USAID/SABEQ and Ministry of Industry and Trade hold WTO Policy Review workshop

In its supportive role, the USAID-funded SABEQ Program today commenced a two-day workshop to assist the Ministry of Industry and Trade and related Government of Jordan stakeholders better understand the policy review process conducted by the WTO, and measure Jordanian compliance. Compliance with WTO obligations will help Jordan integrate further into the global economy, and further expand trade, attract productive investment and increase jobs and incomes in Jordan.

The goals of the workshop are to provide a detailed, step-by-step review of the WTO Trade Policy Review process, the requirements of member states in developing the TPR report, the process for drafting of member state reports, and required timelines for the process.

The workshop will also identify areas where ongoing technical assistance for MIT and other GOJ Ministries and agencies may be needed during the rest of the TPR process over the following six to nine months.

The objective of the policy review mechanism is to ensure the smooth functioning of the multilateral trading system by enhancing the transparency of Members' trade policies. All WTO Members are subject to review, at intervals of 2, 4, 6 or more years, depending on their share of world trade.

The TPR reports consist of detailed chapters examining the trade policies and practices of the Member and describing trade policymaking institutions and the macroeconomic situation.

The primary GOJ Ministries and agencies most directly concerned with compliance with WTO commitments include the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, Ministry of Finance, Customs Department, Ministry of Public Works, Jordan Institute for Standards and Metrology and related agencies.

Jordan acceded to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in April 2000. This required Jordan to comply with over 16 different trade-related agreements as well as commitments on goods and services market access, and other commitments set out in its accession Working Party Report.

The USAID-funded Sustainable Achievement of Business Expansion and Quality Program (SABEQ) is a five year broad economic development initiative implemented by BearingPoint, Inc. and a sizeable team of international and Jordanian partner firms.

By both supporting improvements in the business environment and providing assistance to expand innovation and productivity in Jordanian businesses, to support the main objective of building up the private sector as a powerful engine of economic growth.