GEN26-7

The investment and trade policies are key to promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth; however, significant challenges remain due to geopolitical tensions, structural inequalities, environmental issues, new technologies, and shifts in global economic dynamics. The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) region faces imbalanced trade flows, and some sub-regions struggle to attract consistent investments. During the 11th UfM Trade Ministerial Conference, trade ministers reiterated their commitment to multilateral efforts supporting the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and welcomed initiatives like the "Investment Facilitation for Development" by the World Trade Organization (WTO), backed by over 120 members.
In response to regional challenges, the UfM Secretariat collaborates with the WTO, UNCTAD, and the International Trade Centre (ITC) to host a study visit for stakeholders from the MENA region and the Balkans in June 2026 in Geneva. The purpose is to familiarize participants with the trade ecosystem, relevant programs, and explore synergies. The three-day visit will reflect on implications for Euro-Mediterranean trade and investment policies, covering topics such as trade finance, green trade, inclusiveness in trade, international investment agreements, and digitalization. Various interactive formats will be used to enhance the learning experience, with insights gained to shape future UfM initiatives. The WTO will cover part of the programme and will provide participants on an overview of topical themes of the Multilateral Trading System including the discussions and outcomes of MC14 and the road ahead as well as some specific topics of particular interest for the region including Agriculture, Trade and Environment, Investment and Digital Trade. The Ufm was responsible of selection of the participants. Participants hail from countries in both CEECAC and AMEC TA regions.