Response statement on the media assessment on categorization of the UAE amongst the urbanized countries in the WTO
The United States presented a communication to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under document WT/GC/W/757 An undifferentiated WTO: self-proclaimed development status risks institutional irrelevance. This paper says countries at the WTO should not be permitted to self-declare themselves as developing countries. US additionally take notes that developed countries have been seriously impeded in the WTO system due to Special and Differential Treatment (S&D) adaptabilities that all developing countries enjoy.
Under the currently existing WTO conventions, S&D gives developing countries unilateral adaptability in executing obligations and enjoins developed countries to treat them favorably. S&Ds are categorized into four:
1- Longer time periods for implementation of agreements and commitments
2- Measures to increase trading opportunities for developing countries
3- Provisions requiring all WTO members to safeguard the trade interests of developing countries
4- Support to help developing countries build the capacity to carry out WTO work, handle disputes and implement technical standards.
As indicated by the US proposal, the WTOs inability to clearly distinguish developing and non-developing countries among member states makes dealings come up short. The continued absence of institutional work also puts the WTO on a troublesome position before negotiating in disciplines to address the challenges of today or tomorrow.
The US presented the criteria intended to recognize developing countries qualified for S&D rather than the countries making the self-delegation themselves. According to the proposal, the UAE is outside the list of countries qualified for S&D.
The Ministry of Economy reiterated that any proposal submitted by any member state ought to be endorsed by all WTO members first as required by the set rules. The UAE, assured the Ministry, will cooperate with the organizations choice and will bolster any approach conceded by the developing countries. The Ministry kept up that this recent development, whenever affirmed, shall not affect the UAEs present obligations and interests in the WTO due to the following reasons:
- The UAE has been timely completing its trade obligations since 1996, in view of the fact that it believes in the trade liberalization principle. On the other hand, the WTO early accession has helped disallow high ceilings that are difficult to apply and implement.
- The UAE is a pivotal trade hub in the region and the world. Therefore, the country does not need the flexibility given to developing countries in relation to increasing trade opportunities. The Arab state has long positioned itself on the global trade map thanks to its free trade policy.
- The country has vibrant trade activities in the region with many international businesses showing great interest in the UAE because of its advanced infrastructure and given the fact that it serves as gateway to other markets in the Middle East and Africa. Therefore, on taking into account the commercial interests of developing countries, the UAE will not be significantly affected by virtue of its status as the regions vital trade center.
- The country can benefit from specialized support programs across all fields through self-financing. Giving technical support to WTO members is significant but funding these programs will not pose any problem to the state.
