Sudan

<p>In 2016, the establishment of the Arab Countries Trade and Investment Organisations Network (ACTION) under the AfTIAS programme marked a pivotal step towards fostering Arab regional integration. ACTION emerged from the collective ambition of Arab nations to enhance their trade and investment landscape, driven by a mutual commitment to prosperity and interconnectedness within the region.</p><p>Following its formation, ACTION initiated its journey with a key meeting in Dubai. This event was crucial in defining the network&rsquo;s structure and operational guidelines, effectively transforming ACTION from a concept to a functioning entity.</p><p>In 2018, a significant gathering took place in Paris, offering a valuable chance for reflection, reassessment, and revitalization of the network&rsquo;s strategies and direction.</p><p>ACTION stands at a crossroads, poised to redefine its trajectory in an ever-changing global landscape. The Abu Dhabi workshop is not merely a gathering; it is a clarion call for strategic introspection and visionary planning.</p><p>The focus will be on conducting a comprehensive reassessment of the network&rsquo;s current state, identifying areas ripe for innovation and improvement. This exercise is crucial in charting a course that not only addresses the immediate needs of the region but also positions ACTION as a leader in the global trade arena.</p><p>Furthermore, the workshop will emphasize the strengthening of bonds between member TIPOs. In a world where economic fortunes are increasingly intertwined, fostering unity and cohesion within the network is paramount. This reinforced solidarity will be the cornerstone of more effective and impactful regional trade initiatives.</p><p>A significant deliverable of this workshop will be the development of a future roadmap. This roadmap will not just be a strategic document; it will be a manifesto of ACTION&apos;s aspirations and commitments for the coming years. It will outline specific goals, milestones, and initiatives that will propel the network towards new heights of success and influence.</p>

<p>This project seeks to increase the awareness and understanding of the Sudan public sector on WTO Accession. The project will create a number of resources (online and physical) in order that when the context in Sudan improves, these can be used by officials to help to re-launch the accession process.</p>

<p>In view of the challenges to the trade of agricultural products in the NENA region, ITC will provide support<strong>&nbsp;to enhance intra-regional trade in selected agricultural value chains by removing obstacles to export, transit and import.</strong></p><p>The main objectives of this initiative are:</p><ul><li>To improve the livelihood of small-scale producers by unleashing new business opportunities through exports to regional markets</li><li>To reduce the cost of agricultural products for populations in NENA countries that are dependent on imports.</li></ul>

<p>This project seeks to increase the awareness and understanding of the Sudan private sector on WTO Accession. The project will reach out to various private sector stakeholders to inform and enhance their understanding of WTO Accession and provide complementary support in view of the challenging context.</p>

<p>The Project aims to achieve its objectives by:</p><ul><li>providing technical assistance for the WTO mission in Geneva</li><li>supporting the establishment of functional SPS/TBT enquiry points</li><li>contributing to the establishment of a WTO Centre for Research</li><li>building capacity to conduct trade liberalisation reforms and undertake negotiations</li></ul>

<p>The World Trade Organisation (WTO) helps acceding governments in achieving greater stability for business operations through policy transparency requirements and constraints on members&rsquo; freedom to introduce trade barriers. The improved business environment through enhanced governance practices enables, in the long run, to mitigate economic and social crisis in the country that lead to humanitarian crisis by addressing its root causes.</p><p>Sudan is making genuine efforts to re-launch its bid for membership of the WTO and is politically engaged in the accession process. The appointment of Mr. Ryosuke Kuwana, Deputy Permanent Representative at the Permanent Mission of Japan to the WTO, as Chairperson of the Working Party on the Accession of Sudan will create the necessary momentum for Sudan&rsquo;s accession to the WTO.</p><p>Through this project funded by the Government of Japan, the ITC will support Sudan in completing the remaining steps towards full WTO membership.</p><p><br></p>

<p>The overall objective of the proposed project is to attract investment and promote trade and sustainable industrial and business development at continental level, concretely supporting the AfCFTA Secretariat and the African Union and delivering on the Africa-EU partnership for sustainable growth and jobs.&nbsp;</p><p>The project contributes to this objective by</p><ul><li>identifying trade and investment opportunities along regional value chains with potential at continental scale in Africa, including potential for investment by EU economic operators;</li><li>Strengthening the EU-Africa dialogue on trade and economic integration, informing high-level events such as the upcoming AU-EU Summit and European- African Business Forum (EABF)</li><li>identifying pilot/selected continental value chains that could be targeted for support in the EU 2021-27 aid programming exercise.</li></ul><p>It supports the implementation of the AfCFTA and ITC&apos;s One Trade Africa Initiative.</p>