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2007年10月WTO对喀麦隆和加蓬贸易政策审议-主席总结发言(英文)

TRADE POLICY REVIEW: CAMEROON AND GABON

1 and 3 October 2007

Concluding remarks by the Chairperson

This joint Trade Policy Review of Cameroon and Gabon has enabled a better appreciation of their overall development objectives and the role of trade in attaining them. Our dialogue has been stimulated by the full and open engagement of the high-level delegations of Cameroon and Gabon, and the perceptive contribution of our discussant.

Members noted the encouraging recent economic performances of Cameroon and Gabon. The rise of world prices of petroleum since 2003 had benefited economic growth, fiscal performance and reduction of external debt in both countries. Cameroon and Gabon participate in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), and enjoy non-reciprocal trade preferences. Their inflation had been low, fostered by their common restrictive monetary policy. Members encouraged Cameroon and Gabon to pursue their socio-economic reforms to alleviate poverty. Further structural reforms would contribute to attracting the foreign direct investment needed for the diversification of both economies, in the context of their declining petroleum reserves. Improvement of governance and infrastructure would also help. Gabon was encouraged to address the anti-competitive effects of monopolies.

Members appreciated the firm commitment of Cameroon and Gabon to the multilateral trading system, including the Doha Development Agenda. They welcomed efforts made by both countries to improve their customs procedures and facilitate trade, but urged them to fully implement the customs valuation agreement. The tariffs of Cameroon and Gabon are based on the common external tariff of CEMAC; their relatively high rates and their structure have undermined competitiveness and economic growth prospects. Members encouraged both countries to simplify their tariffs under CEMAC, and urged them to better conform with the national treatment principle in the application of their internal taxes. Cameroon was encouraged to enlarge the scope of its tariff bindings on non-agricultural products and to reduce its bound rates. Gabon was invited to address the issue of the significant share of tariff lines on which applied rates exceed bound levels. Both countries were invited to make notifications in a more timely and complete manner.

Further information was sought on the incentives schemes of Cameroon and Gabon, as well as on the administration of their new mining regimes. They were encouraged to improve the sustainability of forestry activities. Members commended Cameroon and Gabon for the liberalization of their telecommunications services, and encouraged them to develop tourism and enhance their commitments under the GATS. Further clarification was also sought on a number of issues, notably: contingency trade remedies; technical barriers to trade; SPS measures; export taxes; government procurement; and protection of intellectual property rights.

Members expressed their appreciation for the responses to their questions as provided by the delegations of Cameroon and Gabon and looked forward to further responses.

In conclusion, Members value the steps taken by Cameroon and Gabon to improve their economic environment. They encouraged both countries to pursue their reforms, and to enhance the predictability and credibility of their trade regimes by expanding the scope and improving the implementation of their WTO commitments on goods and services. Such initiatives would contribute to attracting the foreign direct investment needed for the diversification of both economies. Trading partners can support these efforts by keeping their markets open, and by providing appropriate technical assistance.

 

 

 


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