The World Trade Organization (WTO) on 28 May 2014 announced that seven universities – from Benin, Brazil, Indonesia, Oman, South Africa, Tunisia and Turkey – had been added to its Chairs Programme (WCP).
The WCP was originally launched in 2010 as a pilot capacity-building project which aims to enhance knowledge and understanding of the multilateral trading system among academics and students in developing countries through teaching, research and outreach activities in research institutions.
According to the WTO, for the second phase of the programme the number of participating institutions will be expanded to 21. This phase will run until 30 May 2018 and will be funded with support from The Netherlands.
The new Chairs selected will expand the current network of the 14 existing Chairs. The WTO Secretariat will continue to work with current Chairs who will benefit from scientific and trade-related technical assistance support. Of the seven selected institutions, one is South African - The North-West University (NWU), which is represented by Professor Wilma Viviers.
The WCP is implemented through partnership agreements between the WTO Secretariat and the selected institutions. The WTO provides financial, scientific and technical support to its partners in three interdependent pillars - research, curriculum development and outreach activities - for a period of up to four years maximum.
The WCP will assist national academic institutions in providing students with a deeper understanding of trade policy issues. Through analytical input into the formulation and implementation of trade policy, the WCP will help strengthen the participation of the beneficiary countries in international trade.