Trade, debt and finance

In 2010 the Working Group on Trade, Debt and Finance continued to focus on shortages of trade finance resulting from the recent financial crisis. The Working Group improved members’ understanding of the causes and location of the shortfalls, discussed national plans aimed at boosting the availability of trade credit and guarantees, and acted as a forum for discussion of – and providing support to – WTO Secretariat initiatives. In particular, it provided a forum for interaction between WTO members and the Expert Group on Trade Finance convened by the Director-General.