Would Iraq benefit by joining the WTO

Abstract

In this research study we will discuss why joining the WTO will benefit Iraq. The study argues that a new Iraq and the decision talk to join W.T.O builds strategist and new economic and trade policies requires reforms and structural changes in sectors of the economy and foreign trade regime. And requirements for joining to W.T.O export development able to access external markets in accordance with the conditions and requirements of competition and liberalization of international trade and on how to develop foreign trade of agricultural products that the researcher through agricultural marketing systems development alongside founding agricultural export development corporation is a joint Government-private sector.

It also requires training for exporters and importers and foreign trade of agricultural products and providing the appropriate infrastructure for the development of the relationship between the exporters and producers and the need to strengthen the competitive advantages of agricultural exports growth study warns of difficulty facing States outside the organization especially increased joining to W.T.O became economic and trade interaction with States of the Organization more difficult study indicates that agriculture in most files W.T.O agreements liberalizing international trade complicated due to the sensitivity of the components of agricultural market access file support Domestic export subsidies) and the lack of consensus among Member States on the application of the items on the liberalization of agricultural trade.

The study noted that Iraq's joining to W.T.O and apply conventions for agricultural sector negatively effects cost shift towards alternative policies such as subsidies and agricultural protection, leading to declining domestic production either for a few positive effects in the short term increases in accordance with a long-term after Iraq on agricultural biotechnology to benefit from access to foreign markets and adapt to global trends in agricultural policy. The study confirmed that Iraq benefits to be gained from liberalization of agricultural trade in the short term in the areas of services, investment and property rights.

Table of contents

Abstract2

Introduction5

The Legal Framework for Making and Enforcing Trade Policy6

Iraq's Accession Process7

Future Iraqi Accession Protocol10

Market Access in Goods11

Agriculture12

Subsidies13

Safeguard and Anti-dumping Rules13

Market Access in Services14

Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement16

The Current Foreign Trade Regime20

Tariffs and Other Charges22

Advantages of membership if Iraq joins the WTO28

Conclusion30

Would Iraq benefit by joining the WTO

Introduction

In September 2004, Iraq applied to accede to the World Trade Organization (WTO) through its full working party process. The cornerstone of the Iraqi government's long-term economic objectives has been to increase trade and support economic growth via regional and global integration. Accordingly, Iraq has actively pursued WTO membership.

WTO accession is a lengthy and difficult process. WTO membership, however, will not come without sacrifice . There could be concern over Iraq's future and whether it will be able to implement its membership obligations. As a young democracy and fledgling market economy, Iraq should pursue policies designed to strengthen rule of law, establish political checks and balances, and foster a thriving civil society.

This paper argues that, despite Iraq's potential onerous accession commitments, WTO membership will benefit Iraq by furthering its ...