Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 22 March (BelTA) – The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) views Belarus’ accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) as an element of the implementation of the sustainable development goals, Program Officer for the UNDP in Belarus Igor Severin said during the workshop on Market Access Map and Trade Map databases at the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 22 March, BelTA has learned.

Igor Severin believes that Belarus can share its experience in many areas, including Chernobyl-related issues, with the international community.

He stressed the importance of the workshop aimed at accelerating Belarus’ accession to the World Trade Organization. The event is aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of sector-specific government agencies and bodies tasked with diversifying Belarus’ exports, entering new markets, and preparing proposals for negotiations on preferential trade agreements and free trade agreements with third countries.

Christophe Durand, an analyst with the Market Analysis and Research Section of the UNCTAD/WTO International Trade Center, said that Belarus should be more active in using the new opportunities and tools for accelerating the negotiations on its accession to the WTO.