Short courses on key issues on the international economic agenda for delegates from Permanent Missions in Geneva

Trade facilitation in the globalized economy: Challenges and opportunities

Since its inclusion in the Doha Round of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the traditionally technical issue of trade facilitation has gained prominence in international trade policy debates. It is now considered one of the few areas where WTO negotiations have been able to advance to the point of agreeing on a draft consolidated negotiating text. Trade facilitation is also increasingly included in regional trade agreements, through which governments commit to trade facilitation reforms independent of the conclusion of the WTO negotiations.

In this context, the long-standing debate about the benefits and challenges of trade facilitation, especially for the developing countries, is more important than ever, and this short course will focus on highlighting the role of trade facilitation in the current economic environment. The course will also discuss the challenges that developing countries may face in the implementation of an eventual trade facilitation agreement, and the role of the international community.
 
Key questions to consider:

• What are the implications of current trends in trade logistics for trade facilitation?
• Which trade facilitation measures are covered by regional and multilateral trade negotiations?
• What challenges do developing countries face in the implementation of the trade facilitation measures?
• Which national mechanisms are essential for a successful trade facilitation reform?
• What is the role of technical assistance and capacity-building programmes in trade facilitation?

Delivered by:  Division on Technology and Logistics

The aim of the courses is to give delegates from Permanent Missions an opportunity to become better acquainted with topical issues and developments on the international economic agenda as they are reflected in UNCTAD's work.

The courses will be delivered in English, with simultaneous interpretation into Arabic, French and Spanish.

The secretariat invites Permanent Missions to nominate delegates who follow matters pertaining to UNCTAD or the World Trade Organization in Geneva to attend these courses.

Course application can be done online at http://p166.unctad.org/mod/page/view.php?id=1503. 

Courses will begin promptly at 10 a.m. to allow sufficient time for debate after the presentations. ​