1. The Trade Policy Review (TPR) is a transparency instrument created by the WTO for supplying information on the trade policy of each of its members. Many less-advantaged countries (LACs) find that the TPR is an arduous procedure, which demands considerable effort on their part to be carried out. However, following the latest decisions adopted in the context of the initiative on Aid for Trade, the TPR is gradually becoming a tool at the service of LAC’s development policy. Reports prepared by the WTO Secretariat now include a section on the needs of the country for Aid for Trade, in accordance with the recommendations of the Aid for Trade Task Force.

2. Even if the reports prepared by the WTO Secretariat have gradually acquired a new focus, the Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB) meetings have not yet addressed, either in a general or in a detailed manner, the question of the aid needed by the WTO member under review to become better integrated into the multilateral trading system. To offer the LACs the opportunity to give a higher visibility to their needs and to present to the international community certain particularly important projects required for their development, AITIC has decided to organise a special session that will complement in an informal way the two official TPRB meetings.

3. This Post TPR AITIC Special Session brings together representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as members from the delegations of donor and of developing countries and international organisations. The Session is an opportunity for the country to present its trade-related priorities and projects, together with its Aid for Trade needs. The objectives of the Session are the following:

• To make participants aware of the main trade challenges faced by the WTO member under review.
• To highlight its potential sectoral competitive advantages.
• To identify its trade-related technical assistance needs.
• To emphasise these needs to donor countries, as well as to international organisations.
• To present concrete Aid for Trade projects.

4. To bring to fruition the Post TPR Special Session, AITIC is supporting the beneficiary country by assuming responsibility for organising the meeting, and promoting the latter within the international trade community in Geneva. AITIC can also offer assistance in preparing certain TPR themes. Thus, the WTO member under review can concentrate on preparing the presentations to be delivered by its delegation during the Special Session.