The seminar seeks to explore ways of enabling LDCs to become more integrated into the multilateral trading system. Discussions are focusing on the outcomes of the WTO's 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) from the perspective of LDCs, the evolving trading environment, trade capacity-building and ways of strengthening the multilateral trading system. A total of 35 government officials have travelled to Geneva from 24 LDCs across the world.

DDG Zhang highlighted that the MC12 Outcome Document refers to many topics of interest to LDCs, keeping them at the centre of WTO discussions.

DDG Zhang also drew participants' attention to the WTO Secretariat's analysis of LDCs' participation in global trade as well as technical assistance activities and training opportunities.

Also speaking at the opening session were Finland's Ambassador Kirsti Kauppi, chair of the Sub-Committee on LDCs, and Djibouti's Ambassador Kadra Ahmed Hassan, coordinator of the WTO LDC Group.

“The LDCs face daunting challenges — be it accessing markets, producing goods, linking the small businesses to bigger platforms, tapping into the opportunities from digital trade and other emerging trends,” Ambassador Kauppi said. “This seminar gives us a unique opportunity to have a real conversation about how we can work together to better support LDCs, how we can better integrate LDCs into the multilateral trading system, and how we can improve the functioning of the WTO so that it can bring more opportunities for LDCs and the world.”

“This event has a special significance for LDC delegations,” Ambassador Hassan said. “We do not get enough opportunities to meet our capital-based officials in person. At the same time, national and regional perspectives are vital to enrich our knowledge. So, this initiative is very welcome. I hope that this seminar will serve as an inspiration for future technical assistance programmes of the WTO.”

The seminar is part of the WTO's 2021-22 technical assistance and training plan. There are currently 46 LDCs, of which 35 are WTO members and eight are in the process of accession.

More information on the event is available here.