Date: November 2020

By: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Coming against a backdrop of already fragile economic conditions, the Covid-19 pandemic has created disruptions on an unprecedented scale and uncovered the vulnerability of many already disadvantaged households and sectors. COVID-19 has spurred on a number of already visible trends, magnifying some obstacles to development, but has also opened up new opportunities for trade and development. 

The UNCTAD have been closely monitoring the effects of the global pandemic on trade and development. The report “Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Trade and Development – Transitioning to a new normal” is a product of this engagement. It synthesizes the substantive analysis and dialogue that UNCTAD has undertaken around these issues across our divisions and competencies. In this report, selected aspects of a “new normal” are discussed, as well as how COVID-19 may be a gamechanger for several persistent and emerging trade and development challenges in areas that UNCTAD has been examining in depth. To be better equipped to deal with the crisis and build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future, policy actions are also described that UNCTAD member States can take to support ongoing responses to COVID-19 and an eventual recovery from the pandemic.

The report (in English) is attached below:

• Report: Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Trade and Development – Transitioning to a new normal