New and Free e-learning course on “Resolving Agricultural Trade Issues in the CIS Region” - Call for application

24 April 2015, Geneva, Switzerland – UNITAR and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) are pleased to announce that registration is now open for the new joint e-Learning course on “Resolving Agricultural Trade Issues through International and Regional Trade-related Agreements in the CIS Region”. The online course will be held from 1 to 26 June 2015 in Russian language only.

The course aims to equip participants with a better understanding of the rules and procedures to address and resolve trade issues for agri-food products under the various trade and trade-related agreements for CIS countries.

As the countries in the post-Soviet region become increasingly more engaged in international trade through membership in the WTO or other trade agreements, proper implementation of trade rules turn out to be vitally important in ensuring transparency and predictability of trade flows.

When disagreements in the application of trade rules arise, governments have several options at their disposal, including bilateral discussions and consultations with their trading partners. Understanding the rules and procedures of the different mediation and dispute settlement tools available under the various trade agreements in the region is an important step to enhance stability and predictability of international trade. Taking advantage of the breadth of mechanisms available requires obtaining relevant information and analysis, a strong teamwork across government agencies to design a course of action that would quickly resolve trade issues and an open dialogue between the trading partners involved.

This online course is designed to provide practical guidelines to the abovementioned problems to ensure proper application of the trade rules affecting imports and exports of agricultural and food products.

The intended participants are representatives from Ministries of Agriculture, Ministries of Economy and Trade, sanitary and phytosanitary authorities as well as other authorities directly involved in addressing and resolving trade concerns related to agriculture in the CIS countries. Private sector participants and researchers with interest in agricultural trade are also encouraged to apply.

The course is offered free of charge, however, the number of participants is limited and subject to selection process by FAO.

The course will be mentored by international experts and practitioners who have a wealth of practical experience. Successful participants will receive a joint UNITAR-FAO Certificate of Completion.

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