The aim of the training courses is to provide participants with greater understanding of trade policy matters and major problems of international trade. With the WTO now in force, courses will also address the results of the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations and the rights and obligations of WTO members. The courses have a practical orientation and are designed to help officials prepare themselves for the tasks awaiting them in their own administrations. The participants already have responsibilities for the formulation and conduct of foreign trade policy and are nominated by their respective governments. Apart from a series of lectures on WTO law, the programme includes participation in seminars and group discussions, a workshop on negotiating techniques and simulation exercises for conducting trade negotiations and for settling disputes.
Participants also attend official meetings.
During the course, participants undertake a study tour in Switzerland and a study tour abroad, which include visits to institutions and enterprises connected with foreign trade. In addition to WTO Secretariat officials, many guest lecturers, including senior officials of government delegations and international organizations, as well as academics, are invited to address the participants. Bangladesh Mr. Md Shah ALAM, Assistant Trade Consultant, Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka. Belize Mr. Richard E. REID, Trade Economist, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Belmopan. Myanmar Miss Khin W. Myint, Section Head, International Trade Organization and Research Department, Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development, Yangon.