International Trade Centre
UNCTAD/WTO
17th October
Consultations with ITC partner countries: Asia and the Pacific
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss 3 or 4 issues in process by the ITC.
The JAG objectives, format and content:
For the next JAG it is intended to have a short meeting before, more compact than the one of April 2007. ITC is trying to fix a 2 years budget for the next JAG. The main item is to review and approve the consolidation programme. There will be an informal meeting on Monday 19th of November to give fuller update about the changes and evolution of ITC.
Governance issue: proposals:
- the JAG as the policy-making organ of ITC for substantive programme review and policy guidance should convene a meeting once a year;
- the JAG will convert the actual consultative committee into a Consultative Board: more compact and informal body, focusing on the Annual Report, limited membership: 10 to 12, one representative per major region and one representative from UNCTAD and WTO, the role will be to advise ITC on programme, financial and evaluation matters;
- members should meet at least twice a year;
- Trust Fund Management
After these two issues where presented the Chair gave the floor to Cuba. The representative wanted to have more details about the Consultative Board. The Chair answered that the board will be rotative but a region can chooses to keep the same representative.
Pakistan asked where the members would meet and the response was Geneva or Montreux.
India asked whether the Consultative Board will provide technical advice to the JAG. YES but it’s not the main mission. The role of the Consultative Committee was to manage the Global Trust Fund which convenes 6 issues, and now the Board, at the will of a lot of members States is now broader.
We then went on another issue. ITC’s proposed budget for 2008-2009:
There is no major change between the last biennial budget. ITC has 2 main sources of revenue: Regular Budget (48% UN and WTO) and Extra-Budgetary (52% donors).
The aim of ITC is to reach at least 2% increase. They will suppress (retirement) some posts and create others of a lower level.
ITC depends a lot on Extra-Budgetary resources.
Challenges and ITC’s response for Asia & the Pacific:
- Highlights of the regions:
o 8.3 % growth for the first half of 2007.
o Agricultural commodities are the main export sector.
o Textiles and clothing are predominant.
- Core Trade Challenges:
o On a Micro-level, there is a limited capacity of enterprises:
Inadequate diversification of the export base,
Lack of management skills,
Limited knowledge of the implications.
o On a Meso-level
Inability of trade support institutions to adjust to evolving needs for business
Equipping TSI’s to cater trade needs of SME’s.
o On a Macro-level
Insufficient business dimension in trade negotiations
Building Public-Private Partnership s for trade development.
- Current and future projects:
o National project in Bangkok, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam…
o Initiatives in 14 countries.
o Projects in Nepal, Cambodia, Thailand
o EC funded projects in Bangladesh, Bhutan.
Ismaila Pedro FAYE
samedi 20 octobre 2007
Meeting of the ISDR Support Group
International Strategy for Disaster Reduction.
Wednesday, 10 Oct. 07
Mr. Carlos Foradori from Argentina the Chairman of the ISDR Support Group started the meeting by doing a brief statement introduction about the recent developments of ISDR Secretariat.
According to him it’s very important to have initiatives at the regional level. He points out example of Guatemala’s initiative to coordinate actions in Haiti and the Buenos Aires meeting. He also asks for the support of the United Nations, UNICE and the Red Cross. He then gave the floor to Mr. Salvano Briceno, Director of ISDR Secretariat.
He informed that the Report of the ISDR has been published today (10 Oct. 07) and pointed out the major issues and recommendations.
- The need to support countries efforts:
- support the development of national platforms: it is already been done but it’s not sufficient.
- Investment must increase: common policies are needed.
- Accountability system is needed, one must keep monitoring the countries.
- Supporting the countries efforts is a key role for the private sector.
- The program focuses on:
- Special IPCC report on adaptation, disaster risk reduction and sustainable development.
- Cities need multi-sectoral plan including safe hospitals.
- Critical assessment of economic and social cost and benefits of risk reduction.
- The increasing participation of the civil society.
- Participation of women and leadership of women.
- Scale up proven practices based on science and technical date knowledge
- Regional cooperation: there will be an Asian Conference at the initiative of India on November 7th and 8th.
- Multi-stake holder voluntary guidelines and good practices.
- The ISDR system is also developing itself in:
- Engaging developmental, environmental and humanitarian partnership: more efforts are needed.
- Using UN trust fund for Disaster Reduction to support Joint Work Program
- Following up, reporting and monitoring.
- Preparing itself for the Global Platform of 2009
Mr. Briceno then putted forward the ISDR System Management Oversight Board. There are 6 Partner members of the UN which are: UNDP, World Bank, UNEP, OCHA, Red Cross, and ??? (Missed the last one). The issues discussed by the MOB are the following:
- follow-up of Global Platform. (- ISDR System Joint Working Program, - Economic study on cost/benefit).
- Disaster Risk Reduction is a UN priority.
- Global Survey on early warming.
- Global assessment Report for Disaster Risk Reduction 2009.
Mr. Salvano Briceno then talked about the Joint Planning of Work for 2008-2009. The Hyogo framework is a priority for action guides planning. One should build on existing mechanism, link them up and not create new ones. And he then let the floor to Mr. Reid Blaster who talked about what the General Assembly discussions focussed on:
- Climate change and disaster risk reduction: the scientific evidence is clear and
- Shift from “debate” to action.
- Multiply sources of action : local government, cities, business, NGOs
- Climate is now a priority for Ban Ki Moon and the UN.
- Special events at the UN GA.
- Adaptation issues edging into view.
There is a link between climate and Disasters: climate accounts for 80 to 90% of all disasters, floods account for the half of all disasters, for 84% of death and for 50 billions of lost per annum.
The specific priorities for the Secretary General are:
- Create and advocate clear messages.
- Promote Disaster Risk Reduction and Hyogo framework post 2012 regime.
- Seek IPCC Special Report to fill gap on climate change and disaster risk link.
- Build advocacy, tools and coorfination in ISDR system’s Joint Working Program.
- Support national level linking of climate change and disaster risk agendas.
After this briefings, the Chairman gave the floor to the delegations for their remarks and questions about the issue.
Norway asked whether ISDR is a strategy, a forum, an organisation, a program under the umbrella of OCHA? And also how do ISDR controls the direction of the money?
Mr. Foradori answered that ISDR is program of the UN Secretariat but it’s also under the umbrella of DESA (?) and is administrated by OCHA. All the funds come from humanitarian sources and is then not enough. As for the control, the fund is given to ISDR who gives it to the International Organisations and follows up so that the money is used for the original purpose. He also reminded that China and the Netherlands where good donors.
Sweden informed their will be a Commission of 12 members (didn’t mentioned them) this autumn, that will work for 1 year and a half and that will present a final report of climate and disaster risk.
Maldives asked what was ISDR planning during the Bali Conference. Mr. Foradori answered that their will be side meetings in Bali under the framework of IPCC and added that ISDR will take part of the Nairobi Action Plan adopted.
India reminded the need for coordination among different sources of fund and UN.
Switzerland and Finland closed the debate saying their were very keen on integrating ISDR on the UN budget.
Ismaila Pedro FAYE
International Strategy for Disaster Reduction.
Wednesday, 10 Oct. 07
Mr. Carlos Foradori from Argentina the Chairman of the ISDR Support Group started the meeting by doing a brief statement introduction about the recent developments of ISDR Secretariat.
According to him it’s very important to have initiatives at the regional level. He points out example of Guatemala’s initiative to coordinate actions in Haiti and the Buenos Aires meeting. He also asks for the support of the United Nations, UNICE and the Red Cross. He then gave the floor to Mr. Salvano Briceno, Director of ISDR Secretariat.
He informed that the Report of the ISDR has been published today (10 Oct. 07) and pointed out the major issues and recommendations.
- The need to support countries efforts:
- support the development of national platforms: it is already been done but it’s not sufficient.
- Investment must increase: common policies are needed.
- Accountability system is needed, one must keep monitoring the countries.
- Supporting the countries efforts is a key role for the private sector.
- The program focuses on:
- Special IPCC report on adaptation, disaster risk reduction and sustainable development.
- Cities need multi-sectoral plan including safe hospitals.
- Critical assessment of economic and social cost and benefits of risk reduction.
- The increasing participation of the civil society.
- Participation of women and leadership of women.
- Scale up proven practices based on science and technical date knowledge
- Regional cooperation: there will be an Asian Conference at the initiative of India on November 7th and 8th.
- Multi-stake holder voluntary guidelines and good practices.
- The ISDR system is also developing itself in:
- Engaging developmental, environmental and humanitarian partnership: more efforts are needed.
- Using UN trust fund for Disaster Reduction to support Joint Work Program
- Following up, reporting and monitoring.
- Preparing itself for the Global Platform of 2009
Mr. Briceno then putted forward the ISDR System Management Oversight Board. There are 6 Partner members of the UN which are: UNDP, World Bank, UNEP, OCHA, Red Cross, and ??? (Missed the last one). The issues discussed by the MOB are the following:
- follow-up of Global Platform. (- ISDR System Joint Working Program, - Economic study on cost/benefit).
- Disaster Risk Reduction is a UN priority.
- Global Survey on early warming.
- Global assessment Report for Disaster Risk Reduction 2009.
Mr. Salvano Briceno then talked about the Joint Planning of Work for 2008-2009. The Hyogo framework is a priority for action guides planning. One should build on existing mechanism, link them up and not create new ones. And he then let the floor to Mr. Reid Blaster who talked about what the General Assembly discussions focussed on:
- Climate change and disaster risk reduction: the scientific evidence is clear and
- Shift from “debate” to action.
- Multiply sources of action : local government, cities, business, NGOs
- Climate is now a priority for Ban Ki Moon and the UN.
- Special events at the UN GA.
- Adaptation issues edging into view.
There is a link between climate and Disasters: climate accounts for 80 to 90% of all disasters, floods account for the half of all disasters, for 84% of death and for 50 billions of lost per annum.
The specific priorities for the Secretary General are:
- Create and advocate clear messages.
- Promote Disaster Risk Reduction and Hyogo framework post 2012 regime.
- Seek IPCC Special Report to fill gap on climate change and disaster risk link.
- Build advocacy, tools and coorfination in ISDR system’s Joint Working Program.
- Support national level linking of climate change and disaster risk agendas.
After this briefings, the Chairman gave the floor to the delegations for their remarks and questions about the issue.
Norway asked whether ISDR is a strategy, a forum, an organisation, a program under the umbrella of OCHA? And also how do ISDR controls the direction of the money?
Mr. Foradori answered that ISDR is program of the UN Secretariat but it’s also under the umbrella of DESA (?) and is administrated by OCHA. All the funds come from humanitarian sources and is then not enough. As for the control, the fund is given to ISDR who gives it to the International Organisations and follows up so that the money is used for the original purpose. He also reminded that China and the Netherlands where good donors.
Sweden informed their will be a Commission of 12 members (didn’t mentioned them) this autumn, that will work for 1 year and a half and that will present a final report of climate and disaster risk.
Maldives asked what was ISDR planning during the Bali Conference. Mr. Foradori answered that their will be side meetings in Bali under the framework of IPCC and added that ISDR will take part of the Nairobi Action Plan adopted.
India reminded the need for coordination among different sources of fund and UN.
Switzerland and Finland closed the debate saying their were very keen on integrating ISDR on the UN budget.
Ismaila Pedro FAYE
UNCTAD 54th Session
Thursday, 11 October 2007
Closing meeting,
Item 10: Matters requiring action by the Board in the follow- up to the eleventh session of the Conference and arising from or related to reports and activities of its subsidiary and other bodies.
This item is divided into three sub-items:
The first deals with the Report on UNCTAD XII multi-stakeholder partnerships.
Jennifer Ferro presented the first matter: a Report on ICTs. She points out four different points:
- Partnership on free and open software:
Opportunities to explore the development production together with UNITAR;
Policies issues for open technologies.
- Partnership on merging ICTs for development, made up of 10 International Organizations:
improvement of ICT data of Members States;
development of an international agreed call list of ICT indicators (this is one of the main achievements);
Cooperation between International Organizations (ask all countries to use this ICT indicators specially developing countries);
a memorandum as been signed; focus on assisting developing countries in establishing ICT data;
Creation of a new ICT website launched last 2006.
- Partnership on e-tourism:
elaboration of joint activities within the context of e-tourism trough the use of ICTs (active financial collaboration of the Canadian Minister of Tourism).
- Virtual Institute Partnership launched at UNCTAD XI was success:
from 5 to 21 members (i.e. Mozambique);
we’re try to have partnerships with the national Universities;
professional development workshop on the issue,
collow ship program and Curricular advice,
establishment of study tools for students and involvement of academics in international conferences, teaching progress,
links research and policy making.
Then their was presentation of the Division on Investment by the Director of this issue. He said they did a number of concrete actions such as:
- establishment of links with the Common Wealth Business Council: Business forum on Asia/Africa held this year in China this year;
- Partnership between China and Africa: investment of China in Africa.
- Partnership with Japan Bank for International Cooperation: promoting investment in Africa
- Since São Paolo strengthening of cooperation with WIPO.
- Partnership with University of Fribourg.
- Partnership with OECD to engage the developing countries in increasing their economy.
- Partnership with World Tourism Organisation: investment promotion in the tourist sector: there is no need for us to recruit staff, we use the one of WIPO.
- Technical Assistance Project on pharmaceutical abilities in Africa with Uk and Germany.
- Partnership with UNDP, ILO.
- 80 Small and Medium Enterprises + 11 trans-national cooperation
- Side events during UNCTAD XII
Finally Mr. Thomas from the Trade Development presented his Report on partnership commodities:
- development of international agency cooperative network: UNCTAD and UNDP Conference on Commodities in Brazil in May 2007; UNCTAD collaboration with private sector, World Bank, annual intergovernmental forum on Mining; collaboration with civil society (Institute of Sustainable development).
- give assistance to the LDCs of Africa to be linked up with buyers of most influent countries (Migros).
- establishment of Task Force on Commodity: BUT due to a lack of funds it has failed, but we nonetheless did a number of activities.
Angola was the only country to take the floor. The Delegate seek for more information about le the lack of funds for the Task Force.
The second sub-item, Hearing with the civil Society and private sector, in accordance with paragraph 117 of the São Paolo Consensus, was presented by Mrs. Anne Laure Constantin from IATP NGO.
- Need for new regionalism: multiplication of regional agreements.
- Urges UNCTAD to work with ACP Countries (African, Caribbean and Pacific)
- Deplores that 20% of the global population enjoins 80% of the world resources.
- Need to establish employment policies for gender equity.
Finally the third sub-item, Report of the Working Party on the Medium-term Plan and the Program Budget on its resumed 54th session was presented by Mr. Christophe Guiyou (? Not sure about the name) the Chair of the Working party, from the PM of France:
- Need to ensure that all regions benefit from the funds.
- Access for every body to web pages of UNCTAD.
- Improve the quality and transparency of UNCTAD documents.
- Commodities insurances and work of the Secretariat.
- Invites the Council to take note of the report.
Ismaila Pedro FAYE
Thursday, 11 October 2007
Closing meeting,
Item 10: Matters requiring action by the Board in the follow- up to the eleventh session of the Conference and arising from or related to reports and activities of its subsidiary and other bodies.
This item is divided into three sub-items:
The first deals with the Report on UNCTAD XII multi-stakeholder partnerships.
Jennifer Ferro presented the first matter: a Report on ICTs. She points out four different points:
- Partnership on free and open software:
Opportunities to explore the development production together with UNITAR;
Policies issues for open technologies.
- Partnership on merging ICTs for development, made up of 10 International Organizations:
improvement of ICT data of Members States;
development of an international agreed call list of ICT indicators (this is one of the main achievements);
Cooperation between International Organizations (ask all countries to use this ICT indicators specially developing countries);
a memorandum as been signed; focus on assisting developing countries in establishing ICT data;
Creation of a new ICT website launched last 2006.
- Partnership on e-tourism:
elaboration of joint activities within the context of e-tourism trough the use of ICTs (active financial collaboration of the Canadian Minister of Tourism).
- Virtual Institute Partnership launched at UNCTAD XI was success:
from 5 to 21 members (i.e. Mozambique);
we’re try to have partnerships with the national Universities;
professional development workshop on the issue,
collow ship program and Curricular advice,
establishment of study tools for students and involvement of academics in international conferences, teaching progress,
links research and policy making.
Then their was presentation of the Division on Investment by the Director of this issue. He said they did a number of concrete actions such as:
- establishment of links with the Common Wealth Business Council: Business forum on Asia/Africa held this year in China this year;
- Partnership between China and Africa: investment of China in Africa.
- Partnership with Japan Bank for International Cooperation: promoting investment in Africa
- Since São Paolo strengthening of cooperation with WIPO.
- Partnership with University of Fribourg.
- Partnership with OECD to engage the developing countries in increasing their economy.
- Partnership with World Tourism Organisation: investment promotion in the tourist sector: there is no need for us to recruit staff, we use the one of WIPO.
- Technical Assistance Project on pharmaceutical abilities in Africa with Uk and Germany.
- Partnership with UNDP, ILO.
- 80 Small and Medium Enterprises + 11 trans-national cooperation
- Side events during UNCTAD XII
Finally Mr. Thomas from the Trade Development presented his Report on partnership commodities:
- development of international agency cooperative network: UNCTAD and UNDP Conference on Commodities in Brazil in May 2007; UNCTAD collaboration with private sector, World Bank, annual intergovernmental forum on Mining; collaboration with civil society (Institute of Sustainable development).
- give assistance to the LDCs of Africa to be linked up with buyers of most influent countries (Migros).
- establishment of Task Force on Commodity: BUT due to a lack of funds it has failed, but we nonetheless did a number of activities.
Angola was the only country to take the floor. The Delegate seek for more information about le the lack of funds for the Task Force.
The second sub-item, Hearing with the civil Society and private sector, in accordance with paragraph 117 of the São Paolo Consensus, was presented by Mrs. Anne Laure Constantin from IATP NGO.
- Need for new regionalism: multiplication of regional agreements.
- Urges UNCTAD to work with ACP Countries (African, Caribbean and Pacific)
- Deplores that 20% of the global population enjoins 80% of the world resources.
- Need to establish employment policies for gender equity.
Finally the third sub-item, Report of the Working Party on the Medium-term Plan and the Program Budget on its resumed 54th session was presented by Mr. Christophe Guiyou (? Not sure about the name) the Chair of the Working party, from the PM of France:
- Need to ensure that all regions benefit from the funds.
- Access for every body to web pages of UNCTAD.
- Improve the quality and transparency of UNCTAD documents.
- Commodities insurances and work of the Secretariat.
- Invites the Council to take note of the report.
Ismaila Pedro FAYE
UNCTAD 54th Session
Tuesday, 9 October 2007
Plenary meeting,
Item 8: Technical Cooperation Activities
This session dealt with the Report on UNCTAD’s assistance to the Palestinian people.
The introduction of this report was made by Mr. Mahmoud A.T Elkhalif, Officer-in-Charge, Assistance to the Palestinian People.
There is a need to establish rules for the Palestinian trade. UNCTAD will do every thing to respect the Bangkok Plan of Action and the Sao Paolo Consensus. Actually since 1984 whereas several items have been removed, this one (Technical Cooperation Activities: assistance to the Palestinian people) has always been kept over the years. UNCTAD congratulates Italy and ILO support on Small and Medium Enterprises
Palestinian economy has become an example for countries in war. Nevertheless, this economy is decreasing:
- 8.4 Billions dollars lost between 2000 and 2005.
- The per capita GDP decreased by 15% between 2005 and 2006.
- Palestinians can presently only produce 2/3 of what they use to produce in 1998.
- More than 1 million people are living under extreme poverty.
- More than 80% are dependant on food aid.
- The unemployment average climbed to 30% of the active population.
The Palestinian economy depends on donor’s aid, hence there is a need for new investments, and international support. The report makes two recommendations: - Reassess the trade regime with Israel and the rest of the world. Stop the isolation, open Palestine to Egypt and Jordan. – Support the Palestinian efforts on trade policies.
Palestine argues that Israel went against the Oslo and Paris agreements of 1993 and 1994.The negative actions of the army have empowered the dependence of the economy on international aid. The Palestinian delegate deplores the Israeli occupation.
Oman speaking on behalf of the Asian group and China added that Israel has highly contributed to the decrease of the Palestinian trade.
Portugal and the EU encourages bilateral talks between Palestinians and Israelis. The EU opposes it self to any division of Palestinian territories. The Portuguese delegate reminded that EU is the major donor of Palestinian assistance and that it will go on. In 2006 EU gave 688 millions euros and will provide 2.5 millions grant to improve the trade technology.
As for Israel, it’s impossible to sustain economy progress in a climate of violence. As long as Hamas controls Gaza, Israel and the International Committee shall not be concerned by Palestinian’s economic issues. The Israeli delegate wonders why do we have a special item on UNCTAD’s assistance to the Palestinian people? He deplores the fact that the report presented by Mr. Elkhafif doesn’t mention Palestinian lack of good governance: money is not used for the real purpose, there is corruption and a lack of transparency. And he didn’t forget to talk about terrorism.
Chad expressed itself against the separation wall and is joined by the League of Arab States and Algeria.
Ismaila Pedro FAYE
Tuesday, 9 October 2007
Plenary meeting,
Item 8: Technical Cooperation Activities
This session dealt with the Report on UNCTAD’s assistance to the Palestinian people.
The introduction of this report was made by Mr. Mahmoud A.T Elkhalif, Officer-in-Charge, Assistance to the Palestinian People.
There is a need to establish rules for the Palestinian trade. UNCTAD will do every thing to respect the Bangkok Plan of Action and the Sao Paolo Consensus. Actually since 1984 whereas several items have been removed, this one (Technical Cooperation Activities: assistance to the Palestinian people) has always been kept over the years. UNCTAD congratulates Italy and ILO support on Small and Medium Enterprises
Palestinian economy has become an example for countries in war. Nevertheless, this economy is decreasing:
- 8.4 Billions dollars lost between 2000 and 2005.
- The per capita GDP decreased by 15% between 2005 and 2006.
- Palestinians can presently only produce 2/3 of what they use to produce in 1998.
- More than 1 million people are living under extreme poverty.
- More than 80% are dependant on food aid.
- The unemployment average climbed to 30% of the active population.
The Palestinian economy depends on donor’s aid, hence there is a need for new investments, and international support. The report makes two recommendations: - Reassess the trade regime with Israel and the rest of the world. Stop the isolation, open Palestine to Egypt and Jordan. – Support the Palestinian efforts on trade policies.
Palestine argues that Israel went against the Oslo and Paris agreements of 1993 and 1994.The negative actions of the army have empowered the dependence of the economy on international aid. The Palestinian delegate deplores the Israeli occupation.
Oman speaking on behalf of the Asian group and China added that Israel has highly contributed to the decrease of the Palestinian trade.
Portugal and the EU encourages bilateral talks between Palestinians and Israelis. The EU opposes it self to any division of Palestinian territories. The Portuguese delegate reminded that EU is the major donor of Palestinian assistance and that it will go on. In 2006 EU gave 688 millions euros and will provide 2.5 millions grant to improve the trade technology.
As for Israel, it’s impossible to sustain economy progress in a climate of violence. As long as Hamas controls Gaza, Israel and the International Committee shall not be concerned by Palestinian’s economic issues. The Israeli delegate wonders why do we have a special item on UNCTAD’s assistance to the Palestinian people? He deplores the fact that the report presented by Mr. Elkhafif doesn’t mention Palestinian lack of good governance: money is not used for the real purpose, there is corruption and a lack of transparency. And he didn’t forget to talk about terrorism.
Chad expressed itself against the separation wall and is joined by the League of Arab States and Algeria.
Ismaila Pedro FAYE
UNCTAD 54th Session
Friday, 5 October 2007
Plenary meeting,
Item 5: Economic Development in Africa: Reclaiming Policy Space: Domestic Resource Mobilization and Development States
At the beginning on the session, M. Guy Alain Emmanuel Gose from Ivory Cost, appointed by the African group was elected as the Chairperson of the Sessional Committee II and Ms. Lee Xuan Lu first secretary of Permanente Mission of China appointed by the Asian group was elected as Vice-Chairperson.
The first comments came from Mr. Supachai, the Secretary General of UNCTAD, for general comments. He stated that the average of approximately 5,7 – 6% growth in Africa was episodic. And added that it wasn’t really due to the African progress but that the cancelling of the debts where playing an important role.
He pointed out other issues: ownership, assistance, support, project and comments from the UNCTAD to answer the real domestic needs of LDCs. Africa need to growth by 6 or 7 % per annum and that around 25% of the GDP should be dedicated to the TDP instead of 15% presently.
The financial assets are not in place to put the African savers in confidence. The Diaspora plays an important role in the Official Development Assistance. There is a need to strengthen the financial system. The micro credit institutions have contributed to the emergence of small and medium enterprises. UNCTAD should find a way to help this system and include it to the financial system.
How to encourage the migrant workers and the Diaspora to send back their foreign change? The money must be sent for more productive issues, for investment: Rwanda and Ghana are countries that succeed on it.
En concluded by stating that the developing countries must work on training education and be able to define good policies.
Mr. Habib Ouane, Director of the Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes, then introduced the item 5.
If first comment was that since 2004 growth increased gradually and that it hadn’t been seen since the 1970 decade. The Sub-Saharan region is the only region that will certainly not reach the millennium goals of reducing the poverty by half by 2015 if it doesn’t annually increases it growth by 8% or more.
He stressed out that the African financial gap can not be filled only with international aid. There is a need for domestic resources which are not utilized and mobilized. Remittances in most African countries are higher than ODA flow.
General Statements:
Benin taking the floor on behalf of the LDCs argues that even thought the International aid has increased, it’s not sufficient and that Africa should receive the double. Without the international aid, Africa will not be able to attract foreign investors. He added that the distribution of this aid is not equilibrated: ten countries are receiving 40%. As for the remittances of the Diaspora, one should reduce the transaction costs.
Cuba talking on behalf of GRULAC, was very critic toward African countries and other LDCs stating that there is a lack of political will from the African leaders. He wonders how come they didn’t succeeded yet to reduced or even eradicate poverty in some areas.
On the contrary Russia believes that there is a need for new partnership with Africa.
European Union reminded his participation on the Ghana meeting of 2008 (UNCTAD 12) and that an African summit that take place in Lisboa.
Japan also informed that Tokyo will held a Conference on Development of Africa in may 2008.
According to USA UNDP should better coordinate their action and that there is a need to redouble the efforts.
China concluded the debate by saying that it signed assistance programs with 45 African countries, cancelled debts of 22, and have given 25 loans without rates. According to USA UNDP should better coordinate their action and that there is a need to redouble the efforts.
China concluded the debate by saying that it signed assistance programs with 45 African countries, cancelled debts of 22, and have given 25 loans without rates.
Ismaila Pedro FAYE
Friday, 5 October 2007
Plenary meeting,
Item 5: Economic Development in Africa: Reclaiming Policy Space: Domestic Resource Mobilization and Development States
At the beginning on the session, M. Guy Alain Emmanuel Gose from Ivory Cost, appointed by the African group was elected as the Chairperson of the Sessional Committee II and Ms. Lee Xuan Lu first secretary of Permanente Mission of China appointed by the Asian group was elected as Vice-Chairperson.
The first comments came from Mr. Supachai, the Secretary General of UNCTAD, for general comments. He stated that the average of approximately 5,7 – 6% growth in Africa was episodic. And added that it wasn’t really due to the African progress but that the cancelling of the debts where playing an important role.
He pointed out other issues: ownership, assistance, support, project and comments from the UNCTAD to answer the real domestic needs of LDCs. Africa need to growth by 6 or 7 % per annum and that around 25% of the GDP should be dedicated to the TDP instead of 15% presently.
The financial assets are not in place to put the African savers in confidence. The Diaspora plays an important role in the Official Development Assistance. There is a need to strengthen the financial system. The micro credit institutions have contributed to the emergence of small and medium enterprises. UNCTAD should find a way to help this system and include it to the financial system.
How to encourage the migrant workers and the Diaspora to send back their foreign change? The money must be sent for more productive issues, for investment: Rwanda and Ghana are countries that succeed on it.
En concluded by stating that the developing countries must work on training education and be able to define good policies.
Mr. Habib Ouane, Director of the Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes, then introduced the item 5.
If first comment was that since 2004 growth increased gradually and that it hadn’t been seen since the 1970 decade. The Sub-Saharan region is the only region that will certainly not reach the millennium goals of reducing the poverty by half by 2015 if it doesn’t annually increases it growth by 8% or more.
He stressed out that the African financial gap can not be filled only with international aid. There is a need for domestic resources which are not utilized and mobilized. Remittances in most African countries are higher than ODA flow.
General Statements:
Benin taking the floor on behalf of the LDCs argues that even thought the International aid has increased, it’s not sufficient and that Africa should receive the double. Without the international aid, Africa will not be able to attract foreign investors. He added that the distribution of this aid is not equilibrated: ten countries are receiving 40%. As for the remittances of the Diaspora, one should reduce the transaction costs.
Cuba talking on behalf of GRULAC, was very critic toward African countries and other LDCs stating that there is a lack of political will from the African leaders. He wonders how come they didn’t succeeded yet to reduced or even eradicate poverty in some areas.
On the contrary Russia believes that there is a need for new partnership with Africa.
European Union reminded his participation on the Ghana meeting of 2008 (UNCTAD 12) and that an African summit that take place in Lisboa.
Japan also informed that Tokyo will held a Conference on Development of Africa in may 2008.
According to USA UNDP should better coordinate their action and that there is a need to redouble the efforts.
China concluded the debate by saying that it signed assistance programs with 45 African countries, cancelled debts of 22, and have given 25 loans without rates. According to USA UNDP should better coordinate their action and that there is a need to redouble the efforts.
China concluded the debate by saying that it signed assistance programs with 45 African countries, cancelled debts of 22, and have given 25 loans without rates.
Ismaila Pedro FAYE
UNCTAD 54th Session
Thursday, 4 October 2007
Plenary meeting,
Item 4: Review of progress in the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2001-2010.
The first step done was to elect Eduard Bizumuremyi as Vice-Chair-cum-Rapporteur of the Sessional Committee I.
Then Mr; Supachai Panitchpakdi, Secretary-General of UNCTAD, made comments on his report: The Least Developed Countries Report 2007: Knowledge, Technological Learning and Innovation for Development.
According to Mr. Supachai the 2004 Report reminded that in terms of capacity, LDCs’ reform hadn’t been resolved from the previous report. And the 2006 Report was concentrated on one key issue: how to concentrate both on national and international level. Productive capacity building was a major strategy for 2006. Resources alone are not enough, one needs innovation to improve a country. We should enhance productivity in other to have increasing development specially in agriculture.
All this lead to the 2007 report. 60% to 70% of differences between countries have been explained by the differences of innovation et technological knowledge.
What can be done on the national and international level to help the LDCs?
There is been no mention of improvement of technologies in the previous reports. In the LDCs the Innovation, Communication and Technology capital is only 1/5 whereas in developed countries it’s less than 50%.
There is a need for active intervention by the governments in trying to create the basic support, like electricity, implement the application of innovation and promotion of entrepreneurship. Less than 4% of international assistance went to the development. of ICTs.
Mr. Supachai concludes by saying that there is also the question of Intellectual Property. Many national professional are working in the UN or in other States rather than in their own countries. These should put in place ways to welcome back intellectuals.
This was followed by Mr. Cheikh Sidi Diarra, High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and small Island Developing States comments.
The social and economical conditions in LCDs continue to be precarious. The international support has increased but the high population growth has been faster. Plus, the climate change is now a new challenge to social and economical development in LDCs, especially in Africa and it’s leading to migrations. All this explains the dependency of LDCs on International aids.
Populations need access to credit, land, markets, elimination of trade barriers and reforms on the agricultural sector. The last point od Mr. Diarra was that there is also a need for mobilization and coordination of all the UN system and coherence between UNOHCR and UNCTAD.
Mr. Habib Ouane, Director of the Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes, made an introductory statement on agenda item 4.
According to him, finance, technology and knowledge are the key issue for the development of new policies. These three factors are neglected by the national and international policies. The 2007 report recommends new policies and points out the default.
LDCs failed on poverty reduction, donors have neglected the need of LDCsin Science, Technology and Information, the IP of LDCs have been strengthened, the brain drain lead to the lost of human capital.
There are 4 main areas for political action:
- National politics, the governments should include STI policies: innovation in agricultural and non agricultural sectors.
- Migration: develop assistance program to maintain the intellectuals.
- Innovation and technical learning in LDCs: exclude Intellectual Property Right from agreement on the trade of LDCs.
- Promote the development of Technologies.
Mr. Ouane finished by reminding that the only countries that have yet bring financial support are Norway, Finland, France and Canada for the UNCTAD review of progress in the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2001-2010.
We then proceeded to general statements.
G77 and China group states that the production capacity depends on improvement of technology capacity. Its essential for donors to change their help approach.
Afghanistan talking on behalf of the Asian group asks UNCTAD to help for the implementation of national policies.
Benin on behalf of LDCs states that their as been progress in the health domain, LDCs have done a better evolution in the last years and the inflation has been slightly maintained. Some countries have changed their categories due their progress: Maldives, Kiribati…The International Trade rules highly participate to the decreasing of LDC.
Chile (GRULAC) says that the 2007 report should be a reference text in helping the LDCs and should be included in the national policies.
Russian representative reminded that his country have cancelled the debts of some States like Afghanistan. And China have extended the delay of payment for 44 LDCs with which they have diplomatic relation.
According to USA, mobile phone technology should be improved.
The EU representative thinks that the quota should be eliminated and it is joined by Chad on behalf of the African group who reminds that 34 countries out of the 51 LDCs are Africans. LDCs should adopt national policies for the debts.
Ismaila Pedro FAYE
Thursday, 4 October 2007
Plenary meeting,
Item 4: Review of progress in the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2001-2010.
The first step done was to elect Eduard Bizumuremyi as Vice-Chair-cum-Rapporteur of the Sessional Committee I.
Then Mr; Supachai Panitchpakdi, Secretary-General of UNCTAD, made comments on his report: The Least Developed Countries Report 2007: Knowledge, Technological Learning and Innovation for Development.
According to Mr. Supachai the 2004 Report reminded that in terms of capacity, LDCs’ reform hadn’t been resolved from the previous report. And the 2006 Report was concentrated on one key issue: how to concentrate both on national and international level. Productive capacity building was a major strategy for 2006. Resources alone are not enough, one needs innovation to improve a country. We should enhance productivity in other to have increasing development specially in agriculture.
All this lead to the 2007 report. 60% to 70% of differences between countries have been explained by the differences of innovation et technological knowledge.
What can be done on the national and international level to help the LDCs?
There is been no mention of improvement of technologies in the previous reports. In the LDCs the Innovation, Communication and Technology capital is only 1/5 whereas in developed countries it’s less than 50%.
There is a need for active intervention by the governments in trying to create the basic support, like electricity, implement the application of innovation and promotion of entrepreneurship. Less than 4% of international assistance went to the development. of ICTs.
Mr. Supachai concludes by saying that there is also the question of Intellectual Property. Many national professional are working in the UN or in other States rather than in their own countries. These should put in place ways to welcome back intellectuals.
This was followed by Mr. Cheikh Sidi Diarra, High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and small Island Developing States comments.
The social and economical conditions in LCDs continue to be precarious. The international support has increased but the high population growth has been faster. Plus, the climate change is now a new challenge to social and economical development in LDCs, especially in Africa and it’s leading to migrations. All this explains the dependency of LDCs on International aids.
Populations need access to credit, land, markets, elimination of trade barriers and reforms on the agricultural sector. The last point od Mr. Diarra was that there is also a need for mobilization and coordination of all the UN system and coherence between UNOHCR and UNCTAD.
Mr. Habib Ouane, Director of the Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes, made an introductory statement on agenda item 4.
According to him, finance, technology and knowledge are the key issue for the development of new policies. These three factors are neglected by the national and international policies. The 2007 report recommends new policies and points out the default.
LDCs failed on poverty reduction, donors have neglected the need of LDCsin Science, Technology and Information, the IP of LDCs have been strengthened, the brain drain lead to the lost of human capital.
There are 4 main areas for political action:
- National politics, the governments should include STI policies: innovation in agricultural and non agricultural sectors.
- Migration: develop assistance program to maintain the intellectuals.
- Innovation and technical learning in LDCs: exclude Intellectual Property Right from agreement on the trade of LDCs.
- Promote the development of Technologies.
Mr. Ouane finished by reminding that the only countries that have yet bring financial support are Norway, Finland, France and Canada for the UNCTAD review of progress in the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2001-2010.
We then proceeded to general statements.
G77 and China group states that the production capacity depends on improvement of technology capacity. Its essential for donors to change their help approach.
Afghanistan talking on behalf of the Asian group asks UNCTAD to help for the implementation of national policies.
Benin on behalf of LDCs states that their as been progress in the health domain, LDCs have done a better evolution in the last years and the inflation has been slightly maintained. Some countries have changed their categories due their progress: Maldives, Kiribati…The International Trade rules highly participate to the decreasing of LDC.
Chile (GRULAC) says that the 2007 report should be a reference text in helping the LDCs and should be included in the national policies.
Russian representative reminded that his country have cancelled the debts of some States like Afghanistan. And China have extended the delay of payment for 44 LDCs with which they have diplomatic relation.
According to USA, mobile phone technology should be improved.
The EU representative thinks that the quota should be eliminated and it is joined by Chad on behalf of the African group who reminds that 34 countries out of the 51 LDCs are Africans. LDCs should adopt national policies for the debts.
Ismaila Pedro FAYE
Inscription à :
Articles (Atom)
