About the WTO
Applying import-adjustmed demand methodology to trade analysis during the COVID-19 crisis
Aid for Trade Global Review 2022
Aid for Trade seeks to enable developing countries and in particular least-developed countries (LDCs) to use trade as a means of fostering economic growth sustainable development and poverty reduction. It promotes the integration of developing countries especially LDCs into the multilateral trading system and aims to galvanize support to build supply-side capacity and trade-related infrastructure in these countries to improve trade performance. This publication draws on the responses provided by participants to the questionnaire of the 2022 OECD–WTO Aid for Trade monitoring and evaluation (M&E) exercise which underpins the WTO’s 2022 Global Review of Aid for Trade. This publication presents an analysis of the M&E questionnaire responses and describes priority areas and issues for the Aid for Trade Initiative for 2022 and the coming years.
Introduction
Aid for Trade seeks to enable developing countries and in particular least-developed countries (LDCs) to use trade as a means of fostering economic growth sustainable development and poverty reduction. It promotes the integration of developing countries especially LDCs into the multilateral trading system and aims to galvanize support to build supply-side capacity and trade-related infrastructure in these countries to improve trade performance.
Foreword
The successful conclusion to the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) is an important step towards a stronger and more effective multilateral trading system. MC12 shows that the WTO delivers results for the benefit of people around the world. MC12 has also highlighted the important role of the WTO in addressing the problems of the global commons in areas such as the environment and food security and in acting in the interests of members across different levels of economic development.
Conclusion
The results of the 2022 OECD–WTO monitoring and evaluation (M&E) exercise underline the need for more Aid for Trade and for better-targeted financing. They confirm that the COVID-19 pandemic was a significant setback for the integration into world trade of many developing countries and for their development prospects especially for least-developed countries (LDCs).
Executive summary
Trade objectives feature prominently in the development strategies of developing countries. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic trade remains a development priority. This is the strong message that emerges from the 2022 Aid for Trade monitoring and evaluation (M&E) exercise conducted jointly with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).