High-Level Regional Dialogue on WTO Accessions
for the arab region

Arab perspectives on WTO accessions and the multilateral trading system

Virtual, 8-10 November 2020

The following submission, dated 23 February 2021, is being circulated at the request of the Delegation of the Sultanate of Oman. 

1  Introduction and overview

1.       The High-Level Regional Dialogue on WTO Accessions for the Arab Region (hereinafter:
High-Level Dialogue) took place virtually from 8 to 10 November 2020. The event was organized by the WTO Secretariat in partnership with the Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

2.       Under the theme "Arab Perspectives on WTO Accessions and the Multilateral Trading System", the discussions at the Dialogue focused on: (i) the Arab region and the multilateral trading system; (ii) Arab accessions and state of play; (iii) assessment of the economic impact of COVID-19 on the Arab region; (iv) technical assistance (TA) and capacity building that can be provided by international organizations and regional partners; and (vi) trade as a vehicle for peace in the region. The programme of the High-Level Dialogue is annexed to this document.

3.       Over 45 participants took part in the Dialogue. These included representatives from seven Arab governments,[1] as well as international organizations and development partners.[2]

4.       Participants engaged in an open, informative and interactive dialogue, based on presentations made by the WTO Secretariat, AMF and IsDB staff as well as representatives of acceding governments and other international organizations, which were followed by open discussions.