Prosperity, employment and future viability depend largely on how national economic policy is aligned and on integration into global markets.
Economic policy and trade policy are key to sustainable structural change. We support partner countries in implementing sustainable economic strategies, strengthening trade relations – including with Germany and Europe – and facilitating inclusive, climate-friendly growth.
Economic development and trade
How can we ensure that economic development is socially just and environmentally responsible? We advise governments on reforms, enhance their competitiveness and promote sustainable market integration.
Our skills and expertise
Developing economic strategies
We advise on national development plans and green industrial strategies – for sustainable, digital and competitive economic activities.
Shaping trade policy
We strengthen negotiating capacity, promote export opportunities and support integration into global markets.
Improving framework conditions
We advise on the investment climate, competition policy and regulatory reforms – for greater transparency and efficiency.
Building resilience
We support countries in protecting themselves against economic shocks – from financial crises to climate impacts.
Why sustainable economic policy is key
Economic policy challenges are multifaceted: in many countries, poverty reduction remains crucial. At the same time, digitalisation, resilience to crises and the development of green industries are becoming more and more important. The focus is also on diversifying economic structures and on equal opportunities and strengthening the middle class – especially in the context of displacement and migration
Our advisory services address these challenges in a number of ways:
How we promote cooperation together
The central question is always: How can economic cooperation contribute to socially just and environmentally responsible development and support shared prosperity in partner countries and in Germany? We promote approaches for a socially just transition to a green economy – from sustainable business models to innovation-friendly framework conditions.
Our advisory services are provided at the regional, national, international and supranational level – with governments, central banks, international organisations like the IMF and the WTO, and supranational institutions such as the European Commission. We focus on ensuring that economic policy is transparent, rule-based, evidence-based and participatory by promoting public-private dialogue, private-sector engagement and civil-society involvement.
Why trade is a key factor for economic development
International trade makes a significant contribution to economic development and poverty reduction. Integration into global markets gives countries access to new sales opportunities, technologies and inputs – which boosts productivity, growth and employment.
However, this requires transparent, reliable and pro-development trade rules. Regional and global trade agreements can create opportunities for shared prosperity while minimising negative impacts on local markets and population groups.
Aid for Trade’ – strengthening trade capacity
As part of the WTO initiative ‘Aid for Trade’, industrialised countries like Germany support their partners in developing trade policy capacities, improving infrastructure and adjusting to trade liberalisation.
Our focus:
- Strengthening negotiating capacity in international trade negotiations
- Expert advice, training and impact assessments
Boosting capacities to meet the requirements of trade agreements and thus capitalise on economic opportunities
Becoming competitive – remaining integrated in the long-term
We support countries in strengthening their competitiveness: by diversifying their export portfolios, removing trade barriers and ensuring they can meet technical, social and environmental standards. These factors are crucial for market access and sustainable integration into global supply chains.
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1.Trade promotion and facilitation
- Export promotion
- Trade facilitation
- Digital trade and e-commerce
- Trade-related infrastructure
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2.Competitive and sustainable supply chains
- Quality infrastructure
- Competitiveness
- Due diligence (social and environmental standards)
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3.Trade policy and rule-based trade
- Trade agreements
- WTO policies and rules
- Framework conditions for investments
This project focuses on the following GIZ work priorities: