UN Trade and Development and the European University Institute (EUI) are hosting a high-level Executive Workshop on Negotiating and Drafting Rules of Origin (RoO) for the WTO LDC Group, taking place from 31 March to 1 April 2025 in Florence, Italy.
This intensive two-day workshop aims to build the capacity of Least Developed Country (LDC) delegates in navigating the complexities of multilateral trade negotiations related to Rules of Origin. The event comes at a crucial time as the WTO Committee on Rules of Origin (CRO) intensifies its work ahead of the April 2025 session.
Objectives
Enhance LDC delegates’ understanding of current developments in Rules of Origin at both multilateral and regional levels.
Prepare the WTO LDC Group’s positions and submissions for the upcoming CRO meetings in April and November 2025.
Share best practices and lessons learned from national and regional experiences, including findings from recent UNCTAD, ADB, and WCO studies.
Foster informed discussions on key technical issues such as cumulation, ad valorem criteria, origin certification, and utilization rates of trade preferences.
Key Sessions and Topics
Outcome of MC13 and WTO General Council Decisions on RoO
Emerging Issues at Multilateral and Regional Levels
Best Practices on Origin Certification and Proof of Origin
LDC-led Dialogue on Cumulation Provisions and Non-Alteration Principle
Discussion on Future LDC Submissions and Strategic Positioning in CRO
Updates on Utilization Rates and UNCTAD’s GSP Website Enhancements
The workshop will feature interactive sessions led by experts from UNCTAD, WTO, WCO, ICC, EUI-STG and representatives from LDC delegations, providing an opportunity for participants to engage in practical discussions and peer-to-peer learning.
Expected Outcome
Participants will come away with:
A strengthened ability to articulate and negotiate LDC priorities in the WTO CRO;
Concrete inputs to finalize upcoming submissions on Rules of Origin;
Greater clarity on how to operationalize RoO best practices and improve preference utilization.
This event reinforces the commitment of the WTO LDC Group and its partners to ensure that Rules of Origin support—not hinder—LDC participation in global trade, in line with development objectives.
