WTO PUBLIC FORUM 2014:Fostering skills and jobs through trade liberalization in developing economies

A session conducted by All India Association of Industries and World Trade Centre Mumbai at the WTO Public Forum 2014, Geneva on “Fostering Skills and Jobs through Trade Liberalisation in Developing Economies ” attended by over 200 delegates from various countries.

Trade and labour markets are becoming increasingly integrated.  Trade has great propensity for employment generation and enhances economic capacity- building of a nation. Trade promotes growth and decent employment creation improving the livelihood of people. This is particularly true for developing economies where development of both urban and rural communities is increasingly a priority   at national level and in pursuing international economic goals. The last three decades have witnessed huge changes in the structure of trade. Trade liberalization and its impact on economic growth in developing countries has been significant with consequent   surge in employment and job creation. Notwithstanding  the  benefits of trade to   job markets , it is  often  witnessed that high rates of informal employment  and unskilled  labour force  diminish  the  efforts of developing countries to translate trade openness into  long –term growth .  Well-designed trade and skilled workforce can complement each other so as to promote sustainable development and growing prosperity in developing countries. Governments which pursue a well – defined, well – targeted programme of skill development derive greater success in improving labour market conditions thereby contributing to economic prosperity and social well- being. The session aligns with the sub- theme of the Public Forum “Trade and Jobs” and will examine the interplay of various factors of skills, trade and job creation in transitional and emerging economies. The subject will be dealt with in the context of the impact of trade liberalization in these economies.

The session was moderated by Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice chairman, World Trade Centre Mumbai, Director – WTCA Board, New York, President, All India Association of Industries Mumbai

The Speakers were as follows:

• Azita Berar Awad, Director, Employment Policy Department, International Labour Organization (ILO)
• Ken Ash, Director for Trade and Agriculture, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
• Ricardo Melendez-Ortiz, Chief Executive Officer, International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD)
• Joseph Francois, Professor of Economics, World Trade Institute,  Deputy Director of the NCCR Trade Regulation, World Trade Institute, University of Bern
• Rajesh Aggarwal, Director, Division of Business & Institutional Support and Chief, Business & Trade Facilitation Section, International Trade Centre (ITC)

Mr. Vijay Kalantri’s responses to the question: Why does trade matter to everyone? Click Here