Reforms to Algeria’s trade regime

Members pointed out that substantial work still remained to be done on issues such as monetary and fiscal policies, foreign exchange and payments, the investment regime, state ownership and privatization, pricing policies, competition policy, the framework for making and enforcing policies and trading rights. Work also needs to be done on customs tariffs, other duties and charges, tariff rate quotas, fees and charges for services rendered, application of internal taxes, quantitative import restrictions and customs valuation.

Other issues include export subsidies, industrial policies and subsidies, technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, trade in investment measures, government procurement, transit, agricultural policies, trademarks, geographical indications, plant variety protection, and undisclosed information and test data.   

 

Bilateral negotiations on market access for goods and services

Algeria reported positive bilateral contacts with members. It had recently deposited four bilateral agreements with the WTO Secretariat. Two more were in the pipeline.  Members encouraged Algeria to move its market access negotiations forward.

 

Next steps

The WTO Secretariat will revise the draft Working Party Report, based on inputs to be submitted by Algeria.

 

Background information on WTO accession process

• Beginning of negotiations: June 1987
• Previous meeting of Working Party: January 2008
• Last revision of Working Party Report: February 2013
• Chair of Working Party: Ambassador Alberto D’Alotto (Argentina)
• Secretary of the Working Party: Mrs Josefita Pardo de León
• Co-Secretary: Ms Lidet Kebede
• Director of the WTO Accessions Division: Mr Chiedu Osakwe