7) From commodities revenues to real development benefits

Since 2002, there has been a price increase of almost 100% for a range of minerals linked to the economic emergence of countries such as China, India, Russia and Brazil. While this sector’s share in employment is low, its share in overall exports and its contribution to government budgets is important. The working group will focus on the question of how to ensure that future revenues are translated into real and sustainable development benefits and will study, inter alia:

• What are the key policy measures required to translate future commodity revenues into real development benefits for producing countries?
• What lessons can be drawn from existing experiences and initiatives?
• Is there a role for voluntary private sector approaches? For regional integration? For trade-related technical assistance?