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International Trade

Trade policy, trade negotiations, trade and investment agreements

Organization

Name of the Programme/ Support Measure

Brief Description

Type of Support

Main interlocutor at Country-level

Project/Support URL

IFC

The Global Trade Liquidity Program (GTLP)

Promote emerging market private sector trade by mobilizing funded and unfunded financing and channeling credit for trade transactions to targeted sectors and regions. To maximize its developmental reach, particularly with respect to SMEs and IDA countries, IFC partners with global and regional banks (together, “Utilization Banks”) with wide correspondent trade networks and strong commitment to trade finance.

Cross-cutting/Other (please specify below):

Banks in LICS, LLDCs, MICS

https://bit.ly/2IcOWON

UNCTAD

P166 training courses/Policy Capacity Building Section

 

Capacity building-Trainings

Depending on the hosts countries, the programme deals with local Universities, Ministries of trade, industry, and commerce, in addition to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

http://p166.unctad.org/

UNCTAD

Trade Facilitation Programme

"UNCTAD assists developing countries in identifying their particular trade and transport facilitation needs and priorities and helps them program the implementation of specific trade and transport facilitation measures.

UNCTAD organizes workshops and seminars at the regional and national levels, publishes relevant information and training material, and provides technical assistance through numerous projects."

Capacity building-Trainings

Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Infrastructure/Planning, Ministry of Environment, Corridors, Ports, Customs, Development banks, Private stakeholders, organizations, academia, etc.

https://unctad.org/en/Pages/DTL/TTL/Trade-Facilitation.aspx

UNCTAD

DTIS

UNCTAD undertakes the Diagnostic Trade Integration Study of several LDCs

Diagnostic exercises/ assessments

Ministry of Trade

https://bit.ly/2KxJvMl

UNCTAD

Database on Trade Preference Utilization

Contains data on the utilization rates of trade preferences under the Generalized System of Trade Preferences (GSP), which provides a gauge of whether the design of such trade preferences is appropriate and whether business is unable to effectively use the FTAs that Governments have negotiated.

Diagnostic exercises/ assessments

Ministry of Trade

https://bit.ly/2Z8FP6U

UNCTAD

Duty-Free Quota-Free Market Access for the Laest Developed Countries

Research and advocacy for the full implementation of the DFQF for LDCs commitments reaffirmed in the SDGs

Diagnostic exercises/ assessments

Ministry of Trade

https://bit.ly/2XcSHHr

UNCTAD

Trade and gender toolbox

The Toolbox provides a framework to evaluate the impacts of trade reforms on gender inequalities prior to their implementation.

Toolkit

Ministries of Trade, Gender, Labour, Agriculture; EAC secretariat; civil society

https://bit.ly/2G8DZtW

UNCTAD

Advocacy strategy: Advocating for gender-sensitive trade policymaking in the East African Community

This advocacy document presents policy recommendations and provides an implementation framework to influence gender-sensitive policymaking on trade in the member countries of the East African Community (EAC).

Cross-cutting/Other (please specify below):

Advocacy strategy

 

 

https://bit.ly/2U9mTBa

UNCTAD

Online courses on Trade and Gender

The course presents the nexus between trade and gender based on UNCTAD's manual on trade and gender, combining theory with practical exercises, forum discussions and tutoring services.  The online course is developed as a tool to enhance the capacity of policy-makers, civil society organizations and academics to assess the gender impact of trade and trade policy and formulate gender-equitable policies

Capacity building-Trainings

 

https://elearningtrade.unctad.org/

UNCTAD

Services Policy Reviews

The services economy and trade have the potential to induce structural transformation in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Yet many Governments face challenges in identifying and addressing the services-related needs of the domestic economy and then translating them into policy and negotiating positions, with a view to enhancing the quantity and quality of services output. UNCTAD assists developing countries to seize the opportunities offered by a services-driven development strategy.

Toolkit

 

https://bit.ly/2UakqX7

Trade Policy Framework Reviews

"The UNCTAD Trade Policy Framework Reviews help countries assess their trade policy regimes in a systematic, comprehensive

 

Toolkit

 

https://bit.ly/2KsNklI

 

UNCTAD

Trade Negotiations, Including WTO Accession

 

"Within this global context, UNCTAD provides capacity-building support to developing countries, in particular LDCs, and countries with economies in transition, in their engagement in multilateral and regional trade negotiations, including accession to the World Trade Organization, South–South trade cooperation and preferences and the Continental Free Trade Area negotiations, addressing such specific substantive policy areas as agriculture, market access, services, rules, special and differential treatment, dispute settlement and other trade-related rules, disciplines and procedures."

 

Toolkit

Ministry of Trade

https://bit.ly/2UQLcbv

UNCTAD

Competition and consumer protection policies and framework

"UNCTAD contributes to the strengthened competition and consumer protection law enforcement in developing countries through developing policy, legal and institutional frameworks, and building human capacities”

Technical Assistance/ Experts

Ministry of Economy/Trade/Industry and/or Competition Authority and Consumer Protection Authority

https://bit.ly/2IuqmIm

UNCTAD

Voluntary peer reviews of competition and consumer protection laws and policies

UNCTAD voluntary peer review process aims at improving competition and consumer protection laws and policies in a way that fosters competitiveness, inclusive development and reduced inequalities.

Diagnostic exercises/ assessments

Ministry of Economy/Trade/Industry and/or Competition Authority and Consumer Protection Authority

https://bit.ly/2IgISES

WTO

WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility

Assist WTO Members to find the support they need to implement the Trade Facilitation Agreement

Technical Assistance/ Experts

 

http://www.tfafacility.org/

ESCAP

Trade Intelligence and Negotiation Adviser (TINA)

TINA is an interactive web-based tool to assist countries in the negotiation of trade agreements, with the ultimate objective of enhancing trade in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Toolkit

 

https://tina.negotiatetrade.org/

ESCAP

Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Agreements Database (APTIAD)

APTIAD is an online database of trade agreements in the Asia-Pacific region.

Toolkit

 

https://www.unescap.org/content/aptiad/

ESCAP

ESCAP-World Bank Trade Cost Database

A bilateral trade cost database in 2010 in an effort to increase understanding of the cost of trading between countries in Asia and the Pacific and beyond.

Toolkit

 

https://artnet.unescap.org/databases.

ESCAP

Asia-Pacific Trade Indicators Portal (APTIP)

APTIP is designed to assist researchers, policymakers, students and other interested individuals in visualizing the link between indicators of inclusive trade and preferential trade agreements that have been signed in Asia and the Pacific in an intuitive and user-friendly manner

Toolkit

 

https://artnet.unescap.org/databases

ESCAP

Gravity Modelling of International Trade

An interactive tool to support gravity modelling analysis online, enabling assessment of the impact of various factors on trade flows

Toolkit

 

https://artnet.unescap.org/databases

ESCAP

Framework Agreement on facilitation of cross-border paperless trade for Asia and the Pacific

The project provides technical assistance to selected countries in the region in implementing cross-border paperless trade, in particular in the context of the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific.

Technical Assistance/ Experts

 

https://www.unescap.org/resources/framework-agreement-facilitation-cross...

ESCAP

Reducing cost of NTMs in Central Asia

project includes workshops, research and data collection support on NTMs in Central Asia

Capacity building-Trainings

 

https://www.unescap.org/events/follow-workshop-reducing-costs-ntms-north...

ESCAP

NTMs and Sustainable Development in Asia-Pacific

project in partnership with UNCTAD; includes workshops, research and data collection support on NTMs in Asia-Pacific developing countries

Capacity building-Trainings

 

http://www.unescap.org/events/unctadescap-artnet-capacity-building-works...

ESCAP

WTO/ESCAP Regional capacity Buildling Programme

ESCAP and WTO implement capacity building workshops on trade issues. The forthcoming 2019 Workshop on LDC graduation will improve participant's understanding of the LDC graduation criteria and processes, its likely impact on the economy especially in trade, and identity ways to address the challenges that would arise from graduation

Capacity building-Trainings

 

 

ESCAP

Workshop on Non-Tariff Measures and International Standards for Sustainable Development

The project aims to build capacity of trade policymakers and standards organizations on reducing the impact of non-tariff measures on trade by using international standards and aligning them with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Capacity building-Trainings

 

https://www.unescap.org/events/workshop-non-tariff-measures-and-internat....

ESCAP

Capacity Building Workshop on Cross-border Paperless Trade Facilitation: Implications of Emerging Technologies

The workshop builds capacity of countries in the region in implementing cross-border paperless trade, in particular in the context of the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific.

Capacity building-Trainings

 

https://www.unescap.org/events/capacity-building-workshop-cross-border-p...

ESCAP

Asia-Pacific Trade Facilitation Forum

The forum provides a regional platform for the exchange of information, experiences and practices on trade facilitation, and includes many related capacity building side events

Capacity building-Trainings

 

https://unnext.unescap.org/content/asia-pacific-trade-facilitation-forum...

EAPD

ePing

Governments establish product requirements to achieve policy objectives such as the protection of human health or the environment. The WTO SPS and TBT Agreements try to ensure that these requirements do not create unnecessary obstacles to international trade. WTO Members are required to notify other Members before adopting new measures if these are likely to affect international trade and provide an opportunity for comments. ePing enables timely access to these notifications and facilitates dialogue amongst the public and private sector in addressing potential trade problems at an early stage.

Toolkit

Ministry of Trade/Enquiry Points

http://epingalert.org/en

 

Trade finance 

 

Organization

Name of the Programme/ Support Measure

Brief Description

Type of Support

Main interlocutor at Country-level

Project/Support URL

IFC

Global Trade Finance Program

Extends and complements the capacity of banks to deliver trade financing by providing risk mitigation in new or challenging markets where trade lines may be constrained.

Cross-cutting/Other (please specify below):

Banks in LICS, LLDCs, MICS

https://bit.ly/2IcOWON

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aid for trade  

 

Organisation

Name of the Programme/ Support Measure

Brief Description

Type of Support

Main interlocutor at Country-level

Project/Support URL

WTO

Enhanced Integrated Framework

"The EIF partnership of 51 countries, 24 donors and eight partner agencies work closely with governments, development organizations and civil society to assist Least Developed Countries (LDCs) use trade as an engine for development and poverty reduction. Together, we leverage our collective know-how, reach and reputation to tackle the trade constraints of the world's poorest countries.

Diagnostics, technical assistance and capacity building

Ministry of Trade (EIF Focal Point)

www.enhancedif.org

WTO

Aid for Trade Initiative

The Aid for Trade Initiative helps developing countries, and in particular LDCs, improve their insertion in the multilateral trading system and derive benefits from trade agreements.

Cross-cutting/Other (please specify below):

Ministry of Trade, EIF representation in country, Customs, sometimes Ministry of Foreign Affairs or External Aid

www.wto.org/aidfortrade

WTO

Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF)

The STDF is a global partnership which is housed at the WTO. The STDF provides a platform for organizations to come together to discuss SPS capacity building needs, share experiences and good practice, leverage additional funding, and work on coordinated and coherent solutions. The STDF also provides grant funding for the preparation and implementation of SPS capacity building projects in developing countries and LDCs worldwide.

Capacity building-Trainings

Ministry of Trade, other agencies dealing with services

http://www.standardsfacility.org/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic enabling environment for trade

Organisation

Name of the Programme/ Support Measure

Brief Description

Type of Support

Main interlocutor at Country-level

Project/Support URL

UNCTAD

Automated System for Customs Data and management (ASYCUDA) Programme

The ASYCUDA Programme is directed at reforming and streamlining the Customs clearance process, increasing trade facilitation and strengthening the Customs institution (Custom Agency or Revenue Authority) of Member States.

Technical Assistance/ Experts

Depending on the hosts countries, the programme deals with local Universities, Ministries of trade, industry, and commerce, in addition to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

https://asycuda.org.

UNCTAD

TrainForTrade

"Strengthening knowledge and skills through innovative approaches for sustainable economic development

Objectives:

•Build sustainable networks of knowledge to promote transparency and good practices

•Encourage development-oriented trade policy to reduce poverty

•Promote ICT solutions and innovative thinking to enhance capacities of international trade players"

Capacity building-Trainings

HQ based with field presence and focal points. Blended learning. Long-term intervention with revolving activities covering 4 languages and countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean and Europe.

https://tft.unctad.org.

ITU

Enabling environment and ICT Applications

Supports countries in adopting right policies and regulations

Capacity building-Trainings

Ministries of ICT, Health, Education and Telecommunication Regulatory Authorities

 

UNIDO

Trade Capacity Building (TCB)

The Trade Capacity Building programme offers support to developing countries to overcome the trade barriers using conformity assessment procedures compliant to the WTOs Trade Facilitation Agreement, Technical Barriers to Trade and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreements.

Capacity building-Trainings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other issues 

 

Organisation

Name of the Programme/ Support Measure

Brief Description

Type of Support

Main interlocutor at Country-level

Project/Support URL

UNCTAD

Sustainable Freight Transport, Logistics, and Finance Programme

UNCTAD has developed a portfolio of tools dedicated to sustainable freight transport and logistics technical assistance programme which aims at building the capacity of developing countries to promote sustainable freight transport and logistics through sound policies/measures/actions and financing mechanisms, as well as through efficient transport/transit/economic/corridors and ports. Sustainability in freight transport entails, among other features, the ability of the sector (and therefore countries and their trade) to achieve economic efficiency and effectiveness, to improve connectivity, quality of service, to ensure social inclusiveness and progress while, at the same time, reducing its negative externalities, including, energy and resource depletion, environmental degradation and climate change.

Technical Assistance/ Experts

Ministry of Finance / Customs Administration/ Revenue Authority

https://bit.ly/2UQjkV4

WHO

Prevention of Noncommunicable Disease: National Capacity

WHO supports Member States to ensure policy coherence, including by developing tobacco control policies consistent with trade agreements

Technical Assistance/ Experts

Ministry of health