Bern, Switzerland

Making markets contestable – exploring the trade and competition interface

when 24 July 2017 - 28 July 2017
language English
duration 1 week
credits 3 EC
fee CHF 1800

This interdisciplinary course delves into the relationships between international trade, competition policy and government procurement from both a legal and economic point of view. It discerns lessons from the experience of the WTO, the US and the European Union in these subject areas. The focuses on cross-border restrictive business practices and how they may be addressed by trade and competition rules. It includes a detailed discussion of failures of the current multilateral trading system to address international competition law problems, options to regulate competition law in the WTO and through other means, and a review of international case law in the area. The week also explores recent developments in government procurement disciplines from a legal, economic and political economy point of view.

Course leader

Robert Anderson, WTO and William E. Kovacic, George Washington University School of Law

Target group

We accept individuals who have completed an undergraduate degree in law, economics or political science, or in an unrelated field supplemented by relevant working experience. Participants are expected to have a strong command of English and should be ready to read a large amount of material in English both prior to and during the Summer Academy.

Course aim

The WTI Summer Academy covers cutting-edge issues in investment and trade law and policy. It is designed for private and public sector and civil society professionals as well as higher-education students. In lectures, discussions and case studies, renowned experts will teach you how to blend the policy aspects of trade and investment with thorough legal interpretation and economic analysis. Becoming a part of the WTI community, you will establish valuable contacts with fellow-minded professionals and lecturers.

Credits info

3 EC
To obtain 3 ECTS the participants have to pass the final exam. Otherwise they’ll receive a “Certificate of Attendance”.
Summer Academy courses can be attended in a flexible, 'à la carte' manner. Modules can also lead to a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) or a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in International Law and Economics. A DAS can be awarded after obtaining 30 ECTS (around 8 weeks of course work plus a scientific research paper) and a CAS after obtaining 12 ECTS (around 3 weeks of course work plus a scientific research paper).

Fee info

CHF 1800: Tuition for one week is 1,800 Swiss francs. Participants who attend for three weeks and complete a scientific paper to obtain a Certicate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in International Law and Economics will receive a discounted rate of 5,000 Swiss francs. Those who complete the full eight weeks plus a scientific research paper to obtain a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in International Law and Economics will receive a further discount and pay 12,000 Swiss francs.
Payment must be made in Swiss francs. Due to the limited number of places, payment is due upon acceptance to the programme. Please note that the above fees do not cover other costs such as meals, housing or local transportation. Special rates apply to students registered at the University of Bern. A 50% tuition waiver is applicable to participants affiliated with the UNCTAD Virtual Institute (university staff and students and think tank members, with proof of institutional affiliation and/or registration). For detailed information, please visit the UNCTAD VI website.