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.

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.

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).

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).

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 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 (OCDE) 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.

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

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

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

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

The report of the Flash Meeting will soon be available.

AITIC took part in the LDC Ministerial Conference

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AITIC Special Session for the OECS Trade Policy Review

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

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

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

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

AITIC takes part in a Regional Seminar in Kigali

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AITIC Donor Conference

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

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

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

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

AITIC and UN-OHRLLS Forum

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

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

AITIC participation in the World Export Development Forum

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

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

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

AITIC Session in the 2007 WTO Public Forum

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

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

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

Prof. Panagariya Presentation
Dr VanGrasstek Presentation
Dr VanGrasstek Handout

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

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

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

Opening of the Permanent Mission of Niger in Geneva

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

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

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

Working Session between AITIC and OAPI

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

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

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

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

The Republic of Suriname accedes to AITIC

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

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

HE Ms Rosalie Koudougueret-Mologbama

AITIC Brainstorming on EPAs in Brussels

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

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

The report of the meeting will be available here shortly.

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

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

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

The report of the meeting will be available here shortly.

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

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