IMF Bretton Woods (1944 - 1973)

44 countries met to design a new system in 1944

Established

International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank

ndash IMF maintain order in monetary system

ndash World Bank promote general economic development

ndash Fixed exchange rates pegged to the US Dollar

ndash US Dollar pegged to gold at $35 per ounce

ndash Countries maintained their currencies plusmn 1 of the fixed rate buysell own

currency to maintain level

Jamaica Agreement 1976

Floating rates declared acceptable

Gold abandoned as reserve asset

ndash IMF returned gold reserves to members at current prices

ndash Proceeds placed in trust fund to help poor nations

ndash IMF quotas ndash member country contributions ndash increased membership now

182 countries

ndash Less-develop non-oil exporting countries given more access to IMF

IMF continued its role of helping countries cope with macroeconomic and

exchange rate problems

Goal amp structure of IMF

ndash The IMF agreement tried to incorporate sufficient flexibility to allow

countries to attain external balance without sacrificing internal objectives

or fixed exchange rates

ndash Two major features of the IMF Articles of Agreement helped promote this

flexibility in external adjustment

IMF lending facilities

ndash IMF conditionality is the name for the surveillance over

the policies of member counties who are heavy borrowers

of Fund resources

Adjustable parities

The Role of the IMF

IMF maintained exchange rate

ndash discipline

National governments had to manage inflation through their money

supply

ndash flexibility

Provides loans to help members states with temporary balance-of-

payment deficit

ndash Allows time to bring down inflation

ndash Relieves pressures to devalue

Excessive drawing from IMF funds came with IMF supervision of

monetary and fiscal policies

ndash Allowed to 10 devaluations and more with IMF approval

187 members by 2003

The IMFrsquos Exchange Rate Regime Classifications The International Monetary Fund classifies all exchange rate regimes into eight

specific categories There are eight categories that span the spectrum of exchange

rate regimes from rigidly fixed to independently floating

Fixed Versus Flexible Exchange Rates

A governmentrsquos choice as to which currency regime to follow reflects

national priorities about all facets of the economy including inflation

unemployment interest rate levels trade balances and economic growth

The choice between fixed and flexible rates may change over time as

priorities change

World Bank The World Bank Group (WBG) was established in 1944 to rebuild post-World War II

Europe under the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)

Today the World Bank functions as an international organization that fights poverty by

offering developmental assistance to middle-income and low-income countries By

giving loans and offering advice and training in both the private and public sectors the

World Bank aims to eliminate poverty by helping people help themselves Under the

World Bank Group there are complimentary institutions which aid in its goals to provide

assistance

The World Banks two closely affiliated entitiesmdashthe International Bank for

Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development

Association (IDA)mdashprovide low or no interest loans and grants to countries that

have unfavorable or no access to international credit markets Unlike other

financial institutions we do not operate for profit The IBRD is market-based and

we use our high credit rating to pass the low interest we pay for money on to our

borrowersmdashdeveloping countries

The Role of the World Bank

World Bank (IBRD) role

(International Bank for Reconstruction amp Development)

ndash Refinanced post-WWII reconstruction and development

ndash Provides low-interest long term loans to developing economies

The International Development Agency (IDA) an arm of the bank created in

1960

ndash Raises funds from member states

ndash Loans only to poorest countries

ndash 50 year repayment at 1 per year interest

Fund Generation IBRD lending to developing countries is primarily financed by selling AAA-rated

bondsin the worlds financial markets While IBRD earns a small margin on this

lending the greater proportion of its income comes from lending out its own

capital This capital consists of reserves built up over the years and money paid in

from the Banks 185 member country shareholders IBRDrsquos income also pays for

World Bank operating expenses and has contributed to IDA and debt relief

IDA the worlds largest source of interest-free loans and grant assistance to the

poorest countries is replenished every three yearsby 40 donor countries

Additional funds are regenerated through repayments of loan principal on 35-to-

40-year no-interest loans which are then available for re-lending IDA accounts

for nearly 40 of our lending

Loans Through the IBRD and IDA we offer two basic types of loans and credits

investment loans and development policy loans Investment loans are made to

countries for goods works and services in support of economic and social

development projects in a broad range of economic and social sectors

Development policy loans (formerly known as adjustment loans) provide quick-

disbursing financing to support countriesrsquo policy and institutional reforms IDA

The IMFrsquos Exchange Rate Regime Classifications The International Monetary Fund classifies all exchange rate regimes into eight

specific categories There are eight categories that span the spectrum of exchange

rate regimes from rigidly fixed to independently floating

Fixed Versus Flexible Exchange Rates

A governmentrsquos choice as to which currency regime to follow reflects

national priorities about all facets of the economy including inflation

unemployment interest rate levels trade balances and economic growth

The choice between fixed and flexible rates may change over time as

priorities change

World Bank The World Bank Group (WBG) was established in 1944 to rebuild post-World War II

Europe under the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)

Today the World Bank functions as an international organization that fights poverty by

offering developmental assistance to middle-income and low-income countries By

giving loans and offering advice and training in both the private and public sectors the

World Bank aims to eliminate poverty by helping people help themselves Under the

World Bank Group there are complimentary institutions which aid in its goals to provide

assistance

The World Banks two closely affiliated entitiesmdashthe International Bank for

Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development

Association (IDA)mdashprovide low or no interest loans and grants to countries that

have unfavorable or no access to international credit markets Unlike other

financial institutions we do not operate for profit The IBRD is market-based and

we use our high credit rating to pass the low interest we pay for money on to our

borrowersmdashdeveloping countries

The Role of the World Bank

World Bank (IBRD) role

(International Bank for Reconstruction amp Development)

ndash Refinanced post-WWII reconstruction and development

ndash Provides low-interest long term loans to developing economies

The International Development Agency (IDA) an arm of the bank created in

1960

ndash Raises funds from member states

ndash Loans only to poorest countries

ndash 50 year repayment at 1 per year interest

Fund Generation IBRD lending to developing countries is primarily financed by selling AAA-rated

bondsin the worlds financial markets While IBRD earns a small margin on this

lending the greater proportion of its income comes from lending out its own

capital This capital consists of reserves built up over the years and money paid in

from the Banks 185 member country shareholders IBRDrsquos income also pays for

World Bank operating expenses and has contributed to IDA and debt relief

IDA the worlds largest source of interest-free loans and grant assistance to the

poorest countries is replenished every three yearsby 40 donor countries

Additional funds are regenerated through repayments of loan principal on 35-to-

40-year no-interest loans which are then available for re-lending IDA accounts

for nearly 40 of our lending

Loans Through the IBRD and IDA we offer two basic types of loans and credits

investment loans and development policy loans Investment loans are made to

countries for goods works and services in support of economic and social

development projects in a broad range of economic and social sectors

Development policy loans (formerly known as adjustment loans) provide quick-

disbursing financing to support countriesrsquo policy and institutional reforms IDA

World Bank The World Bank Group (WBG) was established in 1944 to rebuild post-World War II

Europe under the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)

Today the World Bank functions as an international organization that fights poverty by

offering developmental assistance to middle-income and low-income countries By

giving loans and offering advice and training in both the private and public sectors the

World Bank aims to eliminate poverty by helping people help themselves Under the

World Bank Group there are complimentary institutions which aid in its goals to provide

assistance

The World Banks two closely affiliated entitiesmdashthe International Bank for

Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development

Association (IDA)mdashprovide low or no interest loans and grants to countries that

have unfavorable or no access to international credit markets Unlike other

financial institutions we do not operate for profit The IBRD is market-based and

we use our high credit rating to pass the low interest we pay for money on to our

borrowersmdashdeveloping countries

The Role of the World Bank

World Bank (IBRD) role

(International Bank for Reconstruction amp Development)

ndash Refinanced post-WWII reconstruction and development

ndash Provides low-interest long term loans to developing economies

The International Development Agency (IDA) an arm of the bank created in

1960

ndash Raises funds from member states

ndash Loans only to poorest countries

ndash 50 year repayment at 1 per year interest

Fund Generation IBRD lending to developing countries is primarily financed by selling AAA-rated

bondsin the worlds financial markets While IBRD earns a small margin on this

lending the greater proportion of its income comes from lending out its own

capital This capital consists of reserves built up over the years and money paid in

from the Banks 185 member country shareholders IBRDrsquos income also pays for

World Bank operating expenses and has contributed to IDA and debt relief

IDA the worlds largest source of interest-free loans and grant assistance to the

poorest countries is replenished every three yearsby 40 donor countries

Additional funds are regenerated through repayments of loan principal on 35-to-

40-year no-interest loans which are then available for re-lending IDA accounts

for nearly 40 of our lending

Loans Through the IBRD and IDA we offer two basic types of loans and credits

investment loans and development policy loans Investment loans are made to

countries for goods works and services in support of economic and social

development projects in a broad range of economic and social sectors

Development policy loans (formerly known as adjustment loans) provide quick-

disbursing financing to support countriesrsquo policy and institutional reforms IDA

loans are interest free For information about the IBRDrsquos financial products

services lending rates and charges please visit the World Bank Treasury

Each borrowerrsquos project proposal is assessed to ensure that the project is

economically financially socially and environmentally sound During loan

negotiations the Bank and borrower agree on the development objectives

outputs performance indicators and implementation plan as well as a loan

disbursement schedule While we supervise the implementation of each loan and

evaluate its results the borrower implements the project or program according to

the agreed terms As nearly 30 of our staff is based in some 100 country offices

worldwide three-fourths of outstanding loans are managed by country directors

located away from the World Bank offices in Washington

IDA long term loans (credits) are interest free but do carry a small service charge

of 075 percent on funds paid out IDA commitment fees range from zero to 05

percent on un-disbursed credit balances for FY06 commitment fees have been set

at 030 percent For complete information about IBRD financial products

services lending rates and charges please visit the World Bank Treasury

Treasury is at the heart of IBRDs borrowing and lending operations and also

performs treasury functions for other members of the World Bank Group

Grants Grants are designed to facilitate development projects by encouraging innovation

co-operation between organizations and local stakeholdersrsquo participation in

projects In recent years IDA grantsmdashwhich are either funded directly or

managed through partnershipsmdashhave been used to

ndash Relieve the debt burden of heavily indebted poor countries

ndash Improve sanitation and water supplies

ndash Support vaccination and immunization programs to reduce the incidence

of communicable diseases like malaria

ndash Combat the HIVAIDS pandemic

ndash Support civil society organizations

ndash Create initiatives to cut the emission of greenhouse gasses

Analytic and Advisory Services Another role of world bank is to provide analysis advice and information to

member countries so they can deliver the lasting economic and social

improvements their people need Some of the ways are as below

ndash Poverty Assessments

ndash Public Expenditure Reviews

ndash Country Economic Memoranda

ndash Social and Structural Reviews

ndash Sector Reports

ndash Topics in Development

Capacity Building Another core bank function is to increase the capabilities of its own staff its

partners and the people in developing countriesmdashto help them acquire the

knowledge and skills they need to provide technical assistance improve

government performance and delivery of services promote economic growth and

sustain poverty reduction programs Linkages to knowledge-sharing networks

such as these have been set up by the Bank to address the vast needs for

information and dialogue about development

ndash Advisory Servicesand Ask Us help desks make information available by

topic via telephone fax email and the web There are more than 25

advisory services at the Bank Staff members who respond to inquiries add

value to the work of our own staff clients and partners by responding

quickly to their knowledge needs Often they are the first and possibly the

only contact the public at large and the people in developing countries

have with the World Bank

ndash Global Development Learning Network is an extensive network of

distance learning centers that uses advanced information and

communications technologies to connect people working in development

around the world

ndash World Bank Institute Global and Regional Programs bring together

leading development practitioners online and face-to-face to exchange

experiences and to develop skills

ndash B-SPAN webcasting service is an Internet-based broadcasting station that

presents World Bank seminars workshops and conferences on sustainable

development and poverty reduction

UNCTAD Established in 1964 UNCTAD promotes the development-friendly integration of

developing countries into the world economy UNCTAD has progressively

evolved into an authoritative knowledge-based institution whose work aims to

help shape current policy debates and thinking on development with a particular

focus on ensuring that domestic policies and international action are mutually

supportive in bringing about sustainable development

History Foundation

In the early 1960s growing concerns about the place of developing countries in

international trade led many of these countries to call for the convening of a full-

fledged conference specifically devoted to tackling these problems and

identifying appropriate international actions

The first United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) was

held in Geneva in 1964 Given the magnitude of the problems at stake and the

need to address them the conference was institutionalized to meet every four

years with intergovernmental bodies meeting between sessions and a permanent

secretariat providing the necessary substantive and logistical support

Simultaneously the developing countries established the Group of 77 to voice

their concerns (Today the G77 has 131 members)

The prominent Argentinian economist Rauacutel Prebisch who had headed the United

Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean became the

organizations first Secretary-General

Phase 1 The 1960s and 1970s

In its early decades of operation UNCTAD gained authoritative standing

as an intergovernmental forum for North-South dialogue and

negotiations on issues of interest to developing countries including

debates on the ldquoNew International Economic Orderrdquo

for its analytical research and policy advice on development issues

Agreements launched by UNCTAD during this time include

the Generalized System of Preferences (1968) whereby developed

economies grant improved market access to exports from developing

countries

a number of International Commodities Agreements which aimed at

stabilizing the prices of export products crucial for developing countries

the Convention on a Code of Conduct for Liner Conferences which

strengthened the ability of developing countries to maintain national

merchant fleets

the adoption of a Set of Multilaterally Agreed Equitable Principles and

Rules for the Control of Restrictive Business Practices This work later

evolved into what is today known as ―Trade and Competition Policies

Furthermore UNCTAD was a key contributor to

the definition of the target of 07 of gross domestic product (GDP) to be

given as official development aid by developed countries to the poorest

countries as adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1970

the identification of the Group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) as

early as 1971 which drew attention to the particular needs of these poorest

countries UNCTAD became the focal point within the UN system for

tackling LDC-related economic development issues

Phase 2 The 1980s

In the 1980s UNCTAD was faced with a changing economic and political

environment

There was a significant transformation in economic thinking

Development strategies became more market-oriented focusing on trade

liberalization and privatization of state enterprises

A number of developing countries were plunged into severe debt crises

Despite structural adjustment programs by the World Bank and the

International Monetary Fund most developing countries affected were not

able to recover quickly In many cases they experienced negative growth

and high rates of inflation For this reason the 1980s become known as

the ―lost decade particularly in Latin America

Economic interdependence in the world increased greatly

In the light of these developments UNCTAD multiplied efforts aimed at

strengthening the analytical content of its intergovernmental debate

particularly regarding macroeconomic management and international

financial and monetary issues

broadening the scope of its activities to assist developing countries in their

efforts to integrate into the world trading system In this context

the technical assistance provided by UNCTAD to developing

countries was particularly important in the Uruguay Round of trade

negotiations which had begun under the General Agreement on

Tariffs and Trade (GATT) in 1986 UNCTAD played a key role in

supporting the negotiations for the General Agreement on Trade in

Services (GATS)

UNCTADrsquos work on trade efficiency (customs facilitation

multimodal transport) made an important contribution to enabling

developing economies to reap greater gains from trade

UNCTAD assisted developing countries in the rescheduling of

official debt in the Paris Club negotiations

promoting South-South cooperation In 1989 the Agreement on the

Global System of Trade Preferences among Developing Countries (GSTP) came into force It provided for the granting of tariff as well as

non-tariff preferences among its members To date the Agreement has

been ratified by 44 countries

addressing the concerns of the poorest nations by organizing the first UN

Conference on Least Developed Countries in 1981 Since then two

other international conferences have been held at 10-year intervals

Phase 3 From the 1990s until today

Key developments in the international context

The conclusion of the Uruguay Round of trade negotiations under the

GATT resulted in the establishment of the World Trade Organizationin

1995 which led to a strengthening of the legal framework governing

international trade

A spectacular increase in international financial flows led to increasing

financial instability and volatility

Against this background UNCTADrsquos analysis gave early warning

concerning the risks and the destructive impact of financial crises on

development Consequently UNCTAD emphasized the need for a more

development-oriented ―international financial architecture

Foreign direct investment flows became a major component of

globalization

UNCTAD highlighted the need for a differentiated approach to the

problems of developing countries Its tenth conference held in Bangkok in

February 2000 adopted a political declaration ndash ―The Spirit of Bangkok

ndash as a strategy to address the development agenda in a globalizing world

In recent years UNCTAD has

further focused its analytical research on the linkages between trade

investment technology and enterprise development

put forward a ―positive agenda for developing countries in international

trade negotiations designed to assist developing countries in better

understanding the complexity of the multilateral trade negotiations and in

formulating their positions

Expanded work on international investment issues following the merger

into UNCTAD of the New Yorkndashbased United Nations Centre on

Transnational Corporations in 1993

expanded and diversified its technical assistance which today covers a

wide range of areas including training trade negotiators and addressing

trade-related issues debt management investment policy reviews and the

promotion of entrepreneurship commodities competition law and policy

and trade and environment

UNCTAD XI

UNCTAD has continued to play a crucial role in emphasizing the development

dimension of issues in the fields of international trade and investment and related

areas

In particular UNCTAD has been addressing the imbalances of globalization and

the need to overcome the supply constraints of developing countries so as to

ensure development gains and poverty reduction

Functions of UNCTAD The organization works to fulfil this mandate by carrying out three key functions

It functions as a forum for intergovernmental deliberations supported by

discussions with experts and exchanges of experience aimed at consensus

building

It undertakes research policy analysis and data collection for the debates of

government representatives and experts

It provides technical assistance tailored to the specific requirements of developing

countries with special attention to the needs of the least developed countries and

of economies in transition When appropriate UNCTAD cooperates with other

organizations and donor countries in the delivery of technical assistance

The Secretary-General of UNCTAD is Dr Supachai Panchpakdi (Thailand) who

took office on 1 September 2005

In performing its functions the secretariat works together with member

Governments and interacts with organizations of the United Nations system and

regional commissions as well as with governmental institutions non-

governmental organizations the private sector including trade and industry

associations research institutes and universities worldwide

Trade and commodities Commodity diversification and development Promotes the diversification of

production and trade structures Helps Governments to formulate and implement

diversification policies and encourages enterprises to adapt their business

strategies and become more competitive in the world market

Competition and consumer policies Provides analysis and capacity building in

competition and consumer protection laws and policies in developing countries

Publishes regular updates of a Model Law on Competition

Trade Negotiations and Commercial Diplomacy Assists developing countries

in all aspects of their trade negotiations

Trade Analysis and Information System (TRAINS) Comprehensive computer-

based information system on trade control measures that uses UNCTADrsquos

database The CD-ROM version includes 119 countries

Trade and environment Assesses the trade and development impact of

environmental requirements and relevant multilateral agreements and provides

capacity-building activities to help developing countries participate in and derive

benefits from international negotiations on these matters

Investment technology and enterprise development International investment and technology arrangements Helps developing

countries to participate more actively in international investment rule making at

the bilateral regional and multilateral levels These arrangements include the

organization of capacity-building seminars and regional symposia and the

preparation of a series of issues papers

Investment Policy Reviews Intended to familiarize Governments and the private

sector with the investment environment and policies of a given country Reviews

have been carried out in a number of countries including Ecuador Egypt

Ethiopia Mauritius Peru Uganda and Uzbekistan

Investment guides and capacity building for the LDCs Some of the countries

involved are Bangladesh Ethiopia Mali Mozambique and Uganda

Technology Services the UN Commission on Science and Technology for

Development and administers the Science and Technology for Development

Network carries out case studies on best practices in transfer of technology

undertakes Science Technology and Innovation Policy Reviews for interested

countries as well as capacity-building activities

Empretec Promotes entrepreneurship and the development of small and

medium-sized enterprises Empretec programmes have been initiated in 27

1995 which led to a strengthening of the legal framework governing

international trade

A spectacular increase in international financial flows led to increasing

financial instability and volatility

Against this background UNCTADrsquos analysis gave early warning

concerning the risks and the destructive impact of financial crises on

development Consequently UNCTAD emphasized the need for a more

development-oriented ―international financial architecture

Foreign direct investment flows became a major component of

globalization

UNCTAD highlighted the need for a differentiated approach to the

problems of developing countries Its tenth conference held in Bangkok in

February 2000 adopted a political declaration ndash ―The Spirit of Bangkok

ndash as a strategy to address the development agenda in a globalizing world

In recent years UNCTAD has

further focused its analytical research on the linkages between trade

investment technology and enterprise development

put forward a ―positive agenda for developing countries in international

trade negotiations designed to assist developing countries in better

understanding the complexity of the multilateral trade negotiations and in

formulating their positions

Expanded work on international investment issues following the merger

into UNCTAD of the New Yorkndashbased United Nations Centre on

Transnational Corporations in 1993

expanded and diversified its technical assistance which today covers a

wide range of areas including training trade negotiators and addressing

trade-related issues debt management investment policy reviews and the

promotion of entrepreneurship commodities competition law and policy

and trade and environment

UNCTAD XI

UNCTAD has continued to play a crucial role in emphasizing the development

dimension of issues in the fields of international trade and investment and related

areas

In particular UNCTAD has been addressing the imbalances of globalization and

the need to overcome the supply constraints of developing countries so as to

ensure development gains and poverty reduction

Functions of UNCTAD The organization works to fulfil this mandate by carrying out three key functions

It functions as a forum for intergovernmental deliberations supported by

discussions with experts and exchanges of experience aimed at consensus

building

It undertakes research policy analysis and data collection for the debates of

government representatives and experts

It provides technical assistance tailored to the specific requirements of developing

countries with special attention to the needs of the least developed countries and

of economies in transition When appropriate UNCTAD cooperates with other

organizations and donor countries in the delivery of technical assistance

The Secretary-General of UNCTAD is Dr Supachai Panchpakdi (Thailand) who

took office on 1 September 2005

In performing its functions the secretariat works together with member

Governments and interacts with organizations of the United Nations system and

regional commissions as well as with governmental institutions non-

governmental organizations the private sector including trade and industry

associations research institutes and universities worldwide

Trade and commodities Commodity diversification and development Promotes the diversification of

production and trade structures Helps Governments to formulate and implement

diversification policies and encourages enterprises to adapt their business

strategies and become more competitive in the world market

Competition and consumer policies Provides analysis and capacity building in

competition and consumer protection laws and policies in developing countries

Publishes regular updates of a Model Law on Competition

Trade Negotiations and Commercial Diplomacy Assists developing countries

in all aspects of their trade negotiations

Trade Analysis and Information System (TRAINS) Comprehensive computer-

based information system on trade control measures that uses UNCTADrsquos

database The CD-ROM version includes 119 countries

Trade and environment Assesses the trade and development impact of

environmental requirements and relevant multilateral agreements and provides

capacity-building activities to help developing countries participate in and derive

benefits from international negotiations on these matters

Investment technology and enterprise development International investment and technology arrangements Helps developing

countries to participate more actively in international investment rule making at

the bilateral regional and multilateral levels These arrangements include the

organization of capacity-building seminars and regional symposia and the

preparation of a series of issues papers

Investment Policy Reviews Intended to familiarize Governments and the private

sector with the investment environment and policies of a given country Reviews

have been carried out in a number of countries including Ecuador Egypt

Ethiopia Mauritius Peru Uganda and Uzbekistan

Investment guides and capacity building for the LDCs Some of the countries

involved are Bangladesh Ethiopia Mali Mozambique and Uganda

Technology Services the UN Commission on Science and Technology for

Development and administers the Science and Technology for Development

Network carries out case studies on best practices in transfer of technology

undertakes Science Technology and Innovation Policy Reviews for interested

countries as well as capacity-building activities

Empretec Promotes entrepreneurship and the development of small and

medium-sized enterprises Empretec programmes have been initiated in 27

of economies in transition When appropriate UNCTAD cooperates with other

organizations and donor countries in the delivery of technical assistance

The Secretary-General of UNCTAD is Dr Supachai Panchpakdi (Thailand) who

took office on 1 September 2005

In performing its functions the secretariat works together with member

Governments and interacts with organizations of the United Nations system and

regional commissions as well as with governmental institutions non-

governmental organizations the private sector including trade and industry

associations research institutes and universities worldwide

Trade and commodities Commodity diversification and development Promotes the diversification of

production and trade structures Helps Governments to formulate and implement

diversification policies and encourages enterprises to adapt their business

strategies and become more competitive in the world market

Competition and consumer policies Provides analysis and capacity building in

competition and consumer protection laws and policies in developing countries

Publishes regular updates of a Model Law on Competition

Trade Negotiations and Commercial Diplomacy Assists developing countries

in all aspects of their trade negotiations

Trade Analysis and Information System (TRAINS) Comprehensive computer-

based information system on trade control measures that uses UNCTADrsquos

database The CD-ROM version includes 119 countries

Trade and environment Assesses the trade and development impact of

environmental requirements and relevant multilateral agreements and provides

capacity-building activities to help developing countries participate in and derive

benefits from international negotiations on these matters

Investment technology and enterprise development International investment and technology arrangements Helps developing

countries to participate more actively in international investment rule making at

the bilateral regional and multilateral levels These arrangements include the

organization of capacity-building seminars and regional symposia and the

preparation of a series of issues papers

Investment Policy Reviews Intended to familiarize Governments and the private

sector with the investment environment and policies of a given country Reviews

have been carried out in a number of countries including Ecuador Egypt

Ethiopia Mauritius Peru Uganda and Uzbekistan

Investment guides and capacity building for the LDCs Some of the countries

involved are Bangladesh Ethiopia Mali Mozambique and Uganda

Technology Services the UN Commission on Science and Technology for

Development and administers the Science and Technology for Development

Network carries out case studies on best practices in transfer of technology

undertakes Science Technology and Innovation Policy Reviews for interested

countries as well as capacity-building activities

Empretec Promotes entrepreneurship and the development of small and

medium-sized enterprises Empretec programmes have been initiated in 27

countries assisting more than 70000 entrepreneurs through local market-driven

business support centres

Macroeconomic policies debt and development financing Policy analysis and research on issues concerning global economic

interdependence the international monetary and financial system and

macroeconomic and development policy challenges

Technical and advisory support to the G24 group of developing countries (the

Intergovernmental Group of 24) in the World Bank and the International

Monetary Fund advisory services to developing countries for debt rescheduling

negotiations under the Paris Club

DMFAS programme Computer-based debt management and financial analysis

system specially designed to help countries manage their external debt Started in

1982 and now installed in 62 countries

Transport customs and information technology ASYCUDA programme Integrated customs system that speeds up customs

clearance procedures and helps Governments to reform and modernize their

customs procedures and management Installed in over 80 countries ASYCUDA

has become the internationally accepted standard for customs automation

ACIS programme Computerized cargo tracking system installed in 20

developing countries of Africa and Asia

E-Tourism Initiative Linking sustainable tourism and Information and

communication technologies (ICTs) for development UNCTAD has developed

this Initiative to help developing countries destinations to become more

autonomous by taking charge of their own tourism promotion by using ICT tools

Global Trade Point Network (GTPNet) 150 centres around the world provide

traders with trade-related information and services and assist in the introduction

of e-business practices

TrainForTrade programme Builds training networks and organizes training in

all areas of international trade to enable developing countries to increase their

competitiveness Currently developing distance learning programmes focusing on

the LDCs(Least Developed Countries)

Africa Provides analytical work aimed at increasing the understanding of

problems faced by African countries in their development efforts and facilitating

a better integration of Africa into the world economy Particular emphasis is

placed on supporting the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD)

Least Developed Countries (LDC) Provides analytical work and technical

assistance aimed at enabling relevant States to make the best possible use of LDC

status in the framework of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed

Countries for the Decade 2001-2010 and to better understand the policy-related

issues that are specially relevant to LDCs notably with a view to developing

productive capacities and reducing poverty in these countries

Land Locked Developing Countries(LLDC) Provides analytical work and

technical assistance to LLDCs in support of the implementation of the 2003

Almaty Programme of Action which deals with the special needs of LLDCs

within a new global framework for transit transport cooperation for landlocked

and transit developing countries

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Provides analytical work and technical

assistance to SIDS in support of the implementation of the 2005 Mauritius

Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the

Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States with particular

emphasis on issues of economic vulnerability and specialization

UNCTADrsquos overall role UNCTADrsquos mandate as the UN focal point for the integrated treatment of trade

and development

UNCTAD assists developing countries and economies in transition to beneficially

integrate into the globalizing world economy

UNCTAD promotes the effective implementation of the MDG commitment ―to an

open equitable rule-based predictable and non-discriminatory multilateral

trading and financial system

These tasks are carried out through

Intergovernmental work and consensus building

Analytical work

Training and technical cooperation

UNCTAD should undertake

Analysis of the development dimension and implications of IPRs amp

TRIPS including improvements in ToT protection of TK genetic

resources and fair and equitable benefit sharing

UNCTADrsquos analytical work should

draw lessons from successful experiences with ToT through FDI and other

channels

support efforts by developing countries to respond to technological

changes identify best practices in ToT and assess the effectiveness of

policies aimed at domestic innovative capability-building including the

role of IPRs

UNCTAD should assist developing countries

in identifying ways and means to operationalize ToT in international

agreements and in maximizing the potential benefits of those agreements

UNCTADrsquos role IPRs and ToT

IPRs

Resource Book on TRIPS and Development

Policy Discussion Paper on IPRs and Development

Study on TRIPS and trade negotiations

Book on national experiences in protecting and promoting TK

Studies on specific topics eg compulsory licensing copyright in the

digital era product patents in the pharmaceutical sector

Support to developing country negotiators within the TRIPS Council

Technical cooperation activities

ToT

Studies on selected topics

Reference book on key issues

Active participation in the WTO WG on ToT

Technical cooperation activities