UNECE's trade programme is focussing on the following key areas of work over the 2008 to 2009 period, namely:

• Developing and maintaining effective international trade-related instruments, norms, standards and recommendations, in response to the needs of the global economy;



• Reducing barriers to trade in goods and services in all countries, and UNECE member States in particular, through greater implementation of international and UNECE norms, standards, instruments and recommendations, especially in trade facilitation;
  
  
• Facilitating trade policy development through the provision of an international platform for the exchange of views, particularly for the benefit of countries with economies in transition. Examples include trade security, European integration and sustainable development.