The objective of the expert meeting is to:

1. Examine the ongoing development of South-South cooperation and regional/ interregional integration, and their implications for the global economy and inclusive development, particularly that of LDCs and Africa, in the process of globalization; and
   
   
2. Identify and promote policy measures within a framework of South-South-North triangular cooperation in the areas of UNCTAD´s expertise (e.g. trade, investment, globalization and development strategies, technology and logistics) that will enhance the effectiveness of South-South cooperation for development.

The first session of the expert meeting in February 2009 discussed the role of South-South economic cooperation and integration in supporting trade flows, growth and development of developing countries, in particular its potential role in mitigating the detrimental impact of the global financial and economic crisis on developing countries.

Building upon the findings made in the first session, and taking into account the current economic challenges in particular the continuing global food crisis, the second session of the expert meeting will discuss areas in which South-South and triangular cooperation can support sustainable agriculture development and food security in developing countries.

These areas include, inter alia, technology transfer, research and development (including training), investment, trade and trade facilitation and access to finance, as well as regional and interregional cooperation and integration.

The meeting will look to establish a practical agenda of policy action and technical support where South-South cooperation and triangular cooperation can make a difference to lives and livelihoods in developing countries, including through helping meet the Millennium Development Goals.