WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  RESTRICTED 
WT/TPR/G/256 
14 December 2011  
 
(11-6340) 
Trade Policy Review Body Original:  English 
   
 
  
 
TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
 
Report by 
 
THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA 
 
  
 
Pursuant to the Agreement Establishi ng the Trade Policy Review Mechanism 
(Annex 3 of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade 
Organization), the policy statement by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is attached. 
 
  
Note: This report is subject to restricted circ ulation and press embargo until the end of the first 
session of the meeting of the Trade Policy Revi ew Body on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia WT/TPR/G/256 
 Page 3 
 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 
 Page 
I.  INTRODUCTION 5 
II.  ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 5  
 (1)   ECONOMIC GROWTH  5  
 (2)   DIVERSIFICATION OF THE ECONOMY  6  
 (3)   PRIVATIZATION STRATEGY  6  
 (4)   INVESTMENT REGIME  7  
III.  TRADE POLICY DEVELOPMENTS 8  
 (1)   TARIFFS , OTHER MEASURES AFFECTING IMPORTS  8  
   (i)   Customs Procedures 9  
   (ii)   Transit Procedures 9  
   (iii)   Rules of Origin 9  
   (iv)   Customs Valuation Procedures 10  
   (v)   Quarantine Regulations 10  
   (vi)   Exports and Free Zones 10  
 (2)   TAXATION  10  
 (3)   TRADE REMEDY LAWS (ANTI-DUMPING , COUNTERVAILING , AND SAFEGUARD  
MEASURES ) 10  
 (4)   GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT  11  
 (5)   TRADE -RELATED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS (TRIPS) 11  
IV.  SECTORAL DEVELOPMENTS 12  
 (1)   AGRICULTURE  12  
 (2)   FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE  13  
 (3)   HYDROCARBON AND MINING SECTORS  13  
   (i)   Hydrocarbon Sector 14  
   (ii)   Minerals Sector 15  
 (4)   MANUFACTURING  15  
 (5)   SERVICES  16  
   (i)   Financial Services 16  
   (ii)   Telecom 18  
   (iii)   Transportation 19  
   (iv)   Health and Social Services 19  
V.  FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS 20  
 (1)   GCC  CUSTOMS UNION  20  
 (2)   PAN ARAB FREE-TRADE AREA (PAFTA) 20  
   
 
  WT/TPR/G/256 Trade Policy Review 
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 Page 
VI.  FUTURE DIRECTION OF SAUDI ARABIA'S TRADE POLICY 20  
 (1)   S
AUDI ARABIA AND THE G 20 20  
 (2)   SAUDI ARABIA AND NEW SOURCES OF ENERGY  21  
 (3)   COMPETITION  21  
 
ANNEX    23 
 The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia WT/TPR/G/256 
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I. INTRODUCTION 
1. This is Saudi Arabia's first Trade Policy Review ;  it covers the period 2005-11.  Saudi Arabia 
is considered one of the recent acceded countri es to the WTO and is an active member in the 
"recently-acceded members" (RAMs) Group.1  Saudi Arabia is participa ting in the Doha Development 
Agenda (DDA) negotiations and strongly supports all efforts made to bring the negotiations to a 
successful conclusion as soon as possible. 
2. Saudi Arabia has adopted a development strate gy that has resulted in a positive economic 
performance in the past few years in terms of GDP growth, moderate inflation, and surpluses in both 
its overall fiscal position and external current account .  Furthermore, Saudi Arabia responded with a 
countercyclical policy to the global economic crisis mainly through a sizeable fiscal stimulus that 
limited the impact of the world financial crisis, and contributed to reviving world demand.  In 
addition, Saudi Arabia, a member of the G20, has exercised restraint over the imposition of new trade 
restrictions despite the global economic downturn. 
3. The promotion of private sector investment from Saudi and foreign companies is an important 
part of Saudi Arabia's economic program. Saudi Arabia has become the eighth highest recipient of 
foreign direct investment (FDI) in the world;  this achievement has been resulted from the positive 
developments in the national economy and steps ta ken by Saudi Arabia to improve its investment 
climate, including the opening of certain key ec onomic activities (e.g. mining, petrochemicals, 
telecommunications) to foreign investment. 
4. The long-term vision of the Kingdom includes im proving the standard of living, developing 
human resources, diversifying the economic base, and increasing the productivity of the economy.  In 
the pursuit of these objectives under current and ex pected global conditions, Saudi Arabia's Ninth 
Development Plan, which covers the period 2010-14 adopts the following set of key macroeconomic 
objectives: 
 Increasing economic growth rates. 
 Combating inflation and stabilizing prices. 
 Maintaining stability of the exchange rate of the Saudi Riyal. 
 Achieving balanced development in all regions of the Kingdom. 
 Diversifying the structure of the national economy. 
 Increasing the contribution of the private sector to economic development. 
 Increasing the employment rates of Saudi labour. 
 Raising the efficiency of markets, particularly the Saudi stock market. 
 Improving balance of payments. 
 Caring for needy social groups. 
 Strengthening economic integration with the Me mber States of the Gulf Cooperation Council 
(GCC) in particular, with Arab states in general, and with friendly countries.  
II. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 
(1) E
CONOMIC GROWTH  
5. The economy of Saudi Arabia continued im proving during the period from 2005-09 (Eighth 
Development Plan Period).  The GDP at constant  1999 prices increased from about SR722.2 billion in 
2005 to approximately SR 855.8 billion in 2009. 
                                                      
1 Saudi Arabia became a Member of the WTO on 11 December 2005. WT/TPR/G/256 Trade Policy Review 
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6. Growth of real GDP was attributable to th e high level of investment, which enhanced 
productivity in many sectors.  The annual growth rate for investments during 2005-09 amounted to 
about 11.2%, which led the average ratio of investme nt to real GDP to rise to about 28.1% in 2009, 
compared to 21.1% in 2005. 
7. Preparation of Saudi Arabia's Ninth Developm ent Plan (2010-14) coincided with the global 
financial and economic cris is and was formulated wi th the future vision of the Saudi economy up to 
2024. 
8. The International Monetary Fund lowered its fo recast for global economic growth in 2009 to 
about 0.8%.  Thereafter, demand for energy dec lined, and oil prices dropped from about $147 a barrel 
in August 2008 to below $40 in December.  The dec line of oil prices had a significant impact on the 
balance of payments and budget revenu es of oil exporting countries.  
9. Estimates for the economic growth rate betw een 2010-14 were made with due regard to 
domestic and international variables, especially th e expected increases in investments by both the 
private and public sectors and a resulting expansi on of production capacities, in addition to the 
expected impact of Government measures aimed at raising efficiency and improving productivity in 
all sectors.  Likewise, the growth rates take into  account the diversification of the production base and 
national income sources that will enhance the technical and knowledge capabilities of the economy. 
10. Accordingly, during the period from 2010 to 2014, Saudi Arabia aims to increase real GDP 
from about SR855.8 billion in 2010 to  about SR1101.2 billion in 2014, i.e. at an average annual 
growth rate of about 5.2% at constant 1999 prices, which will result in an increase in per capita 
income at constant 1999 prices from SR46.2 thousand in 2009 to about SR53.2 thousand in 2014.  
11. Saudi Arabia expects the GDP of the private sector  to grow at an average annual rate of about 
6.6% during 2010-14, compared with  5.5% during the 2005-09 period, which will lead to an increase 
of its contribution to GDP from about 57.4% at the end of 2009 to about 61.5% by the end of 2014. 
(2) DIVERSIFICATION OF THE ECONOMY  
12. Diversification of the economic base has been  a key objective for Saudi Arabia's economic 
and social development ever since the developmen t planning system was initiated some forty years 
ago.  Saudi Arabia realizes the importance of  diversifying its economy based on its abundant 
hydrocarbon resources.  
13. Development plans have, therefore, consiste ntly focused on developing and enhancing the 
role of non-hydrocarbon sectors in the national economy.  As a result, the contribution of non-hydrocarbon sectors has grown in value at an aver age annual rate of 5.5%, with its share in GDP 
growing from 51% in 1970 to 73.5% in 2009.   
14. Nevertheless, increasing production activities, hi gh-value-added services and the contribution 
to exports by the non-hydrocarbon sector remains a ke y challenge to development.  The strength and 
size of this sector and its ability to grow will, in the long run, determine the progress and growth 
prospects of the national economy. 
(3) P
RIVATIZATION STRATEGY  
15. The Council of Ministers Resolution 219 of 11/ 11/2002 lists the facilities and activities to be 
privatized.  Privatization efforts continued during the 2005-09 period. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia WT/TPR/G/256 
 Page 7 
 
 
16. In 2006, studies on the privatization of the Saline Water Conversion Corporation were 
completed and implementation of the transitional phase  started:  a plan for implementing the requisite 
organizational structure and administrative, financia l and legal procedures was drawn, and a timetable 
for implementation was set.  The private sector was al so allowed to contribute to electricity generation 
and transmission services, under the authority of the Saudi Electricity Company, which has attracted 
investments in important power generation projects, such as Rabigh on the Red Sea coast, and the eleventh generation plant in Riyadh.  
17. In 2007, privatization contracts for a number of port facilities were completed, such as the 
general cargo and the bulk grain terminals at King Fa hd Industrial Port, and the container terminal and 
cargo berths at Jubail Commercial Port.  In additio n, the northern and southern support terminals at 
Jeddah port and the cargo terminal at Yanbu Commerc ial Port were leased.  Likewise, the Saudi 
Industrial Property Authority began implementing the privatization of industrial cities by allowing the 
private sector to implement projects to develop a nd expand these cities as well as by privatizing the 
related support services.  
18. In 2008, as part of the privatization of the water and wastewater sector, the National Water 
Company (NWC) has been established as a Saudi join t stock company fully owned by the government 
(namely the Public Investment Fund) to provide wa ter and wastewater service s in accordance with the 
latest international standards by the concerted effo rts of national cadres working together with certain 
international operators th rough foreign Public Private Partnership (PPP).  
19. Currently, privatization plans for Saudi Arabian Airlines are being finalized.  In addition, the 
telecommunications sector has been opened fo r competition and the Saudi Telecommunications 
Company and all competitive facilities based provide rs are operating as joint-stock companies, while 
conversion of the railways to Saudi joint-stock company is underway. 
(4) I
NVESTMENT REGIME  
20. Saudi Arabia has pursued an open and liber al investment policy by welcoming and 
encouraging both domestic and foreign investment.  The objective of Saudi Arabia's policy is to 
achieve diversification by gradua lly reducing dependence on one source of income.  To achieve rapid 
and sustainable economic growth in Saudi Arab ia, the Kingdom is capitalizing on its competitive 
strengths as the global capital of energy, and as a major hub between East and West.  The Foreign Investment Law provided the legal structure necessary to attract additional investment.  
21. In 2006, under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah, the Government inaugurated the 
10x10 Initiative with two main goals:  to enact reforms and investments aimed at developing the 
Kingdom's private sector and to position Saudi Arab ia among the world’s top competitive economies.  
Since then, far-reaching reforms to simplify business regulations and develop institutions have been 
implemented under the auspices of the 10x10 pr ogram, dramatically improving the Kingdom's 
international competitiveness.
2 
22. Saudi Arabia's overall ranking in the World Bank/IFC's Doing Business Report advanced 
from 16th in 2008 to 13th in 2009 and to 11th in 2010.  For the past four years, the Kingdom has been the top-ranked country in the Middle East and North Africa.  
                                                      
2 The government has implemented far-reaching reforms unde r the auspices of the 10x10 program, an initiative 
announced by His Excellency the Governor of SAGIA in 2006 to make Saudi Arabia one of the world's Top 10 most 
competitive nations by 2010. WT/TPR/G/256 Trade Policy Review 
Page 8 
  
23. The Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) imposes no other requirements or 
criteria for new investments or fore ign investments, other than those in the Foreign Investment Law of 
2000 and its Implementing Regulations .  Therefore, foreign investors are no longer required to take 
local partners. 
24. Under the Foreign Investment Law, foreign i nvestment may take one of the two following 
forms: 
(i) An enterprise owned by foreign and national investors, i.e., joint ventures, but with 
 no minimum share requirement for national investors;  or  
(ii) An enterprise wholly-owned by foreign investors, i.e., 100 per cent foreign 
 shareholders' equity.  
25. A project, whether wholly-owned by foreign investors or a joint-venture, licensed in 
accordance with the Law, enjoys all benefits, incen tives and guarantees available to a national project. 
26. According to the Foreign Investment Law, a foreign investor may apply for multiple licenses 
permitting different activities, provided that the foreig n investor is not the owner of /or a shareholder 
in a project which is or has in financial default.   
27. The Foreign Investment Law and its implem enting regulations provide that foreign 
investment ventures have the right to own real estat e to the extent necessary to  carry out their licensed 
activities and to accommodate their employees, in accordance with regulations on property ownership 
for non-Saudis.   
28. SAGIA, through its One-Stop-Shop (OSS), will be the only communications channel between 
investors, residents, and the Government, whic h include the seven ministries and entities that 
participate in OSS. 
III. TRADE POLICY DEVELOPMENTS 
(1) T
ARIFFS , OTHER MEASURES AFFECTING IMPORTS  
29. Saudi Arabia has bound import tariffs on a ll agricultural and non-agricultural products, 
without any exceptions.  Thus, 100% of its duties ar e bound with more than 95% of the applied duties 
are Ad- valorem tariffs. 
30. The implementation of Saudi Arabia tariff commitments is composed of six phases, the first 
phase was implemented on 11/12/2005 and the final phase will be implemented on 2015. 
31. When Saudi Arabia requested accession to  GATT/WTO in 1993, approximately 75% of 
Saudi customs tariff lines were subject to a 12% customs duty, and 189 tariff lines were duty free.  Upon the accession of Saudi Arabia to the WTO in 2 005, more than 80% of the tariff line items were 
rendered subject to a 5% of customs duty, and the number of duty free goods increased to 763, 
constituting 23% of the total value of  imports based on 2010 import data. 
32. In 2008, the weighted average customs duty r eached 3.5%.  In 2009, the weighted average 
customs duty reached 3.7%.  The decreased duty rate on imports had a substantial and direct impact 
on the flow of imports into Saudi Arabia.  In 2 003, the value of imports into Saudi Arabia was 
42 billion US Dollars. In 2010, impor ts reached 107 billion US Dollars. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia WT/TPR/G/256 
 Page 9 
 
 
33. During the financial crisis, a voluntary decrease as well as exemption in the customs duty on 
180 goods was applied on 01/04/2008 from 25%, 20%, 15% 12% down to 5% and zero was applied 
for three years and extended for additional three years. 
34. Although the bound tariff commitments of the GCC Member States towards the WTO are 
different, however all the GCC Member States have harmonized its applied tariffs in order to create 
unified external customs tariff.  
35. Saudi Arabia has completed the incorporati on of the Harmonized System (2012 Edition), 
which will be effective in January 2012. 
(i) Customs Procedures 
36. The customs procedures for importation, exportati on and transit in Saudi Arabia conform to 
the norms prescribed by international economic and trade organizations.  Saudi Arabia has been a 
member of the World Customs Organization since 1973 and a contracting party to the Harmonized System Convention since 1 January 1991. 
37. Saudi Customs Authority applies a procedure for pre-arrival document verification called 
Direct Clearance System for numerous items, (e.g., new vehicles, pipes, timber and building 
materials).  In addition, technology is utilized in a ll customs procedures specifically in the containers 
inspections process through using X-Ray systems.  
38. Within the framework of the GCC Customs Un ion, the customs port of any GCC Member 
State that performs the customs formalities of an imported consignment according to the aforementioned procedures is considered the first point  of entry.  The consignment is cleared for its 
final destination and the collected customs duty is electronically transferred to the final destination 
country from the first point of entry. 
(ii) Transit Procedures  
39. The GCC Member States in the Customs Uni on are considered one economic block.  The 
transit status of the goods imported to a GCC Member  State ceases at the first port of entry to which 
the consignment arrives.  Likewise, transit trans portation of exported or re-exported goods from a 
GCC Member State starts at the last port of exit. 
40. With respect to goods which are barred from trans it across Saudi territory, the transit of those 
goods and the means of transport thereof are not subject  to any duty or tax.  However, a charge at a 
rate of 0.004% of the goods in transit is collected against the service rendered. 
(iii) Rules of Origin  
(a) Rules of Origin for Non-Preferential Trade 
41. No rules of origin for non-preferential trad e exist in Saudi Arabia. Rather, GCC Common 
Customs Law (CCL) Article 25 applies rules of or igin in accordance with the WTO Agreement on 
Rules of Origin.  WT/TPR/G/256 Trade Policy Review 
Page 10 
  
(b) Rules of Origin for Preferential Trade 
42. Within the framework of the GCC Customs Union established on 01 January 2003, 
Saudi Arabia grants preferential customs treatme nt to products of national origin from the GCC 
member states.  
43. In addition, Saudi Arabia grants preferential cu stoms treatment to products of national origin 
from a number of Arab countries under GAFTA. 
(iv) Customs Valuation Procedures  
44. Saudi Arabia is committed to apply the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement starting from the 
effective date of its accession to the WTO.  Furthermore, Saudi Arabia launched during the accession 
negotiations an action plan to provide training and pre-education to the customs staff and brokers in 
order to familiarize them with the principl es of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement. 
(v) Quarantine Regulations 
45. Certain ports of entry are specifically designate d for the importation of items with plant and 
animal sources and live animals from outside the GC C Member States.  The quarantine formalities at 
all such ports are standardized.  
46. The agricultural and veterinary quarantines pr ocedures at designated ports of entry are 
completed and equipped for the examinati on of items upon arriving at these ports. 
(vi) Exports and Free Zones 
47. No free zones exist in the territory of Saudi  Arabia.  The goods imported to Saudi Arabia 
from free zones and duty-free shops are liable to the a pplicable Customs Tariff at the time of their exit 
in accordance with Articles 15; 85 and 88 of the CCL. 
(2) TAXATION  
48. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has undertaken ma jor tax reforms in the last decade.  These 
reforms include the tax law and the administration and computerization of tax work.  
49. Saudi Arabia has concluded tax treaties with many countries.  In the last five years, the 
Kingdom has signed 23 tax treaties.  Moreover, ther e are approximately 16 treaties awaiting signature, 
and another 14 treaties under negotiation.  These tr eaties are in line with world trends and in 
accordance with rules set by relevant organiza tions concerned about reforming tax.   
(3) TRADE REMEDY LAWS (ANTI-DUMPING , COUNTERVAILING , AND SAFEGUARD 
 M EASURES ) 
50. As a Member of the GCC, Saudi Arabia is  committed to using trade remedy instruments 
under the WTO Agreements (Anti-dumping, Subsidy and Countervailing Measures, Safeguards) only 
if statutory requirements are satisfied, particularly injury (i.e. the GCC industry is suffering injury).  
51. Within the framework of the GCC Customs Uni on, the GCC Member States adopted the GCC 
Common Law on Anti-dumping, Countervailing and Safeguards Measures (the "GCC Common 
Law") on 1 January 2004.  On 10 March 2008, a Te chnical Committee was established to review and 
amend the GCC Common Law and its Rules of Implementation.  The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia WT/TPR/G/256 
 Page 11 
 
 
52. Further to the review, the GCC Supreme C ouncil adopted and amended the GCC Common 
Law on Anti-dumping, Countervailing and Safeguard M easures in December 2010.  Saudi Arabia is 
in the process of adopting the amended GCC Common Law and will notify the relevant WTO 
committees of the adoption of the GCC Common Law and Rules of Implementation after their 
publication in the Official Gazette. 
53. As of the date of this report, the GCC Member States have not imposed any trade remedy 
measures. 
(4) GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT  
54. Government procurement is regulated under government tenders and the procurement law 
which was enacted by Royal Decree No. M/58 of 4.9.1427 H (September 2006) which aims at:  
(i) Regulating procedures of tenders and pr ocurements carried out by government 
authorities and ensuring they are not influe nced by personal interest in order to 
protect the public funds; 
(ii) Achieving maximum degree of economic effici ency in government procurements and 
carrying out government projects at fair competitive prices; 
(iii) Promoting honesty and competition and ensu ring fair treatment of suppliers and 
contractors in accordance with the principle of equal opportunities; 
(iv) Guaranteeing transparency at all stag es of government tender and procurement 
procedures.  
55. Saudi Arabia requested and was granted an  observer status to the WTO Committee on 
Government Procurement in order to become acqua inted with the ongoing work of the renegotiation 
of the revised WTO agreement on government procurement.  
56. The Government of Saudi Arabia recognizes its  commitment and this issue is under detailed 
and careful examination by all concerned agencies of  the Government of Saudi Arabia.  However, the 
Kingdom's examination has been adversely affect ed and thus delayed because of the following 
factors: 
(i) The revised Agreement on Government Pr ocurement has not yet been finalized; 
(ii) The Draft Decisions are yet to be agreed upon and finalized; 
(iii) A successful conclusion of the negotiations among party Members on the revised text 
has not been reach yet. Such a conclusi on would give all concerned Government 
agencies the opportunity to set the stage for the next steps. 
 
(5) T
RADE -RELATED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS (TRIPS) 
57. During its WTO accession negotiations, Saudi Arab ia committed itself to full implementation 
of the TRIPS Agreement without a transitional peri od.  Saudi intellectual property legislation was 
reviewed by the WTO TRIPS Council in February 2007. 
58. Saudi Arabia has joined the following conventio ns and treaties regarding intellectual property 
rights:  Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) 
(22 May 1982);  Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works 
(11 March 2004);  Paris Convention for the Protec tion of Industrial Property (11 March 2004);  
Universal Copyright Convention (13 April 1994);  Arab Regional Copyright and Related 
Rights Agreement (22 December 1985);  and GCC am ended Patent Law (29 August 2001).  Saudi 
Arabia is also in the process of joining the Pa tent Cooperation Treaty and the Patent Law Treaty. WT/TPR/G/256 Trade Policy Review 
Page 12 
  
59. In addition to legislation a nd conventions, Saudi Arabia established many committees and 
applied a set of procedures to enforce the protec tion of Intellectual Property Rights.  The Custom 
Authority established a unit for combating comme rcial counterfeiting and protecting Intellectual 
Property rights with the purpose of fighting intellectua l property violations.  During the last year, this 
unit has succeeded in seizing 423,332 counterfeited items. 
60. For the protection of patents and industrial d esigns, the Committee for Examining Patents on 
Invention Lawsuits has been established.3  Since its establishment, 435 cases have been filed and 410 
cases have been resolved.  
61. The Ministry of Culture and Information has established the Violation Review Committee 
(VRC) on Copyrights which work with the General Di rectorate of Copyright to review cases related 
to the violation of copyright laws.  During 2010, th e Directorate reviewed 483 cases.  Total judgments 
amounted to 3,254,600 SR in fines, 836,500 SR in compensation to the intellectual property right holders, 407,622 articles confi scated, and 1320 total closure days for infringing shops.  
62. In 2009, in recognition of Sa udi Arabia's progress on IPR protection and enforcement, the 
United States Trade Representative (USTR) remove d Saudi Arabia from its special 301 Watch List.  
IV. SECTORAL DEVELOPMENTS 
(1) A
GRICULTURE  
63. The agricultural sector is a significant sector  for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  The 
Government has introduced plans, programs and projects for increasing the area, production and productivity of agricultural products and ensuring the sustainable development of the sector.  In 2009, 
the cultivable area in the Kingdom was about 48.9 m illion hectare accounting for 21.7% of the total 
area of Saudi Arabia.  The total holding area (fa rms) in 2009 was about 4.3 million hectare of which 
less than one million hectare was under cultivation re presenting only 0.44% of the total area and 2.0% 
of the cultivable area. 
64. The agricultural crop production includes cereal crops, vegetables, fruits, and fodders.  
According to recent statistics by the Ministry of Agriculture, the area for all crops reached 
835 thousand hectares in 2009.  Vegetable production increased from 2.6 million tons in 2005 to 
2.7 million tons in 2009, whereas fruit productio n increased from 1.5 million tons in 2005 to 
1.6 million in 2009.  Dates are an important cr op in Saudi Arabia; production, which was about 
970 thousand tons in 2005 increased to 990 thousand t ons in 2009.  Fodder production increased from 
2.5 million tons in 2005 to  3 million tons in 2009. 
65. Saudi Arabia has reached a high "self sufficien cy" rate for some crops such as potatoes 
(161%), eggplants (102%), cucumbers (101%), wate rmelons (115%), table eggs (112%), fresh milk 
(105%) and dates (105%).  The Kingdom has also achieved good rates for other crops such as okra (99%), carrots (79%), tomatoes (72%), and grapes ( 83%).  It has also achieved low rates for other 
animal products such as red meat (38%) and poultry meat and fish products (48%).  
66. Local production of poultry meat from specialized projects increased to 494 thousand tons in 
2009.  Egg production increased from 145 thousand tons in  2005 to 191 thousand tons in 2009.  Red 
meat increased slightly from 167 thousand to ns in 2005 to 171 thousand tons in 2009. 
                                                      
3 Council of Ministers Decision No. 49 dated 14/2/1430 H (9/2/2009).  The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia WT/TPR/G/256 
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67. In light of the scarcity of water resources in Saudi Arabia, the Government realizes the need 
to create new agricultural policies for restructuring the agricultural sector to emphasize the rational 
utilization and conservation of natural resources to upgrade the economic efficiency of the sector, increase local production of vegetables in greenh ouses and adopt modern cultivation and watering 
techniques.  Accordingly the Government issued  Resolution No. 335 of 19 November 2007, which 
among other things, aims to phase out local wheat production within 8 years and import all wheat from abroad by 2016.  
68. King Abdulla's Initiative for Agricultural I nvestment Abroad emerged to achieve food 
security on national and international levels by buil ding integrated partnershi ps with countries that 
have the potential to develop and manage agricultu ral investments to ensure sufficient quantities and 
stable prices for important crops.  King Abdullah’s In itiative is meant to provide mutual benefits to 
Saudi Arabia and the country wh ich receives Saudi's investment. 
(2) F
ISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE  
69. Fisheries is a relatively small sector in th e Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, However, fish 
production has been increasing in the last few years.   Total fish and shrimp production increased from 
65.2 thousand tons in 2001 to 95.5 thousand tons in 2009;  approximately 22.3 thousand tons came 
from fish farms. 
70. Saudi Arabia is developing the fisheries sector  by exploring ways to increase fish catch and 
aquaculture production, and encourage more privat e investments in these sectors for job creation and 
the development of rural coastal areas. 
71. The Government has continued to develop a nd protect the environmental aspect of the 
fisheries sector through the optimal management  of coastal areas to enrich the fish stock. 
72. The Ministry of Agriculture is exerting considerab le effort to fully developing aquaculture in 
suitable coastal and interior areas in order to augment food security and self-sufficiency, produce 
high-value seafood products for export, and achieve development goals.   
73. The Ministry has been actively involved in he lping fish farmers and aquaculture investors 
especially with respect to research and developm ent, technology transfer, manpower training, and 
marketing support.   
(3) HYDROCARBON AND MINING SECTORS  
74. Saudi Arabia's hydrocarbon sector has contribut ed to the economic development, growth and 
prosperity of Saudi Arabia.  The Kingdom has app lied diversification policies broadly throughout the 
hydrocarbon sector to develop downstream re fining, processing and converting industries.  
75. The contribution of the sector's activity to GDP (at current prices) amounted to 48.1% during 
2009.  The sector recorded a growth of 25% in 2010.  In real prices, the sector grew by 2.1% in 2010.  
However, its contribution to the economy decrease d to 23.1% of real GDP as measured by 1999 
prices.  WT/TPR/G/256 Trade Policy Review 
Page 14 
  
(i) Hydrocarbon Sector 
(a) Oil 
76. Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) is a state-owned company established by Royal 
Decree in 1988.  Saudi Aramco's oil operations encompass the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including 
territorial waters in the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea, totalling more than 1.5 million square 
kilometres. 
77. Most production comes from fields in the coastal  plains of the Eastern Province in an area 
extending 300 kilometres.  According to estim ates by OPEC, in 2009 Saudi Arabia held 
264.59 billion barrels of crude o il in proven reserves (approximately 25% of proven OPEC member 
reserves).  In 2010, Saudi Arabia's production reached  2.98 billion barrels of crude oil.  In 2010, 
Saudi Arabia completed a multi-year, multi-project program and raised its maximum sustainable crude oil production capacity to 12.5 million barrels per day.  
(b) Natural Gas 
78. In the 1970s, plans to capture the energy valu e of gas were developed and the Master Gas 
System (MGS) was born.  The MGS enables Saudi Aram co to use nearly all th e gas produced with oil 
production (known as associated gas) and gas produced  from deep natural gas reservoirs (known as 
non-associated gas).  
79. The MGS adds the equivalent of more than a million barrels of oil a day to the world energy 
supply and provides fuel and feedstock for Saudi Arab ia's rapidly growing industries.  In 2010, the 
production capacity of the MGS was 7.5 billion cubic feet per day.  In the company’s overall gas 
operations, natural gas is processed  for various production purposes.  
80. The total (i.e. associated) reserves of natural g as in Saudi Arabia in 2010 were estimated to 
constitute 284 trillion cubic feet (t cf).  In 2009, Saudi Aramco completed a multi-year, multi-project 
program that included significant increa ses to gas production and processing capacities. 
81. Saudi Aramco entered into four joint ventures with a variety of international partners to 
explore for and produce non-associated gas for the domestic market.  These joint ventures operate in 
various parts of the Rub' al-Khali (Empty Quarter).  The joint ventures are:  
(i) EniRepSa Gas - With a consortium of Italian oil company ENI and Spanish-
 Argentinean oil company Repsol YPF to find and develop gas reservoirs in the  Kingdom's Rub' al-Khali Basin.   (ii) Sino Saudi Gas – With Chinese oil and petrochemical company Sinopec to find and 
 develop gas reservoirs. 
(iii) South Rub' al-Khali Company - With Shell, which covers non-associated gas 
 exploration activities, as well as the evaluation, development and production of  natural gas, natural gas liquids and fiel d condensates in two promising areas in the 
 southern and eastern Rub' al-Khali.  
(iv) Luksar Energy – With Russian oil company Lukoil to find and develop gas reservoirs 
 in the Kingdom's Rub' al-Khali Basin.   
(c) Downstream  
82. Saudi Arabia has followed a general policy of diversifying from hydrocarbons by adopting 
measures that have broad downstream application throughout the economy.  The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia WT/TPR/G/256 
 Page 15 
 
 
83. Independent of the Government's diversifi cation initiatives, Saudi Aramco has pursued a 
commercially based corporate policy of divers ifying its operations downstream by increasing 
production of refined products, such as gasoline, ke rosene, and long residue (bunker).  This output of 
refined products increased with the recent expansion of the Petro Rabigh complex.  
84. Future plans for downstream expansion include a refinery and chemical complex in Jubail, a 
refinery in Yanbu, and another refinery and terminal in Jazan.  Recently, Saudi Aramco signed a memorandum of understanding with Sinopec to join as an investor in the "ongoing" development of 
the Red Sea Refining Company.  
85. In addition, Saudi Aramco has agreed with  Dow Chemicals to establish an integrated 
chemical complex joint venture in Jubail.  The co mpany is also looking to expand its transportation 
and delivery network with several projects to  add new bulk plants and pipeline network. 
(ii) Minerals Sector 
86. Ma'aden was formed as a Saudi joint stoc k company on 14/11/1417H (corresponding to 
23/3/1997G) for the purpose of facilitating the developm ent of Saudi Arabia's mineral resources.  The 
company's objective is to become a world class dive rsified mining and minerals  group, and to enhance 
overall value for its shareholders.  
87. Ma'aden is a company that performs all of its  actions with the utmost concern for human 
resources, health, safety, environmental and social is sues. It is committed to protecting the health and 
safety of its employees and the environment and implements the legal regulations necessary to do so.  
88. Ma'aden currently has four key business areas:  
(i) Gold and Base Metals; 
(ii) The Phosphate Project - with joint venture partner SABIC;  
(iii) The Aluminium Project - with joint venture partner Alcoa;  and  
(iv) Other Projects - including magnesite, kaolin, low grade bauxite, garnet, chlor vinyl.  
89. In addition to its projects, Ma'aden conducts ex tensive exploration programs in Saudi Arabia.  
The following is a timeline of the evolution of Ma'aden: 
1997 - Established 
2006 - North-South Railway approved by Council of Ministers 2007 - Phosphate Joint Venture with SABIC 2008 - Partial privatization (50% State ownership)  2009 - Aluminium Joint Venture with ALCOA and ECA with SWCC  
Today - Publicly traded company (Capital SR.9,25 Billion with aspiration for massive growth) 
(4) M
ANUFACTURING  
90. The contribution of manufacturing to GDP in Saudi  Arabia is about 12.7% and it is expected 
to increase to about 14% by 2014.  The manufactur ing sector's largest contributors are in the 
petrochemical and mining sectors.  Saudi Arabia curre nt industrial production also includes ceramics, 
plastics, chemicals, steel, aluminium, bu ilding materials, textiles and foodstuffs. 
91. Over the next three years, the value added of th e petrochemicals industry is expected to grow 
at an average annual rate of about 5.7%, compared  with 9.7% in 2009, to reach a share in GDP of 
about 1.7% in 2014.  WT/TPR/G/256 Trade Policy Review 
Page 16 
  
92. The value added of other manufacturing industries is expected to grow at an average annual 
rate of 7.6%, compared with 6.8% in 2009.  Hence, the Ninth Development Plan forecasts a 
contribution by these industries to GDP of about 9.2% in 2014.  Investment and employment in these industries is expected to grow during the next th ree years at average annual rates of approximately 
15.3% and 0.3% respectively, compared with 6.3% and 0.8% respectively in 2009.  
(5) S
ERVICES  
93. The services sector is very important to Saudi Arabia's economy.  It contributes 50.6% to real 
GDP and employs about three quarters of the workfor ce.  Saudi Arabia encourages the services sector 
by providing market access and national treatment to  foreign service suppliers.  This is reflected by 
the number of services sub-sectors commitments undertaken by Saudi Arabia during its accession;  
the Kingdom undertook commitments on 120 Services sub-sectors out of 160.   
(i) Financial Services  
(a) Banking Sector 
94. Since the accession of Saudi Arabia to the WT O, the Saudi banking industry has expanded 
substantially.  Twenty-one banks are now operating in the Kingdom compared to 13 banks in 2005.  
Out of these banks, there are 9 foreign bank branches and 6 joint-venture banks.  There are also two 
licensed foreign bank branches which have yet to be gin operating;  they are State Bank of India and 
T.C. Ziraat Bankasi.  This shows that the forei gn presence in the Saudi banking sector is significantly 
high since it represents about 74% of the total num ber of operating and appr oved licensed banks in 
Saudi Arabia. 
95. The banking sector has enjoyed steady growth an d stability in recent y ears as evidenced by a 
number of key banking indicators.  At the end of  May 2011, total bank assets grew by 6.0% compared 
to the end of 2010, reaching SR 1.5 trillion.  The branch network grew by 1.6%, reaching 
1617 branches.  Moreover, bank deposits increased by  7.6% during the same period to reach SR 1.06 
trillion.  This supported credit to the private sector , which increased by 4.4% to SR 775.5 billion.  
Banks are well capitalized; their capital adequacy ratio  is currently at 17.1%, which is more than 
double the international standard of 8%.  Stress t ests conducted recently also demonstrate that Saudi 
banks are sound and well-equippe d to withstand any shocks. 
(b) Cooperative Insurance 
96. The Saudi  Cooperative insurance sector has been  witnessing a rapid growth after the 
accession of Saudi Arabia to the WTO, and this growth  is expected to remain steady and solid in the 
coming years.  In this respect, gross written premiums (GWP) achieved a compounded annual growth 
rate of 27% over a 5-year period reaching SR 16.4 billion in 2010. Insurance penetration (i.e. GWP 
divided by GDP) increased from 0.44% in 2005 to 1% in 2010 and insurance density (i.e. GWP per 
capita) increased from SR 223 in 2005 to SR 604 in 2010.  
97. The Saudi insurance market structure prom otes competitiveness.  Currently, there are 
31 licensed insurance and reinsurance companies.  Thirty of these were licensed after the accession of 
Saudi Arabia to the WTO and more than 91% of th ose companies have foreign participation.  There 
are 4 other insurance companies in  the final stages of the licensing process.  In addition, there are 
58 insurance brokers, 31 insurance agencies, 9 loss ad justers, 8 third party administrators (TPA's), 
6 insurance consultants, and 2 actuarial services firms in Saudi Arabia.  The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia WT/TPR/G/256 
 Page 17 
 
 
(c) Payment System 
98. Saudi Arabia has developed an advanced paymen t system which is secure and efficient.  The 
Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) has built an electronic payment infrastructure that is 
integrated, secure, cost efficient and expandable.  The National Bill Presentment and Payment System 
(SADAD) facilitates and streamlines bill payment tr ansactions for end cons umers through all the 
banking channels in Saudi Arabia.  SADAD has beco me one of the world's most reputable systems 
and gained the title of the United Nati ons Public Service Winner for 2008. 
(d) Regulatory and Supervisory Developments 
99. SAMA made it mandatory at the start of 2008 fo r banks to implement the Basel II framework 
to properly account for all forms of risk, and promot e risk management and transparency for increased 
market discipline.  In addition, plans are well underway for the implementation of Basel III. 
100. SAMA has also adopted several other regulator y frameworks for banks to ensure financial 
stability.  Furthermore, many new regulatory and supe rvisory initiatives are underway in the light of 
international financial regulator y reforms being finalized by the Basel Committee in Banking 
Supervision (BCBS) and the Financial Stability Board (FSB).   
101. In the cooperative insurance sect or, SAMA has issued a number of sub-regulations to build a 
comprehensive regulatory framework and to address key market issues (e.g. risk management, market 
code of conduct, anti-money launderi ng and terrorism financing, insu rance fraud, and reinsurance).  
Other sub-regulations are currently being deve loped (e.g. outsourcing, intermediaries, online 
activities, actuarial services).  
102. In other areas of the financial sector, there are currently five laws under development:  (i) the 
Financial Leasing Law;  (ii) the Finance Companies Control Law;  (iii) the Real Estate Financing 
L a w ;   ( i v)  t he  R e a l  Es t a t e M or t ga ge  L a w ;   a nd (v) the Enforcement Law.  The implementation of 
these laws is expected to boost credit expansion as well as create more market opportunities for 
cooperative insurance providers.   
(e) Capital Market 
103. The Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA) h as adopted various Implementing Regulations 
to implement the provisions of the Capital Mark et Law (CML).  A noti ce-and-comment period 
preceded the adoption of these regulations during which the CMA sought comments and feedback on 
the proposed regulations.  
104. Since 2005, the following Implementing Regulatio ns were among the regulations that have 
been issued or amended:  (i) Anti-Money Laun dering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Rules;  
(ii) Corporate Governance Regulations;  (iii) Merg er and Acquisition Regulations;  (iv) Investment 
Funds Regulations;  (v) Real Estate Investment F unds Regulations;  and (vi)  Resolution of Securities 
Disputes Proceedings Regulations.  In addition, the CMA has issued a Glossary of Defined Terms 
Used in the Regulations and Rules of the Capital Market Authority.  
105. As part of CMA's effort to allow foreign inv estment in the Saudi capital market, it permits all 
resident foreigners to directly trade in the Sa udi stock exchange, while providing non-resident 
foreigners with indirect access to the market thr ough investment funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) 
and swap agreements.  WT/TPR/G/256 Trade Policy Review 
Page 18 
  
106. In 2010, the CMA was admitted to the Interna tional Organization of Securities Commissions 
(IOSCO) as an ordinary member and subsequently  became a full signatory to the IOSCO Multilateral 
MOU. 
(ii) Telecom 
107. Competition in the mobile telecommunications mark et started in 2005, with the issuance of a 
2nd mobile license to Mobily (Etihad Etisalat) and 2 fixed data services licenses to Bayanat and the 
Integrated Telecommunications Company, and has r esulted in major improvements in terms of service 
offerings, quality of service, customer care , reduced prices, and subscriber growth. 
108. The licensing process for the issuance of a thir d mobile license and Fixed Services licenses 
started in 2006.  For the mobile license nine appli cants were technically qualified for opening of their 
financial bids.  Zain Saudi Arabia (MTC, Kuwait) ha d the highest bid and was issued the third mobile 
license in 2008.  In addition three fixed services ap plicants were technically qualified and selected, 
and a license issued to Etihad Atheeb Te lecom (Batelco - Bahrain) in 2009.  
109. Fixed telephone lines stood at 4.13 million at th e end of 2010, of which around 3 million, or 
72% were residential lines.  This  represents a household teledensity  of around 67%, or 67 residential 
lines for every 100 households.  The population telede nsity is around 15 % or 15 telephone lines for 
every 100 inhabitants. 
110. Broadband subscriptions have gr own 68-fold over the last 5 years, from 64,000 in 2005 to 
over 4.4 million at the end of 2010.  The broa dband penetration rate  stood at around 16 % of 
population at the end of 2010, or 16 broadband connections for every 100 inhabitants.  
111. Broadband household penetrati on is a more relevant indicator as a single broadband 
connection in a house can provide high speed data ac cess to all members of a household.  At the end 
of 2010, household broadband pe netration stood at around 42%.  
112. Despite the high growth rates over the last few y ears, there is still potential for more growth 
in broadband services.  The broadband market is  significantly underserved in many suburban and 
rural areas.  With the opening of the fixed tel ecommunications market to competition, the intense 
competition in mobile broadband offerings, and the increased consumer dema nd for fast internet 
connections, the broadband market is expected to con tinue to grow at a fast pace, as mobile and fixed 
service providers continue to roll out their broa dband networks with competitors fulfilling the 
growing demand.  
113. The number of internet users grew from around 1 million in 2001 to 11.4 million at the end of 
2010, more than a ten-fold increase in 9 years.  Internet penetration increased to 41% of the 
population by the end of 2010 or 41 Internet users for every 100 inhabitants.  This internet penetration 
rate is lower than that of developed countries (64%), but is well above the world average (26%). 
114. The Communication and Information Technology Commission (CITC) has launched a study 
to assess the feasibility of issuing unified licenses as well as expanding resale in major ICT markets.  
Unified licensing, if implemented would allow a transition from the current technology neutral and 
service specific regime to a both technology and servi ce neutral regime.  This study is expected to be 
completed in 2012. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia WT/TPR/G/256 
 Page 19 
 
 
(iii) Transportation  
115. During the last five years, the transport sect or in Saudi Arabia has witnessed noticeable 
development as land transportation and roads linking c ities have increased almost 12% to reach a total 
length of 58,036 km to improve mobility, trade, and tourism.  
116. Moreover, the study of public transportation st rategies and policies has established a national 
vision for Saudi Arabia to establish safe and effec tive inter-city and intra-city public transportation 
services by the year 2025.  From the legislativ e perspective, implementing regulations for land 
transportation have been updated to en sure fair competition among investors.  
117. Several bilateral agreements w ith other countries to regulate the transportation of passengers 
and goods on roads, have been signed or have ente red into force.  Multimodal transport agreements 
have also been signed to regulate freight transportation among Arab states.  
118. With respect to rail transport, studies and c onstruction projects related to railways in 
Saudi Arabia include the following:  
(i) (The north-south line project, which is 2400 kilometres long and under construction, 
 connects the north-west border of Saudi Ar abia (Saudi/Jordan border) with Riyadh 
 to transport minerals from several places to a new port being built on the  Arabian 
 Gulf; (ii) The land bridge project, which is 950 kilo metres long is awaiting fund allocation and 
 will connects Jeddah Islamic Port on the Red Sea with the existing railway that links 
 Riyadh with King Abdul Aziz port on Dammam.  This project will serve the Riyadh 
 dry port and Al-Jubail Port; 
(iii) The Haramain high speed rail project,  which is 450 kilometres long and under 
 construction, will connect Madinah with Makkah through Jeddah and Rabigh on the 
 Red Sea; (iv) To accommodate the extreme crowds during Haj, Saudi Arabia established the 
 Al Mashaaer Al Muqadassah Train Project also known as Makkah Metro, which 
 connects the Holy Sites in Makkah (Arafat - Muzdalifah - Mina) with each other and 
 will be connected to the Haramain rail netw ork at a later stage.  It is expected to 
 operate at full capacity this year and can transport up to 72,000 pilgrims in an hour; (v) Taif - Khamis Mushayt -Abha Line, Jedda h - Jizan Line and Yanbu Jeddah Line are 
 all under consideration to connect the southe rn area with other areas in Saudi Arabia.  
 Moreover, the feasibility study for the G CC railway had been adopted, and currently 
 each country is working on the desi gn of its share in the network.  
119. The maritime trade law, which regulates the maritime transport sector in Saudi Arabia, is 
under development.  The participation of the privat e sector has increased, especially with respect to 
the provision of port services in Saudi Arabia.   
(iv) Health and Social Services 
120. The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arab ia encourages investment in large health 
institutions to promote the transfer  of technology, which leads to strengthening the quality of health 
services, creating an economic impact and increasing  employment opportunities for the citizens of the 
Kingdom. WT/TPR/G/256 Trade Policy Review 
Page 20 
  
V. FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS 
(1) GCC  CUSTOMS UNION  
121. Saudi Arabia believes that regional trade agre ements can be a useful complement to the 
multilateral system, by deepening the integration of ma rkets, reinforcing the role of trade in economic 
growth, promoting gains of scale for domestic firm s and providing an expanded base to face global 
competition. 
122. Saudi Arabia was one of the six founding Stat es of the GCC in 1981.  The basic objectives of 
the GCC are to effect coordination, integration and inter-connection between member states in all 
fields, strengthen ties between their peoples, formulat e similar regulations in various fields such as 
economics, finance, trade, customs, tourism, legislation, administration, as well as foster scientific and 
technical progress in industry, mining, agriculture, water and animal resources, establish scientific 
research centres, set up joint ventures, and encourage the cooperation of the private sector. 
123. The GCC Common Customs Law was promulgated on January 2003.  Since then, the GCC 
states have operated on the basis of the common external tariff (CET).  On 1 January 2008 the members of the GCC also formed a common market , allowing the free movement of services between 
the members.   
(2) P
AN ARAB FREE-TRADE AREA (PAFTA) 
124. Saudi Arabia is one of the members of the Pan Arab Free-Trade Area (PAFTA) Treaty4 
which entered into force on 1 January 1998.  Unde r the PAFTA, almost all trade barriers among its 
members were eliminated as of 1 January 2005, w ith some products excluded from liberalization.  
125. The treaty also provides for rules of origin re quiring the value added not be less than 40% of 
ex-factory cost.  Recently, efforts ha ve been made to include trade in  services.  The principal entity 
responsible for implementing the programme is the Economic and Social Council of the League of 
Arab States.  According to the latest availabl e figures, trade among PAFTA members increased from 
US$12.9 billion in 1998 to US$60.9 billion in 2007.5  The PAFTA was notified to the WTO by Saudi Arabia in 2006. 
VI. FUTURE DIRECTION OF SAUDI ARABIA’S TRADE POLICY 
(1) S
AUDI ARABIA AND THE G 20 
126. Saudi Arabia has undertaken a number of measures to implement the plan agreed upon by the 
leaders of the G20 in Washington on November 15 , 2008 in an attempt to reduce the effect of the 
financial crisis and to ensure sustai nable and balanced economic growth.  
127. Saudi Arabia strongly supports the agreement by the G20 Leaders to renew their anti-
protectionist pledge, which commits G20 Members to refrain from imposing protectionist measures 
on trade in goods and services until the end of 2013,  and to maintain momentum on aid-for-trade 
initiatives to enable developing countries to full y share the benefits of trade liberalization. 
                                                      
4 The PAFTA members are:  the GCC countries plus Egyp t, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, 
Morocco, Palestinian Authority, S udan, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen.  
5 Arab Monetary Fund.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia WT/TPR/G/256 
 Page 21 
 
 
128. In this regard, Saudi Arabia did not impose an y trade restrictions during the economic crisis 
and despite the recent fall in oil prices and gl obal demand, Saudi Arabia continued to provide 
development assistance, particularly to countries most  affected by the financial crisis.  For example, 
Saudi Arabia has announced the following development assistance: 
(i) $500 million for World Food Program; 
(ii) $500 million for the Energy for the Poor Initiative, adopted by Saudi Arabia during 
 the Jeddah Energy Conference. 
129. During the Seoul Summit in November 2010, Saudi  Arabia welcomed and strongly supported 
the G20 Leaders' Commitment to bring the Doha  Round to a successful, ambitious, comprehensive 
and balanced conclusion. 
(2) SAUDI ARABIA AND NEW SOURCES OF ENERGY  
130. In order to contribute to the future of sustaina ble energy, the Government of Saudi Arabia has 
established the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE).  It is contributing 
to a sustainable future for Saudi Arabia by de veloping complementary energy capacity that is 
substantial in size and supported by a world-class lo cal industry.  Shaped by  science and research, and 
brought to life through technology developm ent, deployment, dissemination and industry 
partnerships, Saudi Arabia is building a new ge neration of sustainable power production capabilities 
that harness renewable and atomic energy to create a reliable, long-term supply of electricity. 
(3) COMPETITION  
131. In order to create an efficient competitive e nvironment in Saudi Arabia, the Competition Law 
and its implementing regulation w as promulgated in 2004 and an i ndependent competition council has 
been established to supervise the implemen tation and the enforcement of the law. 
132. Competition law applies to all establishments in Saudi Arabia whether plants, companies, or 
associations carrying out commercial, agricultural, industrial or service works or buying and selling 
goods or services in Saudi Arabia.  It addresses agre ements between Saudi an d foreign companies and 
agreements between foreign companies, even if th e agreements are concluded outside Saudi Arabia. 
133. It is worth mentioning that Islamic law also  prohibits a number of anti-competitive practices 
under the general rule requiring fair d ealing in all commercial exchanges. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia WT/TPR/G/256 
 Page 23 
 
 
ANNEX:  TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NEEDS OF SAUDI ARABIA 
 
1. As a very recently acceded country, Saudi Arabia is interested to be provided with technical 
assistance in various WTO agreements to ensure e ffective participation in the multilateral trading 
system.  Thus, Saudi Arabia welcomes the host of national Seminars and workshops organised by the 
WTO secretariat or in cooperation with other intern ational organization.  Technical assistance in the 
following fields are required: 
 Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). 
 Agreement on Trade Related Aspects on Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). 
 Agreement on Government Procurement. 
 Agreement on Import Licensing. 
 Trade Remedies (Anti Dumping – Subsidies - Safeguard measures). 
 Trade Facilitation. 
 TBT and SPS Agreements. 
 RTA's. 
2. Saudi Arabia is at the final stage of estab lishing a WTO Reference Center located at the 
Ministry of Trade and Industry.  In this regard Sa udi Arabia is looking forward to receive technical 
assistance from the WTO in addition to  the assistance of WTO Members by  sharing their experience 
with Saudi Arabia in this matter. 
3. Within the Context of the University Prog ramme of the ITTC, Saudi Arabia is looking 
forward for the WTO assistance to  set up a cooperation program between the WTO and a selected 
Saudi Arabian University in order to meet the objectives determined for this program. 
__________