AITIC Flash Meeting on The Doha Negotiations: Potential Benefits for LDCs

WTO members have placed prime importance on the closer integration of the least-developed countries (LDCs) into the multilateral trading system. Several long-standing initiatives, independent or within the context of the Doha negotiations, have been proposed to facilitate their fuller participation in international trade.

In this context, AITIC organised a Flash Meeting on The Doha Negotiations: Potential Benefits for LDCs on Friday 14 December 2007.

The particular interests of LDCs, covered by Annex F of the Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration and by the special and differential treatment provisions, were discussed. HE Mr Jean Feyder, Chairman of the Sub Committee on LDCs, gave an overview of the progress in this body; Mr Abdoulaye Sanoko (Mali) briefed on the development in the cotton issue and Ms Padnya Deshpande (US) spoke about DFQF market access in Annex F. Finally, HE Dr Anthony Maruping, Coordinator of the WTO Group of LDCs in Geneva, gave an overview of the issues dealt with by this group.

Report of the Flash Meeting.

AITIC took part in the LDC Ministerial Conference

On 29 and 30 November 2007, AITIC took part in the Least-Developed Countries (LDCs) Ministerial Conference Meeting, organised by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in Vienna, Austria.

The meeting included various sessions on specific issues such as the role of Aid for Trade in the transformation of LDCs; the integration of LDCs into the global economy and the role of duty-free-quota-free market access; capacity building for economic transformation; and South-South cooperation and the cotton issue. Some of these issues were taken up again during AITIC’s Flash Meeting on 14 December 2007.

The conference was followed by the twelfth session of the General Conference of UNIDO from 3 to 7 December 2007.

AITIC recently concluded a relationship agreement with UNIDO, formalising the cooperation between the two organisations on matters of mutual interest. This cooperation aims to greater effectiveness in the provision of technical assistance to LDCs.

The Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu is granted Observer Status at the AITIC Council of Representatives

At its 26 November 2007 meeting, AITIC's Council of Representatives (CoR) granted Observer Status to the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu. This decision was taken in accordance with the regulations of the CoR, following a formal application by the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu to become an observer in this decision-making body. The Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu and AITIC signed a Memorandum of Understanding earlier this year thus formalising a collaboration which includes a capacity-building programme for the less-advantaged countries.

AITIC Luncheon Meeting during the 15th Geneva Week of the WTO

AITIC hosted a luncheon meeting on Thursday 22 November in the Restaurant l’Attique, Top Floor, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), opposite to the WTO. Since its creation, AITIC has contributed to raising the awareness of the international community to the particular plight of those WTO members or observers without a permanent representation in Geneva – the so-called Non-Residents. The lunch took place in the context of the 15th Geneva Week organised by the WTO for Non-Resident Members and Observers from 19 to 23 November 2007.

Keynote speakers were HE Mr Jean Feyder, Luxemburg, Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Least-Developed Countries (LDCs), and HE Mr Bruce Gosper, Australia, Chairman of the Accession Working Party of Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Their informal address focused on the potential benefits for LDCs through their involvement in the WTO.

On this occasion, AITIC launched the Portuguese version of its Glossary of Commonly Used International Trade Terminology with Particular Reference to the WTO. This is the latest version of the Glossary, which is already available in English, French, Spanish, Russian and Macedonian. The Glossary aims to provide a better understanding of the WTO terminology.

AITIC Special Session for the OECS Trade Policy Review

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) presented its second Trade Policy Review (TPR) on 5 and 7 November 2007 at the WTO. On this occasion, AITIC and the OECS Secretariat held a Special Session for the OECS TPR, which took place on Wednesday 7 November 2007 at the Centre William Rappard, Geneva.

Organised within AITIC’s “Assistance to LACs on their WTO Trade Policy Review” Programme, this meeting enabled Senior Officials from the Ministries of Trade of the OECS Members to highlight the challenges these countries have to meet for their integration into global trade while taking into account their multiple specificities as well as the potential of key sectors like services, particularly information and communication technology (ICT), transportation, financial services and professional services.

In view of several development projects in the framework of the Aid for Trade initiative, discussions focused on trade-related technical assistance needs.

Representatives from the trade and development community, intergovernmental organisations, bilateral development bodies and delegates based in Geneva attended the meeting.

AITIC takes part in a Regional Seminar in Kigali

AITIC participated in the Regional Seminar “The Multilateral Trade System and the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA)” which took place in Kigali, Rwanda, from 17 to 19 October 2007. Organised by the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Investment Promotion, Tourism and Cooperatives of Rwanda, the seminar aimed at raising awareness on the ratification process and the implementation of the EPAs currently under negotiation with the European Union. The seminar was also an opportunity to take stock of progress in the Doha negotiations, of the Aid for Trade initiative and the implementation of the Enhanced Integrated Framework, issues on which AITIC focused its contribution.

The seminar was aimed at the French-speaking countries of the Great Lakes region (Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda).

In September 2007, AITIC and the OIF signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the view to carrying out joint activities to strengthen the trade-related capacities of the less-advantaged French-speaking countries.

AITIC contributes to the Symposium on Emerging Multilateral Trading System and the WTO

AITIC, together with the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Trade Center (ITC), the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia and the International Center for Promotion of Enterprises (ICPE), held a one-week Symposium on Emerging Multilateral Trading System and the WTO in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from 15 to 19 October 2007.

The Symposium aimed to give policy makers and business community representatives engaged in international trade a clear understanding of the evolving trade environment. AITIC’s Executive Director gave presentations on Aid for Trade, the dispute settlement as well as on the present state of play in the Doha negotiations, particularly NAMA.

ICPE’s mandate is to promote and support enterprise development in the developing and transitional economies with the view of fostering their economic development in the regional and global context. Earlier this year, AITIC developed an initiative to enable the transfer of skills between the private sectors of both developing and developed countries. For more information on this programme, please click here.

AITIC Donor Conference

Since its establishment in 2004 as an intergovernmental organisation (IGO), AITIC has acquired a solid reputation amongst its beneficiaries, the resource-constrained countries, helping them to better understand the multilateral trade system and to participate more efficiently in the activities of the WTO.

With 54 Participating Members and seven Sponsoring Members, AITIC has expanded and improved its range of services as well as strengthened its institutional, financial and management structures.

To maintain its capacity to produce high-quality work in favour of its beneficiaries, the Agency is seeking to obtain continued backing of the present Sponsoring Members and to attract new donors to support its work and activities. AITIC’s first budgetary cycle of five years is coming to an end on 31 December 2008 and, according to the Agreement Establishing AITIC as an IGO, its replenishment should be decided one year before.

To this end, the Swiss Government, who was at the origin of the creation of AITIC in 1998, convened a Donor Conference on 15 October 2007 in the Centre de Conférences de Varembé. Traditional and potential new donors participated in the meeting, given the importance to promote the participation of the less-advantaged countries in the international trading system.

AITIC and UN-OHRLLS Forum

AITIC and the UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and the Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) jointly organised a Forum to debrief LLDCs delegations on the state of play of the WTO Doha negotiations. The meeting took place on Thursday 11 October 2007 at the United Nations in New York.

This Forum followed the successful conclusion of the UNCTAD Thematic Meeting on International Trade and Trade Facilitation which was held in August 2007 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and allowed for a fruitful exchange of views on the Doha negotiations among LLDCs delegations at a time when crucial developments appear to be taking place. Geneva-based LLDCs representatives participated in the meeting, in preparation for UNCTAD XII, to be held in April 2008 in Accra, Ghana.

AITIC participation in the World Export Development Forum

AITIC contributed to the World Export Development Forum (WEDF) that the International Trade Centre (ITC) held from 8 to 11 October 2007 in Montreux, Switzerland. This Forum enabled senior public-sector decision makers and business leaders to debate "best practice" in national export strategy design and management.

AITIC financed the participation of five developing country delegations. AITIC Executive Director addressed the Session Attracting Buyers and Fencing in Investors – The Business Environment Imperatives. This Session focused on the requirements imposed by the business environment as well as the need to build sustainable and mutually beneficial relationships between buyers and investors.

In April 2007, AITIC developed an initiative aimed at fostering cooperation between developed and developing countries’ private sectors through the transfer of business skills. For more information on this initiative, please click here.

AITIC Session in the 2007 WTO Public Forum

In the context of the 2007 WTO Public Forum (4-5 October 2007), AITIC held a session on The Trade Dimension of Globalisation: Multilateral (WTO) or Regional (RTAs)?, on Friday 5 October 2007, in the Centre William Rappard.

The role of the WTO is the creation of a more participatory and all-inclusive trading system which would enhance economic opportunities and provide the means for all to share these benefits. However, given the recent proliferation of Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs), in particular between developed and developing countries, it would seem that it is them and not the WTO that are being the conduits for globalisation. Issues that developing countries rejected for negotiation in the WTO, such as investment or competition policy, regularly feature in north-south bilateral trade arrangements. The AITIC Session endeavoured to contribute constructively towards strengthening the role of the WTO at the centre of the multilateral trading system.

On AITIC’s invitation, Dr Craig VanGrasstek, an independent consultant with vast experience in trade and development and Prof. Arvind Panagariya, a representative from the academia, provided their personal views on the subject and set the scene for a lively discussion with the floor.

Prof. Panagariya Presentation
Dr VanGrasstek Presentation
Dr VanGrasstek Handout

AITIC Special Session for the Republic of Gabon’s Trade Policy Review: Technical Assistance and Diversification of the Economy

The Republic of Gabon performed its second Trade Policy Review on 1 and 3 October 2007 at the WTO. On the sidelines of this event, the Gabonese authorities, in collaboration with AITIC, held a Special Session of the Republic of Gabon: Technical Assistance and Diversification of the Economy, on Wednesday 3 October 2007 at the Centre de Conférences de Varembé, Geneva.

HE Mr Paul BIYOGHE MBA, Minister for Commerce and Industrial Development, in charge of NEPAD, along with senior officials of the main ministries, described how this middle-income developing country endeavours to integrate trade into its development strategy. Discussions focused on Gabon’s trade-related technical assistance needs and on a number of projects which can contribute to the diversification of the Gabonese economy.

Opening of the Permanent Mission of Niger in Geneva

HE Mr Adani ILLO, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Niger to the United Nations Office in Geneva and to the WTO, visited AITIC on 26 September 2007.

On this occasion, HE Mr ILLO announced that Niger was about to open a Permanent Mission in Geneva. The establishment of the mission will help Niger, a non-resident member of the WTO which had been represented from Brussels until now, to strengthen its participation in the multilateral trade negotiations. To support the authorities from Niger in their undertaking, AITIC put its Non Residents’ Unit at the disposal of the Ambassador and his colleagues.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for a fruitful exchange of views on collaboration between Niger and AITIC. In this regard, Ambassador ILLO announced that his country would soon be acceding to the AITIC Agreement.

Working Session between AITIC and OAPI

On 26 September 2007, Mr Paulin Edou Edou, Director General, and Mr Maurice Batanga, Head of the Service of Legal Affairs and Cooperation, of the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), visited AITIC.

The meeting paved the way for future institutional collaboration between OAPI and AITIC so that intellectual property rights’ protection be increasingly used to support development and trade-related capacity building in Africa. Almost all of the members of OAPI are least-developed countries (LDCs), a prime target of AITIC, of which many of them are also Participating Members.

AITIC Participation in the Landlocked Developing Countries’ (LLDCs) Ministerial Meeting on Trade and Trade Facilitation

In partnership with the UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and the Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Government of Mongolia held an event entitled LLDCs' Ministerial Meeting on Trade and Trade Facilitation on 28 and 29 August 2007, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The meeting addressed LLDC development issues, especially trade and trade facilitation and transit issues.

AITIC visits the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu

During the week of 20-25 August 2007, Dr. Esperanza Durán, AITIC’s Executive Director, and Mr Bobby Byll, Trade Affairs Officer, visited the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu upon an invitation of the Government.

The visit enabled fruitful exchanges with important actors involved in trade negotiations, international cooperation and development, as well as from the private sector. Experiences were shared with regard to the activities carried out by both parties in favour of the less-advantaged countries.

The Republic of Suriname accedes to AITIC

The Republic of Suriname became AITIC’s 54th Participating Member. Pursuant to Article 17, paragraph 3, of the Agreement Establishing AITIC as an Intergovernmental Organisation, the accession became effective 30 days after having deposited the Instrument of Accession with Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, i.e. 19 August 2007.

Interview with HE Ms Rosalie Koudougueret-Mologbama, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Small and Medium Enterprises Central African Republic (CAR)

HE Ms Rosalie Koudougueret-Mologbama

AITIC Brainstorming on EPAs in Brussels

AITIC organised a Brainstorming Session on “Sharing Experiences on the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)”, which was held on Friday 20th July 2007, from 10.00–17.00, in Brussels, Belgium.

This informal brainstorming enabled the negotiators of various EPA regional negotiating groups (Caribbean, Southern Africa, Pacific, etc.) to exchange information on their EPA negotiations with the European Commission (EC) , their commonalities and differences. The discussions helped them formulate their strategy for subsequent EPA negotiations, with a view to meeting the deadline of 31 December 2007.

AITIC-ITC Capacity Building Workshop in Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Trade Policy Opportunities and Development Challenges

AITIC and the International Trade Centre (ITC), in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), held a Capacity-Building Workshop on “Trade Policy Opportunities and Development Challenges”, which took place on 17 and 18 July 2007, in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

The aim of this two-day meeting was to update participants on the current state of play of Lao PDR’s accession to the WTO and to consider the way forward. Other thematic sessions focused on the Aid for Trade and the Enhanced Integrated Framework initiatives with a view to identifying Laos’ priority needs and follow-up actions required.

Report of the meeting.

AITIC-ITC National Workshop in Cambodia: Trade Policy Opportunities and Development Challenges

In cooperation with Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce (MoC) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), AITIC organised a National Workshop on “Trade Policy Opportunities and Development Challenges”. It took place on 10 and 11 July 2007 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Thematic sessions addressed trade and development policy issues specific to Cambodia. The workshop explored ways forward for Cambodia in using trade as an engine of economic growth and development. It examined implications of the Doha Round trade negotiations at the WTO and the ongoing work on Aid for Trade. Roundtable sessions fostered stakeholder exchanges on issues related to trade facilitation and the implementation of the Enhanced Integrated Framework in Cambodia.

Report of the meeting.

AITIC/ILI Flash Meeting: Moving Forward the WTO Rules Negotiations

AITIC held a Flash Meeting on “Moving Forward the WTO Rules Negotiations” on Friday 6 July 2007, from 10.00-13.00 at the Centre de Conférences de Varembé in Geneva. The meeting was organised in cooperation with the International Law Institute (ILI), as part of AITIC’s Programme on technical assistance and capacity building on WTO issues and the Doha negotiations. The purpose of the session was to discuss with WTO members and observers progress achieved so far in the Negotiating Group on Rules on disciplining subsidies and on antidumping measures.

Ambassador Guillermo Valles Galmés (Uruguay), Chairman of the Negotiating Group on Rules, presented positions taken by WTO members and key challenges in taking a balanced approach to subsidies in general, and fisheries subsidies in particular. This was followed by a presentation on antidumping by Mr Charles Verrill, President of ILI, as well as a discussion with the floor.

Report of the Flash Meeting.

On 28 June 2007, AITIC welcomed HE Mr Jorge Borges, Secretary of State, Ministry of Economy, Growth and Competitiveness of the Republic of Cape Verde.

The visit formed part of the regular contacts between the Agency and the Republic of Cape Verde and took place on the margins of the fourth meeting of the Working Party on the Accession of Cape Verde to the WTO. The Capeverdian authorities were given the assurance that AITIC would support and assist them in their accession process as well as in their graduation out of the list of the least-developed countries to enter the category of medium-growth developing countries.

On the occasion of its first Trade Policy Review that took place on 11 and 13 June 2007 at the WTO, the government of the Central African Republic (CAR), in collaboration with AITIC, held a meeting entitled Special Session of the Central African Republic: Challenges and Trade Opportunities, on Wednesday 13 June 2007, from 14:30 to 18:00, at the Centre de Conférences de Varembé (Room C), Geneva.

The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Small and Medium Enterprises, HE Ms Rosalie Koudougueret, as well as senior officials of the main ministries, the Parliament and representatives of the private sector highlighted the challenges that the country has to meet for its closer integration into global trade. This event was also an opportunity to promote the assets and economic potential of this country of central Africa.

AITIC Roundtable on WTO Accession Process

As part of its programme of assistance to Land-locked Developing Countries (LLDCs), AITIC organised a Roundtable on WTO Accession Process on Wednesday, 30 May 2007, from 10.00—13.00 at the Centre de Conférences de Varembé, Geneva . This event provided the participants with an opportunity to share their views on the process of accession to the WTO from the perspectives of the LLDCs, LDCs and economies in transition. Lessons learned from the experience of Recently Acceded Members helped explore the way forward in the accession negotiations of other countries.

Students from the University of the West Indies (UWI) visited AITIC

In May 2007, students of the Masters in International Trade Policy (MITP) at the University of West Indies spent three weeks in Geneva to gain insight into the work of the WTO and meet international trade experts.

In this context, AITIC organised on 22 May 2007 in its offices an Information Session entitled “The Development Dimension of the Doha Work Programme”.

The session began with an overview of the activities carried out by AITIC over the past few years with a view to addressing OECS countries trade-related technical assistance needs, specifically in relation to trade policy and negotiations. This was followed by a presentation on Aid for Trade which led to a lively exchange with participants. The morning ended with a presentation of the Enhanced Integrated Framework for the least-developed countries (LDCs).

This event was organised under AITIC’s programme on collaboration with other institutions, in particular academic institutions.

Departure of the Ambassador of Guinea

On 14 May 2007, HE Mr Boubacar Diallo, Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea to the United Nations and other international organisations in Switzerland, bade farewell to the AITIC Secretariat. After three years in Geneva, which saw a strengthening of the cooperation between AITIC and the Republic of Guinea, a process on which he left his mark, HE Mr Diallo is going back to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of his country in June.

AITIC Briefing Session during the 14th Geneva Week for Non-Residents

The AITIC Session in the 14th Geneva Week for the Non-Resident Members and Observers of the WTO (7 to 11th May 2007) adopted a different and innovative approach by focussing on the interests and possible contributions of other stakeholders, in this case the private sector, to the success of the Doha negotiations. AITIC’s Session on “The Doha Work Programme: Can the Private Sector Help?” was held on Thursday 10 May 2007 from 15:00 to 18:00 at the Centre William Rappard.

While the WTO provided an update on the state of play in the various areas of the Doha negotiations, AITIC highlighted the role of the private sector in the negotiations. Eminent speakers from different private sector standpoints included: Mr John Dupraz, MP, Switzerland and Vice-President of the Swiss Farmers’ Union, Mr Manab Majumdar, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mr Pascal Kerneis, European Services Forum and Mr Shondeep Banerji, SITPRO, the UK’s trade facilitation agency, who discussed the private sector perspectives on the progress of the Doha negotiations and in which ways, if any, they can assist to bring them to a successful conclusion.

At the end of the AITIC Session held on 10th May 2007 during the 14th Geneva Week for the Non-Resident Members and Observers of the WTO, many participants filled out the AITIC evaluation forms. The feedback provided in this way is valuable in that it enables the Secretariat to better respond to its Members needs.

To thank the participants who had returned their evaluation form, AITIC organised its traditional raffle of AITIC umbrellas. The winners were: Mrs Madeleine SECKA-NJIE (Gambia), Ms Elisangela GONCALVES SALVATERRA (Sao Tomé and Principe), Ms Oneka ARCHER (Guyana), Ms Sofia BOBAK (Belize) and Ms Beatrice DOVE-EDWIN (Sierra Leone). Thanks to all!

Cooperation between AITIC and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu

Mr Bobby Byll, AITIC; Mr Claude Trolliet, Deputy Executive Director, AITIC; Dr Esperanza Durán, Executive Director, AITIC; Mr Matthew W. Chou, Deputy Director-General, the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu; Mr Jerry Chia-hua Chang, Third Secretary, the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu; Mrs Gayatri Kanth, ACICI

On 7 May 2007, AITIC welcomed a delegation from the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu led by Mr Matthew W. Chou, Deputy Director-General, Department of Economic and Trade Affairs. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu and AITIC’s cooperation at the service of the less-advantaged countries. Discussions focused in particular on the Official Training Programme launched by AITIC with the support of the government of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu. Mr Chou expressed his appreciation that this programme had got off to a promising start.

AITIC Forum on Aid for Trade and the Enhanced Integrated Framework and launch of the new version of the AITIC Glossary

As a “wrap-up” session of a series of Stakeholder Consultative Meetings, AITIC held a Forum on Aid for Trade (AFT) and the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) on 3 May 2007, at the Centre International de Conférences de Genève (CICG, Room 3, 10.00-13.00). Representatives of international and regional organisations, donor and recipient countries as well as from the private sector and civil society from the developing and least-developed countries attended.

Participants exchanged views on the outcome of previous Stakeholder Consultative Meetings and considered follow-up measures for effective and coherent delivery of the AFT and EIF initiatives. Field staff from aid agencies and regional development banks provided an in-country perspective on outstanding issues. The objective was to compile a set of recommendations that would constitute building blocks for concrete action supporting developing countries in the process of seeking and implementing assistance under AFT and the EIF.

Private Sector Roundtable: Business Growth in Developing Countries

AITIC hosted a Roundtable for Private Sector and Business Association Representatives from developed and developing countries on 12 April 2007, from 15.00-18.00 at the Centre William Rappard, Room F, Geneva. The event is part of a series of consultations AITIC is conducting among stakeholders of Aid for Trade (AFT) and the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF).

The roundtable meeting explored ways for major companies to improve the business environment and infrastructure in current and potential future markets on the basis of needs identified by the private sector in developing countries. AITIC presented and sought feedback on a new programme offering the private sector an opportunity to improve conditions for business growth in current and future markets through a skills transfer initiative. Participants of previous AITIC Consultative Meetings on AFT and EIF (February 2007) have stressed the need to develop more concrete schemes for cooperation with the private sector in promoting economic growth and development through trade.

A 3 May 2007 Forum for AFT and the EIF will devise specific suggestions for follow-up action based on the outcomes of the Roundtable meeting and previous stakeholder consultations (among recipient countries, bilateral donors, development agencies, regional development banks and multilateral organisations).

Aid for Trade and the Enhanced Integrated Framework: Contributions and Views from Development Agencies, Regional Development Institutions and Multilateral Organisations

Representatives of development agencies, regional and multilateral institutions were invited to the third of a series of stakeholder Consultative Meetings on Aid for Trade (AFT) and the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF). It was held on 12 April 2007, from 10.00-13.00 at the Centre William Rappard, Room F, Geneva.

The event fostered an informal exchange on approaches to the implementation of these initiatives and on how to avoid or overcome obstacles to delivering AFT and the EIF in an effective manner.

Recommendations emanating from the meeting will be brought forward to a Forum for AFT and the EIF, bringing together all stakeholder groups on 3 May 2007. On the basis of the outcome of AITIC’s series of consultations, the Forum will propose options for follow-up measures that would contribute to the operationalisation of AFT and the EIF.

A Decade in the WTO and Future Challenges for Mongolia

On 26 and 27 March 2007 AITIC, in collaboration with the Government of Mongolia, organised a National Workshop in Ulaanbaatar. Participants were briefed on the state of play of the negotiations under the Doha Work Programme (DWP) with a focus on issues of importance to resource-constrained landlocked countries. Experts from Geneva and local representatives examined steps that could be taken by the Mongolian Government to reinforce its negotiating capacity in the area of Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) and Trade Facilitation and improve its aptitude to implement and benefit from the WTO Agreements on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS).

Adapting to WTO Membership and Participating in the Doha Negotiations: Lessons from the Past and Preparing for the Future – Regional Workshop in Tbilisi, Georgia

As part of its Programme of Technical Assistance to Economies in Transition (EITs), AITIC held a Regional Workshop on WTO negotiations in co-operation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia in Tbilisi on 22 and 23 March 2007. More than 50 participants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova and the Russian Federation exchanged their main concerns and experiences regarding some areas of the WTO negotiations under the Doha Work Programme, such as Trade Facilitation, Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS). Experts responded to their questions and presented opportunities and policy options for EITs in the upcoming negotiations.

Flash Meeting: “The US Congress and the Future of the Farm Bill and the Trade Promotion Authority”

• Trade Initiatives in the U.S. Congress and their Implications for the Doha Round, Présentation de M. VanGrasstek
• Hand-Outs to Accompany the Presentation on The US Congress and Future of the Farm Bill and Trade Promotion Authority, M. VanGrasstek

WTO members are stepping up efforts to make progress on the various outstanding issues under the Doha Work Programme (DWP) since its full resumption in February 2007. Most negotiators agree that the US Farm Bill, due for adoption by the US Congress in 2007, and the fate of the US Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), expiring on 30 June 2007, could have an important impact on the negotiations.

With a focus on these issues, Dr Craig VanGrasstek of Washington Trade Reports, a trade policy expert, analysed the state of play of the trade debate in the US Congress and examined implications for the Doha negotiations. The event follows up on a Flash Meeting on “The US Mid-Term Elections and the Future of the Trade Promotion Authority”, held in November 2006.

The Flash Meeting was hosted by AITIC under its Programme on Technical Assistance and Capacity Building on WTO Issues and the Doha Negotiations. It took place on 19 March 2007, from 10.00-13.00, Room 5+6, Centre International de Conférences Genève, rue de Varembé 17.

Aid for Trade and Enhanced Integrated Framework – Views from Bilateral Donors

AITIC held a Consultative Meeting with Sponsoring Members and other bilateral donors on the Aid for Trade and the enhanced Integrated Framework (IF) initiatives. It took place on Tuesday, 27 February 2007 at the Centre de Conférences de Varembé, Geneva.

The purpose was to discuss with the donor community the results of a meeting with AITIC’s Participating Members and non-residents (22 February 2007). Different developing country groups, i.e. LDCs, SVEs, LLDCs, (45 participants from 37 delegations) had expressed their interests and concerns with the implementation of Aid for Trade and the enhanced IF on that occasion. A report capturing the central points raised was circulated for the preparation of the donor Consultative Meeting.

Proposals emanating from these consultations will be taken up at a follow-up meeting on 3 May 2007 among representatives of intergovernmental organisations, bilateral development agencies and Geneva-based trade negotiators.

Capacity-Building for LAC Government Officials – A Programme in Cooperation with the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu

On 26 February 2007, the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, represented by HE Yi-Fu Lin, Permanent Representative to the WTO, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AITIC for the launching of a Professional Training Programme.

As of April 2007, mid-level or senior officials from the less-advantaged countries and one Professional Trainee from Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu will be offered an opportunity to build their expertise on WTO negotiations and the work of trade-related institutions based in Geneva. During a 6-8 month-period at the AITIC Secretariat, the trainees will participate in the activities of intergovernmental organisations and also contribute to AITIC’s programmes of assistance. Participants will return to capitals with a better understanding of international trade and improved professional skills so as to enhance trade policy-making capacities in their national administrations. Terms and conditions for participation in the Professional Training Programme will be announced shortly on the AITIC website.

AITIC Consultative Meeting on Aid for Trade and the Enhanced Integrated Framework

AITIC organised a Consultative Meeting on Aid for Trade and the Enhanced Integrated Framework with its Participating Members on 22 February 2007 at the Centre de Conférences de Varembé, Geneva.

After the Task Forces on Aid for Trade and the Enhanced Integrated Framework submitted their reports in summer 2006, work is underway to put their recommendations into practice. The meeting raised and examined outstanding issues of concern to Participating Members. Government officials had the opportunity to brainstorm on ways to ensure that Aid for Trade and the enhanced Integrated Framework succeed in promoting trade as an engine of economic growth and development. To set the background for the discussions AITIC circulated draft information notes on these initiatives prior to the event.

The main points and proposals resulting from the discussions will be presented in a report to a follow-up meeting, which will be convened among representatives of intergovernmental organisations, bilateral development agencies and Geneva-based trade negotiators on 3 May 2007.

The Republic of Gabon and AITIC Strengthen Collaboration

Mr Tidzani Malem, Director General of the Intellectual Property Centre of Gabon; Mr Aristide Ebang Essono, Minister Counsellor; HE Mr Patrice Tonda, Ambassador; HE Mr Paul Biyogue Mba, Minister of Trade, Industrial Development and in charge of NEPAD; Dr Esperanza Durán, AITIC; Mr Bobby Byll, AITIC; Mrs Gayatri Kanth, AITIC

HE Mr Paul Biyogué Mba, Minister of Trade, Industrial Development and in charge of NEPAD, of the Republic of Gabon, met with Dr Esperanza Durán, Executive Director of AITIC, on 19 February 2007. Reinforcing human and institutional trade-related capacities was in the centre of discussions. Gabon's second Trade Policy Review at the WTO is due on 2 and 4 October 2007. In addition to assistance in this important undertaking, AITIC will also support the government of Gabon in the implementation of projects aimed at mainstreaming trade into its development strategies.

Visit by the Minister of Trade of the Republic of Chad

Mrs Gayatri Kanth, AITIC; HE Mr Malloum Bamanga Abbas, Chad; HE Mr Youssouf Abassalah, Chad; Dr Esperanza Durán, AITIC; Mr Bobby Byll, AITIC

On the sidelines of the Republic of Chad’s Trade Policy Review at the WTO, a delegation led by HE Mr Youssouf Abassalah, Minister of Trade and Handicrafts, paid a visit to the AITIC Secretariat on 24 January 2007.

HE Mr Youssouf Abassalah was keen to thank AITIC for its background work and for the assistance provided to the Chad authorities in setting up their Permanent Mission in Geneva in 2005. Discussions with AITIC’s Executive Director, Dr Esperanza Durán, focused on reinforcing the relationship between AITIC and the Republic of Chad and in particular on its trade-related technical assistance and capacity-building needs.

Progress made on Côte d’Ivoire’s Accession to AITIC

Mrs Gayatri Kanth, AITIC; Mr Gabriel Kohou, Côte d'Ivoire; Dr Esperanza Durán, AITIC; HE Mr Guy-Alain Emmanuel Gauze, Côte d'Ivoire; Mr Bobby Byll, AITIC

HE Mr Guy-Alain Emmanuel Gauze, Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to the WTO, accompanied by Mr Gabriel Kohou, Trade Counsellor, visited AITIC’s offices on 24 January 2007.

Having taken office recently, Ambassador Gauze sought detailed information on AITIC’s activities on trade-related technical assistance to the less-advantaged countries (LACs). He also expressed that Côte d’Ivoire was willing to accede to AITIC as a Participating Member, which would enable this country to benefit from the full range of the Agency’s services and capacity-building activities.

The meeting also focused on the specific interests of Côte d’Ivoire in the WTO activities and the Doha negotiations.