Background:
UNCTAD has traditionally supported the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in WTO negotiations by providing technical assistance on DFQF, rules of origin and services waiver.
In particular, UNCTAD assisted the WTO group on the elaboration of three proposals on rules of origin circulated by the respective LDCs coordinator in 2006 (Zambia) 2011 (Bangladesh) 2013 (Nepal) as well as a draft Ministerial decision on the road to Bali.
In the post Bali scenario 2014, UNCTAD provided assistance through workshops, training, and the elaboration of papers on the LDC challenges in complying with rules of origin for discussions towards the WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi.
After the Bali Decision, the continuation of the intensive work led to a second major outcome, that is, the Nairobi Ministerial Decision on preferential rules of origin requesting Preference Granting Members to notify both, their RoO and utilization rates to the WTO.
Description:
From 19 to 21st June, UNCTAD, in collaboration with the European University Institute, organized in Florence, Italy, a taylor-made executive training course for WTO Geneva-based delegates to train them at preparing for the next WTO Committee on Rules of Origin of October 2017.
The workshop gave the opportunity to discuss the implementation issues arising from the WTO Nairobi Decision on preferential rules of origin as well as the expectations and strategy to be adopted for the next WTO Ministerial Conference (MC 11) in Buenos Aires.
The training also provided the necessary tools to use the newly created database on preference utilization rates to devise a negotiating strategy on preferential rules of origin.
