See
also:
> Press
release for Niger:
Stabilization programme and market-oriented reforms should start
bearing fruit
> Press
release for Senegal:
Reform and liberalization efforts improve economic performance
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1. This Trade Policy Review of Niger and Senegal has allowed us all a
far better understanding of their WAEMU (West African Economic and
Monetary Union)-shaped trade policies, and trade-related policies and
aspirations. Our dialogue has been thorough and comprehensive,
stimulated by the full and open engagement of the high-level
delegations, as well as the insightful comments made by the
discussant.
2. Members commended Niger and Senegal for their economic
stabilisation and reform efforts in recent years, mainly in the areas
of public finance and investment. They noted that sustainable
development and poverty alleviation as well as the integration of the
informal sector into the formal economy, remains a challenge.
3. Members emphasized that trade was a tool for development and
underlined the importance of the Integrated Framework and other
cooperation initiatives. Niger and Senegal did not benefit fully from
their WTO membership as their own resource constraints did not always
allow them to identify and/or exploit opportunities. Several Members
indicated that despite their direct or indirect contribution in
providing technical assistance to and promoting trade with Niger and
Senegal, progress in their integration into the multilateral trading
system had been slow.
4. Members acknowledged efforts to simplify the tariff structure and
WAEMU's impact in reducing average MFN tariff level. They noted the
use of additional levies and charges as well as the use of WAMEU-agreed
administered prices for customs valuation purposes. Several Members
inquired about efforts to increase protection of intellectual property
rights.
5. In the light of their recent macroeconomic performance, Niger and
Senegal were encouraged to move ahead in implementing structural
reforms, including privatization, and market and product
diversification. Fiscal reforms and new sources of government revenue
would be necessary to address the expected effects of further tariff
liberalization and increases in health-related budgetary expenditures
and poverty alleviation.
6. Members sought further clarification on:
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investment
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national standards
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government procurement
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intellectual property rights
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national and regional agricultural and fishery policy issues
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privatization
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issues in financial, telecoms and tourism services
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GATS commitments and negotiations
7. Members appreciated the extensive and comprehensive replies
provided by the delegations of Niger and Senegal, and looked forward
to further responses and clarifications.
8. In conclusion, I believe that through this Review we have gained a
better understanding of the progress made by Niger and Senegal in
recent years, and of the challenges that lie ahead. The very strong
participation by both delegations in this meeting, the number of
questions posed, and the active discussion, indicate the importance
attached to this Review. I encourage Niger and Senegal to improve
their multilateral commitments, both in goods and services, and to
pursue the implementation of their reform programmes, with a view to
enhancing the transparency, predictability, and credibility of their
trade regimes, and adherence to the WTO principles. But let me put
this into context. Both Niger and Senegal face real resource
constraints: technical assistance is required from the WTO and other
relevant organizations; the needs have been well identified in the
Secretariat reports and must be met. In addition trading partners must
help by ensuring that their markets are fully open to products from
Niger and Senegal. |
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