世界贸易组织《贸易政策审议》_35页_335kb

Kyrgyz Republic Trade Policy Review (18-20 May 2021) Summary

Introduction

The third Trade Policy Review (TPR) of the Kyrgyz Republic was conducted from 18 to 20 May 2021. The meeting was chaired by H.E. Dr. Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme (Botswana) and included the Kyrgyz Republic delegation, led by H.E. Mr. Seit Rysaliev, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, and a discussant, H.E. Ambassador Mrs. Tatiana Molcean (Moldova). The review aimed to assess the Kyrgyz Republic's trade policies, particularly in the context of its economic development and integration into regional and global trade systems.

Core Content

The TPR focused on the Kyrgyz Republic's trade regime, its alignment with WTO obligations, and its participation in multilateral and regional trade agreements. The Kyrgyz Republic joined the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in 2015, which significantly impacted its trade policies, including customs tariffs, non-tariff measures, and technical regulations. The review also highlighted the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Kyrgyz economy and the measures taken to mitigate its impact.

Main Points and Key Information

1. Trade Policy Reforms and Initiatives

• The Kyrgyz Republic has implemented various reforms to improve trade facilitation, including the introduction of the "single window" system (Tulpar System) and e-procurement.
• Reforms to the Tax Code and competition policy have been undertaken to streamline bureaucratic practices and reduce reliance on mandatory standards.
• The country has made efforts to modernize its customs and tax services, aligning with international standards and the EAEU legal framework.
• The National Trade Facilitation Council was established to monitor and coordinate the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).

2. WTO Compliance and Transparency

• The Kyrgyz Republic has faced criticism regarding its transparency in providing WTO notifications, particularly concerning import licensing and subsidies.
• There is a need for improved notifications to meet WTO obligations, especially in the areas of tariffs, customs valuation, and technical regulations.
• The country has established three WTO enquiry points and a national notification authority for SPS issues since its last TPR.

3. Economic Overview

• The Kyrgyz Republic is a lower-middle income, double landlocked country with a relatively small and open economy.
• The economy is heavily dependent on gold exports and remittances from its expatriate workforce.
• GDP growth from 2013 to 2019 was positive but uneven, with an average annual growth rate of 4.2%.
• The service sector accounts for around 46.5% of GDP, with CIS countries as the main trading partners.
• The economy experienced a significant contraction of 8.6% in 2020 due to the impact of the pandemic, particularly on tourism and non-gold exports.

4. Impact of EAEU Membership

• The Kyrgyz Republic's accession to the EAEU in 2015 led to a nearly complete overhaul of its trade regime.
• The customs tariff increased from 5.0–5.2% (pre-EAEU) to 9.4% (post-EAEU), with a slight decline to 6.7% by the end of 2020.
• The country adopted the EAEU's Single List of non-tariff measures and aligned its technical regulations with EAEU standards.
• The Kyrgyz Republic now applies the Unified Customs Tariff of the EAEU, affecting its trade with other EAEU members and third parties.

5. Regional and Multilateral Trade Agreements

• The Kyrgyz Republic is a member of the EAEU and has signed several Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries such as Vietnam, Iran, China, Singapore, and Serbia.
• It has also concluded an enhanced partnership and cooperation agreement with the EU in 2019 and benefits from EU unilateral trade preferences under GSP+.
• The country is not yet a member of the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), but has made progress in this area, including the adoption of national treatment provisions in the Public Procurement Law.

6. Challenges and Concerns

• The Kyrgyz Republic's economy remains vulnerable due to its heavy reliance on gold exports and remittances.
• There are concerns about certain tariffs exceeding WTO commitments and restrictive non-tariff measures.
• The country has been urged to improve its notification record and align more closely with WTO transparency obligations.
• The fight against corruption, strengthening the judicial system, and enhancing public administration transparency are ongoing priorities.

7. Future Outlook and Priorities

• The Kyrgyz Republic aims to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on a single export commodity.
• The country is working on revising its tariff commitments and negotiating with WTO members for appropriate compensations.
• The government is focusing on creating a more competitive and diversified economy, with an emphasis on digitalization, regional integration, and sustainable development.
• The TPR is expected to influence future trade policy adjustments, and the recommendations will be considered in the development of these measures.

Conclusion

The meeting provided an opportunity for the Kyrgyz Republic to present its trade policies and for WTO members to engage in detailed discussions. The Chairperson expressed hope for a productive exchange and emphasized the importance of the TPR in addressing key issues affecting the multilateral trading system. The Kyrgyz Republic reaffirmed its commitment to WTO rules and its strategic integration into regional trade frameworks.