CTA-ECDPM-GTZ-NTF-SACAU workshop on 'Aid for Trade Strategies and Agriculture: Towards a SADC agenda'

Windhoek, Namibia, 9 - 11 November 2009
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Background In the context of SADC-EU trade relations, agricultural commodities have traditionally played a key role. While agriculture remains essential to many SADC economies in terms of its contribution to GDP and employment, changing market conditions and preference erosion call for new strategies. Furthermore, new bilateral trade agreements such as the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with the EU are throwing up new policy issues and trade adjustment challenges. Against this background, CTA and ECDPM organised in April 2008 in Brussels a dialogue with ACP and EU stakeholders with a view to identify an AfT agenda for the agricultural sector. While this meeting has initiated the discussion on how to operationalise AfT in the agricultural sector in ACP countries, participants also recognised the need to get closer to the ground and come up with concrete recommendations at national and regional levels. It is in this context that ACP representatives have proposed to hold follow-up meetings in the various ACP regions to be more specific and result oriented. A first regional follow-up meeting was then organised in Belize for the Caribbean region.

Objectives of the meeting
This knowledge-sharing workshop on 9-11 November 2009 in Namibia aims at supporting a process of regional dialogue to exchange experiences across the SADC and ACP regions and European countries on the policy measures and instruments which support integrated agricultural transformation measures for improved rural incomes, food security and job creation. This exchange of experiences should also be used to pursue "Aid for Trade" support from various donors, starting with EU Member States.

Programme
> Concept note and final agenda and presentations.

Workshop documents
> Relevant background material
> List of participants:Who is who Directory
> Picture slide show of the workshop
> Final Report.

Logistics
The workshop will take place at Safari Court hotel and conference centre, Corner of Auas and Aviation Streets, Windhoek, Namibia
> Logistical information workshop

Contact:	Mr. Vincent Fautrel, CTA	+32-2-5137436
	Mr. San Bilal, ECDPM	+32-2-2374389
	Mrs. Ghita Salvino, ECDPM on conference management/logistics	+31-43-3502922
	Ms. Alexandra Beijers, ECDPM on conference management	+31-43-3502904