Thirty Years of WTO Technical Assistance Enhancing Participation in World Trade
Geneva, 30 October 2024 – The World Trade Organization (WTO) has celebrated 30 years of its technical assistance program, which has helped developing and least-developed countries (LDCs) participate more effectively in the global trading system.
Since its inception in 1994, the WTO’s technical assistance program has provided over $1.5 billion in support to over 150 countries, helping them build their capacity to implement WTO agreements, trade more effectively, and benefit from the global trading system.
The program covers a wide range of areas, including:
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Trade policy and regulations: Assisting countries in developing and implementing trade policies and regulations that are in line with WTO rules.
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Trade negotiations: Training trade negotiators and providing support for countries during trade negotiations.
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Trade facilitation: Helping countries streamline customs procedures and reduce trade costs, making it easier for businesses to trade.
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Intellectual property rights: Assisting countries in developing and implementing intellectual property rights regimes that protect innovation and creativity.
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Trade and environment: Supporting countries in addressing the environmental impacts of trade and promoting sustainable trade practices.
The WTO’s technical assistance program has been instrumental in helping developing countries improve their trade performance and integrate into the global economy. For example, in recent years, the program has:
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Helped Rwanda develop a national trade policy and strategy that has led to increased exports and investment.
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Supported Vietnam in implementing a trade facilitation program that has reduced trade costs by 20%.
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Assisted Bangladesh in establishing an intellectual property rights regime that has attracted foreign investment and promoted innovation.
The WTO’s technical assistance program is funded by both developed and developing countries, as well as by international organizations. The program is delivered through a network of partner organizations, including national trade agencies, regional organizations, and non-governmental organizations.
The WTO’s Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said: “The WTO’s technical assistance program has been a key factor in helping developing countries and LDCs to participate more effectively in the global trading system. By providing these countries with the tools and knowledge they need, we have helped them to improve their trade performance, create jobs, and reduce poverty.”
The program is expected to continue to play a vital role in supporting developing countries and LDCs in the years to come. The program will continue to focus on areas such as trade policy and regulations, trade negotiations, trade facilitation, intellectual property rights, and trade and environment.
Thirty years of WTO technical assistance enhancing participation in world trade
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