Saudi Arabia formally joins WTO
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-12-11 14:03

GENEVA, December 11 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia formally joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Sunday.

The WTO approved Saudi Arabia to become its 149th member on November 11, winding up a 12-year negotiation process.

The move entered into force in 30 days, just in time for Saudi Arabia to participate in the WTO summit in Hong Kong, at which WTO members are supposed to agree on an outline deal to boost the world's economy by lowering more trade barriers.

WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy has hailed the acceptance of another heavyweight of world trade, which is the world's top oil producer and the main force in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Failing to join the organization last year, Saudi Arabia set its sight on membership in time for the WTO summit, which is due to begin in Hong Kong on Tuesday.

Under the terms of accession, foreign insurance companies will be permitted to open and operate direct branches in Saudi Arabia. International banks will be able to open up branches under national subsidiaries.

Within three years, Saudi Arabia will allow up to 70 percent foreign equity ownership in its telecommunications sector.