29 July 2011: The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Committee on Trade and Investment, which convened from 27-29 July 2011, in Bangkok, Thailand, highlighted the need for UN assistance to developing Asia-Pacific countries for them to realize the potential for trade and investment in low-carbon goods, technologies and services.

The meeting was attended by government representatives from over 30 Asia-Pacific countries, and focused on the need to remove bottlenecks to intraregional trade and investment, with special attention to least developed and landlocked developing countries. Recommendations also included: simplification of trade procedures through Single Window and Paperless trade; compliance with agricultural product standards; ensuring small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) a greater share in international trade; and promoting the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA).

Asia-Pacific countries agreed that trade and investment in low-carbon goods, services and technologies can help mitigate and adapt to climate change, but noted constraints faced by developing countries in engaging in this trade. Participants also underscored the role of governments in providing policy support, including a high quality regulatory framework to attract climate-friendly investment. [UN Press Release] [ESCAP Press Release, 27 July 2011] [ESCAP Press Release, 29 July 2011] [Climate Change Policy & Practice Story on the Release of “Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Report 2011: Post-crisis Trade and Investment Opportunities”]