For a model of good governance in trade policy, “make it open, make it fair. And make it inclusive”, says Michel Kostecki.

For very small service firms in Uganda, forming a coalition gave them a collective voice, resources and influence with trade negotiators.

The challenge to building business advocacy is to develop business–government dialogue, but also to bring in small firms, the informal sector and other parts of society.

Business can do more to build public understanding of the benefits of the multilateral trading system.

The multilateral trading system is the surest way to build up the global production systems from which more countries and firms can benefit.

If developing countries are to benefit from the world trading system, their private and public sectors have to work together with their governments and negotiators to shape a common strategy. But achieving that cohesion is not so easy.

Market access and a rule-based world trading system are prerequisites for trade growth. But alone, they generate no trade at all — traders do. Let’s help the private sector to become the active trade development player it ought to be.

Last October, Trade Forum magazine explored the topic of how business in developing countries can benefit from the Doha Development Agenda. The developmental dimension of this round gives business leaders a special opportunity to engage in productive dialogue with government to help shape trade rules — and build the foundation for cooperation with government that is essential to competitiveness, jobs and reducing

In more than half the world, business interests are not sufficiently integrated into national trade negotiating positions. This can lead to governments agreeing to trade rules under which, afterwards, their firms may not be able to do business. Instead, informed, timely and targeted business advocacy can help countries conclude beneficial agreements.

The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) is an initiative of African governments to provide a ‘home-grown’ response to Africa’s development challenges in a globalizing environment. Through NEPAD’s Business Group, businesses are partnering with governments and international agencies.

Advocacy for trade development — why, how, when, with whom — is the underlying theme of this issue of Trade Forum, which explores how business can benefit from the Doha Development Agenda.

Successful negotiations for the Doha Development Agenda depend, to a large degree, on the quality of collaboration between national trade negotiators and political leaders, on the one hand, and business leaders, on the other. In its absence, national trade negotiating strategies cannot serve the business interests of a country. ITC has programmes to help business play its part effectively.

Since Seattle, the business community has shown remarkable growth in becoming better informed about the evolving multilateral trading system. This article traces the path of business dialogue with government, moving from consultation to participation to advocacy.

Business advocacy on trade — supported by a broadly-based network of business sectors — can raise the level of ambition and achievement in the world trading system.

What are the main concerns of the business community in developing and transition economies in preparing for current WTO negotiations? How are they making their interests known?

Trade Forum asked members of ITC networks for

Businesses in developing countries, not just developed ones, have been able to advocate successfully to improve their competitive position in international markets. This article provides real-life examples and a road map to help businesses shape effective advocacy strategies.

The second, ongoing round of negotiations for the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) puts exporters around the world in a position to help shape the future of this important sector. However, many service exporters and industry associations do not know where to begin. This article draws on ITC’s GATS Consultation Kit to explain why and how service industry associations should communicate with their policy-makers.

“We are in the midst of an unprecedented global trade negotiation, the Doha Development Agenda...
Trade agreements must be usable and pragmatic...
In trade talks, it pays to have the private sector involved right from the beginning.”

Dr Supachai Panitchpakdi,
Director-General, WTO