2009 - 2008 - 2007 - 2006 - 2005 - 2004
2009
 AITIC Regional Workshop in Cambodia on the Trade Facilitation Negotiations
On 10 and 11 November 2009, AITIC and the Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Cambodia held a Regional Workshop on “Trade Facilitation Negotiations for Asian LDC Members and Observers of the WTO”, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Representatives from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao PDR and Nepal took part in the meeting, as well as international experts and resource persons from international organisations, civil society and the private sector.
The workshop aimed, amongst other things, to assist developing and least-developed countries in participating more actively in the WTO Trade Facilitation negotiations and to benefit from the available technical assistance and Aid for Trade for the purpose of modernising customs formalities. Greater involvement in these negotiations will allow WTO members to better defend their interests during discussions and negotiations on an eventual Trade Facilitation Agreement.
Sessions of the workshop focused on issues that make up the Trade Facilitation negotiations, such as GATT Articles V, VIII and X as well as national perspectives and on trade facilitation measures.
This activity was organised within the context of a DFID-financed project “Supporting LDCs in the Doha Trade Facilitation Negotiations of the WTO”. |
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AITIC Briefing Session during the 19th Geneva Week for Non-Resident Members and Observers of the WTO
In the context of the 19th Geneva Week for the Non-Resident Members and Observers of the WTO held from 26 to 30 October 2009 at the Centre William Rappard, AITIC organised its Briefing Session on Thursday 29 October.
In light of the preparations for the upcoming WTO Ministerial Meeting, it seems timely to take stock of the WTO’s contribution in the context of the global economic crisis. To explore this idea fully, AITIC’ Briefing Session “Preparation for the Seventh WTO Ministerial Conference of the WTO (MC7)” focused on the global economic crisis and the future and strengthening of the WTO. Three perspectives were presented in this regard: that of the least-developed countries (LDCs), the developing countries and the developed countries.
Speakers included Mr Nagib A. Hamim (Economic Attaché, Permanent Mission of Yemen), HE Mr Manuel A. J. Teehankee (Ambassador of Philippines to the WTO) and Mr John A. Clarke (Deputy Head of Delegation, Permanent Delegation of the European Commission in Geneva).
To thank the participants who had returned their evaluation form, AITIC organised its traditional raffle of AITIC umbrellas. The winners were: Ms Janet Charles, Office of the High Commissioner for the Commonwealth, Dominica, and Mrs Ada Gaye, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Employment, The Gambia. Thanks to all! |
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AITIC Regional Workshop in Zambia on the Trade Facilitation Negotiations
From 27 to 29 October 2009, AITIC and the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry of Zambia held a Regional Workshop on “Trade Facilitation Negotiations in the context of the North-South Corridor”, in Lusaka, Zambia. Representatives from Botswana, Malawi, Tanzania and Zimbabwe as well as UNCTAD and COMESA took part in the meeting.
Trade facilitation is a key element to a dynamic economy, and in the past few years it has also been a component of the Doha Development Round negotiations, making it particularly important for AITIC and its Members.
The meeting focused on trade facilitation and cooperation within the North-South Corridor which is extremely important for international trade, especially for developing countries and landlocked developing countries such as Zambia. Sessions of the Workshop covered issues that make up the Trade Facilitation negotiations, such as GATT Articles V, VIII and X as well as national perspectives and the progress in the negotiations.
This activity was organised within the context of a DFID-financed project “Supporting LDCs in the Doha Trade Facilitation Negotiations of the WTO”.
In October 2009, AITIC published a Trade Facilitation Brief, “Evolution of Proposals on GATT Article V in the WTO Trade Facilitation Negotiations”. |
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AITIC takes part in the OIF Consultations for Trade Counsellors
As the 7th WTO Ministerial Conference approaches (30 November – 2 December), the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) is holding a series of consultations between French-speaking Trade Counsellors.
These consultations aim to provide assistance to small delegations enabling them to express their main international trade-related concerns, to bring together French-speaking delegates on issues related to the next Ministerial Conference, exchange experiences and have an active dialogue.
In this context, AITIC made a presentation on “WTO Ministerial Conferences: Deal-Makers or Low-Key Events?”, on Thursday 15 October 2009, during the consultation session entitled “Overview of the Issues of the Next Ministerial Conference: How Does the Doha Programme Contribute to the Recovery of Growth?”. On this occasion, discussions between delegates in attendance focused mainly on the preparation of the Ministerial Conference, and the expectations of the developing countries in that regard, in particular the French-speaking ones. |
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AITIC National Workshop in Togo on the SPS Agreement and Notification Training
On 1 and 2 October 2009, AITIC and the Ministry of Trade and Promotion of the Private Sector of the Republic of Togo held a National Workshop on “The SPS Agreement and Notification Training” in Lomé, Togo.
SPS experts delivered presentations on the basic goals and key provisions of the SPS Agreement as well as on its implementation. In addition, participants had the opportunity to take part in practical exercises on the notification process.
A member of the WTO since 1995, Togo is currently in the process of opening a Permanent Mission in Geneva and is supported in its undertaking by AITIC through the use of its Non Residents’ Unit. In July 2009, during a visit to Agency, the Minister of Trade and Promotion of the Private Sector raised the importance of SPS issues and compliance with WTO commitments for the Togolese Republic.
This activity was organised within the context a DFID-financed project “Supporting LDCs to Implement the WTO Trade Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures”. |
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Do developing country safeguards fly below the WTO radar?
Within the WTO Public Forum 2009 – “Global Problems, Global Solutions: Towards Better Global Governance”, the AITIC-ILI Session took place on Wednesday 30 September 2009 in the Centre William Rappard.
Safeguards, or import restrictions, imposed by developing countries are often applied in such a way that only products from other developing countries are affected. These countries are unlikely to have the resources to challenge such safeguard actions at the WTO, with the result that neither GATT Article XIX nor the Safeguards Agreement are effective in imposing discipline on the use of such measures.
Speakers included Mr Gamal Faisal Abdel Rashid (Egypt); Mr Mathias Francke (Chile); Mr Pablo Klein (Mexico); Mr Krishna Gupta (India); Mr Serdar Baskin (Turkey), as well as the President of the ILI and AITIC’s Executive Director. They addressed, among other issues, whether the Safeguards Agreement should have more accessible procedures to scrutinise the WTO consistency of developing country safeguards primarily affecting other developing countries.
Powerpoint Presentations:
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AITIC National Workshop in The Gambia on the SPS Agreement and Notification Training
On 23 and 24 September 2009, AITIC and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Employment of The Gambia held a National Workshop on “The SPS Agreement and Notification Training” in Banjul, The Gambia.
The Gambia, which acceded to the WTO in 1996, does not have a permanent mission in Geneva. Because of its non-resident status, it is unable to participate closely in WTO issues, in particular the SPS Agreement that can have broad-reaching effects, both economically and socially, for The Gambia, and the fulfilment of WTO notification commitments.
The sessions of the Workshop focused on the basic goals and key provisions of the SPS Agreement as well as on its implementation. In addition, participants were provided with hands-on practical exercises on the notification process.
This Workshop follows on a previous seminar organised in August 2008, at the request of The Gambia, on notification requirements under the SPS and TBT Agreements. It is part of a DFID-financed project “Supporting LDCs to Implement the WTO Trade Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures”. |
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Information Portal of the Dominican Republic on Technical Barriers to Trade
The Permanent Mission of the Dominican Republic to the United Nations at Geneva has informed AITIC that the Dominican Republic’s National Information Portal on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) was inaugurated during a session of the TBT National Committee, on 14 September 2009. This page can be viewed at the following address: http://www.seic.gov.do/comercioexterior/OTC/default.aspx
AITIC is pleased to announce that the Dominican Republic’s Portal on TBT is the result of the research project of a government official, Ms Mayive Mustafá, who took part in the Agency’s Professional Training Programme, from September 2008 to March 2009. AITIC would like to congratulate the Dominican Government on the progress that this undertaking represents in terms of promoting transparency and disseminating information on standardisation and technical regulations of WTO members and Dominican exporters. Congratulations! |
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The Republic of Togo will be represented in Geneva
On 8 September 2009, AITIC welcomed Mr Sébadé TOBA, Chargé d’affaires of the Republic of Togo in Geneva.
On this occasion, Mr TOBA announced that Togo was currently in the process of opening a Permanent Mission in Geneva. The establishment of the mission will help Togo, a non-resident member of the WTO and represented until now from Brussels, to strengthen its participation in the multilateral trading system. To support the Togolese authorities in their undertaking, AITIC put its Non Residents’ Unit at the disposal of the Republic of Togo. The meeting also allowed for a fruitful exchange on the collaboration between Togo and AITIC. |
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AITIC Informal Brainstorming on LDCs Accession to the WTO
As part of its programme of assistance to least-developed countries (LDCs), AITIC organised an Informal Brainstorming on LDCs Accession to the WTO on Thursday 3 September 2009, from 15.00 to 16.00, in AITIC’s Conference Room.
The Informal Brainstorming aimed to take stock of the individual concerns of the LDCs currently acceding to the WTO, resolve any questions they may have and reflect on the process of accession of LDCs.
An official from the WTO’s Accession Division participated in the meeting as a resource person. A discussion also took place on the preparations for the Seventh WTO Ministerial Conference to take place in Geneva from 30 November to 2 December 2009. |
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AITIC discusses its Work Programme for 2010 with its Participating Members
As is the case every year, AITIC sent out a questionnaire to its Participating Members giving them the opportunity to communicate their technical assistance needs for the planning of AITIC’s Work Programme for 2010.
After having received the filled-in questionnaires, the Agency organised an informal meeting on Wednesday 2 September 2009 for its French-speaking Members to discuss their priorities for the remaining 2009 and for 2010 and to establish a dialogue on the implementation of AITIC activities.
A productive discussion took place in which Participating Members expressed their appreciation for work carried out by AITIC. They also made useful suggestions for the preparation of AITIC’s 2010 Work Programme.
A similar exercise took place on Wednesday 26 August for the English-speaking Members. |
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Informal Meeting to discuss AITIC’s Work Programme for 2010
As is the case every year, AITIC sent out a questionnaire to its Participating Members giving them the opportunity to communicate their technical assistance needs for the planning of AITIC’s Work Programme for 2010.
After having received the filled-in questionnaires, the Agency organised an informal meeting on Wednesday 26 August 2009 for its English-speaking Members to discuss their priorities for the remaining 2009 and for 2010 and to establish a dialogue on the implementation of AITIC's activities.
A productive discussion took place in which Participating Members expressed their appreciation for work carried out by AITIC. They also made useful suggestions for the preparation of AITIC’s 2010 Work Programme.
A similar exercise took place on Wednesday 2 September for the French-speaking Members. |
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Exchange of Letters between AITIC and the WTO Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation (ITTC)
AITIC and the WTO Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation (ITTC) have, through an exchange of letters in June 2009, agreed to work in close cooperation to respond to the trade-related technical assistance needs of developing countries.
Both organisations will meet regularly to identify and implement joint training and capacity-building activities for the beneficiary countries. These activities will aim to provide a better understanding of WTO subjects in general and those being negotiated within the Doha Work Programme as well as their impact on the respective economies. Thereby the countries could also work on their poverty reduction strategies.
Priority will be given to the organisation of activities for least-developed countries (LDCs) and countries without permanent residence in Geneva. |
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Third Trade Policy Review of Zambia
On 27 and 29 July 2009, the Trade Policy Review Body met at the WTO to undertake Zambia’s third Trade Policy Review.
The country acceded to the WTO in January 1995 and has been an AITIC Participating Member since 2004.
The WTO Press Release contains a link to the Secretariat report, the Government report and the Chairperson’s concluding remarks. |
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Presentation of AITIC’s activities during the 15th Introduction Course to the WTO for LDCs
On the occasion of the 15th Introduction Course to the WTO for the least-developed countries (LDCs), which took place from 13 to 31 July 2009 and is part of the WTO Technical Assistance and Training Plan, the Agency presented its trade-related technical assistance activities, on Wednesday 29 July 2009, from 9.30 to 11.00.
Participants showed particular interest in the AITIC’s Training Programmes as well as in its national capacity-building activities. Copies of the AITIC’s Glossary of Commonly Used International Trade Terminology with Particular Reference to the WTO were made available.
The purpose of the WTO introduction courses is to provide an overview of the work of the WTO, its functioning and basic rules and broaden participants’ knowledge of the institution. The development dimension is an important aspect of the programme, focusing on LDC-related issues. |
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Flash Meeting on “Trade Policy in the Obama Administration: The Second Six Months”
In view of the success of AITIC’s last Flash Meeting in early February on the trade-related policy of the new Obama administration, the Agency invited Dr Craig VanGrasstek to give an update on the US trade policy developments since his last presentation.
The Flash Meeting took place on Tuesday 21 July 2009 in the Centre International de Conférences Genève (CICG).
Dr VanGrasstek elaborated on US trade policy trends as well as the US outlook on the Doha Round, the main question being whether trade would be more important in the second six months of the Obama administration than it had been in the first.
The presentation was followed by a lively discussion. |
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Second Trade Policy Review of Guyana
On 8 and 10 July 2009, the Trade Policy Review Body met at the WTO to undertake Guyana’s second Trade Policy Review.
The country acceded to the WTO in January 1995 and has been an AITIC Participating Member since 2004.
The WTO Press Release contains a link to the Secretariat report, the Government report and the Chairperson’s concluding remarks. |
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AITIC / Central African Republic Cooperation
On 7 July 2009, AITIC met with HE Ms Emilie Béatrice EPAYE, Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Central African Republic (CAR), at the Permanent Mission of the CAR in Geneva.
On this occasion, discussions focused on Aid for Trade and the Integrated Framework as well as on the CAR’s involvement in these two initiatives.
The CAR also requested AITIC to organise a national seminar to follow-up on the meeting which took place in Bangui in 2005 on the “Multilateral Trade Issues under Negotiation at the WTO, Market Access and the Promotion of Exports”. AITIC assured HE Ms EPAYE that it was prepared to hold a seminar during the second part of 2010. This activity will aim to inform parliamentarians, government officials and actors of the private sector and civil society on issues of specific interest to the CAR in the context of the Doha negotiations. |
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A Ministerial Delegation from Togo visits AITIC
On 7 July 2009, in the context of the Second WTO Global Review on Aid for Trade, a delegation from the Republic of Togo paid a courtesy visit to AITIC. The delegation was led by HE Mr Guy Madjé Kudzo LORENZO, Minister of Trade and Promotion of the Private Sector.
AITIC assured that it would continue to provide support and advice to Togo which is currently in the process of opening a Permanent Mission in Geneva.
During the discussion, the Togolese delegation explained that the country was facing difficulties regarding the formulation of its trade policy and compliance with its WTO commitments. In this respect, AITIC welcomed HE Mr LORENZO’s request for the organisation of a national capacity-building seminar in the autumn.
This activity will focus on issues of particular relevance to Togo and will target not only trade officials but also various actors of civil society. |
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Launch of AITIC’s Handbook of Aid for Trade Providers
In line with its goal to strengthen the trading capacity of less-advantaged countries’ (LACs), AITIC has published a Handbook of Aid for Trade Providers (available only in English). Its launch took place in the context of the WTO Second Global Review of Aid for Trade on Tuesday 7 July 2009, from 12.00 to 12.30, Room D of the Centre William Rappard, Geneva.
Over 80 participants attended the presentation which was followed by refreshments and the opportunity for informal discussion. Copies of the Handbook will soon be available in the WTO bookshop.
The Aid for Trade initiative, which was designed for the disadvantaged countries to be able to use trade as an engine for development and poverty reduction, has been vigorously pursued in the trade and development communities and lauded as an essential tool to create opportunities necessary to develop through trade. However, many of the countries at which the initiative is aimed have found it difficult to become involved.
In order to respond to this situation, AITIC, in collaboration with 25 donors, produced a Handbook containing the profiles of the key Aid for Trade providers together with information on aid budgets, priorities, historical recipients and key agency contacts. AITIC hopes that this Handbook will help all developing countries to identify the best possible matches between their own self-determined projects and the donors who are most likely to fund them. |
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AITIC Information Stand during ITTC’s Third Open Day on WTO Trade-Related Technical Assistance (TRTA)
On the occasion of the Second Global Review of Aid for Trade, the Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation (ITTC) organised its Third Open Day on WTO Trade-Related Technical Assistance (TRTA) which took place on Monday 6 July 2009 in the lobby of the Council Room (Salle William Rappard).
In this context, AITIC was invited to hold an information stand on its trade-related technical assistance activities for less-advantaged countries (LACs). In addition to information on the full range of its activities and services, the Agency displayed copies of some of its most recent documents and of its Glossary of Commonly Used International Trade Terminology with Particular Reference to the WTO.
AITIC also presented the Training and Capacity-building Programmes established for nationals from the Agency’s Participating Members, and its Non-Residents’ Unit for countries without permanent representation in Geneva. |
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A delegation from Yemen visited AITIC
On 3 July 2009, Dr Yahya Al-Mutawakel, Minister of Industry and Trade of Yemen, and Mr Nagib Hamim, Economic Attaché, paid a visit to AITIC.
On this occasion, discussions focused on the progress made within Yemen’s accession process to the WTO as well as on the constraints faced by the country in this regard.
AITIC ensured Yemen that it would provide trade-related technical assistance and advice and welcomed the country’s request for a National Workshop with a view to raise awareness about the WTO accession process and its implications. |
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AITIC National Workshop on the Pre-Trade Policy Review of Zambia
Zambia will undergo its second Trade Policy Review at the WTO on 27 and 29 July 2009. To prepare for the review, AITIC, in collaboration with the Government of Zambia, organised a “National Workshop on the Pre-Trade Policy Review of Zambia“ which took place in Lusaka, Zambia, on 29-30 June 2009.
The objective of the meeting was to analyse the policy changes that Zambia has carried out since its last TPR in 2002 and to strategise how best to move forward. AITIC assisted in preparing for the AITIC Post-TPR Special Session that will take place in Geneva immediately after the TPR at the WTO in July.
One of AITIC’s primary objectives is to assist the less-advantaged countries to have a more dynamic trade-led growth. Because of the current global economic crisis, this is particularly difficult for developing countries such as Zambia which faces a number of challenges due to it being a landlocked country and lacks the necessary infrastructure to support its economic activity.
The meeting focused on Zambia’s trade policy objectives and the WTO Agreements, including Zambia’s domestic trade and industrial policy, progress in the Doha negotiations as well as the Anti-dumping and Safeguards Agreements. |
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Presentation of AITIC’s activities during the 48th WTO Trade Policy Course
On the occasion of the WTO’s 48th Trade Policy Course, from 20 April to 10 July 2009, and as part of the cooperation between AITIC and the Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation (ITTC), the Agency presented its trade-related technical assistance activities for the less-advantaged countries (LACs), on Tuesday 30 June 2009, from 9.30 to 11.00.
Participants showed particular interest in AITIC’s Training Programmes as well as in its national capacity-building activities. Modalities of accession to AITIC were also discussed.
The purpose of the WTO trade policy courses is to expand participants’ understanding of trade policy matters, the multilateral trade system and the functioning of the WTO and to enable them to develop practical skills. |
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A delegation of Morocco visits AITIC on the sidelines of its Trade Policy Review
On the sidelines of the Kingdom of Morocco’s fourth Trade Policy Review at the WTO (24 and 26 June), an official delegation visited AITIC on 24 June 2009. The delegation was led by HE Mr Abdellatif Maâzouz, Minister of Foreign Trade.
Discussions focused on strengthening the collaboration between AITIC and the Kingdom of Morocco as the country sought the Agency’s trade-related technical assistance on the basis of specific concerns that had emerged from the TPR.
AITIC assured Morocco that it would provide assistance and advice on trade policy issues and organise institutional and human capacity-building activities at a national level. |
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Seminar in Saint Lucia on Trade-Related Assistance in the Caribbean Region
With the mutual objective to promote cooperation in favour of the less-advantaged countries (LACs), the Agency for International Trade Information and Cooperation (AITIC) and the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) jointly organised a seminar on “Trade-Related Assistance in the Caribbean Region” from 15 to 17 June 2009, in Saint Lucia.
The seminar aimed to take stock of national and regional experiences in the Caribbean countries in the areas of trade in services, namely tourism, gender and trade, trade facilitation and needs assessments for Aid for Trade activities. International Support Mechanisms for trade-related development assistance by international financial institutions such as the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA) and the World Bank (WB), and development assistance agencies such as AITIC and TaiwanICDF were also the focus of discussions.
Powerpoint Presentations:
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Agriculture Mini-course for French-speaking LDCs
AITIC organised a Mini-course on Agriculture for French-speaking LDCs which took place over two half-days on 15 and 16 June 2009 on the AITIC premises.
The event aimed to reinforce the technical knowledge of Geneva-based delegates, allowing them to better understand the main provisions of the Agriculture Agreement and to participate more effectively in the WTO negotiations.
Issues under consideration included the main provisions on domestic support, market access and export competition, implementation experience, notification requirements and the state of play of the agriculture negotiations. |
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The Republic of Djibouti accedes to AITIC
AITIC is pleased to announce that the Republic of Djibouti has become AITIC’s 61st 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 12 June 2009.
AITIC welcomes the Republic of Djibouti and looks forward to providing it with its trade-related technical assistance activities and services. |
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AITIC Briefing Session during the 18th Geneva Week for Non-Resident Members and Observers of the WTO
In the context of the 18th Geneva Week for the Non-Resident Members and Observers of the WTO held from 25 to 29 May 2009 at the Centre William Rappard, Geneva, AITIC organised its Briefing Session on Thursday 28 May from 15.00 to 18.00.
In light of the current global economic crisis, it seems timely to examine what are its possible repercussions on the commitments on Aid for Trade in particular (as well as Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) more generally). Trade flows have decreased significantly not only from reduced global demand but also because import and export finance have become limited due to credit crunch. AITIC’s Briefing Session focused therefore on “Aid for Trade and Trade Finance in Light of the Economic Crisis”.
Speakers included representatives from the Overseas Development Institute, the International Monetary Fund and senior officials from diplomatic missions, both resident and non-resident in Geneva. |
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Chinese Taipei supports AITIC activities as a Sponsoring Member
AITIC is delighted to announce that the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu has acceded as a Sponsoring Member.
The instrument of accession entered into force on 21 May 2009, 30 days after having been received by the Depository of the AITIC Agreement, i.e. the Swiss Federal Council
AITIC would like to take this opportunity to thank the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu for its commitment to contribute to AITIC’s financial base over the next five years.
With this mark of support, the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu recognises the importance of strengthening the capacity of the less-advantaged countries to engage in more effective trade-led growth. Chinese Taipei has been a firm supporter of AITIC’s capacity building activities. In April 2007, in a joint collaborative effort, the Professional Training Programme (PTP) was launched. The PTP rapidly became one of AITIC’s most successful capacity building projects, enabling government officials responsible for trade issues to improve their competence on international trade-related technical issues.
Once again, AITIC thanks the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu for this vote of confidence. |
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An Official Delegation from Togo visits AITIC
On 15 May 2009, a delegation from the Republic of Togo paid a courtesy visit to AITIC. Led by HE Mr Api Assoumatine, Ambassador and Inspector General of the Diplomatic Missions of Togo, the delegation also included HE Mr Tchao Sotou Béré, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Togo, Mr. Amawusa Kodjo, Head of Division, Ministry of Economy and Finance, and Mr Sébadé Toba, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of Togo in Brussels.
The Republic of Togo announced that it was currently in the process of opening a Permanent Mission in Geneva. AITIC will support the authorities in their endeavour by putting its Non Residents’ Unit (NRU) at their disposal.
AITIC’s NRU provides personalised assistance and logistical support to non-resident delegations as well as to various regional economic and trade organisations without representation in Geneva. |
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AITIC meets a delegation from the Republic of Djibouti
A delegation from the Republic of Djibouti paid a visit to AITIC on 12 May 2009. The delegation was composed of HE Mr Mohamed-Siad DOUALEH, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Djibouti to the WTO, and Ms Oubah Moussa AHMED, Economic Counsellor.
Following its first WTO Trade Policy Review in 2006, the Republic of Djibouti is currently in the process of strengthening its multilateral trade commitments and has requested AITIC’s technical assistance.
Ambassador DOUALEH informed that Djibouti was in the process of becoming an AITIC Participating Member, following the signature of the instrument of accession by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
AITIC briefly presented the activities it provides to countries such as Djibouti. Its assistance can consist in the organisation of seminars or training sessions all of which contribute to building the trade-related capacity of government trade officials. AITIC looks forward to welcoming the Republic of Djibouti as one of its Participating Members. |
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Launch of the Fourth Promotion of the Official Fellowship and Professional Training Programmes
At the beginning of May 2009, AITIC launched its fourth promotion of the Official Fellowship and Professional Training Programmes.
Established in April 2007, these programmes have proved very successful with AITIC’s Participating Members. They aim to enable government officials responsible for trade issues to follow closely during six months the work of the WTO and other trade-related organisations in Geneva. Therefore, fellows have the opportunity to improve their competence on technical issues and work on a project of specific interest to their government. They are also able to develop their network of contacts dealing with trade issues and contribute to a better identification of their country’s technical assistance needs.
These programmes are part of AITIC’s mission to strengthen the capacity of less-advantaged countries in international trade. |
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TRIPS Mini-course for English-speaking delegates
AITIC organised a Mini-course on the TRIPS Agreement which took place over two half-days on 4 and 5 May 2009 on the AITIC premises.
The event aimed to reinforce the technical knowledge of Geneva-based delegates, allowing them to better understand the main provisions of the TRIPS Agreement and to participate more effectively in the WTO negotiations.
This mini-course is part of AITIC’s technical assistance and capacity building activities. |
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AITIC National Workshop in Nepal
AITIC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives of the Government of Nepal, held a “National Workshop on Notifications under the WTO Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) Agreement“ on 27 and 28 April 2009 in Kathmandu, Nepal.
A member of the WTO since 2003, Nepal was one of the first two least-developed countries (LDCs) to accede to the organisation since its establishment in 1995. Given the importance of its agriculture sector, understanding the SPS Agreement and its detailed notification procedures is particularly important for this country as well as for developing countries at large.
During the two-day workshop, SPS experts provided participants with an overview of the WTO SPS Agreement and its salient features. The aim was to help capital-based government officials better understand and use the SPS Agreement.
Representatives from the private sector, academia and non-governmental organisations participated. The workshop was organised within the context of AITIC’s technical assistance and capacity-building activities.
Presentations:
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Second Trade Policy Review of Mozambique
On 22 and 24 April 2009, the Trade Policy Review Body met at the WTO to undertake Mozambique’s second Trade Policy Review.
The country acceded to the WTO in August 1995 and has been an AITIC Participating Member since 2004.
The WTO Press Release contains a link to the Secretariat report, the Government report and the Chairperson’s concluding remarks. |
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C-4 – AITIC Joint Conference on the Sectoral Initiative in Favour of Cotton
AITIC and the C-4, proponent countries of the Sectoral Initiative in favour of Cotton held a Joint Conference entitled “The Sectoral Initiative in Favour of Cotton: State of Play”. The event took place on Thursday 23 April in the Centre William Rappard (WTO).
Launched on 30 April 2003 by Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali, the Sectoral Initiative in Favour of Cotton aimed to shed light on the harmful consequences in cotton-producing countries of the subsidies that certain developed countries provide to their national producers.
On the eve of the WTO Director-General's Consultative Framework Mechanism on Cotton,the Conference offered an opportunity to bring a new perspective on the trade and development issues for the cotton producing countries and take stock of the initiative in the context of the WTO agricultural negotiations.
Speakers included HE Mr Mamadou Sanou, Minister of Trade, Business Promotion and Handicrafts of Burkina Faso and Minister Coordinator of the C-4; Mr Harsha V. Singh, Deputy Director General, WTO; Dr Anne-Sophie Nivet-Claeys, Project Manager, iDEAS Centre; and Mr François Traoré, President of the African Cotton Producers’ Association (APROCA), Burkina Faso. |
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AITIC Flash Meeting on the Enhanced Integrated Framework
In response to the demand from some of its least-developed country (LDC) AITIC Participating Members, the Agency organised a Flash Meeting on “The Enhanced Integrated Framework: Ready to Go?” The event took place on Wednesday 25 March 2009 in the Centre de conferences de Varembé (CCV), Geneva.
On this occasion, Ms Dorothy Tembo, Executive Director of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) Executive Secretariat, briefed participants on the most recent developments and activities of the EIF and the process of its implementation. Representatives from the LDCs as well as from the donor community presented their perspectives. The discussion also focused on the short, medium and long-term measures to be taken for the effective operationalisation of this important initiative for the LDCs. The meeting allowed for an exchange of views between the different stakeholders of the EIF.
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Annual WTO Ski Race
AITIC took part in the WTO’s Annual Ski Race, which was held in Les Gets, France, on Saturday 21 March 2009.
Congratulations to the three Cottier children for having participated in the race and especially to Juliette Cottier who won 2nd place in the “Youth – Girls” category. A big thanks to the WTO for having organised this event! |
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Informal Meeting for the Missions of the English-speaking African countries in Geneva
AITIC organised an Informal Meeting for the missions of the English-speaking African countries in Geneva on Wednesday 11 March 2009 in AITIC’s Offices, to discuss the present or likely effects of the financial crisis on Africa’s trading relations.
To launch the discussion on this important and timely subject, Mr Richard Newfarmer, the World Bank’s Special Representative to the UN and the WTO, made a general presentation.
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Grenada accedes to AITIC
AITIC is pleased to announce that Grenada has become AITIC’s 60th 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 18 February 2009.
AITIC welcomes Grenada and looks forward to providing it with its trade-related technical assistance activities and services. |
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Liechtenstein supports AITIC
AITIC is delighted to announce that the Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein has donated CHF 50,000 to support the Agency’s 2009 core budget.
Liechtenstein’s financial contribution is in line with its development cooperation principle of ”helping people help themselves”. Indeed, in assisting AITIC, Liechtenstein is also helping the less-advantaged countries to achieve a more dynamic trade-led growth by having a better understanding of the multilateral trade rules and defending their national interest in the international trading system.
AITIC thanks the Principality of Liechtenstein for this vote of confidence which will help the Agency strenghthen its activities in favour of the less-advantaged countries. |
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Second Trade Policy Review of Guatemala
On 4 and 6 February 2009, the Trade Policy Review Body met at the WTO to undertake Guatemala’s second Trade Policy Review.
The country acceded to the WTO in July 1995 and has been an AITIC Participating Member since 2005.
The WTO Press Release contains a link to the Secretariat report and to the Government report. |
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Flash Meeting on “The Trade Policy of the Obama Administration”
Barack Obama, the new US President, after taking charge, has appointed his administration. It is, therefore, time to examine what could be the possible implications of the Obama administration on the US Trade Policy. AITIC held a Flash Meeting on The Trade Policy of the Obama Administration on Monday 2 February 2009 at the Centre de Conférences de Varembé.
The aim of the Flash Meeting was to answer questions such as: will US trade policy make its mark by contributing to the conclusion of the Doha negotiations? What will be the future of bilateral trade agreements? What will be the impact of the US trade debate in a Democratically-led Congress?
Dr Craig VanGrasstek presented his views on the state of play of these issues and analysed their implications on the current negotiations. Dr VanGrasstek currently teaches courses in trade policy at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and Georgetown University. He also is a frequent lecturer at the State Department’s Foreign Service Institute, and often speaks at universities, training courses, and seminars.
Dr VanGrasstek has spoken at previous AITIC events such as the Flash Meeting on The US Congress and the future of the Farm Bill, and the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) in 2007.
Documents:
To thank the participants who had returned their evaluation form, AITIC organised its traditional raffle of AITIC umbrellas. The winners were: Ms Cécile LEQUE (OIF), Ms Rebeca Gertrudis GONZALEZ LOPEZ (Cuba) and Mr Otto SCHNEIDER (Germany). Thanks to all! |
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