Trade Development Symposium

Mission

The goal of the TDS is to encourage innovative thinking and analysis on the future of the multilateral trading system. The TDS will bring together trade negotiatiors, acclaimed academics, policy researchers and analysts, IGOs and NGOs with expertise and knowledge in development-related issues, representatives from the private sector, and others as speakers on panels.

The main topics for discussions will be drawn from key development-related issues in the trade policy and trade rules arena. Particular attention will be paid to regional trade agreements, emerging economies, institutional reform, and least developed countries (LDCs).

The specific objectives of the TDS are to:

• Provide a forum for multistakeholder discussion outside the formal negotiation arena;
• Initiating discussion on the future of the multilatera trading system independent of progress in the Doha negotiations;
• Promote the need for ‘policy coherence’ for sustainable development in relation to trade negotiations;
• Provide informed and constructive recommendations on development-related policies to key actors in the Doha Round negotiations and in regional and bilateral agreements;
• Build new networks and strengthen existing ones among the trade and development communities.