Assessing Least Developed Countries´ export potential in commodities with an emphasis on horticulture including tropical fruits for policy action during and beyond the conference

The meeting is intended to contribute to the effective participation of LDCs in the Fourth United Nations Conference on LDCs (UNLDC IV), which will be convened in 2011.

Objectives of the meeting:

• Assessing the progress made so far in implementing commitments and actions agreed at the Third United Nations Conference on LDCs, and identifying remaining gaps and key challenges.
  
  
• Examining the potential contribution of commodities exports, especially horticulture, to the socio-economic progress of the LDCs.
  
  
• Reviewing the poverty reducing impact of horticultural exports by creating employment opportunities for the rural poor and exploring the potential for intraregional trade in horticultural products.
  
  
• Identifying best practices and successful experiences in horticulture with a view to providing policy recommendations for action at the national, regional and international levels.

Intended outcome:

Identification of the most pressing needs and priorities of LDCs for broader intervention by their respective governments and their development partners, including international development institutions.

This, in turn, will assist the countries concerned in formulating proposals and in articulating their negotiating interests in the preparatory process and at UNLDC IV.