Trade policy

9 August 2022 - Annette Mutaawe Ssemuwemba

Importance of building evidence for gender-sensitive trade policies

Building evidence does not only happen through research and analysis; it also comes from sharing experiences. For example, EIF support has been directed to sectors in which women are predominantly engaged, so female-owned businesses can expand and access new regional and global markets. Responses to the M&E exercise indicate a wide recognition that these efforts result in strengthening women’s economic and financial independence.

8 February 2022 - Ratnakar Adhikari and Taffere Tesfachew

Technology is the key to transforming least developed countries. Here's how

Ratnakar Adhikari (EIF) and Taffere Tesfachew (UNTBLDC) discuss how LDCs can benefit from technology on their path towards structural transformation

11 January 2022 - Lyonpo Loknath Sharma and Ratnakar Adhikari

What Bhutan got right about happiness - and what other countries can learn

Guided by its Gross National Happiness, Bhutan has considerably improved its economic, environmental, social and governance situation in the past four decades.

14 December 2021 - Ratnakar Adhikari Annette Mutaawe Ssemuwemba

How aid for trade can best support Least Developed Countries in the next decade

How can LDCs be supported to improve their trade performance and sustainably raise their share of trade in the global economy?

7 December 2021 - Violeta Gonzalez Behar Michelle Kovacevic

Amid cyclones and COVID-19, Vanuatu makes bold decision to graduate from ‘least developed country’ category

Originally published by OECD Development Matters blog on 30th April 2021

16 November 2021 - Abha Calindi Abha Calindi

Services: The new staple of 21st century development?

Manufacturing has traditionally driven economic growth in developing countries. A new book by the World Bank highlights the potential of the service sector in driving development. What are the implications of this shift for least developed countries?

12 October 2021 - Marie-France Boucher

Raising the profile of trade in least developed countries

Trade is key to sustainable development and growth. This knowledge can spur action from governments and businesses, but only if the word gets out.

28 September 2021 - Helen Castell

New index suggests productive capacities should be priority at LDC5

A United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report on findings from its Productive Capacities Index (PCI) h

29 June 2021 - James Ellsmoor

How LDCs can reset policy to attract more FDI

For SIDS and LDCs, tapping into the remote working revolution requires internet infrastructure

6 June 2021 - Jodie Keane, Sarah Colenbrander and Laura Kelly

How can the EU’s border carbon adjustments avoid unintended consequences for LDCs?

On avoiding risks and challenges for countries striving to reduce poverty and tackle climate change

1 June 2021 - Deanna Ramsay

Putting the capacity to produce front and center to spur LDC trade

Looking ahead to the next decade of action to transform economies Thriving economies produce. What they produce could be export commodities, human enterprises, linkages to supply chains, data innovations, i.e. the whole range of things that generate profit today.

11 May 2021 - Deanna Ramsay

On support for global trade in Africa, today

A pandemic. Development hurdles. Structural impediments. What is there for least developed countries in Africa to improve trade?

4 May 2021 - Deanna Ramsay

Delving deep into trade priorities for least developed countries

Tourism, apparel and sustainable development strategies are covered in new series of policy briefs from the Enhanced Integrated Framework

4 March 2021 - Fekitamoeloa Katoa 'Utoikamanu

The overlapping crises of climate and COVID-19 demands a renewed solidarity

Originally published by Thomson Reute

16 February 2021 - Désirée Van Gorp

Making global value chains sustainable and enhancing the position of LDCs: A shared responsibility

Multinationals and governments need to recognize the trade world’s interconnectedness, and its impact

9 February 2021 - Simon Hess

On monitoring trade results in the least developed countries

Seeing impacts in a complicated trade landscape requires learning and adapting

28 January 2021 - Violeta Gonzalez Behar

Helping small businesses build financial resilience

Originally published on World Economic Forum on 19th January 2021 as part of the

26 January 2021 - Deanna Ramsay

With trade aims, Guinea looking to address agricultural potential

Guinea trying out south-south cooperation venture with Tunisia Trade in Guinea today centres mostly around the export of gold and bauxite, which is used to create aluminum. The country has the world’s largest deposits of the red rock, and aluminum prices are increasing.

14 January 2021 - Moono Mupotola

Small businesses key to economic growth in Africa

Originally published by the International Trade Centre (ITC) International Trade Forum Magazine on 9 December 2020

12 January 2021 - Deanna Ramsay

Getting bullish on tourism in Burundi

Country embarking on a new tourism strategy as part of its building of trade sector When one thinks about tourism hotspots, Burundi is not the first that comes to mind. But, that doesn’t mean it couldn’t get there.

17 December 2020 - Deanna Ramsay

Mastering the art of cooking in Cambodia

Academy training youth for a global trade

8 December 2020 - Deanna Ramsay

Somalia making steps toward WTO accession

Country working toward regional and global trade goals in a post-conflict scenario. Becoming a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) isn’t automatic – it’s a process that involves commitments and consensus, questions and responses, meetings and negotiations.

2 December 2020 - Jenny Larsen

Can Africa’s third industrial development decade deliver?

As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic kick in, hopes for better progress, at least in the short term, appear to be fading.

26 November 2020 - Dr. Neil Balchin

Four key priorities for revisiting LDC vulnerabilities

Breaking down the data on productive capabilities, debt and more in the world’s poorest countries

19 November 2020 - Deanna Ramsay

On trading in Tuvalu

Trade practitioners discuss the country’s trade landscape, and what their daily work entails

17 November 2020 - Dr Cheikh Tidiane Dieye

From regional to global: the path to graduation for African LDCs?

Integration into one or more value chains could enable LDCs to specialize in certain production activities or modules while gradually evolving towards more complex tasks.

8 October 2020 - Fabrice Lehmann Carlos Cordon

Business supply chain strategies are evolving, can poor countries benefit?

Multiple sourcing and proximity sourcing are shaping into long-term trends as global firms hardwire resilience and agility into their supply chains.

7 October 2020 - Deanna Ramsay

Following week of trade discussions, 4 takeaways for LDCs

With digital conference covering the major topics in global trade, what matters for the world’s poorest countries?

6 October 2020 - Sofía Baliño

Preparing for the next chapter in trade and sustainable development governance

Reflections from Geneva Trade Week

1 October 2020 - Maria Sokolova

On the role of women trade trainers

In trade for development, more female trainers could make a big difference

22 September 2020 - Dmitry Grozoubinski

Good trade policy requires diverse voices

Geneva Trade Week garnering inputs from far and wide

14 September 2020 - Karishma Banga Jodie Keane Max Mendez-Parra Laetitia Pettinotti Lily Sommer

Boosting African regional value chain development in response to COVID-19: The catalysing role of the AfCFTA

New paper looks at the supply chain dimension of African trade during and post-COVID

9 September 2020 - Deanna Ramsay

Study offers tips for Equatorial Guinea’s trade enhancement

From a focus on fisheries to WTO membership, analysis of the country’s economic situation offers ways to move forward

26 August 2020 - Michelle Kovacevic

The evolution of Quality Infrastructure in the Caribbean

Like the Pacific, independence from colonialism is what kickstarted the development of Quality Infrastructure in the Caribbean.

26 August 2020 - Michelle Kovacevic

Pacific island countries band together to increase export quality

Trade ministers in the Pacific approve the region’s first strategic framework on quality infrastructure

14 July 2020 - Brendan Vickers Salamat Ali

Unpacking COVID-19-related medical supply chains in Commonwealth LDCs

Although LDCs are home to 13.3% of the world’s population, their share of COVID-19-related medical imports is just 1%.

8 July 2020 - Peter Drysdale

Time for Asian partners to work together on a global COVID recovery strategy

Six new objectives for regional policy cooperation

6 July 2020 - Michelle Kovacevic

Rwanda setting example for electronic waste recycling

Government and private sector worked together to create jobs in new ‘industry’

30 June 2020 - Fabrice Lehmann

Can Madagascar inspire reform of global fashion’s US$2.5 trillion supply chains?

The collapse in trade provoked by the coronavirus pandemic has exposed the fragility of carefully constructed supply chains in the global fashion industry, and the asymmetries with which they are governed.

24 June 2020 - Violeta Gonzalez Behar

Don’t put export bans on medical supplies during COVID-19. Why trade should flow freely to the world’s poorest countries

Originally published in OECD-Development Matters on 28 April 2020

16 June 2020 - Michelle Kovacevic

David Laborde: How to help LDCs stay food secure through COVID-19

International Food Policy Research Institute (IFRPRI) Senior Research Fellow discusses the challenges and opportunities for food security in least developed countries amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

27 April 2020 - Axel Addy

How can Africa’s trade ministers help combat COVID-19? Lessons from Ebola

Trade ministers are playing an essential role in the pandemic response

16 April 2020 - Deanna Ramsay

Beauty in diversity: How can trade support Timor-Leste’s graduation from least developed country status?

On Timor-Leste’s development progress, and what remains to be done

9 April 2020 - Trudi Hartzenberg

COVID-19 in Africa – some reflections on trade matters

Poverty, inequality and exclusion are key factors contributing to the devastating effects of COVID-19 on all African countries.

7 April 2020 - Joseph Glauber David Laborde Will Martin Rob Vos

COVID-19: Trade restrictions are worst possible response to safeguard food security

Originally published by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) on 27 March 2020

1 April 2020 - Peter Donelan Théo Mbise Visvanathan Subramaniam

COVID-19, least developed countries and financial support

What are international institutions pledging in the wake of the pandemic?

31 March 2020 - Anabel González

Yes, medical gear depends on global supply chains. Here's how to keep them moving.

Originally published by Peterson Institute for International Economics on 27 March 2020

26 March 2020 - Padmashree Gehl Sampath

Industry 4.0: What next for least developed countries?

The possibility of reconfiguring manufacturing processes through new digital technologies and data provides opportunities to reboot industrial development in least developed countries.

24 March 2020 - Deanna Ramsay

What’s happening with COVID-19 in LDCs?

A compendium of recent news on the global pandemic and what some of the world’s poorest countries are doing

18 March 2020 - Simon J. Evenett

On tariffs, soap and tackling COVID-19

The right trade policies would help the world combat current pandemic

2 March 2020 - Deanna Ramsay

Hanna Norberg: On instigating a new, and growing, trade community

The Trade Experettes founder discusses the blossoming global network of female experts from ‘all walks of trade’

27 February 2020 - Marc Auboin Violeta Gonzalez Behar

Why exporters need to mind the trade finance gap

Originally published in World Economic Forum Agenda on 10 February 2020

11 February 2020 - Simon J. Evenett Johannes Fritz

How developing country exports fared during the recent Populist era

The latest version of the Global Trade Alert, which monitors state interventions that affect world commerce, explores whether developing country access to large overseas markets has changed during the current era of populism.

4 February 2020 - Katia Karousakis Shunta Yamaguchi

Trade policy and the post-2020 global biodiversity framework

Mainstreaming biodiversity across economic sectors is a key issue to be discussed at the CBD COP15 in China in 2020, where the post-2020 global biodiversity framework is due to be agreed upon.

31 January 2020 - Deanna Ramsay

In the current trade climate, what are the risks and opportunities for developing countries? (Part II)

International Monetary Fund (IMF) economists Martin Kaufman and Papa N’Diaye discuss trade, climate change mitigation and technology in Part II of their interview.

23 January 2020 - Deanna Ramsay

Chad aiming for export diversification, and with that stability

Country is addressing its fragility through renewed efforts to stimulate economy

21 January 2020 - Deanna Ramsay

Amid slowing global growth, how are low-income countries faring? (Part 1)

International Monetary Fund (IMF) economists Martin Kaufman and Papa N’Diaye discuss the impacts of the current trade tensions, and the prospects for developing economies in an unsteady global landscape.

16 January 2020 - Michelle Kovacevic

Training trade policy leaders: Zambia takes a ‘homegrown’ approach

Education key for an informed trade and policy future

7 January 2020 - Rodrigo Polanco

How home country measures can promote foreign direct investment in poor economies

In order to be effective, existing and future home country outward FDI measures need to be customised to the needs and realities of LDCs.

19 December 2019 - Mia Mikic

How will least developed countries in Asia fare in the trade war?

Countries that have already implemented trade-cost reducing reforms – for example trade facilitation, infrastructure, and data flows – will be better positioned to take advantage of any opportunities that arise from the trade war.

9 December 2019 - Rashid S. Kaukab

Breaking silos between trade and climate for the world’s most vulnerable countries

There is urgent need to better understand trade and climate change linkages in the context of least developed countries (LDCs).

3 December 2019 - Deanna Ramsay

For better business, making standard measurements work in Lao PDR

Carefully calibrating its trade support and compliance to international standards, country is targeting more exports

2 December 2019 - Mohammad A. Razzaque Syed Mortuza Ehsan Brendan Vickers

Poorest countries caught in the global trade turmoil

Least developed countries (LDCs) confront a challenging global trade landscape, from slower long-term growth rates and rising protectionism to a weakening nexus between trade and GDP growth.

26 November 2019 - Deanna Ramsay

Phouvieng Phongsa: Examining Lao PDR’s trade journey

Deputy Director General in the Department of Planning and Cooperation at the Lao PDR Ministry of Industry and Commerce discusses harmonizing trade, regional integration and managing resources wisely

26 November 2019

What is Lao PDR doing to enhance trade?

Lao PDR's Deputy Director General Phouvieng Phongsa, Department of Planning and Cooperation, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, discusses trade and development in his tiny, landlocked country.

20 November 2019 - Trudi Hartzenberg

The AfCFTA – a free trade area and a flagship project of the African Union

Despite impressive progress in the negotiations, it is still not possible to trade under the AfCFTA as the negotiations of preferential tariff concessions and rules of origin have not been completed.

5 November 2019 - Brendan Vickers Hilary Enos-Edu

How trade can assist least developed countries hit by natural disasters

Many least developed countries are vulnerable to recurrent natural disasters, which exacerbate existing challenges, disrupt long-term investments and divert resources away from development to reconstruction.

31 October 2019 - Daniel Gay Kevin P. Gallagher

For the least developed countries, revitalising multilateralism is life or death

The international system governing the environment and economy is under pressure, but it is in trade where least developed countries (LDCs) may lose most from cracks in the global order.

30 October 2019 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

EIF covering environment, 4IR and global trade climate in new analyses

The Enhanced Integrated Framework’s Trade for Development News is launching a new series of articles focusing on three major trade conversations happening today.

30 October 2019

Global growth is slowing. For the world's poorest countries, what does this mean?

29 October 2019 - Michelle Kovacevic

Change in mindset sees Vanuatu become rising star of economic development

Vanuatu became a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) back in 2012, and has made immense economic progress.

16 October 2019 - Simon J. Evenett

2019’s other nasty trade policy surprise

With the spotlight on the Sino-US tariff war, a worrying trade policy dynamic implicating many countries has been overlooked.

14 October 2019 - Deanna Ramsay

Tackling Uganda’s trade potential

From research to action, Uganda focusing on facilitation to spur economy and create jobs

14 October 2019

How is Uganda creating an environment where trade thrives?

Director of Trade at the Uganda Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives discusses the country's recent trade successes.

14 October 2019

What lies ahead for Uganda's trade landscape?

Uganda's Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives discusses Uganda's trade policies, what's been accomplished, and what's left to be done.

23 April 2019 - Daria Shatskova Deanna Ramsay

For LDC exporters and EU importers, getting back to origins

Digital system set to streamline procedures for trade from LDCs to the EU

13 February 2019 - Deanna Ramsay Michelle Kovacevic Cécile de Gardelle

Striving to make Pacific economic dreams a reality

Solomon Islands putting itself on the tourism map

15 October 2018 - Deanna Ramsay

Christina Chatima: On using trade as an engine for growth

Increasing agricultural proceeds, processing and marketing are critical in Malawi’s development plans

14 August 2018 - Deanna Ramsay

The Gambia sounding out its agricultural potential

With cashew prices surging and armed with solid trade policy, the country is looking to boost its farmers and processors

9 August 2018

Trading for Malawi's farmers, and the future

Malawi's farmers have been cultivating new crops with the National Smallholder Farmers' Association of Malawi, supported by the Government of Malawi and EIF

27 July 2018 - Daria Shatskova

Daniel Gay: The long and winding road to LDC graduation

The EIF’s Daria Shatskova talks development in the world’s poorest countries with UNDESA’s Daniel Gay

8 June 2018 - Michelle Kovacevic Mbaye Ndiaye

Study provides roadmap for Mauritania’s diversification

A study published two years ago — the Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS) update — has helped to push forward the Islamic Republic of Mauritania’s reform agenda, by providing a roadmap for how the small African and Arab country can strategically diversify its exports to grow its wealth and reduce poverty

25 April 2018 - WTO

WTO reports improved notification of preferential rules of origin for Least Developed Countries

Those countries granting preferences to LDC imports often condition the benefits on the imports meeting minimum "LDC content" as set out under their rules of origin schemes

9 April 2018 - Lynsey Grosfield

Intra-African trade gets streamlined: What does this mean for Least Developed Countries?

Forty-four African countries have signed on to an African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), twenty-eight of which are among the world’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs)

13 March 2018 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

WTO issues call for papers for 2018 Essay Award for Young Economists

The WTO has issued a call for young economists to submit papers for the 2018 WTO Essay Award. The award aims to promote high-quality research on trade policy and international trade co-operation and to reinforce the relationship between the WTO and the academic community.

12 March 2018 - Deanna Ramsay

Shifting nature of trade talks could make a mark on developing countries

In scales and makeup of trade negotiations, for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) there is more than meets the eye

3 March 2018 - Michelle Kovacevic

Changes needed to Tanzania’s business environment, study says

A new study for Tanzania — the Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS) update — highlights opportunities for developing and improving trade opportunities for Tanzanian businesses and investors.

3 March 2018

Changes needed to Tanzania’s business environment, study says

A new study for Tanzania — the Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS) update — highlights opportunities for developing and improving trade opportunities for Tanzanian b

25 January 2018 - Simon Hess Michelle Kovacevic

Training the next generation of trade negotiators in Zambia

You may not expect a graduate of an arts degree to say that a trade policy course was their favourite subject, but if you ask Zondwayo Duma from Zambia, that’s exactly what he’ll tell you

16 January 2018 - Michelle Kovacevic

How Cambodia became ‘famous’ for its trade strategy

The year is 2017 and Cambodia has stepped into a role that has been out of its reach for years — the voice of the 47 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) at the Word Trade Organization.

11 November 2017 - Ratnakar Adhikari Joe Natuman

Tourism as a way to lift the Pacific out of poverty

Originally published by Thomson Reuters Foundation News

9 November 2017

Voices of trade and development

19 July 2016 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

Maximizing the benefits of WTO membership: Life after accession for Afghanistan and Liberia

Nairobi, 19 July 2016

24 February 2016 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

Public and private partners, donors and international agencies agree on a roadmap for Ethiopia's stronger integration into global trade

Representatives of the government, public and private institutions, donors and international organizations met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 23 to 24 February 2016

6 March 2014 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

Improved trade policies in fish sectors could address gender inequalities

New UNCTAD-EIF study of the fisheries sector in The Gambia shows trade policies have to be inclusive if they are to reduce poverty

7 June 2013

Consuming Cabo Verde Campaign

Trade policy

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