Lessons learned from South-South trade and role of regional trade agreements in Asia

Notification

The joint UNCTAD/JETRO publication "South-South trade and regional trade agreements in Asia" will be presented at the meeting. The presentation will be followed by a discussion.

The meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss such issues as:

1. dynamic trends in South-South trade, including rapidly evolving RTAs in Asia and their impacts on global production strategy, and
   
   
2. the design and implementation of South-South RTAs in Asia and policy lessons and implications for developing countries in other regions.

The meeting will consist of two sessions:

Session 1: Dynamic trends in South-South trade and rapidly evolving RTAs in Asia and their impacts on global production strategy

Session 2: Design and implementation of South-South RTAs in Asia and policy lessons and implications for developing-country Governments in other regions.

Participation

The meeting is being organized for the benefit of UNCTAD member States. Several experts, who will participate in the meeting in their personal capacities, are also expected to attend.

Specialized agencies and intergovernmental bodies wishing to participate in the meeting, as well as non-governmental organizations in the general or special category wishing to participate as observers, are requested to inform the UNCTAD secretariat of the names of their representatives by 14 March 2008.

Background documents and contributed papers

The joint UNCTAD/JETRO publication "South-South trade and regional trade agreements in Asia" will be presented at the UNCTAD XII.

Logistics

The meeting will take place at the United Nations Office at Geneva, Palais des Nations. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in the six official languages of the United Nations.

Upon arrival, participants are requested, before entering the Palais des Nations, to collect their badges at the United Nations Security Service, Pregny Gate entrance, 14 Avenue de la Paix. The Security Service is open non-stop from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Because of the security measures in force, participants are strongly advised to arrive before 9 a.m. in order to complete entry procedures in good time and proceed to the meeting room in the E-Building (Bâtiment E) of the Palais. Participants are requested to carry a passport or similar national identity card with them. Taxis are not allowed to enter the grounds of the Palais des Nations, and visitors will therefore be dropped off at the entrance. Luggage may not be brought into the buildings unless the Security Service gives special clearance.

Further information and contact details

Nominations and related communications concerning representation at the meeting should be sent to the UNCTAD secretariat, Intergovernmental Affairs and Outreach Service, Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Geneva 10; fax: +41 22 917 02 14; e-mail: correspondenceunctad.org.

All other enquiries should be addressed to the coordinator in the substantive division; tel: +41 22 917 56 50 or 917 58 65; fax: +41 22 917 00 44, e-mail: Minako.Moritaunctad.org or Victor.Ognivtsevunctad.org.

(p.p. signed)

Supachai Panitchpakdi
Secretary-General of UNCTAD
27 February 2008