Ambassador Chambovey said that one of the central objectives of the course is to encourage critical and analytical thinking so that course participants are better equipped to make informed recommendations to their governments. DDG Brauner highlighted the high level of activity at the WTO and expressed the hope that the training received during these eight weeks would allow participants to play a greater role in the development of economic policy in their home countries.

The ATPC focused on helping the participants develop and apply practical skills in areas such as trade policy analysis, formulation and implementation. It also covered trade negotiations, dispute settlement and trade monitoring.  Legal and economic aspects of WTO rules and disciplines were examined in a series of interactive sessions, including case studies, simulations and exercises. Roundtable discussions provided a platform for practical exchanges, sharing of experiences and best practices as well as debating current trade-related topics. Participants also prepared and delivered a presentation relating to a trade policy topic.

On behalf of the course participants, Mrs Sihem Khalfaoui ep. Bouassida from Tunisia praised the WTO's commitment to providing efficient technical assistance to developing and least-developed countries. She emphasized that the course supports the development of a strong network of contacts and that the roundtables create a forum for sharing experiences in best practices. The knowledge and skills acquired during the course would help participants, once back in their capitals, to undertake their responsibilities with increased efficiency, she said.

The ATPC represents the highest level of training for generalists in the WTO's progressive learning framework.

Details of the ATPC are provided in the Course Booklet and the Final Programme.

List of the participants