Trade Policy Development - FAO

Assisting developing countries in implementing current trade agreements and in preparing for trade negotiations through studies, analysis, training and experience sharing is a core activity of FAO. FAO products and services relevant to trade policy are related to: (i) policy analysis (i.e. diagnostics and impact studies); (ii) policy dialogue; and (iii) training activities (workshops and e-learning). The aim is to contribute to member countries’ formulation of coherent strategies on agriculture, trade and industrial development, which are also supported by other sector policies (on competitiveness, investment, labour, and environment) and which provide the framework for agricultural policies and strategies that are compatible with countries’ overall development objectives. Assistance provided in the area of trade agreements helps countries to participate more effectively in international trade.

By the provision of analysis, dialogue and training, FAO aims to help developing countries build human and institutional capacities in areas of regional and international trade policy. A key emphasis is on enabling countries to be well-informed and equal partners in regional and international trade agreements.

Given the importance of trade for food security, FAO continues supporting member countries in effective engagement in the formulation of trade policies and agreements that are conducive to agricultural development and improved food security. FAO supports member countries in multiple ways, such as:

• Generating evidence on the possible consequences of trade policies and levels of regional integration on food security and development;
• Strengthening capacities of national stakeholders to improve understanding of international rules and their implications and prepare stakeholders for negotiations and implementation;
• Facilitating neutral fora for dialogue between different stakeholders from trade and agriculture, often in collaboration with the WTO and other key institutions.
• Assistance at country level focuses on strengthening the evidence on the consequences of different trade policies and strategies for food security and encourage greater alignment between national agricultural policies and trade/investment priorities and programmes.

For more information: www.fao.org/economic/est/international-trade/en/