The World Trade Organization (WTO) will host the Trade in Services for Development Conference, focusing on how developing economies can use services trade to support their growth. The event will feature the introduction of new capacity-building tools developed by the WTO Secretariat and the World Bank, including the Trade in Services Competitiveness Dashboard and a handbook titled "Good Regulatory Practices to Facilitate Trade in Services."
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the WTO, is scheduled to give opening remarks at the conference. The High-Level Opening Session will include Pablo Saavedra, Vice President of the World Bank Group, along with senior government officials and business sector representatives.
"The Conference will allow participants to exchange views on ways for developing economies to leverage services trade for their growth and development. The WTO Secretariat and the World Bank will present new capacity-building tools, such as the Trade in Services Competitiveness Dashboard and a handbook entitled 'Good Regulatory Practices to Facilitate Trade in Services.' WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala will deliver opening remarks. The High-Level Opening Session, with World Bank Group Vice President Pablo Saavedra, will feature senior government officials and representatives from the business sector."
This conference builds on a joint initiative between the WTO and World Bank launched at the WTO's Public Forum in September 2024. It aims to bring together government officials, private sector representatives, international organizations, and other stakeholders to discuss best practices in services trade and explore opportunities for increased participation by developing economies.
"The Conference marks an important step forward in the two organizations' joint 'Trade in Services for Development' initiative launched at the WTO's Public Forum in September 2024 (details here). The online registration form, required for all in-person participants, is available here."
Participants are required to register online if they plan to attend in person. Additional sessions organized by international organizations and WTO members are also part of the program.
"The Conference will bring together government officials, representatives of international organizations, the private sector and other stakeholders to share knowledge on emerging best practices in services trade and to explore ways to increase the participation of developing economies. The Conference also includes sessions organized by other international organizations and WTO members.The programme is available here."
Registration closes on November 28.