hindered the DRC 
from bringing out the best of its potential and thus  it remains an LDC.  Ch ina hopes the DRC will be 
able to draw upon its successes of the past decade, make further structural reforms and improve its 
business environment in order to lift more people out of poverty. 
108. Regarding trade and investment policies, China is  glad to learn that the DRC aims to promote 
trade, in particular by diversifying manufactur ing exports, increasing domestic food production in 
order to reduce reliance on food imports, and consol idating the traditional markets of the DRC and its 
participation in the multilateral trading system.  It  is commendable that the DRC is already taking or 
planning measures to improve the business climat e and attract the investment needed to boost 
domestic production.  For example, a new Code w as adopted in 2002 to facilitate and encourage 
domestic and foreign investment in spheres of activity which are key to the country's economic 
development, namely infrastructure improvement, ec onomic utilization of natural resources, and the 
establishment of a sound industrial base. 
109. Now, allow me to briefly touch upon our bila teral relations.  China and the DRC signed the 
first trade agreement in January 1973, when it still u sed the former name of the Republic of Zaire.  
The Joint Committee on Trade and Economic Cooper ation was established in December 1984, the 
Eighth Session of which was held in Kinshasa last Ma y.  With the restoration of peace in the DRC, 
our bilateral trade has increased rapidly.  In 200 9, total trade volume was US$1.46 billion.  This 
represents a decrease of 20 per cent due to the financial crisis.  But in the first nine months of this year, the figure jumped by 122.4 per cent to reach US$2.14 billion.  Imports and exports of the DRC 
are US$330 million and US$1.81 billion, respectively.  Since 1 July 2010, most exports of the DRC 
have started to enjoy duty-free treatment in the Ch inese market.  Right now, our two countries are in 
the process of negotiating an investment agreement.  As of September 2010, direct investment by 
China in the DRC added up to US$400 million.  At the Fourth Ministerial Conference of the Forum of 
China-Africa Cooperation last November, Ch ina announced eight new measures to promote 
cooperation between China and African countries.  Ch ina would like to strengthen its communication 
with the DRC in order to better implement th e specific measures targeted for the latter. 
110. This brings me to another important topic, wh ich is AfT.  China takes note that, like many 
other developing countries, especially LDCs, one of the major challenges that the DRC faces in 
achieving its development goals comes from supply-si de constraints.  And this is where AfT can 
come in.  It is appreciated that the Secretariat Report devotes a whole section to AfT in a comprehensive manner, covering not only some basic facts and the DRC's priorities but also issues such as how to match needs and assistance and what th e outlook is for the futu re.  In our view, this 
section serves as a good basis for furthering the work of AfT for the DRC. 
111. Finally, China believes that a balanced and development-oriented outcome of the Doha 
Round will bring tangible benefits to  all developing members, including the DRC.  China is ready to 
work constructively with all Members, seizing th e window of opportunity in 2011, as instructed by 
leaders at the G-20 summit in Seoul, towards a timely  conclusion of the Round.  China would also 
like to reiterate its support for an early harvest for such issues as cotton, duty-free quota-free and a 
services waiver, which are of vital importance to LDCs. 
TURKEY 
112. We noted the remarkable progress the DRC ha s achieved since 2001 following the end of 
armed conflicts.  Steady and high growth rates and budgetary discipline now seem to be in place to 
facilitate further economic development.  In this respect, we also congratulate the DRC on finalizing 
its debt relief initiatives in July 2010.  These provide the basis and a new opportunity for much needed  WT/TPR/M/240 
 Page 21 
 
 
  reforms in the economy.  We are encouraged to read  that freed up financial resources will be used to 
accelerate building of infrastructure projects, including transportation, among other things. 
113. We hope that the DRC will continue along this path, benefiting from the favourable 
macroeconomic environment to the fullest extent possi ble in order to mobilize the vast potential of the 
country and to improve the business environment.   In this respect, among a number of changes 
introduced in the review period, we particul arly welcome a number of initiatives such as the 
introduction of a simplified tariff regime, the elimination of quantitative restrictions, and 
establishment of a computerized customs management system. 
114. While the Government's report provides details  about the other policy changes undertaken, 
such comprehensive changes also remind us of th e significance of increasing implementation, as well.  
We also share the Secretariat's assessment of a nu mber of challenges awaiting the DRC.  In this 
respect, it seems to us that strengthening closer  coordination among various government agencies and 
improving transparency in business activities will make quite a difference to the DRC's economy 
115. Our bilateral trade relations with the DRC are still in their infancy.  At present, we are looking 
at various means of improving our relations.  We  held the first Joint Economic Commission meeting 
in 2009 in Turkey, and on this occasion, we had the opportunity to discuss ways of improving our relations with the Minister of Internationa l and Regional Cooperation,  H.E. Mr Tshibanda 
N'Tungamulongo. 
116. At present, we are looking at the possibility of concluding a free trade agreement, as well as 
several other agreements in various areas such as i nvestment and taxation.  In the meantime, we are 
also exploring different options in terms of techni cal assistance.  Before concluding, we would like to 
express our readiness to contribute to the DRC' s economic development in any way we can. 
BRAZIL 
117. Brazil is glad that the DRC substantially  improved its economic performance during the 
review period.  Its 6 per cent annual average GDP  expansion since 2001 represents solid growth by 
any standard.  In addition, prudent macroeconomic policies have curbed the very high inflation that 
plagued the country until 2001.  These are encouraging signs that, in a stabilized political environment, the DRC is moving towards a more sustainable development strategy. 
118. However, per capita income remains at very low levels.  At US$182 in 2008, it was still 
below the 1990 level of US$204, despite signifi cant gains from 2001 onwards.  This evidences the 
fact that long-term and consistent effort s are required to successfully tackle poverty. 
119. Lack of economic diversification, combined with  a very high trade-to-GDP ratio, exposes the 
DRC to severe vulnerability to exogenous factors - such as commodity price fluctuations.  This 
vulnerability is compounded by modest progress in  infrastructure improvement and lingering 
institutional weaknesses.  These are hard obstacl es to overcome, but the Government and the 
Secretariat Reports point to heartening developmen ts that will contribute to improving the DRC's 
prospects of sustaining its recent economic growth, as well as reducing extreme poverty. 
120. In this connection, Brazil congratulates the Government of the DRC on reaching the 
completion point under the HIPC Initiative.  Debt  relief and other foreign aid programmes may not 
substitute production and trade as the ultimate source s of economic development, but they can play a 
role in allowing poor countries to direct scarce financial resources to their most critical needs. WT/TPR/M/240 
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  121. Brazil hopes that the recent progress achieved by the people and the Government of the DRC 
is only the beginning of a much needed virtuous cycle, which will push the country towards greater prosperity in coming years. 
122. We also hope that our bilateral relationship increasingly becomes one positive element in this 
process.  As recently as last October, through the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner 
for Human Rights, Brazil provided US$1 million in humanitarian assistance to support actions to 
strengthen the mechanism for reparations and access to  justice for conflict victims in the DRC.  
Earlier this month, Minister Celso Amorim vi sited Kinshasa, where he discussed bilateral and 
regional affairs with the Congolese authorities. 
123. Bilateral trade between Brazil and the DRC multiplied twentyfold between 2002 and 2009, 
going from US$2.8 million to US$58.5 million.  Br azil has significantly expanded its share of the 
DRC's imports and we are keen to find ways  to commensurately increase the access of Congolese 
exports to our market.  In addition, further techni cal cooperation in areas such as biofuels, education, 
health and environmental policy provide a gr eat opportunity to foster our partnership. 
CANADA 
124. The level of trade between Canada and the DRC is not appreciably high.  In 2009, the DRC 
was our 17
th largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa,  with total two-way trade of C$19.1 million, 
the vast majority of which were exports from Canada  to the DRC.  However, Canadian investment in 
the DRC is much higher, totalling more than C$3 b illion in 2009, primarily in  the mining sector.  This 
high level of investment in a country that has experienced a number of difficulties in trying to 
implement regulatory and economic reforms naturally  has implications for Canada and provides us 
with an indirect but nonetheless vested interest in  monitoring and assisting the DRC Government in 
its endeavours to establish a healthy, stable , more investor and business-friendly economy. 
125. As the Secretariat's Report mentions, the te lecommunications industry has been a genuine 
success story in the DRC since being liberalized, wh ich has benefited the economy as a whole.  It is 
encouraging to see that the DRC recognizes that the liberalization of other key sectors of the 
economy, specifically financial services, can be a vehicle for future economic growth. 
126. Canada would also like to recognize the DRC' s achievement in reaching the HIPC Initiative 
completion point earlier this year, which has resulte d in debt relief of US$12.3 billion.  Having freed 
up these funds, it is now up to the Congolese Government to invest the money appropriately and 
transparently in its own society.  As mentioned in the Secretariat Report, this money can be put 
towards social projects and road and rail infrastructure, both of which would benefit the economy and generate domestic employment. 
127. The DRC is known for its vast natural resources, specifically its mineral wealth.  As the world 
has seen, this has been a mixed blessing for the pe ople of the DRC.  Challenges in implementing and 
enforcing existing laws and regulations in a cons istent and fair manner within the Congolese mining 
sector have contributed to widespread corruption.  Despite recent reform efforts on the part of the 
DRC Government and despite the e normous financial potential of its natural resources, the DRC still 
ranks near the bottom of the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index .  In addition, a perceived 
lack of will on the part of the Government to co mbat corruption and to ensure that all businesses are 
treated according to accepted international standard s will remain an impedime nt to attracting quality 
investors to the country.  In light of this, Canada  would like to take the opportunity to welcome the 
DRC as the new Chair of the Kimberley Process - a joint government, industry and civil society 
initiative to stem the flow of conflict diamonds - for 2011, an undertaking that should help raise 
investor confidence in the country.  WT/TPR/M/240 
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  128. Overall, Canada hopes to see a greater emphasis by the DRC Government on addressing the 
deteriorating business climate through increased tran sparency and accountability.  To this end, we are 
pleased both that the DRC applied in 2008 to join th e EITI as well as the explicit mention of the need 
for reform of the judicial system in its TPR Report.   We also welcome efforts made in 2010 to address 
the issue of the illegal exploitation of natural res ources in the DRC and Great  Lakes Region through 
collaboration with internationa l partners, including Canada. 
129. A founding Member of the WTO, Canada recognizes the DRCs ongoing participation in the 
Doha Round as a Member of the ACEP, G-90 and LDC negotiating groups.  We regret that the 
Government has faced difficulties with regard to  implementing some WTO Agreements such as the 
Customs Valuation Agreement, as well as in mee ting TBT and SPS notification requirements.  While 
we are heartened that the DRC has solicited and benefited from a number of technical and financial 
assistance programmes for the purpose of developing its  international trade, diversifying its economy 
and reviving growth, we would encourage the Gove rnment to strengthen coordination and better align 
AfT initiatives with national development priorities. 
130. With respect to development assistance, disbur sements for projects and initiatives in the areas 
of good governance, basic social and economic services, peace and security initiatives, and human rights totalled C$54 million in 2008- 2009.  Canada will continue to support sustainable economic 
growth in the DRC, inter alia , through a new C$7.8 million regional project aimed at conservation 
and sustainable management of Congo basin nati onal resources and their derived products, announced 
at the recent Francophonie Summit in Montreux, Switzerland, as part of a larger C$40 million 
package of aid for African countries. 
131. In conclusion, Canada would like to reiterate its  thanks for being afforded the opportunity to 
put forth its suggestions regarding the current state of the business climate in the DRC.  We continue 
to encourage respect for and use of international institutions in order to further good governance and 
transparency in the world of international business and trade. 
INDIA 
132. The DRC since the outbreak of war and civil unrest  in the late 1990s has been confronting a 
difficult and challenging domestic and external situa tion.  The precarious internal situation led to 
decades of economic decline.  It is to the credit of  the leadership of the DR C that it confronted the 
challenges head-on and embarked on a process of sust ainable democratic transition to put the country 
on the path to construction and modernization.  The Government has undertaken a series of reforms 
with the objective of progressively liberalizi ng the economy and opening up to international 
competition.  We commend the DRC on launching a major national reconstruction programme in the 
framework of "Five Priority Work Sites" with a view to restoring and developing infrastructure, 
education and health, creating jobs and providing access to water and electricity, as well as housing.  
We are encouraged by the commitment in the Gove rnment Report that the DRC will further pursue 
structural reforms and growth.  We urge interna tional donors to take cognizance of the needs of the 
DRC in terms of the assistance required for reconstr uction, rehabilitation and creation of opportunities 
for its people, including in the area of AfT, trad e agreement-related adju stment and development 
costs. 
133. We urge the DRC to take full advantage of the peace dividend and comprehensively address 
the main impediments to faster economic growth  and higher productivity, i.e. shortage of 
infrastructure.  It may be relevant to note that  the DRC, the second largest country in sub-Saharan 
Africa, is endowed with rich minerals and forest resources.  The country is very rich in natural 
resources, including copper, gold, diamonds, cobalt, uranium, etc.  There is no reason why the DRC 
should remain "one of the world's least developed countries" as mentioned in the Secretariat Report. WT/TPR/M/240 
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  134. We welcome the recent announcement of the Paris Club plus Brazil that it was cancelling 
nearly the entire debt of US$7.35 billion owed by the DRC.  The DRC must take steps to address 
concerns over the business environment and carry out further reforms to improve governance and 
strengthen the rule of law. 
135. India has always enjoyed a cordial relationship with the DRC.  India's contribution to the 
decolonization process and its participation in the peacekeeping operations in the 1960s in the newly 
independent Congo are recalled with fo nd memories.  In recent times, th ere has been intensification in 
the exchange of bilateral visits.  President Kab ila Kabange visited Delhi to participate in the 
First India-Africa Forum Summit on 8 and 9 April 2008.  The Minister of State for External Affairs, 
Mrs Preneet Kaur, visited Kinshasa on 29 and 30 June  2010 to represent the Government of India at 
the celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the country's independence. 
136. India-DRC trade at present is modest and am ounts to approx US$130 m illion.  We believe 
there is vast scope for further diversifying and e xpanding trade relations between our countries.  India 
has offered assistance to the D RC worth US$320 million in reconstr uction and revival of industrial 
and agricultural services.  The lines of credit men tioned below have been extended:  US$33.5 million 
for setting up a cement plant and acquisition of buses for the transport service;  US$25 million for the Rural Water Supply Project (2008) (the project is under execution);  US$42 million for the Kakobola 
Hydro-Electric Project;  US$168 million for the 60 MW Katende Hydro-Electric Power Project;  and US$50 million for the Kinshasa City Urban Railway System Rehabilitation project.  India has also 
donated 60 tractors with accessories and spares to help  revive agriculture and add to food security.  
India will also be setting up an IT Centre of Excellence in Kinshasa, three learning stations, 
tele-medicine, tele-education a nd VIP connectivity node under the Pa n-African e-network project.  
We hope that these projects will be completed soon.  India offers 40 training scholarships per annum 
to DRC candidates. 
137. India is the largest contributor of peacekeeper s to the United Nations Organization Mission in 
Congo, soldiers deployed across North Kivu provin ce.  At present, nearly 5,000 Indian troops, 
military observers and paramilitary forces are depl oyed in the DRC under the largest United Nations 
peacekeeping operation since November 2005.  Some of them have laid down their lives in carrying 
out the United Nations mandate.  The latest incide nt was in August 2010 when three Indian military 
personnel were killed in an ambush in Kirumba.  Ap art from their duties, the Indian contingent was 
involved in providing succour to the population of North Kivu to win their hearts and minds.  These 
efforts were very much appreciated by the local people, the government administration, United Nations agencies and MONUSCO. 
GABON 
138. The African Group congratulates the Secretary-General on the report on the economic and 
trade situation which he has presented to us and hopes that the concerns expressed in relation to his 
country are properly taken into account by WTO bodies,  and by all partner countries in global trade so 
that the DRC, after a long series of economic probl ems, can finally embark upon the development to 
which it legitimately aspires with the justified ai m of combating poverty, modernizing its economy, 
ending unemployment and ensuring the well-being of its population. 
139. The African Group once again expresses its thanks  to the discussant for the exactitude and 
relevance of his presentation.  It not only dr ew attention to the weaknesses in the DRC's 
economy - which is highly dependent on the mining sect or and, like most African countries, lacks a 
local processing industry with substantial value adde d - but also highlighted the vast potential of the 
country and the attention it should receive because of its incalculable assets, its geostrategic position 
in Africa and the world, and its population, one of the largest on the continent.  WT/TPR/M/240 
 Page 25 
 
 
  140. In his introductory report, the Secretary Gene ral showed that the DRC had embarked with 
determination upon the path of economic, trade and monetary reforms, which are starting to yield 
results:  monetary and exchange policy now appear s to be better controlled so there is less obvious 
dependence on the United States dollar.  The DRC is also gradually resolving the imbalances in terms 
of exports and imports.  It  is diversifying its partners and furthe r liberalizing its economy in order to 
create a stable environment for trade and competition. 
141. Underpinned by an attractive and encouraging legal and institutional environment, the DRC's 
economy simply needs encouragement and support so  that its objectives can be reached through an 
in-depth transformation and the necessary developm ent of its agricultural and mining sectors, its 
State-owned enterprises, industry, SMEs and SMIs, co ttage industries, the timber industry, and all the 
other areas such as telecommunications and transport. 
142. Despite the size of the DRC, it is nonetheless a f act that the country is still an LDC and, like 
many other countries, it has been weakened by th e recent financial and ec onomic crisis.  At the 
political and social levels, the DRC is now stable  and is showing real ambition to overcome its 
problems, hence the many macroeconomic and struct ural reforms undertaken by its Government, not 
without problems, in order to bring it into line w ith the rules of the WTO, and with those of the 
regional organizations to which it belongs. 
143. In appreciation of its efforts, proof of a genuine  determination to board the international trade 
train, the DRC deserves the wholehearted attention of the Members of our Organization.  We consider 
it imperative to take its concerns into account by  giving it all the aid and assistance needed, both 
financial and technical. 
ZAMBIA 
144. Zambia and the DRC enjoy warm and cordial relations and are engaged in a number of 
cooperation arrangements at the global and regiona l levels aimed at promoting the growth and 
development of our economies.  The DRC is Zambia 's most important non-traditional export market 
accounting for 36 per cent of the total non-traditiona l exports of Zambia.  Non-traditional exports to 
the DRC from Zambia reached US$567.3 million in 2009, from US$439.6 in 2008.  Among the notable arrangements are the Joint Permanent Commission, COMESA, and SADC. 
145. As highlighted in the two Reports, the DRC has recorded positive trends  in the past decade 
following the reforms undertaken to create an enab ling environment for private sector growth and 
development.  We note the reforms undertaken in  the context of the multilateral framework, which 
include among others, the simplification of the customs regime and elimination of quantitative 
restrictions.  Other reforms include the adopti on of competition law and policy targeted at 
anti-competitive trade practices;  adoption of stream lined legislation on govern ment procurement;  the 
computerization of the customs management system and establishment of the single window for 
customs in Matadi and Kasumbalesa, as highli ghted on page 9 of the Government Report. 
146. These reforms have contributed to the positive gr owth recorded in the past decade.  The 
Reports before us reveal that the economy of the DRC grew at an average rate of 6 per cent between 
2002 and 2009.  The DRC also recorded an increased  flow of investment in excess of US$6.6 billion 
between 2002 and 2009.  From the Secretariat Report we note that the ratio of trade to GDP remains 
high at about 130 per cent.  Furthermore, expor ts more than tripled between 2000 and 2008, from 
US$1.2 billion to US$3.7 billion.  However, lik e other LDCs, the DRC faces many trade and 
development challenges. 
147. Like many LDCs, the trade structure of the DRC is dominated by a high import bill and 
export of primary products, such as cobalt, co pper, diamonds and petroleum;  accounting for WT/TPR/M/240 
Page 26 
 
 
  78 per cent of exports in 2008.  Key imports comp rise foodstuffs, fuels, transport equipment and 
electrical and non-electrical machinery, with th e EU being the key source and others being 
South Africa, China and Zambia.  Meanwhile the DRC remains a net importer of services.  The high 
export concentration ratio and high import bill have exposed the DRC to external factors and this has 
had implications for sustainable growth and poverty reduction. 
148. It is for this reason that we will continue  to call upon our cooperating partners to assist 
countries like the DRC in their diversification ef forts and to move up the value chain in their 
production structures so that they can reduce thei r vulnerability to external shocks.  We commend 
those partners that have opened up their market s on preferential terms to facilitate the market 
diversification efforts of the DRC. 
149. We also commend those partners that have come forth in supporting the DRC through ODA 
and other forms of assistance, including FDI.  As hi ghlighted in Chapter V of the Secretariat Report, 
the total ODA and AfT delivered to the DRC t hus far has increased over the years, with ODA 
totalling US$1.5 billion in 2008 from approximately US$1.2 billion in 2005.  However, we note with 
concern that, although some progress has been made  in increasing ODA over the past decade, pledges 
have not been fully met.  The reports before us  reveal that, out of the total pledges made, only 
63 per cent has been fulfilled and the disbursemen t of the amount allocated has faced multiple 
challenges. 
150. We wish to stress that initiatives such as AfT and the EIF remain critical to trade development 
and integration into the multilateral trading system.  To this end, we call for bridging support to assist 
the DRC to implement fully and effectively its pr iorities on agriculture, agri business, forestry and 
mining, as identified in its DTIS.  We also wish to stress the importance of concluding the Doha Round to assist countries like the DRC to reap tangible benefits from the multilateral trading system and as a contribution of this house to the fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed 
Countries (LDC IV). 
MOROCCO 
151. For several years, the DRC h as been introducing a series of bold and continuing reforms to 
reflect the trend in international trade relations, to adapt itself to new requirements and to meet the 
challenges of modernity. 
152. Morocco welcomes the measures taken by the DR C to make the institutional and regulatory 
environment more favourable for the development of  trade.  The data on the country's economy show 
that the prospects are reassuring despite the current turbulence of the global economic environment.  
The average rate of growth of GDP and the in crease in FDI are testimony to its vitality and 
adaptability. 
153. The economy's expansion is also the fruit of ta rgeted reforms in the areas of trade policy, 
further liberalization of its economic activities, clo ser partnership with the private sector, and proper 
management of the business environment, together with the identification of centres of growth to 
ensure its economic development. 
154. The performance of the DRC's economy has provided further reassurance for foreign 
operators, whose investments are increasing at a prom ising rate, thanks to government reforms in 
various sectors of the national economy.  Along the same lines, these advances are serving as an 
effective and ambitious means of establishing the mechanisms for an economy that is modern, open 
and competitive.  WT/TPR/M/240 
 Page 27 
 
 
  155. Convinced that progress in modernizing the ec onomy can only be achieved by opening up to 
the outside world, the DRC is actively participa ting in the negotiations within the WTO and has 
chosen to diversify its trading partners by particip ating in EPAs with the EU as part of the group of 
Central African countries.  The WTO and partne r countries are called on to provide it with the 
appropriate technical assistance, as stipulated in  the WTO's existing instruments, to enable it to 
become integrated into, and benefit fro m, the international trading system. 
156. In its efforts to modernize its structures a nd its economic and financ ial institutions, the DRC 
now needs substantial technical assistance in th e sectors covered by the WTO and its various 
Agreements.  Within this framework, it is necessar y to mobilize the means th at will allow it to make 
the most of the satisfactory performance of the p ast few years.  Likewise, as a Member with an 
interest in the affairs of the WTO, the DRC shoul d receive assistance from the WTO to enable it to 
pursue its policy of reform and modernization in orde r to participate in a beneficial and constructive 
way in multilateral trade. 
157. Support for modernization of the DRC's economy is made all the more necessary because it is 
facing lack of opportunities in the area of raw materials, particularly in the mining sector, 
necessitating reforms and undermining the competitiveness of its economy. 
ANGOLA 
158. Angola not only shares a long border of over 2,500 km. with the DRC, but also has common 
historical and linguistic links.  The country is st arting to emerge from the economic stagnation caused 
by several endogenous and exogenous factors.  A lthough official statistics show that trade with 
African countries remains marginal, the buoyanc y of border trade between the DRC and its 
neighbours is self-evident.  Our populations have always traded across our borders without paying 
attention to multilateral trade rules. 
159. The Secretariat's Report indicates that the DRC's economy enjoyed sustained growth at an 
average rate of 6 per cent annually over the peri od 2001-2009.  This figure shows that both foreign 
and national investors recognize the value of the re form, modernization and economic diversification 
policy and the efforts made by the Congolese Govern ment.  This performance is the fruit of the 
structural reforms implemented by the Congolese aut horities and provides an indication that this large 
African country with immeasurable assets and pot ential could once again play its role in the 
development of the region and the continent. 
160. Despite certain shortcomings highlighted by some Members during this first Trade Policy 
Review and the social problems in daily life,  the economic vitality shows that the Congolese 
Government's main objective, namely diversifica tion of the economy, which is still dependent on the 
mining sector, could be attained within a few years. 
161. The African continent is today the focus of a ttention.  This is why Angola encourages the 
DRC to pursue its reforms and recover its former pl ace.  We are told that Africa is like a revolver, 
whose trigger is to be found in the DRC.  During the last century, the DRC fulfilled its role in 
liberating our continent from the colonial yoke, especially Angola.  This is why it needs to do the same today for economic development, growth, regional cooperation and the well-being of our 
populations.  Before concluding, a llow me to launch a heartfelt appeal to development partners to 
continue supporting the Congolese Government's efforts. 
NIGERIA 
162. Nigeria is pleased to note that the structural reforms implemented by the DRC have enabled 
the country to begin recovering from economic sta gnation brought about by the conflicts during the WT/TPR/M/240 
Page 28 
 
 
  1990s.  The economy has grown steadily at an average rate of 6 per cent per annum over 2001-2009, 
outpacing population growth. 
163. Nigeria is further encouraged that the moneta ry policy pursued by the Central Bank of the 
Congo has made it possible to reduce inflation fro m 511.2 per cent in 2000 to 4.3 per cent in 2003;  
increased government revenue has also made it possi ble to reduce the public deficit, surpluses even 
being recorded in some years in spite of the increase in expenditure. 
164. However, with a goods and services trade to GDP  ratio of almost 130 per cent, the DRC is 
highly dependent on the outside world.  Its princi pal imports include foods tuffs, fuels, transport 
equipment and electrical and non-electrical machinery.  It would be interesting to know the measures 
being taken to improve the business climate and attr act the investment needed to boost domestic 
production to reduce the dependence. 
165. As indicated in the Secretariat Report, the DRC has the potential for the diversification 
needed for its various economic sectors to make a fa irly substantial contribution to GDP.  Agriculture 
is favoured by a variety of natural advantages such as vast areas of very fertile land and a climate that 
lends itself to a diverse range of crops.  Agriculture is still the leading sector in the poverty reduction 
strategy owing to its labour intens ity and its role in food security and as a supplier of inputs to local 
industries.  However, development of the sector remains hampered by numerous factors.  Nigeria 
would like to know the efforts being made to address the problems militating against growth of the sector. 
166. The DRC has received technical assistance from the WTO and other international 
organizations.  Yet, owing to social and political  conflicts, technical assistance activities have 
declined markedly.  To that end, my delegati on wishes to urge the WTO and other international 
organizations to collaborate with the DRC to assist  in providing it with adequate and effective 
technical assistance. 
CAMEROON 
167. The DRC has been described in various ways.  It has been described as a poor country, it has 
been described as an outrageously wealthy count ry;  it depends which parameters are used.  
Cameroon would like to take the second description as mentioned, because we actually trade with the 
DRC and we are its major trading partner in Central A frica.  As such, we have a particular interest in 
keeping an eye on what it is happening in this  neighbour country and member of our economic 
integration organization.  We hope that our relationship will help us  together to pursue harmonization 
and integration in the region. 
168. In re-reading the Reports which have been subm itted to us, it becomes pretty clear that the 
Government of the DRC has been putting in a great d eal of effort to improve its position, to improve 
and modernize its economic structure and its trade policies, and in general modernize the country.  
However, there are certain factors that should be analysed. 
169. Cameroon is the ACP focal point for AfT, and th at being the case, I would like to go directly 
to that particular subject.  It would seem that th e DRC receives US$20 per capita per year in terms of 
AfT flows.  That seems to be very low, insignifican t actually, as highlighted by the Secretariat Report.  
Gabon, as the present Coordinator for the African Gr oup, congratulated the DRC on the efforts it is 
making, Zambia highlighted existing problems with  formalities and procedures in particular, my 
delegation would like to make a comment and ask two questions. 
170. First, the comment, it seems from reading the G overnment Report that AfT is not dealt with 
in much detail.  On page 101 of the Secretariat Repor t, it is stated that "the authorities' view, however,  WT/TPR/M/240 
 Page 29 
 
 
  that they have not received any AfT since 2006 and they  would like this specific aid to be additional".  
If the people receiving the aid are not aware of receivi ng it, perhaps the mechanism that is being used 
is not as transparent as it should be.  If that is the case, the country should do something about the 
situation, as well as the community actually providi ng the aid, so as to help the DRC benefit more 
effectively from AfT. 
171. Regarding the questions, as I have said earlie r, we do not seem to have any particular 
information under the heading AfT.  I wonder whethe r the delegation could explain to us how we can 
better understand the lack of information, whereas in the Secretariat Report we have, despite the 
difficulties described, a certain amount of informa tion on the work being done particularly under the 
Integrated Framework.  Is the country intending to put in place any mechanisms which will make it 
easier to reflect the flows so that the ACP Group c ould have more elements to negotiate with its 
partners? 
172. The second question is, what does the Government of the DRC intend to do for the short and 
medium-term in order to strengthen intraregional trade and harmonize procedures and mechanisms as 
a member of many of the regional and subregiona l economic bodies, and yet there are some rather 
excessive formalities and some high costs, partic ularly with respect to agricultural products? 
 WT/TPR/M/240 
Page 30 
 
 
  V. REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF 
THE CONGO AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS 
173. It is with great pleasure that I once again take  the floor before you to respond to the remarks 
and comments made at this meeting devoted to the fi rst Trade Policy Review of my country, the DRC.  
Before continuing, may I, on behalf of the Co ngolese Government, express warm gratitude to all 
those who spoke, who unanimously took note of th e significant efforts made by the DRC in its 
endeavour to become more closely integrated into the multilateral trading system.  I would also like to 
thank the WTO Secretariat, which prepared a Repo rt whose quality was recognized by all.  This 
Report provides an objective analysis of the trade po licy situation in my country and is undoubtedly a 
point of reference for conducting programmes to modernize the Congolese economy. 
174. I should like to reiterate my profound gratitude  to the discussant.  He described the present 
situation of the Congolese economy, highlighting th e country's improved performance since 2002 and 
the efforts made by the Government to put in pl ace a sound macroeconomic policy despite the internal 
constraints and the present international situation.   The DRC intends to pursue the goal of further 
liberalization of economic sectors and more open mark ets with a view to promoting the well-being of 
the Congolese population.  Combating poverty is one of the Government's major objectives and will 
not be feasible without development of the private sector, the engine of growth.  The DRC will therefore continue to foster an attractive framewo rk for investment and will strive to remove the 
obstacles to trade in accordance with  its international commitments, which it in no way intends to 
ignore. 
175. In light of the foregoing, Mr Chairman, I must bring to the attention of Members of the WTO 
the major steps my country has already taken or is planning. 
176. The low level of diversification of the Congolese economy, largely concentrated on the 
mining sector, is a constraint which the DRC must overcome in order to become integrated into international trade. 
177. This strong concentration does not allow the country to offset exogenous shocks, which can 
jeopardize the Government's development objectives inasmuch as most of its fiscal revenue comes from the mining sector.  In order to overcome this structural weakness in the economy, the Government is planning to initiate strategies to revive sectors that have substantial potential for 
development and growth, particularly in the areas of  agriculture, tourism and the environment, sectors 
in which the DRC has consider able comparative advantages. 
178. The Government recognizes that diversifyi ng the economy cannot be boosted without 
promoting a business-friendly environment and is worki ng on the creation of a framework that is able, 
on the one hand, to guarantee macroeconomic stability and, on the other, lega l and judicial security 
for investors. 
179. One result was the estab lishment of a Steering Committee in August 2009, working in close 
cooperation with the private sector, and entrusted w ith the following tasks:  to identify the various 
obstacles to setting up enterprises and carrying on business activities;  to make proposals on reforms 
to be decided by the Council of Ministers;  to accelerate the implementation of reforms to provide 
greater physical and legal security for investment;  to follow up and evaluate the application of the 
measures taken.  Through this Committee, the Govern ment is clearly trying to meet the objective of 
reducing formalities, delays and costs of administ rative procedures, introducing more transparency, 
ensuring legal and judicial security, and eliminati ng all forms of discrimination in business activities.  WT/TPR/M/240 
 Page 31 
 
 
  180. Significant results have already been achieved, notably the simplification and streamlining of 
procedures for creating enterprises, with the el imination of discrimination between Congolese and 
foreign investors;  enactment of the Law on VAT;  enactment of the law authorizing accession to 
OHADA;  revision of procedures for issuing buildi ng permits;  more flexible terms for property 
transfers;  making the Labour Code more flexible ;  reorganization of fiscal and parafiscal controls. 
181. Other measures are being approved at the governmental or parliamentary level, including 
liberalization of the insurance sector;  the introduc tion of a legal and regulatory framework for gaming 
and the lottery;  the abolition of superfluous tax es;  prohibition of the involvement of unauthorized 
services in the control and collection of taxes, dut ies and levies and other payments owing to the 
State, without a request from financial agencies;  regulation of leasing;  abolition of superfluous documentation and formalities for imports and expor ts and introduction of a single window at all 
border posts;  abolition of the restrictions on en gaging in business for foreigners;  and a draft 
framework law on public-private partnership. 
182. In conjunction with the reform of State-ow ned enterprises, the Government proceeded to 
liberalize the commercial sectors where State monopo lies still existed, the insurance subsector in 
particular.  A draft Insurance Code has already been adopted by the Council of Ministers and 
forwarded to Parliament for adoption.  By e ndorsing the liberalization of this subsector, the 
Government intends fully to  open up the financial sector. 
183. In addition, certain obstacles to engaging in tr ade that still exist in the Special Law on Trade 
are being eliminated.  The Government has alread y put before Parliament a draft Law amending the 
provisions of the Special Law on Trade which rest rict the conditions for engaging in trade for 
foreigners.  In this connection, the Government  intends to promote equal treatment in business 
irrespective of the origin of the investor.  In para llel with implementation of this measure, which has 
been requested by the Congolese pr ivate sector, the Government is ad apting all the provisions in the 
Special Law on Trade, ensuring strict compliance with the principles and rules laid down in the 
provisions of the WTO and OHADA. 
184. It is also planned to introduce a genuine comp etition policy and to adopt standards to protect 
consumers.  The opening up of trade cannot be envisaged without the introduction of rules to 
guarantee observance of the principles of competiti on and safeguarding the population's well-being. 
185. The introduction of this new regulatory frame work will involve actors outside the State 
sector, for example, the private sector and consumer s' associations, which will participate in the 
bodies set up to manage and monitor the regul ations (Competition Commi ssion, Consumers' 
Council, etc.).  The creation of these bodies will help  to strengthen the partnership between the State 
and the private sector. 
186. In addition, the legal settlement of trade disput es has been entrusted to specialized courts, like 
the commercial courts, which will gradually be set up  in all provinces.  This involves costs and the 
DRC would appreciate receiving assistance from its partners in this respect. 
187. In order to establish a more serene climate for investors, the Government will continue to 
foster the development of alternative methods of  settling trade disputes.  As to corruption, the 
Government spares no effort to combat this illic it practice, which hinders  economic development. 
188. In order to attract economic operators in the informal sector towards the formal sector, the 
Government has launched a campaign to identify them by using incentives such as credits from 
microfinance institutions, on certain terms, whic h will be part of this wide-ranging programme. WT/TPR/M/240 
Page 32 
 
 
  189. The DRC is also convinced that trade is the engi ne for sustainable development.  This is why 
it is working to integrate trade policy into the na tional GPRSP.  With this aim in mind, special 
attention should also be given to cross-border tr ade in order to facilitate the flow of goods and 
services with countries in the subregion.  This is  of course a medium and long-term vision that 
requires substantial technical and fina ncial support for its implementation. 
190. In order to participate effectively in interna tional trade, the DRC is endeavouring to exploit 
the trade opportunities afforded by the multilateral tr ading system, the trade preference regimes and 
its regional markets.  In addition, the Government intends to give priority in the first instance to 
building institutional capacity for the preparation a nd follow-up of trade negotiations, particularly by 
building the capacity for analysis and better interminis terial coordination of positions at multilateral, 
regional and bilateral negotiations.  The DRC n eeds support for its efforts to strengthen its 
interministerial committee responsible for trade ne gotiations and for developing its system for the 
collection and analysis of statistics. 
191. The low level of diversification of the econom y and the lack of competitiveness of Congolese 
exports are a serious hindrance to taking advant age of the trading opportunities afforded by 
international trade.  The DRC is facing major co nstraints to market access because of its poor 
exportable offer and the standards required by its lead ing partners.  This is why the Government wants 
to make good these shortcomings by introducing an export promotion mechanism.  For this purpose, 
the DRC calls on partners to assist in creating such  an instrument, which will help to increase and 
diversify exports. 
192. The DRC's trade policy is aimed at promoting tr ade facilitation in particular.  In its economic 
programme for the period 2009-2012, the Government makes the elimination of trade barriers one of 
its major axes.  A new Customs Code has been en acted for this purpose.  Its provisions are fully 
aligned with the principles of the Internationa l Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization 
of Customs Procedures (Revised Kyoto Convention). 
193. To complement this reform, the Government has started to streamline administrative 
procedures at the border.  It has managed to lim it the number of services operating at the border, 
which now number four, whereas in the past th ere were around a dozen services each following its 
own procedure and levying taxes, mostly without any legal basis. 
194. Moreover, under the guidance of the Head of  Government, work has been undertaken in 
cooperation with the private sector with a view to introducing a single window for foreign trade by 
December 2011 at the latest.  It will be responsible for all foreign trade formalities, from pre-customs 
clearance to putting the goods up for sale.  The Go vernment is considering an efficient management 
formula for this instrument.  So far, the option d ecided is to hand the management over to a private 
structure following a bidding pr ocedure.  The introduction of the single window will boost the 
computerization of customs procedures alr eady commenced by introducing the ASYCUDA++ 
software in the country's major customs posts. 
195. In 2003, the DRC adopted the WTO's Customs Va luation Agreement and enacted the relevant 
legislation.  However, the application of this la w continues to pose certain problems, not because of 
any lack of political will, but because of the objectiv e limits facing the customs administration.  Like 
many other LDCs, the DRC finds it very difficult to apply the different evaluation methods prescribed 
in the Agreement. 
196. In view of these constraints, the Congolese customs uses the services of a preshipment 
inspection agency to ensure that the values declared are correct.  The values in the database provided 
by this agency do not strictly speaking constitute floor values.  They are a reference for the purposes 
of comparison in order to apply the vari ous methods set out in the Agreement.  WT/TPR/M/240 
 Page 33 
 
 
  197. Much of the documentation for the customs cl earance of goods does not include any invoice, 
or the invoices are counterfeit, so proper applica tion of customs valuation is difficult.  The DRC 
hopes that its partners will provide support for bu ilding the capacity of the customs administration's 
personnel and for completion of the computerization programme for customs posts.  It also calls for 
the implementation of the administrative mutual assi stance agreements signed with partners in order 
to facilitate the exchange of da ta among customs administrations. 
198. The DRC reaffirms its attachment to observance of the principles and rules on the levying of 
non-customs taxes.  It recognizes that duties, ta xes and charges other than customs duty should 
normally be levied in return for services rendered.  The Government is aware that the majority of 
these taxes raise problems as far as international commitments are concerned and undertakes to abolish all unofficial duties, taxes and fees.  This  is why it has taken several measures to reorganize 
and streamline foreign trade formalities and procedur es, the latest being the decision to abolish all 
provincial taxes that are inconsistent  with the regulations in force. 
199. In order to lessen red tape and border charg es, in conformity with the EIF matrix, the 
Government has identified those charges that are levi ed without any real service rendered in return or 
those whose ad valorem  rate needs to be revised in order to bring it into line with the WTO's 
provisions.  In view of the many challenges re maining, the Government seeks support from its 
international partners, whose technical assi stance and financing would be welcome. 
200. As far as restrictions and the administration of import licences are concerned, the DRC 
applies a regime without quotas.  The declara tion deposited with the Central Bank of the Congo 
(BCC) serves as an import authorization;  this forma lity is required for statistical purposes.  It may not 
be refused, but it may be annulled by the applicant or may expire.  The import or export of certain products, for example, coins, banknotes, arms a nd ammunition, used capital goods (for export) must 
be authorized in advance by the competent service s.  It should be noted, however, that Congolese 
legislation does not generally impose quantitative r estrictions, neither on im ports nor on exports. 
201. The DRC is experiencing problems in introducing a coherent mechanism for the protection of 
human and animal health that is in line with th e requirements in the WTO SPS and TBT Agreements.  
The reason is the weakness of the competent au thorities and the quality control infrastructure, 
particularly laboratories, most of which have not  yet received international accreditation.  It is 
therefore essential for the DRC to receive support from international pa rtners to build the capacity of 
the structures responsible for controlling quality and conformity, the foremost being the Congolese 
Control Office (OCC). 
202. The DRC does not participate closely enough in th e work of the relevant  organizations (IPPC, 
OIE, Codex Alimentarius) and therefore has to appl y international standards which it has not helped 
to draw up, so it needs assistance to be able to pa rticipate more fully in international standardization 
activities.  In order to become fu lly involved in the preparation of international standards, the DRC 
intends to accede to the International Plant Pr otection Convention (IPPC).   The Ministry of 
Agriculture has already sen t a request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is responsible for 
initiating the accession procedure. 
203. The DRC has also initiated a process for intr oducing a new legislative and regulatory 
framework for phytosanitary and anim al health matters, including:  the Phytosanitary Law adopted by 
Parliament and currently being enacted;  the draft Animal Health Law, which is still under 
consideration at the ministerial level;  the draft Law on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), still 
being discussed in Parliament.  The latter's scope wi ll cover the transit, handling, sale and use of all 
GMOs, whether intended for dissemination in the envi ronment or used as a foodstuff, animal feed or 
processed product or as a by-product. WT/TPR/M/240 
Page 34 
 
 
  204. Concerning the regulation of government procurement, the DRC has enacted a new 
transparency framework that pr omotes free access and equal treatment for bidders for government 
procurement orders.  In connection with the negotiations on the EPA, the DRC is planning to 
harmonize its rules with its African partners in the region. 
205. With regard to the enforcement of intellectual property rights, the DRC will ensure that it 
complies with the TRIPS Agreement by the end of th e new extension period granted to LDCs.  This is 
why more support and assistance from the Secretariat and its partners will be essential to adapt the 
regulatory framework. 
206. The new Customs Code nevertheless gives the customs administration greater powers for the 
protection of intellectual property.  Under its pr ovisions, counterfeit produc ts may not be imported 
and are excluded from storage in warehouses or tran sit.  The owner of the intellectual property right 
may request the customs to suspend the clearance of  such products.  The customs is also empowered 
to suspend clearance of goods if there is a presump tion of proof that they infringe an intellectual 
property right.  In addition, the Law of 7 Janua ry 1982 on industrial property determines the 
corrective measures applicable if goods or pa tent licences are counterfeit.  The ordinance 
implementing this Law determines the method for calculating damages. 
207. In order to adapt the regulations to developm ents, the DRC is revising the Law to integrate 
the provisions of the Madrid Agreement and automa tically seize goods that are counterfeit pursuant to 
the Law on Unfair Competition, under certain conditions. 
208. The policies introduced are based on the large natu ral and human potential that exists.  In the 
area of agriculture, the DRC has many unexploited asset s.  Agriculture is still carried on traditionally 
and the DRC is a major net importer of goods.  The sector is, however, facing many constraints 
caused in particular by the continuance of tr aditional and outdated methods of production, the 
disappearance of cash crops, l ack of mechanization, the use of non-improved seeds, and the absence 
of appropriate financing, etc. 
209. The Government underlines the priority nature of the agricultural sector in its development 
strategy.  Several measures have been taken to revive this sector, including the draft Law on the 
Agricultural Code currently bein g discussed by Parliament.  Its text focuses on priorities such as 
market access, support for the sector's productivity , access to financing, building technical and 
organizational capacity in government and priv ate institutions, and reinforcing the basic 
infrastructure, etc. 
210. As regards the property regime, the Property C ode and the various codes enacted or being 
adopted have resolved problems of access to land in  the DRC;  they include the Investment, Forest 
and Mining Codes, and the draft Law on the Agricultural Code. 
211. In the mining sector, despite vast reserves, problems of organization and legal insecurity were 
not conducive to its development.  Its contribut ion to GDP was 9 per cent over the past decade, 
compared to 24.55 per cent in the 1980s.  It is now booming and in 2008 its share of GDP was 23 per cent. 
212. A number of difficulties explain this uneven tre nd, including:  inappropriate legislation, the 
cumbersome administrative regime, the inadequacy  of the fiscal and customs regimes applicable, 
insufficient financing and the low level of foreig n investment.  To overcome these difficulties, the 
Government has taken a number of measures.  Fo r example, in July 2002 the DRC adopted a new 
Mining Code, which established an attractive legal fr amework for investors.  Under this Code, the 
State encourages private investment and public-private  partnerships.  The Mining Code also provides 
benefits for local communities and has an envir onmental component.  Furthermore, the DRC is a  WT/TPR/M/240 
 Page 35 
 
 
  member of the Kimberley Process certification system  and is currently its Chair.  The DRC will also 
reinforce the basic principles of good governance and transparency in the s ector through its accession 
to the EITI. 
213. In the energy sector, the Government has made some important reforms, particularly as 
regards State-owned enterprises in the sector.  Seve ral projects are under way and give priority to 
public-private partnerships.  This policy will lead  to liberalization of production, transport and 
distribution branches in the energy sector. 
214. With regard to manufacturing, the industrial infr astructure is still at an embryonic stage.  The 
sector's contribution to economic growth is estimat ed to be only 5 per cent of GDP.  The reason for 
this is the obsolescence of the production facilities, th e destruction of the industrial fabric during the 
long years of armed conflict and socio-political instab ility, not very conducive to investment.  In order 
to revive manufacturing, the Government's policy is aimed in particular at enhancing the climate for 
business in order to attract investment to the sector .  The DRC has therefore had an Investment Code, 
as well as Mining and Forest Codes, since 2002.  Accession to OHADA and MIGA, active 
participation in regional and in ternational organizations, the stability of the macroeconomic 
framework, the introduction of commercial courts and combating corruption are all measures that 
contribute towards achieving this objective. 
215. In the area of services, despite its status as an LDC, the DRC has already made many 
commitments under the GATS.  The services sector's share of GDP is gradually rising in comparison 
with other sectors of the economy. 
216. The DRC is facing constraints in the transport sector because of the lack of infrastructure and 
the low level of development of the various modes of  transport.  With support from its partners, the 
Government has embarked upon in-depth reform of the sector, long marked by the existence of 
State-owned enterprises with monopolies, most of whic h are in difficulty.  The strategic importance of 
transport for the competitiveness of the Congolese economy incited the Government to promote 
public-private partnerships as part of the multim odal transport project, initiated with support from the 
World Bank, in order to revive the transport sect or, some branches of which are already open to 
competition.  The DRC is also involved in infrastructure and trade facilitation programmes at the regional level (COMESA, SADC, ECCAS, NEPAD), but the financing is still not available. 
217. The banking sector is undergoing radical transfor mation with the creation of new banks and 
their establishment throughout the country.  The sect or was liberalized long ago following a series of 
unprecedented reforms which produced the following conclusive results:  restoration of banks' 
solvency, liquidity and profitability indicators with a view to placing the sector on a sounder footing;  
renewal of the legal framework for banking activiti es through reinforced supervision and control;  
introduction of an accounting guide for microfinan ce institutions following an analysis of the 
organizational and financial audits  conducted by the BCC;  preparation and enactment of a law to 
combat money laundering and the financing of terro rism;  as well as the introduction of the National 
Financial Information Unit (CENREF). 
218. As a result of these recovery measures, consider able progress has been made in this sector.  
The public is less suspicious of banks.  All inv estors, without discrimination and irrespective of 
nationality, are guaranteed access to the sector. 
219. The same applies to microfinance institutions and cooperative associations in the financial 
sector.  The purpose of the Law on Microfinan ce is to organize microfinance structures. 
220. This is also true of the telecommunications sector, which has been sufficiently liberalized.  
There are around a dozen operators, without any distinction as to nationality.  The opening up of this WT/TPR/M/240 
Page 36 
 
 
  sector has been a win-win situation because earnings are far from negligible.  It has also led to an 
increase in the number of subscribers to mobile te lephone networks, which operate in all provinces.  
The State no longer has a monopoly of this sector, which is regulated by the Post and 
Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of the Congo (ARPTC). 
221. In conclusion, bearing in mind the foregoing,  you will undoubtedly agree with me that the 
DRC is trying its utmost to ensure that its po licy complies with its multila teral trade commitments.  
Naturally, there are still some shortcomings despite the Government's determin ation.  This is why I 
shall conclude by appealing to our partners to support the DRC in its endeavour to become more 
closely integrated into the global economy. 
DISCUSSANT 
222. We started two days ago by reviewing the DRC' s trade policy.  We have heard statements 
from 15 delegations, the rate of participation has been good, underlining the considerable interest 
aroused by this Review.  We have just listened, Mr  Secretary-General, to your statement this morning 
in which, inter alia , you explained your Government's forthc oming programme of reforms, which it 
proposes to carry out at both the macroeconomic and at the trade policy and sectoral policy levels.  It 
will now be necessary to ensure strict implementati on and careful monitoring of all these reforms, all 
the Codes - Mining, Agricultural, For est, etc. - that have been adopted. 
223. There were two common denominators in the st atements made last Wednesday:  recognition 
and appreciation of the important reforms which th e Government has already launched, which have 
led to a certain degree of economic recovery in th e country, but this is only the beginning and much 
remains to be done. 
224. There was a consensus on the need to impr ove the business climate, which means:  
simplifying and accelerating registration and control procedures at the border;  a drastic reduction in 
the number of taxes and duties levied;  decisive anti-corruption measures and the creation, I might 
say, of a public service mindset;  and the implementation of the recommendations in the DTIS. 
225. Revival of the economy and trade implies the need to reinforce stability throughout the 
country and to ensure the full exercise of State s overeignty everywhere to serve the population.  In 
order to develop internal and external trade, the fi rst step is to ensure the free movement of goods and 
services all over the country, allowing goods to reach  local and regional markets without hindrance. 
226. One other indispensable prerequisite for such development of the economy and trade is to 
pursue an ambitious infrastructure programme, especia lly for highways and rural roads, and building 
these also implies the means to keep them up and main tain the infrastructure.  During a brief visit to 
the DRC last August, I was able to see for myself that  things are starting to move in this direction. 
227. The very large share of trade in the GDP mean s considerable dependence on external factors 
and, consequently, a high degree of vulnerability,  hence the importance of efforts to reinforce, 
modernize and diversify production capacity.  Deve lopment of the agricultural sector and improved 
food security have received notable support.  Debt relief under the HIPC Initiative has been 
welcomed, with the message that th e financial resources thus freed should be used for the country's 
development and for poverty reduction.  The DRC sh ould follow up more closely its obligations as a 
Member of the WTO and the commitments it has undertaken.  WT/TPR/M/240 
 Page 37 
 
 
  228. Regarding the mining sector, the DRC application for accession to the EITI was welcomed.  
The DRC would then have a precious tool for the Government and the companies involved to provide 
greater clarity in mining operations and make the sec tor more competitive and attractive for investors;  
participation in the Kimberley process goes in the same direction;  the initiative on acceding to 
OHADA was also welcomed;  the commitments made  in relation to ODA must be respected;  the 
important role to be played by AfT and the EIF were underlined, inter alia , for the development of 
production capacity. 
229. The measures taken should enable the informal  economy to become more  closely integrated 
in the domestic economy and, as a result, improve statistics.  High priority should be given to 
developing training and human capacity. 
230. This exercise is taking place at an important moment and here I refer to the work under way 
to prepare the fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC IV), to be 
held in Istanbul in May 2011.  The WTO made an important contribution to this Conference at the 
meeting of the Sub-Committee on Least Developed Countries, which I chaired on 17 November last.  
The work carried out by UNCTAD in particular has shown that the economic structure of the majority 
of LDCs has not changed greatly over the past decad e, that they remain dependent on the export of a 
small number of mining or agricultural products.  Fu rther attention should therefore be given to the 
diversification of the economy and the creation of va lue added in the various branches.  The DRC has 
an important contribution to make to this C onference, whose findings and recommendations could 
likewise inspire and guide its future development. 
EUROPEAN UNION 
231. We have examined the replies and have no additi onal questions at this stage.  The reforms 
already implemented have placed the DRC on the ri ght path.  I should like to reiterate the EU's 
encouragement to the DRC to continue all the re forms under way and those planned, and to improve 
its domestic environment so as to make the country more attractive to investors.  The DRC can count 
on the EU's support to help it to implement its Af T programme.  The EU attaches great importance to 
the partnership with the DRC and we hope to contin ue working together for sustainable development. 
ZIMBABWE 
232. Zimbabwe enjoys long-standing historical, economi c, social and cultural ties with the DRC.  
Our two countries are members of the SADC and COMESA.  Trade between Zimbabwe and the DRC 
is in the energy sector, where we imported from the DRC and also exported coal and coal products to 
that country. 
233. Zimbabwe is pleased to note from both the Secretariat and the Government Reports that the 
structural reforms implemented by the DRC have  enabled the country to achieve recovery from 
economic stagnation.  We note with appreciation the country's achievement of a steadily growing 
economy at an average annual rate of 6 per cent, and we wish it was much higher than the population 
growth of 3 per cent.  Despite the impressive gr owth, the DRC faced challenges in various areas, 
including serious infrastructure problems, poverty, high credit costs, and corruption, etc.  The injection of additional resources into the DRC economy following the grant of external debt relief in 
July 2010 should give a boost to economic activity, especially poverty reduction, which is one of the 
most important Millennium Development Goals. 
234. Furthermore, opening the DRC markets to competition, especially the services and 
manufacturing sectors, would go a long way towards improving competitiveness and attracting the investment needed for the count ry to realize its potential. WT/TPR/M/240 
Page 38 
 
 
  235. Trade between the DRC and the rest of the continent is still very limited, with only 
two countries, namely Zambia and South Africa, be ing the only significant trading partners in the 
COMESA and the southern regional trading bloc, resp ectively.  Clearly, a lot of potential remains to 
be used given the size of the country's population and its diverse needs. 
236. We have noted the challenges that the DRC is facing in implementing some of the WTO trade 
Agreements such as the Customs Valuation Agr eement and we support the increase of technical 
assistance activities, including under AfT, for the DRC to  the extent possible.  This will enable the 
country to continue with its liberalization programme. 
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC 
237. We note that the DRC is a country with natura l strong economic potential and the joint efforts 
of the Government and other partners will help it to  find its place in the multilateral context.  Allow 
me to mention here that the DRC is a country w ith a long historical, political and cultural tradition 
with the Central African Republic.  Besides these c onsiderations that I have mentioned, there was 
informal trade between the South of the Central African Republic and the DRC, formalized by free 
trade agreements. 
238. The Central African Republic used the naviga ble waters of the Bangui to transport its 
products, which represented 600,000 tonnes per year in the 1970s against 320,000 tonnes at present.  
It is important to highlight the two decades of political chaos which caused the closing of borders, penalizing trade for people living at the borders of th e two countries.  The good news today is that we 
have an agreement to reopen the borders to resolve this problem.  Also, the DRC has used Douala port 
to have its goods transit by Beleko port, which it does not allow to import important quantities due to 
the transit rules in effect and the high costs. 
239. The DRC also benefits from the EIF which is  an integration trade programme for LDCs.  
Particular attention deserves to be given to the su ccess of the programme with respect to the necessary 
technical assistance for pr ojects that are eligible for funding.  We note the efforts of the French 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs in financing transport in the Bangui River with CFAF 900 million, and we 
invite the other partners to support these efforts that can only contribute to facilitating exchanges 
among the three countries, the Congo, the DRC and the Central African Republic. 
CONGO 
240. I am going to begin by saying something perhaps rather unexpected that I have borrowed 
from politicians who were elected to positions of power  or who are trying to get to positions of power.  
It is difficult, if not impossible, to reinvent a c ountry.  This quotation I think applies perfectly to the 
economic and social situation of the DRC, just emerging from 15 years of political upheaval, the consequences of which have include d considerable deterioration in the living conditions of the people 
and the destruction of the economic fabric.  The Republic of the Congo, which shares a frontier with 
the DRC, most of which runs along the edge of th e Congo River, cannot be indifferent to this Trade 
Policy Review exercise of the DRC because we ar e well aware of the situation and the negative 
fallout from the political situation, and the sacr ifices that a country has to undergo for its 
reconstruction. 
241. The DRC has just acceded to the HIPC Initiative w ith all its advantages, which is a new step 
on the road to its political and economic resurrecti on, along with its Trade Policy Review.  I do not 
wish to go into detail about the policies being appl ied by the DRC because they were covered last 
Wednesday by the different declarations of th e delegations, recognizing the considerable though 
limited efforts that continued to be made by th e DRC to bring about the economic recovery, and in 
order to become a full participant in the multilatera l trading system.  My country is a member of  WT/TPR/M/240 
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  several regional organizations, as is our neighbour, and therefore we greatly appreciate its efforts and 
its successes, especially since we have had a long-term  relationship with the country in terms of trade 
and in other areas.  We are very happy to note the economic and social progress being made by the 
DRC to rebuild itself through rational exploitation of its considerable natural potential in a way that 
benefits not only it but other countries of the regi on, and will therefore help it to achieve real 
economic development. 
242. This Review has highlighted the challenges the DRC faces, which are similar to the ones that 
many other African countries face.  These include building and rebuilding basic infrastructure;  
rebuilding the production system;  boosting employment;  providing full food security to the 
population;  reorganizing the public administration to ensure proper governance and to fight corruption;  stabilizing the financial sector;  rest oring and improving the education system to achieve 
integration in the subregional and international economic system, etc. 
243. The DRC needs to be aware of the potential offe red by debt rescheduling, which I believe was 
touched upon in this Review, becau se it is important in developing trade and laying down a strong 
economic and political basis for further development.  Production obviously has to be a priority for all 
developing countries, including the DRC, so that th ey can really participate fully in the multilateral 
trading system. 
244. Trade facilitation involves an offer and a demand, a nd if efforts are not made in this sense, it 
will end up with a new form of economic colonialism, which is the last thing you need because it is of 
no benefit to any country. 
UNITED STATES 
245. The United States would like to begin by thanki ng the DRC for the responses provided to our 
questions.  We have not had a chance to review them a ll, particularly given that they are in the French 
language, but we intend to take a much closer look at  them next week.  However, we do not have any 
follow up questions today. 
246. We are very mindful of the effort that it takes to provide the written responses and we 
certainly would like to express our appreciation not onl y to the Secretary-General but also to all the 
members of the delegation from the capital.  I would also like to thank the Secretary General for his statement today, as it was quite interesting in many respects and I have taken very good note of it, as 
well as of the statement of the discussant. WT/TPR/M/240 
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  VI. CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
247. This first Review of the DRC has enab led a better understandi ng of its economic 
environment, its trade policies and practices, and the challenges it faces.  Our dialogue has been 
stimulated by the full and open engagement of the delegation of the DRC, led by Mr Albert Kwete 
Minga Bope, Secretary General of Trade, and the perceptive contribution of our discussant, 
H.E. Mr Jean Feyder. 
248. Members commended the DRC on its macroeconomic  and structural, including trade, reform 
efforts that have contributed to the overall positiv e performance of its economy;  its ongoing recovery 
from its socio-political crises;  and to reductions of it s debt under the HIPC Initiative.  However, poor 
infrastructure, inaccessible and expensive financial services, inefficient State-owned enterprises, a 
large number of duties and disproportionate fees ch arged by several non-coordinated institutions, and 
poor governance, characterized by, inter alia , burdensome administrative mechanisms and corruption, 
as witnessed by both Transparency International  and World Bank Doing Business  indicators, 
undermine the competitiveness of the economy and its growth prospects.  The DRC was encouraged 
to pursue its reforms with a view to strengtheni ng the fundamentals of its economy, and making its 
business environment conducive to the FDI needed to  exploit its large potential, diversify its 
economy, and alleviate poverty. 
249. Members appreciated the commitment of the DRC to the multilateral trading system, but 
expressed concerns about the possibility of conflicting commitments due to its participation in almost 
all regional trade agreements in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa.  They noted that supply-side 
constraints are a main impediment to utilization of trade preferences by the DRC. 
250. The DRC applies a tariff with a relatively simple  structure, but has bound it at ceiling rates.  
In addition, despite their binding at zero, various other duties and charges apply to international trade 
and aggravate the costs of doing business.  The preshipment inspection requirement on imports and 
long import, including licensing, procedures further complicate the trade regi me.  The DRC has been 
encouraged to fully meet its notification obl igations and implement the Customs Valuation 
Agreement of the WTO, to dismantle its other duti es and charges on both imports and exports, and to 
reduce its bound tariff rates, with a view to mee ting its multilateral commitm ents, and improving the 
predictability of its tariff regime and the competitiveness of its products. 
251. Further clarification was sought about a number of issues, notably:  technical barriers to trade;  
SPS measures;  government procurement;  shortcomi ngs in the protection of intellectual property 
rights;  and financial services. 
252. Members expressed their appreciation for the rep lies to their questions as provided by the 
delegation of the DRC. 
253. In conclusion, Members encouraged the DRC to improve its economic  environment and to 
enhance the predictability and credibility of its tr ade regime by expanding th e scope and improving its 
WTO commitments on goods and services.  Such initiativ es, together with further structural reforms, 
would contribute to attracting the FDI needed for the development of the economy and poverty 
alleviation.  Trading partners could support these efforts by keeping their markets open to goods and 
services of interest to the DRC, and by providing appropriate technical assistance. 
CHAIRPERSON 
254. We have a piece of housekeeping to complete now .  I refer to the draft Report of the Trade 
Policy Review Body for 2010 (WT/TPR/W/42).  Are there any delegations who might wish to make 
remarks on this issue?  WT/TPR/M/240 
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  CHINA 
255. At the outset, my delegation wishes to express our appreciation to you and the Secretariat for 
putting this Report together and for seeking our co mments before the meeting.  We understand this 
Report, as contained in document WT/TPR/W/42, is intended to be a factual summary of what will 
have taken place within this Body in 2010.  Since this delegation represents one of the Members that 
have undertaken Trade Policy Reviews during this y ear, we would like to take this opportunity to 
share with you and other Members some comments based on our recent experiences. 
256. As you might recall, the third TPR of Chin a was conducted on 31 May and 2 June 2010.  
Before the first session of the Review meeting, we  received 1,508 questions from other Members, 
among which over 1,200 were posed before the two-week deadline.  Then later at the second session, 
we also received 128 follow-up qu estions.  China appreciates very much the great interest other 
Members have shown in its trade regime.  And we  did try our best to provide responses during the 
Review to all the advance questions posed before th e two-week deadline, as required by the rules of 
procedure of this body.  But to be frank, a second look at those responses after the Review while we 
were preparing written responses to all questions sugg ests a lack of accuracy in terms of substance to 
a lesser extent and of language to a larger extent. 
257. The reason is basically threefold.  To start with, as you are well aware, China is a developing 
country and faces institutional, budgetary and human resource cons traints as other fellow developing 
Members do.  Moreover, none of the three official languages of the WTO is a working language of 
China.  Finally, the enormous number of questions out of the Review, which even surpasses that for 
developed Members, further compounds our difficulty .  We believe the language issue, the tendency 
of questions getting inflated and the capacity rest raints are not unique to China only.  Other 
developing Members may find themselves in a similar situation. 
258. China, as a developing country and a recently acceded Member of the WTO, takes the Trade 
Policy Review exercise seriously and values very mu ch the transparency mechanism.  However, the 
quality of Reviews is increasingly affected unless th e supply-side constraints of developing Members 
are effectively addressed.  That being said, China is fully aware that the next and fourth appraisal of 
the Trade Policy Review Mechanism is within sight.  It will be a good platform for us to further 
exchange views on and seek solutions to such concer ns, as I have just explained.  But for the benefit 
of giving all of us more time to reflect not onl y on the concerns we have raised but also on other 
concerns that may already be in the pipeline or suggestions that may come up, we hope our 
intervention may serve as a heads-up or may provok e some creative ideas.  China is ready to make 
constructive contributions to the next appraisal sch eduled to take place in 2011 in order to further 
improve the mechanism and quality of trade policy re views.  With that, I conclude my intervention 
and indicate our support for the adoption of the draft Report. 
JAPAN 
259. We also share with China the concern regarding the improvement of the written 
questions-answers process.  In general, the two- week deadline for the submission of written answers 
has been respected.  However, we  have observed that in some ca ses the Members under review cannot 
fully or partially meet the deadline.  As the Ch inese colleague explained, these late responses might 
reflect various difficulties for those Members who ha ve to answer the questions within a limited 
period.  Furthermore, these difficulties concern not only the countries with limited capacity, but also 
the countries receiving numerous questions.  The n on-delivery of responses on the first day of the 
Review obviously affects the discussion in the TPR.  Th erefore, Japan is of the view that we should 
be focusing on this issue during the next appraisal.  Japan is willing to contribute to the discussion. WT/TPR/M/240 
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  SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY OF TAIWAN, PENGHU, KINMEN AND MATSU 
260. We have experienced our second TPR this year.  We are pleased to have the opportunity of 
sharing with other Members the recent developments  on the various reforms that we have undertaken 
on the economic and trade regime.  And at the same time we believe this ex ercise contributes to the 
transparency that the TPR Body aims to achieve.  It  is a very valuable exercise for all WTO Members.  
We do share the similar concerns raised by the pr evious speakers regarding the time constraints and 
the constraints on human resources that we face to provide our responses to Members' questions within the very limited time available during the TPR process.  We also suggest that these actual 
burdens on certain Members can be taken into account in the future. 
 
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