The UfM engages international actors to tackle trade and investment policies

• The UfM undertakes a first landmark step towards engaging policymakers from the UfM Member States in the formulation of multilateral trade and investment policies, leveraging the expertise of international trade and investment organisations.
• The study visit will pave the way for enhanced collaboration between UfM Member States and international trade institutions, aiming at greater regional economic integration and sustainable investment strategies to enhance competitiveness and trade resilience.

 Geneva, 25-27 February 2025. The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) successfully concluded its Study Visit on International Trade and Investment Policy held from February 25 to 27, 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. Organized in partnership with the World Trade Organization (WTO), the UN TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT (UNCTAD), and the International Trade Centre (ITC), the study visit brought together policymakers to engage in high-level discussions on key trade and investment policies.

The study visit aimed to familiarize participants with the latest trade and investment policies, multilateral frameworks, and global trends impacting economic growth and sustainability, the study visit addressed key themes that ranged from investment facilitation and trade digitalization to sustainability and inclusive trade policies, aligning with the UfM’s commitment to fostering economic integration in the Mediterranean region.

Throughout the three-day visit, participants engaged in insightful discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions, covering key topics including International Investment Agreements (IIAs) and Investment Facilitation, Trade in Services and Digital Trade, Sustainable and Inclusive Trade Policies, and Regional Economic Integration and E-Commerce. Expert-led presentations, focus group discussions, and case studies provided practical insights into policy formulation and implementation.

The event reinforced the importance of multilateral trade cooperation in addressing global economic challenges. Participants welcomed ongoing WTO initiatives, including Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD), which has gained significant traction among WTO members. Discussions also emphasized the need for greater regional economic integration and sustainable investment strategies to enhance competitiveness and trade resilience.

As a key outcome, the UfM will integrate the insights and recommendations gathered during the visit into its future trade and investment initiatives. The study visit is expected to pave the way for enhanced collaboration between UfM Member States and international trade institutions.

The UfM remains committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable trade policies. Building on the success of this study visit, the UfM will continue to facilitate dialogue and capacity-building programs to support regional economic growth and integration.

The outcome document is available here: UfM Study Visit on International Trade and Investment Policy