The aim of the training courses is to provide participants with greater understanding of trade policy matters, the functioning of the multilateral trading system and the work of the World Trade Organization. Courses will also address the provisions of the agreements resulting from the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations and the rights and obligations of WTO members. Offered in English, French and Spanish, the courses are open to officials from developing countries, including countries which are not WTO members. The courses have a practical orientation and are designed to help participating officials, who already have responsibilities for the formulation and conduct of foreign trade policy in their respective governments, to perform their functions more effectively, and to promote a more active and effective participation of their respective countries in the multilateral trading system. 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. Cambodia Mr. Soviddhya TAN, Assistant to the Director, Foreign Trade Department, Ministry of Commerce, Phnom Penh. Eritrea Mr. Ogbeab ZERU, Head of Planning and Budget Unit, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Asmara. Ip Fong Eliza LAM, Trade Officer, Industry Department, Kowloon.