Sustainable Graduation: International Support Measures for Graduating LDCs

Several countries are to leave the group of least developed countries (LDCs) in the coming decade. Following ‘LDC graduation’, these countries will become ineligible for the international support measures (ISMs) they currently enjoy. Taking into account the structural vulnerabilities of these LDCs, this paper argues for continued ISMs to ensure that their transitions are irreversible. It presents analysis of the existing ISMs and the consequent implications arising from LDC graduation. Based on this, it identifies trade- and finance-related actions that the international development community may undertake to support the smooth and sustainable graduation of these LDCs.