The WTO Secretariat provided an update on the launch of the Aid for Trade monitoring and evaluation (M&E) exercise that will underpin next year's Aid for Trade Global Review. Respondents have until 31 December to reply to the self-assessment questionnaires (WT/COMTD/AFT/W/88).  In November, the Secretariat is also organizing a series of online regional outreach sessions to encourage participation (WT/COMTD/AFT/W/90) in the M&E exercise.  

The WTO-led Aid for Trade Initiative encourages developing country governments and donors to recognize the role that trade can play in development. In particular, the initiative seeks to mobilize resources to address the trade-related constraints identified by developing and least-developed countries.

The Republic of Korea highlighted its support for several customs-related support platforms for e-commerce, noting it has assisted 90 developing countries in helping build modern e-custom systems. it also announced planned support for the International Trade Centre (ITC) and its SheTrades initiative.

China highlighted the duty-free market access it offers to least developed countries (LDCs) and underlined its support of $4.2 million to the WTO's China Programme. It also updated members on the 10th roundtable of the China Programme scheduled to take place on the margins of MC12.

The United States highlighted its PROSPER Africa Initiative, which seeks to leverage private capital, promote trade between the US and African businesses, and support implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The US also pointed to support given to landlocked Central Asian countries through “matchmaking” trade exchanges, trade facilitation support and sanitary and phytosanitary capacity building.

The European Union presented its 2021 Aid for Trade Progress Report, which highlights Aid for Trade commitments of EUR 17.9 billion for developing countries in 2019, EU support to the AfCFTA (EUR 74 million over seven years), and its response to COVID-19 through Team Europe. Future financing through the EU's Global Europe programme will focus on an inclusive and green economy in its seven-year financial framework.

International financial institutions provided reports on resource mobilisation and Aid for Trade related activities. The World Bank Group reported to members on a recent study investigating the potential of services-led development, describing current activities under the Digital Economy for Africa initiative, which is aimed at improving digital development in African countries. The Bank also provided information on the Climate Change Action Plan (2021-2025), which aims to increase support for climate action in developing countries and to provide insights into the role of trade in climate change mitigation.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) highlighted the Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility, which  supports developing countries' procurement and delivery of safe and effective vaccines in the region. ADB also plans to deliver $100 billion in financing from 2019 to 2030 to address climate change. 

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) said it offers a range of products to facilitate trade, including guarantees to strengthen the ability of local banks to provide trade financing through its Trade Facilitation Programme. The EBRD also launched an e-learning platform, the Academy, in 2020, with a variety of courses relevant to international trade.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) outlined its Vision 2025, which is aimed at supporting the productive sector, promoting social progress and strengthening good governance and institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) updated members on its COVID-19 recovery activities, including assistance in developing pharmaceutical capacity in Africa. It highlighted a recent UN General Assembly event on this topic. UNIDO also drew attention to a forthcoming Africa Union summit on industrialisation and economic diversification to take place on 20-24 November 2021 in Niamey, Niger. 

The Enhanced Integrated Framework reported on its ongoing activities, including highlighting recently approved projects. These projects include a capacity development programme for investment promotion agencies in LDCs and analytical work on climate and trade policy. Cambodia, an EIF beneficiary, shared how the country's rice exports have increased substantially since the completion of the project supported by EIF.

The Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) announced the development of new digital platforms, the launch of a new practical Guide on Good Regulatory Practices, adoption of its 2022 work plan and budget, and work on climate change and gender. Further information is available on the STDF website. 

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) updated the committee on the eTrade for Women initiative, which is supporting more than 100 women entrepreneurs in over 20 countries. It highlighted that the UNCTAD digital economy report focusing on cross-border data flows and development was launched at the end of September.

The International Trade Centre (ITC) highlighted several initiatives, including the eCom Connect programme  and the SME Competitiveness Outlook 2021. The ITC also provided information on the West Africa Connect event that will take place on 16-17 November, bringing together textile and garment suppliers and ICT service providers from 16 West African countries and selected buyers from Africa, Europe and North America. 

More information on the Aid for Trade initiative can be found here.