Press Release

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Geneva, 11 April 2005 - AITIC, the Geneva-based Agency for International Trade Information and Cooperation, in an informal workshop organized in cooperation with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) on 7 April, launched the Russian-language version of its Glossary of Commonly Used International Trade Terminology with Particular Reference to the WTO (a reference guide to trade terms commonly used in trade negotiations and texts). The workshop provided an opportunity to discuss issues of interest to transition economies, including those recently acceded to the WTO.

“It is important that countries in transition be supported in their efforts to consolidate and advocate their positions in the WTO negotiations, and the UNECE and other international organizations can play a major role in this area” said H.E Dumitru Croitor, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova, who was the first speaker at the Workshop.

AITIC prepared the Glossary as a response to requests from countries in transition, where the Russian language is widely used in trade operations. A large number of emerging market economies, together with representatives of international agencies and organizations warmly welcomed the AITIC initiative. They pointed to the value of the Glossary for facilitating not only international trade negotiations but also domestic dialogue with the private sector. The importance of the Glossary for the translation of trade-related texts and training material was also highlighted.

They also took the opportunity to informally discuss issues that countries in transition face in the multilateral trade negotiations. The discussion touched upon the necessity to involve the business community and civil society in countries in transition in trade-policy debates on both a national and international level. The AITIC Glossary was welcomed as a useful tool for supporting these discussions.

For more information, please contact:

Carol Cosgrove-Sacks Director Trade Development and Timber Division United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Palais des Nations CH – 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland Phone: +41 (0) 22 917 2660 Fax: +41 (0) 22 917 0479 E-mail: [email protected]

Esperanza Durán Executive Director Agency for International Trade Information and Cooperation (AITIC) 9, rue de Varembé - Case postale 156 CH – 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland Phone: +41 (0) 22 910 3150 Fax: +41 (0) 22 910 3151 E-mail: [email protected]

 

Ref: ECE/TRADE/05/P03