High-level talks in Doha spotlight trade and investment opportunities for LDCs
A high-level roundtable held in Doha, Qatar, on 26 October brought together representatives of least-developed countries (LDCs), international organizations and development partners to discuss how trade, investment and development cooperation can support sustainable development…
Held as part of the 2026 World Investment Forum, the roundtable, entitled "Partnerships, Investment and Trade: Advancing Sustainable Development and Prosperity in LDCs", was co-organized by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), in collaboration with the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), with support from UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
DDG Hill highlighted the WTO's role in helping LDCs translate trade rules into concrete results, including through the EIF. She called for predictable, results-oriented partnerships supported by investment and stronger productive capacities to help connect LDC businesses to regional and global markets.
"Trade agreements matter when they change lives. The EIF helps least-developed countries turn what is agreed in Geneva into jobs and opportunity on the ground, and Doha is the right place to show those results in March," DDG Hill said.
Discussions focused on the role of trade and investment in strengthening economic resilience, creating jobs and supporting sustainable graduation from LDC status. Participants highlighted the importance of affordable financing that responds to LDCs' needs without increasing debt vulnerabilities, alongside predictable, multi-year commitments to support long-term development objectives.
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