WTO members and Aid-for-Trade partner organizations outlined current projects and priorities for the forthcoming Global Review of Aid for Trade at a dedicated meeting of the Committee on Trade and Development on 4 May.
Strengthening the participation of developing countries in global trade will be at the core of the Global Review scheduled to take place at the WTO from 27 to 29 July.
Organized under the theme “Empowering Connected, Sustainable Trade” this year's Global Review will look into how to connect the most vulnerable populations to international trade - the digital economy in particular - and how developing economies can use trade to boost economic growth, meet development objectives and build resilience.
Special emphasis will be placed on green initiatives and climate change.
The WTO-led Aid for Trade initiative seeks to mobilize resources to help developing countries and least-developed countries (LDCs) overcome trade-related constraints that limit their participation in international trade.
At the meeting, several members and partner organizations highlighted the need to make digital connectivity more affordable for developing countries so that it can support trade development.
Speakers also emphasized the essential role that “green” projects play in helping promote economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and combat the economic and trade effects of the conflict in Ukraine.
The Committee chair, Ms Usha Chandnee Dwarka-Canabady of Mauritius, updated members and observer governments on preparations for the Global Review.
China and other members stressed that the pandemic continues to affect developing countries' ability to trade.
In their view, increasing aid efforts for vaccines and vaccination remains essential to address the "vaccination gap" between developed and developing countries.