“I believe that the experience and knowledge gained from this course will help us in the formulation and implementation of trade policies, giving us a better understanding of the rules and disciplines of the WTO and of countries' interests in the multilateral trading system,” said Ainur Amirbekova, Director of the Department of International Integration at Kazakhstan's Ministry of Trade and Integration. She added that the course provided an opportunity for fruitful exchanges of ideas and best practices and networking.

Moses Mwanza, an economist in Zambia's Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, said that the skills he has acquired regarding the Trade Policy Review Mechanism will enable him to provide recommendations for effective implementation of the country's trade policies. “I will use the knowledge I have acquired to support the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry in fulfilling its notification obligations and improving the transparency of its trade measures.”

In her closing remarks, Ms Bridget Chilala, Director of the WTO's Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation, said: “It is our hope that this capacity-building training course and others that you might take in the future will reinforce the participation of your countries in the multilateral trading system.” She also emphasised that the course would assist participating governments in taking advantage of the opportunities that trade brings in terms of integration into the world economy, raising peoples' standards of living and increasing employment levels while supporting sustainable development.

Also speaking at the closing session was Ms Clare Kelly, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the WTO, who was Patroness of the course. Ms Kelly commended the course participants for their diligence throughout the eight-week course.

In a series of interactive sessions including case studies, simulations and exercises, such as hands-on use of WTO databases and online analytical tools, participants expanded their knowledge of analytical and negotiating skills on both legal and economic aspects of WTO rules and disciplines.

The course was launched on 30 January.

Further information on the WTO's technical assistance and training activities can be found here.