16 May 2022.?
Press release here:?
Programme
Session 1. The session will focus on the topics that are being discussed in the run up to MC12. LDCs will have an opportunity to articulate their interests and perspectives in the ongoing negotiations. The session will also explore avenues to achieve tangible outcomes that can boost growth and development worldwide.
Recording:?
Excerpt: "Proposal on graduated LDCs
WTO news article
21 February 2023. From the WTO: Increasing the participation of least-developed countries (LDCs) in global supply chains was the focus of an experience-sharing session on 20 February bringing together WTO members and business representatives from LDCs. The event was organized under the aegis of the Sub-Committee on LDCs. WTO members welcomed the United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme which is expected to enter into force later this year.
"WTO members noted the sharp decline in least-developed countries’ (LDCs) participation in world trade since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic at a meeting of the Sub-Committee on LDCs on 16 February. The chair, Ambassador Kirsti Kauppi (Finland), underlined the need for the international community to work together to promote trade opportunities in LDCs." More at
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) has become a new participant of both the WTO’s Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and ITA Expansion (ITA II), making it the first least developed country to join these agreements. More .
Graduation from “Less Developed Country” status marks huge economic and social progress, but risks can arise after the loss of international support measures. To deliver the SDGs and halve greenhouse gas emissions, climate and trade policy need to align in a way that works for the poorest.
The LDC Group and the Alliance of Small Island States formed an influential and ambitious bloc in the UN climate negotiations. However, LDC trade and climate policy communities need to engage in a structured way to support transitional measures.
This webinar, organized by the Duke Center for International and Global Studies, discussed “Global Value Chains for Least Developed Countries” (GVCs for LDCs), a recent initiative aimed at supporting Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in their efforts to achieve sustainable development." More information .
5 November 2021. The European Commission published its proposal for a new Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) from 2024. The regulation needs to be endorsed by the Parliament and the council through the ordinary legislative procedure. More information . Some of the proposed changes may be relevant for LDCs, particularly graduating LDCs, such as proposed changes in the criteria for eligibility of GSP+.
