On 6 November 2009, UNDP and IDEAS Centre successfully co-hosted a roundtable discussion at the occasion of the launch of the study “the Impact of the Doha Round on Kenya” edited by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and UNDP. Attendance has overreached expectations with representatives from permanent missions, international organizations, NGO and journalists. After the presentation of the key findings by the main author Mr. Eduardo Zepeda, the two discussants Ms. Lisa Borgatti (UNCTAD) and Mr. Nicolas Imboden (IDEAS Centre) broadened the topic by showing the lessons that can be learnt for Developing Countries and in particular for Africa before giving the floor to the audience for an open discussion that turned into an exciting and useful debate.

Among many interesting conclusions, this report showed that, although the general impact of a Doha Round is relatively limited on Kenya’s economy, the WTO remains an excellent instrument to push for reforms domestically. This study was launched at a timely moment – a few weeks before the WTO ministerial meeting – and allows grasping the potential effects of a deal that could inspire policy makers. For the full report click here.