The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development covers 17 goals, the eighth of which is "decent work and economic growth", namely: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all. 

Under this major goal, there are twelve targets, the last of which is "Increase Aid for Trade support for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, including through the Enhanced Integrated Framework for Trade-Related Technical Assistance to Least Developed Countries".

● Current Situation

About the World

46 Least Developed Countries

"Aid for Trade" refers to providing funds to help developing countries improve their trade capacity and economic development. It aims to promote economic development through trade and enable developing countries to benefit from economic globalization. In 2005, the World Trade Organization (WTO) put forward the "Aid for Trade Initiative" at the Sixth Ministerial Conference held in Hong Kong, China, to encourage developed countries to promote poverty reduction and development in developing countries through trading.

Photo source: sohu.com

According to the United Nations Least Developed Countries Report 2021, forty-six countries are designated by the United Nations as least developed countries. These countries are now at a critical juncture, and they need the decisive support of the international community to develop productive capacity and respond to traditional and new challenges such as epidemic crisis and climate change.

Text source: International Development Research Network

About China

Actively Responded to Aid for Trade Initiative

China has actively responded to the "Aid for Trade" Initiative of the World Trade Organization and promoted the trade development of other developing countries by strengthening infrastructure construction, improving production capacity, granting zero tariff treatment, supporting participation in the multilateral trading system and training economic and trade talents, supporting the least developed countries in joining the multilateral trading system. China is an active participator of the WTO's Aid for Trade Initiative. 

Photo source: qq.com

From 2008 to 2010, China made annual donation of 200,000 U.S. dollars to the program, and has increased the sum to 400,000 U.S. dollars since 2011. The donations are used to set up the China Program for Assisting the Least 

Developed Countries' Accession to the WTO, hold related seminars on accession to the WTO for these countries, finance their personnel to attend important WTO meetings and do internship at the organization's Secretariat.

Text source: China's Foreign Aid (2014)

●  Cases

About the World

Blockchain Coffee Bean Trade

Due to patented technologies, Least Developed Countries face challenges in acquiring relevant technologies, as these technologies are protected by patents, and patents are highly concentrated in a few countries. However, at least the least developed countries can still use open source technologies such as blockchain.

Photo source: qq.com

The Ethiopian government cooperates with Kardano Foundation headquartered in Switzerland to use blockchain technology to promote the trade of Ethiopia's largest export product - coffee beans. Blockchain technology can record and track the coffee bean production of local farmers and enhance consumers' confidence in the source and quality of products. The increased confidence brought about by technology makes consumers willing to pay a premium for their products, and producers can get higher labor returns.

Text source: World Economic Forum

EU's  Strategy for Aid for Trade

Photo source: thepaper.cn

The European Union 's joint strategy for Aid for Trade stipulates that aid for trade will be mainly used in the fields of "trade development" and "trade policies and rules", focusing on improving the business environment, enterprise service support and mechanisms, as well as international trade rules and legislation. It directly serves the economic partnership agreement promoted by the EU and requires African countries to improve infrastructure No attention was paid to improving production capacity and adapting to costs.

Text source: West Asia and Africa

About China

Promote Trade Facilitation

China has been helping to enhance the capacity of countries in “One Belt, One Road” programme with their trade infrastructure and modernization of trade circulation in the global supply chain. China has provided assistance to more than 20 countries such as Georgia, Armenia, Tanzania, Kenya and the Philippines in container inspection equipment to speed up the speed and efficiency of cargo customs clearance. 

Photo source: eworldship.com

General Technology Group China Machinery Import and Export (Group) Co., Ltd. (export Bangladesh oil tanker and bulk carrier project) has built three oil tankers and three bulk carriers for Bangladesh shipping companies, enhancing the comprehensive transportation capacity.

Text source: China's International Development Cooperation in New Era

China International Import Expo

From November 5 to 10, the fourth session of China International Import Expo was held in Shanghai. The event is an important tool for China to fulfill its WTO commitments and increase its support for trade promotion assistance to the least developed countries. It aims to share China's super market purchasing power with the least developed countries and unlock the constraints and bottlenecks in their trade development. 

Photo source: sina.com

The Expo is an important platform to promote the least developed countries to directly expand their exports to China and help the least developed countries integrate into the multilateral trading system. The Expo has achieved fruitful results and bright spots. In one year, the cumulative intended turnover of the Expo is US $70.72 billion.

Text source: 163.com

●  Background

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Initiated by the United Nations

On 1 January, 2016, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including 169 targets, of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — adopted by world leaders in September 2015 at an historic UN Summit — officially came into force. Countries will mobilize efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind.