2024 Global Review of Aid for Trade
Session on Forging pathways to prosperity in LLDCs: mainstreaming trade in development programmes and the role of Aid for Trade
Session co-organizers: Botswana, Chair of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and UN-Office of the High Representative for LDC, LLDS and SIDS (UN-OHRLLS)
Venue: Geneva, World Trade Organization, Room S2
A core challenge for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) is that their geographies impose pathways to trade that are complex and costly. LLDCs’ trade must overcome longer routes to markets that transit through neighbouring countries and cumbersome border requirements. Many of the distinct challenges to LLDCs’ development derive from this fundamental difficulty. The LLDCs account for 7% of the world’s population, but just 1.1% of world trade. In recognition of this, the Programme of Action for the LLDCs sets out priority actions including on trade, trade facilitation, structural transformation and regional integration. It also emphasizes mainstreaming the priorities of the Programme of Action in national development programmes.
At this pivotal point at the development of the new Programme of Action for LLDCs, the session considers the shapes and forms of Aid for Trade, as well as the partnerships, initiatives and projects, needed for its successful implementation. The event seeks to identify concrete actions, policy recommendations, and innovative approaches to mainstream trade in national development plans and promote inclusive and sustainable trade-led growth. By prioritizing trade integration and coherence, LLDCs can unlock their full trade potential and accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs.
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