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 UNCTAD´s eleventh session ended with the adoption of the São Paulo Consensus, which once again places UNCTAD at the centre of the trade and development debate.
The official conference theme was "Enhancing coherence between national development strategies and global economic processes towards
economic growth and development, particularly of developing countries".
This focus on coherence was examined from the following four angles, each one corresponding to a subtheme: development strategies in a
globalizing world economy; building productive capacity and international
competitiveness; assuring development gains from the international
trading system and trade negotiations; and partnership for development.
The São Paulo Consensus
The outcome of the negotiations is contained in the São Paulo Consensus [PDF]. For each sub-theme it identifies problems, formulates appropriate national and international responses and spells out how UNCTAD can contribute. It builds on the
Bangkok Plan of Action adopted at UNCTAD X in February 2000 and introduces a number of new areas of work.
The Spirit of São Paulo [PDF] is a declaration by member States. It presents their views on international economic cooperation and reconfirms their support for UNCTAD´s work and activities.
Global System of Trade Preferences
An important outcome that strengthens solidarity among developing countries was the new impetus given to the (GSTP) among developing countries. A new round of negotiations will start in November 2004 and is scheduled to last two years.
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