The Second Global Review evaluated progress made since the First Review held in November 2007 and scrutinized how Aid for Trade is being operationalized on the ground. Progress in securing additional, predictable financing was discussed and views exchanged on how aid flows can be maintained against the backdrop of the global recession. Central to this process was the examination of the conclusions from the three-tiered monitoring framework which has been put in place: tracking of Aid-for-Trade flows through the OECD Creditor Reporting System; monitoring of mainstreaming and implementation through self-assessments based on a joint OECD-WTO questionnaire; and establishing the impact of Aid for Trade at a national level through appropriate indicators. The monitoring framework was complemented with case studies across different regions to disseminate good practices with the underlying aim that Members disseminate them amongst themselves.

 

Key Objectives:

Moving from commitment to implementation

How is Aid for Trade making good on its promise as the agenda moves from commitment to implementation at multilateral, regional and national level?

Mainstreaming trade in national and regional development strategies

What are the obstacles encountered by partner countries in mainstreaming trade into national and regional development strategies? How can this mainstreaming process be encouraged? How can the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) support this process in Least-Developed Countries (LDCs)?

Sustaining aid flows during the global economic downturn

What impact will the global economic downturn have on Aid-for-Trade flows? How can OECD donors be persuaded to engage long term through additional and predictable financing? What role can emerging South-South donors play in Aid for Trade?

Assessing the effectiveness of Aid for Trade

What conclusions emerge from the monitoring framework for Aid for Trade and how is Aid for Trade working at a thematic level?