Projects

Education and Capacity-Building

Accurate information and sound understanding are the only basis for informed advocacy. From its founding, IAS has been dedicated to improving understanding of the multilateral trading system, US trade policy, and the full range of factors that affect global competitiveness. To that end, we have undertaken a number of projects in the United States and abroad.

• IAS has published two print editions of Terms of Trade: The Language of International Trade Policy, Law, and Diplomacy. On April 1, 2008, the third edition will be avilable exclusively as an on-line subscription service. By this means, we will provide a continuously updated and improved reference tool to those who need concise, accurate and comprehensive definitions of the evolving language of international trade.

• IAS has taken the lead in developing the Coalition for a Prosperous America Issues Forum as a place where American producers -- farmers, ranchers, labor, and manufacturers -- can meet to learn about issues of common concern and to consider alternative solutions to problems. The Forum meets regularly in downtown Washington, DC. Its discussions are on-the-record, and all sessions are open to the public.

• Under a contract with USAID, IAS conducted an intensive, week-long seminar for 45 senior members of the Indonesian government on issues relating to multilateral trade negotiations. The seminar covered the structure and functioning of the GATT (now WTO), every issue area in the multilateral trade negotiations, and negotiating styles and strategies of major actors. This is believed to be the first overseas capacity-building program ever sponsored by the US government.