Opening the programme on 1 July, WTO Chief Economist Ralph Ossa highlighted the growing importance of GVCs in international trade in goods and services. He stressed that integration into GVCs and upgrading of activities along supply chains have become essential objectives for the investment, industrial and trade policies of developing economies. Policymakers therefore need access to comprehensive data in order to monitor changes in trade patterns and supply chain flows, particularly during crises.

The course examined the core concepts and policy implications of trade in value added indicators and explored various methodologies for assessing the impact of GVCs on trade. The programme featured knowledge and experience sharing, hands-on practice, roundtable discussions, and live demonstrations.

After completing the training, Uroos Afshan from Pakistan described the course as "an eye-opener," highlighting the insight it provided into the complex dynamics of GVCs and their vital role in modern trade. She expressed eagerness to explore the integration of her new know-how into policy and strategic initiatives in Pakistan.

Another participant, Souleymane Loum Thiam from Senegal, said: "The knowledge gained from this course will be extremely useful in my role in monitoring trade issues related to regional integration, especially with the advent of the African Continental Free Trade Area. It will enable me to deepen my analysis of intra-African trade by highlighting Senegal's connection to global and regional value chains, as well as the benefits for Senegal from its participation in intra-African trade."