UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in collaboration with Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, is organizing an Executive Meeting on Negotiating and Drafting Rules of Origin (RoO) for the World Trade Organization (WTO) Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group.
This hybrid, one-day workshop will bring together LDC delegates, technical experts, and partners to support ongoing preparations for the upcoming session of the WTO Committee on Rules of Origin (CRO), scheduled for 11–12 May 2026.
The meeting will focus on key issues currently under discussion in the CRO, including recent developments in the work of the Committee, evolving expectations of WTO Members, and emerging technical and policy challenges related to preferential rules of origin for LDCs.
Participants will review the LDC Group’s ongoing work, including engagement on best practices, contributions to current discussions, and efforts aimed at improving the effectiveness and utilization of trade preferences.
The workshop will provide a platform for:
Refining LDC positions and expectations ahead of the May and October 2026 CRO sessions;
Exchanging practical experiences on the implementation of rules of origin at multilateral and regional levels; and
Strengthening coordination among LDC delegations in Geneva and in capitals.
This meeting is primarily intended for members of the WTO LDC Group and invited participants.
The workshop forms part of UNCTAD’s continued support to the LDC Group, aimed at enhancing their capacity to engage effectively in multilateral trade discussions and to advance development-oriented outcomes.
It will be followed by a policy-oriented workshop on 6 May 2026 on “Post-MC14 Realities for LDCs: Strategies and Priorities for the WTO LDC Group”, which will broaden the discussion to a wider audience and explore strategic priorities in the evolving global trade landscape.
