A
lthough it's debated on whether the world economy is actually growing again or if we are still in a recession, but one thing is clear, countries are still in need of aid in its trade.
"Aid for Trade" is a World Trade Organization program that was launced four years ago in Hong Kong. The idea behind this program is to "give developing countries the tools to improve their position as trade partners and both their own development and the international trade situation will also improve."
'Developing countries very often face trade barriers, which either stem from their own infrastructure - for example roadways, transport or energy - or they face technical trade barriers, for example if someone wants to export flowers to the US or to Europe he will have to meet the maximum pesticide residue standard,' says Pascal Lamy,WTO director general.
Aid for Trade helps to integrate developing countries into the global economy and ensure that they can take advantage of trade opening and gain access to markets for its exports of goods and services.
One key component of this is the creation of infrastructure, to ensure the consistent and reliable flow of goods, services and information that underpin global trade. Another is to ensure that manufacturers are trained in meeting global product quality and safety standards demanded by consumers.
To read the full article by International Trade, click here.
