CONCLUSION OF THE THIRD REVIEW OF THE DRC’S TRADE POLICY AT THE WTO IN GENEVA
The third Trade Policy Review of the Democratic Republic of the Congo concluded this Friday, 30 October 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland, marking a pivotal milestone for the country, 10 years on from its previous review in 2016; Led by the Minister for Foreign Trade, Julien Paluku Kahongya, the Congolese delegation highlighted several major advances, notably the digitisation of trade procedures, the launch of the Simplified Trade Regime (RECOS) and the Trade Information Portal (PIC), the ratification of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement, improvements to the business climate, and accession to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Thanks to this review, which aims to ensure transparency and oversight of the trade policies of WTO member states, the DRC is now seen as credible and attractive on the international stage, as it sends a strong signal to global investors and partners of its determination to stabilise its economic environment and integrate sustainably into multilateral trade, but also in the development of regional value chains, as stated by the Minister for Foreign Trade, Julien Paluku Kahongya, speaking to the national and international press, whilst adding that the joint assessment now serves as a guide for the implementation of national public policies
he World Trade Organisation (WTO) and its partners, including the European Union, the United States of America and the African Union, have commended the DRC for its efforts.
It should be noted that the DRC has received technical assistance from the WTO, which has also undertaken to mobilise international donors to support the effective implementation of the DRC’s trade policy.
