Opening of the Permanent Mission of the Central African Republic

The Central African Republic, a least-developed country, has established a Permanent Mission in Geneva which is situated at 9, chemin de Taverney, 1218 Grand- Saconnex as of 19 December 2008. To facilitate the process of opening of the Permanent Mission, HE Mr Léopold Ismaël SAMBA, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Central African Republic to the United Nations and the WTO, made use of the services offered by AITIC’s Non-Residents’ Unit for the past 11 months.

Departure of the Ambassador of the Republic of Congo

On 16 December 2008, HE Mr Julien-Roger Menga, Ambassador of the Republic of Congo to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations at Geneva, bid farewell to the AITIC Secretariat. Ambassador Menga has been a strong supporter of AITIC since the Agency’s beginning and the Republic of Congo was one of the first signatories of the AITIC Agreement. The cooperation between the Republic of Congo and AITIC has always been very productive. The Agency has supported the Republic of Congo’s efforts to better integrate the multilateral trading system, through the provision of trade-related technical assistance.  Furthermore, this year Ambassador Menga served as President of the Council of Representatives of AITIC. The AITIC Secretariat wishes HE Mr Menga every success for the future.

AITIC takes part in the XIX Meeting of International Cooperation Directors for Latin America and the Caribbean

On 9 and 10 December 2008, AITIC took part in the XIX Meeting of International Cooperation Directors for Latin America and the Caribbean in Mexico City. Organised by the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA) and the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs of Mexico (SRE), the meeting focused on “International Cooperation for Trade Facilitation in Latin America and the Caribbean”.

The meeting aimed to review experiences on trade facilitation in Latin America and the Caribbean as well as the state of play of the relevant multilateral negotiations and identify and assess programmes, projects and funding from development agencies and regional and international organisations. AITIC was invited to participate in the meeting to deliver a presentation on “International Cooperation for Trade Facilitation in Latin America and the Caribbean: Towards a Regional Programme”.

Launch of AITIC’s 10th Anniversary Publication

To mark AITIC’s ten years of work on trade issues in favour of the less-advantaged countries (LACs), AITIC has edited a book of essays on the increasingly important role of developing countries in the multilateral trade system. Published by London-based Cameron May, the book is due out in early December.

The launch of AITIC’s 10th Anniversary Publication: The Doha Era and Beyond: the Coming of Age of Developing Countries in the Multilateral Trading System, took place on Friday 5 December 2008 in the Centre de Conférences de Varembé.

The publication highlights the trends in the evolution of the multilateral trading system and different points of view are provided by prominent members of the international trade community. For more information, please see the flyer here.

The meeting was an opportunity for some of the leading voices in international trade today, including some of the authors who contributed to the book, to present their thoughts on developing countries’ advances in the multilateral trading system during the past ten years and the challenges that lie ahead.

The presentations were followed by an opportunity to view the publication and have an informal discussion with the authors.

AITIC Post Trade Policy Special Session: Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic presented its third Trade Policy Review (TPR) on 24 and 26 November 2008 at the WTO. On this occasion, AITIC and the Government of the Dominican Republic held the Post TPR Special Session of the Dominican Republic: Aid for Trade Opportunities, which took place on Thursday 27 November 2008 at the Centre William Rappard, Geneva.

Organised as part of AITIC’s Programme “Assistance to LACs on their WTO Trade Policy Review”, this meeting was an opportunity for the delegation of the Dominican Republic to present the economic reforms carried out by this country and the challenges ahead. Discussions focused on the Dominican Republic’s trade-related technical assistance needs, on the basis of a number of concrete Aid for Trade projects.

Representatives of cooperation and development intergovernmental organisations and permanent delegations in Geneva attended the meeting.

Presentations (in spanish):

• Export and Investment Profile of the Dominican Republic, Ms Raquel Rodríguez, Dominican Republic - Part I & part II
• Directorate General of Customs Profile, Mr Eduardo Rodríguez and Mr José Rivas Tavarez, Dominican Republic
• International Trade Capacity Building Profile, Ms Stephanie Larson, Dominican Republic
• Agro-fishery Sector Profile, Ms Ruth Montes de Oca, Dominican Republic
• National Competitiveness Council Profile, Ms Stephanie Larson, Dominican Republic - Part I & part II

Contact persons in the Dominican Republic

AITIC Training Session on the Agreement on Agriculture

As part of its technical assistance and capacity building activities, AITIC held a Training Session on the Uruguay Round Agreement on Agriculture for the English-speaking African countries WTO delegates. The session took place over two half days on 19 and 20 November 2008 on the AITIC premises.

The training covered three main aspects: (1) the main provisions on domestic support, market access and export competition as well as the implementation experience; (2) notification obligations under the Agreement on Agriculture; and (3) an overview of the current negotiations on agriculture with a specific focus on issues of concern to developing countries.

The Minister for Trade, Industry and Tourism of Vanuatu visits AITIC

On Thurday 13 November 2008, the Hon. James Bule, Minister for Trade, Industry and Tourism of Vanuatu, paid a visit to AITIC. He presented the progress made by his country in its accession to the WTO and in the regulatory reforms this would require. The discussion focused as well on the technical assistance needs of Vanuatu in these regards.

The Minister was in Geneva to take part in the Geneva Week for non-resident members and observers of the WTO, to undertake informal bilaterals with the WTO accession working party members and to visit the multilateral agencies supporting Vanuatu in its accession to the WTO.

AITIC Briefing Session during the 17th Geneva Week for Non-Resident Members and Observers of the WTO

In the context of the 17th Geneva Week for the Non-Resident Members and Observers of the WTO held on 10 - 14 November 2008 at the Centre William Rappard, Geneva, AITIC organised its Briefing Session on Thursday 13 November.

In light of the current international financial meltdown, the food price crisis and the general concern regarding the uncertain future of the Doha negotiations, it seems timely to examine what are the repercussions for developing and least-developed countries of further delays in wrapping up the Doha round. In this light, AITIC’s Briefing Session focused on the question of the “Implications of Protracted Doha Negotiations on the Less-Advantaged Countries: Is a Partial Deal Better than No Deal?”

First Trade Policy Review of Jordan

On 10 and 12 November 2008, the Trade Policy Review Body met at the WTO to undertake Jordan’s first Trade Policy Review.

The country acceded to the WTO in April 2000 and has been an AITIC Participating Member since 2004.

AITIC takes part in the International Conference on Intellectual Property

Upon the invitation of the African Intellectual Property Organisation (OAPI), AITIC took part in the International Conference on Intellectual Property and the Economic and Social Development of the OAPI Member States, jointly organised by OAPI and the Government of the Republic of Senegal, from 4 to 6 November 2008in Dakar, Senegal.

Bringing together African and foreign senior officials in charge of intellectual property issues, financial institutions and development partners, the meeting addressed development issues in Africa, and in particular in the OAPI member countries, and discussed possible solutions an optimal management of intellectual property could bring.

In addition to a presentation on the main theme of the Conference, AITIC participated in the Workshop on “Extension, dissemination of technical information, IT reform, electronic filing of IPs, etc.”. The outcome of the Conference was the adoption of the Dakar Declaration.

AITIC Briefing Session on the CARIFORUM EPA

On demand from several Participating Members, AITIC organised a Briefing Session on the “Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs): Main Aspects of the CARIFORUM EPA”, which took place on Thursday 30 October 2008 at the Crowne Plaza Europa Hotel in Brussels (Belgium).

The CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is the first such agreement concluded between an ACP regional group and the EU and its coverage is fairly comprehensive. The meeting focused on issues of negotiating interest to the other regional groupings still involved in EPA negotiations: services and investment, agriculture and intellectual property, as well as competition and government procurement. Speakers included key negotiators from the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery who shared their expert views and practical insights.

The Republic of Angola makes a symbolic financial contribution to AITIC

In recognition of AITIC’s work in favour of less-advantaged countries, and particularly of least-developed countries, the Republic of Angola’s Trade Representation in Switzerland and to the WTO has decided to make a symbolic financial contribution to AITIC.

Mr Lukonde LUANSI, Minister Counsellor and Head of Angola’s Trade Representation in Geneva, said that “AITIC’s services (…) are essential for understanding and participating in the negotiations of the WTO and other international trade-related organisations”.

AITIC Training Session on the Agreement on Agriculture

As part of its technical assistance and capacity building activities, AITIC held a Training Session on the Uruguay Round Agreement on Agriculture for the English-speaking Asian-Pacific and the Caribbean countries WTO delegates. The session took place over two half days, on 28 and 29 October 2008 on the AITIC premises, Geneva.

The training covered three main aspects: (1) the main provisions on domestic support, market access and export competition as well as the implementation experience; (2) notification obligations under the Agreement on Agriculture; and (3) an overview of the current negotiations on agriculture with a specific focus on issues of concern to developing countries.

The training aimed to reinforce the technical knowledge of delegates based in Geneva, allowing them to better understand the main provisions of the Agreement on Agriculture and to participate more effectively in the WTO negotiations on agriculture.

AITIC Flash Meeting on the Agricultural Safeguards

On Wednesday 22 October 2008, AITIC organised a Flash Meeting on “Agriculture Safeguards: Make-or-Break Issues in the Doha Negotiations?” in the Centre de conferences de Varembé, Geneva.

Failure to agree on the Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) for developing countries in the discussions on the modalities in agriculture at the July 2008 mini-ministerial meeting on the Doha negotiations was reported as the main cause for the collapse of the talks. In light of the importance assigned by the developing countries to the SSM, the Flash Meeting provided an opportunity to examine the issue of safeguards more closely.

Presentations included an account of the lessons learned from the WTO agreement on Safeguards; a brief on the usefulness of the Special Safeguard in the Agreement on Agriculture (SSG); and an analysis of the ability of the SSM to mitigate the impact of import surges. The presentations were followed by a discussion.

Presentations:

• “Agreement on Safeguards”, Mr Hiromi Yano, Counsellor, Rules Division, WTO
• “Special Safeguard (SSG) of the Agreement on Agriculture – what has been the experience?”, Mr Panos Konandreas, AITIC
• “Special Safeguard Mechanism: An appropriate mechanism to mitigate the impacts of import surges?”, Mr Jamie Morrison, Trade and Markets Division, FAO, Rome

The Republic of Sudan accedes to AITIC

AITIC is pleased to announce that the Republic of Sudan has become AITIC’s 59th Participating Member. Pursuant to Article 17, paragraph 3, of the Agreement Establishing AITIC as an Intergovernmental Organisation, the accession is effective 30 days after having deposited the Instrument of Accession with Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, i.e. on 19 October 2008.

National Seminar in Benin

AITIC organised a National Seminar in Cotonou, Benin, on the “Multilateral Trade Negotiations and Trade-related Assistance: Issues and Priorities for Benin”, which took place on 16 and 17 October 2008 at the Cotonou International Conference Centre.

The Seminar focused on topics related to the Doha Work Programme, such as agriculture, intellectual property and services as well the Enhanced Integrated Framework and Aid for Trade. The latter was considered in the light of national experience.

National technical assistance needs were also examined.

The event was attended by representatives of the relevant ministries, the private sector, multilateral partners, civil society, national courts and academia.

Article published in the local press (in french)

AITIC National Workshop in Sudan

On 13 and 14 October 2008, AITIC held a National Workshop in Khartoum, Sudan, on the “Review of the Doha Work Programme and Implications for Sudan”.

The workshop provided participants with an overview of the state of play of the WTO Doha negotiations. Presentations focused on the role of trade and the multilateral trading system for least-developed countries (LDCs), on the main negotiating areas such as agriculture and NAMA, and on trade and development. This last session looked in particular at ways of accelerating the accession of LDCs to the WTO, since Sudan is not yet a member of the WTO.

AITIC published last month a Situation Report “The July Collapse: Picking Up the Pieces?”, which analyses in detail the current state of play of the Doha negotiations, following the collapse of the mini-ministerial meeting in July 2008.

AITIC meets a delegation from Grenada

A delegation from Grenada paid a courtesy visit to AITIC on 7 October 2008. The delegation was headed by HE Mr V. Nazim Burke, Minister of Finance, Planning, Energy, Foreign Trade and Cooperatives, and Ms Sally-Anne Bagwhan-Logie, Director of International Trade and Export Development.

After a presentation of the country’s current economic situation and of its most pressing objectives in order to create an economic growth-conducive environment, Grenada requested AITIC’s assistance, in particular in building the capacity of its government officials to defend the country’s interests in future trade negotiations.

AITIC National Workshop in Uganda on TRIPS and Trade Facilitation

From 6 to 8 October 2008, AITIC held a National Workshop in Kampala, Uganda, on trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS) and Trade Facilitation.

The focus of the first two-day workshop, entitled “TRIPS Agreement: Implications for Uganda”, was on implementation issues of the TRIPS Agreement, TRIPS and public health and geographical indications and trade facilitation.

During the workshop on Trade Facilitation, held on 8 October, presentations were made on the state of play of the trade facilitation negotiations at the WTO and the linking of Aid for Trade and trade facilitation. This subject is of particular importance to Uganda as a landlocked developing country. National experiences were also discussed.

AITIC attends the High-Level Plenary Meeting on the Midterm Review of the Almaty Programme of Action for LLDCs

On 2 and 3 October 2008, AITIC attended high-level plenary meetings devoted to the Midterm Review of the Almaty Programme of Action for landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), organised by the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York.

The midterm review offered the international community the opportunity to develop strategies towards the establishment of efficient transit transport systems and focus on what can be done to push forward the development agenda of LLDCs and transit developing countries. Prior to the review, thematic meetings were organised earlier this year on major focus areas such as transit transport infrastructure development and international trade and trade facilitation.

AITIC-OECD Informal Roundtable Discussion on the Aid for Trade Questionnaire

Further to the consultations it held earlier in the year with representatives of the countries who benefit from the Aid for Trade (AFT) initiative (the so-called “Partner Countries”) AITIC organised, in collaboration with the OECD, an Informal Roundtable Discussion on the AFT questionnaire on Friday 26 September 2008 at the Centre de conférences de Varembé.

The AFT questionnaire has been revised over the summer to take into account the comments and recommendations of Partner Countries’ delegates. The aim of the meeting was to review and validate the revised AFT questionnaire that will be circulated soon by the OECD. The questionnaire is the main instrument designed for the assessment of the AFT initiative. In preparation for the second Global AFT Review scheduled mid-2009, the 2009 assessment and monitoring process will be officially launched at the meeting of the Committee on Trade and Development (CTD) of the WTO on 13 October 2008.

The Republic of Azerbaijan accedes to AITIC

AITIC is pleased to announce that the Republic of Azerbaijan has become AITIC’s 58th Participating Member. Pursuant to Article 17, paragraph 3, of the Agreement Establishing AITIC as an Intergovernmental Organisation, the accession is effective 30 days after having deposited the Instrument of Accession with Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, i.e. on 26 September 2008.

AITIC Session during the WTO Public Forum 2008

In the context of the WTO Public Forum 2008 – “Trading into the Future” – AITIC held a Session on “A GSP for Services: An Essential Tool or a Gimmick?”. The session took place on Thursday 25 September 2008, in the Centre William Rappard.

The Session aimed to explore how to provide special and differential treatment to developing countries, in particular LDCs, in trade in services. In this regard, AITIC invited representatives from a preference-granting country, an LDC and the private sector to discuss possible solutions that negotiators may wish to consider to advance their work on special and differential treatment in services. A general discussion with the floor followed the presentations of the three speakers.

Visit of a delegation from Cape Verde

On the margin of the 55th Session of the Trade and Development Board of UNCTAD, and in particular of a Special Session on Cape Verde’s integration in the global economy, a delegation from this country visited AITIC on 23 September 2008.

The delegation was composed of Ms Alcidia Alfama, Director-General of Trade, Mr Antonio Pedro Alves Lopes, Director-General of International Cooperation and of Mr Manuel Pinheiro, Director-General of Planification.

Following Cape Verde’s accession to the WTO at the end of 2007 and its recent graduation from the list of the least-developed countries (LDCs), the country is now entering a transition period which should last until 2015 and during which its WTO commitments will have to be implemented. During this period, in addition to the support from the international community, Cape Verde requested from AITIC technical assistance in areas such as services, customs, the multilateral trading system, sensitive products and preference erosion.

AITIC takes part in the Annual Session 2008 of the Parliamentary Conference on the WTO

Photo credit: H.SALGADO

On 11 and 12 September 2008, AITIC took part in the Annual Session 2008 of the Parliamentary Conference on the WTO, jointly organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the European Parliament.

At a time when the future of the Doha Round remains uncertain, the parliamentarians at the session had the opportunity to question key WTO negotiators on important issues, receive information on recent developments in the WTO talks and exchange views on possible ways forward.

AITIC took part in an interactive panel discussion on the theme “Defusing the threat of conflicts over food and energy through trade”, which focused on economic and political consequences of food shortages and soaring energy prices and the role of international trade in adjusting supply and demand. In June 2008, AITIC published a Background Note entitled "The WTO’s Role in Resolving the Food Price Crisis: Relevant or Superfluous?".

AITIC participated in UNIDO Workshop on Aid for Trade and the Integrated Framework in LDCs

On 8-9 September 2008, AITIC took part in a Workshop on Aid for Trade and the Integrated Framework in LDCs, organised by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Kigali, Rwanda, as a follow-up to the Vienna Ministerial Declaration adopted by LDCs on 30 November 2007.

The workshop assisted in the preparation for the LDCs Ministerial Conference of 19-20 November 2008 in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Discussions were based on a Concept Paper on “AFT: An Industrial Agenda for LDCs” recently issued by UNIDO and WTO. The workshop focused in particular on the pilot EIF programmes prepared by UNIDO for eight countries: Benin, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Lesotho, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal and Yemen.

Aid for Trade Seminar TaiwanICDF–AITIC

The International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) and AITIC jointly organised a Seminar on Aid for Trade which took place on Wednesday 20 August 2008 in Taipei, the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu.

The seminar was opened by HE Mr Francisco H. L. Ou, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and addressed three of the main guiding principles of Aid for Trade identified in the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness: harmonisation, public private partnerships and ownership.

National Workshop in the Gambia

At the request of the Gambia, AITIC held a National Workshop on “Notification Requirements under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreements” from 5 to 7 August 2008 in Banjul, the Gambia.

The Sessions of the Workshop focused on the SPS and TBT Agreements, providing information on the background of the agreements, their main objectives, key provisions as well as their implementation. Over the course of the three days, the participants were provided with hands-on practical exercises on the notification process for the products of interest to the Gambia and on the general understanding of both agreements.

This Workshop was organised within the context of the demand-driven technical assistance AITIC provides to its Participating Members, whether relating to the multilateral trade negotiations or to any other trade-related issue of particular interest to them.

Articles published in the local press

AITIC takes part in a Regional Seminar in Bujumbura

In the context of its partnership with the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), AITIC took part in the regional seminar organised for the members of the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (Burundi, Republic of Congo and Rwanda) from 29 to 31 July 2008 in Bujumbura, Burundi.

The meeting aimed to inform participants – members of parliament, government officials and civil society representatives – on the state of play of the Doha negotiations and the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) negotiations, since the meeting that took place in Kigali (Rwanda) in October 2007 on the same issues.

Working Session ICDF – AITIC

On 25 July 2008, Dr. Pai Po Lee Deputy Secretary General of the International Cooperation and Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF), and Ms Cathy H.T. Wang, visited AITIC.

AITIC and ICDF are jointly organising a seminar on Aid for Trade to be held on 20 August 2008 in Taipei. The seminar will address the three main guiding principles of Aid for Trade: Harmonisation, Public Private Partnerships and Ownership.

In April 2008, AITIC and ICDF signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise their cooperation and to share their experience on trade-related technical assistance in favour of developing and least-developed countries.

The Republic of Guinea Bissau accedes to AITIC

AITIC is pleased to announce that the Republic of Guinea Bissau has become AITIC’s 57th Participating Member. Pursuant to Article 17, paragraph 3, of the Agreement Establishing AITIC as an Intergovernmental Organisation, the accession becomes effective 30 days after having deposited the Instrument of Accession with Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, i.e. on 25 July 2008.

AITIC welcomes the Republic of Guinea Bissau and looks forward to providing it with its trade-related technical assistance activities and services.

Suriname requests AITIC’s technical assistance

On 21 July 2008, HE Mr Clifford P. MARICA, Minister, Ministry of Trade and Industry, and HE Mr Gerhard Otmar HIWAT, Ambassador of Suriname, visited AITIC.

As an AITIC Non-Resident Participating Member, Suriname sought AITIC’s assistance to organise a National Seminar on the Agriculture and NAMA modalities within the Doha Work Programme. The purpose of the seminar would be to raise awareness on the ongoing Doha issues, and consider in particular the implications of the negotiations and their impact on certain sectors of Suriname’s economy. Ambassador HIWAT also requested use of the AITIC’s Non-Residents’ Unit (NRU) when Suriname wanted to conduct or participate in meetings in Geneva.

AITIC welcomes a delegation from Tajikistan

A delegation from Tajikistan, composed of Messrs Jamshed KHAMIDOV and Nasimjon HAKIMOV visited AITIC on 16 July 2008.

As a non-resident country, the authorities from Tajikistan were given the assurance that AITIC would support and assist them in their accession process to the WTO. To support the country in this undertaking, AITIC put its Non Residents’ Unit (NRU) at the disposal of Tajikistan.

Furthermore, the meeting allowed for a fruitful exchange on collaboration between Tajikistan and AITIC during which the Agency presented the trade-related capacity building services and activities it provides to non-resident countries.

A CAR Ministerial Delegation visits AITIC

On 11 July 2008, during a visit to Geneva, HE Mr Faustin-Archange TOUADERA, Prime Minister of the Central African Republic (CAR), met with Dr Esperanza Durán, AITIC’s Executive Director.

On this occasion, the subjects addressed were the cooperation between AITIC and the CAR and the trade-related capacity building needs of the country. Discussions also focused on the ongoing WTO negotiations as well as the results of the Doha Round and its implications for the least-developed countries (LDCs), and in particular the CAR.

Visit by the Republic of Seychelles

On 9 July 2008, the Republic of Seychelles represented by Mr Charles Morin, Director-General Department of Trade, Ministry of Finance, with his delegation visited AITIC, to discuss the country’s accession process to the WTO. The Republic of Seychelles became an AITIC Participating Member in May 2008.

AITIC Briefing Session during the 16th Geneva Week for Non-Residents

The 16th Geneva Week for Non-Resident Members and Observers of the WTO is being held from 30 June to 4 July 2008. In this context, AITIC organised a Briefing Session on “ AITIC’s Non-Residents’ Unit – A Home Away from Home” on Tuesday 1 July 2008 from 15:00 to 18:00 at the Centre William Rappard.

The Session focused first of all on the services provided by AITIC to the Non-Residents through its Non-Residents’ Unit. Different speakers went on to present the role played by the Swiss Confederation and the Canton of Geneva in terms of the establishment of permanent missions in Geneva.

To thank the participants who had returned their evaluation form, AITIC organised its traditional raffle of AITIC umbrellas. The winners were: Mr Sylvestre KASSAY KAIN, Director of External Trade, Central African Republic, Mr Abdula THAWFEEQ, Maldives, and Mme Audrey DINE, Advisor, Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles in Brussels. Thanks to all!

AITIC takes part in the Sub-regional Trade Policy Course in Guinea Bissau

From 24 to 27 June 2008, AITIC took part in the Sub-Regional Trade Policy Course in Bissau, Guinea Bissau, jointly organised by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) for the member countries of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU).

As well as representatives from the country hosting the event, the course brought together 31 participants from the following countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Niger Senegal and Togo.

The course focused mainly on the WTO negotiations and the EPA negotiations between West Africa and the European Union (EU) and provided a reminder of some of the basic principles of the multilateral trade system. In addition to its contribution to the discussions, AITIC made presentations on Aid for Trade, the Enhanced Integrated Framework and the negotiations on trade facilitation.

Interview with Dr Hakim Ben Hammouda, Director of the WTO’s Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation (ITTC)

Dr Hakim Ben Hammouda

Training Session on Services for delegates from Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East

The last AITIC Training Session on the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) took place over two half-days on 17 and 18 June 2008 on the AITIC premises. The session was for Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Middle East Geneva-based delegations.

The event aimed to reinforce the technical knowledge of Geneva-based delegates, allowing them to better understand the main provisions of the GATS and to participate more effectively in the WTO negotiations on services.

The session covered, inter alia, the main provisions of the GATS and the structure of the schedules of specific commitments. It also offered an overview of the current negotiations on services according to the interests of Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Middle East countries. Presentations involved practical examples and exercises.

These training sessions are part of AITIC’s technical assistance and capacity building activities. Earlier sessions were held for groups of countries from Africa as well as from Asia, Pacific and the Caribbean.

AITIC and OAPI sign a Cooperation Agreement

AITIC and the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) have signed a Cooperation Agreement. The ceremony took place on 16 June 2008 on the AITIC premises in the presence of Dr Paulin Edou Edou, Director General of OAPI, and Dr Esperanza Durán, Executive Director of AITIC.

The Agreement formalises the relations between the two institutions and aims to increase their collaboration to strengthen trade-related capacities and to promote the protection of intellectual property rights in Africa as a development factor.

Cooperation between AITIC, WTO and OIF in Central Africa

Together with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), AITIC took part in the Sub-Regional Trade Policy Course in Brazzaville (Republic of Congo) from 10 to 13 June 2008. The course was organised by the WTO and the OIF for the French-speaking African member countries of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).

The course brought together 45 participants from countries of the sub-region (Burundi, Cameroun, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Sao Tomé and Principe), ECCAS and CEMAC.

After a reminder of the basic principles of the multilateral trade system, the course provided an update on the state of play of the WTO negotiations as well as the EPA negotiations between the European Union and the Central African region. AITIC contributed to answer the participants’ questions on a variety of subjects and made presentations on the Enhanced Integrated Framework, Aid for Trade and the negotiations on trade in services.

The Sub-Regional Course was very successful amongst participants. They appreciated the quality of the information and analyses that were presented to them as well as the excellent cooperation between the WTO, OIF and AITIC on this occasion.

AITIC held a Training Session on Services

As part of its technical assistance and capacity building activities, AITIC held a Training Session on the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) for the Asia, Pacific and the Caribbean WTO delegates. The session took place over two half-days on 4 and 5 June 2008.

The event aimed to reinforce the technical knowledge of Geneva-based delegates, allowing them to better understand the main provisions of the GATS and to participate more effectively in the WTO negotiations on services.

The session covered, inter alia, the main provisions of the GATS and the structure of the schedules of specific commitments. It also offered an overview of the current negotiations on services according to the interests of Asia, Pacific and Caribbean countries. Presentations involved practical examples and exercises.

A delegation from Sudan visits AITIC

On Friday 16 May 2008, HE Mr Badr Eddin Sulieman, National Negotiator for Sudan’s accession to the WTO, accompanied by a delegation from the Sudanese Mission paid a courtesy visit to AITIC.

HE Mr Sulieman is in Geneva for two weeks to conduct bilateral negotiations with WTO members on the accession of his country.

Sudan has been benefiting from the services of AITIC for many years. HE Mr Sulieman was very appreciative of the personalised assistance his country had received in the recent past, in particular on the agriculture negotiations. Discussions focused on the needs of Sudan for further assistance, especially to support their WTO accession process. The subjects of most interest to them were trade in services and the role of trade in economic development. HE Mr Sulieman would welcome the organisation of national workshops on these subjects with representatives from the universities, parliament, media, private sector and other interested parties. Sudan was also interested in the way to make the various AITIC publications and documents more accessible nationally.

The latest version of AITIC’s Glossary of Commonly Used International Trade Terminology with Particular Reference to the WTO was presented to the delegation.

AITIC and ITC National Seminar on Trade Facilitation

As part of its trade-related capacity building activities, AITIC, in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), held a National Seminar on Trade Facilitation: Multilateral Negotiations and Free-Trade Agreements in Mexico City, Mexico, on 7-8 May 2008.

The seminar discussed trade facilitation experiences in Latin America, considered the progress made in the related WTO negotiations and the relevance of free trade agreements. It provided a forum for government officials and representatives of other organisations to share their experiences in this area.

Various experts presented their views and experience on trade facilitation. The seminar was made up of three sessions which focused first on the current trade facilitation negotiations before considering experiences of implementation of trade facilitation measures at national and then at regional level. The private sector of Mexico participated in the seminar and contributed to the discussions.

AITIC recently issued two Background Notes on Trade Facilitation: “Trade Facilitation and Aid for Trade: Unlocking the Landlocked” and “Trade Facilitation – So Near, Yet So Far”.

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

In May 2008, students of the Masters in International Trade Policy (MITP) at the University of West Indies will spend two weeks in Geneva to gain insight into the work of the WTO and meet international trade experts.

In this context, AITIC organised an Information Session on 6 May 2008 in its offices.

The session began with an overview of the activities carried out by AITIC over the past few years with a view to addressing the trade-related technical assistance needs of the less-advantaged countries, in particular the OECS members. 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).

The Republic of Seychelles and the Republic of Senegal accede to AITIC

AITIC is pleased to announce that the Republic of Seychelles and the Republic of Senegal will become AITIC’s 55th and 56th Participating Members. Pursuant to Article 17, paragraph 3, of the Agreement Establishing AITIC as an Intergovernmental Organisation, the accessions will become effective 30 days after having deposited the Instrument of Accession with Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, i.e. on 8 and 11 May 2008 respectively.

AITIC welcomes these countries and looks forward to providing them its technical assistance activities and services.

New Zealand supports AITIC activities

AITIC is pleased to announce that it has received a contribution of NZ$ 200,000 from the Government of New Zealand in support of its work and activities in favour of the less-advantaged countries (LACs). This contribution forms part of New Zealand’s efforts to reduce international poverty, in which trade plays a significant role.

On this occasion, the New Zealand Deputy Permanent Representative in Geneva stated that “AITIC provides valuable assistance to LACs participating in the multilateral trading system. New Zealand’s decision to contribute funding represents our confidence in [AITIC’s] ability to continue anticipating and responding to the needs of LACs in pursuit of their trade policy objectives”.

AITIC and ICDF sign a Memorandum of Understanding

On 30 April 2008, AITIC and the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Guatemala City during a joint seminar on “Trade Facilitation in Central America” (28-30 April 2008).

The MOU formalises the cooperation between ICDF and AITIC. Inter alia, they agreed to share their experience in the field of trade for the developing and least-developed countries (LDCs), and to organise regional workshops to respond to the needs of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa and Asia to build their capacity on trade related issues and to lead a more effective trade diplomacy.

In this context, ICDF has invited AITIC to make a presentation at the ICDF workshop on trade facilitation scheduled in Taipei from 13 to 26 August 2008.

Regional Seminar AITIC / ICDF in Guatemala

As part of its technical assistance programme in favour of the less-advantaged countries, AITIC, in collaboration with the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) and the Ministry of Economy of Guatemala, organised a Regional Seminar on “Trade Facilitation in Central America” which took place in Guatemala City (Guatemala) from 28 to 30 April 2008.

The seminar aimed to encourage trade facilitation initiatives at a regional level and provided a forum for national representatives to share their experiences in this area.

Speakers discussed the state of play of negotiations on trade facilitation in the WTO and the position of the countries of Central America in these negotiations, progress in trade facilitation at a regional level and future challenges, national experiences in term of needs assessment as well as the implementation of trade facilitation measures both at national and regional level.

AITIC and UNIDO sign a Relationship Agreement in Accra, Ghana

AITIC and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) concluded a relationship agreement, which formalises the cooperation between the two organisations on matters of mutual interest.

The signature ceremony took place on Friday 25th April 2008 in Accra, Ghana, during the 12th Session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XII).

AITIC Post Trade Policy Special Session: Republic of Mauritius

The Republic of Mauritius presented its third Trade Policy Review (TPR) on 23 and 25 April 2008 at the WTO. On this occasion, AITIC and the Government of Mauritius held the Post TPRSpecial Session of Mauritius: Aid for Trade and Reform of the Economy, which took placeon Friday 25 April 2008 at the Centre William Rappard, Geneva.

Organised as part of AITIC’s Programme “Assistance to LACs on their WTO Trade Policy Review”, this meeting was an opportunity for the delegation of Mauritius to present the economic reforms it has carried out recently. The discussions focused on Mauritius’ trade-related technical assistance needs, on the basis of concrete Aid for Trade projects aiming to increase trade and to support the national development strategy.

Representatives of cooperation and development intergovernmental organisations, the private sector and permanent delegations in Geneva attended the meeting.

To thank the participants who had returned their evaluation form, AITIC organised its traditional raffle of AITIC umbrellas. The winners are: Mr Saturnin ABOGHE, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Gabon, Ms Dineswaeree MOHUN, Minister Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Mauritius and Mr Ndiaga MBOUP, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Senegal. Thanks to all!

AITIC and UN-OHRLLS High-Level Ministerial Meeting in Accra, Ghana

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is holding its 12th Session in Accra, Ghana, from 20-25 April 2008. As a pre-Conference event, the AITIC Secretariat and the United Nations Office of High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) co-organised a High-Level Meeting on “Trade Facilitation and Aid for Trade: Keys for Unlocking the Landlocked”. The event took place on 19 April 2008 at the Accra International Conference Centre.

Statements:

• Opening remarks by Dr Esperanza Durán, Executive Director, AITIC
• Briefing by the Under-Secretary-General and High Representative of UN-OHRLLS, HE Mr Cheick Sidi Diarra
• Trade Facilitation: The Bottlenecks to LLDCs, HE Mr Rigoberto Gauto Vielman, Ambassador of Paraguay to the UN in Geneva and LLDCs Geneva Group Coordinator at the WTO
• Aid for Trade – The Link to Trade Facilitation?, Mrs Lakshmi Puri, Acting Deputy Secretary-General, UNCTAD
• Aid for Trade – Needs Assessment: UNDP’s Approach and Template, Mr David Luke, UNDP
• Trade Facilitation and Aid for Trade: National Experiences and Perspectives
  • Mongolia, Mr Voroshilov Enkhbold, Director General, Trade and Economic Cooperation Policy Coordination Department
  • Central African Republic, HE Ms Béatrice Emilie Epaye, Minister of Trade, Industry and SMEs
  • Lao PDR, HE Dr Nam Viyaketh, Minister of Industry and Commerce

With no easy access to world markets, due to constraints such as inadequate infrastructure and geographical situation, the landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) face a number of constraints in their participation in the multilateral trading system. The High-Level Meeting sought to examine the role that Aid for Trade and the WTO negotiations on Trade Facilitation can play in bridging the infrastructure deficit in the LLDCs. This forum was also be an opportunity to take stock of progress made as well as moving forward the Almaty Programme of Action, whose mid-term review is due this autumn.

AITIC held two Training Sessions on Services

As part of its technical assistance and capacity building activities, AITIC held two Training Sessions on the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) for the English and French-speaking African WTO delegates. The sessions took place in April over four half-days on the AITIC premises.

The event aimed to reinforce the technical knowledge of the African delegates based in Geneva, allowing them to better understand the main provisions of the GATS and to participate more effectively in the WTO negotiations on services.

The sessions covered, inter alia, the main provisions of the GATS and the structure of the schedules of specific commitments. They also offered an overview of the current negotiations on services according to the interests of African countries. Presentations involved practical examples and exercises.

Sessions for the other regions will follow later.

AITIC Workshop on the Aid for Trade Questionnaire

AITIC organised in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) a workshop on the “Aid for Trade Self-Assessment Questionnaire: Challenges for Developing Countries”. The event took place on Monday 7 April 2008 from 15:00 to 18:00 in the Centre de Conférences de Varembé, Geneva.

The aim of the workshop was to raise the awareness of the importance of the self-assessment process for the success of the Aid for Trade initiative. This event provided the participants, and in particular the LDC delegates, with an opportunity to discuss the challenges they face in replying to the OECD evaluation questionnaires.

In May 2007, AITIC developed a webpage dedicated to Aid for Trade which contains updated information on Aid for Trade developments.

AITIC Discussion Note
Presentation Ms Martina García
Presentation Mr Ambroise Balima

To thank the participants who had returned their evaluation form, AITIC organised its traditional raffle of AITIC umbrellas. The winners were: Mr LE Huu Hung (Vietnam), Mr Lucas N. SARONGA (Tanzania) and Ms Natalie HICKS (New Zealand). Thanks to all!

Madagascar’ Trade Policy Review

On 3 April 2008 and on the sidelines of Madagascar’s Trade Policy Review at the WTO, AITIC welcomed a delegation led by HE Mr Ivohasina Fizara RAZAFIMAHEFA, Minister of Trade and Industry of Madagascar.

The meeting provided an opportunity for a fruitful exchange of views on the collaboration between AITIC and Madagascar and on its trade-related technical assistance needs. It also gave the opportunity to take stock of progress so far under the Aid for Trade initiative and Enhanced Integrated Framework, as AITIC could assist Madagascar in the preparation and submission of projects to the donor community.

AITIC also reviewed with Minister Razafimahefa the participation of his country in the upcoming activities organised by AITIC in Geneva (workshop on the AFT Questionnaire, OFP, Training Session on Services), in Accra, Ghana (High-level meeting on Trade Facilitation and Aid for Trade: Keys for Unlocking the Landlocked), and in the field (e.g. in Madagascar).

Togo Ministerial Delegation visits AITIC

On 20th March 2008, HE Mr Komran Mally, Prime Minister and Head of Government, and HE Ms Célestine Akouavi Aïdam, Minister for Human Rights and Democracy of Togo, paid a courtesy visit to AITIC.

Discussions focussed on Aid for Trade and the Enhanced Integrated Framework, the state of play of the WTO negotiations, the economic partnership agreements and Togo’s participation in these negotiations. AITIC also described the activities it carries out in favour of the less-advantaged countries like Togo.

On this occasion, HE Mr Mally reiterated Togo’s intention to open a Permanent Mission in Geneva. AITIC would support the authorities in their endeavour by putting its Non Residents’ Unit (NRU) at the disposal of HE Mr Mally and his colleagues. The meeting ended with a visit of AITIC’s NRU.

Annual WTO Ski Race

AITIC took part in the WTO’s Annual Ski Race, which took place in Les Gets, France, on Saturday 15 March 2008.

AITIC’s team finished third, with Charlotte Cottier winning 2 nd place in the “Youth – Girls” category and Liam Cuddy winning 3 rd place in the “Youth – Boys” category. Well done!

On 10 March 2008, AITIC welcomed Mr Ziyaad Ebrahim, Senior Trade Officer in the Ministry of Finance of Seychelles to consider the Republic of Seychelles’ current process of accession to AITIC.

As the authorities of Seychelles are reviewing their trade-related technical assistance needs, particularly in terms of their WTO accession and trade facilitation, AITIC took this opportunity to present the different kinds of technical assistance it provides and described the Official Fellowship and the Professional Training Programmes which could be of particular interest to officials from the Government of Seychelles.

The OIF visits AITIC

On 5 March 2008, AITIC welcomed three representatives from the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), Mr Tharcisse Uraye neza, Director of Sustainable Development and Solidarity, Mr Oussouman Chekou, Programme Manager and Mrs Cécile Léqué, Adviser on Economic and Development Affairs.

In September 2007, AITIC and the OIF signed a Collaboration Agreement with a view to strengthening the trade-related technical capacity of the French-speaking member countries of the two organisations. The visit provided the opportunity to discuss the activities which could be jointly undertaken in 2008 in favour of the countries concerned.

The Central African Republic is represented in Geneva

On 3 March 2008, AITIC welcomed HE Mr Leopold Ismael Samba, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Central African Republic to the WTO.

On this occasion, HE Mr Leopold Ismael Samba announced that the Central African Republic was currently in the process of opening a Permanent Mission in Geneva. The establishment of the mission will help the Central African Republic, a non-resident member of the WTO and represented until now from Bangui, to strengthen its participation in the multilateral trading system. To support the Central African authorities in their undertaking, AITIC put its Non Residents’ Unit at the disposal of the Ambassador. The meeting also allowed for a fruitful exchange on collaboration between the Central African Republic and AITIC.

Another WTO member is represented in Geneva

The Republic of Niger has opened a Permanent Mission in Geneva –36, avenue du Lignon, 2 nd floor, 1219 Le Lignon. HE Mr Adani ILLO, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Niger to the United Nations in Geneva and the WTO, has assumed office after having used AITIC’s Non Resident Unit for the past six months.

ITIC’s Non Residents’ Unit conveys its best wishes to the Ambassador and his team.

AITIC took part in the LDC Trade Ministers Meeting in Maseru, Lesotho

See the Maseru Declaration

From 27 to 29 February 2008, Trade Ministers from 50 LDCs gathered in Maseru, Lesotho, to take stock of progress made in the multilateral trade negotiations since they last met in Livingstone, Zambia in 2005 and since the Hong Kong Ministerial Meeting in December 2005. The aim of the meeting was to strengthen the LDCs’ position in the multilateral trading system.

Key issues on the agenda included agriculture, NAMA, services, trade facilitation, TRIPS, special and differential treatment provisions, rules, duty-free and quota-free market access and preference erosion. On Agriculture and NAMA, discussions focused on the text of the revised modalities recently circulated by the chairmen of these negotiations (see AITIC’s latest Background Notes on Agriculture and NAMA).

A high level interactive session was held on the last day between LDC Ministers and representatives of international agencies and cooperation partners. As one of the providers of technical assistance to LDCs, AITIC presented a statement which focused on the increasing role of trade-related technical assistance and capacity building providers in assisting developing countries and LDCs in particular, to participate more actively in the multilateral trading system. For example, AITIC’s Non Residents’ Unit assists these countries in setting up their permanent missions in Geneva.

Finally, AITIC emphasised the Aid for Trade initiative and the Enhanced IF which both hold enormous potential for addressing the handicaps of the LDCs.

At the initiative of the Swiss government, AITIC was created on 23 February 1998 as an organisation under Swiss private law to help the less-advantaged countries participate more actively and efficiently in the multilateral trading system. AITIC was later transformed into an intergovernmental organisation in April 2004.

Today, in addition to Switzerland, the organisation is funded by Denmark, Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom. It also counts 54 Participating Members which are the beneficiaries of its personalised technical assistance services.  

AITIC Informal Brainstorming on the Doha Negotiations

In preparation for the Ministerial Meeting of LDCs which will take place in Maseru, Lesotho, AITIC organised an Informal Brainstorming on Friday 8 February 2008 at the WTO, Geneva.

The event provided the participants with an opportunity to discuss the issues of main concern to LDCs in the Doha negotiations, such as Agriculture, NAMA, Services, TRIPS, Rules and S&D; to share their views as well as to explore the way forward in the negotiations for their countries.

Two recent AITIC documents proved useful for the discussions: Information Brief No. 12 which took stock of the Doha negotiations at the end of 2007, as well as the Background Note on S&D for LDCs in the Doha Negotiations: The contribution of Annex F.