Partner views: business and WTO negotiations.

What are the main concern of the business community in developing and transition economies in preparing for current WTO negotiations? How are they making their interests known?

Forum asked members of ITC networks for their views.

Albania: offering business its only opening

Since beginning in March 2001, our network has been a lively one. Members include international trade specialists in different ministries, universities, business organizations and economic institutions, as well as interested business people. The network links the business community and the Albanian Government, fostering dialogue about WTO rules and progress in liberalization.

After several introductory training events on WTO issues, future seminars will deal with trade remedies (antidumping and countervailing measures), the Doha Development Agenda and ongoing negotiations in agriculture, services and trade-related intellectual property rights.

Why is our network important to the business community? It is the only network and the only programme in Albania that offers training [for business] in the field of WTO issues.

Dritan Meta, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tirana, Albania World Tr@de Net Country Facilitator

Bangladesh: liberalization is not enough

For Bangladesh, with a narrow resource base, the new WTO round poses both challenges and prospects. Over the years we are realizing that a vibrant and dynamic private sector is the key to economic progress. Though the domestic private sector is still a fledgling, the door has been thrown wide open to foreign investment to stimulate our economy.

Business communities of Bangladesh, in preparing for negotiations on the Doha Development Agenda, are concerned about capacity building, market access and overcoming supply-side constraints. Mere trade liberalization and facilitation is not enough, however, to create a level playing field for trade. To make the dream of benefits for all through globalization a reality, least developed member countries need investment in potential comparative-advantage sectors.

Hasanur Rahman Chowdhury, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka, Bangladesh World Tr@de Net Country Facilitator

Belarus: non-market economy status complicates position

After holding a "kick off" meeting in December 2001, the Belarussian Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers carried out several activities with country network members.

In June, parliament held a hearing on the process for Belarus to enter the WTO. Network members took an active part in these hearings. Recommendations to the Council of Ministers were adopted as a result. Participants affirmed that Belarussian membership of WTO is in our long-term interest. The discussion focused on conditions and consequences of the process, as well as on the structure and content of preparatory and protective measures.

Vladimir Vorobiev, Deputy Executive Director, Marketing and Overseas Department Chief, Belarussian Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers, Minsk, Belarus World Tr@de Net Country Facilitator

Bulgaria: preparing service negotiations

The Bulgarian World Tr@de Net helped to prepare the Bulgarian negotiating position in the services sector under the Doha Development Agenda. In June 2002, thanks to branches of the Bulgarian Industrial Association, among them the Bulgarian Building and Construction Chamber, we presented the Ministry of Economy with problems to consider for the WTO negotiations on construction services--key export services for Bulgaria. Industry representatives also participated in a three-day WTO seminar...