Getting the framework right: country ownership, a stronger voice for business and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and stronger institutional backing are essential lessons from a valuable process to coordinate trade assistance in the world's poorest countries.

• Date: 01 October 2006
• Author: Sok, Siphana
• Published date: 01 October 2006
• Author: Sok, Siphana

Despite some shortcomings, the Integrated Framework for Trade-Related Technical Assistance for Least Developed Countries (IF) is recognized as a sound basis for trade capacity building and coordination among assistance providers.

First mandated at the 1996 WTO Singapore Ministerial Conference and subsequently endorsed at a High-Level Meeting on least developed countries (LDCs) in October 1997, the IF has been at the heart of the Action Plan for LDCs to help these countries participate more effectively in the world trading system.

The IF process was revamped in 2000. As a result, a diagnostic tool for trade development is now part of the process. The IF has also been integrated within the structure for Poverty Reduction Strategies.

By the end of 2006, Diagnostic Trade Integration Studies (DTIS) and national validation workshops will have been completed for 24 countries. Another nine countries are either starting or in the process of drafting their trade studies and ten countries have a technical review under consideration.

What are the recognized ingredients of success? At a minimum:

* A coherent trade strategy that is closely integrated with a country's overall development strategy.

* Effective mechanisms for intra-governmental policy coordination, for consultation among the three key sets of stakeholders: government, the business sector and civil society.

* A network of trade support institutions.

In addition, the IF process should be anchored by firm country ownership and be backed by strong political commitment.

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