Work of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) on trade and development aims to help developing countries integrate effectively in the global economy and  generate sustainable, pro-poor growth, through improved market access and enhanced trade capacity.

DAC work focuses on: 

Monitoring & co-ordination: Monitoring the delivery of donor-funded (TRTA/CB) projects and programmes, as well as donor strategies for TRTA/CB (through the TCB Database and Survey);

Recommendations/Guidance: Sharing good practices in the implementation of TRTA/CB projects and programmes, amongst relevant stakeholders in OECD countries, donor field offices and developing country officials, business people and academia (see DAC Guidelines on Strengthening Trade Capacity for Development);

Impact assessment:  Collaborative work in assessing the impact of donors' TRTA/CB programmes (concrete outputs still need to be agreed upon).

Dialogue and advocacy: Facilitating dialogue between trade and development policy makers at the OECD and in developing countries, in order to encourage greater coherence between trade and development policies. 

NB: Trade-related technical assistance and capacity building programmes seek to enhance the ability of policymakers, enterprises and civil society in developing countries to:
1. Formulate and implement a trade development strategy incorporated in a broader national development or poverty reduction strategy.
2. Increase the volume and value-added of exports, diversify export products and markets and increase foreign investment to generate jobs and exports.
3. Participate in – and benefit from – the institutions and processes that shape international commerce (particularly the WTO).