Globalization presents opportunities, challenges and risks. Consequently, there is a need to manage globalization so that the full participation of all countries and the universal enjoyment of its benefits are assured, thereby minimizing the risks associated with globalization, including the possible continuing exclusion and marginalization of developing countries.

As mandated by Commission resolution 57/6, an important area of ESCAP’s work is to facilitate the integration of developing countries into the multilateral trading system on a fair and equitable basis. Consequently, the objective of "WTO week at UN ESCAP" is to further promote among all ESCAP countries a sense of ownership and partnership in shaping the future of the multilateral trading system, through dialogue and enhanced regional cooperation.

A number of parallel-running activities are planned for the week from Monday 24 September to Friday 28 September 2001 at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok, as follows:

In an increasingly interdependent world in which ESCAP developing countries are playing an ever more important role in international trade, there is a need for the ESCAP region to participate more proactively in international trade negotiations. These countries have a hitherto unprecedented opportunity to put forward a positive trade agenda that contributes to a fairer, more equitable and transparent rules-based multilateral trading system.

The purpose of the meeting is to provide high-level trade policy decision-makers with a regional common forum in which to exchange regional experiences and views as ESCAP countries prepare for the Fourth WTO Ministerial Conference. This meeting will facilitate an open discussion and contribute to a greater understanding and views on a number of issues of importance to developing countries, inter alia, those related to implementation of Uruguay Round agreements, the built-in agenda, and future liberalization in products and services of export interest to the region. The meeting will also explore the possibility of devising regional collective approaches for future trade negotiations.

The format of the meeting will consist of open discussions led by panelists from member governments.

A small group of experts from academia, governments and NGOs will meet to discuss the major issues of concern to developing countries beyond Doha. New issues related to the relationship between trade and investments, trade and competition policy, and trade and environment linkages are among some of the issues to be discussed.

Highly qualified external experts and the staff of the ESCAP secretariat will conduct a trade policy course for countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion. The course will cover a number of issues related to the international trading system including an overview of the WTO mechanism, trade policy economics, WTO accession and leading multilateral trade agreements.

An exhibition will be on display during the WTO week at UN ESCAP focusing on the relationship between trade, development and poverty and highlighting the efforts of ESCAP, UNCTAD and the WTO in this area.

Informal briefing sessions on activities of ESCAP in the areas of trade and investment can be arranged during the week upon request.