Doha roundtable forges LDC partnerships on trade and investment

A high-level roundtable in Doha has produced commitments to translate trade rules into tangible development results for Least Developed Countries through investment and stronger productive capacities. The event, held as part of the 2026 World Investment Forum, will directly shape the upcoming Midterm Review of the Doha Programme of Action in 2027.

WTO Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill highlighted the organization's role in helping LDCs turn multilateral trade commitments into concrete results. She called for predictable, results-oriented partnerships backed by investment and stronger production capabilities so businesses can connect with regional and global markets. Participants emphasized the need for affordable financing that responds to LDCs' needs without increasing debt vulnerabilities. They also called for predictable, multi-year commitments to support long-term development objectives and sustainable graduation from LDC status.

Qatar and UN agencies co-organize LDC-focused partnership forum

The event was co-organized by the Qatar Fund for Development and the Enhanced Integrated Framework, in collaboration with the UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States. UN Trade and Development also supported the gathering. The roundtable's theme was Partnerships, Investment and Trade: Advancing Sustainable Development and Prosperity in LDCs.

QFFD Director-General Fahad Hamad Al Sulaiti reaffirmed that supporting LDCs remains a longstanding priority of Qatar's international development cooperation. He stated that partnerships and innovative development finance are committed to advancing the Doha Programme of Action. Qatar's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Hend bint Abdulrahman Al Muftah, moderated the discussions. She noted the Doha Programme of Action was launched in Doha and said the roundtable was a step towards turning its commitments into practical action ahead of a progress assessment in March.

LDC representatives demand finance that fits realities and avoids debt risks

Participants called for affordable financing suited to LDCs' circumstances, stressing that development support should avoid increasing debt vulnerabilities. Predictable commitments covering several years were identified as essential for long-term investment, economic resilience and sustainable graduation from LDC status.

The Gambia's Permanent Representative to Geneva and WTO LDC Coordinator, Muhammadou M.O. Kah, asserted that LDCs are asking for finance that fits their realities. He urged partners to deliver announced commitments and build partnerships that leave more economic value within recipient countries. Discussions highlighted skills development, technology transfer and greater domestic value addition as priorities for helping LDC economies benefit more fully from trade and investment.

WTO and development partners link trade rules to jobs and market access

WTO Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill stated that trade agreements deliver value when they translate into employment and economic opportunities for people. She highlighted the WTO's work through the Enhanced Integrated Framework, which helps LDCs turn multilateral trade commitments into practical results.

EIF Executive Director Aissatou Diallo said the EIF exists to turn multilateral trade agreements into results that bring prosperity to people in LDCs. She thanked Qatar for its leadership and invited partners to work with the EIF Executive Secretariat ahead of the review. Discussions emphasized partnerships promoting skills development, technology transfer, value addition, inclusion of women and young people, and transparency in reporting results. Participants stressed that partnerships should reflect national priorities.

The Prime Minister of Lesotho, Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, delivered a keynote address. Ministers from several LDCs participated, including representatives from Somalia, Niger, Zanzibar in Tanzania, Madagascar, Djibouti, the Comoros and Uganda. Contributions were also made by Djibouti's WTO Ambassador and EIF Executive Board Chair Kadra Ahmed Hassan.

The outcomes of the roundtable will feed into preparations for the Midterm Review of the Doha Programme of Action for LDCs, scheduled for 25-27 March 2027 in Doha.