Training Course on Tools for Trade Policy Analysis

Training Course on Tools for Trade Policy Analysis

Introduction

In the evolving global economic landscape, effective trade policy analysis is crucial for shaping strategies that promote economic growth, reduce trade deficits, and foster international partnerships. This training course is designed to equip professionals, policymakers, and economists with data-driven tools and analytical frameworks necessary to evaluate trade policy impacts and simulate trade scenarios. Leveraging practical insights, real-world datasets, and sophisticated modeling tools, the course provides hands-on experience in policy impact assessment, economic modeling, and trade flow evaluation.

Participants will explore a wide range of quantitative tools, including Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) models, partial equilibrium models, and gravity models used by leading institutions such as the World Bank, IMF, and WTO. By the end of the program, attendees will be empowered to generate accurate, evidence-based reports to guide strategic trade negotiations, policy formation, and sustainable economic development initiatives.

Course Duration

10 days

Course Objectives

1. Understand the fundamentals of trade policy analysis in global economic systems.
2. Learn to apply Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) models for trade simulations.
3. Master partial equilibrium models for sector-specific trade policy evaluation.
4. Utilize GTAP (Global Trade Analysis Project) databases and tools.
5. Develop proficiency in gravity modeling for bilateral and regional trade analysis.
6. Analyze the effects of tariffs, quotas, and subsidies on trade flows.
7. Use trade simulation tools to assess policy reforms and trade agreements.
8. Interpret trade impact data using Excel, STATA, and R.
9. Apply quantitative research methods in international trade studies.
10. Understand the role of WTO rules and trade negotiation frameworks.
11. Evaluate economic integration, regional trade agreements (RTAs), and FTAs.
12. Explore non-tariff measures (NTMs) and their impact on trade.
13. Produce policy briefs and trade impact reports for decision-making.

Organizational Benefits

• Improved data-driven trade policy planning and forecasting.
• Strengthened capacity for evidence-based economic strategy.
• Enhanced ability to participate in international trade negotiations.
• Streamlined trade impact reporting and policy development.
• Better understanding of regional and multilateral trade mechanisms.

Target Audience (8 Key Groups)

1. Trade Economists
2. Policy Makers
3. Researchers and Academicians
4. Government Officials (Trade Ministries)
5. NGO and Think-Tank Analysts
6. International Development Experts
7. Customs and Revenue Authority Officials
8. Economic Planning and Strategy Units

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Trade Policy Analysis

• Key concepts in trade and economic policy
• Overview of global trade systems
• Policy instruments and their impacts
• Types of trade models
• Importance of data in trade analysis

Module 2: Data Sources for Trade Analysis

• UN Comtrade and WTO data
• GTAP and World Bank datasets
• Collecting national trade statistics
• Data cleaning and preprocessing
• Data visualization for trade flows

Module 3: Introduction to CGE Modeling

• Structure of CGE models
• Calibration techniques
• GTAP model introduction
• Interpreting CGE results
• Limitations of CGE models

Module 4: Partial Equilibrium Analysis

• Overview of the SMART model
• Tariff impact assessments
• Analyzing sector-specific changes
• Comparative static analysis
• Software for partial equilibrium

Module 5: Gravity Models of Trade

• Theory of gravity models
• Bilateral trade estimation
• Model specification and testing
• Use of panel data in trade
• Applications in policy evaluation

Module 6: Tariffs, Subsidies, and NTMs

• Understanding tariff structures
• Trade-distorting subsidies
• Classification of NTMs
• Measuring impact on trade flows
• Policy reform simulations

Module 7: Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs)

• Economic integration theories
• Case studies of FTAs and RTAs
• Trade creation vs. trade diversion
• Evaluating regional trade impact
• Using models to simulate RTA effects

Module 8: Tools for Trade Simulation

• Overview of trade simulation software
• Model building and calibration
• Scenario design and assumptions
• Sensitivity analysis
• Simulation reporting

Module 9: GTAP and Trade Databases

• Accessing GTAP data
• Using GTAPAgg and RunGTAP
• Country and sector aggregations
• Baseline construction
• Policy shock implementation

Module 10: Econometrics for Trade Policy

• Basic econometric principles
• Regression models in trade
• Endogeneity and omitted variable bias
• Model diagnostics
• Forecasting trade flows

Module 11: WTO Rules and Frameworks

• Principles of WTO agreements
• Dispute settlement mechanisms
• Trade facilitation agreements
• Transparency and trade notifications
• Role of WTO in global policy

Module 12: Trade Policy Brief Writing

• Structuring a policy brief
• Data-to-decision frameworks
• Writing for policy audiences
• Visuals and infographics
• Recommendations and conclusion

Module 13: Policy Impact Assessment

• Quantifying policy outcomes
• Multiplier effects
• Sectoral and distributional impacts
• Comparative analysis of scenarios
• Formulating recommendations

Module 14: Emerging Trends in Trade Policy

• Green trade policies
• Digital trade and e-commerce
• Trade and climate change
• Geopolitics and trade
• Artificial intelligence in trade analytics

Module 15: Capstone Project and Practical Session

• Design a trade policy simulation
• Data collection and modeling
• Presenting findings to peers
• Group critiques and discussion
• Final project presentation

Training Methodology

• Lectures & Discussions – Conceptual and theoretical background
• Hands-on Exercises – Using Excel, STATA, R, and GTAP
• Case Studies – Real-world trade policy scenarios
• Capstone Project – Practical application of course concepts
• Peer Learning – Interactive group assignments and presentations

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.