United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Bringing Countries with Economies in Transition Closer to World Markets Aid for Trade:

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Poverty in the UNECE In Eastern Europe and Central Asia, many still struggle to meet their most basic material needs In some countries, poverty rates are as high as in LDCs

3 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

4 The poor in transition economies also have to face problems due to: Climatic conditions that make warm clothing, housing and heating essential Population aging, meaning that fewer children are there to support the poor Economic transition which has weakened social institutions

5 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Ireland GDP per capita US$ US$ Trade - an engine for growth

6 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe International Trade Can Bring NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE POOR Aid for trade can help to realize this goal by: Identifying key trade development objectives Bringing new resources to priority areas Creating momentum

7 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe From Tajikistan 3000 USD To export one container From Morocco 600 USD Geographic and economic distance result in high costs :

8 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Facilitating trade flows From standards-takers to full players Transport policies/ infrastructure 3 Priorities related to UNECEs work

9 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe = Simplified and harmonized processes, procedures & information flows for: Buying Shipping Paying International trade AND Domestic trade (suppliers) = Advance trade information = Reduced trading costs and economic distance = A globally more competitive economy Trade Facilitation = An important area for Aid for Trade

10 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Participation in standards setting & WTO Efforts to comply with norms & standards Use of voluntary international standards Aid for Trade to support Full players not just standards-takers

11 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Large capital investments can remove bottlenecks to trade. Priority should be given the international routes that landlocked countries depend on. Regional and interregional policy coordination to cut transport costs & times (TIR carnets, border crossing facilitation) and improve services Transport upgrading

12 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Transition economies need to become involved Sub-regional as well as national trade needs and priorities must be addressed A supporting coalition of UN and regional organizations plus country groupings needs to be identified A matrix of existing needs analyses is required to identify gaps and form the basis of discussions Sub-regional meetings followed by a Ministerial for transition economies? Next Steps

13 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe The UNECE is ready to assist in developing and coordinating the partnerships necessary for moving this important initiative forward