Aid for Trade

8 November 2022 - Ratnakar Adhikari

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.

9 August 2022 - Annette Mutaawe Ssemuwemba

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.

2 August 2022

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.

26 July 2022

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.

19 July 2022

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.

12 July 2022

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.

31 May 2022 - Inga Chilashvili

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.

14 December 2021 - Ratnakar Adhikari Annette Mutaawe Ssemuwemba

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?

26 October 2021

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)?

12 October 2021

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.

5 October 2021 - Marlynne Hopper

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.

11 May 2021 - Deanna Ramsay

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?

20 April 2021 - Helen Castell

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.

25 March 2021 - Michelle Kovacevic

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.

25 March 2021 - Max Mendez-Parra

How COVID-19 is accelerating the use of digital tech in agriculture in East Africa

Adoption of apps is facilitating farmers and businesses

23 March 2021 - Ceyla Pazarbasioglu

Sovereign debt challenges and priorities today

COVID-19 is taking a toll on developing countries and their debt

18 March 2021 - Caroline Freund

Global trade rebound suggests some lessons of COVID-19 are being learned

Recovery taking a different shape than expected

17 March 2021 - Helen Castell

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.

16 March 2021 - David Luke Judith Ameso Mahlet Girma Bekele

On implementing the AfCFTA in 2021

David Luke, Judith Ameso, Mahlet Girma Bekele

11 March 2021 - Sarah Mohan Barbara Ramos Valentina Rollo

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.

2 March 2021 - Brendan Vickers Salamat Ali Dr. Neil Balchin Hilary Enos-Edu

Access denied: Ensuring vaccines for the world’s poorest countries

by Brendan Vickers, Salamat Ali, Dr. Neil Balchin, Hilary Enos-Edu

16 February 2021 - Désirée Van Gorp

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

2 December 2020 - Jenny Larsen

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.

27 October 2020

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.

14 October 2020 - Jenny Larsen

What industrialization means for well-being – and why it matters

Originally published by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization on 17 September 2020

31 August 2020 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

Paying tribute to Mali's Mohamed Sidibé

In honor of former Enhanced Integrated Framework National Coordinator in Mali

18 August 2020

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.

18 August 2020 - Deanna Ramsay

Focusing on export development, Ethiopia’s small businesses seeing success

For a new business owner, one international trade fair got things rolling

12 August 2020 - Michelle Kovacevic

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.

3 August 2020 - Michelle Kovacevic

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.

26 May 2020 - Deanna Ramsay

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

19 May 2020 - Daniel Gay

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.

18 May 2020 - Rajan Sudesh Ratna

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?

14 May 2020

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.

14 May 2020 - Deanna Ramsay

For this Ethiopian exporter, the future is in food

Finding new buyers and tapping new markets, harnessing agriculture’s potential

16 April 2020 - Deanna Ramsay

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

10 March 2020 - Aussama Bejraoui Elisabeth Lambrecht Frans Lammersen

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.

21 February 2020 - Deanna Ramsay

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

28 January 2020 - Daniel Gay

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.

14 January 2020 - Daniel Gay

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.

17 December 2019 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

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).

4 December 2019 - Ana Luiza Cortez

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.

26 November 2019 - Deanna Ramsay

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

14 November 2019 - Rolf Traeger

Weak development of LDC productive capacities leads to foreign deficits and external financing dependence

Least developed countries (LDCs) have traditionally recorded persistent trade deficits.

30 October 2019

Global growth is slowing. For the world's poorest countries, what does this mean?

23 September 2019 - Deanna Ramsay

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

22 August 2019 - Ahmat Mahamat Bachir Ratnakar Adhikari

Aid for trade must focus on the poorest, most fragile countries

Originally published by Devex on 5 July 2019

15 August 2019 - Fabrice Lehmann

5 ways to boost sustainable trade in the world’s poorest countries

Originally published by World Economic Forum Agenda on 4 July 2019

13 August 2019 - Michelle Kovacevic

New WTO research puts spotlight on natural disasters and trade

How can countries use trade to promote resilience?

8 August 2019 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

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?"

3 July 2019

For 10 years, partnering with least developed countries

3 July 2019 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

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.

27 June 2019 - Anabel González

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.

27 June 2019 - Karl P. Sauvant

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.

25 June 2019 - Marianne Musumeci Kaori Miyamoto

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.

19 June 2019 - Dan Ciuriak Maria Ptashkina

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.

17 June 2019 - Luisa Bernal

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).

13 June 2019 - Aussama Bejraoui Frans Lammersen Justine Lan

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.

11 June 2019 - David Luke Heini Suominen

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.

6 June 2019 - Cornelius Gregg Bolormaa Tumurchudur Klok Milagros Lazo Castro

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.

4 June 2019 - Ian Gillson Pierre Sauvé

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.

29 May 2019 - Alice Tipping Tristan Irschlinger

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.

23 May 2019 - Fabrice Lehmann

Global value chains and development paths: A conversation with Caroline Freund

Talking global value chains and trade integration, ahead of forthcoming World Bank report

21 May 2019 - Annette Mutaawe Ssemuwemba Fabrice Lehmann

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

16 May 2019

EIF launches policy series on all things LDCs and Aid for Trade

Examining Aid for Trade and LDCs, aiming for evidence-based action

14 May 2019 - Lisa Cornish

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

7 May 2019 - Lynsey Grosfield

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

8 March 2019 - Deanna Ramsay

Over 10 years, working with and for trade development in LDCs

Addressing trade in its many forms, EIF partnership creating sustainable impacts

20 February 2019 - Deanna Ramsay

Aiming for major trade outcomes, EIF launches Strategic Plan 2019-2022

Aligned with the Global Goals, plan has elevated efforts and new targets

20 February 2019 - Deanna Ramsay

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

29 October 2018 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

EIF's 2017 Annual Report

The results of the Enhanced Integrated Framework in 2017

29 October 2018 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

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

26 October 2018 - Sainabou Taal

In fast-evolving trade landscape, addressing the structural challenges

WTO’s Aid for Trade programme putting a spotlight on LDCs

3 October 2018 - Frans Lammersen Aussama Bejraoui

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

21 September 2018 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

EIF @ WTO Public Forum 2018

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

18 August 2018 - Deanna Ramsay

Improving agriculture, enriching trade, transforming lives

When agriculture and trade align, change happens for incomes and economies

10 August 2018 - Aja Fatoumata C.M. Jallow-Tambajang Yonov Frederick Agah

Don't shut trade down, make it truly inclusive

Originally published by Devex on 5 July 2018

10 August 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)

10 August 2018 - Lisa Cornish

Using trade as a tool for development

Improving economic opportunities and prospects for the world’s least developed countries remains a key global challenge

8 August 2018

#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.

31 July 2018 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

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

23 July 2018

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

13 July 2018 - Ratnakar Adhikari

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.

9 July 2018

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

5 July 2018

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

5 July 2018 - Michelle Kovacevic

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

3 July 2018 - ICTSD

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)

18 June 2018

Introduction to #EIFGlobalForum2018

15 June 2018 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

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

14 June 2018 - Deanna Ramsay

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

14 June 2018 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

Call to Action: Global Forum on Inclusive Trade for LDCs

Call to Action - Global Forum on Inclusive Trade for LDCs from Enhanced Integrated Fra

6 June 2018 - Deanna Ramsay

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

6 June 2018

Daniel Blockert on the EIF and Inclusive Trade for Least Developed Countries

5 June 2018 - Deanna Ramsay

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

14 March 2018 - Anoush der Boghossian

Making Aid for Trade work for women

Originally published in International Trade Forum

1 March 2018 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

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.

21 February 2018 - Sainabou Taal

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

18 February 2018 - Deanna Ramsay

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

17 February 2018 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

Trade for Development News: Launch Edition

Download the first print edition of Trade for Development News!

19 January 2018 - Michelle Kovacevic

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.

21 November 2017

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.

9 November 2017

Voices of trade and development

7 July 2017 - Axel Addy Ratnakar Adhikari

Four ways Africa can achieve a manufacturing renaissance

Originally published on 7 July 2017 in the World Economic Forum Agenda

2 December 2016 - Sorasak Pan Ratnakar Adhikari

Can trade take Cambodia from darkness to prosperity?

This blog was co-signed with Ratnakar Adhikari and originally published on Monday 24 October 2016 in the World Economic Forum Agenda

29 November 2016

The EIF: Building for the future

27 May 2016 - Amb Joakim Reiter Ratnakar Adhikari

Four ways the world’s least developed countries can improve trade

Originally published on 27 May 2016 in the World Economic Forum Agenda

12 October 2015 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

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.

29 July 2015

EIF at the 5th Global Aid for Trade Review

7 July 2015

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

7 October 2014 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

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.