services

Least-Developed Country Services Export Performance and Facilitating Implementation of preferences notified under the LDC Services Waiver

The Council for Trade in Services (CTS) agreed to hold a webinar as part of the discussions to review and promote the operationalisation of the LDC Services Waiver, as mandated in the relevant Nairobi Ministerial Decision. The webinar was held on 2 and 3 June

Zoom — 2-5 PM CET

Programme

2 June 2021

14:00- 14:30

Welcome by the chairman of the webinar

H.E. Mr Ángel VILLALOBOS, Permanent Representative of Mexico to the WTO, Chairman of the Council for Trade in Services
Remarks

Opening remarks

  • Dr Ngozi OKONJO-IWEALA, Director-General, World Trade Organization
    Remarks
  • H.E. Mr Ali Djadda KAMPARD Minister of Trade and Industry, Chad
    Remarks
  • Mr Emmanuel MUTAHUNGA, Commissioner External Trade, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Uganda
    Remarks

14:30-15:30 - SESSION 1

LDC services trade data

The first session provided an overview of LDC services trade. It presented the latest available data on LDC exports, as disaggregated as possible by sector and bilateral partner, taking into account relevant sources of statistical information. It also discussed the latest updates on the impact of COVID-19 on LDCs and LDC services trade, including anecdotal information. Finally, it highlighted efforts and initiatives to improve collection and dissemination of LDC services trade data.

  • Ms Barbara d'Andrea, Senior Statistician, Economic Research and Statistics Division, WTO
    Presentation
  • Mr Mohammad SAIFUL ISLAM, Joint Director (Statistics), Bangladesh Bank, Bangladesh
    Presentation
  • Ms Natalie JEFFERIES, Trade Production Manager, Office of National Statistics, United Kingdom
    Presentation
  • Ms Melike YALIN ALTUN, Expert, Turkish Statistical Institute (Turkstat), Turkey
    Presentation

15:30-17:00 - SESSION 2

Experience-sharing by exporters and importers of LDC services

In session 2, exporters and importers of LDC services shared their experiences. LDC service suppliers contributed first-hand information on their business and on accessing other markets, pointing to opportunities and challenges. Case studies of successful LDC exporters showcased the factors that have contributed to these suppliers' success. Importers of LDC services, through different modes of supply, shared their perspective.

3 June 2021

14:00-15:45 - SESSION 3

Government initiatives to support LDC services suppliers

In session 3, LDCs set out their domestic policies and initiatives to support LDC services suppliers and their integration in GVCs and to increase and diversify LDC exports. Members and other relevant cooperation partners presented their technical assistance and capacity building measures and initiatives to support LDC suppliers in taking advantage of export opportunities, including those provided by the preferences.

  • Mr Emmanuel MUTAHUNGA, Commissioner External Trade, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Uganda
    Presentation
  • Mr Amrit LAMSAL, Under Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Nepal
    Presentation
  • Ms Paz VELASCO, Head of Sector for Investment Climate and Trade, European Commission's Directorate-General for International Partnerships
    Presentation
    Speaking notes
  • Ms Courtney EDWARDS, First Secretary, Australian Permanent Mission to the WTO
    Presentation
  • Mr Steve TIPMAN, Executive Director, Trade Facilitation Office, Canada
    Presentation
  • Mr Alok SHUKLA, Minister (Customs), Permanent Mission of India to the WTO
    Presentation
  • Mr Paulin ZAMBELONGO, Coordinator, Enhanced Integrated Framework
    Presentation

15:45-16:45 - SESSION 4

Lessons learnt and next steps

The concluding session discussed lessons learnt and pragmatic steps to increase LDC participation in world services trade.

16:45-16:50 - CLOSING REMARKS

Closing Remarks by the chairman of the Webinar

  • H.E. Mr Ángel VILLALOBOS, Permanent Representative of Mexico to the WTO, Chairman of the Council for Trade in Services
    Remarks

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