Symposium on non-tariff trade barriers in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi -  A regional symposium on non-tariff trade barriers, hosted by the UAE's foreign trade ministry, in cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Islamic Development Bank, started here Monday.

The three-day symposium is being participated by representatives from all GCC countries-Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE.

In his opening remarks Monday, Juma Al Kait, the assistant undersecretary in UAE's foreign trade ministry, said its foreign trade is reacting positively to growth in global trade.

He pointed out that the UAE's foreign trade, according to 2010 figures, has grown by around 14.2 percent, reaching AED 754 billion (over $205 billion). It exceeded the 13.5 percent forecasted increase in global trade, he said,

The growth in the UAE's foreign trade has been achieved without taking recourse to any protective measures as did many other countries in the world, which have applied both tariff and non-tariff barriers, he noted.

He contended countries applying non-tariff barriers such as quotas, import licenses, foreign exchange restrictions, banning exports and imports, complicated customs procedures, using standards and measures and food specifications, complicate trade and at times prevent it, thus cancelling the positive effects of lifting customs tariff barriers.

Al Kait added that the workshop will contribute towards improving the ability of Arab countries to identify non-tariff trade barriers and their effects on trade and how best to deal with them.