The Aid for Trade Global Review 2017 at the World Trade Organization in Geneva is dedicated to the theme of ‘Promoting Trade, Inclusiveness and Connectivity for Sustainable Development’.
The remoteness and vulnerability of many small and developing Commonwealth member countries mean they cannot compete with larger players in world markets and are vulnerable to economic and financial shocks. There is a growing need to improve regional integration and enhance connectivity to ensure a more inclusive form of trade.
The Aid for Trade Global Review 2017 at the World Trade Organization in Geneva is dedicated to the theme of ‘Promoting Trade, Inclusiveness and Connectivity for Sustainable Development’. This year's conference, from 11 to 13 July 2017, provides an opportunity to examine how developing countries can be better integrated into the multilateral trading system and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Commonwealth Secretariat is pleased to join international partners and national delegations for the following events:
Hub and Spokes signing ceremony
Tuesday 11 July 1150-1300
An agreement to extend the successful Hub and Spokes programme for a new phase will be marked with an official signing ceremony between the four partners: the European Union, ACP Secretariat, Commonwealth Secretariat and Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie. European Commissioner Neven Mimica represents the European Union, while the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Head of Trade Paulo Kautoke represents Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland.
Location: WTO Headquarters, Room ABC
Enhancing connectivity to enable graduation with momentum in LDCs
Wednesday 12 July 1100-1230
In recent decades, as international trade and investment flows have assumed a major role within a more interconnected global economy, the success of developing countries has become increasingly dependent on engagement with export markets, particularly in higher value segments of global value chains (GVCs).
This panel discussion will explore the role of trade connectivity for economies seeking to graduate from least developed country (LDC) status and the trade-related objectives included in the Istanbul Programme of Action and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Location: WTO Headquarters, Room D
Speakers:
- Rolf Traeger, Chief of the LDC Section, UNCTAD
- Paulo Kautoke, Head of Trade, Commonwealth Secretariat
- Associate Minister of Trade, Samoa
- Mr Jorge Moreira da Silva, Director, OECD
- Ambassador D. Bhattacharya, Chair, LDC IV Monitor
- Mr Sumbue Antas, Director, Department of External Trade, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Vanuatu
Small states, big challenges
Wednesday 12 July 1800-1930
This side-event will explore the innovative trade solutions implemented through the Hub and Spokes programme, an aid for trade initiative financed and supported by the European Union, the ACP Secretariat, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie. Find out more: thecommonwealth.org/hubandspokes
Location: WTO Headquarters, Room D
Speakers:
- Mr. Armand Tazafy, Minister of Trade, Madagascar
- Mr. Axel Pougin de la Maisonneuve, Deputy Head of Unit, EC DEVCO Private Sector and Trade Unit
- Mr. Eloi Laourou, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Benin to the UN Offices in Geneva
- Ambassador Mere Falemaka, Permanent Representative of the Pacific Islands Forum to the WTO in Geneva
- Mr. Serigne Bassirou Diene, Regional Trade Adviser, ECCAS
- Mr. Hillary Kumwenda, National Trade Adviser, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Fiji
Enhancing connectivity and advancing the SDGs
Thursday 13 July 0900-1030
Poor trade connectivity is a challenge that greatly affects landlocked developing countries and small island states. It increases their trade costs and reduces their competitiveness. During this panel discussion, the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Head of Trade, Paulo Kautoke, will comment on the support offered to help vulnerable economies manage their human, natural and economic capital, to bolster national resilience to economic and social crises, and to improve prosperity through enhancing connectivity.
Location: WTO Headquarters, Room CR
Speakers:
- Shishir Priyadarshi, Director of the Development, World Trade Organization
- Maurice Lazare Séhouéto, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Handcrafts, Benin
- Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu, Under Secretary-General and High Representative UNOHRLLS
- J S Deepak, Ambassador, Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization, India
- Tomochika Uyama, Deputy Director-General, Economic Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan
- Jorge Moreira da Silva, Director, Development Co-operation Directorate, Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development
- Paulo Salesi Kautoke, Head of Trade, Commonwealth Secretariat
- Matthias Helble, Senior Economist, Asian Development Bank Institute
Social media:
Join the conversation online by tweeting your comments and questions using the hashtags #aid4trade #connectivity and #Commonwealth.
Follow @WTO and @CommonwealthSec
Watch the conference live on the WTO website and Facebook at @worldtradeorganization
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