Trade opportunities identified for developing countries moving toward green economy
There are many opportunities for developing countries to increase their trade in the transition to a green economy. The International Trade Centre (ITC) and its partners, at events to be held within the framework of Rio+20, will balance the debate on risks associated with moving towards a green economy with results of a study which demonstrates concrete examples of opportunities for trade. The events will be held on 15 June and 18 June 2012 in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD).
‘Trade can drive the transition to a green economy by fostering sustainable resource use, disseminating environmental technologies and creating green jobs,’ said Ms. Patricia R. Francis, Executive Director of ITC. ‘ITC works with developing countries to help realize their potential in green markets and to overcome non-tariff barriers where they exist. Our events in Rio, organized with our partners, will present evidence of these opportunities and how Aid-for-Trade can assist in strengthening developing countries’ competitiveness in this growing market. Together with partner organisations from the private sector and government, ITC will facilitate discussions on what policies need to be in place to support this trade.’
“Developing countries need to find ways to integrate into green value chains to help meet their development goals, noted Ricardo Meléndez-Ortiz, Chief Executive Officer of ICTSD. In a globalised economy, sustainable development should be at the centre of policy-making, he stressed. In order to strengthen their green export sectors, developing countries need support to maximise their strengths and overcome challenges, including in partnership with private sector actors and development partners.”
On 15 June from 9:30-11:00, panellist open the discussion on what green trade means for developing countries during the event ‘Green Economy and Trade: Assessing risks and opportunities,’ to be held at the Riocentro Convention Center.
On 18 June from 9:00-18:00, trade will be discussed more in-depth during the event ‘Rio+20 Dialogue on Green Trade Opportunities’, to be held at the Hotel Othon Palace, Copacabana. The day will comprise three consecutive sessions: pertinent policy issues; case studies and discussions on specific sectors and topics; and a final session drawing policy lessons.
During the event on the 18th, the hosts will present the results of a joint study which has mapped and analysed existing and potential trade-related opportunities for developing countries in the transition to a green economy.
The results of these events will complement further discussions on policy reforms that can create and strengthen developing countries’ capacity to benefit from green trade opportunities.
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