Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ABUDHABI1446
2008-12-23 10:24:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Cable title:
UAE MAY PHASE OUT VALUE BASED CONSULAR TRANSACTIONS
how-toVZCZCXRO3319 RR RUEHDE RUEHDIR DE RUEHAD #1446 3581024 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 231024Z DEC 08 FM AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1922 INFO RUEHDE/AMCONSUL DUBAI 8094 RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS ABU DHABI 001446
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/ARP AND EEB
STATE PLEASE PASS USTR (HIRSCH, BUNTIN)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD ECON EFIN PGOV AE
SUBJECT: UAE MAY PHASE OUT VALUE BASED CONSULAR TRANSACTIONS
REF: STATE 109713
UNCLAS ABU DHABI 001446
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/ARP AND EEB
STATE PLEASE PASS USTR (HIRSCH, BUNTIN)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD ECON EFIN PGOV AE
SUBJECT: UAE MAY PHASE OUT VALUE BASED CONSULAR TRANSACTIONS
REF: STATE 109713
1. (SBU) On December 23, EconOff discussed the UAE's consular
transactions policy (reftel) with Ministry of Foreign Trade Director
of WTO Department Juma Al Kait. Al Kait said that the UAE is aware
of the U.S.-Uganda WTO proposal and that other GCC members had
eliminated their fees. He added that the issue had been raised in
the UAE's 2006 Trade Policy Review.
2. (SBU) Al Kait said the UAE is not prepared to eliminate consular
transactions, which represent a significant source of revenue for
the federal government. The UAE is currently reviewing its policy,
specifically a proposal to eliminate value-based fees associated
with consular transactions. He said the UAE is considering applying
a "reasonable" set fee for consularization in exchange for the
service provided, as this is allowable under GATT Article VIII.
However, no decision has been taken yet, and Al Kait could not
predict how long the proposal would be under consideration.
OLSON
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/ARP AND EEB
STATE PLEASE PASS USTR (HIRSCH, BUNTIN)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD ECON EFIN PGOV AE
SUBJECT: UAE MAY PHASE OUT VALUE BASED CONSULAR TRANSACTIONS
REF: STATE 109713
1. (SBU) On December 23, EconOff discussed the UAE's consular
transactions policy (reftel) with Ministry of Foreign Trade Director
of WTO Department Juma Al Kait. Al Kait said that the UAE is aware
of the U.S.-Uganda WTO proposal and that other GCC members had
eliminated their fees. He added that the issue had been raised in
the UAE's 2006 Trade Policy Review.
2. (SBU) Al Kait said the UAE is not prepared to eliminate consular
transactions, which represent a significant source of revenue for
the federal government. The UAE is currently reviewing its policy,
specifically a proposal to eliminate value-based fees associated
with consular transactions. He said the UAE is considering applying
a "reasonable" set fee for consularization in exchange for the
service provided, as this is allowable under GATT Article VIII.
However, no decision has been taken yet, and Al Kait could not
predict how long the proposal would be under consideration.
OLSON