Norway commended in the WTO for its economic policy, liberal trade policy and commitment to developing countries

The World Trade Organisation, WTO, conducted a trade policy review of Norway on 11 and 13 October 2004.

During the review, Norway was commended on its liberal trade regime, its macroeconomic policies and its management of natural resources. It was also commended on its active and constructive role in the WTO, its fulfilment of WTO obligations and its efforts to ensure that developing countries derive greater benefit from international trade.

However, several countries criticised Norwegian agricultural policy and the high level of tariffs and support, which they considered to be an unnecessary distortion of trade. Other members, including the European Union, Japan and Korea, expressed their appreciation of Norwegian agricultural policy measures. The Norwegian delegation called attention to the particular significance of agriculture for maintaining settlement patterns in rural areas, food security and the cultural landscape.

Many members commended Norway on the structural reforms that have been carried out in its economy and on the management of the oil revenues through the Petroleum Fund. However, several members questioned the central role played by public ownership in the Norwegian economy and whether this contributed to less competition and less effectiveness in the Norwegian private sector.

Norway was praised for its support to developing countries. Particular mention was made of Norway’s system of duty-free imports from the least developed countries and its substantial tariff reductions for other developing countries. Norway’s prominent roles in WTO efforts to ensure access to essential medicines in developing countries and as a major donor to the Doha Development Fund were cited as examples of its strong commitment to the developing countries.