UAE Government Introduces new Trade for Development platform to support developing countries in trade negotiations
The UAE has announced its intention to establish the 'Trade for Development' platform, a technical assistance program aimed at providing developing and least developed nations with a range of online tools to bolster the capacity and skills of their trade officials, negotiators, and policymakers.
This initiative seeks to support these countries in navigating the intricate and technical landscape of trade negotiations more effectively.
Unveiled at the 13th World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference (WTO MC13), the platform underscores the UAE's dedication to inclusive trade practices, with a focus on empowering developing nations to better integrate into the global trading system. As the host nation of MC13, the UAE has emphasized its commitment to fostering an environment conducive to the participation of all countries in global trade.
During the ministerial conference, the UAE pledged to donate the platform to eight WTO member states, including Ethiopia, Mozambique, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Comoros, Kyrgyzstan, and Barbados. By providing this resource, the UAE aims to support these countries in overcoming the challenges they face in trade negotiations, ultimately facilitating their economic growth and development agendas.
For many developing countries and least developed countries (LDCs), successfully concluding trade agreements poses significant challenges due to a lack of technical expertise and capacity. The Trade for Development platform seeks to address this gap by offering a virtual repository of content curated by global trade and policy experts. This comprehensive resource covers various aspects of trade agreements, ranging from feasibility studies and economic modeling to trade policy formulation and negotiation strategies.
Accessible at all times, the platform will equip developing country officials with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of trade negotiations effectively. It will feature audio-visual content, analytical studies, economic models, implementation plans for trade agreements, and other resources aimed at facilitating the crafting of sustainable and mutually beneficial trade deals.
The Minister of State for the UAE, Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, emphasized the country's dedication to teaching other countries from its own successful experiences. In his speech, he reiterated the UAE's commitment to promoting global economic prosperity and inclusion, and he highlighted the role that programs like the 'Trade for Development' platform play in doing just that.
