Global Forum on Inclusive Trade for LDCs

A diverse range of people – from ministers to business leaders to farm managers – came together at the Global Forum on Inclusive Trade for Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The Forum, which was held from 13 to 14 June 2018 at the World Trade Organization (WTO), fostered practical solutions, offered results-oriented theoretical discussions, presented on-the-ground successes, and supported an innovative call to ramp up actions on inclusive trade for LDCs.

Read the Forum Outcome Statement.

Event highlights:

more than 300 participants
from more than 50 countries
in 11 plenaries and panels
with approximately 45% of speakers from LDCs
examining 3 action areas and 4 themes
and 2 strategic partnership launches
alongside 11 partner exhibitions
sending over 1,000 Tweets from the Forum and making more than 8.5 million impressions
contributing to over 20 articles about the events and its participants on EIF’s Trade for Development News
making it into 24 external media stories in outlets such as Devex, reaching over 2.9 million readers
enjoying the interactive photo exhibit and more than 35 images on display
with partners calling on global leaders to substantially increase their support for trade development in LDCs and the Enhanced Integrated Framework
and ONE first-of-its-kind Call to Action for inclusive trade in LDCs.

Participants at the "Talking trade strategies for small businesses, women and youth" panel at the Global Forum on Inclusive Trade for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), held from 13-14 June 2018, hosted by EIF at the WTO. ©Jan Turnbull/EIF

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“The EIF Global Forum succeeded in exposing the numerous, often complex constraints and opportunities that affect LDCs' ability to trade at the regional and international levels and to remain competitive on a level playing field, which ultimately benefits all countries and consumers – not only LDCs.”

– Forum participant

Purpose of the Forum

The Global Forum on Inclusive Trade for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) brought together leaders from governments, international organizations, the private sector and academia to foster trade action in LDCs and inspire deeper collaborations and commitments in support of further LDC integration into global and regional trade.

Outcomes

The Forum explored the progress made in trade development in LDCs over the last decade, and determined what more is needed. It mobilized bold new commitments by LDC leaders to use trade to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key themes and action areas

Inclusive trade and economic growth: Reaching groups such as small businesses, women and youth in priority sectors for LDCs will ensure countries make trade more inclusive, build economic resilience and prepare for graduation.

Multilateral and regional trading systems: Strengthening the participation of LDCs in trading systems at different scales will promote an open and inclusive global economy, helping them integrate and more fully benefit from those trading systems.

Global agricultural value chains: Scaling up inclusive agri-business through market-based approaches and improved linkages in higher value-added segments of global and regional value chains will spur innovation and the development of export-oriented agriculture.

A space for participants to

Inform – identify, exchange and promote on-the-ground solutions that help realize both trade and inclusive and sustainable economic growth goals for LDCs.

Connect – help LDCs foster increased collaboration with partner organizations and with each other to exchange lessons learned, expertise and technologies.

Act – inspire action from LDC leaders and the global community to further invest in trade development for LDCs.

Empower – give a stronger voice to LDCs within the trade and development community, and global and regional trading systems.