The World Trade Organization (WTO) members gathered to evaluate 30 years of trade development in least-developed countries (LDCs). The event was initiated by Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, Djibouti's Minister of Trade and Tourism and coordinator of the WTO's LDC Group. Other notable speakers included Sok Sopheak from Cambodia, China's Li Fei, India's Senthil Pandian C, João Aguiar Machado representing the European Union, and Paul Fekete from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
“We must intensify our efforts to foster an enabling environment for LDCs to harness their trade potential, take advantage of emerging trade opportunities and fully integrate into global markets,” stated Ambassador Ib Petersen of Denmark, chair of the Sub-Committee.
LDC representatives emphasized the role of the WTO as a facilitator of economic transformation through preferential market access and flexibilities in agreements. “Let’s work together to ensure that trade continues to serve as a gateway to a more prosperous, sustainable and inclusive future for all,” said Minister Dirieh.
Challenges such as non-tariff barriers, supply-side constraints, digital disparities, climate change, and graduation from LDC status were identified. Continued support is needed for diversifying exports and enhancing productive capacity.
Discussions covered actions taken by WTO members to support LDCs' involvement in global trade. These include duty-free market access and technical assistance. China recently announced duty-free treatment for goods from diplomatic LDC partners with a transition period for graduated countries. Initiatives like the European Union's Global Gateway also featured prominently.
India highlighted its Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme which benefited over 250,000 professionals from LDCs. Partnerships in tele-education and telemedicine have improved access to education and healthcare services. USAID mentioned projects like “Hello Tractor!” aiming at aiding farmers and enterprises in agriculture and e-commerce sectors.
Members reiterated their commitment to addressing challenges faced by LDCs within the Sub-Committee framework. They noted progress such as the WTO Ministerial Decision on LDC Graduation adopted at this year's 13th Ministerial Conference. The Aid for Trade Initiative and Enhanced Integrated Framework were recognized for addressing capacity constraints with examples spanning projects in Cambodia to The Gambia.
There are currently 45 LDCs globally; 37 are WTO members while five—Ethiopia, São Tomé and Principe, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan—are in accession talks with the organization.