Global Review 2019
Aid for trade is designed to help developing countries meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by connecting them in a sustainable manner to the global trade system. Indeed, SDG target 17.11 specifically calls for doubling the share of least developed country (LDC) exports by 2020. However, many are being left behind. Their collective share of world trade remains below one percent and export baskets tend to be concentrated in a narrow set of low value-added products.
In the lead up to the biennial Aid for Trade Global Review, which will take place at the World Trade Organization on 3-5 July 2019, this series of short analytical articles explores some of the key trends and policy discussions impacting LDCs. The collection is structured along the event's themes of economic diversity, inclusive trade and emerging issues. It is intended as an impartial platform for dialogue among experts and stakeholders that adequately reflects LDC priorities.
--------
This policy series has been funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The views expressed in this publication are the author’s alone and are not necessarily the views of the Australian Government.

Ann Linde: Talking aid for trade, global growth and making trade deals happen
Then Swedish Minister for Foreign Trade, Ann Linde (now Minister for Foreign Affairs) discusses supporting developing country exports and the need to close the gender gap

Isatou Touray: On getting good data, shaping gender-responsive policies and unleashing women in business
On the sidelines of the Aid for Trade Global Review 2019, The Gambia’s Vice President discusses the potential of women in trade

Aid for trade must focus on the poorest, most fragile countries
Originally published by Devex on 5 July 2019

5 ways to boost sustainable trade in the world’s poorest countries
Originally published by World Economic Forum Agenda on 4 July 2019

New WTO research puts spotlight on natural disasters and trade
How can countries use trade to promote resilience?

Aid for Trade & LDCs Magazine
In this issue: "Tentative steps to implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement in least developed countries", "Economic diversification: Why trade matters", and "Fisheries subsidies negotiations: What is at stake for least developed countries?"

For 10 years, partnering with least developed countries

Three trade challenges for least developed countries to converge and eradicate poverty
The current trading environment is inadequately supportive to contribute to growth, boost incomes, create jobs through new market access opportunities and reduce poverty.

How can foreign direct investment fulfil its development potential in least developed countries?
To help meet the investment needs of the future, foreign direct investment (FDI) flows have to increase substantially.

Strengthening the gender dimension of aid for trade in the least developed countries
Aid for trade can support women’s economic empowerment, which is key to sustainable development.

A strategy to leverage the digital transformation for development
The digital transformation provides developing economies new opportunities to leapfrog industrial age infrastructure, to draw on the vast knowledge spillovers from the internet, to take advantage of new markets offered by digital platforms and to exploit production possibilities enabled by digital technologies.

For trade development, shifting from fragility to resilience
The relative importance of trade and the degree of export concentration are higher than average in fragile least developed countries (LDCs).

Aid for trade, economic diversification and empowerment in the least developed countries
Economic diversification and empowerment are essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals; they also embody the rationale behind the Aid for Trade Initiative.

The African Continental Free Trade Area: Dawn of a new era
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will transform the way Africa trades, with intra-African trade expected to increase by 15-25 per cent, and the boost to trade in industrial goods accelerating diversification of Africa’s economies.

In Malawi, bolstering youth and women’s employment through sectoral skills strategies
Skills strategies can provide a bridging mechanism to enable disadvantaged groups such as youth and women to gain from international trade.

Economic diversification: Why trade matters
Economic diversification is a key element of development in which a country moves to a more diverse production structure, scaling-up resilience to external shocks and providing a path for equitable growth.

Fisheries subsidies negotiations: What is at stake for least developed countries?
Fisheries are a crucial source of animal protein, livelihoods and export earnings for many developing countries, including several least developed countries.

Global value chains and development paths: A conversation with Caroline Freund
Talking global value chains and trade integration, ahead of forthcoming World Bank report

Tentative steps to implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement in least developed countries
Agreement provides least developed countries with novel provisions, with consultation needs taking centre stage

EIF launches policy series on all things LDCs and Aid for Trade
Examining Aid for Trade and LDCs, aiming for evidence-based action

What to expect from WTO's 2019 Global Review of Aid for Trade
See what lies ahead at the biennial Aid for Trade event in July 2019