Online course on trade negotiation techniques

Theory and practice

The online course on trade negotiation techniques: Theory and practice, which is the third one in UNCTAD’s trade policy e-learning series, is a self-paced, easy to follow course. It is developed to address the need for building negotiation capacities of trade officials in developing countries; but is open to officials involved in trade negotiations in all countries, including developed ones to create a common understanding of the challenges faced in negotiation processes by officials of both developing and developed countries.

The course is based on the Practical Guide on Skills and Techniques for Trade Negotiators prepared by Dr. Craig VanGrasstek, the course instructor. This guide will be made available on the course platform to enrolled participants. The guide and the course modules aim to offer guidance on the conduct of trade negotiations with the expectation that the typical course participant will be a diplomat or other policymaker in a developing country who has been tasked with representing the country in multilateral trade negotiations at the WTO or participating in a trade negotiation for a free trade agreement with a single trade partner.

Objectives

The course aims to enhance and strengthen the negotiation capacity of trade officials in a way that best fits to achieving their country’s sustainable development goals. After completing this course, participants will have acquired the necessary techniques and skills required for trade negotiations.

Methodology

The course consists of five modules, with pre-recorded videos prepared by the instructor. Participants are expected to follow the modules at their rhythm, ideally one module per week. At the end of each module, participants need to pass a quiz to be able to move on to the following module. The course includes two webinars, in February and March 2025, where participants can engage in an interactive discussion with Dr. Craig VanGrasstek, the principal course instructor, as well as trade experts from UNCTAD and other international organizations.