Multi-year Expert Meeting on Trade, Service and Development 2026 (Session 3)

Servicification — the growing role of services in production, trade and value creation — has become an important driver of structural transformation, productivity growth, economic diversification and resilience. While it offers significant opportunities, it also raises important policy questions, particularly for developing economies seeking to harness its full potential. The 2026 Multi-year Expert Meeting on Trade, Services and Development brought together experts to exchange views and good practices on servicification trends across countries, with a focus on digitalization, knowledge-intensive services and trade policy. Discussions explored both opportunities and challenges, particularly in relation to how services can support economic diversification, in line with the Geneva Consensus (TD/561/Add.2). Sessions examined the role of trade in services in promoting productive activities and structural transformation, as highlighted in paragraphs 21 and 80.14 of the Geneva Consensus. Particular attention was given to the increasing importance of services as a new frontier for development strategies. The meeting also addressed critical data gaps related to servicification. Discussions highlighted how improved data collection, accessibility and use can strengthen policymaking, especially in trade policy, to better support developing economies. These reflections contributed to advancing the objectives of paragraph 80.15 of the Geneva Consensus on enhancing services trade data for informed decision-making.