21 April 2021. From the WTO: "An analysis of least-developed countries’ (LDCs) trade flows in 2020, presented to WTO members at a meeting of the Sub-Committee on LDCs on 19 April, revealed that the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on trade was worse for LDCs than for the world as a whole.
Discussed why the request by LDC members is just, legitimate and permissible under WTO rules. More information here.
Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) and partners are holding the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Aid for Trade Stocktaking Event from 23 to 25 March to assess the trade impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and make the case for mobilizing aid for trade financing to support recovery.
Event on 8 March 2021. On the occasion of International Women's Day, this event will discuss gender responsive trade ecosystems to help women integrate or remain in value chains in times of COVID-19, with a focus on LDCs. More information here: Creating space for women in trade during COVID-19
11 December 2020. Two proposals were submitted recently by the LDC group at the WTO seek the extension of LDC support measures under the WTO for a period after graduation:
1 December 2020. The government of China has pledged to renew its contribution of USD 500,000 (CHF 451,500) to the WTO’s Least Developed Countries and Accessions Programme (also known as the China Programme). The China Programme aims to enable LDCs to better integrate into the global economy by strengthening their participation in WTO activities and helping those not yet members join the Organization. It provides financing to support
13 November 2020. At its biannual meeting, the WTO Committee on Rules of Origin addressed the implementation of the Nairobi Decision on Preferential Rules of Origin for LDCs, the utilization of tariff preferences by LDC exporters of minerals and metals, transparency in non-preferential rules of origin and steps to ease rules of origin requirements in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. See the press release and links to relevant documents
OHRLLS, OECD Development Centre and the Foundation for Studies and Research on International Development (FERDI) held a virtual event on 21 and 23 October 2020 “The Road to the 5th UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5): Recovery from COVID-19 - Tackling vulnerabilities and leveraging scarce resources” on 21 and 23 October 2020. Interpretation in English and French will be provided.
