The objective of the expert meeting is to assist the least developed countries (LDCs) in their participation in the preparatory process for and at UNCTADXII. This includes assessing important trade and development challenges facing LDCs and identifying priority areas for policy measures and actions at the national, regional and international levels during and beyond UNCTAD XII.

Experts at the meeting will, therefore, attempt to respond to broad questions such as:

• What are the ingredients of alternative policies and strategies that LDCs need to put in place so as to attain sustained economic growth and development?
  
  
• What are key priority areas for the intervention by the international community and UNCTAD to assist LDCs in their efforts to reverse their continued marginalization in the global economy?
  
  
• How should future research and policy analysis as well as trade related capacity building activities of UNCTAD in particular contribute to structural transformation in the economies of LDCs?

National experts from selected LDCs with experience in trade and development policies will also bring to the meeting their respective countries´ most important challenges, opportunities and potential in the areas of trade and development.

The outcome of the meeting, identifying LDCs´ urgent needs and priorities for action at the various levels is expected to assist LDCs in formulating a common platform which will provide a basis for their effective participation in the preparatory process for and at UNCTAD XII.