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The global financial and economic crisis introduced a global recession and slump in international trade in 2009, reversing progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Recently, positive signs have emerged with recovery in economic growth and trade. Such optimism is, however, tampered by the severity and depth of the crisis in many countries and the fact that the root causes of the systemic crisis have not yet been effectively addressed. As countries implement strategies to mitigate the crisis and restore growth, there is reconsideration of globalization as a driving force for growth and development. Ensuring strong recovery requires not only short-term actions but also deliberate policy interventions at the national and international levels to foster profound structural changes in production, consumption and trade patterns and proactive industrial, agricultural and services policies of a developmental State. Harnessing trade in making concrete contributions to national development objectives and the MDGs must build on lessons learnt and fresh approaches, tailored to specific country conditions.
The Commission will provide the opportunity for member States and other stakeholders to discuss innovative trade and development strategies for building resilience to future global economic shocks and ensuring sustainable economic growth and inclusive development.
This year´s session will address two main themes:
- Successful trade and development strategies for mitigating the impact of the global economic and financial crisis.
- The contribution of tourism to trade and development.
The Commission will consider the reports of the:
- Multi-year Expert Meeting on Commodities and Development
- Multi-year Expert Meeting on Services, Development and Trade: the Regulatory and Institutional Dimension
- Multi-year Expert Meeting on International Cooperation: South–South Cooperation and Regional Integration
- Multi-year Expert Meeting on Transport and Trade Facilitation
- Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Competition Law and Policy
- Expert Meeting on Green and Renewable Technologies as Energy Solutions for Rural Development
- Expert Meeting on the Contribution and Effective Use of External Resources for Development, in Particular for Productive Capacity-building
The Commission will also deliberate on promoting and strengthening synergies among the three pillars of UNCTAD, based on reports provided by the secretariat.
