Turning ambition into action: ensuring trade benefits the most vulnerable

At the halfway point of the Doha Programme of Action, launched in 2022 to help least-developed countries (LDCs) play a greater role in global trade by 2031, WTO Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang points to progress amid geopolitical tensions and prolonged disruptions. LDC exports benefit from duty-free market access, simplified rules of origin and opportunities in services; over the past 20 years, they have also received more than $223 billion in trade-related development assistance. Their share remains small, accounting for 1.04% of global merchandise exports, 0.5% of services exports and 0.2% of digitally delivered services. Zhang says commitments must be turned into results as risks mount and official development assistance fell sharply last year.