VIR21-28

Title of the activity
Virtual Introductory Trade Policy Course for LDCs
Activity Type
Virtual workshop - Global
Description
This course is the first virtual edition of the Introductory Trade Policy Course (ITPC) for LDC's usually held in Geneva over a period of three weeks.

This first virtual ITPC is a five-week activity. It represents a Level 1 activity in the WTO's three-tiered Progressive Learning Strategy for Trade-Related Capacity Building. This course serves as a prerequisite for Level 2 courses upon successful completion, assessed by a final exam.

This course introduces participants to the WTO, its basic rules and disciplines and its functioning. It also presents the main features of other WTO-related agreements. The main objective is to provide participants with a solid grounding in the functioning, structure, and basic principles of the WTO. This is done mainly through presentations and exercises on the basic principles of the WTO and the exceptions to these principles, as contained in the main WTO agreements. The development dimension is an important element of the programme, including highlighting decisions that have been adopted in favour of LDCs since the launch of the DDA.

This course consists of six modules focusing on substantive issues. In addition to presentations, Q&A sessions and exercises, participants will take part in a revision quiz at the end of each week.

Most of the sessions will be conducted "live" and some presentations will be offered through an asynchronous modality. The recorded "live" lectures, pre-recorded videos and the background material will be available on a specific platform during a limited period of time.

This activity is conducted in English and is part of the WTO's Technical Assistance and Training Plan.
Venue
Switzerland
Trade topic
Multi topic
Start Date
End Date
Duration (days)
25
selection process
WTO Members and Observers of Least Developed Countries are invited to nominate candidates who meet the following criteria:

1. Current direct responsibility in trade-related areas, or expected responsibility in WTO-related matters in the near future; AND/OR

2. Completion of the WTO e-Learning course "Introduction to the WTO",

3. All-round proficiency in English.

Selected participants will receive confirmation directly.
Target Audience
Government officials
Language
English
Key Result
1. Government officials are implementing WTO Agreements and fully realising Members' rights and obligations
Key Output
1.1: Government officials have enhanced knowledge about WTO Agreements, trade policy formulation and conduct of trade negotiations
Invited Members and Observers:
Afghanistan
Angola
Bangladesh
Benin
Bhutan
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Central African Republic
Chad
Comoros
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Djibouti
Ethiopia
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Haiti
Lao Peopleʼs Democratic Republic
Lesotho
Liberia
Madagascar
Malawi
Mali
Mauritania
Mozambique
Myanmar
Nepal
Niger
Rwanda
Sao Tomé and Principe
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Tanzania
The Gambia
Timor-Leste
Togo
Uganda
Yemen
Zambia