RESTRICTED  
  
WT/COMTD/AFT/M/54  
 
28 April 2022 
(22-3382) Page: 1/9 
Committee on Trade and Development  
Fifty-Fourth Session on Aid for Trade    
 
  
NOTE ON THE MEETING OF  8 FEBRUARY  2022 
Chairperson:  Ambassador  Mujtaba Piracha  (Pakistan)  
Contents  
A. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  ................................ ................................ ....................  1 
B. AID-FOR-TRADE GLOBAL REVIEW (2022) – UPDATE ON PREPARATIONS  ...............  1 
C. IMPLEMENTATION OF AID -FOR-TRADE WORK ACTIVITIES  ................................ ..... 2 
I. Resource Mobilization and Implementation Activities  ................................ .....................  2 
II. Mainstreaming  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  5 
III. Regional Dimension  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 7 
IV. Private Sector  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  7 
V. Monitoring and Evaluation of Implementation and Development Effectiveness  ...................  8 
D. OTHER BUSINESS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 9 
 
A. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  
1. The Agenda, as circulated in WTO/AIR/COMTD/AFT/2 2, was adopted  without amendments.  
The meeting was chaired by Michael Roberts (Secretar y) due to the Chairperson's unexpected  
absence.  
B. AID-FOR-TRADE GLOBAL REVIEW (2022)  – UPDATE ON PREPARATIONS  
2. The Secretariat  opened the meeting by provid ing an update on the preparations for the 
2022 Aid for Trade Global Review. The  knock -on effects of the p ostponement of MC12 , and the 
worsened sanitary situation  had complicated the planning of large outreach activities with external 
participation , such as the Global Review . No date had been  therefore set as yet , beyond the 
indication given by the  Director Ge neral at the October 2021 General Council, where she indicated 
that the Global Review would most likely take place in the summer of 2022. More certainty on the 
dates for the Review would hopefully emerge soon.  
3. The Secretariat provided an  overview of the s tatus of replies to the M onitoring and Evaluation  
(M&E) exercise. It was  noted that e ngagement ha d picked up, but that the response  rate remain ed 
someway behind 2019 participation  levels . As of 8 February, the Secretariat had received 
78 responses to the 2022 M&E exercise. Therefore, the Chair had decided to extend the deadline for 
responses to the M&E exercise to 18 February . 
4. As per past practice, the Secretariat was working in close coordination with the OECD and 
other partners on a new edition of the At a Glance publication. This publication will analys e the M&E 
information and will be presented to Members at a dedicated workshop.  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/54  
 
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  5. The representative of the Russian Federation  thanked the Secretariat for its hard work and 
expressed confidence in a succe ssful Global Review.  
6. The representative of China  highlighted that the Global Review was an important event that, 
as indicated by the WTO Director General, would hopefully occur this year when conditions allow. 
She observed that China ha d submitted a questi onnaire for this year's M&E exercise and conveyed 
hope that this response sheds valuable insights on China's involvement with the A id-for-Trade 
Initiative.  
7. The representative of the United States  thanked the Chair and the Secretariat for the 
opportunity t o participate and prepare a donor's questionnaire. The consultative process involved a 
whole of Government approach to assess the policies and strategies that the United States has been 
implementing in regard to economic growth, private sector partnership,  digital connectivity, trade 
facilitation, women empowerment, and natural resource management. The representative hoped 
that the M&E responses will help to gather important data on the US's initiatives and looked forward 
to contributing towards a successfu l Global Review.   
8. The representative of Nepal  thanked the Secretariat for all the efforts taken so far and noted 
that the LDC group stands ready to engage and successfully conclude a Global Review.   
9. The representative of Korea  stated that the process of co mpleting its donor questionnaire, 
which was shared with the Secretariat in December, proved to be a useful opportunity to examine 
share d best practices and take stock of Korea's own sustainable development and digital priorities.  
10. The representative of the Dominican Republic  noted that it has completed a partner 
questionnaire following internal consultations. The Dominican Republic believed in the multilateral 
trading system and hoped that the M&E exercise will facilitate future development.  
11. The representat ive of the European Union  thanked the Secretariat for the update and observed 
that it has submitted a donor questionnaire for the 2022 exercise. All other Members were 
encouraged to do so by the revised deadlines. The representative noted that the European  Union 
was looking forward for the Secretariat's analysis of the M&E responses.   
12. The representative of the United Kingdom  thanked the Secretariat for the update and affirmed 
support ing the holding of the Global Review. The United Kingdom was noted to have submitted the 
questionnaire in January and the representative looked forward to the forthcoming analysis.  
C. IMPLEMENTATION OF AID -FOR-TRADE WORK ACTIVITIES  
I. Resource Mobilization and Implementation Activities  
13. The representative of the World Bank Group (WBG)  highlighted  findings from some recent 
WBG publications. The January 2022 edition of the Global Economic Prospects report pointed to  
macroeconomic imbalances that had  reached unprecedented proportions  and growing income 
inequality across and within countries. Forecasts  pointed to exceptional economic uncertainty  with 
a decelerating global recovery , continuing COVID -19 flare -ups, diminished policy support, supply 
chain bottlenecks, de -anchored inflation expecta tions, and record -high debt levels. Output in 
developing countries was expected to remain below pre -pandemic trends as a result.  
14. The representative observed that climate change would  increase commodity price volatility, 
thus leading to challenges for the almost two -thirds of developing economies that rely on these  
exports. These  challenges underscore d the importance of strengthened global cooperation, including 
in trade governance, to foster rapid and equitable vaccine distribution . Proactive measures were also 
needed to enhance debt sustainability in the poorest countries . Efforts to tackle climate change 
needed to be allied to policy interventions to promote green, resilient, and inclusive development.  
15. The representative of the Asian Development Bank (AsDB ) briefed Members  on the economic 
trends in Asia and  provided an update on its recent Aid-for-Trade activities.  The representative 
observed that the  fall in COVID -19 cases had allowed for  reopening  in the region, resulting in strong  
economic growth and trade volumes . Developing  Asia was e xpected to post regional growth rates of 
7% in 2021 and  5.3% in 2022. Nevertheless , the COVID -19 pandemic remain ed a major downside WT/COMTD/AFT/M/54  
 
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  risk, as highlighted by the recent uptick in  infections in China. Though the pace of v accine rollout 
had increase d, progress has been plateaued  and lag ged behind rates in the EU and the US. 
Vaccination rates among the  20 countries in developing  Asia continue d to hover below the 40% 
threshold . 
16. The representative high lighted that the  AsDB's initial USD 20 billion  support package,  along 
with subsequent programmes such as the USD 9 billion -worth " Asia Pacific Vaccine Access" (APVAX) 
Facility, had facilitated equitable vaccine  procure ment and delivery . In total, the AsDB ha d allocated 
approximately USD  29.9 billion towards regional COVID -19 response  efforts . This includes loans and 
grants worth USD  4.1 billion  that were disbursed to 15 developing  Members. New projects in  
Cambodia, Bangladesh, Vanuatu,  and Maldives  would also be considered by the AsDB Board . As part 
of its Trade and Supply Chains Finance P rogramme  (TSCFP), the AsDB  had helped support more 
than 12,000  transactions  valued at  USD 13 billion . Since April 2020, the TSCFP ha d supported 
250 million vaccine -related and over 400 medical -supply transactions worth USD 230 million.  
17. The representative also referenced the AsDB's Asian Economic Integration Report  launched in 
February 2022. The theme of this report was "Adv ancing Digital Services Trade in Asia and the 
Pacific".  It discussed how digitalization and the pandemic are driving digital services trade growth 
and how regional structural reforms could  unlock digital trade.  Digital services trade h as 
mushroomed , growin g from USD 400 million in 2005 to USD 1.4 billion in 2020. Though growth  was 
seen pre-pandemic, COVID -19 measures  had helped to accelerate this trend . The region remain ed 
far behind the EU and US in terms of digital services exports. The report encouraged policy makers 
and stakeholders to place additional focus on human capital, digital connectivity, ICT enhancement 
and regulatory reform over the coming years.  
18. The represe ntative also highlighted the AsDB's efforts to help developing Members reap 
benefits  from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The Partnership is 
expected to increase global incom es by USD 263 billion. The AsDB will help streamline 
RCEP procedures such as Rules of Origin requirements in developing Members. Finally, the 
representative also pointed to the environmental implications of recovery efforts. She noted that 
developing Asia was look ing to see how trade and investment measures can h elp to mitigate the 
climate crisis.  
19. The representative of the Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC ) took the floor to provide 
an update on its recent Aid-for-Trade activities. He noted that a s of 2021, the ITFC ha d approved 
cumulative trade finance wor th USD 61 billion  and ha d supported regional projects  to enhance  trade 
integration and openness. Several examples of regional projects were provided . Through  the 
"Arab-Africa Trade Bridges Program ", the ITFC was working in close coordination with regional 
partners such as the African Export -Import Bank, Arab Bank for Development in Africa and the 
African Organization for Standardization to harmonize continental standards for pharmaceuticals and 
medical devices . Through a p artner ship with the Office Chérifien des Phosphates , the ITFC is looking 
to improv e the  productivity 20,000 rice farmer s in C ôte d'Ivoire . Through an agreement with the 
African Continental Free Trade Area , the ITFC  was seeking to maximize  positive spillovers of 
economic development,  especially for  LDCs. Through collaboration with the ITC, the ITFC aims to 
increase the trade participation of 75  women -owned SMEs in Egypt and Morocco . With continued 
implementation of the "Development of Guinean Mango and Cashew Sectors Exportation" proj ect, 
the ITFC was looking to support Guinean farmers increase the export penetration of their agricultural 
products.  
20. The representative also highlighted the ITFC's Aid for Trade Initiative for the Arab States 
2.0 program (AfTIAS 2.0) which was launched in  October 2021. Structured as a five -year trade 
development program  worth USD 40 million , the AfTIAS 2.0 was expected to play an important role  
in the medium and long -term economic recovery plans  of Arab States. Its development objective  
was to  "enhance the  environment for international trade in the Arab region by making it more 
efficient and inclusive, thereby creating opportunities for employment and contributing to 
sustainable development ". The AfTIAS 2.0  partners include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria, Mauritania, 
the Arab Organisation for Agricultural Development , the IsDB, the ITFC and the Trade Development 
Fund.  
21. The representative of Chad,  on behalf of the LDCs , highlighted that Aid for Trade was vital for 
LDCs as it help ed these countries face supply and infrast ructure constraints that  limit their ability to 
fully participate in  the international trading system . The role of banks  and initiatives such as the WT/COMTD/AFT/M/54  
 
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  ITFC was important  in this context. They  support ed local initiatives with funding comm itments that 
would have been difficult to raise independently. Given that LDCs suffered the most during the 
COVID -19 crisis due to the lack of budget ary support, the representative of Chad queried whether 
the ITFC maintained  LDC-specific support  policy and  scope for access.  
22. In response, the representative of the ITFC noted  that the ITFC understands the large need 
for LDCs. He pointed to the " Islamic Solidarity Fund" , an LDC-specific support system which provides  
targeted support  for regional members to leverage trade to stimulate economic development.  
23. The representative of China  provided an update on China's  recent  engagement with the 
Aid-for-Trade Initiative.  The representative noted that China , in order to aid global pandemic 
response efforts, ha d provided over 2 billion doses of vaccines to more than 120 countries and 
international organizations. In the near future , it would  look to  provide another billion doses to 
African countries, including 600 million as donation . A furthe r 150 million doses  would be  donat ed 
to ASEAN countries.  China was working  with 20 developing countries  to manufacture vaccines  
through local production.  
24. Furthermore, the representative noted that s ince September 2021, China ha d provided 
training programs  on trade promotion and investment cooperation to around 300 officials and 
technical experts in more than 40 developing countries . The "Tenth China Round Table on 
WTO Accessions " was held virtually on 18 -20 January . China also affirmed its continue d support  for 
capacity building and enhance d cooperation in helping developing members,  and LDCs in particular, 
accede to the WTO and integrate into the global economy.  
25. The representative of Korea  highlighted recent developments in Korea's Aid-for-Trade 
initiatives. He noted that Korea's Aid-for-Trade disbursements accounted for 27% of all Official 
Development Assistance ( ODA) as per the most recent estimates. This proportion would  increase 
given that Korea ha d decided to expand its ODA for 2022. Grant aid a llocations are expected to 
increase by 15% as compared to 2021. Organizations with an Aid-for-Trade emphasis will stand to 
benefit as a result. Korea will be expanding its contributions to the ITC with additional multimillion 
dollar projects in the pipelin e. One project was a  Korea International Corporation Agency -ITC project 
focusing on agribusinesses in Uganda. This year, the Korea n MSME agency would  work with ITC to 
enhance the potential of youth start -ups in Africa. Korea would  offer financing to the WT O Chairs 
Programme next year.  
26. The representative of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD ) 
provided information on UNCTAD's " eCommerce Week 2022 " scheduled for 25 -29 April. This year's 
programme would  be held in a hybrid format, under the theme " Data and Digitalization for 
Development". It would  include several high -level and thematic sessions focusing on themes and 
initiatives such as: UNCTAD's e Trade Readiness assessment; eTrade for all leadership dialogue; the 
future of digital for development ; trade facilitation and logistics in the digital era  inclusive digital 
entrepreneurshi p; competition policies in the digital ag e; and t rade negotiations o n e-commerc e. 
The organizers had receiv ed more than 140 proposals to organize sessions.  
27. The representative also noted that the 5th session of UNCTAD's "Intergovernmental Group on 
Experts on Ecommerce and the Digital Economy" would  be held on 27-29 April 2 022. This year's 
event would  focus on COVID -19 recovery  in an increasingly digital economy, and its implications on 
sustainable development. Discussions would  examine the role of digitalization during the pandemic 
and recovery; challenges in harnessing dig ital solutions; lessons to be learned from policy responses; 
and the role of international cooperatio n. 
28. The representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO ) 
highlighted that, Mr Gerd Müller, the former Federal Minister for E conomic Cooperation and 
Development  of Germany , had been  confirmed as the new UNIDO Director General. In his 
acceptance speech, DG Müller  had highlighted his plan to creat e a global platform for technology 
transfer, know -how and digitalization. The new UNIDO platform would  foster green skills and 
technologies, expand the use of renewable energies, and open up fair access to global markets and 
value chains.   
29. The representativ e observed that the UNIDO General Conference had addressed the theme of  
"Building A Better Future ". Within the co uncil sessions , two forums had an explicit focus on mobilizing WT/COMTD/AFT/M/54  
 
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  resourc es for Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialization.  One of these  forums  was dedicated to the 
Programme s for Country Partnership  initiative. Twelve such countries  were on -going with  Cambodi a, 
Côte d 'Ivoire , Egypt , Ethiopia , Kyrgyz  Republic, Morocco , Nigeri a, Peru, Rwanda , Senegal , Tanzania 
and Zambia.  High-level government representatives from these countries had presented priority 
initiatives  in the area of  industrial policy , circular economy , industrial zones and agro -poles.  
30. The representative briefed Members on  the 9th Ministerial Conference of the Least Developed 
Countries. Chaired by  Zambia , the Conference offered a global platform to LDC ministers and 
representatives of international organizations to discuss how industrial ization can support the 
achievement of the priority areas for sustainable graduation. It served as the last global event 
leading towards the Fifth United Nations Conference on the LDCs (UN LDC5 ). The Ministerial 
Declaration identifie d action -oriented secto rs for the LDCs, that need to be harmonized for the 
implementation of the  Doha Programme of Action.   
31. The representative of Chad, on behalf of the LDCs , thanked China, Korea and UNIDO for their 
efforts to support vulnerable economies such as the LDCs. The r epresentative highlighted that 
China's support to acceding LDC countries supported  their efforts to gain WTO Membership. The 
representative also welcomed Korea's efforts to promote the empowerment of fragile groups and its 
commitments to the WTO Chairs Pro gramme. The Chairs Programme was very relevant to the LDCs. 
The representative also commended UNIDO's endeavour to promote transfer of technology and 
access to know how. These were important for LDCs, in the context of pandemic recovery.  
II. Mainstreaming  
32. The representative of the Russian Federation  provided an update further to its recent  Trade 
Policy Review  conducted in October 2021. Russia's development contributions were driven through 
corporation with international organizations such as t he UNDP, UNECE and UNESCAP. Over 
40 projects were being implemented in Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific,  and the Caribbean through 
Russia's UNDP trust fund. Russia's climate and youth window projects were also key elements of 
such assistance. As part of the cl imate window, Russia provide d funds to help tackle forest fires in 
Armenia  and ensure climate resilience in Tajikistan. Russia ha d also contributed approximately 
USD 273 million to 26 WBG trust funds as part of its development assistance. Russia's total OD A 
disbursements  had increased from USD 100 million in 2004 to USD 1.2 billion at present.  
33. The representative also pointed to Russia's close collaboration with African States. At the 
Russia -Africa Summit of 2019, held in Sochi, 92 economic agreements, worth more than 
USD 1 trillion, had been  signed. Furthermore, the representative observed that Moscow ha d written 
nearly USD  20 billion worth of debt to the continent. Russia additionally suppor ted its African 
partners by providing trade preferences and lending financial assistance to international 
organizations such as World Food Programme and the World Health Organization. Russia's active 
support to countries acceding to the WTO and its efforts  to stabilize the current health crises were 
also highlighted. The Sputnik vaccine had been  distributed to more than 70 countries. Furthermore, 
it has increased the production capacity of "Avifavir", the world's first therapeutic drug for COVID.  
34. The repres entative of Tajikistan provided a n update pursuant to its Trade Policy Review 
conducted in December 2021. Following its accession to the WTO, Tajikistan ha d undertaken 
significant reforms to ensure macroeconomic stability, streamline trade procedures, incr ease export 
capacity,  and attract foreign investment. Particular importance was provided to the WTO Trade 
Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Tajikistan had inaugurated a "Coordination Committee on Trade 
Facilitation" to streamline policy coordination and  launch ed the "Tajikistan Trade Portal" to enable 
access to information -related tariffs, trade flows market dynamics and regulatory requirements. The 
Trade Portal was implemented through assistance from the ITC, UNCTAD, SECO, OSCE and UNDP.  
35. The representative al so pointed to domestic policies that targeted sustainable development. 
For instance, the National Development Strategy, and the Medium -Term Development Program 
(2021 -2025) looked to uplift standard s of living by ensuring energy independence and food securi ty, 
mitigate the connectivity deadlock and enhance industrialization. These policies promoted green 
economy practices by leveraging the export potential of sectors such as clean energy and organic 
fruits and vegetable production. Furthermore , Tajikistan's "Anti-Crisis Action Plan" launched a 
number of reforms to ensure trade competitiveness, a strengthened investment climate, to aid 
business development and to sustain state enterprises and financial institutions. Thanks to its WT/COMTD/AFT/M/54  
 
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  WTO accession and the implemen tation of such measures, Tajikistan had average d economic growth 
of 7% over the period 2013 -2020.  
36. The representative of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)  provided an update on the 
EIF's latest Aid-for-Trade activities. In December 2021, the EIF Boar d successfully approved 
36 projects collectively worth over USD 6 million . They  include d ten sustainability -focused 
capacity -building initiatives that reinforce the national trade structures of LDCs. Approved projects 
had been  co-funded by governments and development partners. Example of projects includ ed an 
initiative to support tourism recovery and women's economic empowerment in Timor -Leste; a 
Technology Needs Assessment to help maximize the impact of technology in Laos and Senegal; 
enhancing the capacit y for sustainable cross -border trade digitalization through the application of 
emerging technologies in South Asia; and augmenting investment promotion capacities in 
francophone LDCs . 
37. The representative also highlighted that at  the 33rd EIF Board meeting, held in 
November  2021, the Board had received a final draft report of the EIF programme valuation process. 
The EIF Board agreed to a proposal to transform the Working Group on Strengthening Monitoring 
and Evaluation into a platform for learning an d sharing M&E best practices. The Board also took note 
of the Interim Closure Plan for the EIF's second phase.   
38. During the 17th session of the EIF Steering Committee held in December 2021, participants 
stressed the importance of EIF 's role in supporting LD C recovery from the economic impacts of the 
COVID -19 pandemic. The meeting also featured a panel discussion, which looked back on two years 
of the EIF's Empower Women, Power Trade initiative. The Empower Women, Power Trade initiative 
had trained 8,000 wome n in value chain practices and supported 10,000 women to adopt new 
technologies. In addition, the initiative ha d helped 890 women participating in trade fairs and aided 
the development of 17 gender -sensitive trade and investment -related policies.  
39. The repr esentative also observed that an Evaluation Sub Committee had been  held in 
January  2022. The final evaluation report was accepted by the Committee at this meeting. The 
evaluation captured lessons learned from the EIF's first and second phase and respond ed to 
questions on the programme's relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact,  and 
sustainability. The EIF beneficiary c ountries continue d to need support to transform their economies 
and integrate into the rapidly evolving global trade system, a nd even more so following the 
COVID -19 crisis. The EIF Board would  review and conclude its perspectives on the final evaluation 
report. Moving forward, some of the EIF 's programmatic priorities include d: robust monitoring, risk 
management and tailored supp ort for project implementation to ensure on -time delivery of results; 
a management response to the EIF programme evaluation; effective implementation of the 
EIF Phase Two Interim Closure plan ; close collaboration with the EIF's partners in events of 
import ance to the LDCs  and preparation of the EIF's 2021 Annual Report, which would  be released 
by mid -2022.  
40. The representative of the Standards  and Trade Development Facility (STDF ) provided a n 
update on STDF 's recent activities and initiatives. In November 2021, the Facility launched a Guide 
on Good Regulatory Practices (GRPs) to ensure that Sanitary and Phytosanitary ( SPS) measures are 
"fit for purpose" and do not create unnecessary barriers to trade. The gui de helps SPS regulators in 
developing countries navigate and use GRPs when designing, developing, and reviewing 
SPS measures. Improving digital connectivity in the agricultural sector was a key work area of the 
STDF. On this front,  the STDF is working with  Members to use electronic SPS certificates 
(SPS e-cert), in the broader context of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The STDF has funded 
several pioneering projects in this area, which are currently being replicated and scaled up in 
collaboration with  other partners.  
41. The representative noted that several STDF members had raised climate change as a 
cross-cutting topic for the Facility 's future work  where Members would  have to strengthen their 
SPS capacity in the areas of risk assessment/management. To help them on this end, the STDF will 
organize a series of short webinars on climate change, food safety, animal,  and plant health. The 
STDF had also adopted a "transition mechanism for countries that have graduated from LDC status".  
42. The representative of the United States  noted appreciation for the STDF works on establishing 
SPS-based regulatory practices and climate change considerations among developing Members.  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/54  
 
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  43. The representative of Nigeria  also welcomed the statement of the STDF representative.   
III. Regio nal Dimension  
44. The representative of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID ) 
provided an update on its "Prosper Africa Initiative " that promote s mutually beneficial business 
climates  in the West African region.  The initiative operate d over 60 partnerships with private sector 
actors across West Africa  with each valued  in the range of USD 250,000 to USD 2 million . The 
initiative 's partnerships were financed  through  a co-investment fund provid ing grants  that require d 
a 1:1 match from the private sector . Since 2019, this initiative had administered US D 62 million in  
grants  and facilitated over US D 600 million in additional exports. Examples of partnerships under 
the Prospect Africa Initiative  included  the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Stichting  
Cordaid  to increase financial access  for MSMEs  and microfinance institutions in Burkina Faso, Guinea, 
Mali, and Sierra Leone. The innovative aspect of th is deal was a USD 2 million  investible grant that 
supports DFC 's partial credit guarantee  to leverage private -sector financing into these fragile 
economies. Some  USD 1.3 million  has been approved for  Easy Solar , an off -grid solar company in 
Sierra Leone creating 185 new jobs - about 80% for women and youth.  
45. The representative highlighted that the Prosper Africa Initiative ha d also lent pandemic relief 
measures for regional partners. For instance, technical assistance worth USD 2 million  had been 
provided  to two Ghanaian apparel manufacturers : (i) Do the Right Thing (DTRT)  and (ii) Ethical 
Apparel Africa (EAA). With this assistance,  DTRT was able  to repurpose its production lines to 
produce face masks and other Personal Protective Equipment . Through similar  assistance, EAA had 
been able to re purpose its factories to produce  medical scrubs and surgical masks  and had launched 
Ghana' s first ISO -7 certified surgical mask production facility . Furthermore, USAID had delivered  
assistance to Blue Skies , an export -oriented fruit juice producer, to overcome production and trade 
barriers during the pandemic. This assistance ha d helped Blue Skies export over 5,400 MT of 
fresh-cut fruits to Europe valu ed at more than USD 35 million . USAID and the DFC had also partnered 
with MiDA Advisors and CrossBoundary to support Caisse Régionale de Refinancement Hypothécaire , 
a West African mortgage refinancing company , raise USD 320 million to supply local banks and 
financial institutions  with long -term, fixed-rate loan s.  
46. Currently, more than 90% of the cashews grown in West Africa were sent outside the region  
for processing due to a lack of technical knowledge, poor processing infrastructure, and regulatory 
hurdle s. To address this , USAID was involved in  a USD 3 million co -investment partner ship with 
Red River Foods  (RRF) using a co-investment grant to build a processing facility in Côte d 'Ivoire , 
from which farmers ' cashews would  be processed before being shipped to RRF 's value -addition 
facility in the United States . The partnership was expected to boost the production and processing 
of cashews to increase exports by  nearly USD 32 million . This would  bring benefits to nearly 
10,95 0 farmers, processors, and suppliers working in the countries of Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d 'Ivoire, 
and Benin.  
47. The representative of Colombia  thanked the STDF for its update . Complying with 
SPS requirements was a particular obstacle faced by MSMEs in developin g countries such as 
Colombia.  
IV. Private Sector  
48. The representative of the International Trade Centre  (ITC) provided an update on the ITC 's 
Aid-for-Trade activities. The representative  noted that the ITC 's "Strategic Plan 2022 -2025" had 
been launched in January 2022  to build inclusive, sustainable, resilient,  and prosperous economies. 
The strategy would  focus on five impact areas to  leverage  ITC's technical expertise : sustainable and 
inclusive value chains; inclusive trade; green trade; e -commerce; and regional integration and 
south -south trade.  Furthermore, ITC  would  also look to deepen country engagement and  continue 
to focus at least 80% of country -level assistance on priority countries, includ ing on  LDCs.  
49. The representative highlighted ITC 's on-ground programmes. For instance , in Africa,  projects 
such as the  West African Competitiveness Programme in ECOWAS, MARKUP in the East African 
Community  and the COMESA Cross Border Trade Programme  served to promote regional integration 
and development . Furthermore, ITC continue d to facilitate practical trade linkages. For example, in 
October 2021, ITC enabled several continental SMEs attend the Inter African Trade Fair held in WT/COMTD/AFT/M/54  
 
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  South  Africa. Moreover, in November  2021 ITC helped 120 small businesses from the ICT, textiles,  
and garment sectors to participate at the West A frica Connect fair . In addition, ITC  supported the 
commercial launch of the Pan -African Payment and Settlement System in January 2022. ITC also 
continues to support the One Trade Africa  programme.  
50. The representative also p ointed to some recent development  in the "SheTrades " initiative. 
Over 2021, the SheTrades initiative ha d achieved its ambition of connecting 3 million women to 
market by 2021.  Furthermore, in January 2022, the  ITC had launched a new partnership with 
Mercado Libre to enhance digital litera cy and market access of women -led businesses in Argentina, 
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico.  
51. Looking forward, the ITC would  soon commence its "Youth Start -up Academy " project in 
Uganda  with Korean support. The project would  help 1000 Ugandan entreprene urs receive in -depth 
coaching and support. A project to support women entrepreneurs, youth, refugees,  and displaced 
persons would  also be conducted in collaboration with  Korea , through KOIC A's Agency for SME 
development . Through a new agreement with the Eu ropean Union, ITC would  be launching a project 
in Comoros to provide technical and strategic support for young entrepreneurs and improve the 
investment and business environment.  ITC has also been tasked to support the vaccine value chain 
in Africa  through a new project financed by Japan. The initiative will support pharmaceutical 
enterprises and tra de institutions  improve the competitiveness of vaccine manufacturing 
investments. ITC will also be hosting the 13th World Trade Promotion Organizations C onference in 
Accra , Ghana during 17 -18 May under the theme of "Bold Solutions for Resilience and Recovery ".  
52. The representative of Japan  noted  that it remains committed to help ing developing countries 
improve their trade -related capacity through  the Aid-for-Trade Initiative. In responding to the 
COVID -19 pandemic, Japan consider ed it important to secure fair access to safe, effective, and 
quality vaccines. Japan was funding  an ITC project to promote investment in vaccine production in 
Africa. In addition, J apan was making a financial contribution to a program assisting  WTO accession. 
Japan also intend ed to support  the ITC -SheTrades program and the WTO 's Global Trust Fund . 
53. The representative of Chad, on behalf of the LDCs , thanked the ITC for providing information 
on its future projects and the new strategic plan.  ITC's contributions  were noted to be  most welcome , 
particularly in the context of their technical assistance and resource mobilization  activities for 
MSMEs. The representative als o thanked the European Union, Korea, the United States and Japan 
for their  support  and hope that future collaborations will continue to be designed as to cater to 
LDC priorities and to their set standards.   
54. The representative of the United States  noted tha t USAID would  support the ITC 's work on 
private sector development  through  MSME  assistance , livelihood development and trad e facilitation . 
V. Monitoring and Evaluation  of Implementation and Development Effectiveness  
55. The representative of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development  (OECD ) 
thank ed WTO Members and the Secretariat for  work on the M&E exercise . He noted that on  
13 December 2021, the OECD and WTO had collaborated on a peer-learning event on Aid for Trade, 
with members of the OECD Development Assistance and Trade Committees . The event's objective 
was to present and discuss  findings from recent Aid -for-Trade evaluations carried out by OECD 
members and to identify ways to make Aid for Trade more effective to support sustainable recovery.  
Key takeaways from the learning event , included that t here was a broad consensus on the fact that 
trade and Aid for Trade could  help restart economies, address widening inequalities created  by the 
pandemic and in the longer -term, help countries seize opportunities arising from emerging trends 
such as digital trade, and the low carbon transition. This includes aligning public and private sector 
objectives, ensuring coherence and consistency b etween policies, and ensuring co -ordination 
between different institutions.  
56. A representative of the WTO Secretariat  provided Members with an oral report on the 
Aid-for-Trade workshop  titled " Digital connectivity and economic diversification " held on 
7 February  2021. Presentations made at the event and a summary report are available on the 
WTO website at: https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/devel_e/a4t_e/digitecodeve rs_e.htm  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/54  
 
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  D. OTHER BUSINESS  
57. The meeting was adjourned . 
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