DEVELOPMENT
Twenty years of supporting the integration of least developed countries into the multilateral trading system 12 October 2015
As part of the WTO’s 20th anniversary activities, this event provided an opportunity to review how the WTO has helped least developed countries (LDCs) integrate into the multilateral trading system. It took stock of the key developments and decisions taken in favour of LDCs, the institutional support provided and the trade capacity-building initiatives put in place. The event also looked ahead to how the WTO and the larger international community can help LDCs overcome the remaining challenges in their integration into the multilateral trading system, including possible measures that could be considered for LDCs at the Tenth WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi in December this year.
The event will be inaugurated by WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo, and will be chaired by Ambassador Roderick van Schreven (Netherlands), Chairman of the Sub-Committee on LDCs.
Background
There are at present 48 LDCs, as designated by the United Nations, out of which 34 are WTO members and another eight are in the process of acceding to the WTO. The LDC WTO members account for more than one fifth of the WTO membership.
Since the establishment of the WTO in 1995, considerable progress has been made in integrating LDCs into the multilateral trading system. Both in the regular work of the WTO and in the negotiations, special provisions have been adopted which aim to increase the participation of LDCs in world trade. The LDCs, as a group, have seen a gradual improvement of their share in world trade over the last 20 years. Yet, the LDCs are faced with a number of challenges to successfully integrate into the multilateral trading system. They still account for only 1.2 per cent of world merchandise trade and 0.7 per cent of world exports of commercial services. A limited range of exports, inadequate infrastructure and weak productive capacities continue to be common characteristics of LDC economies.
Opening session
Monday, 12 October , 10.00 A.M.
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Session 1: LDCs and the WTO – an overview of 20 years of integration into the multilateral trading system
Monday, 12 October , 10.30 A.M.
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Session 2: LDCs and the WTO – looking ahead
Monday, 12 October , 11.40 A.M.
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12:50-13:00 Closing remarks
