RESTRICTED  
  
WT/COMTD/AFT/M/50  
 
21 December  2020 
(20-9246) Page: 1/8 
Committee on Trade and Development  
Fiftieth Session on Aid for Trade    
 
 
 
NOTE ON THE MEETING OF 5 OCTOBER  2020 
Chaired by H.E. Mr Mohammad Qurban Haqjo  
 
Contents  
A. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  ................................ ................................ ....................  1 
B. ADDENDUM OF THE AID -FOR-TRADE WORK PROGRAMME 2020 -2021 – STATEMENT 
BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 1 
C. IMPLEMENTATION OF AID -FOR-TRADE WORK ACTIVITIES  ................................ ..... 3 
I. Resource Mobilization a nd Implementation Activities  ................................ ......................  3 
II. Mainstreaming  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  6 
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 Chair suggested  a revision to the  agenda circulated in WTO/AIR/COMTD/AFT/18 . He 
proposed the advancement of sub -item "Private Sector"  under Implementation of Aid -for-Trade 
Work Activities " such that it commences  immediately  after agenda  adoption . The Agenda  and the 
proposed advancement  of the sub -item were adopted  witho ut any further  amendment s. 
B. ADDENDUM OF THE  AID-FOR-TRADE WORK PROGRAMME 2020-2021 – STATEMENT 
BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
2. The Chair recall ed the proposals  in relation to the impact of COVID -19 on the Aid -for-Trade  
Work Programme , made  during the  49th Committee on Trade and Development Aid-for-Trade 
meeting on 7 July 2020 . Two p roposal s, on extending the implementation period for the current 
Work Programme and r escheduling the Global Review planned for 2021 to 2022 , were agreed  upon 
by Members . They have been reflected in a revision to the Work Programme issued in document 
WT/COM TD/AFT/W/81/Rev.1.   
3. The Chair noted that a  third proposal  regarding the possible inclusion of a n addendum to the 
Work Programme , to reflect impact s of the pandemic , was further discussed  during the informal 
meeting held on 14 September . The interventions made during th is meeting  had made it clear that 
Members' focus was on an event or gathering highlight ing the trade -related challenges triggered by 
COVID -19. He read out the text of a possible addendum and requested Members  to provide reaction s 
before Friday 9 October . If no reactions were received,  the Chair noted that the addendum would 
then be circulated as WT/COMTD/AFT/W/81/Rev.1/Add.1 .  
4. The representative of Chad, on behalf of the LDC  Group , welcom ed the addendum,  and 
emphasized the import ance of a swift response to the health crisis. COVID -19 had harsh economic 
consequences for LDCs such as large -scale unemployment  and poverty due to their inability to WT/COMTD/AFT/M/50  
 
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  establish adequate stabilizing mechanisms . The representative noted th at issues highlighted by the 
Group during the development stage of the  Aid-for-Trade 2020 -2021 Work Programme remain ed 
pertinent today . Objectives  discussed  during this phase such as export diversification , value chain  
inclusion,  trade facilitation , ICT development  and empowerment  of women  would become more 
pressing in a  post-COVID -19 context.  
5. The representative also expressed concern regarding  the effects of  trade restrictions set in 
place by Members  in response to the pandemic. These restrictions had create d shortages and inflate d 
prices for essential products such as food, medical and pharmaceutical products. Therefore , it was 
essential for the Group to strengthen domestic productive capacities in the agricultural and 
pharmaceutical sectors to ensure their adequat e supply for local populations. If the Group could  
ensure food stability and provide effective means to fight pandemic  spread , it would, he suggested,  
be able to establish further economi c resiliency. It w ould also help rejuvenate service sector activities  
such as tourism that have been affected by concerns regarding preparedness.  
6. Furthermore, the representative noted that m obility restrictions placed in response to the 
pandemic had highlighted  the importance of enhancing trade facilitation to the furthest  possibility. 
This c ould be facilitated through the establishment of transport corridors between countries, or 
through the simplification of administrative formalities, notably by allowing greater use of 
digitalization. The pandemic had also shown the impo rtance of ICT to maintain business operations. 
LDCs need to develop  adequate  ICT infrastructure and gain associate d labour skills  to enhance trade 
operation and foster industrialization.  
7. The representative of India supported the Chair's suggest ion for an addendum that includes a 
stocktaking event held in  2021.  While noting the continued importance of Aid  for Trade in a 
COVID -19 recovery context, she urged for additional emphasis on capacity -building initiatives as t o 
sustain or expand the export potential of developing countries and LDCs. This was essential due to 
concerns that the pandemic  may lead to permanent loss of export markets and  could exacerbate 
import dependen cy, even in the sectors where the se countries  have the capacity to export. Funding 
should be reoriented towards this purpose so that the historical gains are not wiped out in one go . 
8. The representative of Mali supported the statement by Chad on behalf of the LDC Group . She 
drew Members' attention to the special situation  faced  by landlocked LDCs . According to an 
UNCTAD  report, these countries were said to experience growth rates that were 6% to 7% lower  
than other LDCs. As a result, t he impact of COVID -19 has been even more pronounced.  Given this 
situation, the representative called for targeted Aid -for-Trade assistance for  landlocked LDCs that 
was focused on their specific needs in terms of financial support, technical assistance  and technology 
transfer . 
9. The representative also noted the hardships  faced by C otton -4 (C-4) countries due to border 
closures arising from the pandemic . Approximately 70% of the cotton fiber produced in the 
C-4 countries during the 2019 -2020 season had been  blocked for nearly four months in factories, in 
transit or in the ports of embarkation of neighboring countries. This c ame on top of 18 months of 
falling cotton prices on world markets and then a drop in fiber orders due to the closure of textile 
mills in importing countries dur ing the pandemic . 
10. The representative of the European Union  (EU) supported the idea of an addendum that 
involved a stocktaking event in Spring 2021. This event would help Members t o gauge  the situation 
and identify how to increase the relevancy of Aid  for Trade. The representative noted that the 
EU's overarching priority was to keep discussions and dialogues on this topic moving.  
11. The representative of China  expressed support for an addendum to reflect the impact of 
COVID -19 in the 2020 -2022 A id-For-Trade Work Program me. His delegation understood the 
necessity to survey  action  in order to help Members mitigate the negative trade impact of COVID -19.  
12. The representative of the United States  agreed to consider an addendum to the Aid -for-Trade 
Work Programme , provided that the Work Programme was not reopened for substantive discussion , 
as it has already been finalized. Given the current  unprecedented scenario,  she highlighted  the 
United States ' preference for the stocktaking event to investigate how trade rules c ould help trade 
in response to COVID -19. WT/COMTD/AFT/M/50  
 
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  13. The representative of the United Kingdom  (UK) recognized  the pandemic's impact on  
developing countries  and supported the Chair's approach in aligning the Aid -for-Trade response. The 
UK also wished to highlight the importance of monito ring the evolving situation  in order  to construct 
effective response  mechanisms .  
14. The representative of Cameroon, on behalf of the African Group , supported the 
Chair's  proposals, to support developing countries ' response and resiliency during COVID -19. He 
requested Members to take the urgency of the current scenario  into account, noting that any 
intervention decided was bound t o have a time lag while the impact of the pandemic continued to 
evolve . The African Group feared that given the current pace, Members would  not have the 
opportunity to coordinate timely interventions to support developing and least developed countries.  
15. The representative of Korea  thanked the Chair for rescheduling the Global Review and 
including an addendum to the Aid -for-trade work to reflect the challenges of COVID -19. 
16. The representative of the Russi an Federation  noted the special and unprecedented conditions 
created by the pandemic and wished to express support for an addendum to the Work Program me.  
C. IMPLEMENTATION OF AID -FOR-TRADE WORK ACTIVITIES  
I. Resource Mobilization and Implementation Activities  
17. The representative of the Asian Devel opment Bank  (AsDB)  provided a n update on the 
USD 20 billion comprehensive support package  launched in April 2020.  This package was split into 
two components. Through the first component, AsDB had committed USD 8.2 billion for 
19 economies and mobilize d USD 7.3 billion as co-financing  under the C ovid-19 Pandemic Response 
Option (CPRO). The representative highlighted  that this  quick-disbursing support package formed 
one part of  the existing Countercyclical Support Facility provided to Members in support of fiscal 
stimulus during  severe macroeconomic crises . 
18. The AsDB's second support  component  involve d its Trade Finance Program me for which  
funding  has been ramped up. The program me has supported more than 3,200 transactions valued 
at approximately USD 2.7 billion , of which USD 1 billion had been co-financed. The se transactions 
included 187 transactions for test kits, medical equipment, medicine, and other goods worth 
USD 45 million,  as well as 715 food security and agriculture -related transactions valued at 
USD 644 million.  
19. Recognizing issues caused back the lack of readily accessible information on supply chains for 
crucial products in the fight against COVID -19, the  AsDB's Trade an d Supply Chains Finance 
Program me had also developed a  new online tool map ping these critical supply chains . The online 
tool allows governments, banks, investors, and healthcare professionals to pinpoint companies 
making these products and intervene early to clear any blockages.  
20. The representative recalled that Aid for Trade has been an integral part of AsDB 's support for 
regional cooperation, integration and inclusive development. In 2018, AsDB 's Aid -for-Trade 
commitments reached USD 2.5 billion, an increa se of USD 1.9 billion compared with the 2002 to 
2005 baseline average of USD 625 million. About two-thirds  of AsDB's regional  Aid for Trade target ed 
transpor tation, storage and energy generation. The representative also reemphasized 
AsDB's  commitment towards reducing trade barriers, facilitating trade, assisting domestic regulatory 
reforms, deepening regional cooperation and enhancing trade linkages between economies.  
21. The repres entative of the  European Bank for Reconstruction and Development  (EBRD) 
highlighted the progress made through the Trade Facilitation Programme ( TFP) launched in 1999. 
Since its launch , trade finance in excess of EUR 22  billion had been provided through  
26,000 transactions in 30 economies. Furthermore, the Bank had provided training on trade finance 
to more than 9,000 staff of financial institutions. It also offers a range of products to facilitate trad e 
by providing  guarantees and trade -related cash advance s. In the first eight months of 2020, the TFP 
has disbursed  approximately EUR 2 billion, a marked increase on pre -crisis levels. The Programme  
has also supported the financing of more than 50 foreign trade transactions with medicines, medical 
supplies , med ical equipment and personal protective products. EBRD  envisage d reach ing more than 
3,000  Small and Medium -sized Enterprises ( SMEs ) through advisory projects in 2020.  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/50  
 
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  22. In May 2020, the EBRD had launched a COVID -19-specific digital eLearning  platform ( "the 
Know How Academy ") which aims to engage more than 10,000 micro, small and medium -sized 
businesses across 30 economies.  Various modules support ed managers  in adapting their business 
models  to crisis environments and transitioning  to digital sales , poten tially opening the door to a 
global marketplace.  
23. The representative of the Inter-American Development Bank  (IaDB)  informed Members  that 
Mr Mauricio Claver -Carone  had been appointed  as the new president of the IaDB. Mr Claver -Caron e 
had reiterated the  Bank's commitment to  help Latin American and Caribbean countries  to accelerate 
recovery from the COVID -19 pandemic . He also highlighted  Mr Claver -Caron e's long -term aim  of 
seizing the transformational opportunities that exist ed for further job creation through digitization, 
entrepreneurship , nearshoring and foreign direct investment.  
24. The IaDB had taken several actions  since the previous meeting  to support countries during 
the health emergency . For instance, it  was providing customs  operators  in Member countries  with 
the medical tools and protocols to simultaneously ensure their protect ion and maintain trade flows.  
The Bank was also working  closely  with Export Promotion Agencies in assisting and training  
businesses, especially SMEs,  deploy digital products . Physical activities  such as fairs and missions 
had continued in a digital format.  
25. The IaDB intend ed to continue strengthen ing trade facilitation  regimes  through the 
implementation of  procedures and systems that mitigate d risks for cross-border trade in goods. It 
would also look to improve Members'  Single  Trade  Windows and their interoperability . The Bank also 
promote d mutual recognition of Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) by taking advantage of the 
benefits of blockchain.  Finally, it would  continue to act as an innovation laboratory , to produce 
regional public goods  and encourag e cooperation in the Bank's priority a reas. 
26. The representative of the World Bank Group  (WBG)  highlighted the Bank's USD  150 billion 
COVID -19 related assistance  that was being delivered to  over 120 countries. Each intervention 
included  a trade dimension that could be viewed through an Aid-for-Trade lens . The representative 
indicated the four central pillars of the Bank's trade strategy , namely : (i) trade competitiveness and 
diversification ; (ii) trade facilitation and transport logistics, with assistance  for TFA implementation 
and establishment of cross -border transport corridors; (iii) support for market access and 
international trade cooperation ; and (iv) managing shocks and promoting greater inclusion, 
particularly for women, youth and the most vulnerable segments of society as well as on the trade, 
investment and competition impacts of the pandemic.  
27. The WBG also aimed to direct analytical and technical assistance to: (i) trade and gender 
mainstreaming;  (ii) trade in services , particular ly post-COVID impacts and recovery paths;  (iii) new 
frontiers in trade governance, including those emerging from the latest generation of trade 
agreements;  (iv) support to the AfCFTA negotiating and implementation process;  (v) support for 
WTO accession, part icularly in fragile and conflict -recovering countries ; (vi) regulatory diagnostics 
linked to digital trade;  (vii) subsidy reform issues (including the trade impacts of industry support 
measures taken in the wake of the COVID -19 pandemic);  and (viii) develo ping country insertion in 
regional and global value chains .  
28. The representative of the African Development Bank  (AfDB) emphasized the Bank's priority in 
helping African countries alleviate the shocks of COVID -19, so as to  reopen economies and 
reinvigorate trade  using the COVID -19 Response Facility (CRF ). Valued at USD 10 billion, the 
CRF capitalize d on the experience the Bank ha d built during the Ebola epidemic in April 2014, when 
it was among the first development partner s to approve an emergency operation worth 
USD 300 million  to combat  its spread.  The Bank 's COVID Response Facility provid ed flexible support 
for sovereign and non -sovereign operations. It comprise d of the following disbursements: 
(i) USD 5.5 billion for so vereign operations in ADB countries; (ii) USD 3.1 billion for sovereign and 
regional operations in Asian Development Fund countries (LICs);  and (iii) USD 1.5 billion for 
non-sovereign operations (private sector) in all African countries. Moreover, as part of the 
Bank's  sovereign operations, the CRF provide d fast-track budget support to ensure that 
African  countries were able to fund emergency response measures, build necessary capacit y and 
gradually reopen economies. Its operational aim was to sustain growt h, strengthen economic and 
financial governance, support trade development, mitigate adverse impact of shocks; and contribute 
to state building in fragile states.  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/50  
 
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  29. The statement also highlighted that CRF-funded debt service payment deferrals worth up to 
USD 675 million were being used to support AfDB m embers . Through this  Emergency Liquidity 
Facility , it has provided up to USD 405 million for African countries facing short -term liquidity 
challenges caused by COVID -19. Up to  USD 270 million has been provided as part of the Trade 
Finance and Guarantees Facility . 
30. The representative of Chad, on behalf of the LDCs , recognized  the value of the information on 
current Aid -for-Trade projects. While such assistance has been provided against a very difficult 
backdrop, the Group wished to encourage the international  financial institutions to further deploy 
efforts  to enhance development . The representative also wished to enquire whe ther the institutions 
were also planning to  assess the impact of initiatives in response to the COVID -19 crisis.  
31. In response, the representative of the IaDB stated that it was planning to utilize available 
results and baselines to analyse how best to  increase aid effectiveness. The representative of the 
AsDB noted that the performance of programmes was constantly reviewed .  
32. The representative of the European Union  informed Members of the recent launch of its Aid for 
Trade Progress Report 2020 .1 She highlighted that the trends and themes  highlighted in  this report, 
though derived in a pre-COVID -19 context , could be of substantial use in planning for r ecovery  
phase . 
33. The representative of Jamaica  reiterated  support for the Aid -for-Trade Work Program me and 
welcomed the inclusion of an addendum reflecting the impacts of COVID -19 pandemic . She noted 
Jamaica's positive, first -hand experience with the Aid -for-Trade Initiative  as it has helped promote 
domestic  export diversification, competitiveness and tr ade development . The debilitating trade and 
economic consequences of the COVID -19 pandemic  was said to have  further underscore d the role 
of Aid for Trade , as a tool to help countries mitigate development reversals and access the needed 
resources . This was necessary, she argued, to build back better and stronger as well as to increase 
their economic resilience and productivity.   
34. The representative of India highlighted some of the recent work it has undertaken in the area 
of Aid for Trade.  She note d that even  during  the time of C OVID -19, India was continuing with its 
capacity -building efforts which had now shifted to digital platform s. For instance, a  two-day Indian 
Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC)  programme on "COVID -19 – Good Governance P ractices 
in a Pandemic " had been  organized on 6  to 7 August  2020. Around 70 participants from  various 
developing countries had participated in this programme. Around 900 participants from different 
ITEC partner countries have participated and benefite d in ITEC programmes .  
35. Moreover, the representative  highlighted  India's duty-free access to approximately  96% of 
the tariff lines originating from LDCs, with partial preference on another 114 tariff lines. India was 
the fourth biggest export destination for LDCs. India maintain ed a dedicated Centre for WTO Studies 
that help ed LDCs to better integrate into the multilateral trading system  through various technical 
assistance and capacity -building initiatives. In January 2020  for instance , the Centre had organized 
a specialized training programme on Emerging Issues at WTO  in which 31 participants from 
10 countries had participated . 
36. The representative of Chad, on behalf of the LDCs , welcomed  India's market access provisions 
to LDCs  and expressed hope that this may lead to its enhance d cooperation  with the Group.  
37. The representative of Korea  highlighted some of the support  it has provide d for 
capacity -building initiatives in developing countries and LDCs . Nearly half of Korea's Overseas 
Development Assistance was said to be dedicated to Aid  for Trade, making it the seventh largest 
donor country as of 2017 . Kore a's assistance to the first and second phases of the Enhanced 
Integrated Framework (EIF)'s efforts to enhance trading capacity of LDCs  was also noted . 
38. The representative noted Korea 's continued  commit ment towards  resolving the current global 
health c risis. The support  it had provided to  the development of COVID -19 vaccines  was illustrated 
as an example . Korea has also provided diagnostic kits and face masks, among others, to more than 
100 countries worldwide. Korea was also a key contributor towards  food security measures, having 
 
1 https://op.europa.eu/en/publication -detail/ -/publication/f022db96 -d854-11ea-adf7-01aa75ed71a1  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/50  
 
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  aided the fight against desert locust outbreaks in East and West Africa, the Middle E ast and 
South  Asia. Furthermore, he highlighted women empowerment as a priority objective  for Korea. Its 
support for International Trade Centre  (ITC)'s She  Trades programme had helped more than  
10,000  women farmers and entrepreneurs in West Africa .  
39. The re presentative of China  noted that it remain ed a staunch supporter and an active player 
in the Aid -for-Trade Initiative , with  contributions through, for instance, the Least Developed 
Countries and Accessions Programme (the "China Programme ") since 2011.  Memb ers were also 
updated on the 3rd China International Import Expo taking place in Shanghai from 5 to 
10 November  2020. This year the expo  was said to  include four specific exhibitions that showcase 
public health and epidemic prevention products, smart transportation, food and agricultural products 
and consumer goods. It is expected to provide a platform for SMEs in developing countries to enter 
China' s market.  
40. China noted its intention  to further  assist developing countries in their battle against 
COVID -19, by sending medical expert teams and supplies. Chinese COVID -19 vaccines will  also be 
made a global public good and provided to other developing countries on a p riority basis when they 
become available for deployment .  
41. The representative of Chad, on behalf of the LDCs , thanked China for its contribution towards 
LDC development. The LDCs were said to have benefitted greatly from tools and resources provided 
by Chin a through multilateral and bilateral agreements. The representative requested China to 
remain flexible in discussions on market access exchanges given that LDCs were most hit 
economically in view of the world health crisis.  
II. Mainstreaming  
42. The representativ e from Japan  briefed Members about the Aid -for-Trade work highlighted in 
its Trade Policy Review held on 6 July. Japan had implemented a wide range of projects to build 
capacity and provide infrastructure in developing countries , to further facilitate their integration into 
the multilateral trading system . Japan had contributed approximately USD 460,000 through 
collaboration with the WTO and the ITC in 2019, and approximately USD 12.5 billion, including 
bilateral assistance, in Aid for Trade in 2018.  
43. The representative highlighted Japan 's active collaborat ion with the World Customs 
Organization and other institutions, to assist developing countries harmonize and simplify customs 
procedures. Furthermore, through collaboration with I TC, Japan has provided online training for 
female entrepreneurs in developing countries since 2018. These t rainees  were encouraged  to 
participate in international trade , with  additional support  provided  to help them gain the maximum 
benefit.  
44. The representa tive of the Enhanced Integrated Framework  (EIF) highlighted the programme's 
continued work on supporting LDCs mainstream trade for sustainable development. Twenty  projects 
worth USD 18.4 million had been approved so far  in 2020 , with over half of these pro jects (11) 
receiving approv al between July and September.  Such projects look ed to enhance  institutional  
capacit y, expand infrastructure, broaden trade facilitation and increase d sectoral productivity in 
many countries across the African, Asian and Pacific regions . Three projects under the 
EIF's "Empower Women, Power Trade Initiative" had also been approved for the economic 
advancement of women in the LDCs . 
45. The representative noted that i n July, the EIF conducted a survey among its National 
Implementation Units and Main Implementing Entities to capture lessons learned on mainstream  
best practices applied or acquired during the COVID -19 crisis. The findings of the survey reveal ed 
that most LDCs have adapted to the new normal and seen improvements in the health and economic 
indicators; however, in a few LDCs, challenges remain . The EIF had also hosted a webinar on 
18 September to share these challenges, needs, experiences and lessons learned to ensure a smooth 
implementation of projects and the achievement of project outcomes.  
46. The representative of Chad, on behalf of the LDCs , expressed appreciation for the EIF's efforts 
to enhance  LDC's trad ing capacity. He highlighted the Group's  desire that  the EIF continues  to 
provide projects towards this end .  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/50  
 
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  47. The representative of the Standards and Trade Development Facility  (STDF) pointed to the 
Facility's continued commitment to  help developing countries and LDCs improve their sanitary and 
phytosanitar y capacity  systems . The STDF  was particularly active in promoting and supporting the 
transition in developing countries to paperless SPS systems, which can improve traceability 
throughout supply chains, reduce food loss, cut trade times and costs, and build trust among trading 
partners. The STDF has also witnessed  increased interest in projects on electronic SPS certification.   
48. The representative  also noted that t he COVID -19 pandemic provide d a clear reminder of the 
ease and speed at which pests and diseases could  spread worldwide, and of the inter -connectedness 
of global supply chains.  The importance of  enhancing food safety, animal and plant health capacity 
as a global public good, and to facilitate safe trade , was recognized . Towards this end, the 
STDF's  agriculture, health, trade and development experts were consider ing new applications for 
project and project preparation gr ants and  to share experiences and lessons  in view of the ongoing 
pandemic . 
III. Regional Dimension  
49. No point was raised under this agenda item . 
IV. Private Sector  
50. The Chair congratulated Ms Pamela Coke -Hamilton on her recent appointment as 
Executive  Director of the ITC. He commended ITC's efforts to promote trade among developing 
countries, and welcomed its regular participation in Committee on Trade and Development  Aid-for-
Trade meetings and Global Reviews  since the inception of the Aid -for-Trade Initiative in 2 006. 
51. In her address, Ms Pamela Coke -Hamilton  highlighted the importance of expanding 
international trade to reinvigorate the global economy. She called for focused attention towards 
revitalizing Micro, Small and Medium -Sized  Enterprises' (MSME) trade fortu nes. This was an essential 
undertaking given that they  account for 60 % to 70% of employment, 50 % of annual value addition 
and more than 95 % of all companies.  She underscored ITC's commitments towards enhancing 
MSME  outreach, pointing towards the She Trades , FastTrackTech  and EComConnect  initiative s as 
examples of institutional efforts towards this end. The Global Trade Helpdesk , a joint  effort by 
ITC-UNCTAD -WTO, was also highlighted as an initiative empower ing MSMEs , by delivering  trade 
intelligence that help make  informed business decisions .  
52. Ms Coke -Hamilton emphasized the importance of A id-for-Trade assistance in prepar ing 
countries and businesses  for a post -COVID -19 pandemic world.  She shared thoughts on the way 
forward , sugges ting Aid-for-Trade priorities for the upcoming period. Firstly, she encouraged 
emphasis on  infrastructural projects that enhance digital penetration and connectivity. These  
supply -side investments were pressing given the sub -optimal levels of technology pe netration in the 
developing world. They were also essential for MSMEs to expand online trade and take full advantage 
of digital platforms . The value of such digital platforms was  particularly  felt during the lockdown 
restrictions imposed due to COVID -19, when they proved to be a useful vehicle  for MSMEs  survival .  
53. Ms Coke -Hamilton also called for an increased emphasis on building a strong business case 
for a green economic recovery . This, she argued, was essential as MSMEs have the lowest financial, 
physical, and human resilience to climate disaster s. Aid-for-Trade drives must incentivize MSME  
commitments  to emission reductions and climate change adaptation by making such projects more 
financially feasible. She highlig hted ITC's commitment towards this cause, pointing towards its  Good 
Trade Summit  as an example of an event that gathers  policymakers, business support organizations 
and innovative MSME s to facilitate green investments.   
54. Finally, Ms Cok e-Hamilton underscore d the importance of regional integration and 
South -South cooperation in driving trade and development opportunities. Facilitating this was 
highlighted as a top  ITC priority. ITC's efforts to support the African Continental Free Trade 
Agreement (AfCFTA) was highlighted as an example of its commitment towards this end. Assistance 
was delivered by the establishment of the African Trade Observatory and the Trade Negotiation Tool , 
through  shoulder -to-shoulder collaboration with the African Union Commission and t he European 
Union.  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/50  
 
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  55. Ms Coke -Hamilton closed her address by reemphasizing the importance of Aid for Trade, 
especially in the context of a COVID -19-led economic downturn. She stressed that this was not the 
time for the development community to retreat, but th e time to help developing countries, especially 
the least developed, the landlocked, the small island states and small, vulnerable economies, and 
the fragile and post -conflict states. She reiterated ITC's commitment to helping countries recover 
from the CO VID-19 pandemic.  
56. The representative from El Salvador  expressed confiden ce in ITC's  interventions in the 
Americas, making special mention of  projects  focussing upon small economies and women 
empowerment . The representative of the European Union  noted that the ITC has been one of its 
most trusted partners for Aid for Trade and expects this relationship to go from strength to strength 
during Ms Coke -Hamilton's tenure . The representative of the United Kingdom  highlighted that it 
remains ITC's secon d largest donor, and expects the organization to have even greater importance 
during the COVID -19 recovery stage . The representative from Chad, on behalf of the LDCs , 
underscored ITC's crucial on -the-field role in strengthening the competencies of LDCs in a 
congratulatory statement. The Group expressed confidence in ITC as a development partner for 
trade expansion, economic growth and human development . The representative of China  
underscored ITC's crucial role in mobilizing world trade at this critical pan demic -influenced juncture 
and commended the Organization's emphasis on South -South cooperation.  
57. The delegations of Colombia , Cameroon , Canada , Russia  and the United States  also offered 
Ms Coke -Hamilton words of welcome.  
V. Monitoring and Evaluation of Implem entation and Development Effectiveness  
58. No point was raised under this agenda item . 
D. OTHER BUSINESS  
59. No item was raised under this agenda item . The meeting was adjourned . 
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