The agenda for this event in Addis Ababa was as follows

African Trade Expert Consultation co-hosted with the United Nations Economic Commission For Africa, UN Conference Centre, Addis Ababa,

11 November 2004

Hosts:

KY Amoako   - Executive Secretary, UNECA, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Commissioner of the Commission For Africa (Governance Theme)

Sir Nick Stern - Director of Research - Commission For Africa

The day focused on a discussion of the draft Commission for Africa trade recommendations.
A range of African trade experts attended from governments, regional institutions, business and civil society.
Discussion revolved around market access and supply side issues including:

•  A pro-development outcome to the World Trade Organisation's Doha Round of negotiations

•  OECD Agricultural Reform

•  Reduction of tariffs and non-tariff barriers

•  Non-reciprocation for African countries in WTO agreements

•  Improved preferential access to African products (improved rules of origin, reducing standards)

•  Addressing preference erosion

-      Dealing with price volatility and decline of primary commodities

•  Reducing dependence on primary commodities through diversification

•  Evaluation the value chain for commodities and the role of Trans National Corporations

•  Regional integration

•  Regional trade related infrastructure

•  Improving trade facilitation (inc. civil aviation de-regulation, port-reform, customs reform and informal barriers)

This event was by invitation only.

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