Key points:The least developed countries may alter graduation time frames due to concerns with regard to no longer having access to international support measures; such concerns are symptomatic of underdeveloped productive capacities .The current smooth transition strategy is primarily focused on the post-graduation development trajectories of countries, rather than on identifying and correcting development challenges prior to graduation .UNCTAD proposes a new strategy and time frame centred on building productive capacities and achieving structural transformation prior to graduation, so that countries can graduate with momentum.

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