World Trade Organization - News 16th January 2007: 39TH AND 40TH TRADE POLICY COURSES START

OBJECTIVES OF THE WTO TRADE POLICY COURSE The overall objective of the course is to widen the participating officials' understanding of trade policy matters, the multilateral trading system, international trade law and the functioning of the WTO. The knowledge acquired during the Course is expected to allow participating officials to improve the effectiveness of their work in their own administrations and to contribute to the promotion of a more active participation of their countries in the work of the WTO. Five specific objectives are set for this course. 1. It is expected that, at the end of the course, the participants will have developed their knowledge of the WTO rules and the functioning of the Organization. A significant portion of the course programme is devoted to enhancing participants' knowledge of and ability to use the WTO Agreements through sessions involving presentations, short exercises, and discussions. These components of the programme focus on trade theory, the formulation and implementation of trade policy, the provisions of WTO legal instruments and agreements as well as the structure, scope and functioning of the WTO. Special emphasis is placed on the development dimension. Most of the sessions are delivered by WTO officials dealing directly with the respective subjects or by Training Officers from the WTO Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation (ITTC). Keynote speakers, in principle WTO-Members' representatives, are also invited to participate in round-tables where WTO-related topics are discussed. Moreover, the programme includes attendance at meetings of WTO bodies, so as to allow the participants to observe the functioning of the WTO on the spot. In addition, briefings on what is happening at the WTO headquarters will be held on a regular basis by the staff of the Training Institute or other invited speakers. 2. It is expected that, at the end of the course, the participants will have improved analytical and negotiating skills and their ability to analyze the trade information and to participate actively in WTO trade negotiations. The sessions mentioned above are complemented by a module on negotiating techniques and simulation exercises on trade negotiations and dispute settlement. The purpose of the practical exercises is to enable participants to put into practice the knowledge of WTO-related issues acquired during the course. The module on negotiating techniques is aimed at providing participants with the basic theoretical and practical background as well as to train participants in some negotiating strategies and techniques through small exercises. A trade negotiations simulation exercise (TNSE) will be held. The exercise simulates a negotiation on tariffs and subsidies between four fictitious countries. The task for participants is to conclude a multilateral agreement in both areas that reduces trade restrictions. The purpose of the TNSE is to give participants knowledge and experience of both the substance and process of making trade policy at the international level. The exercise requires participants to apply academic knowledge in a practical setting, and to become aware of the many factors which are important in carrying out and managing a trade negotiation. After an introductory presentation on GATT/WTO dispute settlement procedures, participants will take part in a simulation exercise on dispute settlement under the guidance of members of the Legal Affairs Division and the Appellate Body Division of the WTO Secretariat. The exercise will last three days, with relevant materials distributed in advance. Participants will initially be asked to analyse various issues covering all stages of given disputes, including panel procedures and the Appellate Body review. The group will then be asked to prepare and present submissions for several panel disputes. Specifically, participants will be divided up into teams representing the complaining party, the defending party and the panel in each of these panel cases. The teams will research their respective cases and make oral and written submissions. 3. It is expected that, at the end of the course, the participants will have reinforced their autonomy and learned to use effectively the relevant information and documentation on trade-related issues. During the course, participants will have computers at their disposal which give them access to a large amount of relevant materials. Participants will be requested to work in small groups and, using all available information, prepare and deliver sessions on specific issues. These presentations by the participants will be the occasion to work on communication skills, reinforce team spirit and to use their knowledge and skills on trade-related topics. Participants who wish to do so are also invited to engage in optional personal research. The Training staff strongly encourages participants who wish to engage in such research to identify as soon as possible topics they may want to further develop. Trainers of the Institute are available to assist participants in the elaboration of such projects. Participants are also encouraged to contact experts from the WTO Secretariat either directly or through the Training staff. 4. It is expected that, at the end of the course, the participants will have strengthened their capacity to work in teams and in an international environment. During the Course, participants will have ample opportunity to observe, from inside, the functioning of various WTO Bodies and of the WTO Secretariat. This will also allow them to fully appreciate the multicultural environment in its diversity, an element which has importance in the context of multilateral trade negotiations. Moreover, through numerous team activities, participants will be encouraged to learn from each other, to share their own experiences with fellow participants and with the Trainers/Experts. 5. It is expected that, at the end of the course, the participants will have established and/or strengthened a network of contacts which should prove very useful once they are back in their respective countries. During the Course, participants will have the possibility to create a network of contacts between themselves, with WTO Secretariat staff members, as well as with representatives of WTO Members posted in Geneva. Moreover, through presentations from and visits to international organizations based in Geneva and active in trade-related matters, participants will have the possibility to identify contacts and reference points which could be useful once they return to their official postings.