WTO to provide technical assistance beyond Bangladesh’s LDC graduation – images.thedailystar.net

WTO Reaffirms Support for Bangladesh’s LDC Transition, Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Overview of Continued WTO Partnership

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has confirmed its commitment to providing sustained support and technical assistance to Bangladesh following its scheduled graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026. This partnership is critical for ensuring Bangladesh maintains its development trajectory in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

• WTO Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang affirmed that access to the organization’s technical assistance and training resources will continue uninterrupted post-graduation.
• The support framework is designed to help Bangladesh navigate the transition smoothly and continue its progress toward achieving key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

2.0 Aligning Technical Assistance with SDG 8 and SDG 9

The WTO’s ongoing assistance programs are structured to bolster Bangladesh’s institutional and trade capacities, directly contributing to several SDGs.

1. Technical Assistance and Training Plan: By providing a wide range of activities, the WTO directly supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by enhancing the nation’s capacity to engage in and benefit from international trade.
2. Institutional Infrastructure: The WTO Reference Centre at the Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI) strengthens domestic capacity, supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by ensuring access to vital trade-related information and documentation for policymakers and businesses.

3.0 Strategic Initiatives Driving Economic Diversification and Global Trade Integration

Bangladesh has been a significant beneficiary of targeted WTO initiatives that foster sustainable economic development and integration into the global trading system.

3.1 Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

• As a major beneficiary, Bangladesh utilizes the EIF to become a more active participant in global trade. Support will continue for five years post-graduation.
• EIF-backed projects have bolstered the nation’s food processing capacity, contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and food security.
• The framework has also supported strategies to diversify the garment sector and move up the value chain, directly advancing SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and promoting sustainable industrialization.

3.2 Aid for Trade Initiative

• Between 2006 and 2023, Bangladesh received US$23 billion through this initiative, making it one of the top ten global recipients.
• This substantial financial support is a direct implementation of SDG 8, Target 8.a, which calls for increasing Aid for Trade support to help developing countries build their trade capacity and achieve sustainable economic growth.

4.0 Future Outlook: Building New Coalitions for SDG 17

A key challenge for Bangladesh post-graduation will be adapting its diplomatic and trade strategies within the WTO. This transition is an opportunity to forge new alliances in pursuit of global development objectives.

• Moving beyond its role within the LDC Group, Bangladesh will need to build strategic coalitions with a diverse range of WTO Members.
• This strategic shift is essential for achieving SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), which emphasizes the need for robust global partnerships to support the achievement of all sustainable development targets.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article focuses on trade, economic transition, and capacity building, which are central to sustainable economic growth.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – The mention of diversifying the garment sector, moving up the value chain, and bolstering food processing capacity directly relates to industrial development and innovation.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The entire article is about the partnership between Bangladesh and the WTO, highlighting international cooperation, technical assistance, and the multilateral trading system.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • Target 8.a: Increase Aid for Trade support for developing countries, in particular least developed countries.
    
    Explanation: The article explicitly mentions that “Bangladesh has also been a significant recipient of the WTO’s Aid for Trade Initiative” and provides a specific financial figure for this support.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • Target 9.3: Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, in particular in developing countries, to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets.
    
    Explanation: The article states that with support from the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), Bangladesh has “developed strategies to diversify its garment sector to move up the value chain,” which aligns with integrating industries into global value chains.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
  • Target 17.9: Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in developing countries.
    
    Explanation: The article repeatedly refers to the WTO providing “substantial support and technical assistance” and mentions the “WTO’s Technical Assistance and Training Plan” and the “WTO Reference Centre at the Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI)” as examples of capacity-building efforts.
  • Target 17.10: Promote a universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organization.
    
    Explanation: The article’s focus on the WTO’s role, its support for Bangladesh’s integration into global trade, and the need for “building strategic coalitions with other WTO Members” directly supports the promotion of the multilateral trading system.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for Target 8.a: The article provides a specific quantitative measure related to Aid for Trade.
  
  Explanation: The text states, “Between 2006 and 2023, Bangladesh received US$23 billion,” which directly corresponds to Indicator 8.a.1 (Aid for Trade commitments and disbursements).
• Indicator for Target 17.9: The article implies indicators related to the continuation and accessibility of support programs.
  
  Explanation: The statement that “Bangladesh will have five years to continue accessing EIF benefits after graduation” serves as a time-bound indicator of continued international support for capacity building. The existence of the “WTO Reference Centre at the BFTI” is also a qualitative indicator of institutional capacity.
• Indicator for Development Progress: The primary event discussed is an indicator in itself.
  
  Explanation: Bangladesh’s “transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026” is a key macroeconomic indicator that reflects overall progress in economic and social development, which the SDGs aim to achieve.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: thedailystar.net