Conclusion and policy recommendations

This module has examined the trade and gender nexus in the least developed countries by applying the concepts covered in Volume 1 of UNCTAD’s Teaching Manual on Trade and Gender (UNCTAD, 2014a). It looked at the situation in 47 LDCs from different geographical regions and with different structural characteristics. LDCs face common development challenges such as persistent poverty, deficient infrastructure, limited productive capacity, and an unskilled labour force. Commodity dependence is a major issue shared by many LDCs, especially in Africa. Moreover, structural transformation and integration into the global economy are quite limited in most LDCs despite many years of dutyfree, quota-free access to international markets and aid commitments by developed countries.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Gender Equality

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Reduced Inequalities