The ITC and the Lahore School of Economics in WTO Chairs Programme

In November 2021, the ITC at the Lahore School of Economics was selected to join the prestigious WTO Chairs Programme, among seventeen other universities from Global South countries. Dr. Azam Amjad Chaudhry, co-Director of the ITC, Dean of Economics and Pro-Rector of the Lahore School of Economics, is the WTO Chair for Pakistan. As the only institution from Pakistan to be chosen, the ITC’s role as part of the WTO Chair Programme is to enhance knowledge and understanding of the international trading system among students, academics and policy-makers in Pakistan.

To elaborate, the objectives of WTO Chairs are threefold: First, to further the understanding of trade related issues (including trade theory, implications of restrictions on trade, the role of international bodies like the WTO, etc.) amongst students, the business community, policy makers and other stakeholders. Second, to conduct timely, relevant, and broadly inclusive research on trade related issues which is not only of the highest academic quality but is also relevant to stakeholders. Third, to disseminate the findings of its activities (both research and stakeholder consultations) to a broader audience through an effective dissemination campaign.