GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
UNCTAD – the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development – gives developing and emerging economies a permanent forum to advance their trade and development interests within the multilateral system.
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Source: https://unctad.org
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UNCTAD – the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development – gives developing and emerging economies a permanent forum to advance their trade and development interests within the multilateral system. Established in 1964 as a standing organ of the UN General Assembly, it focuses on international trade, commodity policy, development finance, and trade facilitation. Freight forwarders, customs administrations, and trade ministries draw on UNCTAD research, guidelines, and technical assistance when drafting legislation, negotiating agreements, or benchmarking port and customs performance. Unlike the WTO, UNCTAD has no rule-making authority; its influence rests on analysis, capacity-building, and fostering consensus between industrialised and developing nations.
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