Aid for Trade

Aid for trade should be a catalyst for climate finance
While leveraging AFT to mobilize climate finance is an imperative for LDCs, this cannot be achieved without improved government-wide coordination, policy reforms to improve business environments, capacity building to attract and retain investment as well as contribution of resources and expertise to mobilize additional funding. Such an approach, while facilitating collective engagement to unleash the power of partnership, can make a difference to ensure that climate change adaptation and mitigation needs of LDCs are adequately funded.

Importance of building evidence for gender-sensitive trade policies
Building evidence does not only happen through research and analysis; it also comes from sharing experiences. For example, EIF support has been directed to sectors in which women are predominantly engaged, so female-owned businesses can expand and access new regional and global markets. Responses to the M&E exercise indicate a wide recognition that these efforts result in strengthening women’s economic and financial independence.

How can we harness aid for trade for a just transition to sustainable trade?
In 2022, WTO members have the opportunity to move forward on an aid for trade agenda that supports LDCs to tackle pressing challenges at the intersection of trade and sustainability. Given the massive trade-related challenges facing LDCs, the huge gap between needs and available support for a just transition to sustainable trade, and the urgency, scale, and impact of intersecting environmental crises in LDCs, mobilizing additional resources, investments, and partnerships is vital.

6 things to know about Aid for Trade
Trade continues to play an important driving force not just of economic growth, but also poverty alleviation. Recognizing the role that trade can play in development, the WTO Aid-for-Trade Initiative seeks to mobilize resources to address trade-related constraints identified by developing and least-developed countries. But against the backdrop of multiple crises affecting the world economy, this task is challenging.

It's time for public-private partnerships to drive digital trade in the most vulnerable nations
Unlike in 2013, PPPs are today widely embraced as a vehicle to promote digital trade. Now, they need to be used in places where they have been scarcer, such as the LDCs.

The role of WTO Aid for Trade in actualizing an inclusive circular economy
The Aid for Trade initiative could also become an important platform to encourage collaboration between donor and recipient countries on shared circular economy trade related opportunities and challenges going forward.

Ambassador Sumbue Antas: On Vanuatu's graduation and resilience
The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Vanuatu to the WTO talks graduation journey, Covid-19 and climate resilience, and how leaving the LDC category means the work as only just started.

How aid for trade can best support Least Developed Countries in the next decade
How can LDCs be supported to improve their trade performance and sustainably raise their share of trade in the global economy?

How Aid for Trade can Complement Climate Finance
With climate change on everyone’s mind ahead of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), what are the key issues on the table for the world’s least developed countries (LDCs)?

Raising the profile of trade in least developed countries
Trade is key to sustainable development and growth. This knowledge can spur action from governments and businesses, but only if the word gets out.

Pesticide residues: The safe trade challenge
More collaboration, studies needed to boost developing country agri-food exports Pesticides are a hot topic when it comes to the intersection of agriculture, trade and food security.

On support for global trade in Africa, today
A pandemic. Development hurdles. Structural impediments. What is there for least developed countries in Africa to improve trade?

6 takeaways from WTO's Aid-for-Trade Stocktaking Event for least developed countries
Trade has a critical role to play in rebuilding developing and least developed countries’ economies, alleviating rising poverty and creating a greener, more inclusive future for all.

New Insight briefs reveal how COVID-19 will impact Aid for Trade - and how LDCs can take advantage of innovating financing to support trade
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted trade in the world’s least developed countries (LDCs) in a myriad of ways – from the complete collapse of tourism in some LDCs, to the rise of e-commerce opportunities in others. It’s also expected to impact donor country aid budgets for many years to come.

How COVID-19 is accelerating the use of digital tech in agriculture in East Africa
Adoption of apps is facilitating farmers and businesses

Sovereign debt challenges and priorities today
COVID-19 is taking a toll on developing countries and their debt

Global trade rebound suggests some lessons of COVID-19 are being learned
Recovery taking a different shape than expected

Aid for Trade: time to take stock of Covid-19’s impact
A year into Covid-19 being declared a global pandemic, this month’s Aid for Trade stocktaking event, organized by the Development Division of the World Trade Organization (WTO), offers a timely opportunity to assess impact on developing and least developed countries’ (LDC) trade needs, discuss how to make the recovery sustainable and mobilize financing where it is needed most.

On implementing the AfCFTA in 2021
David Luke, Judith Ameso, Mahlet Girma Bekele

Competitive in good times, resilient in bad times: What COVID-19 taught us about MSMEs
In January 2020, the spread of an infectious disease appeared at the very bottom of the World Economic Forum’s top ten high-impact risks. A year later, it had risen to number one.

Access denied: Ensuring vaccines for the world’s poorest countries
by Brendan Vickers, Salamat Ali, Dr. Neil Balchin, Hilary Enos-Edu

Making global value chains sustainable and enhancing the position of LDCs: A shared responsibility
Multinationals and governments need to recognize the trade world’s interconnectedness, and its impact

Can Africa’s third industrial development decade deliver?
As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic kick in, hopes for better progress, at least in the short term, appear to be fading.

Making trade part of the peacebuilding process in the Central African Republic
The Enhanced Integrated Framework explores the work of its National Implementation Units in fragile and conflict-affected countries and looks at the role the units play in integrating trade into the rebuilding of these countries.

What industrialization means for well-being – and why it matters
Originally published by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization on 17 September 2020

Paying tribute to Mali's Mohamed Sidibé
In honor of former Enhanced Integrated Framework National Coordinator in Mali

Launching a small business, leveraging trade fairs
Biruktawit Begashaw started her own export company, Qine Trading, five years ago in Addis Ababa. Her business got a boost after attending Gulfood in Dubai, sponsored through Ethiopia’s Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Enhanced Integrated Framework.

Focusing on export development, Ethiopia’s small businesses seeing success
For a new business owner, one international trade fair got things rolling

Bangladesh seeing success leveraging resources to enhance trade
In 2017, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Commerce secured US$50 million from the World Bank to address trade facilitation and export diversification issues.

Much more than a health crisis: What EIF has learnt from COVID-19
As LDCs grapple with ongoing economic fallout from COVID-19, EIF activities have yielded valuable insights for recovery.

How does graduation from least developed country status change a nation’s trade prospects?
New report dives into the details of shifting treatment, export markets and more

Six suggestions for improving support to least developed countries
To get LDC graduation back on track, and to help other LDCs, reform of the international system of support must be fundamental and far-reaching.

South Asian least developed countries: The rocky path to sustainable graduation
How will graduation impact countries in South Asia and the trade support they benefit from? How can they prepare?

Small business owner in Ethiopia sees a future in ag products
Tewodros Yilma of Alpha Trading in Ethiopia discusses his business processing and exporting agricultural products, the role of trade fairs and his plans for the future.

For this Ethiopian exporter, the future is in food
Finding new buyers and tapping new markets, harnessing agriculture’s potential

Beauty in diversity: How can trade support Timor-Leste’s graduation from least developed country status?
On Timor-Leste’s development progress, and what remains to be done

Tools and finance to help transform least developed country economies
Transforming the economies of least developed countries (LDCs) requires a nationally supported vision on how to tackle the binding constraints to higher value-added production.

Ambassador Morten Jespersen: Looking at aid funding, the private sector and country visions – where are LDCs now?
EIF’s Steering Committee Chair talks donor priorities, laying the groundwork for investment in LDCs and more

Leaving no one behind: New help for graduating least developed countries (Part II)
For many, graduation from least developed country status is not the end of the story.

Leaving no one behind: New help for graduating least developed countries (Part I)
Following rapid progress, up to 12 LDCs may leave the category in coming years. The countries involved include up to a quarter of the total LDC population.

Germany commits fresh funding to Enhanced Integrated Framework
On 17 December 2019, the Government of Germany announced an additional commitment of EUR 1.3 million to the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF).

Improved assistance for LDC graduation: What else can be done?
Graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category, a milestone in a country’s development, is not free of controversies.

Phouvieng Phongsa: Examining Lao PDR’s trade journey
Deputy Director General in the Department of Planning and Cooperation at the Lao PDR Ministry of Industry and Commerce discusses harmonizing trade, regional integration and managing resources wisely

Weak development of LDC productive capacities leads to foreign deficits and external financing dependence
Least developed countries (LDCs) have traditionally recorded persistent trade deficits.

Isatou Touray: On getting good data, shaping gender-responsive policies and unleashing women in business
On the sidelines of the Aid for Trade Global Review 2019, The Gambia’s Vice President discusses the potential of women in trade

Aid for trade must focus on the poorest, most fragile countries
Originally published by Devex on 5 July 2019

5 ways to boost sustainable trade in the world’s poorest countries
Originally published by World Economic Forum Agenda on 4 July 2019

New WTO research puts spotlight on natural disasters and trade
How can countries use trade to promote resilience?

Aid for Trade & LDCs Magazine
In this issue: "Tentative steps to implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement in least developed countries", "Economic diversification: Why trade matters", and "Fisheries subsidies negotiations: What is at stake for least developed countries?"

For 10 years, partnering with least developed countries

Amid slowing global growth, six countries announce nearly US$13 million to support trade in the world’s poorest countries
GENEVA – 3 JULY 2019 – The world’s 47 least developed countries (LDCs) are home to more than one billion people. Yet, their collective share of global trade is less than one percent.

Three trade challenges for least developed countries to converge and eradicate poverty
The current trading environment is inadequately supportive to contribute to growth, boost incomes, create jobs through new market access opportunities and reduce poverty.

How can foreign direct investment fulfil its development potential in least developed countries?
To help meet the investment needs of the future, foreign direct investment (FDI) flows have to increase substantially.

Strengthening the gender dimension of aid for trade in the least developed countries
Aid for trade can support women’s economic empowerment, which is key to sustainable development.

A strategy to leverage the digital transformation for development
The digital transformation provides developing economies new opportunities to leapfrog industrial age infrastructure, to draw on the vast knowledge spillovers from the internet, to take advantage of new markets offered by digital platforms and to exploit production possibilities enabled by digital technologies.

For trade development, shifting from fragility to resilience
The relative importance of trade and the degree of export concentration are higher than average in fragile least developed countries (LDCs).

Aid for trade, economic diversification and empowerment in the least developed countries
Economic diversification and empowerment are essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals; they also embody the rationale behind the Aid for Trade Initiative.

The African Continental Free Trade Area: Dawn of a new era
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will transform the way Africa trades, with intra-African trade expected to increase by 15-25 per cent, and the boost to trade in industrial goods accelerating diversification of Africa’s economies.

In Malawi, bolstering youth and women’s employment through sectoral skills strategies
Skills strategies can provide a bridging mechanism to enable disadvantaged groups such as youth and women to gain from international trade.

Economic diversification: Why trade matters
Economic diversification is a key element of development in which a country moves to a more diverse production structure, scaling-up resilience to external shocks and providing a path for equitable growth.

Fisheries subsidies negotiations: What is at stake for least developed countries?
Fisheries are a crucial source of animal protein, livelihoods and export earnings for many developing countries, including several least developed countries.

Global value chains and development paths: A conversation with Caroline Freund
Talking global value chains and trade integration, ahead of forthcoming World Bank report

Tentative steps to implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement in least developed countries
Agreement provides least developed countries with novel provisions, with consultation needs taking centre stage

EIF launches policy series on all things LDCs and Aid for Trade
Examining Aid for Trade and LDCs, aiming for evidence-based action

What to expect from WTO's 2019 Global Review of Aid for Trade
See what lies ahead at the biennial Aid for Trade event in July 2019

Ambassador Morten Jespersen: On making trade work for LDCs, now
The EIF Steering Committee Chair talks contemporary trade challenges and using resources the right way

Over 10 years, working with and for trade development in LDCs
Addressing trade in its many forms, EIF partnership creating sustainable impacts

Aiming for major trade outcomes, EIF launches Strategic Plan 2019-2022
Aligned with the Global Goals, plan has elevated efforts and new targets

Annette Ssemuwemba: What’s hot, what’s new in EIF’s fresh strategy
EIF’s Deputy Executive Director discusses EIF’s just-launched Strategic Plan 2019-2022 and leaving no LDC behind

EIF's 2017 Annual Report
The results of the Enhanced Integrated Framework in 2017

High-level panel calls for integration of fragile states into the global economy
A high-level panel at this year’s Public Forum examined the link between peace and trade, focusing on the opportunities and challenges that conflict-affected states face in developing their capacities to trade

In fast-evolving trade landscape, addressing the structural challenges
WTO’s Aid for Trade programme putting a spotlight on LDCs

What’s going on with Aid for Trade in the Least Developed Countries
Funding for aid for trade in LDCs is increasing – find out how much, from who, and where investments are going

EIF @ WTO Public Forum 2018
The EIF will be participating in a variety of activities at the WTO Public Forum, 2-4 October

Improving agriculture, enriching trade, transforming lives
When agriculture and trade align, change happens for incomes and economies

Don't shut trade down, make it truly inclusive
Originally published by Devex on 5 July 2018

Video address of Director-General Roberto Azevêdo to participants of the EIF Global Forum
WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo's welcome message to participants at the Global Forum on Inclusive Trade for Least Developed Countries (LDCs)

Using trade as a tool for development
Improving economic opportunities and prospects for the world’s least developed countries remains a key global challenge

#trade4dev and EIF
EIF is the only multilateral partnership working to support trade for development in the world's poorest countries. Check out how we are doing this, on the ground, with our partners, together with governments, always for development, always for the Least Developed Countries.

Outcome statement: The Global Forum on Inclusive Trade for LDCs
The Forum, which was held from 13 to 14 June 2018 at the World Trade Organization (WTO), fostered practical solutions, offered results-oriented theoretical discussions, presented on-the-ground successes, and supported an innovative call to ramp up actions on inclusive trade for LDCs

Continuing the conversation on inclusive trade for Least Developed Countries
The closing ceremony echoed the Call to Action launched at the Forum, taking inclusive trade for LDCs to the next level

Strategic partnership for trade development: The EIF and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
Often, the Pacific seems very far. With these new partnerships, we are cutting the distance to ensure that trade-led development brings tangible benefits to the people in the Pacific, including women and youth.

Forging new paths for LDCs in multilateral and regional trade
This plenary session gathered ministerial-level officials from LDCs and high-level speakers to discuss the integration of LDCs into regional and global trading systems amid economic and political risk and uncertainty

Minding the trade gap: What lies ahead for Least Developed Countries
In the last two decades, there has been a boom in world trade driven by large reductions in trade barriers and unprecedented interlinkages among countries, and South-South trade has grown. Yet the world's poorest nations, designated Least Developed Countries (LDCs), engage in less than 1% of global trade while home to 13% of the world’s population

World’s poorest nations take lead on trade
For the first time, an alliance of African countries have called for targeted action to strengthen the trade capacity of the world’s poorest countries and enhance their position in global and regional markets

Five questions to Least Developed Country governments about inclusive trade
Bridges Africa and Passerelles discussed trade and sustainable development with Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, Vice President of The Gambia, Kamrang Tekreth, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia, and Hassan Come, Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Central African Republic (CAR)

Introduction to #EIFGlobalForum2018

Trade among Least Developed Countries set to be boosted following historic WTO collaboration
Least Developed Countries are set to benefit from an agreement that unites the work of the Commonwealth and the World Trade Organization (WTO) to boost commerce

Inclusive trade action for LDCs needed now, say LDC representatives
Their Call to Action affirms the role of trade as an engine for sustainable growth, reinforces the importance of the multilateral trading system and commits to inclusive trade policies

Call to Action: Global Forum on Inclusive Trade for LDCs
Call to Action - Global Forum on Inclusive Trade for LDCs from

EIF hosting forum on inclusive trade for Least Developed Countries
At the WTO from 13-14 June, the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) is convening its first Global Forum on Inclusive Trade for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), with representatives from more than 40 of the 51 LDCs and recent graduates coming together to act on trade

Daniel Blockert: On fostering resilience, and lifting up women and small businesses in Least Developed Countries
Ahead of his departure from Geneva, Ambassador to the Permanent Mission of Sweden to the WTO and EIF Steering Committee Chair Daniel Blockert speaks of key sectors for impact in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and the importance of sustainable solutions

Making Aid for Trade work for women
Originally published in International Trade Forum

Launch of news portal to raise awareness of trade development in Least Developed Countries
The world’s 47 poorest countries are home to 13% of the global population, but account for only 1% of global trade. With the launch of a new portal entitled Trade for Development News, the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) is angling to provide a voice for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) on their successes, challenges and ways forward in tackling a US$92.9 billion trade gap.

Small country, big future: A Trade Policy Review of The Gambia, at-a-glance
The WTO's Trade Policy Review of The Gambia, taking place within the first year of the new administration, was an opportune time to reflect on the state of the economy and deliberate on the type of policies and actions that could help the country better participate in global trade

Ratnakar Adhikari: Enhancing partnerships for better, more inclusive trade
Least Developed Countries (LDCs) face obstacles to improving their trade capacity, but there are opportunities on the horizon

Trade for Development News: Launch Edition
Download the first print edition of Trade for Development News!

Coordinating on trade in Vanuatu
On 29 May 2012 Willie Luen was preparing to emcee one of the most important meetings of his life. He remembers that the room — a hotel conference room in Port Vila, the capital city of Vanuatu — was so packed with people that the windows were starting to fog up.

The EIF Story: A unique partnership for LDCs
Stakeholders from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) discuss the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) impact on trade and development in their respective countries.

Voices of trade and development

Placing Least Developed Countries at the helm of promoting effective trade for development
Key insights from the event titled "The EIF: Championing Change Through Inclusive Trade," held on the side-lines of the Global Review of Aid for Trade at the World Trade Organization in Geneva from 11 to 13 July 2017.

Four ways Africa can achieve a manufacturing renaissance
Originally published on 7 July 2017 in the World Economic Forum Agenda

Ethiopia hosts workshop to help the region’s poorest countries
The Federal Republic of Ethiopia is hosting a four-day workshop from 31 January to 3 February 2017

The EIF: Building for the future

Four ways the world’s least developed countries can improve trade
Originally published on 27 May 2016 in the World Economic Forum Agenda

Maldives: A trade and investment pathway for post-graduation
The Maldives has unique challenges due to its recent graduation from least developed country (LDC) status in 2011, and the resulting loss of trade preferences that it had been accorded as an LDC.

South Sudan's first Diagnostic Trade Integration Study released
First Diagnostic Trade Integration Study of South Sudan released February 16, 2016.

WTO DG Azevêdo: Successful EIF pledging conference a "significant outcome" for Nairobi
In his opening remarks at the "Twenty years of supporting the integration of least developed countries into the multilateral trading system" event, WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo reminded WTO members of the importance that the EIF Pledging Conference for Phase Two of the EIF be a success.

EIF at the 5th Global Aid for Trade Review

Stories from the ground - Chad, Lesotho, Nepal and Vanuatu

The EIF partnership welcomes Somalia as its 50th beneficiary country
The Federal Republic of Somalia has become the 50th country to join the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), the only Aid for Trade programme entirely dedicated to LDCs and recently graduated countries.

The EIF partnership commends Myanmar's swift progress in programme implementation
Myanmar is making rapid strides in the implementation of the EIF programme

Trade is a major driver for economic development in Guinea, says Trade Minister
H.E. Mr Marc Yombouno conveyed the Government's strong appreciation of the EIF Programme in Guinea

Madagascar Prime Minister asks EIF to boost Madagascar's trading future
In a meeting held at the World Trade Organization (WTO), H.E. Mr Christophe Roger Kolo, Prime Minister, signalled Madagascar's readiness to re-engage with the multilateral trading system with support from the WTO, the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) and development partners.

On Cabo Verde and development

Trading stories
Trading Stories, the Book, accompanies the film series to show just how trade is about acting local to go global in eight of the poorest countries worldwide.

Trading stories: Burundi

WTO Members bid farewell to Dorothy Tembo and welcome Ratnakar Adhikari as new EIF Executive Director
WTO Member states officially welcomed the new EIF Executive Director Dr. Ratnakar Adhikari and expressed their deep appreciation to the outgoing Executive Director Ms. Dorothy Tembo

Trading stories: The Gambia

Trading stories: Zambia

Trading stories: Cambodia

Trading stories: Lao PDR

Trading stories: Uganda

Trading stories: Nepal

Trading stories: Sierra Leone

Trading stories

Norway contributes 19.5 million Kroner to build sustainable trade foundations in Least Developed Countries
Norway contributes 19.5 million Kroner to build sustainable trade foundations in Least Developed Countries 31 October 2012

Spain gives €1 million to support Least Developed Countries to develop trade
The Government of Spain is contributing €1 million to the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) programme and increasing its commitment to help Least Developed Countries (LDCs) realize their trade potential, offering a route out of poverty towards sustainable development for communities

Communiqué - EIF, Central and West Africa, and Haiti Regional Workshop
The regional workshop hosted by the Government of Mali in Bamako marks a step forward in the delivery of the EIF trade and development programme in the region.

Turkey gives US$1 million to help poorest countries trade out of poverty
The Republic of Turkey is supporting the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) by contributing US$1 million to help the world’s poorest countries make gains from global trade and provide a route out of poverty

AfDB joins forces with the EIF to support Liberia's trading future
AfDB joins forces with the EIF to support Liberia's trading future