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This first Trade Policy Review of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has
allowed us to improve our understanding of its trade and related
policies, and the developments since its accession to the WTO in 2000.
Our discussions have greatly benefited from the participation of H.E.
Amer Al-Hadidi, Minister of Industry and Trade, and his delegation. We
are also grateful for the contribution of our discussant, Mr. Teepu
Khan, and for the full engagement of many Members.
Members commended Jordan on its impressive economic performance in
spite of a challenging external environment. High real GDP growth,
relatively low inflation, and a declining public debt are the fruits
of an ambitious economic reform programme centred on structural
reforms and trade liberalization. While Jordan's measures to
liberalize its investment regime were welcomed, it was also noted that
foreign investment remains restricted in certain activities, notably
transport services. Members encouraged Jordan to improve its business
environment, strengthen competitiveness and further open up its
economy, with a view to diversifying it.
Members recognized Jordan's commitment to the WTO, including the
current round of trade negotiations. They also acknowledged Jordan's
participation in various regional and bilateral trade agreements. It
was noted that the reduction of bound tariff rates, and further
simplification and rationalization of Jordan's tariff regime should
contribute to better resource allocation. Some Members encouraged
Jordan to reform its government procurement regime, and looked forward
to its accession to the plurilateral Agreement on Government
Procurement. Clarification was sought on why a penalty is charged at
customs when importers fail to present an importer card and as to why
not all importers were eligible for an importer card.
A number of concerns were also raised, notably with regard to certain
aspects of Jordan's SPS regime, compliance with notification
obligations under the WTO, customs procedures (including customs
formalities), import prohibitions and licensing, price controls, and
internal taxation. Members also asked questions with respect to
technical barriers to trade; intellectual property; agriculture;
energy; manufacturing (including textiles and clothing); and services.
Jordan was reminded of its commitment to phase out export subsidies by
2015 at the latest. Some Members also urged that trade-related
technical assistance be provided to Jordan.
Members expressed their appreciation for the responses provided by the
Jordanian delegation to questions that were posed during the review
exercise, and looked forward to receiving written answers to any
outstanding questions within one month.
In conclusion, Members congratulated Jordan on the positive economic
results it has achieved since its WTO accession. They encouraged
Jordan to pursue its reforms and improve its multilateral commitments
on goods and services, with a view to enhancing the transparency and
predictability of its trade regime, and adherence to WTO principles.
Members could help by keeping their markets open for products and
services of interest to Jordan.
Once again, I thank Members for their active participation in the
first Trade Policy Review of Jordan and the Secretariat for the
excellent report. I also thank the interpreters for their usual and
efficient good work. |
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