RESTRICTED  
  
WT/COMTD/AFT/M/51  
 
17 May 2021  
(21-4073) Page: 1/8 
Committee on Trade and Development  
Fifty-First Session on Aid for Trade    
 
 
 
NOTE ON THE MEETING OF 16 FEBRUARY  2021 
Chairperson:  H.E. Mr Chad Blackman  
 
Contents  
A. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  ................................ ................................ ....................  1 
B. AID-FOR-TRADE STOCKTAKING EVENT (23 -25 MARCH 2021) PREPARATIONS – 
STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ ................................ ..................  1 
C. IMPLEMENTATION OF AID -FOR-TRADE WORK ACTIVITIES  ................................ ..... 2 
I. Resource Mobi lization and Implementation Activities  ................................ ......................  2 
II. Mainstreaming  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  4 
III. Regional Dimension  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 7 
IV. Privat e Sector  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  7 
V. Monitoring and Evaluation of Implementation and Development Effectiveness  ...................  8 
D. OTHER BUSINESS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 8 
 
A. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  
1. The Agenda, as circulated in WTO/AIR/COMTD/AFT/19, was adopted  without amendments . 
B. AID-FOR-TRADE STOCKTAKING EVENT (23 -25 MARCH 2021) PREPARATIONS – 
STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
2. The Chair recalled that a call for proposals for the Aid-for-Trade Stocktaking Event had been 
issued on 16 November 2020 in document WT/COMTD/AFT/W/84 . The Chair regrouped proposals 
received around  seven themes : 1. COVID -19, debt and financing ; 2. Promoting an inclusive, green 
recovery ; 3. Digital connectivity and e -commerce ; 4. Global Value Chains ( GVCs ), supply -side 
capacity and the pandemi c; 5. Promoting recovery among M icro, Small and Medium Enterprises 
(MSMEs ), and in  the tourism sector ; 6. Adapting trade formalities to COVID -19 and future pandemic 
risk; and 7. R egional approaches to COVID -19 recovery.  
3. The Chair noted that a  finalized agenda  for the Stocktaking Event  had been made available 
online. He encouraged Members to finalize the organization of their session s and to publicize them. 
A photo contest would also be organized by the WTO and Enhanced Integrated Framework  (EIF) to 
picture:  How is trade impacted by the COVID -19 pandemic where you are; Is trade making a 
difference, and if so, how; and How do you see trade helping economic recovery?  The results of the 
contest would be presented at the Stocktaking Event.  
4. The representative of Chad, on behalf of the L east Developed Countries (L DCs), thanked t he 
WTO Secretariat and the EIF Secretariat for organizing the Stocktaking Event. He indicated that his 
Group was coordinating three  dedicated sessions cover ed topics such as the needs of LDCs in 
supplying medical and pharmaceutical equipment, Aid-for-Trade financing , and promoting economic 
resilience in LDCs. The LDC Group remain ed convinced that the Aid-for-Trade Work Programme  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/51  
 
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  would need to continue and to take into account the devastating impa ct of the pandemic on LDCs. 
Though uncertainty  still prevailed , he urged the Secretariat to remain creative and flexible  in their 
support to the group . 
C. IMPLEMENTATION OF AID -FOR-TRADE WORK ACTIVITIES  
I. Resource Mobilization and Implementation Activities  
5. The representative of the Asian Development Bank (AsDB ) provided Members with a brief 
update of their on-going response to the COVID -19 pandemic and its  recent  engagement with the 
Aid-for-Trade Initiative.  In December 2020, the AsDB  had launched a USD 9 billion "Asia Pacific 
Vaccine Access Facility " (APVAX).  It consis ted of two complementary components. Firs t, the Rapid 
Response Component  provide d support for critical diagnostic, procurement, and transport  of 
vaccines. Second ly, the Project Investment Component  suppor ted investments in systems for  their 
successful distribution, delivery, and administration . This include d systems such as cold -chain 
storage and transportation, vehicles, distribution infrastructure, processing facilities, etc.  
6. The AsDB ha d committed USD 21.2 billion in loans, grants, and technical assistance to help 
Members address th e impacts  of the pandemic . This assistance include d USD 18 billion in 
quick -disbursing budget support from the COVID -19 Pandemic Response Option.  The AsDB had 
supported  over 7 ,000 transactions worth USD  5.8 billion under its trade and supply chain finance 
program mes. The AsDB would be making a USD 500 million Vaccine Import Facility available to 
support its members ' efforts to secur e the safety, distribut ion and inoculat ion of  vaccines.  
7. A regional policy dialogue on trade and sustainability  had been co-organized by the AsDB and 
WTO in November 2020. The policy dialogue explored the role of trade in supporting worldwide 
efforts to fi ght the pandemic and possible actions to make global supply chains greener and more 
resilient. At the Stocktaking Event,  the AsDB w ould be jointly organizing a session with the 
United Nations World Tourism Organization on "Reviving Tourism Amid COVID -19 - The Role of 
Aid-for-Trade ".  
8. The World Bank Group (WBG ) had committ ed up to  USD 160 billion in financing capacity to 
over 100 developing countries  with assistance  tailored to the health, economic, and social shocks 
faced by countries . This funding include d over USD 50 billion of I nternational Development 
Associations  resources on grant and highly concessional terms.  The Bank was also helping countries 
access  medical supplies  and vaccines.  
9. The WGB 's crisis response comprise d three stages : relief, restructuring, and resilient recovery. 
Furthermore, i t focussed on four main areas . The WBG was helping countries stop the transmission, 
deliver health services,  and ensure fair and equitable access to vaccines  and so save lives. Protecting 
poor and vulnerable people  was another area where the WBG was supporting income and food 
supplies for the most vulnerable as well as ensuring employment for the informal sector and MSMEs . 
To help ens ure sustainable business growth and job creation , the WBG was providing policy advice 
and financial assista nce to institutions to help businesses survive the pandemic shocks . The last of 
the four themes was s trengthening policies, institutions,  and investments, where the WBG  was 
working closely with stake holders to prepare for a swift and resilient recovery.  
10. The representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO ) 
update d the on mobilizing resources for building supply -side capacity. Recent  progress in 
implementing  its Programme for Country Partnerships (PCP) was highlighted. He referred to the PCP 
as UNIDO 's innovative model for accelerating inclusive and sustainable industrial development, 
involving productive engag ements with  multi-stakeholder partnerships led by host members.  
11. The representative  of UNIDO then  recalled that the piloting phase of PCPs comprised of 
operations in Cambodia, Ethiopia, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, Peru, and Senegal. Furthermore, over 2019 
and 2020, UNIDO had also initiated PCPs for Côte d 'Ivoire, Egypt, Rwanda, Zambia,  and Tanzania. 
Several PCPs in Senegal were also highlighted. In one of them , UNIDO was assisting  the Government  
to improv e its industrial gove rnance, expand  its partnership s, and promot e its investments in 
large-scale industrial projects. This PCP  had been instrumental in the operationalization of 
Diamniadio, Senegal' s first integrated industrial park  which ha d created 1,000 new jobs in its initial 
phase . The Government of Senegal  and the private sector  had co-invested  in the project, allocating  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/51  
 
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  over USD 40 million  and USD 60 million respectively during the establishment phase. Furthermore, 
the China EximBank ha d pledged a USD 110 million loan to support the expansion of the park by 
40 more hectares.  
12. Through another PCP  in Senegal , UNIDO was also  supporting  the Government in establish ing 
three agropoles for high potential value chains. The project ha d received m uch attention, with the 
African Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank earmark ing over USD 300 million for 
the inception phase . UNIDO would gradually expand the PCP to more countries  and continue working 
with partners to achieve an inclusive and  sustainable future for all.  
13. The representative of the European Union  (EU) reiterated the pivotal role of Aid for Trade in 
integrating developing countries into the world economy. She highlighted the relevance of the 
updated EU Aid -for-Trade Strategy , which had been presented to Members during the previous 
meeting. Th e strategy aim ed, inter alia , to reduce fragmentation, improve monitoring and better 
integrate sustainable development objectives. It also includes a stronger emphasis on the least 
developed countries. She noted that the COVID -19 pandemic ha d poignantly illustrated the 
importance  of the strategy  because of the crisis it had generated .  
14. The EU and its member States remain ed the leading  Aid-for-Trade donor, with commitments  
for 2018  (the last year for which full data was available ) amount ing to EUR 13.5 billion , or 30% of 
global Aid-for-Trade flows. With respect to geographic distribution, the representative noted that  in 
2018,  Africa continued to receive the larg est share of  EU Aid-for-Trade commitments which 
accounted for  45% of the aggregate value . In addition, the EU and its member States  had channelled 
nearly 25% of their Aid-for-Trade commitments towards LDCs and contributed to nearly 51% of 
global trade faci litation assistance.  
15. To support countries ' ability to cope  with the COVID -19 crisis, the EU ha d combined the 
Commission 's resources  with that of the European Investment Bank  to launch the Team Europe 
approach . It had mobilized  a total of  EUR 38.5 billion, half of which ha d already  been disbursed. The 
package was supporting emergency needs linked to the pandemic, crucial health services, economic 
recovery,  and social support measures, for the short and long term.  
16.  Work was also under  way t o establish country or region -specific Team Europe initiatives . This 
involve d the Commission and member States working together on large -scale projects designed to 
deliver a transformative impact. Forty-nine country -specific initiatives, including projects  in Angola, 
Bangladesh and Uzbekistan , had already been taken forward. Approximately half of these projects 
had the explicit objective of supporting job creation and economic growth.  
17. The representative of Japan  updated Members on his country's latest Aid-for-Trade 
contributions. Keeping the rising importance of the digital economy in mind, he noted that Japan 
intend ed to contribute over USD 1.2 million to the International Trade Centre  (ITC) as a means of 
helping youth and immigrants acquire jobs in the di gital economy. Japan w ould furthermore continue 
support ing the ITC 's SheTrades initiatives , and intend ed to provide  additional  funds for the EIF and 
Doha Development Trust Fund. Furthermore , Japan would organi ze a session on digital 
transformation in agriculture  at the Stocktaking Event.  
18. The representative of China  update d Members on four recent developments in 
China' s engagement with the Aid -for-Trade Initiative. Since February 2021, 97% of al l Chinese  tariff 
lines on exports origin ating from the Lao People 's Democratic Republic and Solomon Islands had 
been entitled to duty -free treatment.  This highlighted China' s commitment to support  LDC exports. 
Also, in December 2020, China had renewed its USD 500,000 contribution to the LDCs and  Accession 
Program . This demonstrated China' s continued efforts to support the integration of LDCs into the 
global economy. The representative of China then noted that the 9th China Round Table on 
WTO Accession  had been successfully held virtually on 11 December 2020. Th e event paid tribute 
to 25  years of China' s WTO Accessions and offered reflections on the road ahead.  
19.  Finally, the representative  of China  drew attention to a white paper entitled "China' s 
International Development Cooperation in the New Era", launched on the occasion of 
China 's 70th anniversary of foreign aid. The paper underscored China' s commitment to build a global 
community of a shared future, within the framework of South-South cooperation. Some highlights 
include d supporting develop ing countries in the fight against C OVID -19, aiding trading partners WT/COMTD/AFT/M/51  
 
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  improve and modernize their trade infrastructure, and providing capacity -building support to 
developing Members for their integration into the multilateral trading system.  
20. The representative of the United Kingdom  (UK) highlighted the importance of aligning 
Aid-for-Trade commitments to help build resilience given the pandemic 's unprecedented impact on 
economic systems, supply chains and people's  ways of life. She noted that the UK was attempting  
to turn towards this shift, by adapting  many of its program mes to support a COVID -19 response. 
For instance , the UK Commonwealth Standards Network  (CSN)  was providing assistance to promote 
harmonized and beneficial standards for  critical health, P ersonal Protective Equipment  and med ical 
equipment supply chains in 52 developing countries.  The CSN ha d also constructed  a peer-to-peer 
online platform for learning . Furthermore, it continue d to support the ITC 's SheTrades initiatives, 
which  had been adapted to promote  digital literacy  and e -commerce . The program me had supported  
over 3,000 women and business es in training , coaching and business development.  
II. Mainstreaming  
21. The representative of the Enhanced Integrated F ramewo rk (EIF) updated the Membership on 
its recent progress in trade mainstreaming in LDCs. The EIF  had made an  overall investment of 
USD 22.8 million in projects over the course of 2020. About 80% of these projects had been assessed 
and approved within the COVID -19 operational context.  
22. The EIF had  approved projects includ ing large-scale productive capacity -building initiatives, 
covering the fisheries and salt sectors , in Haiti and Guinea -Bissau; feasibility studies on cotton  
by-products in Malawi and Togo; a project on trade facilitation in Vanuatu; and an institutional 
capacity -building programme  to support Timor -Leste in its WTO accession and trade integration.   
23. The 31st meeting of the EIF Board had been held on 26  November  2020. During this meeting, 
the EIF Board welcomed its response to the COVID -19 pandemic. Several key decisions had also 
been made, including the approval of the E xecutive Secretariat  and the EIF Trust Fund Manager's 
work plans and budgets for 2021. Other decisions taken by the EIF Board included the endorsement 
of the indicative timeline for the EIF programme evaluation, and the approval of the updated 
milestones and targets in the programme log frame. This Board meeting was closely followed by  an 
EIF-Steering Committee meeting, which was held on 3  December 2020. Here, a strategic panel was 
held to discuss how the EIF partnership could assist the LDCs  access critical finance and investments 
required to accelerate trade recovery and build resilience amid the  COVID -19 pandemic . 
24. The EIF's key programme priorities for 2021 include d: the approval of new projects in line 
with the project pipeline; support to the programme evaluation process; continuous support to the 
LDCs in project implementation and navigating t he COVID -19 crisis; project implementation to 
deliver results in line with  the EIF programme log frame ; and, r esource mobilization for allocation to 
potential projects.  
25. The representative of the United States  (US) welcomed the statement delivered by the EIF 
and looked forward for further updates on the important technical work led by the EIF  in many LDCs. 
In addition, she noted that the US was looking for ward to engag ing and learn ing from the 
LDC-specific sessions o rganized as part of the Stocktaking Event .  
26. The representative of Chad, on behalf of the LDCs , extended his appreciation to the 
EIF Secretariat for providing updates on its trade support activities.  The LDC Group strongly 
encourage d the continuation of EIF 's activities  as its beneficial effects were significant  and evident. 
Despite the difficult circumstances caused by the pandemic, the EIF and its development partners 
were encouraged  to increase their efforts in order to boost LDC trade capacity.  
27. The repre sentative of the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF ) provided a n 
update on their recent activities. She noted that the STDF 's partners, donors and other members 
had met on 8 February 2021 to reflect on the pandemic 's effects on its strategy,  "Safe and Inclusive 
Trade Horizons for Developing Countries" , launched a year ago. Several  key messages  had emerged 
from discussions. First, the pandemic  had reminded us of the ease and speed at which pests and 
diseases c ould spread  worldwide, an d of the inter -connectedness of global supply chains. Building 
food safety, animal and plant health capacity was a global public good.  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/51  
 
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  28. Digital platforms are enabling  a wider engagement across the STDF's knowledge and project 
work, with budgetary and envir onmental  benefits. For instance, in 2020, the STDF launched new  
digital  Practitioner Groups to strengthen dialogue on key knowledge topics including Public -Private 
Partnerships ( PPPs). Furthermore, the EIF 's institutional partners such as the Food and Agri culture 
Association  and the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International  had moved quickly  to adapt 
and rewire delivery models to , for instance, deliver training to farmers, support monitoring and 
evaluation and  enable local experts to benefit from mentoring by international experts engaged 
remotely . 
29. COVID -19 ha d raised awareness about the importance of safe food, animal,  and plant health 
systems, and why safety matter ed for trade and sustainable development. In some cases, this had 
triggering reforms to reduce trade transaction costs linked to Sanitary and Phytosanitary 
measures  (SPS) . Finally, participants in the meeting agreed that the emerging trends identified in 
STDF's Strategy – including topics such as regional trade, trade facilitation, value chains, 
digitalization,  MSMEs and jobs for women remain ed relevant in the context of the pandemic. There 
was general agreement  that the STDF's delivery model was well -equipped for the future, though 
staying agile and thinking more about deliv ery models, including new tools and skills as well as 
mind-sets, would be essential.  
30. The representative of Canada  thank ed the STDF for its update . As a long -term partner of the 
STDF , Canada confirmed its  contribution  to the Facility  and expressed confidenc e that the STDF 
would continue to help LDCs and other developing countries  to expand trade capacity  
31. The representative of Chad, on behalf of the LDCs , thanked the STDF on its update . The Group 
welcomed STDF 's support in implement ing the  standards necessary to promot e their  merchandise 
exports.  He welcomed  the remarks on the proliferation of digital platforms and their  role in 
strengthening SPS capacity. He noted that the Group w ould appreciate further inputs from the STDF 
on enhancing th e digital infrastructure in LDCs.  
32. The representative of the United States  welcomed the STDF statement. She noted that the 
US would continue to follow STDF 's work on electronic certification and digital application in the 
SPS field. The STDF's efforts to p rioritize evidence -based decision making were also appreciated .  
33. A representative of the United Nations Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTAD ), 
Division of Investment and Enterprise , provided Members with a brief overview on the prospects for 
global investment flows and a GVC transformation leading to 2030. In his opening remarks, he noted 
that 2020  had proved to be the lowest ebb for investment flows, with global F oreign Direct 
Invest ment (F DI) flows facing a year -on-year decline of 42%. Developing countries ' FDI inflows had 
declined by 69% over this period. In terms of regions, FDI to Latin America and Africa had declined 
by 18% and 37% respectively.  Though Developing Asia emerged rel atively unscathed as a whole, 
posting a 4% year -on-year investment decline, certain sub -regions fared worse. For instance, the 
Association of Southeast Asian Nations region  faced a 31% decline in FDI inflows over 2020.  
34. The steep declines in investments in to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)  was highlighted 
as a concerning development. The pandemic ha d more than undone the progress  towards this trend  
over the past few years. In fact, on average, investment s into the SDGs  declined by 33% year -on-
year. Key sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy , food and agriculture witnessed declines.  
35. Future prospects of global FDI flows remain ed gloomy. Global FDI w ould continue to decline 
by 35% over the course of 2021. Though FDI flows would bottom out towards the end of the year, 
there were prospects for a recovery from 2022. Over the coming period, FDI would face a U -shaped 
recovery. This contrast ed the V -shaped recovery in G ross Domestic Product (G DP) and trade 
volumes. Prospects for develo ping countries therefore w ould remain gloomy for the short term, with 
greenfield investments in developing countries decreasing by 46%. Greenfield investments into 
Africa, Latin America and Asia w ould decline by 63%, 51% and 38% respectively.  
36. In its study , UNCTAD witnessed a surge in  protectionis t policies  with regard to investments. 
The representative noted that n early 43% of national investment policies implemented over 2020 
were considered protectionist. In contrast, only 25% of policies implemented in 2019 were 
considered as such. Furthermore, UNCTAD noted  a trend towards mega -regional investments  when 
examining patterns in the formulation of international investment agreements . WT/COMTD/AFT/M/51  
 
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  37. Looking out to 2030, UNCTAD believe d that the global trade and investment l andscape would 
be shaped by changes in the technological, policy and environmental landscape. With regard to 
technology, changes would be brought forth by advanced robotics , supply chain digitalization and 
additive manufacturing. Policy and governance stru ctures meanwhile were expected to become more 
protectionist and regionalist. Momentum towards sustainability was expected to lead to physical 
supply chain impacts and market -driven changes in production processes.  
38. Several changes that were anticipated in the world -wide GVC structure. UNCTAD 's studies for 
instance hint ed at further regionalization in GVC linkages, with less fragmented manufacturing nodes 
that were more platform -driven and asset -light. This change in GVC structure would  cause  ripple  
effects on FDI, and move the emphasis  away from mass production towards mass customization. 
There would also be a decline in global efficiency seeking FDI and an increase in regional 
market -seeking FDI. Studies anticipate d a boost in FDI towards green and blue economies   
39. The representative of  Korea  extended his  appreciation to the Division of Investment and 
Enterprise at UNCTAD for conducting  relevant and enriching  studies over the recent years . He noted 
that they had been useful and referenced at the WTO , during  the discussions for investment  
facilitation. Furthermore, he stated that his Government  appreciat ed the Division 's timely and 
informative work, in particular its analysis of its international investor agreement.  
40. The representative of Chad, on behalf of the LDCs , welcomed the overview provided by 
UNCTAD. He noted that investments were extremely relevant  for LDCs as  they help ed to generate 
economic growth, create jobs and achieve development objectives. He therefore noted the Group 's 
concern over the sharp drop in FDI inflows. A swift recovery was extremely important, especially for 
LDCs, as they fac ed significant development issues  due to the pandemic . International cooperation 
was essential to achieve this.  He then asked the representative of UNCTAD his thoughts  on how best 
could LDCs orient  their economic structures in order to attract additional investments.  
41. The representative of UNCTAD  agreed on the pressing need for concerted international 
collaboration for investment promotion. He noted that UNCTAD would continue to promote  
sustainable investments oriented towards development. In response to the question posed, he stated 
that the transformation of GVCs also creat ed opportunities for LDCs, as investments favouring 
smaller, regional production plants were being diverted to dif ferent localities. Furthermore, despite 
the drastic declines highlighted, the global FDI stock remained at high levels despite the pandemic, 
accounting for over 40% of global GDP and 30% of developing countries ' GDP. This was a positive 
outcome as it sugge sted that the international production was functioning well and would continue 
to play an important role in the medium to long term.  
42. A representative of UNCTAD , Information and Communication Technology (I CT) Policy 
Section , provided the Membership with an  update on the "eTrade for all " (et4a)  initiative  which had 
launched at UNCTAD 14 , in 2014. The initiative  was a collaborative effort to help developing countries 
access information and other resources on e -commerce and sustainable development. The COVID -
19 pandemic ha d highlighted the importance of e -commerce and other digital solutions to 
businesses. In addition , it had also reminded Members of the major digital divide that still exists. 
Cost-effective, col laborative efforts to support developing countries trailing behind the most in the 
digital economy ha d thus become even more pressing.  
43. The representative of UNCTAD noted that the et4a initiative act ed as a global help desk on 
e-commerce and the digital ec onomy . Digests, news, events and  a COVID -19 repository page help ed 
developing countries bridge the knowledge gap on e -commerce and related issues. It furthermore 
provide d direct access to the relevant programme manager in each of the partner organizations.  
This digital et4a  platform had been well-received , with over 80,000 visitors  in 2020 , 60%  of which 
were from developing countries . 
44. "eTrade Readiness assessments " had been undertaken in 27 countries – including 
25 LDCs – to offer diagnostic opportunities for e -commerce development. Assessments ha d recently 
been unveiled for Jordan and Tunisia, and many more countries ha d requested  such assistance and 
for which the et4a was still seeking funding.  The "eTrade for Women " program me support ed the 
implantation of  SDG 5  and promote d gender equality by leveraging the transformative power of 
women in digital entrepreneurship. The programme work ed with leaders in the digital economy  to 
offer empowerment events and community -building activities.  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/51  
 
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  45. The repr esentative of the Organi sation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD ) 
stated that the OECD was looking forward to working together in close partnership with the WTO on 
the next Aid -for-Trade monitoring exercise and Global Review for 2022. An increased focus on 
sustainable trade and circular economy , in line with the considerations from the WTO , was said to 
dovetail  with the priorities of the OECD.  
46. The representative highlighted the increased  risk of the  COVID -19 crisis amplify ing the 
financing  gap and reduc ing the necessary fiscal space to recover from the crisis in development 
countries. Aid for trade need ed to be strengthened  to counter disruptions in global value chains , 
through targeted support , and to mitigate the effects of the crisis by  preserving access to finance . 
It was also required  to build back better , for instance by promoting digitalization, trade facilitation 
and increasing the resilience of global value chains .  
47. The representative noted that since the start of the COVID -19 pande mic, the OECD ha d issued 
almost 200 policy response s, compi led data and released analysis and recommendations on a range 
of COVID -19 specific . The OECD aimed to provide analysis on the longer -term consequences and 
impacts  of the pandemic , paving the way to  recovery with coordinated policy responses across 
countries . The OECD was looking forward to participat ing in the Stocktaking Event.  
48. The representative of the Russian Federation  updated Members about  efforts to promote 
production and distribution of medi cal goods, particularly vaccines, to tackle the COVID -19 
pandemic. Russia had produced two vaccines, with an additional vaccine currently in the design 
stage. Given that it took time to create manufacturing capacity, Russia was working closely with 
develop ment partners to enhance vaccine production capacity. He expressed his confidence that this 
country's efforts would bring tangible benefits and help revive growth and development.  
III. Regional Dimension  
49. No point was raised under this agenda item . 
IV. Private Sector  
50.  The representative of the International Trade Centre (ITC ) highlighted  that ITC ha d deliver ed 
over USD 92 million in Aid for Trade in 2020. In 2021, the ITC would be looking to work with the 
United National Development Programme on a memorandum of understanding on women and youth; 
partner with the United Nations Office of the High Representative for Least Developed Countries, 
Landlocked Developing Countries and Small I sland Developing States on a joint annual report on 
LDCs and establish a new partnership agreement with the Commonwealth Secretariat.  
51. The representative  of ITC  also updated Members on  specific  initiatives including a  strategy to 
align production and trade with sustainable development , called "Green 2 Compete ". This approach 
aimed to better articulate ITC 's sustainability -focussed programmes and looked to produce an 
attractive business case for green growth in MSMEs . The SME Competitive ness Outlook 2021  argue d 
that competitiveness, resilience,  and sustainability were interconnected  priorities requiring a 
coordinated effort . The ITC would also be launching its  "One Trade Africa"  approach to showcase its 
contributions to the African Contin ental Free Trade Area.  
52. A recent joint -publication,  "Delivering on the Buenos Aires Declaration ", provided a progress  
update on gender -empowering trade policies. The ITC would releas e a joint  study with the 
International Standards Organization that argue d for international standards for women -owned 
business. The "SheTrades Global 2021 " would also be held at the Dubai expo later this year. He 
thanked the European Union and Japan for their continued support of these  projects.  ITC ha d also 
helped build online  market s in Central Asia and Central America, empowered early -stage tech 
start-ups in Africa and helped provide trade -based information to more than a million users through 
its Market Intelligence Tools . ITC ha d also widened the scope and intensity of digi tally provisioned 
Trade Related Technical Assistance in the form of e -commerce platforms, digital skills workshops, 
virtual coaching,  and entrepreneurship program mes – resulting in  a surge for eTrade requests.  
53. The representative of Chad, on behalf of the LDCs, conveyed the Group 's appreciation  for 
ITC's contributions to projects enhancing the international competitiveness of MSMEs in LDCs. The 
Group reaffirm ed its support for ITC 's on-going efforts to enhance resilience  of LDC firms.  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/51  
 
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  54. The representative of the United States  welcome d the briefing provided and conveyed its 
appreciat ion for ITC 's work on e -commerce facilitation , especially in regard to access to finance, 
electronic payments, IT infra structure and  e-commerce logistics.  Such capacity -building initiatives 
were important for trade facilitation  and were potential solutions for  Members fight ing the pandemic.  
V. Monitoring and Evaluation of Implementation and Development Effectiveness  
55. The Secretariat  provided Members with an update o n the webinar titled "Implications of LDC 
Graduation for Aid for Trade " that was held on  16 February  2021. The webinar  discussed the 
implications of LDC graduation for Aid for Trade, the challenges that COVID -19 presented for 
graduating LDCs, and how to  support graduating LDCs build resilience .  
56. Speakers  had highlighted the impacts of LDC graduation on Aid-for-Trade flows and 
deliberated upon the effects  of COVID -19 on LDC development.  In addition to providing 
country -specific  perspectives  on COVID -19 impacts , panellists  had stressed  that international 
support was necessary to build capacity -building  reforms for an effective pandemic response. 
Several development options  based on the financing requirements  of graduating LDCs had also  been 
discussed . Graduating LDCs were advised  to pre-emptively identify graduation -related financing  
needs  as the global financing gap was  expected to widen due  to the COVID -19 pandemic.  
57. The role played by development partners in enabling a smooth transition for  graduating LDCs  
has also been addressed . Representatives of the European Union  and China provided an update on 
their preferential tariff structure , Aid-for-Trade disbursements and future . Aid for Trade to 
graduating LDCs was highlighted  as a pivotal undertaking since it influenc ed demand and supply -side 
capacities crucial for the recovery. The importance of Blended Financing  to help Members bridge 
post-graduation shortfall in investments was highlighted .  
58. The representative of Nepal  extended his appreciation for the continued aid for trade support 
to developing countries , and e specially to LDCs.  Much though had changed since the launch of the 
Aid-for-Trade Initiative. The international community  had not only faced pandemics and financial 
crises, but also witnessed the accelerated growth of ICT and changing trends in trade and business. 
These shifts  had meant that LDCs were unable to  maximize their benefits from the multilateral 
trading system, despit e the supportive measures extended by donor  countries and international 
organizations. LDC development fortunes ha d been shackled by factors such as supply -side 
constraints, non -tariff barriers, inadequate infrastructure, institutional and resource constra ints. He 
then stressed the need to revise Aid-for-Trade strategies in order to take such shortfalls into 
consideration . For instance, Aid for Trade could help bridge the digital divide, both among and within 
Members. It was critical to integrate ICT and enhance e -commerce reach in all business sectors in 
LDCs.  
59. The representative of Chad, on behalf of the LDCs , stated  that the webinar had  provided useful 
information . Smooth graduation was pertinent in the current COVID -19 contex t which had revealed 
the importance of strengthening productive capacity and mitigating supply chain fragilities . 
D. OTHER BUSINESS  
60. A representative of the Secretar iat updated the Commit tee on plans for the monitoring and 
evaluation exercise underpin ning the planned 2022 Aid for Trade Global Review . She recalled that 
while past global reviews had looked in depth at empowerment and digital connectivity issues , there  
had been relatively less focus on sustainable trade  – and within that  – the issue of circular economy . 
This would be a prominent theme in the Aid -for-Trade Work Programme for 2020 -22 on the theme 
of "Empowering connected, sustainable trade" . To address th is gap in analysis, the OECD and 
WTO Secretariats planned to release  a "Background Issues" note on the topic . The note, and 
Members' reactions to it, would help inform analysis to be conducted for the 2022 Aid for Trade 
Global Review and the accompanying m onitoring and evaluation work . The intention was to circulate 
the issues paper shortly after the Aid -for-Trade Stocktaking Event. 
61. The meeting was adjourned . 
 
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