Two decades of trade and development partnerships

Supporting greater integration of developing economies, including least-developed countries (LDCs), into global trade has been a long-standing objective of the international community. Since the launch of the Aid for Trade initiative in 2006, US$ 795 billion has been disbursed to bolster infrastructure, build productive sectors and strengthen trade institutions in these economies. These efforts have played an important role in helping developing economies increase their participation in the multilateral trading system. “Two decades of trade and development partnerships: Trends and impact of the Aid for Trade initiative” examines trends in trade-related development assistance and the evolving participation of developing economies, including LDCs, in global trade. It also explores emerging priorities for developing economies in a changing trade and development cooperation landscape. The report sheds light on how partnerships for trade and development can be strengthened in the future to help developing economies, including LDCs, benefit more fully from global trade.