The workshop consisted of two parts — a general overview of the role of services in economic development and a specific analysis of the tourism sector.

Participants shared the view that services are an important catalyst for economic growth, employment and poverty alleviation. Trade in services is a dynamic component of trade — and a means of export diversification in developing countries. Aid for Trade helps to address the various factors that hold back the participation of developing countries in trade in services, including lack of access to export financing, the absence of a reliable and cost-effective infrastructure, the shortage of institutional facilities necessary for trade and limited availability of trained staff and vocational training.

Participants in the workshop also noted that tourism is a key services sector and an important source of revenue for developing and least-developed countries, and yet it is still a largely untapped resource. Opportunities with regards to Aid for Trade could include support for tourism-related infrastructure, strategic planning and analysis, marketing and the development of human resources.

The workshop agenda and podcasts are available here.