The Global Programme, in partnership with the International Institute for Trade and Development (IITD ) is launching a series of high-level seminars to explore new models of governance that respond effectively to the fast-flowing movement of goods, services, capital and knowledge.

The first event, for the Asia region brought together leaders and decision-makers in business, government and civil society: Ministers, CEO's and influential people in civil society and the media.

The seminar highlighted areas where better coordination between government, business and civil society could lead to a better integration of countries into the global economy. The issues covered included foreign direct investment; trade rules and the needs of productive sectors; competitiveness, policy networks and social efficiency; public-private partnerships; employment issues and use of the media.

The participants agreed that while coordination and cooperation were often beneficial, this was not always the case. Public-private partnerships, for example, were only successful in very specific circumstances where the private sector could bring efficiency gains. It was also agreed that in promoting foreign direct investment and competitiveness, governments need to focus on one or two sectors where labour skills can be augmented and where the development of business clusters and sub-contractors is encouraged, thereby promoting forward and backward linkages to the rest of the economy.

Participants also noted that poor communities' access to relevant economic information is a way to backstop the formation of disparities during the trade liberalization process.

At the same time, it was noted that many ministries with portfolios invested in human development, required better knowledge of the implications of international developments in the global economy and multilateral rules, in order to formulate policies or find development partners.

For more on this, please visit the meeting page.