Electronic forum to improve the participation of ACP countries in negotiations on agriculture in the WTO

To strengthen participation by ACP countries (Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific) during the upcoming negotiations on agricultural trade to be held at the headquarters of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This is the objective that the Technical Centre for Rural and Agricultural Cooperation (CTA) will pursue through the electronic forum entitled "For effective participation of ACP countries in negotiations on agricultural trade." This forum, organized in collaboration with the French NGO Solagral will also serve as preparation for the seminar "For effective participation of ACP countries in negotiations on the trade of agricultural products: the role of information and communication management," to be held from 25 to 28 November in Brussels.

Despite the fact that these negotiations have crucial consequences for the ACP sphere, these countries are not adequately prepared to defend their interests (often due to a lack of information on international accords and inadequate technical preparation). In this light, the two organizations mentioned above invite partners in development attending this forum to identify the priority themes for the ACP countries and to promote the organization of an effective information and communication campaign in order to raise awareness of this situation.

The forum, which will last six weeks starting on 30 September, will be attended by numerous partners in development (politicians, producers, merchants, researchers, etc.). Periodically, summaries of the debates will be published in English and French.

To participate in the event and receive the debate summaries, please subscribe here or send an e-mail to join-trade2002@lists.cta.int. More information is available by visiting the webpages of CTA and Solagral or by writing to the forum moderators: Karine Tavernier and Kevin Painting.