São Paulo – The World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) signed this week a memorandum of understanding to strengthen technical assistance and training in trade in African nations. The information was disclosed in a WTO press statement.<\/p>\n
“Building capacity to trade is a ‘must’ step for Africa to more effectively participate in the global economy,” said WTO director general Pascal Lamy, in a press statement. “UNECA is uniquely placed to partner with the WTO in ensuring a more effective Aid for Trade for Africa [programme],” he added.<\/p>\n
Carlos Lopes, executive secretary at UNECA, pointed out the growing needs of African nations for technical assistance related to trade while adding that training in the area requires concentrated efforts.<\/p>\n
“Through this understanding, ECA and the WTO reaffirm their commitment to assist African countries enhancing their participation in the multilateral trading system and their full participation in the Doha Development Agenda negotiations as reflected in the Doha Ministerial Declaration”, said Lopes, in the press statement, referring to the Doha Rounds for liberalisation of global trade, which take place in the scope of the WTO.<\/p>\n
Both parties point out the importance of using their influence in the implementation of the joint agreement. The UNECA focus on promoting regional integration, says the statement, will play a fundamental part in facilitating greater participation of the African countries in the multilateral trade system through fundamentally sound analysis and research.<\/p>\n
The Trade Related Technical Assistance (TRTA) will be managed by both organisations and taught to selected participants in the African nations, with the cost divided between both parties. Other technical assistance actions will be determined according to the specific needs of each country.<\/p>\n
*Translated by Mark Ament<\/strong><\/p>\n