联合国贸发会议-2020年最不发达国家报告（英文）-2020.12-196页_13mb

Summary of the Least Developed Countries Report 2020: Productive Capacities for the New Decade

Core Content

The Least Developed Countries Report 2020 focuses on the importance of productive capacities for the sustainable development and structural transformation of LDCs, especially in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The report underscores the need for public investment and international solidarity to support LDCs in overcoming economic vulnerabilities and building resilience.

Main Viewpoints

• Impact of the Pandemic on LDCs:
  The prolonged COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated the weak economic base of LDCs and reconfigured global value chains, further disadvantaging them. LDCs are experiencing a severe economic downturn, the worst in 30 years, with their standards of living and poverty rates declining.

• Need for Meso-Level Policy Support:
  The report emphasizes the importance of comprehensive support for meso-level policies that promote productive capacities. These policies are essential to address structural constraints and enhance resilience against future shocks.

• Multilateral Approach Required:
  Tackling the acute development challenges faced by LDCs is a multilateral issue, requiring a coordinated international response. Developed countries are urged to recognize this and provide greater solidarity and support.

• Productive Capacities Index (PCI):
  The report introduces the UNCTAD Productive Capacities Index, a tool to measure the productive capacities of LDCs and other developing countries. It evaluates various components, including human capital, economic vulnerability, and structural transformation, to provide a holistic view of development progress.

• Structural Transformation in LDCs:
  Structural transformation is a key driver of sustainable development. However, LDCs have struggled with this process due to low productivity, limited industrialization, and high reliance on agriculture. The report highlights the need for investment in infrastructure, technology, and human capital to enable structural transformation.

• Digital Economy and Productivity:
  The transition to the digital economy is identified as a critical factor in enhancing productivity. The report outlines the role of digital technologies in various sectors, including agriculture and manufacturing, and suggests the need for capacity building and innovation to leverage these opportunities.

• Policies for Productive Capacities:
  The report calls for targeted policies to support productive capacities, including fiscal measures, investment in digital infrastructure, and international cooperation. It also emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships and international support mechanisms.

Key Information

LDCs and Their Classification

• As of 2020, 47 countries are classified as LDCs by the United Nations.
• LDCs are reviewed every three years by the Committee for Development Policy (CDP).
• The classification is based on three criteria:
  • Per Capita Income Criterion: Lower threshold of $1,018 for addition to the list, higher threshold of $1,222 for graduation.
  • Human Assets Index (HAI): Includes indicators on health and education.
  • Economic and Environmental Vulnerability Index (EVI): Measures economic vulnerability and environmental vulnerability.

Graduation of LDCs

• Five countries have graduated from LDC status:
  • Botswana (1994)
  • Cabo Verde (2007)
  • Maldives (2011)
  • Samoa (2014)
  • Equatorial Guinea (2017)
• Vanuatu was originally scheduled to graduate in 2017 but was delayed due to the impact of Tropical Cyclone Pam.
• Angola was scheduled to graduate in 2021, but the CDP took into account the economic vulnerability of the country.
• Bhutan, Sao Tome and Principe, and Solomon Islands were recommended for graduation in 2018, with expected graduation dates in 2023 and 2024.
• Nepal and Timor-Leste met the graduation criteria but were not recommended due to concerns over sustainability.

Impacts of the Pandemic

• The CDP will take into account the adverse impacts of the pandemic in the 2021 triennial review.
• The report highlights the need for a new plan of action for LDCs in the new decade, focusing on developing productive capacities to enable structural transformation and sustainable development.

Conclusion

The Least Developed Countries Report 2020 serves as a call to action for the international community to support LDCs in building productive capacities and resilience. It highlights the importance of public investment, multilateral cooperation, and policy reform in addressing the structural and economic challenges faced by LDCs, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. The Productive Capacities Index is presented as a valuable tool for monitoring and supporting LDC development.