Background

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) conducts periodical Trade Policy Reviews (TPRs) of all its Members. TPRs are country-specific reviews of the trade policies and practices of WTO Members, with the purpose of contributing to an improved adherence to WTO rules and disciplines, as well as enhancing the WTO principle of transparency. They also help to analyse the policies applied vis-à-vis the objectives sought by the reviewed Member. In this way, they aim to promote both a better functioning of the world trading system and more development-consistent trade policies. It is important to note that while the recommendations are not binding, and are not intended to impose new obligations, enforce existing commitments or act as a basis for dispute settlement procedures, they have been a catalyst for Members to reconsider existing policies. Recommandations have served as input into policy formulation as well as have helped identify technical assistance needs. Indeed, the information and analysis contained in the report provide excellent material for reaching these objectives, but as there is no obligation to follow the recommendations, it is up to the country to use the report according to its priorities and resources. According to the WTO secretariat, the follow-up between TPRs is often weak probably due to a lack of human resources devoted to this. Indeed, a significant effort is required, especially for resource-constrained WTO Members, to build up on the recommendations, feed them into a plan to reform trade policies and develop a road map for effective reform.