Links

Trade and Development Report 2007: Regional cooperation for development

Trade and Development Reports produced by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)analyses current economic trends and major policy issues of international concern, and makes suggestions for addressing these issues at various levels. TDR 2007 looks at current issues in the world economy, including global imbalances and destabilizing speculation; globalization, regionalization and the development challenge; the "new regionalism" and North-South trade agreements; regional cooperation and trade integration among developing countries; and regional financial and monetary cooperation; and finally, regional cooperation in trade logistics, energy and industrial policy (UNCTAD, 2007).

http://www.unctad.org/Templates/WebFlyer.asp?intItemID=4330&lang=1

(Added: Tue Oct 02 2007   Modified: Fri Oct 12 2007   Hits: 47)

The Least Developed Countries Report 2006

Aid money and trade policies from foreign governments have created uneven and fragile growth in the world's 50 least developed countries (LDCs). Instead, job creation and full use of resources, and utilising regional trade and manufacturing, are key to reducing poverty and delivering long-term, stable growth. (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, July 2006)

http://www.unctad.org/Templates/webflyer.asp?docid=7011&intItemID=3881&lang=1&mode=toc

(Added: Mon Jul 24 2006   Hits: 456)

Reinventing UNCTAD (pdf)

This report traces UNCTAD's mandate and the achievements of its early years, through to its decline in power and disenfranchisement. It argues for the continued validity of UNCTAD, as no other UN body which has either the mandate or the locus standi to discharge these mandates and carry out these functions, which are essential to the interests of the developing world and thus the international community. There is widespread resentment among developing countries against the discontents of globalization and the utter ruin brought to the economies of several of these countries by the indiscriminate imposition of the policies of liberalization. These countries are looking up to the UN system to provide fresh thinking. Arguing that the time is now, the report makes suggestions for UNCTAD's revitalisation. (Boutros Boutros-Ghali, South Centre, 20 February 2006)

http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/trade/unctad/2006/0220revitalizing.pdf

(Added: Thu Apr 20 2006   Modified: Fri Feb 09 2007   Hits: 152)

NGOs Want Bigger Role in a Stronger UNCTAD

By Mario Osava, IPS. SAO PAULO, Jun 18 (IPS) - Civil society representatives said they are frustrated and concerned about the path of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), a critical assessment that contrasts with the rosy evaluation made by the leaders of the U.N. body, which concluded its eleventh ministerial sessions here Friday.

http://www.ipsnews.net/interna.asp?idnews=24272

(Added: Tue Jun 22 2004   Modified: Tue Aug 15 2006   Hits: 156)

Reinventing UNCTAD's role

By S.P.Shukla, The Hindu, Monday, Jun 21, 2004. Will UNCTAD articulate the urge for a new world of peace, equity and economic security? The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, which has just wound up its 11th conference in Sao Paolo, Brazil, has completed four decades of its existence. It has undergone a metamorphosis since the 1990s and old UNCTAD veterans may find it difficult to recognise what remains.

http://www.hindu.com/2004/06/21/stories/2004062102501000.htm

(Added: Tue Jun 22 2004   Modified: Thu Jun 16 2005   Hits: 120)

UNCTAD fails to tackle key trade issues for poor countries

ActionAid, 18 June 2004. ActionAid International today criticised the final declaration of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for not adequately addressing fundamental issues for the world's poorest farmers, such as the commodities crisis and corporate control.

http://www.actionaid.org.uk/1241/press_release.html

(Added: Tue Jun 22 2004   Modified: Fri Aug 25 2006   Hits: 140)

UNCTAD IX Resource Centre

From the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.

http://www.iatp.org/unctadxi/

(Added: Tue Jun 22 2004   Modified: Mon Jun 20 2005   Hits: 112)

Draft São Paulo Consensus (pdf)

Draft Plan of Action from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) IX meeting in Sao Paulo, Brazil 2004.

http://www.unctad.org/en/docs/tdl380_en.pdf

(Added: Mon Jun 21 2004   Modified: Tue Aug 15 2006   Hits: 114)

The Spirit of São Paulo: UNCTAD XI Declaration (pdf)

The Member States of UNCTAD gathered in São Paulo, agreed on a Declaration that they called "The Spirit of São Paulo". The decisions adopted at UNCTAD XI, in addition to the Bangkok Plan of Action, form a solid basis to build upon and are essential instruments in the Member State´s continued commitment to support UNCTAD in fulfilling its mandate as the focal point within the United Nations for the integrated treatment of trade and development, on the road to its twelfth session in 2008.

http://www.unctad.org/en/docs/tdl382_en.pdf

(Added: Mon Jun 21 2004   Modified: Mon Jun 20 2005   Hits: 115)

Why Reform of the WTO is the Wrong Agenda (PDF)

Focus on the Global South, February 2000. Four essays on four institutions: WTO, UNCTAD, IMF and the World Bank. A compilation of incisive articles that argue for radical change and not mere reform, and a more effective role for UNCTAD. 1. Why reform of the WTO is the wrong agenda 2. UNCTAD : Time to lead, Time to challenge the WTO 3. Jurassic Fund : Should developing countries push to decommission the IMF? 4. The Iron Cage : The WTO, the Bretton Woods Institutions, and the South.

http://www.focusweb.org/publications/Books/why%20reform.htm

(Added: Fri Dec 19 2003   Modified: Tue Aug 15 2006   Hits: 129)

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Handbook of Statistics 2003

UNCTAD Handbook of Statistics 2003 provides a comprehensive collection of statistical data relevant to the analysis of international trade, investment and development, for individual countries and for economic and trade groupings. It is a consolidated reference for statistics considered by the UNCTAD secretariat to be of a particular importance for describing, in the context of the globalization, how developing and other countries have evolved during the last decades. Data are presented in an analytical way, through the use of rank orderings, growth rates and other special calculations, with a view to facilitate their interpretation. The Handbook is a valuable tool for research, policy making and education, and can also be used in conjunction with the CD-ROM or the on-line version.

http://www.unctad.org/Templates/webflyer.asp?docid=4324&intItemID=1397&lang=1&mode=highlights

(Added: Wed Dec 17 2003   Modified: Mon Jun 20 2005   Hits: 183)

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Established in 1964, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) aims at the development-friendly integration of developing countries into the world economy. UNCTAD is the focal point within the United Nations for the integrated treatment of trade and development and the interrelated issues in the areas of finance, technology, investment and sustainable development. UNCTAD is a forum for intergovernmental discussions and deliberations, supported by discussions with experts and exchanges of experience, aimed at consensus-building. The web section entitled "Meetings" provides details regarding intergovernmental deliberations and discussions. UNCTAD undertakes research, policy analysis and data collection in order to provide substantive inputs for the discussions of experts and government representatives. The web section entitled "Digital Library" provides details on themes covered and publications issued. UNCTAD, in co-operation with other organizations and donor countries, provides technical assistance tailored to the needs of the developing countries, with special attention being paid to the needs of the least developed countries, and countries with economy in transition. The web section entitled "Technical Cooperation" provides details on these activities.

http://www.unctad.org/

(Added: Fri Aug 22 2003   Modified: Tue Aug 15 2006   Hits: 243)

The World Investment Report 2002: TNCs and Export Competitiveness

WIR 2002) is the twelfth in a series published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). This year's report focuses on the role of transnational corporations (TNCs) in the export competitiveness of developing countries. Worldwide FDI flows declined for the first time in ten years, mainly due to a slowdown of world economic growth and to a decrease in cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Although the drop was concentrated in developed countries, developing countries also saw their FDI inflows reduced.

http://www.unctad.org/WIR/contents/wir02content.en.htm

(Added: Fri Sep 20 2002   Modified: Tue Aug 15 2006   Hits: 179)