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TRADE POLICY REVIEW: TURKEY

10 and 12 December 2007

Concluding remarks by the Chairperson

This fourth Trade Policy Review of the Republic of Turkey has allowed us to improve our understanding of its trade and related policies, and the developments since its previous Review in 2003. Our discussions have greatly benefited from the participation of Mrs. Ülker Güzel, Deputy Undersecretary of Foreign Trade, and her delegation. Our thanks are also due to our discussant, Ambassador Fernando de Mateo, for his insightful contribution to our discussions, and the engagement of many delegations.

Members commended Turkey on its impressive economic performance over the past few years, with high real GDP growth, lower inflation, and declining public and external debt burdens. This reflects the steps taken to continue improving the competitiveness of its non-agricultural sector, already quite open, and the implementation of an ambitious reform programme, notably on the fiscal, privatization and social security fronts. Recent measures to further liberalize Turkey's investment regime were also welcomed, although delegations noted that the investment regime remains restricted or limited in certain activities, some of which continue to be dominated by state-owned companies.

Members appreciated Turkey's commitment to the WTO, including the DDA negotiations, but indicated that accession to the EU remained Turkey's ultimate objective. Indeed, in line with its customs union with the EC, Turkey has been increasingly implementing its trade policies through an extensive network of preferential trade agreements. Concerns were raised on Turkey's complex tariff regime, with applied, statutory, and bound tariffs; as well as on the application by Turkey of non-ad valorem tariffs to products bound at ad valorem rates. Members indicated that extension of the scope of tariff binding commitments, reduction of bound rates, and further simplification and rationalization of Turkey's tariff regime would contribute to better resource allocation. Concerns were also expressed about Turkey's internal taxation system, and its relatively large use of anti-dumping measures.

Members welcomed Turkey's relatively liberal trade regime for non-agricultural products, and its wide-ranging programme to restructure its agriculture. Nevertheless, some Members stated that the high level of tariff protection and the limited liberalization of agricultural products under Turkey's preferential trade arrangements were impeding the exposure of the sector to greater competition. While noting that up to 15% price preferences are granted by Turkey to local products, some delegations encouraged it to become a member of the plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement. Members commended Turkey on the liberalization of its fixed telephony services. Other issues of interest to Members included customs procedures and valuation; TBT and SPS measures; export promotion and subsidies; other incentive schemes, including for mining, energy, and manufacturing sectors; protection of intellectual property rights; and services, including GATS commitments, financial services, telecoms, transport, and tourism.

Members appreciated the responses provided by the Turkish delegation, and look forward to receiving written answers to any outstanding questions.

In conclusion, Members congratulate Turkey on the positive economic results it has achieved during the last few years. They encourage Turkey to pursue its reforms, including of its trade regime, and to improve its multilateral commitments on goods and services, with a view to enhancing the transparency and predictability of the regime, and adherence to WTO principles. Members could help by keeping their markets open for products and services of interest to Turkey.