Training course on regional integration for Pakistani policymakers

Under the EU-funded Trade Related Technical Assistance (TRTA II) programme, a two day training course on “Regional integration - Comparative legal framework” was conducted on 16-17 November 2011 at the Pakistan Institute of Trade and Development (PITAD), Islamabad. The TRTA II programme is jointly implemented by the ITC, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

The purpose of the training course was to support the 35 policymakers and researchers, attending the training from various ministries and government departments, with understanding the importance of the different approaches to regional integration. The training focused on the process of Regional Trade Agreement (RTA) negotiations, standardization of RTAs for Trade in Goods and Trade in Services, and evaluation of various Free Trade Areas (FTAs) concluded by Pakistan. Defensive & Offensive Strategy for RTAs, Rules of origin and WTO plus issues in RTAs were particularly focused upon. Moreover, the training provided an opportunity for the participants to identify the areas where they can contribute during RTA negotiations and implementation.

The course was jointly organized by ITC and PITAD with technical assistance from the Switzerland based World Trade Institute (WTI). The training was conducted by a master trainer from the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan trained under the Component 1 of the TRTA II programme and was supported by his mentor from the WTI via video conference.

The Deputy Ambassador of the EU Delegation, Mr. Pierre Mayaudon, presented certificates of participation and commended the recent initiatives of the Government of Pakistan towards the development of trade relations with its neighbors whilst stressing the need for even greater enhancement of regional trade efforts.