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The training course was designed to enhance the knowledge and understanding of officials from developing countries working on trade-related issues so that their governments can implement WTO agreements more effectively. The countries represented were Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

The ITTC designed this first-of-a-kind online course in April in response to the travel restrictions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the key changes from the face‑to‑face courses included extending the duration from eight to 14 weeks. The course also introduced a learning methodology based primarily on self‑study. This was complemented by practical exercises, case studies and regular webinars hosted by WTO experts covering various multilateral trade agreements.

Participants heard from high-level speakers about the Caribbean perspective on various disciplines in the multilateral trade agreements. They also took part in a virtual round-table discussion involving key negotiators and decision-makers from the Caribbean region. This touched upon the challenges facing the multilateral trading system and their impact on the Caribbean region. The video recording of this virtual roundtable can be accessed here.

In closing the course, Deputy Director-General Yonov Frederick Agah, who oversees development matters in the WTO, said: “This course has taken place at a critical moment for global trade. Despite the challenges presented by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Institute for Technical Training and Cooperation reacted quickly to ensure that the WTO could continue performing one of its core functions, that is offering high quality technical assistance and training to its members and observers.” His video address to the participants can be accessed here.

The full programme can be accessed here.

Many of the participants indicated that the online course had deepened their understanding of the multilateral trading system and made them better equipped to engage in trade‑related activities. The participants also appreciated the opportunity to interact with a wide range of WTO professionals and regional experts.

The regional trade policy course represents the intermediate level of training (level 2) in the WTO's progressive learning programme. It is targeted at participants who have successfully completed a level 1 course.

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