The impact of free trade agreements is being felt by countries outside them. Large regions and the main developing countries’ trading partners are negotiating mega-regional agreements such as the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

These agreements are being negotiated in parallel to the multilateral negotiations that will lead to the upcoming World Trade Organization (WTO) Nairobi Ministerial Meeting. Are mega-regional agreements an opportunity or hindrance for developing countries?

This event will explore how mega-regionals affect Least Developed Countries' (LDC) trade with their main partners; and whether these agreements are weakening the ability to conclude a multilateral agreement through the constitution of an alternative integration opportunity for many countries, including LDCs.