The Programme comprises two phases. Phase I started in September 2003 and involved the assessment of the needs and priorities of the beneficiary countries in the areas of competition and consumer protection. During that Phase, the pressing needs of each potential beneficiary in the field of competition law and consumer protection policy were explored. In addition, it was found useful to determine the degree of commitment to the Programme on the part of the main stakeholders.
During phase I, UNCTAD also identified and clarified the status of technical assistance received by the beneficiary countries as a way to avoid duplication of international efforts to assist the countries and to build on prior and ongoing initiatives.
To that end, donors and regional and international development agencies attended two subregional seminars, one held in San José, Costa Rica (8-10 December, 2003), and the other in Lima, Peru (22-24 March 2004), as well as events held on the occasion of UNCTAD XI, and they are therefore aware of this Programme's activities. Throughout the process, countries in Latin America have come to appreciate UNCTAD’s steps to align technical assistance initiatives. Phase II will involved the implementation phase of the objectives and activities in these areas.
During Phase I of the Programme, reports were commissioned from Latin American experts on the situation of seven Latin American beneficiary countries. The UNCTAD secretariat produced two subregional reports. The experts had the opportunity to deliver their findings at the subregional seminars in San Jose and Lima. At both Seminars, the participation of the host beneficiary country was crucial to ensuring the success of the meetings.
Some time after, on the occasion of the UNCTAD XI Conference held in São Paulo, Brazil, two events were organised: the Preparatory Seminar on Competition, Competitiveness and Development: Lessons from Latin American and the Caribbean and other regions (10-12 June 2004); and the High-Level Dialogue on the Role of Competition, Competitiveness towards Development (14 June 2004). In parallel with the Preparatory Seminar, numerous bilateral meetings took place between potential beneficiaries, UNCTAD staff, COMCO and SECO officials. These meetings in São Paulo made it possible to consolidate and update the needs and priorities of the beneficiary countries on competition and consumer protection policies.
National Reports (available in Spanish only):