The World Trade Organization (WTO) recently held a workshop in Mexico as part of the WTO Chairs Programme, emphasizing the importance of advancing inclusive trade. WTO Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang delivered opening remarks via video link, highlighting the commitment to inclusive trade and commending the efforts of the Latin American and Caribbean Network. He stated, “The Latin American and Caribbean Network of the WTO Chairs Programme has once again brought us together through their work on trade and inclusivity — and their efforts on this topic have boosted its visibility.”
Ambassador Emmanuelle Ivanov-Durand, France's Permanent Representative to the WTO, supported strengthening inclusive trade. She remarked: "This workshop looks at each of the vulnerabilities related to gender, disability or belonging to a minority community and sees how trade policy can restore equal opportunities to start to ensure that these groups can actively participate in the productive and export activities of their countries."
Director-General Cynthia Zimmermann from Austria's Ministry for Labour and Economic Affairs also contributed her perspective: “Austria is proud to play a role in strengthening academic capacity and creating opportunities for trade that uplift all members of society. This is our investment dedicated to maintaining and enhancing trade expertise in regions where it is particularly relevant. Together, I am confident that we will influence how 'inclusive trade' is perceived, discussed, and negotiated in both academic and policy-making corridors.”
The workshop covered various aspects such as policies for indigenous communities, disability-related trade law, addressing needs of least developed countries (LDCs), and policies for youth and marginalized groups. Participants are preparing a joint publication consolidating diverse perspectives.
Deputy Director-General Zhang praised the network’s work on trade and gender with significant outcomes from regional workshops. Four members from Barbados, Chile, Costa Rica, and Mexico are involved in the WTO Gender Research Hub.
Dr. Amrita Bahri from ITAM launched her book “Trade Agreements and Women: Transcending Barriers” during the event. The publication provides guidance for policymakers on integrating gender considerations into trade negotiations.
For more details on the programme's work, visit the WTO Chairs Programme e-Platform.