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Strategy for graduation with momentum: Bridging pre-graduation and post-graduation development processes in the least developed countries - Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµCTAD Policy Brief No. 99

Document Summary: 
The development path followed by a country prior to graduation from the least developed country category has significant implications with regard to the challenges to be faced after graduation. The current conceptualization of a smooth transition strategy primarily aims to create a short-term post-graduation ¡°soft landing¡± and ease concerns with regard to preparation for engaging in economic relations as a non-least developed country. Therefore, the concept currently does not have a focus on preparing countries for graduation with momentum. Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµCTAD has maintained that the post-graduation success of a country significantly depends on the foundations built prior to graduation. Graduating countries need a new strategy, one that prepares them for the challenges ahead by linking the graduation process with the development of productive capacities and sustainable development. Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµCTAD has proposed an alternative policy framework to help refocus the objectives and strategic direction of graduation strategies, as well as a new time frame for implementation. Key points: The least developed countries may alter graduation time frames due to concerns with regard to no longer having access to international support measures; such concerns are symptomatic of underdeveloped productive capacities. The current smooth transition strategy is primarily focused on the post-graduation development trajectories of countries, rather than on identifying and correcting development challenges prior to graduation. Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµCTAD proposes a new strategy and time frame centred on building productive capacities and achieving structural transformation prior to graduation, so that countries can graduate with momentum.
Author: 
Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµCTAD
Publication Date: 
2022