The Primer on data for trade in services and development policies was developed in response to the recommendations of the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) informal working group on data for services, trade and development policies. The working group underscored the persistent challenges countries face in collecting, interpreting and effectively using statistics on trade in services.
Over the past two years, UNCTAD, in collaboration with the working group, carried out extensive consultations with national statistical offices, central banks, trade ministries, international organizations and leading experts in the field.
The consultations clearly revealed that many countries, particularly developing countries, need a practical and accessible guide to help them identify, link and use data from national, regional and international sources. The primer also aims to assist countries in identifying data gaps and related capacity-building needs, thereby strengthening the evidence base for policymaking in trade in services and development.
Objective
The main objectives of the event are:
- Present the key findings and policy insights from the Primer on data for trade in services and development policies, highlighting its relevance for evidence-based policymaking, especially in developing economies.
- Illustrate concrete examples of how the Primer can be applied to inform and support policymaking at national and international levels.
- Foster dialogue among policymakers, industry, services trade promotion organizations, and academia on best practices and future directions for services trade, data and policy.
- Gather feedback and perspectives from participants to inform future iterations and updates of the Primer.
Participants
Participants include diplomats, policy makers, academics and policy experts from international and regional organizations, specializing in trade, services, and economic development.
