UAE launches ‘Trade for Development’ platform to empower developing nations in trade negotiations

The United Arab Emirates, hosts of the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO MC13)have announced plans to develop the Trade for development platform: a technical assistance program that will feature a set of freely available online tools to help trade officials, negotiators and policymakers from developing and least developed countries improve their capacity and skills to participate in the complex and highly technical process of trade negotiations.

The new platform underlines the UAE’s commitment to inclusive trade, empowering developing nations to better access and participate in the global trading system, an overarching theme in its role as MC13 host nation.

During the Ministerial, the United Arab Emirates confirmed that it would give the platform to eight WTO members: Ethiopia, Mozambique, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Comoros, Kyrgyzstan and Barbados.

As developing countries and LDCs seek to boost economic growth through increased bilateral trade with regional and global partners, a major challenge they face in successfully concluding trade agreements is the lack of technical capacity and expertise. necessary throughout the highly complex process, from the development of feasibility studies and economic models to the development of trade policies and the negotiation of free trade agreements.

He Trade for development The platform, part of a broader set of initiatives designed to support sustainable development and inclusive trade that is expected to launch during MC13, will feature a virtual library of content from global trade and policy experts, covering a wide range of areas traditionally found in a trade agreement.

The platform will serve as an always-on resource for developing country officials to use as they formulate trade policies and negotiate trade agreements. The audiovisual content will be complemented by analytical studies, economic models, trade agreement implementation plans and a range of other best practice tools that developing country officials can draw on to craft sustainable and mutually beneficial trade agreements.

Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Statesaying,

“The UAE, under the vision and guidance of its wise leadership, is eager to transfer its successful experiences to various countries around the world.”

He highlighted the role of the United Arab Emirates as an active and influential member of the international community and its continuous efforts to enhance international cooperation for comprehensive development and sustainable growth.

Al Sayegh further added,

“The United Arab Emirates continues to launch global initiatives aimed at stimulating economic growth in developing and least developed countries. This commitment is reflected in the recent launch of the ‘Trade for Development’ platform, whose objective is to maximize the positive impact of foreign trade on the comprehensive development of these countries.”

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and President of CM13saying,

“Strengthening the capacity of negotiators is key to helping developing countries craft agreements that defend their best interests and support long-term sustainable growth and job creation. As advocates of the power of trade to accelerate development and raise living standards, the United Arab Emirates believes that providing the materials to enhance the ability of countries in our region and around the world to participate in global trade is in the best interests of all of us. all”.

The announcement was made during 13th WTO Ministerial Conference, organized by the United Arab Emirates. The WTO Ministerial Conference is the highest-level decision-making forum for the organization, which has the sole mandate to oversee and negotiate international trade rules.

News source: Emirates News Agency