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Schedule set for major 2013 UNCTAD reports

19 April 2013

Themes have been announced for UNCTAD’s 2013 flagship reports, and most publication dates have been set.​

The World Investment Report 2013, under embargo until 5 p.m. GMT 26 June, is titled "Global value chains: investment and trade for development." It will analyze recent developments and will offer recommendations for how developing-country governments can effectively channel investment so that their economies move up global value chains.

"Intra-African trade: unleashing private-sector dynamism" is the theme of the Economic Development in Africa Report 2013. The report focuses on how to strengthen the private sector and reap developmental gains, as intra-Africa trade is vital for helping the continent's nations build their productive capacities and enhance entrepreneurship. The report is under embargo until 5 p.m. GMT 11 July.

The annual Report on UNCTAD Assistance to the Palestinian People, to be released at the end of August or the beginning of September, will review developments in the Palestinian economy, survey the effects of Israeli policies on economic life and living standards in the occupied Palestinian territory, and summarize UNCTAD activities to support economic growth there.

"Winds of change in the world economy: Rethinking development strategies" is the title of the Trade and Development Report 2013, under embargo until 5 p.m. GMT 12 September. The study will contend that to achieve durable and inclusive growth, developing and transition economies will need to move towards a new form of development, away from a focus on net-export advantages on the back of global imbalances and towards strengthening domestic demand and expanding regional and South-South economic linkages.

The UNCTAD Least Developed Countries Report 2013 will focus on the theme of "Growth with employment for inclusive and sustainable development." It is under embargo until 5 p.m. GMT 20 November. The report, noting that 130 million people will enter the labour force in LDCs by 2020, reviews past LDC trends relating to economic growth and employment and recommends policy steps to accelerate job creation.

The Review of Maritime Transport 2013 will focus this year on the challenges of connecting landlocked developing countries to maritime shipping services. Research has shown that landlocked status is a major barrier to economic development, with impediments to reaching sea lanes being a significant cause. Publication is scheduled for the end of November.

"The Cloud Economy and Developing Countries" is the title of the Information Economy Report 2013, under embargo until 5 p.m. GMT 3 December. It will examine the potential benefits and challenges posed for developing country policymakers and businesses by cloud computing and related innovations, with a special focus on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local information and communication technology (ICT) sectors.