TrainForTrade

Leapfrogging skills development in e-commerce in South-East Asia in the Framework of the 2030 Development Agenda (2018-2021)

Digital Identity, Best Practices, Results, Webinars, Case studies Videos…

https://tft.unctad.org/projects/trainfortrade-project-in-south-east-asia/

Between 2003 and 2011, the TrainForTrade programme helped strengthen the international trade capacities of Cambodia and Laos. The project consisted of delivering customized training on a wide range of trade-related themes to local officials, private sector representatives and academics. Among the training modules was a course on the Legal Aspects of Electronic Commerce, as well as courses on Sustainable Tourism and Investment Promotion.

To ensure the programme had the widest possible impact, many courses were translated into the local language (Khmer and Lao). Participants were then educated to be trainers and co-trainers in order to continue developing local knowledge, while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the programme.

Eight countries in West Africa were the focus of the TrainForTrade programme between 2012 and 2015. During this period, the project helped strengthen local e-commerce capacities by assessing each country’s individual needs and providing relevant training.

The two main components of the training focused on helping lawmakers and government officials understand the key aspect of e-commerce legislation; and promoting e-commerce as a means of improving business environments, supporting investment and facilitating start-ups

By using a blended learning approach (a mix of e-learning and face-to-face sessions), the programme reached a larger number of people on a smaller budget. E-learning allowed training to continue during difficult circumstances, including coup d’Etat and outbreaks like Ebola that disrupted economics in the region.

From 2008, the TrainForTrade programme helped strengthen trade-related human resources and institutional capacities in Latin America and the Caribbean. Over 1200 participants were trained in a variety of subjects, including the Legal Aspects of Electronic Commerce. The project helped support institutional frameworks for trade-related issues at both a national and international level. Its long-term success was ensured by providing local people with the skills to continue the training.

In many developing countries, handheld devices are more accessible than PCs. This means one of the most efficient way to train locals is by providing e-learning that is compatible with cell phones, smartphones and tablets. For this reason, the TrainForTrade programme has developed a range of distance learning tools for mobile devices. Participants can thus learn about e-commerce topics when and where they like, while being able to exchange with trainers all over the world.