The document is a ministerial declaration from a meeting of Least Developed Country trade ministers in Bali, Indonesia ahead of the 9th WTO Ministerial Conference. It calls on WTO members to address various issues important to LDCs, including improving duty-free and quota-free market access, preferential rules of origin, assistance for cotton producers, services exports, trade facilitation with support for LDCs, agriculture, development issues, intellectual property, LDC accessions to the WTO, technical assistance, aid for trade, and support for the Enhanced Integrated Framework.
2014 IBRAHIM INDEX OF AFRICAN GOVERNANCE MO IBRAHIM FOUNDATION: Country Summa...Dr Lendy Spires
The document appears to be the 2014 Ibrahim Index of African Governance published by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. It contains numerical scores ranging from 0 to 100 for various African countries in categories related to governance, with higher scores indicating better governance performance. The numbers likely represent rankings and performance metrics for factors like safety, rule of law, participation & human rights, sustainable economic opportunity, and human development for multiple countries in recent years.
A model for engaging youth in evidence informed policy and program developmentDr Lendy Spires
This document provides a model for engaging youth in evidence-informed policy and program development. It describes a process for bringing together youth, researchers, and policymakers to examine research and apply the perspectives and experiences of youth. The goal is for youth to inform public policy and program recommendations. The model draws on past youth engagement projects and aims to guide single engagement events, while allowing for continuous advisory roles. It emphasizes facilitating the process and allowing participants to directly experience and produce best practices for meaningful youth engagement.
This document summarizes a report on taxing the informal sector in developing countries. It begins by defining the informal sector and discussing its size in African economies. There are benefits to taxing the informal sector such as increasing government revenue, encouraging economic growth, and strengthening accountability. However, efforts to tax the informal sector face challenges related to compliance. The report discusses common strategies used like indirect taxes, withholding taxes, and presumptive tax regimes. It argues more research is needed on incentives for compliance and how to shift incentives for taxpayers, politicians, and administrators. Some countries are experimenting with new approaches but more evidence is still needed on their outcomes and impacts on development.
This document is a technical report from the African Strategies for Health project that was produced for review by USAID. It contains the second volume of the mHealth Compendium, which profiles 27 mHealth projects organized under 5 categories: behavior change communication, data collection, finance, logistics, and service delivery. The case studies describe mHealth interventions being implemented in Africa and elsewhere to improve health outcomes using mobile technologies. Contact information is provided for each project to facilitate further information sharing.
This document provides an overview and instructions for developing and implementing an environmental and social management system (ESMS) for companies in the textiles and apparel industry. It describes the key components of an ESMS including policy, risk identification, management programs, organizational roles and responsibilities, emergency preparedness, stakeholder engagement, communications, monitoring and review. The purpose is to help integrate social and environmental practices into core business operations through a set of clearly defined processes to improve performance over time. The document is intended as guidance and companies are responsible for ensuring an ESMS meets their own needs and complies with applicable standards and regulations.
This document provides background information on partnerships between indigenous peoples and the UN system. It discusses the establishment of UN mechanisms to address indigenous issues, including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The document also outlines criteria for identifying good practices in UN programming with indigenous peoples and the methodology used in compiling case studies.
The Challenge from Within: New EU Donors and European Development Cooperation Dr Lendy Spires
Although the discussion of new donors in the changing global development landscape usually focuses on the development cooperation forays of emerging economies, the budding aid programmes of the dozen member states that have joined the EU since 2004 are also illustrative of challenges from the larger non-DAC donor community. They provide an instance of the diversification of sources of development finance and an example of shifting roles within the global economy, making a transition from being aid recipients to aid providers in a relatively short period of time. While challenges of donor coordination and learning how to cope with alternative perspectives on the guiding logic and preferred manner of implementing development cooperation are not unique to the arrival of new EU member states on the donor scene, the new EU member states pose a distinct and direct challenge for the future of European development cooperation, as these donors can shape the direction that EU development policy takes from within the EU system itself. Development Cooperation Profile of the New EU Donors As with other so-called ›new‹ donors, some of the EU’s newest member states have had experience with devel-opment cooperation stretching back several decades, even if the scale and the quality of development engagement has changed in connection with their accession to the EU. The influence of these states on EU development cooper-ation also predates EU accession, as European support for economic and political transition processes in Central and Eastern Europe in the 1990s drew attention away from other focal regions for European development policy.
This dissertation examines the relationship between Botswana's developmental state and the country's informal sector. It finds that while Botswana has pursued industrial policies to support small businesses and economic empowerment, the legal and regulatory framework has negatively impacted informal sector enterprises. The dissertation also analyzes the national and local institutional frameworks for micro-enterprise development in Botswana, finding gaps in capacity at both levels. Overall, while Botswana's developmental state has achieved economic success, its policies and institutions have yet to fully capitalize on the potential of the informal sector to further development goals.
2014 IBRAHIM INDEX OF AFRICAN GOVERNANCE MO IBRAHIM FOUNDATION: Country Summa...Dr Lendy Spires
The document appears to be the 2014 Ibrahim Index of African Governance published by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. It contains numerical scores ranging from 0 to 100 for various African countries in categories related to governance, with higher scores indicating better governance performance. The numbers likely represent rankings and performance metrics for factors like safety, rule of law, participation & human rights, sustainable economic opportunity, and human development for multiple countries in recent years.
A model for engaging youth in evidence informed policy and program developmentDr Lendy Spires
This document provides a model for engaging youth in evidence-informed policy and program development. It describes a process for bringing together youth, researchers, and policymakers to examine research and apply the perspectives and experiences of youth. The goal is for youth to inform public policy and program recommendations. The model draws on past youth engagement projects and aims to guide single engagement events, while allowing for continuous advisory roles. It emphasizes facilitating the process and allowing participants to directly experience and produce best practices for meaningful youth engagement.
This document summarizes a report on taxing the informal sector in developing countries. It begins by defining the informal sector and discussing its size in African economies. There are benefits to taxing the informal sector such as increasing government revenue, encouraging economic growth, and strengthening accountability. However, efforts to tax the informal sector face challenges related to compliance. The report discusses common strategies used like indirect taxes, withholding taxes, and presumptive tax regimes. It argues more research is needed on incentives for compliance and how to shift incentives for taxpayers, politicians, and administrators. Some countries are experimenting with new approaches but more evidence is still needed on their outcomes and impacts on development.
This document is a technical report from the African Strategies for Health project that was produced for review by USAID. It contains the second volume of the mHealth Compendium, which profiles 27 mHealth projects organized under 5 categories: behavior change communication, data collection, finance, logistics, and service delivery. The case studies describe mHealth interventions being implemented in Africa and elsewhere to improve health outcomes using mobile technologies. Contact information is provided for each project to facilitate further information sharing.
This document provides an overview and instructions for developing and implementing an environmental and social management system (ESMS) for companies in the textiles and apparel industry. It describes the key components of an ESMS including policy, risk identification, management programs, organizational roles and responsibilities, emergency preparedness, stakeholder engagement, communications, monitoring and review. The purpose is to help integrate social and environmental practices into core business operations through a set of clearly defined processes to improve performance over time. The document is intended as guidance and companies are responsible for ensuring an ESMS meets their own needs and complies with applicable standards and regulations.
This document provides background information on partnerships between indigenous peoples and the UN system. It discusses the establishment of UN mechanisms to address indigenous issues, including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The document also outlines criteria for identifying good practices in UN programming with indigenous peoples and the methodology used in compiling case studies.
The Challenge from Within: New EU Donors and European Development Cooperation Dr Lendy Spires
Although the discussion of new donors in the changing global development landscape usually focuses on the development cooperation forays of emerging economies, the budding aid programmes of the dozen member states that have joined the EU since 2004 are also illustrative of challenges from the larger non-DAC donor community. They provide an instance of the diversification of sources of development finance and an example of shifting roles within the global economy, making a transition from being aid recipients to aid providers in a relatively short period of time. While challenges of donor coordination and learning how to cope with alternative perspectives on the guiding logic and preferred manner of implementing development cooperation are not unique to the arrival of new EU member states on the donor scene, the new EU member states pose a distinct and direct challenge for the future of European development cooperation, as these donors can shape the direction that EU development policy takes from within the EU system itself. Development Cooperation Profile of the New EU Donors As with other so-called ›new‹ donors, some of the EU’s newest member states have had experience with devel-opment cooperation stretching back several decades, even if the scale and the quality of development engagement has changed in connection with their accession to the EU. The influence of these states on EU development cooper-ation also predates EU accession, as European support for economic and political transition processes in Central and Eastern Europe in the 1990s drew attention away from other focal regions for European development policy.
This dissertation examines the relationship between Botswana's developmental state and the country's informal sector. It finds that while Botswana has pursued industrial policies to support small businesses and economic empowerment, the legal and regulatory framework has negatively impacted informal sector enterprises. The dissertation also analyzes the national and local institutional frameworks for micro-enterprise development in Botswana, finding gaps in capacity at both levels. Overall, while Botswana's developmental state has achieved economic success, its policies and institutions have yet to fully capitalize on the potential of the informal sector to further development goals.
Benin was an early pioneer of democracy in Africa and signed onto the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in 2004, making it the first French-speaking West African country to complete the APRM process. The implementation of the APRM in Benin was characterized by efforts to maximize citizen participation through the creation of a large Independent National Commission. However, the commission suffered from administrative shortcomings due to prioritizing representation over effectiveness. Strong commitment from President Boni Yayi helped compensate for these issues. The APRM process allowed for open national dialogue and identified areas for governance improvements in Benin's program of action. Implementing this program of action is now a priority to build upon Benin's democratic
Summary The report notes that civil society has a critical role to play in ensuring that aid becomes effective in reducing poverty, but also finds that traditional donor agencies are not always stronginprovidingdirectsupporttostrengthen the capacity of civil society to participate in poverty reduction and to make governments more accountable. The report identifies a number of critical issues which needs to be addressed by donor agencies and civil society organisations.This includes the role of NGOs in serviceprovisionandhowthisrelatestosector- wide programmes and budget support; the linkages between support to civil society and support to governments in poverty reduction and efforts to improve governance; the scope for increased practical co-operation between donor organisations, including intermediaries; the role of civil society in advancing regional co-operation and integration; and the tensions between support to advocacy versus support to organisational development.
This document discusses lessons learned from the current global partnership for development and desirable aspects of a renewed partnership post-2015. It analyzes strengths and weaknesses of MDG8 targets, including that they increased advocacy and resources but perpetuated a donor-recipient paradigm. It also notes gaps in scope, such as not reflecting all development actors like the private sector. A main weakness is a lack of accountability among stakeholders. The document recommends how a new partnership could build on lessons by expanding scope, strengthening governance and accountability, and engaging new actors to better support sustainable development.
The OECD Better Life Initiative focuses on developing statistics that capture aspects of life that matter to people and shape their quality of life. The two main pillars of the initiative are the How's Life? report and the Better Life Index. The How's Life? report provides a comprehensive picture of well-being across OECD countries by looking at material conditions and quality of life. The Better Life Index allows citizens to compare well-being across countries based on topics identified as essential to material living conditions and quality of life. The OECD conducts ongoing research to improve the measurement of well-being, quality of life, sustainability, material conditions, and other domains.
This document discusses research on Nigeria's informal sector over nearly four decades. It begins by noting the rapid growth of informal economies globally and the large body of literature on the topic. Some scholars advocate analyzing informality at the national level given variability across countries. The Nigerian informal sector predates the concept's introduction, with early research in 1975. Since structural adjustment in 1986, the informal workforce has greatly expanded. The document aims to systematically review informal sector literature in Nigeria for the first time. It analyzes the trajectory of research and aims to identify gaps to inform future studies.
This document provides an overview and update on trends in donor support to civil society organizations in Southern Africa. It examines how global aid policies and the economic downturn have impacted funding. Chapter 1 discusses how civil society organizations have taken on roles as service providers, advocates, and watchdogs. It also examines the Accra Agenda for Action and implications of the recession. Chapter 2 provides an overview of aid flows and support to civil society in Southern Africa, exploring how the Windhoek Declaration has impacted regional coordination. Chapter 3 presents findings on funding volumes, priorities, support models, and aid effectiveness. The conclusion offers recommendations.
The report examines the situation of indigenous peoples' rights in Peru regarding extractive industries such as mining and hydrocarbon extraction. It finds that after years of extractive operations, several indigenous peoples have suffered social and environmental consequences without receiving adequate benefits. This has led to high levels of distrust among indigenous peoples towards the State and extractive companies, resulting in many protests. While indigenous peoples have expressed opposition to certain projects, they do not reject extraction outright but want their rights to be respected. The report recommends greater efforts to ensure extraction is conducted in a way that respects indigenous peoples' rights through coordinated efforts to address their concerns and maintain social peace.
This document summarizes a new dataset on small and medium enterprise (SME) lending across countries. It finds that many regulators collect SME financing data, though definitions vary. The estimated global SME lending volume is $10 trillion, with 70% in high-income countries. SME loans average 13% of GDP in developed countries and 3% in developing countries. While definitions differ, these differences do not significantly impact reported SME lending volumes.
This document summarizes a report about the rising number of killings of environmental and land defenders between 2002 and 2013. Some key points:
- The number of killings tripled between 2002 and 2012, with 147 deaths in 2012 making it the deadliest year. On average there are now two activists killed per week.
- A total of 908 defenders were killed in 35 countries during that period, though the real number is likely higher. Brazil had the most deaths with 448 cases, followed by Honduras and the Philippines.
- Impunity is a major issue, as only around 1% of killings have resulted in convictions. This lack of accountability silences other activists and deters environmental protection.
New thinking on technical assistance to solve knowledge and capacity gapsDr Lendy Spires
This document provides an overview of emerging approaches to technical assistance that aim to develop long-term knowledge and capacity beyond just filling short-term gaps. It discusses twinning and peer-to-peer approaches, think tank development, and South-South cooperation. Twinning approaches emphasize collaboration between countries and have been shown to transfer expertise effectively. Think tank initiatives in developing countries have helped strengthen research skills, though rigorous evaluations are still lacking. Knowledge sharing between developing countries through South-South cooperation is growing but triangular cooperation is still limited.
The document summarizes the key points from the Nairobi Ministerial Declaration of the 10th WTO Ministerial Conference. It acknowledges achievements of the WTO over 20 years including the first agreement reached since its establishment, the Trade Facilitation Agreement. However, it notes less progress has been made in other areas of negotiations like agriculture and rules. It also commits to further strengthening the dispute settlement system and supporting developing countries, especially LDCs, to build trade capacity and integrate into the global trading system.
REGIONAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN WAEMU AND ECOWAS COMMISSIONS AND NON-STATE ACTORS OF WEST AFRICA ON THE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT _17 and 18 January 2014, Dakar –Senegal
G20 Australia Presidency oecd stocktaking seminar on global value chainsDr Lendy Spires
G20 Australian Presidency-OECD Stocktaking Seminar on Global Value Chains was held in Paris on May 5, 2014 to discuss progress on measuring the impact of global value chains (GVCs) on trade, economic growth, and job creation. Participants discussed policy actions by G20 governments to raise collective GDP by 2% by 2018 through GVCs. Key points included: (1) protectionism increases costs and reduces competitiveness in GVCs; (2) reducing behind-the-border trade costs through standards harmonization could increase income by over $40 billion; and (3) ratifying the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and improving services sector regulations are critical to enabling GVCs and lowering trade
The Caribbean Community Regional Aid for Trade Strategy 2013-2015 aims to help CARICOM member states overcome constraints to competitiveness and trade expansion through three strategic goals: 1) Upgrading key economic infrastructure, 2) Enhancing competitiveness and trade diversification, and 3) Deepening regional integration and maximizing gains from trade agreements. The strategy identifies priority areas and "anchor" projects to achieve these goals in maritime transport, ICT, energy, trade facilitation, and private sector development. It also categorizes activities as regional, national-regional, or national to coordinate aid for trade efforts across the Caribbean.
The document outlines the BRICS countries' support for a rules-based, transparent, and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organization. It calls on WTO members to avoid protectionist measures and work together on reforming the WTO, including restoring the functioning of the dispute settlement system. The BRICS countries express commitment to strengthening global cooperation on COVID-19 medical products and technologies and achieving outcomes at the upcoming WTO Ministerial Conference to improve the international trading system.
This document discusses India's approach and commitments regarding the World Trade Organization (WTO). It provides background on the establishment of the WTO and its principles of transparency and fair trade. It outlines India's negotiating positions, which focus on protecting food security and farmers while seeking market access abroad. Key issues for India include tariffs, subsidies, special protections for developing countries, and ensuring the needs of poor farmers are addressed.
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 took 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.
The latter part of 2013 witnessed some of the major events crucial for the Multilateral process of cooperation and trade and investment among countries.
The major highlight for 2013 was the WTO Bali Ministerial held in Bali, Indonesia which ended with signing of a successful inclusive agreement.
Another major highlight was the 11th ASEAN-India Summit held in Brunei. The Indian side was represented by Dr.Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India. The major highlight for the Summit was a pact on services and investment; some key projects were also finalized during the Summit.
Promoting an awareness of the opportunities and challenges of enhancing cooperation between the Mekong Countries (Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam) and India, ADB-CII jointly organized a Conference on Promoting Mekong-India Economic Cooperation. The deliberations at the Conference were on Physical connectivity, Trade Facilitation and Trade Finance, Energy Security and Power Trade, and Financing Regional Infrastructure.
This first issue of the Multilateral Newsletter in 2014 covers the major highlights and updates of the key events and initiatives that happened in November-December 2013, which may be of reference and use.
The document provides an overview of liberalization efforts in Malaysia's services sector. It discusses Malaysia's services industry and targets for growth. It also outlines the four modes of supplying services - cross-border trade, consumption abroad, commercial presence, and movement of natural persons. The document then summarizes Malaysia's commitments to liberalizing its services sector through agreements like the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services, World Trade Organization negotiations, and various free trade agreements. Key issues pertaining to liberalization of Malaysia's services sector are also presented.
The document discusses the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a system of tariff preferences for developing countries established in 1972. It provides a brief history of the GSP, including that the idea originated in the 1960s at the UNCTAD due to developing countries' concerns about trade barriers. In 1971, GATT enacted waivers allowing tariff preferences for developing countries. The document also discusses duty-free and quota-free market access initiatives for Least Developed Countries agreed to at the 2005 Hong Kong and 2013 Bali WTO Ministerial Conferences.
The CARICOM representative makes the following key points in the statement:
[1] CARICOM believes in a fair, equitable and rules-based multilateral trading system that supports development. [2] As small, vulnerable economies with narrow production and export bases, CARICOM recognizes the importance of trade for development. [3] The current global crises have severely impacted CARICOM economies through reduced output, increased debt, lower exports and employment.
BRICS Guidelines for Promoting Effective Participation of MSMEs in Internatio...Dr Lendy Spires
Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are a major driver of economic growth but face challenges participating in international trade. This document outlines guidelines for BRICS countries to promote MSME participation. It recognizes MSMEs' contributions and limitations due to regulations and financing barriers. BRICS countries agree to exchange best practices in streamlining trade procedures, improving transparency, facilitating regulatory adaptation, and integrating MSMEs into global value chains. The guidelines aim to build an open business environment and address challenges preventing MSMEs from flourishing internationally.
Benin was an early pioneer of democracy in Africa and signed onto the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in 2004, making it the first French-speaking West African country to complete the APRM process. The implementation of the APRM in Benin was characterized by efforts to maximize citizen participation through the creation of a large Independent National Commission. However, the commission suffered from administrative shortcomings due to prioritizing representation over effectiveness. Strong commitment from President Boni Yayi helped compensate for these issues. The APRM process allowed for open national dialogue and identified areas for governance improvements in Benin's program of action. Implementing this program of action is now a priority to build upon Benin's democratic
Summary The report notes that civil society has a critical role to play in ensuring that aid becomes effective in reducing poverty, but also finds that traditional donor agencies are not always stronginprovidingdirectsupporttostrengthen the capacity of civil society to participate in poverty reduction and to make governments more accountable. The report identifies a number of critical issues which needs to be addressed by donor agencies and civil society organisations.This includes the role of NGOs in serviceprovisionandhowthisrelatestosector- wide programmes and budget support; the linkages between support to civil society and support to governments in poverty reduction and efforts to improve governance; the scope for increased practical co-operation between donor organisations, including intermediaries; the role of civil society in advancing regional co-operation and integration; and the tensions between support to advocacy versus support to organisational development.
This document discusses lessons learned from the current global partnership for development and desirable aspects of a renewed partnership post-2015. It analyzes strengths and weaknesses of MDG8 targets, including that they increased advocacy and resources but perpetuated a donor-recipient paradigm. It also notes gaps in scope, such as not reflecting all development actors like the private sector. A main weakness is a lack of accountability among stakeholders. The document recommends how a new partnership could build on lessons by expanding scope, strengthening governance and accountability, and engaging new actors to better support sustainable development.
The OECD Better Life Initiative focuses on developing statistics that capture aspects of life that matter to people and shape their quality of life. The two main pillars of the initiative are the How's Life? report and the Better Life Index. The How's Life? report provides a comprehensive picture of well-being across OECD countries by looking at material conditions and quality of life. The Better Life Index allows citizens to compare well-being across countries based on topics identified as essential to material living conditions and quality of life. The OECD conducts ongoing research to improve the measurement of well-being, quality of life, sustainability, material conditions, and other domains.
This document discusses research on Nigeria's informal sector over nearly four decades. It begins by noting the rapid growth of informal economies globally and the large body of literature on the topic. Some scholars advocate analyzing informality at the national level given variability across countries. The Nigerian informal sector predates the concept's introduction, with early research in 1975. Since structural adjustment in 1986, the informal workforce has greatly expanded. The document aims to systematically review informal sector literature in Nigeria for the first time. It analyzes the trajectory of research and aims to identify gaps to inform future studies.
This document provides an overview and update on trends in donor support to civil society organizations in Southern Africa. It examines how global aid policies and the economic downturn have impacted funding. Chapter 1 discusses how civil society organizations have taken on roles as service providers, advocates, and watchdogs. It also examines the Accra Agenda for Action and implications of the recession. Chapter 2 provides an overview of aid flows and support to civil society in Southern Africa, exploring how the Windhoek Declaration has impacted regional coordination. Chapter 3 presents findings on funding volumes, priorities, support models, and aid effectiveness. The conclusion offers recommendations.
The report examines the situation of indigenous peoples' rights in Peru regarding extractive industries such as mining and hydrocarbon extraction. It finds that after years of extractive operations, several indigenous peoples have suffered social and environmental consequences without receiving adequate benefits. This has led to high levels of distrust among indigenous peoples towards the State and extractive companies, resulting in many protests. While indigenous peoples have expressed opposition to certain projects, they do not reject extraction outright but want their rights to be respected. The report recommends greater efforts to ensure extraction is conducted in a way that respects indigenous peoples' rights through coordinated efforts to address their concerns and maintain social peace.
This document summarizes a new dataset on small and medium enterprise (SME) lending across countries. It finds that many regulators collect SME financing data, though definitions vary. The estimated global SME lending volume is $10 trillion, with 70% in high-income countries. SME loans average 13% of GDP in developed countries and 3% in developing countries. While definitions differ, these differences do not significantly impact reported SME lending volumes.
This document summarizes a report about the rising number of killings of environmental and land defenders between 2002 and 2013. Some key points:
- The number of killings tripled between 2002 and 2012, with 147 deaths in 2012 making it the deadliest year. On average there are now two activists killed per week.
- A total of 908 defenders were killed in 35 countries during that period, though the real number is likely higher. Brazil had the most deaths with 448 cases, followed by Honduras and the Philippines.
- Impunity is a major issue, as only around 1% of killings have resulted in convictions. This lack of accountability silences other activists and deters environmental protection.
New thinking on technical assistance to solve knowledge and capacity gapsDr Lendy Spires
This document provides an overview of emerging approaches to technical assistance that aim to develop long-term knowledge and capacity beyond just filling short-term gaps. It discusses twinning and peer-to-peer approaches, think tank development, and South-South cooperation. Twinning approaches emphasize collaboration between countries and have been shown to transfer expertise effectively. Think tank initiatives in developing countries have helped strengthen research skills, though rigorous evaluations are still lacking. Knowledge sharing between developing countries through South-South cooperation is growing but triangular cooperation is still limited.
The document summarizes the key points from the Nairobi Ministerial Declaration of the 10th WTO Ministerial Conference. It acknowledges achievements of the WTO over 20 years including the first agreement reached since its establishment, the Trade Facilitation Agreement. However, it notes less progress has been made in other areas of negotiations like agriculture and rules. It also commits to further strengthening the dispute settlement system and supporting developing countries, especially LDCs, to build trade capacity and integrate into the global trading system.
REGIONAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN WAEMU AND ECOWAS COMMISSIONS AND NON-STATE ACTORS OF WEST AFRICA ON THE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT _17 and 18 January 2014, Dakar –Senegal
G20 Australia Presidency oecd stocktaking seminar on global value chainsDr Lendy Spires
G20 Australian Presidency-OECD Stocktaking Seminar on Global Value Chains was held in Paris on May 5, 2014 to discuss progress on measuring the impact of global value chains (GVCs) on trade, economic growth, and job creation. Participants discussed policy actions by G20 governments to raise collective GDP by 2% by 2018 through GVCs. Key points included: (1) protectionism increases costs and reduces competitiveness in GVCs; (2) reducing behind-the-border trade costs through standards harmonization could increase income by over $40 billion; and (3) ratifying the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and improving services sector regulations are critical to enabling GVCs and lowering trade
The Caribbean Community Regional Aid for Trade Strategy 2013-2015 aims to help CARICOM member states overcome constraints to competitiveness and trade expansion through three strategic goals: 1) Upgrading key economic infrastructure, 2) Enhancing competitiveness and trade diversification, and 3) Deepening regional integration and maximizing gains from trade agreements. The strategy identifies priority areas and "anchor" projects to achieve these goals in maritime transport, ICT, energy, trade facilitation, and private sector development. It also categorizes activities as regional, national-regional, or national to coordinate aid for trade efforts across the Caribbean.
The document outlines the BRICS countries' support for a rules-based, transparent, and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organization. It calls on WTO members to avoid protectionist measures and work together on reforming the WTO, including restoring the functioning of the dispute settlement system. The BRICS countries express commitment to strengthening global cooperation on COVID-19 medical products and technologies and achieving outcomes at the upcoming WTO Ministerial Conference to improve the international trading system.
This document discusses India's approach and commitments regarding the World Trade Organization (WTO). It provides background on the establishment of the WTO and its principles of transparency and fair trade. It outlines India's negotiating positions, which focus on protecting food security and farmers while seeking market access abroad. Key issues for India include tariffs, subsidies, special protections for developing countries, and ensuring the needs of poor farmers are addressed.
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 took 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.
The latter part of 2013 witnessed some of the major events crucial for the Multilateral process of cooperation and trade and investment among countries.
The major highlight for 2013 was the WTO Bali Ministerial held in Bali, Indonesia which ended with signing of a successful inclusive agreement.
Another major highlight was the 11th ASEAN-India Summit held in Brunei. The Indian side was represented by Dr.Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India. The major highlight for the Summit was a pact on services and investment; some key projects were also finalized during the Summit.
Promoting an awareness of the opportunities and challenges of enhancing cooperation between the Mekong Countries (Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam) and India, ADB-CII jointly organized a Conference on Promoting Mekong-India Economic Cooperation. The deliberations at the Conference were on Physical connectivity, Trade Facilitation and Trade Finance, Energy Security and Power Trade, and Financing Regional Infrastructure.
This first issue of the Multilateral Newsletter in 2014 covers the major highlights and updates of the key events and initiatives that happened in November-December 2013, which may be of reference and use.
The document provides an overview of liberalization efforts in Malaysia's services sector. It discusses Malaysia's services industry and targets for growth. It also outlines the four modes of supplying services - cross-border trade, consumption abroad, commercial presence, and movement of natural persons. The document then summarizes Malaysia's commitments to liberalizing its services sector through agreements like the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services, World Trade Organization negotiations, and various free trade agreements. Key issues pertaining to liberalization of Malaysia's services sector are also presented.
The document discusses the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a system of tariff preferences for developing countries established in 1972. It provides a brief history of the GSP, including that the idea originated in the 1960s at the UNCTAD due to developing countries' concerns about trade barriers. In 1971, GATT enacted waivers allowing tariff preferences for developing countries. The document also discusses duty-free and quota-free market access initiatives for Least Developed Countries agreed to at the 2005 Hong Kong and 2013 Bali WTO Ministerial Conferences.
The CARICOM representative makes the following key points in the statement:
[1] CARICOM believes in a fair, equitable and rules-based multilateral trading system that supports development. [2] As small, vulnerable economies with narrow production and export bases, CARICOM recognizes the importance of trade for development. [3] The current global crises have severely impacted CARICOM economies through reduced output, increased debt, lower exports and employment.
BRICS Guidelines for Promoting Effective Participation of MSMEs in Internatio...Dr Lendy Spires
Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are a major driver of economic growth but face challenges participating in international trade. This document outlines guidelines for BRICS countries to promote MSME participation. It recognizes MSMEs' contributions and limitations due to regulations and financing barriers. BRICS countries agree to exchange best practices in streamlining trade procedures, improving transparency, facilitating regulatory adaptation, and integrating MSMEs into global value chains. The guidelines aim to build an open business environment and address challenges preventing MSMEs from flourishing internationally.
This brief covers the Special and Differential Treatment (SDT) within the CARIFORUM-EC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which was concluded on December 16, 2007, and signed in October 15, 2008.
The document discusses regional trade systems and the principles of the international trading system. It outlines five key principles: non-discrimination, reciprocity, binding and enforceable commitments, transparency, and safety valves. It then lists recommendations to promote free trade, continue institutions like the WTO, progressively deregulate and free trade while providing consumer information, and assist poor countries in participating in the international trading system.
The Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health was adopted by the WTO Ministerial Conference of 2001 in Doha on November 14, 2001. It reaffirmed flexibility of TRIPS member states in circumventing patent rights for better access to essential medicines
The Forum Trade Ministers Meeting discussed several trade-related topics:
1) They considered updates on the operations of the Permanent Delegation of the Pacific Islands Forum to the World Trade Organization in Geneva and the Doha Development Agenda. They congratulated Samoa on joining the WTO and acknowledged contributions to WTO accessions.
2) They received updates on Pacific Islands Trade & Invest activities and opportunities in key markets. They urged continued marketing and attracting investment.
3) They discussed ongoing traditional knowledge and intellectual property work in the region and agreed to priorities, including establishing a regional trademarks system.
4) They reviewed the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat's trade work program and agreed to continue
The EU has adopted a strategy to enhance its support for trade-related needs in developing countries. The strategy has five pillars:
1) Increasing quantitative commitments for Aid for Trade (AfT) and Trade Related Assistance (TRA), with a goal of €2 billion annually for TRA by 2010.
2) Ensuring AfT has a pro-poor focus and promotes sustainability and poverty reduction.
3) Strengthening EU institutional capacity for coordinating and delivering AfT.
4) Providing at least 50% of increased TRA volumes to African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries to support regional economic partnership agreements.
5) Establishing monitoring and reporting mechanisms to track AfT flows and impacts.
The Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA) of the World Trade Organization (WTO), reached
in Bali, Indonesia in 2013, represents a great opportunity for developing countries.
Experience shows that trade facilitation reforms improve a country’s trade competitiveness
and enhance its revenue collection. What is more, they can help advance development
goals such as strengthening governance and formalizing the informal sector. In
addition, since many trade facilitation-related challenges and solutions are regional, the
implementation of such solutions can boost regional integration.
This policy brief examines the potential impact that trade facilitation reforms can have
on trade competitiveness and development, including a number of specific Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), and on revenue collection and other public policy objectives.
It identifies the policies necessary for developing countries to reap the full developmentrelated
benefits of trade facilitation reforms. UNCTAD’s research and experience with
technical assistance programmes have shown that trade facilitation reforms should be
comprehensive and ambitious. Trade facilitation should also be linked to investments in
transport infrastructure and other trade-supporting services. Given the linkages between
trade facilitation reforms and implementation capacities, development partners need to
focus their support on the most vulnerable economies, making full use of the promises and
possibilities for technical assistance provided by the TFA.
Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 for MSMEs & StartupsVinit Deo
Union Commerce Minister Shri Piyush Goyal recently released the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 (FTP 23) that aims to bring new territories, products and entrepreneurs in its fold.
FTP 23 changes the focus from giving Incentives to building infrastructure so that even aspirational small exporters in remote areas of the Country can get their goods and services to international markets.
The attached presentation gives an overview of the policy and its impact on MSMEs & Startups.
Your feedback, queries and suggestions are welcome at mdoffice@posiview.in
CA Vinit Deo
CA Prajakta Shetye-Deo
#Posiview #PosiviewVentures #LanguageOfGrowth
#Innovation #Startups #StartupIndia #MSME #ForeignTrade #ForeignInvestment #AtmanirbharBharat #MakeinIndia
1. WT/MIN(13)/10
2 December 2013
(00-0000) Page: 1/4
Ministerial Conference
Ninth Session
Bali, 3-6 December 2013
Original: English/French
LDC TRADE MINISTERS' MEETING
BALI, INDONESIA, 2 DECEMBER 2013
MINISTERIAL DECLARATION
The following communication, dated 2 December 2013, is being circulated at the request of the
Delegation of Nepal on behalf of the LDCs.
_______________
We, the Ministers of the Least Developed Countries,
Meeting in Bali on December 2, 2013 on the eve of the Ninth session of the WTO Ministerial
Conference (MC9, December 3-6, 2013);
Underlining the importance of the multilateral trading system embodied in the WTO and the need
for meaningful and effective integration of Least Developed Countries in the multilateral trading
system;
Expressing concern that the prolonged lack of progress on most of the issues of the Doha
Development Agenda undermines the aspiration of LDCs to gain the development benefits of fair
and equitable trading system;
Emphasizing that development is central to the success of MC9, and crucial for the credibility and
efficiency of the multilateral trading system;
Urging Members to consider all possible means to help LDCs improve their participation in world
trade;
Underlining WTO’s important role in the effective implementation of the trade related priorities in
the Istanbul Programme of Action for the LDCs for the Decade 2011-2020;
Recalling the Declaration adopted by LDC Trade Ministers' during the Eighth WTO Ministerial
Conference in 2011;
Duty-free-quote-free (DFQF) market access and Rules of origin
Urge for the adoption of the proposed Decision on Duty-free and Quota-free market access for
LDCs (JOB/TNC/33). Reaffirm the need for full and early implementation of Decision 36 of Annex F
of the Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration on measures in favour of LDCs. In this regard, urge
developed countries, and developing countries declaring themselves in a position to do so, to
further improve duty-free and quota-free market access for products originating from all LDCs;
Request Members to adopt the decision on preferential rules of origin (JOB/TNC/24/Rev.1) and
adapt and develop their rules of origin frameworks in line with the decision, with a view to further
enable LDCs to make meaningful use of preferences afforded to them. Also, invite Members to
consider a more comprehensive and binding outcome on preferential Rules of origin for LDCs in
line with LDCs’ detailed submission (TN/C/W/63);
2. WT/MIN(13)/10
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Cotton
Reaffirm the importance of cotton in the economy of many LDCs and our concern with regard to
the inability of Members to implement the Hong Kong mandate which requires an ambitious,
expeditious and specific treatment of the cotton issue.
Therefore urge Members to resolve this issue as soon as possible in the spirit of the mandate on
this issue as contained in the Decision adopted by the General Council on 1 August 2004, the
Hong Kong Declaration and the basic mandate to be given in Bali building on the progress made in
the draft modalities on agriculture of December 2008;
Express our appreciation to bilateral and multilateral donors for their assistance to the cotton
sector in LDCs and stress the importance of effective and better aid targeted to LDC producers and
exporters of cotton, taking into consideration and establishing a useful link with existing
mechanisms such as the Aid-for-Trade (AfT) initiative.
Services
Call upon Members to adopt the proposed decision on the operationalization of the LDC Services
Waiver (JOB/TNC/25/Rev.1). Also urge Members to (i) assist LDCs expand their export base in
services by granting commercially meaningful preferences to LDC services and service suppliers;
(ii) provide information on steps taken to offer commercially-meaningful preferences to LDC
services and service suppliers, on an annual basis, to the Council for Trade in Services;
(iii) remove any market access barrier, including domestic regulatory and administrative barriers
and other relevant measures that may impede current or potential LDC services exports; and
(iv) make the proposed high level meeting successful with concrete offers to the LDCs on the basis
of LDCs’ collective request;
Trade Facilitation
Reaffirm our readiness to engage constructively to resolve the remaining issues in Trade
Facilitation and hope that a Trade Facilitation Agreement will adequately take into account the
interests and concerns of LDCs. Underline that LDCs should only be required to undertake
commitments consistent with their individual development, financial and trade needs or their
administrative and institutional capabilities and that LDCs would in no ways be obliged to
undertake investments in infrastructure projects. Also stress that, with a view to ensuring that
LDCs acquire sustainable implementation capacity, the implementation of the measures notified
under Category C by the LDCs should be conditional on the provision of sustained, adequate and
effective technical and financial assistance;
Emphasize the importance of effective and operational provisions on Special and Differential
Treatment that ensure delivery of targeted technical and financial assistance and capacity building
on a sustainable basis necessary to acquire full implementation capacity;
Agriculture and Development issues
Recognize the importance of agriculture to the economies of least developed countries and
emphasize on the need of greater market access for LDCs as well as elimination of trade distorting
support measures by developed countries. Support the works done in the areas of food security,
TRQ administration and export competition, including provision to exercise utmost restraint with
regard to any recourse to all forms of export subsidies and all export measures;
Call upon Members to adopt the proposed Decision on Monitoring Mechanism on Special and
Differential Treatment (JOB/TNC/34). Stress on the need to make the Mechanism effective so as to
strengthen the effectiveness and implementation of S&D provisions of multilateral WTO
Agreements, Ministerial and General Council Decisions;
Request MC9 to provide guidance to work on all S&D provisions including the 28 Agreement
specific proposals (Cancun 28) in accordance with the mandate of paragraph 44 of the Doha
Ministerial Declaration;
3. WT/MIN(13)/10
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TRIPS
Welcome the Decision by the Council for TRIPS to extend the transition period under TRIPS
Article 66.1 until 1 July 2021, and reiterate the need for full and unconditional flexibilities to
pursue development objectives in the LDCs, including with a view to creating a viable technological
base;
Invite Members to agree on the parameters including the definition of technology transfer as well
as improved format for reporting under Article 66.2 of the TRIPS Agreement, which inter alia, can
contribute towards effective monitoring of the implementation of Article 66.2 of the TRIPS
Agreement;
Accession
Reiterate that accession of LDCs remain a priority for the membership, and reaffirm commitment
to facilitate and accelerate negotiations with acceding LDCs. Welcome the General Council's
decision of 25 July 2012 (WT/L/508/Add.1) which further strengthens, streamlines and
operationalizes the 2002 LDC accession guidelines. Urge the full implementation of all aspects of
the Decisions by all WTO Members with due consideration to the specific circumstances and
development objectives of acceding LDCs. Emphasize the need to monitor the faithful
implementation of these decisions (WT/L/508 and WT/L/508/Add.1), and to that end urge the
General Council and the Sub-Committee on LDCs to regularly review accession of LDCs. Urge
Members to continue giving priority attention to concluding the ongoing accession proceedings as
rapidly as possible;
Welcome the conclusion of Yemen accession negotiations to WTO, and the Working Party Decision
of 26 September 2013 and look forward to its formal adoption at MC9. Hope to seeing Yemen
taking its seat as a full-fledged LDC WTO Member as soon as possible;
LDC Work Programme
Welcome the revised Work Programme adopted by Members in July 2013
(WT/COMTD/LDC/11/Rev.1), and call upon them to implement the Work Programme so as to
advance all issues of systemic concern to LDCs in the multilateral trading system;
Trade related technical assistance
Underline the need for strengthened human and institutional capacity in LDCs to deal with issues
relating to the multilateral trading system. In this regard, request Members to consider earmarked
resources for LDCs to make full use of the products such as national activities. Also request
Members to further strengthen the internship programmes including the provision for allowing one
intern per LDC each year to assist the resource-constrained Geneva Missions;
Aid for Trade
Welcome the deliberations held during the Fourth Global Review of Aid for Trade, and underline
the importance of continued Aid-for-Trade work under the auspices of WTO, especially to help
integrate LDCs in the context of international trade increasingly shaped by Global Value Chains.
Emphasize the need of development partners’ compliance with their commitments to mobilize
additional resources to allow for the predictable, effective and sustainable implementation of the
AfT, with particular focus on the LDCs. Urge donors to provide support necessary for the
implementation of national and regional aid for trade strategies;
Reemphasize that Aid for Trade should make qualitative change in the trade capacity of LDCs, in
particular addressing supply-side and trade-related infrastructure constraints and economic
diversification;
Enhanced Integrated Framework
Express appreciation for the support and assistance provided by the EIF Secretariat, development
partners and partner agencies to the LDCs and emphasize the continued relevance of the EIF as
highlighted by the Medium Term Review conducted in 2012;
4. WT/MIN(13)/10
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Call upon development partners to extend the EIF beyond 2015 and scale up their support to the
programme in a substantial and meaningful manner, so that all LDCs in various stages of EIF
process can continue to make use of the facilities under it. Also, urge development partners to
honour their commitments to deliver resources;
Underline the need for speedy implementation of EIF, including time bound completion of
DTIS/DTIS updates and simplification of the procedure for project approval;
Post Bali WTO works
Reiterate the importance of early conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) for an
ambitious and development-friendly outcome giving priority to the issues of interest to LDCs and
call upon all the WTO members to fully commit themselves to the successful conclusion of the DDA
building on the progress already made;
Request Members to resolve longstanding LDC issues without linking those to the full conclusion of
the single undertaking of Doha Round;
Urge members to refrain from introducing ‘new issues’ before the DDA is concluded as any attempt
to introduce new issues would divert the required attention of the membership away from
addressing issues of the development round;
Express concern over the proliferation of plurilateral approaches, which are against the spirit of
multilateralism and stress that creating agreements outside the multilateral framework of WTO will
have serious systemic implications and will not take on board the interests of LDCs;
WTO Director-General
Pay tribute to the outgoing Director General of the WTO, Mr. Pascal Lamy, for his great efforts to
advance DDA negotiations. Congratulate the new Director-General, Mr Roberto Carvalho de
Azevêdo, for his appointment and commend his dedication and tireless efforts to advance the
negotiations in the WTO and his appreciation for LDC issues in the multilateral trading system.
__________