WTO: WTO members discuss technical assistance and training activities for developing countries

WTO members discuss technical assistance and training activities for developing countries At a regular meeting of the Committee on Trade and Development on 29 September, WTO members discussed technical assistance activities for developing countries and least-developed countries (LDCs). The challenges faced for assistance activities in light of the COVID-19 crisis were underlined, in... Lees verder Members address proposal to advance discussions on preferences for LDC service suppliers At a meeting of the Council for Trade in Services on 2 October 2020, WTO members addressed a new proposal to advance discussions on the use of the Services Waiver that allows them to grant more favourable treatment to service suppliers from least-developed countries (LDCs). They also discussed the implications of COVID-19 for trade in services and raised specific trade concerns related to the digital economy. Lees verder DDG Wolff: Q&A on the COVID-19 pandemic and trade Speaking at a "Geneva Trade Week" event at the Graduate Institute on 2 October, DDG Wolff took questions on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global trade and the WTO's role in addressing the crisis. His answers are below: Lees verder Trade shows signs of rebound from COVID-19, recovery still uncertain World trade shows signs of bouncing back from a deep, COVID-19 induced slump, but World Trade Organization economists caution that any recovery could be disrupted by the ongoing pandemic effects. Lees verder "We are moving in the right direction" on cotton: DDG Wolff World Cotton Day provides an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the sector's importance to the livelihoods of millions of farmers, processors and traders around the world, particularly in Africa, Deputy Director-General Alan Wolff said on 6 October. In remarks to a webinar marking the first anniversary of World Cotton Day on 7 October, DDG Wolff said the commemorations bring together the cotton, trade and development communities to continue their joint efforts towards the sustainable development of the sector. His remarks are below. Lees verder WTO marks the 1st anniversary of World Cotton Day on 7 October The WTO commemorates on 7 October the first anniversary of World Cotton Day, an occasion to shine a spotlight on the sector's importance to the livelihoods of millions of farmers, processors and traders around the world, particularly in Africa. Lees verder WTO publishes list of COVID-19 support measures adopted by members The WTO has posted a list of economic support measures adopted by WTO members in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The list is available on the WTO's dedicated COVID-19 web page. Lees verder WTO issues new edition of Trade Profiles publication The WTO issued today (8 October) the latest edition of its annual statistical publication Trade Profiles. Lees verder Denmark gives DKK 8 million to help developing countries participate in farm trade The government of Denmark contributed a total of DKK 8 million (over CHF 1.1 million) in 2019 and 2020 to help developing countries and least-developed countries (LDCs) comply with international food safety, animal and plant health standards and to enhance their access to agricultural markets. Lees verder WTO members narrow field of DG candidates WTO members narrowed the field of candidates to be the next Director-General as General Council Chair David Walker of New Zealand and his co-facilitators in the selection process disclosed today (8 October) the two candidates advancing to the third and final round of consultations which will determine the successor to Roberto Azevêdo. Lees verder