Trade monitoring
WTO Data Day
The first edition of WTO ‘Data Day’ took place on 18–19 May 2009. This inter-agency initiative aimed to raise awareness on the use and interpretation of trade-related statistical data, familiarize users with data applications, draw attention to continuing needs for data, and promote coherence and cooperation among international agencies that manage data.
Aid for Trade
Aid for Trade continues to mobilize international resources. Although commitments slipped 14 per cent to US$ 41.5 billion in 2011, according to the latest available figures, they are still 57 per cent above the 2002-05 baseline period. This increase continues to be “additional” – that is, new money and not funds switched from other aid commitments. The Fourth Global Review of Aid for Trade in July focused on “connecting to value chains”. In December, the WTO’s Ministerial Conference reiterated the mandate given to the Director-General to pursue actions in support of Aid for Trade.
Contact with the business community
In 2013, the WTO undertook a number of initiatives to strengthen WTO relations with business, including launching on the WTO website an area dedicated to the business community. The 2013 Public Forum, “Expanding trade through innovation and the digital economy”, attracted significant business interest. The WTO co-organized the first dedicated regional seminar for the private sector in the Arab region. The business community was well represented in Bali at the WTO’s Ninth Ministerial Conference.
Prix du meilleur article décerné par l'OMC à de jeunes économistes
En avril 2009, le Secrétariat de l'OMC a créé le Prix du meilleur article décerné par l'OMC à de jeunes économistes. Ce prix, qui est assorti d'une récompense de 5 000 CHF, vise à promouvoir la recherche économique de haute qualité sur l'OMC et les questions la concernant, et à renforcer la relation entre l'OMC et les milieux universitaires.
Acknowledgements
This publication has been prepared under the direction of Hubert Escaith, Chief Statistician. Andreas Maurer coordinated the statistical report, and Vuddha Meach supervised the overall table, chart and map production, with the assistance of Claudio Nicolai Wewel and Ying Yan. The statistical research and data compilation were conducted by Barbara d’Andrea-Adrian, Christophe Degain, Florian Eberth, Joscelyn Magdeleine, Yann Marcus, Ninez Piezas-Jerbi and Bekele Tamenu.