​UNCTAD has traditionally supported Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in WTO negotiations by providing technical assistance on matters including geographical indication (GI), Duty Free Quota Free (DFQF) schemes and rules of origin.
 
On 9 - 10 October 2018, UNCTAD and the Global Governance Programme of the European University Institute (EUI) will present the 7th Executive Workshop on Rules of Origin for LDC delegates. The workshop will provide an opportunity to discuss the implementation issues arising from the WTO Nairobi Decision on preferential rules of origin. Existing documentary requirements, as well as utilization rates as an indicator for the restrictiveness of rules of origin will be examined. The objective of the event is to help selected LDC delegates and capital-based officials prepare the papers and evidence that they will present during the next meeting of the WTO Committee on Rules of Origin (CRO) in October 2018, and during subsequent CRO meetings.

The workshop is part of the analytical and training activities undertaken within the context of the United Nations Development Account Programme on Statistics and Data, as one element of the UNCTAD initiative to foster research and training programs for the LDC Group at the WTO in the post-Nairobi scenario. This is part of an overall UNCTAD effort to support the coordination of the LDC Group at the WTO, and the capacity of LDC delegates to effectively participate in trade negotiations.