The participation of least-developed countries (LDCs) in agricultural supply chains was the central theme of an experience-sharing session held on March 27, 2025, under the auspices of the WTO Sub-Committee on LDCs. The event provided a platform for WTO members, development partners, and LDC representatives to exchange knowledge, share initiatives, and highlight best practices aimed at enhancing agricultural trade within these nations.
A meeting of the Sub-Committee on LDCs, also held on the same day, addressed trade trends in LDCs and the ongoing discussions regarding LDC graduation. In line with this, the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI) presented its work in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Guinea, and Senegal, emphasizing efforts to strengthen the agricultural export capacity of LDCs. The Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) also shared its support initiatives, noting that nearly 60% of its resources are directed toward LDCs. These activities have contributed to improving product quality, reducing chemical and fertilizer use, and promoting better post-harvest practices.
Speakers discussed several pressing challenges faced by LDCs in building their sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) capacities. These include the evolving regulatory environment, informal trade, and the impacts of climate change. To address agricultural export inefficiencies, multi-stakeholder collaboration was identified as a critical element for success, involving not only government authorities but also the private sector and academic institutions. The importance of market intelligence, skills transfer, innovation, and South-South cooperation were highlighted as key drivers of agricultural trade competitiveness. Additionally, digitalization and regional integration were identified as significant opportunities for LDCs to expand market access.
Small-scale farmers in LDCs, particularly women, face substantial challenges, such as the high costs associated with certification, laboratory testing, and regulatory compliance. Gender-related barriers, including limited access to land, financial resources, and export opportunities, exacerbate these difficulties. Specific value chains, such as the dried mango sector in Burkina Faso and the peppercorn industry in Lao PDR, face additional hurdles, including high tariffs, complex SPS requirements, limited awareness of best practices, and inadequate infrastructure.
Despite these challenges, innovative solutions are emerging. In Lao PDR, for instance, a collaborative certification process involving multiple stakeholders has been developed to ensure the quality of organic foods and facilitate knowledge sharing. Such initiatives demonstrate the potential of partnerships in strengthening the agricultural sector and driving economic diversification in LDCs.
During the Sub-Committee meeting, the International Trade Centre introduced its Global Trade Helpdesk, providing valuable tools for improving trade knowledge and access. The WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism also presented its monitoring, evaluation, and learning framework. Ambassador Ib Petersen of Denmark, Chair of the Sub-Committee, provided an update on the progress of LDC graduation discussions, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to enhance LDCs’ participation in global trade.
The WTO Secretariat reported that the share of LDCs in the global trade of goods and services has nearly doubled over the past three decades, from 0.59% in 1995 to 1.17% in 2023. However, most LDCs remain heavily reliant on a narrow range of products. Ambassador Petersen reiterated that further efforts are required to ensure LDCs can capitalize on emerging trade opportunities.
The meeting also included discussions on a new communication aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Guidelines for the Accession of LDCs and its Addendum, submitted by Djibouti on behalf of the LDC Group and India.
Currently, there are 44 LDCs, with 37 of them being WTO members. Four countries—Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan—are in the process of joining the WTO.
