Statement by U.S. Ambassador Rita Hayes
Regarding the Accession of Oman to the WTO
Geneva, October 10, 2000

The United States is extremely pleased to be able today to approve the terms of accession of Oman to the WTO, and we congratulate Oman on this great achievement.

The Oman negotiating team, led by Commerce and Industry Minister Maqbool Ali Sultan, should be justifiably proud of its persistent and determined efforts that led to this momentous occasion.

The outcome of the accession negotiations with Oman represents a significant contribution to overall trade liberalization, and is consistent with Oman's broader long-term efforts to modernize and to expand economic opportunities for its people. Oman has properly recognized that full participation in the WTO will complement its other policies designed to foster economic growth through economic diversification.

In adopting WTO provisions and confirming basic WTO principles of transparency, predictability, due process, and rule of law it the legal structure of its trade regime, Oman has provided a framework for further growth and development, and a strong basis for meeting the economic challenges of the global economy.

Additionally, Oman has demonstrated its commitment to developing the infrastructure necessary to build a modern trading system. Since its decision to apply for WTO accession in April 1996, Oman has successfully implemented a TRIPS-compatible intellectual property regime. It has also extensively revised its customs regulations to provide for the implementation of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement and has committed itself to ensuring that imported products are not disadvantaged by unduly restrictive regulation of the right to import and export. Oman also has expressed its interest in becoming a member in the Agreement on Government Procurement and will be tabling its initial offer in the near future.

In addition, Oman's binding commitments for goods and services market access build upon its historically open market for imported goods, through participation in the information technology agreement and chemical harmonization agreement. Oman also declared its intention to participate in the civil aircraft agreement within three years.

Oman has used the WTO accession process to make significant improvements to its services regime, by limiting its horizontal restrictions and MFN exemptions, as well as undertaking important commitments in financial services, telecommunications services, professional services, and audio-visual services.

We are confident that these commitments will help underpin Oman's efforts to encourage further investment and to welcome foreign services suppliers that can help build its economy and expand employment opportunities.

Moreover, Oman has used its WTO accession as an opportunity, first to create a trade regime that can help fulfill the hopes of its population for further economic growth and development, and second to establish for all to see the favorable terms it is prepared to offer those who would join Oman in these endeavors.

We look forward to working with Oman in the WTO to realize its objectives. We urge approval of this accession package.