Best practices in WTO accession for Arab countries

International trade plays a critical role in driving growth and development but the Arab world remains less integrated than other regions into the multilateral trading system. Only 14 of the 22 Arab League countries have joined the WTO while many of the remaining countries are engaged in lengthy and complex accession negotiations. The path towards WTO membership has confronted Arab economies with a mix of legal, economic and political hurdles, highlighting the need for broad-based reforms and stronger institutional capacities. This publication offers policymakers and stakeholders in the Arab world a practical roadmap for achieving successful WTO accession and implementing effective post-accession reforms. Drawing on the experiences of Arab countries that have joined the WTO since 1995 - including Comoros, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Yemen - as well as those currently in the accession process, it addresses the challenges faced throughout membership negotiations. The publication explores how WTO accession reshapes policy, regulatory and institutional frameworks and presents recommendations on developing strategies to fully leverage WTO membership and technical assistance. Based on high-level consultations, extensive interviews and comprehensive policy analysis, this publication provides essential insights into how to advance sustainable economic development and reinforce regional stability across the Arab world.