Global trade and climate governance are undergoing profound shifts, reshaping how countries, particularly developing economies, compete, grow, and integrate into regional and global value chains. Many developing countries continue to rely on energy- and resource-intensive production systems and institutions that are adapting unevenly to emerging environmental standards. Rising verification and compliance requirements for embedded emissions have direct implications for competitiveness, jobs, and trade resilience.

This session will explore how coherent green trade and industrial policies can help developing countries enhance competitiveness while meeting global net-zero commitments. Participants will examine options for interoperable standards, credible assurance systems, transparent value chains, and investment signals that support low-emission production, alongside policy sequencing that reduces compliance burdens and mitigates risks such as carbon leakage and clean-investment relocation.

Using the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as a reference, the discussion will highlight how regional trade agreements can support decarbonization and sustainable industrial transformation. Drawing on insights from global platforms, regional institutes, and practitioners, the session will identify enabling conditions, partnerships, and policy pathways that position developing economies for inclusive, long-term prosperity while advancing environmental and trade objectives.