Regional Programme for LAC


Improving dialogue and cooperation with the authorities and representatives of the LAC countries is among UNIDO Director-General's highest priorities.

The Expert Group Meetings (EGM) are constituted by high-level national authorities and experts, UN representatives and researchers. The organization of these events aims at providing UNIDO expertise and information on specific themes to stakeholders involved in the development of project opportunities in order to define strategic and priority areas for the region. 

The first EGM took place in November 2006 at the UNIDO Headquarter in Vienna, Austria. It was the first forum organized by UNIDO at regional level for LAC countries, where high-level representatives came together to discuss the future of technical cooperation in the region.

The second EGM was organized in Vienna from 28 to 30 November 2007. One of the main achievements of this event was the approval of a Regional Programme for LAC countries, which defines several technical cooperation areas of interest for the 19 LAC participating countries and backs the support mechanisms defined for achieving sustainable development in the region. During this event most participants agreed to organize further EGMs in the region focused on thematic areas and technical issues related to sustainable industrial development. Nevertheless, the organization of other EGMs for drafting strategic development plans at the UNIDO Headquarter is not excluded.

During UNIDO GC.13, a resolution was adopted (GC.13/Res.2), in which GRULAC requested UNIDO to organize and hold the 3rd LAC Regional Expert Group Meeting (3rd LAC EGM). The present proposal aims at strengthening the local agro-industrial value-chains and to articulate the national stakeholders of this sector. For achieving this objective, an innovative way of cooperation between the LAC countries and UNIDO has been defined with a view to making the most of: i) available UNIDO resources for the region; and ii) the own resources of LAC countries for strengthening their productive sectors. The 3rd EGM will be held in Costa Rica, 1 - 2 February 2011.

LAC countries have prioritized the following thematic areas developed by UNIDO:

  • Industrial innovation and competitiveness, and foreign trade
  • Promotion of investments, innovation and technology
  • Cleaner Production
  • Productive/ value chains
  • Technology foresight
  • Business alliances
  • Services for promotion and adaptation of international standards