Decision makers need to determine many crucial elements of trade policy including: improving market access; negotiating trade agreements with positive developmental impacts; and coordinating measures complementary to trade policy. All of these are to enable companies and individuals to take advantage of opportunities from trade. But good decisions depend on the availability and application of high-quality research and analysis. ESCAP is engaged in building capacity and skills for both those involved in providing evidence for, and those directly involved in, trade policymaking, negotiation and implementation of trade policy changes. This work places the principles of inclusivity and sustainability of development at the centre of trade policy formulation and is intended to improve the prospects of developing countries using trade as an instrument to reduce poverty. In all cases the focus is on securing benefits for countries with special needs.