The Netherlands Trainee Programme (NTP) participants recently embarked on a study visit to The Hague. Willie Chatsika, Head of the English-speaking Africa Regional Desk in the WTO’s Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation, accompanied them.
The NTP is a collaborative effort between the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It aims to enhance participants' skills through practical experience. This year's cohort includes officials from Africa, Asia, and the Pacific region.
The Clingendael Institute coordinated the study trip. This independent academic and research institute was engaged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands under the NTP framework. The primary goals were to improve trade policy-making skills, provide insights into how national stakeholder needs are translated into trade policy, and explore the link between international trade and development.
During their visit, participants attended presentations by officials from the International Trade Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on trade policy formulation. The Clingendael Institute also held sessions on negotiation and presentation skills, deemed essential for trade negotiators.
Participants visited several institutions in The Hague involved in trade policy formulation. These included the Social and Economic Council (SER), Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW), and Horti Centre, which unites multiple enterprises in horticulture for collective bargaining. A guided tour of Rotterdam Port, a significant hub for international trade, was also part of their itinerary.
The group also toured the Peace Palace, home to both the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). The PCA provided an overview of its structure and functions while allowing access to ICJ chambers.
Funded by the Government of the Netherlands, NTP is a ten-month internship programme conducted at WTO Secretariat. It supports economic and social development in least developed countries (LDCs), other low-income nations, and small vulnerable economies related to trade policy with a focus on Africa.
The 2024 NTP cohort consists of 14 government officials reflecting diverse programme targets such as LDCs focus, geographical diversity, and gender balance. Participants include eight from Africa—Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ghana, Lesotho, Namibia, Tunisia, Uganda—five from Asia—Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Myanmar—and one from Solomon Islands in Pacific. Eight are from LDCs; six out of 14 are women.
Launched in 2005 with regular renewals since then; current phase started in 2023 running until 2028.