The Commission will examine topical issues in the trade agenda, drawing on the priorities from the São Paulo Consensus, the 5-year review of the MDGs, and preparations for the 6th WTO Ministerial Conference.
High-level event on "Trade and MDGs"
An high-level event on "Trade and MDGs" will discuss what role can trade play in helping developing countries achieve the MDGs. It will focus on the goal of building a global partnership for development and poverty eradication, inter alia, through: (a) the development of an open, rule-based, predictable, equitable, non-discriminatory trading and financial system; (b) provision of tariff and quota-free access for least-developed countries´ exports; (c) provision of access to affordable essential drugs in developing countries; and (d) making available the benefits of new technologies. [Programme of the event in PDF]
Commodity trade finance
The Commission will examine how access to commodity trade finance affects the competitiveness and market entry capacities of developing countries, especially commodity dependent ones. Recent experiences in financing along the agricultural supply chain will be considered. Policy issues and lessons examined at the Expert Meeting on Financing of Commodity-based Trade and Development (Geneva, 16-17 November 2004), will be utilized.
Trade in services
The Commission will examine the increasing role of developing countries and their participation in international trade in services. Issues for developing supply capacity and competitiveness such as in infrastructural services, as well as enhancing market access in those services of export interest to developing countries will be examined. The challenges and opportunities faced by developing countries in multilateral and regional negotiations on services will be examined, including in respect of rules negotiations relating to an emergency safeguard mechanism and subsidies. The debate would also be informed by the outcome of the Expert Meeting on Trade and Development Aspects of Professional Services and Regulatory Frameworks (17 to 19 January 2005).
Issues in the Doha negotiations
The Commission will address issues in the Doha negotiations on environmental goods and services; market access; and UNCTAD´s support including through the Consultative Task Force (CTF) on Environmental Requirements and Market Access for Developing Countries. Innovative ways of making trade work for sustainable development will also be examined, such as the BioTrade Initiative; trade and investment opportunities arising from the Kyoto Protocol; and renewable energy and bio-fuels.
New and dynamic sectors in world trade
Fifth, the Commission will also interact on policy issues arising from the first series of sectoral reviews of new and dynamic sectors in world trade, conducted by the Expert Meeting on New and Dynamic Sectors, held from 7 to 9 February 2005. The three sectors considered were outsourcing of IT-enabled services, textiles and clothing, and renewable energy products, including bio-fuel.
Finally, the Commission will review the extensive range of activities implemented by the Secretariat.
