Trade Hot Topics Issue#70: Inclusiveness of Trade Policy-Making - Challenges and Possible Responses for Better Stakeholder Participation

The remit of modern day trade policy is no more limited to the so-called ‘border measures’. Also included in the purview of international trade agreements that provide the boundaries and framework for national policies in developing countries are issues related to national industrial, science and technology, investment, competition, education, health, and a host of other policies. And their impact can be felt by diverse stakeholder groups such as businesses, consumers, farmers, industrialists, innovators, labour, and women. Hence the need for multi-stakeholder consultations and inclusive trade policy-making and implementation processes. Inclusive trade policy-making processes can significantly contribute to the empowering of people and persuade governments to develop and implement policies that use trade as a means to pursue economic equity and social justice.