ECDPM CTA GM dialogue on Linking Aid for Trade and Agriculture and Rural Development Towards a joint donors perspective

Brussels, 4 October 2010 ***************************************

Background Agriculture and trade are crucial for economic development and poverty reduction. The steady growth of aid for trade initiatives and the current political momentum both in developing countries and the donor community for implementing and supporting country-led agriculture development plans create new opportunities for effective policies and ODA in the context of trade and agriculture . In particular, the importance of dialogues on cross-sectoral coordination between Aid for Trade (AfT) and Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD) is increasingly recognized, as confirmed for instance during the special session on AfT and Agriculture of the WTO Committee on Trade and Development (17 March 2010). At global, regional and country level various processes provide interesting cases where concrete synergies between AfT and ARD are under development or have occurred, like the rum sector in the Caribbean and the PAPED , important examples of natural linkages. In this context 3 main axes can be considered for further dialogue on increasing cross-sectoral AfT and ARD coordination: the importance of increasing awareness and exchanging knowledge across the sectors the development of coherent trade and agriculture policies, specially on planning and financing processes the development of country-based and regional initiatives which help to harmonise the work of sectoral national structures. Among the key messages emerging from involved AfT and ARD stakeholders is the need for donors to dedicate specific efforts and resources to support actions and initiatives that facilitate cross-sectoral coordination within existing governmental structures at country and regional level, whilst aligning to existing coordination mechanisms such as poverty reduction strategies.

Objectives of the meeting
The European Centre for Development Policy Management, the Global Mechanism of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, and the CTA have organized for the 4th October an informal meeting to further the dialogue on cross-sectoral coordination between AfT and ARD. The overall objective of the meeting is to bring together a group of like-minded donors who are working towards the integration of trade in different sector policies and programmes, including agriculture. In particular it aims to facilitate frank and open dialogue among the AfT and the ARD focal points in the different donor agencies on how to improve cross-sectoral cooperation within as well as across donor agencies.

Programme
> Final agenda

Workshop documents
> Prestentation: What are the linkages between Aid for Trade and Agriculture and Rural Development
> Prestentation on concrete example: Uganda Experience: Bridging AfT & ARD Towards a joint donor perspective
> Prestentation on concrete example: Experience of the Caribbean Rum Programme; Lessons for AfT & ARD

> Final meeting report

Logistics The workshop venue: Silken Berlaymont Hotel. 11-19, Boulevard Charlemagne, 1000 Brussels Belgium Tel: +32-(0)2-2310909

Contact:	Mr. Francesco Rampa, Programme associate ECDPM	+31-43-3502904
	Ms. Alexandra Beijers, ECDPM on conference management	+31-43-3502904