WORLD TRADE WT/LDC/HL/7
13October 1997
ORGANIZATION(97-4443)
High-Level Meeting onIntegrated Initiatives for
Least-Developed Countries 'Trade Development
INFORMATION ONTHE TRADE-RELATED TECHNICAL COOPERATION
ACTIVITIES INLEAST-DEVELOPED COUNTRIES OFSELECTED
INTER-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
Thisdocument contains information thathasbeensubmitted, inresponse torequests fromthe
WTO Secretariat, bytheinter-governmental organisations listed below onthetrade-related technical
cooperation activities theycarry outinleast-developed countries. Intheinterest ofbrevity, andsince
thepurpose ofthedocument istoprovide information ontrade-related technical cooperation activities
specifically inleast-developed countries, theorganizations wereasked nottoinclude information on
assistance todeveloping countries ingeneral.
Information from thefollowing organizations hasbeenreceived todate1:
Pages
1. Asian Development Bank 2
2. Commonwealth Secretariat 5
3. Economic Commission forAfrica 10
4. Economic andSocial Commission forAsiaandthePacific 11
5. Food andAgriculture Organization 13
6. Islamic Development Bank 31
7. United Nations Industrial Development Organization 33
8. World Customs Organization 37
9. World Intellectual Property Rights Organization 40
1Anyfurther information received from other organisations before theHigh-Level Meeting willbeissued
inaddenda tothisdocument.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page2
TRADE-RELATED TECHNICAL COOPERATION ACTIVITIES
CARRIED OUT INLEAST-DEVELOPED COUNTRIES BY
THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
TANo. Project Type Country Date Approved
5151 Development Round Table on
Industrial Development andTrade
PolicyRETA 29March 1984
TheRound Table wasaimed atfacilitating theexchange ofviews andexperiences among
senior officials andeminent experts onindustrial development andtrade policy.
5152 14thPacific Trade and
Development ConferenceRETA 15May 1984
Theconference included (i)issues infinancial development andfinancial interdependence;
(ii)institutional development andpolicy implications; and(iii)theinternational
environment.
5176 15thPacific Trade and
Development ConferenceRETA 5June 1985
Theconference washeldtodiscuss current trade anddevelopment issues andchallenges
faced bythePacific Region economies.
5190 Study ofForeign Trade Barriers to
DMC ExportsRETA 24October 1985
Thestudy surveyed andanalyzed global tariff andnon-tariff measures thatsignificantly
affect theexport performance ofDMCs. TheTAaimed atproviding greater recognition
andunderstanding oftrade policy barriers toexpanded regional andextra-regional trade by
Asian developing countries.
5204 ADB Round Table onTrade
Liberalization andDevelopmentRETA 14March 1986
TheTAprovided foraone-week workshop forsenior officials directly concerned withthe
formulation andimplementation oftrade policies. TheRound Table wasaimed at
facilitating theexchange ofviews andexperiences among participants andwitheminent
experts.
5219 16thPacific Trade and
Development ConferenceRETA 22September 1986
Theconference brought together policy-oriented economists from theAsia-Pacific region to
present research results, todiscuss policy issues andtoserve asthevenue forthe
consideration ofvarious development issues.
5269 17thPacific Trade and
Development Conference onthe
Challenge ofTechnological Change
toPacific Trade andDevelopmentRETA 4December 1987
Theconference wasconducted toprovide anopportunity forexchange ofinformation on
trade anddevelopment, withparticular emphasis ontechnological change.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page3
TANo. Project Type Country Date Approved
5333 Study ontheImpact ofPeople 's
Republic ofChina 'sExpansion of
Exports ofLabour Intensive
Manufactures onOther Asian
ExportersRETA 12May 1989
Thestudy aimed atassessing theimpact ofasignificant expansion oflabour intensive
exports from thePeople 'sRepublic ofChina onexports from other Asian developing
countries andexamined thepolicy options forindividual Asian countries.
5334 Symposium onEconomic and
Trade Cooperation between China
andtheAsian andPacific RegionRETA 22May 1989
Thesmall-scale TAsupported asymposium oneconomic andtrade cooperation between
China andtheAsian andPacific Region.
5350 18thPacific Trade and
Development ConferenceRETA 5June 1989
Theconference washeldtomaintain anetwork ofinteraction andinformation exchange
among thePacific Region economies.
1223 Study onPromotion ofExport
Oriented IndustriesAOTA BHU 16November 1989
Thestudy examined theprospect ofdevelopment ofexport-oriented industries inBhutan.
5408 19thPacific Trade and
Development ConferenceRETA 18October 1990
Theconference washeldtomaintain anetwork ofinteraction andinformation exchange
among thePacific Region economies.
5408 19thPacific Trade and
Development Conference
(Supplementary)RETA 2January 1991
5500 20thPacific Trade and
Development ConferenceRETA 29June 1992
Theconference washeldtomaintain anetwork ofinteraction andinformation exchange
among thePacific Region economies.
5531 ADB Development Round Table on
Trade andEconomic Development
intheAsian andPacific RegionRETA 12May 1993
TheDRT helped improve thepolicymaking capabilities ofsenior government officials in
DMCs intheAsian andPacific Region forcreating anappropriate economic environment
forpromoting trade economic development.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page4
TANo. Project Type Country Date Approved
5551 Study onEmerging Trading
Environment: Economic
Implications forDeveloping
Member CountriesRETA 4November 1993
TheTAanalyzed thelikely impact oftheemerging trading environment ontheDMCs and
assessed theappropriate rolefortheBank inassisting DMCs.
5569 Technical Assistance toSupport the
21stPacific Trade and
Development ConferenceRETA 10February 1994
Thepurpose oftheconference wastomaintain anetwork ofinteraction andinformation
exchange involving itsmembers andother interested parties.
5555 Emerging Trading Environment:
Economic Implications forDMCs
(Supplementary)RETA 19April 1995
2570 Strengthening Capacity intheTrade
andIndustry SectorsAOTA CAM 14May 1996
TheTAreviewed andexamined thetrade policies andexisting legal andregulatory
framework anddeveloped trade policy framework conducive tothedevelopment ofprivate
sector. Ifincluded institutional strengthening fortheMinistry ofCommerce tocarry outits
tasks forpromoting trade andcommerce through training andworkshops. TheTAassisted
thegovernment topromote anenvironment foraccelerating private commercial activities
required tostrengthen thebaseformarket economy. TheTAalsocontributed to
Cambodia 'sreintegration intotheregional andglobal economy forgreater trade and
investment opportunities.
AOTA Advisory andOperational Technical Assistance
PPTA Project Preparation Technical Assistance
RETA Regional Technical Assistance
Source: ADB 1997 Loan, Technical Assistance andPrivate Sector Operations Approvals, April 1997WT/LDC/HL/7
Page5TRADE-RELATED TECHNICAL COOPERATION ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT IN
LEAST-DEVELOPED COUNTRIES BYTHE COMMONWEALTH SECRETARIAT
Country Project Description Activities Follow upRequired
LESOTHO
1. Institutional
Strengthening and
Market Development in
Selected European
Countries forTourism
inLesotho
(X/LES/24)Theprimary objective oftheproject istoidentify
newsource markets within Europe which would
offer yearround potential forspecial interest travel
rather thanmass-market Southern African travel. It
willthenfurther identify anddevelop marketing
andpromotional strategies which willincrease the
number ofsuch visitors from Europe andmake the
Lesotho tourism industry more viable.
Start/Completion date10.01.97/30.06.98- Define theLesotho tourism product
anditspotential asanoutdoor
destination
-Conduct market research toestablish
which touroperators through avisitation
programme foridentified enterprises
-Advise thegovernment onthebestwayto
restructure tourism offices inselected
markets soastomaximise overall
effectiveness
-Analyze thecompetitive position of
Lesotho within theSouthern African
Region
-Prepare aMarket Development Strategy
forLesothoFunding ofspecific
recommendations
MALAWI
2.AContact Promotion in
Tanzania andZambia for
Selected Malawi Products
(X/MAA/23)TheContact Promotion Programme hasbeen
designed toassist Malawi toimprove export
performance, especially tothecountries ofthe
Eastern andSouthern Africa particularly for
agricultural implements andhandtools,
enamelware, PVC pipes andconduits, blankets and
plastic andnetting products, textiles, rice, dhalls
andpulses andcashew nuts.
Starts/Completion date08.05.96/31.11.97-Identification ofexport opportunities in
theTanzanian andZambian markets fora
range ofagricultural andindustrial
products;
-Identification ofexport ready enterprises
inselected sectors thatwould selltheir
products intarget markets
-Extending practical support toselected
enterprises forproduct development and
adaptation.
-Arranging appropriate meetings between
exporters andbuyers andhelping
enterprises withnegotiation onkeyissues
such asprice, delivery etc.
-Developing further initiatives forpoverty
alleviation following theCommonwealth
Secretariat Mission which visited Malawi
inJuly1994 after ameeting ofthe
Secretary-General withthenewPresident
ofMalawiFunding ofspecific
recommendations.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page6Country Project Description Activities Follow upRequired
SAMOA
3.Export Opportunity Survey
forKava
(E/WS/14)Theproject istosurvey theexport opportunity and
potential forSamoa Kava inthepharmaceutical
industries ofEurope andSouth-East Asia
Start/Completion date15.3.97/30.11.97-Assessment ofsupply capabilities of
Samoan Kava producers interms of
quantity andquality
-Determination oftheexport potential of
Samoan KavaTheproject ison-going
SOLOMON ISLANDS
4.Solomon Islands forEco-
tourism Conference
(X/SOL/19)Theproject istoassist theSolomon Islands
National Ecotourism Conference intehformation
ofaNational ecotourism Association.
Theproject hasbeen completed.-Preparation ofapaper on"Ecotourism
andLocal Participation" tocover:
a)global analysis oftourism andits
impact onemployment.
b)view ofother community-controlled
ecotourism conferences around the
world andtheimplications forthe
Solomon Islands.
-Practical advice tobeextended atthe
conference onissues pertaining to
Ecotourism.
-Establishment ofanappropriate
mechanism forsupporting Ecotourism
activities intheSolomon IslandsFunding ofNational
Ecotourism Association.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page7Country Project Description Activities Follow upRequired
UGANDA
5.Integrated Marketing
Programme forFurniture in
Selected European
Countries
(X/UGA/2)Inorder topromote theexport offurniture,
especially highquality antique-type, the
Government ofUganda proposes toundertake an
Integrated Marketing Programme forwooden
furniture (especially antique-type) inselected
European markets.
Theproject willfocus onproviding selected
furniture firms withup-to-date information on
market requirements, andtraining them inproduct
adaptation anddevelopment, design quality and
packaging. Theproject willalsoinvolve test
marketing andmarket penetration.
Start/Completion date13.03.96/30.06.98-Assessment ofsupply potential ofkey
producers offurniture inUganda.
-Study ofProduction, Design and
Capability enterprises selected enterprises.
-Detailed market investigation andtest
marketing ofupgraded products.
-Dissemination offindings, exporter
briefing andpreparation ofbusiness
representatives foracontact promotion
mission.
-Taking aContact promotion mission to
Europe andhelping entrepreneurs with
actual securing oforders.
-Analysis ofresults andreport preparation.-Advice onproduct
development, adaptation
andupgrading.-
-Preparation oflinked
production andmarketing
plans forindividual
companies.
-Formulation ofastrategic
wood product exporting
andinvestment plan.
-Dissemination of
information through
seminars tofacilitate
implementation ofthe
agreed strategy torelevant
agencies andnewly
established Uganda Wood
Producers andExporter
Association.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page8LIST OFEIDD PROJECTS UNDER CONSIDERATION INLEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
Country Project Description Activities Follow upRequired
MALAWI
1.Advance Training Programme on
Export Market Development and
International MarketingTheaimoftheprogramme istoassist
theparticipants infacilitating exports
from their countries, fostering skills
relating todevelopment ofbusiness
plans, planning ofexport drives andan
understanding ofthemodern trade
environment-Organising atraining programme in
Malawi
-Meeting ofparticipants with
Business Community inMalawi
-Field visits torelevant Trade
Promotion Institutes andService
Institution.
-Presentation ofCountry Projects.
UGANDA
2.Assistance toUganda Export
Promotion BoardShort term technical assistance required
bytheUEPB ofaTrade Adviser with
gender orientation tocarry outthestudy
ofmajor economic activities undertaken
primarily bywomen withaview to
develop strategies topromote women 's
involvement inexport oriented
enterprises.-Assessing andevaluating
participation ofindigenous
enterprises inexport related
activities.
-Field visits tovarious women
centres.
-Organising meetings withthe
Women Business Sector.
-Study ofsetupofOrganisation and
Institutions inUganda for
facilitating women 'sinvolvement in
business activities
-Identifying training needs ofwomen
involved inproduction anddomestic
marketing.
-Drawing upaninduction
programme/Plan ofAction for
developing export oriented
entrepreneurship among women.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page9Country Project Description Activities Follow upRequired
3.Uganda Coffee Federation Strengthening institutional capacity of
Uganda Coffee Federation.-Assessment oftheinformation
needed ofthecoffee federation and
industry.
-Design andimplementation of
appropriate methods forgathering,
processing anddissemination of
trade information.
VANUATU
4.Export Promotion andInward
Investment Strategies.Assistance isrequired informulating
strategies forexport ofproducts
overseas andidentifying keyinvestment
areas forexport.-Development ofprofiles forselected
sectors.
-Carry outanin-depth market
investigation intothetarget export
markets.
-Preparation ofproposals for
investment andmanufacture and
marketing ofproducts andsectors
identified.
-Contact andinvestment promotion
mission toappropriate source
countries.
-Develop aninvestment promotion
strategy forVanuatu based on
results oftheinvestment mission.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page10
TRADE-RELATED TECHNICAL COOPERATION ACTIVITIES
CARRIED OUT INLEAST-DEVELOPED COUNTRIES BY
THE ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR AFRICA
1. Themembership oftheEconomic Commission forAfrica (ECA) comprises 33least-developed
countries. Theinstitution 'sinvolvement inAfrica 'sdevelopment is,therefore, directly concerned with
least-developed countries 'problems. Inthefieldoftrade development, ECA hasbeeninvolved at
thehighest decision making level. Intheframework ofECA'slegislative mandate, Ministers ofTrade
andtheirhigh-level experts havebeenmeeting every twoyears during aweek-long conference todiscuss
andshare experiences onthebestwaystoputinplace anenvironment conducive fortradedevelopment
inAfrica.ThelastsuchConference,whichwasheldatECA'sheadquartersinFebruary1996,discussed,
among others, issues oftechnical assistance toAfrican countries. TheConference alsoadopted an
Eight-Year Inter-African Trade Development Action Plan. Within thesame context, itshould also
berecalled that,aftertheconclusion oftheUruguay Round negotiations, ECAorganised anInternational
Ministerial Conference inOctober 1994inTunis, Tunisia, todiscuss theissueoftechnical assistance
needs ofAfrican countries fortheirsmooth implementation oftheUruguay Round Agreements. The
Conference adopted aFramework forAction which hasconstituted thebasis forfurther initiatives.
2. ECA'stechnical assistance toAfrica intheareaoftradehasmostly beenadvocacy attheregional
level. Forthenearfuture, theECA isworking onthree studies thatwillbepresented atanAd-Hoc
Expert Group meeting tobeheldinMarch 1998, preceding theMinisterial Session preparatory tothe
Second WTO Ministerial Conference. Byoffering aforum ofdiscussion ofthemainquestions tobe
raised during theWTO Conference, theaimofthese studies andtheAd-Hoc Meeting willbetohelp
African countries prepare theirposition on(i)theinvestment policy inAfrica; (ii)tradeandcompetition
policy; and,(iii)practices andprocedures ofgovernment procurement inAfrica. After themeeting,
African countries willbeexpected tobemore exposed tothemainissues tobediscussed bytheWTO
Conference andeventually adopt informed positions ontheses issues.
3. ECAhasalsobeenactive inassisting member countries intheareaoftradeatthecountry level.
ECA advisory services tocountries arecarried outbyateamofsenior regional advisers. Theareas
theycover include human resource development; promotion ofgood governance; information
technology; trade andmacro-economic issues; resource flows; etc.Sofar,theregional adviser in
macro-economic issues hasbeenhandling trade matters. Inviewoftheimportance thatECA accords
totradedevelopment andinvestment promotion inAfrica, theSecretariat isstrengthening itsprogramme
oftechnical assistance intheareaoftrade andinvestment. Currently, weareconsidering seriously
supporting full-time African representations inWTO meetings inGeneva. TheCommission isalso
intheprocess ofrecruiting afulltimesenior regional adviser inthefieldoftrade andinvestment.
However, specific details oftheprogramme ontechnical assistance cannot begiven atthistimebecause,
traditionally, regional advisers actoncountry requests, most ofthetime atvery short notice.
Nevertheless, once thenewregional advisers ontrade andinvestment areonboard, atentative
programme willbeworked outfortechnical assistance inthelightofpastrequests frommember states.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page11
TRADE-RELATED TECHNICAL COOPERATION ACTIVITIES
CARRIED OUT INLEAST-DEVELOPED COUNTRIES BYTHE
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
1. TheESCAP Secretariat hasalready implemented anumber ofimportant activities toprovide
technical assistance toleast-developed countries, addressing boththeirtradepolicy andtradepromotion
needs. Some ofthemore specific activities undertaken infavour ofleast-developed countries areas
follows:
(i) Symposium onfostering Myanmar 'sinterdependency intradeandinvestment withits
neighbouring countries andJapan (29January 1996).
(ii) Seminar ontrade policy issues inLaoPDR (February 1996).
(iii) Firstmeeting ofthePrivate Sector Advisory Group established under theForum for
theComprehensive Development ofIndo-china, including Cambodia andLaoPDR
(March 1996).
(iv) Meeting oftheChambers ofCommerce andIndustry oftheGreater Mekong Subregion,
including Cambodia, LaoPDR andMyanmar (September 1996).
(v) BIDS/ESCAP/UNDP National Seminar ontheNetworking ofTrade-related Research
Institutions inAsiaandthePacific, Bangladesh (October 1996).
(vi) Promotion ofinvestment incountries which areintheearly stages oftourism
development covering Myanmar andNepal.
(vii) Under aproject onadvisory assistance toindustry forexport promotion financed by
Germany, technical assistance isbeing provided attheenterprises levelinCambodia
andLaoPDRtoprovided attheenterprise levelinCambodia andLaoPDRtoenhance
theircompetitiveness andcapacity toexport. Anumber ofnational seminars and
training courses havebeenheldonquality control, packaging, seafood export, silk
andhandicraft exports, credit andfinance forexports, export marketing andtraining
inBusiness English. Asurvey onthecapacity ofenterprises invarious sectors of
theeconomy hasbeenundertaken inCambodia.
(viii) Financial assistance wasalsoprovided toBangladesh, Bhutan, LaoPDR, Myanmar
andNepal toparticipate intheSixth Asia-Pacific International Trade Fair(ASPAT '96)
(November 1996).
(ix) Support tothePacific island developing countries including least-developed countries
inthepromotion ofexports offishandfishery products (March 1996).
(x) Toeffectively respond tosome ofthecritical tradeandtraderelated problems ofleast-
developed countries, theESCAP secretariat hasprovided onapriority basisregional
advisory services onexport promotion andtrade facilitation.
(xi) Assistance isalsobeing provided tosupport theefforts ofCambodia, LaoPDR and
Myanmar intheiraccession andeffective participation inASEAN.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page12
2. Thesixthsession oftheCommittee forRegional Economic Cooperation heldinMarch 1997
accorded highpriority toaddressing thespecial needs oftheleast-developed countries andstressed
thatincreasedtechnicalandfinancialassistanceshouldbeprovidedtoleast-developedcountriesinmeeting
notification obligations ofWTO, inbringing about thenecessary adjustments todomestic legislation
andinimplementing theTRIPs agreement, among other WTO agreements.
3. Thework programme forthebiennium 1998-1999 gives special focus onthepromotion of
regional cooperation forenhancing trade efficiency andelectronic commerce aswellaspromotion of
exports ofdeveloping countries withparticular attention totheneeds ofleastdeveloped countries in
theareasofcommodities, textiles andexports ofSMEs. More specifically, activities willaimatassisting
theleast-developed countries inharmonized theirtrade liberalization commitments withtheirnational
priorities andrealizing thefullpotential oftheirexports inareaswhere theyhavecomparative advantage.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page13
TRADE-RELATED TECHNICAL COOPERATION ACTIVITIES
CARRIED OUT INLEAST-DEVELOPED COUNTRIES BY
THE FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION (FAO)
Rome, July1997
1. FAO haslongexperience inproviding technical assistance toitsmember countries, including
least-developed countries, inawiderange oftrade-related issues. Requests forsuchassistance have
intensified since thesigning oftheMarrakesh Agreement in1994. FAO’sassistance covers, inter
alia,matters related totheAgreement ontheApplication ofSanitary andPhytosanitary Measures (SPS),
theAgreement onTechnical Barriers toTrade (TBT), theAgreement onTrade-Related Aspects of
IntellectualPropertyRights(TRIPS),agriculturalandfoodpolicyadjustmenttothenewWTOprovisions
contained intheAgreement onAgriculture, andassistance ontheMinisterial Decision onmeasures
forthenetfoodimporting andleast-developed countries.
2. Theobligations ofWTO members associated withtheSPSandTBTAgreements hasresulted
inasignificant upturn inrequests forFAO technical assistance. Adoption bytheSPSofCodex
Alimentarius standards, guidelines andrecommendations asbenchmark standards fortheinternational
foodtradehascreatedaburgeoninginterestinstrengtheningnationalfoodcontrolsystems,reformulating
national foodregulations tobring them intoconformity withinternational standards andestablishing
import/export foodinspection andcertification programmes toensure compliance withSPSandTBT
requirements. There hasalsobeenanincreasing demand tostrengthen thecapacity ofnational veterinary
services inthefieldofquantitative import riskanalysis techniques andtheirmeatimport andexport
inspection programmes. Similarly, intheareaofplant protection, assistance hasbeen sought in
strengthening andupdating thenational quarantine programmes toenable them tomeetthedemands
ofdevelopments inplant quarantine astheyrelate tointernational trade
3. Inregard toTRIPS, FAO'stechnical expertise relates tointellectual property rights inrespect
ofplantvarieties,animalbreeds,relatedtechnology,andgermplasm.TRIPSrequiresallWTOmembers
toprovide Plant Varietal Protection (PVP) either bypatents, asuigeneris system oramixture ofboth.
There isarapidly increasing international concern about thismatter andmany least-developed countries
areseeking technical assistance from FAO withregard totheestablishment andimplementation of
aPVPmechanism. FAO isalsoproviding technical assistance relating toplant breeding, seedand
propagating material production, associated legislation, regulations andsystems.
4. Intheareaofagricultural andfoodpolicy, least-developed countries arevitally concerned with
theimplications oftheAgreement onAgriculture andintheimplementation oftheUruguay Round
"Decision onMeasures Concerning thePossible Negative Effects oftheReform Programme on
Least-Developed andNetFood-Importing Developing Countries". Increasingly, FAO isbeing asked
forassistance incapacity building inagricultural policy analysis concerning trade issues. Requests
forassistance include, interalia,quantitative assessments oftheimpact oftheUruguay Round onthe
market ofmajor foodcommodities andcommodities ofexport interest tothem, aswellasissues related
toworld priceinstability andtheoptions available tocountries todealwithmarket uncertainty. More
detailed advice issought about specific policies, analytical methodologies andways inwhich policies
might beimplemented forcountries tobeabletotakeadvantage oftrade opportunities andmake
adjustments todomestic foodandagricultural policies. Also, alargenumber ofLDCs arenotmembers
oftheWTO, andsome ofthem areintheprocess ofjoining. Thisraises awiderange ofquestions
oftheimplications ofmembership fortheagricultural sector andfortheireconomies atlargeandFAO
isoften called upon toassist these countries inweighing thevarious options. Finally, asregards the
"Decision", FAOhasbeenassisting thecountries concerned inconnection withthemodalities envisaged
under the"Decision" tohelptheaffected countries. Inthisconnection, FAO hasalsobeeninvolvedWT/LDC/HL/7
Page14
inthediscussion under wayattheFood AidCommittee onpossible improvements intheFood Aid
Convention tobetter respond totheneeds under the"Decision".
5. Theinventory oftrade-related technical assistance toLDCs presented intheAnnex, isdrawn
from thewhole range ofFAO-supported projects todeveloping countries. In1996, FAO operated
over1,500 projects indeveloping countries (amounting tooverUS$1.5 billion) outofwhich 522were
inleast-developed countries (amounting toabout US$440 million). Alltheseprojects aimatimproving
theperformance oftheagricultural sector ofthecountries concerned andultimately impact onexternal
trade, although notallofthemdirectly. Currently, FAOsupports some 75projects inleast-developed
countries which areconsidered tohaveasubstantial tradecomponent. Thetotalbudget fortheseprojects
amounts toabout US$60 million. Thebasic characteristics ofthese projects aregiven intheAnnex.
Most oftheprojects areoperated atanindividual country level(some US$25 million total), butthere
areseveral withregional andglobal coverage (amounting toUS$34 andUS$1 million, respectively),
thatimpact onasub-group orallLDCs, depending onthenature ofthetechnical assistance provided.
6. Thedelivery ofFAO’stechnical assistance programme hassofarbeenlargely financed by
theRegular Programme, including Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) resources. Some
extra-budgetary andtrustfundmonies havebeencontributed byother international organizations and
donor countries forspecific training activities relating totheUruguay Round Agreements. FAO will
continue togivepriority toproviding technical assistance toitsmember countries from itsRegular
Programmeresources,althoughincreasinglythereareresourceconstraintsforsuchfinancing.Therefore,
FAOlookstofinancialsupportbeingreceivedfromdonorcountriesandotherinternationalorganizations
through trustfundandother arrangements.
7. FAOremains dedicated tosupporting agrowing international tradeleading toahealthy world
economy andtoimprovements ofemployment opportunities andincomes oftheruralpoor. ThePlan
ofAction oftheWorld Food Summit commits FAO andother organizations tocontinue assisting
developingcountriesontradeissuesandparticularlyinpreparingforfuturemultilateraltradenegotiations
tobecome ‘wellinformed andequal partners inthe(negotiation) process ’thusenabling themtobenefit
fullyfrom theirparticipation inthemultilateral trading system.
8. Among thedeveloping countries, LDCs haveneither thecapacity northeresources toprepare
themselves adequately forthenextRound ofnegotiations. Therefore, some special arrangements would
benecessary forintensifying technical assistance tothese countries toensure thattheycantakefull
advantage ofpotential tradeopportunities andbecome fullmembers ofthemultilateral trading system.
Thisexpectation springs fromthespirit ofcooperation pervading theUruguay Round negotiations and
thespecific declarations andcommitments made intheUruguay Round textswhich underline thespecial
position ofLDCs andtheurgent needtoassist these countries tobecome fullyfledged partners ofthe
global trading system.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page15
ANNEX
FAO Trade-Related Technical Assistance Projects
forLeast-Developed Countries
I. INDIVIDUAL COUNTRY PROJECTS
BANGLADESH
Title: Insect PestManagement byGenetic Manipulation (BGD/5/016)
Budget: US$81,450
Duration : 2years
Status: Recently completed
Objectives: Theproject concentrated onBactrocera fruitflies, which notonlycause large losses
infruit andvegetable production, however, alsoareamajor factor hindering
international trade inthese commodities. Project activities assisted indeveloping the
local capacity torearonartificial diettwofruitflyspecies aswellastoinitiate
cytogeneticalandgeneticalworktodiscriminatewithinspeciescomplexes,aprerequisite
toovercome regional trade barriers.
Title: Asian Regional Project onPublic Acceptance andTrade inIrradiated Food(RAS/5/022)
Budget: US$60,000
Duration: 1995-1998
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Thisproject hasbeenimplemented withtheobjective offacilitating tradeinirradiated
foods intheparticipating countries aswellasintheregion. Theultimate objective
istoincrease theexport potential ofthecountry meeting thephytosanitary requirements
through theapplication offood irradiation intheinternational trade offood and
agricultural products.
Title: Strengthening oftheNational Vegetable Seed Programme -Phase III
(GCP/BGD/028/DEN)
Budget: FA/DANIDA Contribution: US$853,000
Duration: 1996-1998
Objectives: Thenewphase oftheproject willexpand theproduction ofhighquality vegetable seed
tocover atleast25percentofthenational areaunder improved seeds through active
involvement ofprivate sector initsproducing andmarketing.
BENIN
Title: Agricultural Exports Diversification Project (96/027/ADB/BEN)
Budget: US$7.3 million
Status: Pipeline
Objectives: Aimed atdiversifying export crops byincreasing thecompetitiveness ofcassava chip
exports toEurope byreducing costs, theproject would finance harbour infrastructure
andequipment forbulkstocking andfastloading ofships, therehabilitation ofrural
roads andcollection centres forcassava chips. Itwould alsoprovide institutional
strengthening, credit andtraining toprivate entrepreneurs andtechnical assistance.
Project prepared forpossible African Development financing.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page16
BHUTAN
Title: Support toAgricultural Marketing, (TCP/BHU/4551)
Budget:
Duration : 2years
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Assistance indeveloping market information services anddevelopment ofimproved
market infrastructure fordomestic andexport marketing
BURKINA FASO
Title: Contrôle delaqualité desdenrées alimentaires (TCP/BKF/4551)
Budget : US$200,000
Duration : 2years
Status : Completed
Objectives: Assistance inreview andupdating offoodlegislation; training offoodcontrol personnel
particularly infoodimport/export inspection andcertification. Upgrading laboratory
capabilities.
CAMBODIA
Title: Development ofMarketing Information Services (TCP/CMB/6611)
Budget : US$290,000
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Project undertook asurvey ofmarket information requirements andisdeveloping a
marketing information system toenhance pricetransparency tostimulate bothinternal
andexternal trade.
Title: RehabilitationdeKamcontroldanssesactivitésdecontrôlealimentaire(TCP/CMB/4554)
Budget : US$158,000
Duration : 2years
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Review offoodcontrol legislation andadministration; training offoodcontrol personnel
particularly forfoodimport inspection.
CHAD
Title: Assistance totheElaboration ofaNational SeedPlan(TCP/CHD/4553)
Budget: US$80,000
Duration: 10months starting September 1995
Objectives: Toassist theGovernment ofChad todefine anappropriate seedsector development
policy andelaborate aNational Seed Planinsupport oftheNational Agricultural
Development Programme aimed alsoatenhancing seeddistribution andmarketing.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page17
ETHIOPIA
Title: Control ofSheep andGoatSkinDiseases forImproved Quality ofHides andSkins
(TCP/ETH/4558(I))
Budget : US$275,000
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Theproject extension willassist thegovernment andprivate tanning sector toimplement
anextension system leading towide-spread adaptation offieldtested methods toprevent
theskindiseases andothercauses ofdown-grading ofsheep skins. Additionally, similar
fieldepidemiology studies andtreatment trials willbeundertaken todetermine causes
andprevention ofdown-grading goatskins. Preventing down-grading ofprocessed
skinswillrestore thereputation ofEthiopia 'sleather industry andenhance thecountry 's
foreign exchange earnings, which aresecond onlytothose from coffee.
Title: Diagnosis andmonitoring ofrinderpest andtrypanosomiasis (ETH/5/010)
Budget: US$140,000
Duration: 1995-1998
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Toimprove thediagnosis andmonitoring oflivestock diseases toprepare forthe
establishment ofcontrol anderadication programmes. Provides equipment, kits,
expertise andtraining tolaboratories toallow performance ofELISA based teststo
monitor forrinderpest disease through detection ofantigen orantibodies. Provides
quality assurance oflaboratory performance leading toInternational recognition of
capability oflaboratories andcertification thatresults arevalid leading tolifting of
trade restrictions onmovement oflivestock andtheirproducts.
Title: Adapting Food andAgricultural Policies toaChanging External Trade Environment
(GCP/ETH/053/NET)
Budget: US$272,895
Duration: 30months
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Trade-related component: Theproject attempted tomake anassessment ofthe
consequencesofchangesintheinternationaltradeenvironmentfordevelopingcountries,
withaspecial focus onEthiopia. It,furthermore, provided areview ofGATT 1994
andtherelevant Agreements oftheWTO andreviewed possible effects onworld trade,
withspecific reference toEthiopia anditsstatus asabeneficiary ofpreferential trade
agreements.
GUINEA
Title: Contrôle delaqualité etconditionnement desproduits agricoles (TCP/GUI/0159)
Budget : US$150,308
Duration : approx. 2years
Status: Completed
Objectives: Review oflegislation governing theprocessing andpackaging offoodproducts with
particular reference tofoodforexport; training ofinspection andanalysts.
GUINEA BISSAU
Title: Renforcement dusysteme national ducontrôle sanitaire deproduits alimentaires
(TCP/GBS/8955)
Budget : US$195,000
Duration : approx. 2years
Status: CompletedWT/LDC/HL/7
Page18
Objectives: strengthening thefoodcontrol system through review offoodregulations andspecial
training forinspectors andfoodanalysts
LAOS
Title: Strengthening thefoodcontrol system (TCP/LAO/2355)
Budget : US$180,000
Duration : 2years
Status: Completed
Objectives: Drafting ofafoodlegislation including standards; provision oflaboratory equipment
andtraining oftechnical staffinbothfoodinspection andfoodanalyses.
LESOTHO
Title: Assistance inDairy Industry Development (TCP/LES/4452)
Budget : US$153,000
Status: Follow-up project onBusiness Development PlanforSemi-State Company Lesotho
Dairies isbeing funded byUNIDO
Objectives: Strengthening marketing tocompete withimports
Title: Agricultural Marketing Policies Study (TCP/LES/4554)
Budget: US$150,000
Duration : 12months
Status: Recently completed
Objectives: Areview ofmarketing policies relating tocereals, horticulture andlivestock was
undertaken withaview toaligning marketing policies withaliberalized market
environment andtopromote import andexport trade.
MADAGASCAR
Title: Toimprove animal disease diagnosis, tomonitor disease control programmes andto
improve animal nutrition andreproduction through useofimmunoassay techniques
(MAG/5/007)
Budget: US$135,000
Duration: 1997-1998
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Tosupply equipment, expertise andtraining toimprove diagnostic capabilities. This
isanindirect trade issue relating toincrease inproductivity.
Title: Production control andassistance toexport offorestry products (TCP/MAG/6611 (A))
Budget: US$253,000
Duration : 12months
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Theproject aimsatassisting theGovernment toestablish amonitoring system ofthe
forestry activities thusleading toanefficient management offorestry resources and
increasing theexport offorestry products andincompliance withrelated international
norms.
MALAWI
Title: Training formilkbulking groups andsmallholder producer groups (TCP/MLW/2358)
Budget: US$161,400
Status: Project completed butfollow-up project relating toNational planforDairy Sector being
negotiated withpotential donors.
Objectives: Dairy Development -Improving milkcollection system forDairy Industry, reducing
useofimported milkpowderWT/LDC/HL/7
Page19
Title: Industrial utilisation ofcassava starch inMalawi
Status: Pipeline
Objectives: toinitiate industrial utilisation ofcassava starch anddevelop thenecessary technology
toproduce starch-based adhesives which arewidely usedinthecountry.
Theproject hasthefollowing specific objectives:
(a)production ofhot-setting adhesives based oncassava starch;
(b)pilotplant studies oncold-setting adhesives based oncassava starch;
(c)studies ofother usesofcassava starches. Theproject intends tocarry outfurther
studies onimport substitution ofanumber ofindustrial rawmaterial inMalawi
were starch orstarch -based material areused.
Title: Strengthening foodcontrol services (TCP/MLW/0053)
Budget : US$156,000
Duration : 2years
Status: Completed
Objectives: Project input included: revision offoodlegislation withparticular reference tofood
standards; draftregulations onfoodcontaminants; capacity building infoodinspection
andanalyses.
MALI
Title: Tostrengthen thelocal capability formore effective control ofanimal diseases
(MLI/5/013)
Budget: US$160,000
Duration: 1993-1997
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Tosupply equipment, expertise andtraining toimprove diagnostic capabilities. This
isanindirect trade issue relating toincrease inproductivity.
MAURITANIA
Title: Contrôle delaqualité desdenrées alimentaires (TCP/MAU/0154)
Budget : US$238,000
Duration : approx. 2.5years
Status: Completed
Objectives: Institutional building related tothecontrol offoodquality andsafety withparticular
reference tofishandfishproducts andthepromotion oftheexport.
MOZAMBIQUE
Title: Assistance instrengthening foodcontrol system (TCP/MOZ/6611)
Budget : US$225,000
Duration : 2years
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Review offoodlegislation anddrafting ofcomplementary regulations andstandards.
Training offoodinspectors andanalysts; organization oftheoverall foodcontrol
operations including foodimport/export inspection.
MYANMAR
Title: Agricultural market information services (TCP/MYA/...).
Budget : US$331,000
Duration : 18months
Status: Pipeline
Objectives: Reviewofmarketinformationrequirementsandestablishmentofmarketinginformation
services covering domestic andexport products.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page20
Title: Validation ofThinLayer Chromatographic screening methods forpesticide residue
analysis (D5.20.33 (FAO/IAEA CRPinvolving 10countries))
Budget: US$550,000 (for10countries)
Duration: 1996-2000
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Thinlayer chromatography (TLC) isasimple andcost-effective method (compared
toother methods relying onsophisticated equipment andavailability ofpuregases and
solvents) ofscreening foodandenvironmental samples forpesticide residues. The
purpose ofthisCRPistovalidate TLCbased residue analytical methods formonitoring
pesticides infoodandenvironmental samples. Suchmethods willfacilitate international
trade infoodbyproviding simpler andrelatively lessexpensive residue analytical
methods, particularly important toLDCs.
Title: Monitoring andcontrol ofanimal diseases (MYA/5/009)
Budget: US$200,000
Duration: 1997-1998
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Todevelop facilities andtechniques foraccurate andrapiddiagnosis ofanimal diseases,
particularly foot-and-mouth disease (FMD): toconduct anational survey andeffectively
monitor disease control programmes, particularly FMD andtoassist inreactivation
oftheexisting vaccination control programmes. Thisisanindirect tradeissuerelating
togeneral improvement inproductivity.
NEPAL
Title: Improvement ofseedquality control services (TCP/NEP/6611)
Budget : US$253,000
Duration : 1996-1997
Objectives: Tostrengthen theSeed Development andQuality Control Sector, Department of
Agriculture, Ministry ofAgriculture, toenable ittotakeupitsimmediate technical
responsibilities inorder toestablish aviable seedquality control programme through
in-service training andtechnical assistance asaprerequisite forsuccessful marketing.
Title: Strengthening facilities forfoodcontrol andconsumer protection (TCP/NEP/8852)
Budget : US$163,000
Duration : 1.5years
Status: Completed
Objectives: Updating andcompletion offoodlegislation; organisation ofinspectional activities
andupgrading oflaboratory capabilities forcontrolling thequality andsafety offoods.
RWANDA
Title: Contrôle delacontamination alimentaire (TCP/RWA/2253)
Budget : US$100,000
Duration : 2years
Status: Completed
Objectives: Advisoryserviceinfoodmicrobiologicalcontaminationpreventionandcontrol.Capacity
building intheinspection andanalyses offoods.
Title: Contrôle delacontamination desdenrées alimentaires parlesmycotoxines
(TCP/RWA/0051)
Budget : US$167,276
Duration : 1.5years
Status: CompletedWT/LDC/HL/7
Page21
Objectives: Assessment oftheextent ofthecontamination ofexport foodcrops bymycotoxins;
establishment ofregulations andprovision ofequipment andtraining oflaboratory
personnel inthecontrol ofmycotoxins.
SUDAN
Title: Diagnosis andcontrol ofanimal diseases (SUD/5/024)
Budget: US$117,000
Duration : 1997-1999
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Toutilize immunoassay techniques toimprove disease diagnosis andsurveillance. This
isanindirect trade issue relating togeneral improvement inproductivity.
Title: Assistance instrengthening foodcontrol infrastructure (TCP/SUD/2253)
Budget : US$235,000
Duration : 3years
Status: Completed
Objectives: Institutional building related toquality control oflocally produced aswellasimported
food, including theupdating ofthefoodlegislation; thetraining offoodcontrol
personnel.
Title: Implications oftheUruguay Round Multilateral Trade Negotiations foragricultural
policies ofSudan (TCP/SUD/4455)
Budget: US$45,200
Duration: 2years
Status: Justcompleted
Objectives: Assess theimplications oftheUruguay Round foragricultural policies ofSudan,
including assessments ofchanges thatwould berequired forsuch policies tobe
compatible withtheWTO. Theproject alsoassessed theimplications ofdevelopments
inworld markets forcommodities ofinterest toSudan andinparticular theimplications
forcotton oftheAgreement onTextiles andClothing.
TANZANIA
Title: Protection ofTanzania fromtransboundary spread ofrinderpest andemergency control
ofrinderpest inTanzania (TCP/URT/6714 andUNDP/URT/97/014)
Budget: US$303,000 andUS$403,000
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Theobjective oftheproject isemergency containment andcontrol oftransboundary
spread ofrinderpest. Presence ofrinderpest andCBPP inthecountry barsTanzania
from regional trade within SADC.
Title: Livestock marketing andsmall stock export promotion (TCP/URT/6612)
Budget : US$293,000
Duration : 14months
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Establish adomestic market information system forsheep andgoats andexpand the
market information system forcattle. Undertake export market investigations and
facilitate theexport ofsmall stock toNearEastmarkets through market information
andinfrastructure development.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page22
Title: Product andmarket development ofsisalandhenequen products (FC/RAF/96/001)
(UNIDO: executing agency; FAO: supervising agency)
Budget: 755,262 SDRs
Duration: 5years
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Project aimed atdeveloping andpromoting theuseofsisalinpaper pulpdeveloped
bytheIGGonHardFibres: Sisalisanimportant export cropinTanzania. Ifsuccessful,
thisproject could expand themarket forthefibreandhence leadtogreater employment
andincomes infibreproduction. Other activities under theproject aretopromote
effective useofwaste products forfeed, thusenhancing incomes frombothlivestock
andsisalproduction. Theproject alsoincludes aplantbreeding component toimprove
thevegetable material toproduce sisal.
Title: Improving small-scale extraction ofcoconut oil(TEMP/GLO/767/CFC)
Budget: US$3.6 million
Duration: 3years-ending in1998
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Theproject aimsatimproving thesupply oflow-cost, edible coconut oilindeveloping
countries. Theapplication ofitsresults inproject countries and,through technology
transfer, inotherproducing countries inAsiaandAfrica could contribute totheincrease
ofdomestic supplies andadecrease oftheirimports ofedible oils.
Title: Strengthening offoodcontrol services (TCP/URT/8958)
Budget : US$197,386
Duration : approx. 2years
Status: Completed
Objectives: Institutional building forfoodcontrol including thedrafting offoodlawandregulations,
thetraining offoodinspection staffandadvise onmethod ofanalyses forthecontrol
offood.
Title: Assistance toimprove microbiological control offood(TCP/URT/2253)
Budget : US$195,529
Duration : approx. 2years
Status: Completed
Objectives: Provision oflaboratory equipment and,supplies; training oflaboratory analysts; and
expert advice onmethodologies usedinmicrobiological analyses offood, including
import /export level.
UGANDA
Title: Development andpromotion ofvalue-added meat products (GCP/UGA/033/CFC -
Regional project)
Budget : US$1,500,000
Duration: 1997-1999
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Thismulti donor project willupgrade technology andtrainpeople fromthemeatsector
incountries oftheregion which willassist ininternational trade inmeat andmeat
products.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page23
Title: Emergency assistance tocontrol epidemic diseases (TCP/UGA/6716)
Budget : US$297,000
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Emergency prevention/control ofrinderpest inthehighriskareasofnorthern Uganda.
Constraint toregional trade.
Title: Diagnosis andcontrol oftrypanosomiasis andrinderpest (UGA/5/017)
Budget: US$118,000
Duration: 1997-1998
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Tointroduceimmunoassaytechniquesfordiagnosisandtomonitoracontrolprogramme
fortrypanosomiasis andrinderpest. Thisisanindirect trade issuerelating togeneral
improvement inproductivity.
Title: BananaimprovementprojectdevelopedbytheIGGonBananas:Identificationofdurable
nematode resistance sources inbanana andplantain (World Bank: executing agency;
FAO: supervising agency)
Budget: Uganda hasbeentherecipient ofaUS$217,000 grantunder thisUS$3.5 million project.
Duration: 1995-1998
Objectives: Thisworkinvolvesclassicbreedingofbananasandplantainsforidentificationofdurable
nematode resistance. Further IGGsponsored projects nowunder consideration bythe
CFCaredesigned toaidlocalandexport marketing ofimproved varieties ofbananas
andplantains.
Title: Pilotplantconstructionandmarketdevelopmentforvalue-addedproductsfromcassava.
Budget: US$500,000
Status: Pipeline
Objectives: tofocus onresearch anddevelopment/adoption ofnewvalue-added products from
cassava. Development ofamarket strategy forthese products bothlocally and
regionally.
Title: Development andpromotion ofvalue-added meat products inSub-Saharan Africa
(GCP/UGA/033/CFC)
Budget: US$514,395
Duration : 30months
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Theprojectistocontributetosocio-economicandindustrialdevelopmentthroughmarket
development andtraining necessary topromote small-scale industries producing
value-added meatproducts andupgrading by-products fordomestic andexport markets.
VANUATU
Title: Agricultural marketing improvement (TCP/VAN/...)
Budget : US$240,000
Duration : 8months
Status: Pipeline
Objectives: Establishment ofamarketing information service within theMinistry ofAgriculture,
training farmers andextension officers onuseofmarket information withaviewto
improving transparency toincrease production tofacilitate import replacement and
export production.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page24
YEMEN
Title: Assistance infoodradiation monitoring (TCP/PDY/8853)
Budget: US$76,000
Duration : 1year
Status: Completed
Objectives: Capacity building indetection andquantification ofradionuclides contaminants in
importedfoodstuffsincludingprovisionofequipmentandsupplies,trainingofpersonnel
andthestrengthening ofinspectional services attheports ofentry offoodproducts.
ZAMBIA
Title: Strengthening foodcontrol infrastructure (TCP/ZAM/2357)
Budget : US$236,000
Duration : approx. 1.5years
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Institutional building forfood control including updating offood legislation, the
organization andstreamlining ofthefoodinspection activities; upgrading thecapacity
offoodcontrol laboratory toanalyze foodforquality andsafety; training offood
control personnel.
Title: Strengthening foodcontrol infrastructure (phase II)(TCP/ZAM/5611)
Budget: US$38,500
Duration : 3months
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Institutional building forfood control including updating offood legislation, the
organization andstreamlining ofthefoodinspection activities; upgrading thecapacity
offoodcontrol laboratory toanalyze foodforquality andsafety; training offood
control personnel.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page25
II. MULTI-COUNTRY AND REGIONAL PROJECTS
Countries: Angola,Lesotho,Malawi,Mozambique,Tanzania,Zambia(aspartofanoverallproject
fortheSADC region)
Title: Uruguay Round Agreements -implications foragriculture intheSADC region
(TCP/RAF/6612)
Budget: US$130,000
Duration: Sixweeks
Status: Justcompleted
Objectives: Theobjective ofthisproject wasbasically tofamiliarize policy makers from the
countriesoftheSADCregionabouttheUruguayRoundAgreementsandhowagriculture
oftheregion maybeaffected. Theproject sponsored aregional workshop (with the
participation oftheWTO, World Bank andUNCTAD) which assessed theimpact of
changesinthemultilateraltradingenvironmentonagriculturaltradeintheSADCregion,
including effects onagricultural production, future opportunities forexpanding
agriculturaltradeandthepolicychangesneededtotakeadvantageoftheseopportunities.
Countries: Myanmar, Tanzania, Zambia (outof20countries)
Title: Inter-regional training course ontheuseofnuclear andrelated techniques forthe
determination ofveterinary drugresidues inlivestock products (INT/5/142)
Budget: US$148,000
Duration: Onemonth
Status: Justcompleted
Objectives: Food quality isnowofgreat importance intrade issues. Thiscourse wasaimed at
training personnel intechniques allowing screening forarange ofveterinary drug
residues toensure quality inarange oflivestock products toprotect consumers. This
hasdirect implications fortrade issues.
Countries: Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tanzania, Vanuatu
Title: Coconut integrated pestmanagement (IPM) control
Budget: US$1.91 million
Duration: 3years
Status: Pipeline
Objectives: Theprojectaimsatdevelopingintegratedpestmanagementstrategiesadoptedtoselected
coconut-based farming systems andatenhancing/facilitating thewide transfer and
applicationofrelatedtechnologies,resultinginincreasedproductionandexportpotential
from developing countries.
Countries: Benin, Tanzania, Maldives, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa
Title: Coconut germplasm utilization andconservation topromote sustainable coconut
production
Budget: US$3.7 million
Duration: 5years
Status: Pipeline
Objectives: Theproject isfocused ontheimprovement ofquality andproductivity ofasustainable
coconut cultivation through selection, conservation andworld-wide dissemination of
improved, adapted, high-yielding coconut varieties andhybrids. Thenewvarieties are
expected tolargely improve theeconomic competitiveness ofthecoconut vis-à-vis other
competing oilcrops andtohelpmaintain theshare ofcoconut-based products inthe
world markets andinthetrade inlauric oils.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page26
Countries : Chad,Djibouti,Eritrea,Ethiopia,Mali,Mauritania,Niger,SomaliaandYemen(among
the29RADISCON countries).
Title: Regional animal disease surveillance andcontrol network (GCP/REM/059/IFA)
Budget : US$1,250,000
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Thisfive-year project aims atestablishing aregional disease surveillance network
whereby exchange ofinformation onanimal health anddisease notification willtake
place between the29member countries from Africa andtheMiddle East. Thishas
direct implications forlivestock trade asdisease situation intheexporting countries
willbetimely communicated topotential importing oneswithin andoutside ofthe
regional network.
Countries : Regional Africa (35countries)
Title: Panafrican rinderpest campaign: epidemiology (GCP/RAF/317/EEC)
Budget : US$1.6 million
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: EpidemiologyofrinderpestinAfricainsupportofthePanAfricanRinderpestCampaign
towards continental eradication ofrinderpest. Eradication ofrinderpest from Africa
willremove amajor obstacle tolivestock trade from thecontinent inaddition to
facilitating intra-regional trade.
Countries : Regional Africa (35countries)
Title: PanAfrican Veterinary Vaccine Centre (GCP/RAF/318/EEC andGCP/RAF/337/JPN
PANVAC)
Budget : US$1.18 million foroneproject andUS$1.5 million fortheother
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Assurance oftherinderpest andContagious Bovine Pleuro Pneumonia (CBPP) vaccines
usedinAfrica fordisease control. CBPP andrinderpest arethemostserious diseases
inAfrica andhinders trade within theregion andexports totherestoftheworld.
Countries: Ethiopia, Niger, Tanzania, Zambia (asparticipants inaregional project)
Title: Increasing foodsecurity inSub-Saharan Africa (RAF/5/036)
Budget: US$900,000 (partofalarge multidisciplinary project)
Duration: 1995-1999
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Partofthisproject isinsupport oftheFAO Special Programme forFood Security -
inthefielditisoperated aspartoftheSpecial Programme. Thesupport isinsoil
fertility andpesticide monitoring. Thecomponent directly related totradeispesticide
monitoring. Inthis,pesticides aremonitored intheenvironment andintheplant, and
pesticide residues aremeasured intheharvest (e.g.grain, vegetables) tocheck levels
againstinternationallyacceptedstandards.Localcapacity(laboratoryfacilitiesandtrained
personnel) forpesticide residue monitoring were setuporstrengthened inthefour
LDCs (outofsixcountries intheproject) forcarrying outfieldactivities.
Countries: Ethiopia, Sudan, Zambia, Zaire, Tanzania, Madagascar (asparticipants inaregional
project)
Title: Diagnosis andcontrol oflivestock diseases (RAF/5/034)
Budget: US$427,000
Duration: 1995-1997
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Toimprove thediagnosis andcontrol/eradication ofthemajor infectious diseases
(trypanosomiasis,tick-bornediseasesandrinderpest)affectinglivestockinAfricathroughWT/LDC/HL/7
Page27
theapplication ofimmunoassay andmolecular techniques. Thisisanindirect trade
issue relating togeneral improvement inproductivity.
Countries: Mali, Sudan, Ethiopia (asparticipants inaregional project)
Title: Assistance inthecomplete eradication ofrinderpest from Africa (RAF/5/043)
Budget: US$505,000
Duration: 1997-1999
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Thedevelopmentobjectivesaretoincreasefoodsecurityandtoimproveruraleconomies
overalarge partoftheAfrican continent through complete eradication ofrinderpest
bytheyear2002. Thishasadirect bearing ontradeissues through creation ofexport
possibilities duetoconfirmed absence ofrinderpest incattle.
Countries : Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda andMalawi
Title: EstablishmentofamarketingandagribusinesstrainingcapabilityinEasternandSouthern
Africa (GCP/RAF/238/JPN)
Budget: US$3,000,000
Duration : 5years
Status: Recently completed
Objectives: Project activities improved capabilities ofMinistry personnel andUniversity staffin
marketing andagribusiness. Regional andnational training seminars wereorganized
andacomplete setofmarketing andagribusiness training materials (6volumes) was
produced toimprove thetraining ofuniversity students inmarketing andagribusiness,
including international marketing andtrading operations.
Countries: Benin, Congo, Côted’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Madagascar, Malawi, Tanzania, Togo,
Uganda, Zimbabwe andZaire
Title: Expanding cassava utilization forfood, feedandindustrial applications.
Budget: US$4,770,000 (estimated totalcost)ofwhich 60%fromtheCFC. Co-financing from
IFAD grant US$150,000; others being sought
Status: Theproposal wasprepared byIITA, CIRAD, NRICIAT, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe,
EARRNET,SARNETT(cassavagroup)andfavourablyreviewedbytheCFCSecretariat
Objectives: Theproject isdesigned todevelop thepotential ofcassava tocontribute totheeconomies
ofdeveloping countries inSub-Saharan Africa. Itwilllinksmall-scale farmers and
processors toexisting, improved ornewgrowth markets andwillestablish thecapability
andcapacity tointegrate research anddevelopment activities oncassava production,
processing andmarketing tocapture thegrowing market potential forcassava inAfrica.
Immediate objectives are:toformulate anddisseminate processes forproducing high
quality cassava flour; toexpand theutilisation inlivestock feedrations fordifferent
classes oflivestock; topromote small-scale processing tomeet foodandindustrial
demand; topromote thesourcassava starch processing technology asameans of
producing gluten-free textured products. Expected outputs include: expanded andmore
efficient commodity trading within andbetween African states
Countries: Uganda, Kenya, Mozambique andZimbabwe
Title: Transfer ofcassava processing technologies from Brazil forcommercial adaptation
inselected African countries.
Budget: US$2,600,000 (estimated totalcost). Co-financing notcommitted asyet.
Status: theproposalhasbeensubmittedbyEMBRAPA,IITA,CIAT,EARRNET,SARRNET,
African NARS. Co-financing notcommitted yet.Theproposal istobesubmitted
toCFCSecretariat andtoFAO technical divisions forreviews andcomments before
being submitted totheCC. Estimated starting dateNovember 1997.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page28
Objectives: Toexpand themarketing opportunities ofcassava farmers andprocessors ineastand
southernAfricabyintroducing,adaptingappropriaterootcropsprocessingtechnologies,
which willpromote thecommercialisation ofrootcrops andincrease theincome
generating capacity offarmers andofferconsumers awiderange offoodproducts made
from indigenous crops inboththerural andurban communities.
Countries: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger
Title: Conservation, evaluation anddissemination ofgroundnut germplasm andproduction
anddistribution ofimproved foundation seedforWestAfrica (TEMP/RAF/835/CFC)
Budget: US$4.8 million
Duration : 5years
Status: Ongoing (started in1996)
Objectives: Theproject aimsatproviding abroaden genetic baseofimproved groundnut genetic
material totheWest Africa region and,through further dissemination, toalltheother
developing countries. Thecomponent aiming attheproduction anddissemination of
improved foundation seedinWest Africa should result inasustainable increase ofthe
groundnut production andinincreased exports from theregion.
Countries : Zambia
Title: Development ofcommodity marketing systems through warehouse andinventory credit
(domestic andexport trade)
Budget : US$1.80 million
Status: Approved bytheIGGongrains; tobesubmitted totheConsultative Committee of
theCFC inJuly1997 forreview andcomment.
Objectives: Toenhance theefficiency ofdomestic andintra-regional marketing systems forgrains
andother storable commodities, produced bysmallholders, inAfrica andtoincrease
thevolume andvalue ofexports byAfrican countries, particularly exports to
neighbouring countries.
Countries: Regional Africa
Title: Quality control ofgumarabic (TCP/RAF/4557)
Budget : US$268,000
Duration : 2years
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Assistance tothegum arabic producing countries inthedefinition ofquality
specifications oftheir respective products andinimproving thequality control
procedures topromote theirexport potential.
Countries : Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam
Title: Foot-and-mouthdiseasesurveillance,controlandstrategyformulation(TCP/RAS/6611)
Budget : US$310,000
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Training inFoot-and-mouth Disease (FMD) control andtechnical assessment of
strategies forcontrolling FMD inthesub-region. FMD mostimportant impediment
forregional trade inSoutheast Asia.
Countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar andNepal (partofalarger group ofcountries ofAsia
andPacific region)
Title: Establishing ofaseedassociation forpublic andprivate seedenterprises inthe
Asia-Pacific region (GCP/RAS/153/DEN)
Budget: FAO/DANIDA Contribution: US$2,043,000
Duration : 1994-1998WT/LDC/HL/7
Page29
Objectives: Establish aregional association tobeorganized andfunded inorder tofunction asa
regional seedpolicy forum, generate andexchange regulatory, technical andtrade
information,organizetraining,andtestingofassociationmembers’commercialvarieties,
hybrids andinbred lines.
Countries: Pacific Island countries
Title: Regional Management ofFruit Flies inthePacific (RAS/97/331)
Duration : 1997-2000
Objectives: Project willassist Pacific Island countries, including some LDCs, inbuilding national
andregional capacity tomanage thecurrent andfuture fruitflyproblems regionally.
Theproject willprovide techniques toreduce fieldlosses caused byfruitfliesandwill
overcome constraints toexport fresh fruits andvegetables byformulating suitable
quarantine treatments.
Countries: Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa
Title: Control andReduction ofAflatoxin Levels inCopra andCopra Cake
Budget: US$1.5 million
Duration: 2years
Status: Pipeline
Objectives: Theproject aims atreducing aflatoxin levels incopra andcopra cakeatmilland
exporters ’level. Asaresult, theexports ofcopra-based products fromthesecountries
areexpected tobeenhanced andfacilitated.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page30
III. GLOBAL PROJECTS
Title: FAO/IAEA Training andReference Centre forFood andPesticide Control
Budget: Approximately US$1,000,000
Duration: 1998-1999 andbeyond
Status: Inthepipeline
Objectives: Toassist Member States andtheirinstitutions tofulfil requirements tosupport the
implementation ofinternational standards/agreements relevant tofoodsafety, control
andtrade,thesafeuseofpesticideandsanitaryandphytosanitarymeasuresbyproviding
training, quality assurance services andtechnology transfer.
Title: Implementation ofthePrior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure (GCP/INT/538/NET)
Status: Completed (implemented jointly byFAO andUNEP)
Objectives: ThePICprocedure helps participating countries learn more about thecharacteristics
ofpotentially hazardous chemicals thatmay beshipped tothem, initiates a
decision-making process onthefuture import ofthese chemicals, anddisseminates
thesedecisions toparticipating countries. TheaimofthePICprocedure istopromote
ashared responsibility between exporting andimporting countries inprotecting human
health andtheenvironment from theharmful effects ofcertain hazardous chemicals
being traded internationally
Title: Technical support related totheInternational Plant Protection Convention (IPPC)
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Theprinciple activity oftheSecretariat oftheIPPC isthedevelopment and
implementation ofinternational standards forphytosanitary measures. Those countries
requiring assistance frequently callupontheSecretariat forguidance, particularly with
respect tounderstanding andmeeting their obligations under theConvention and
international trade agreements. TheSecretariat alsofacilitates thedissemination and
exchange ofinformation inorder tohelpLDCs andothers access important data
concerningharmfulpestsanddiseases,thephytosanitaryrequirementsofothercountries,
andphytosanitary-trade related developments. Additional support isprovided inthe
form oftechnical consultations organized bytheSecretariat. Working groups,
workshops, seminars, andmeetings thatareroutinely organized orattended bythe
Secretariatprovideadditionalavenuesforsharingphytosanitaryexpertiseandinformation
available through FAO.
Title: Trade andMarketing Analysis inForestry Products
Status: Ongoing
Objectives: Provide information andanalysis onissues thatrelate toimproving tradeandmarketing,
andassisting countries toimprove theircapabilities inthese areas. Thework isboth
ofanormative nature covering allcountries, including LDCs, andindividual countries
orgroups ofcountries through fieldprojects. Some oftherecent work carried out
thatisdirectly related totrade andmarketing issues, andwork underway, includes
"TradeRestrictionsAffectingInternationalTradeinNon-WoodForestProducts"(1995);
"Impact oftheUruguay Round onInternational Trade inForest Product" (1996);
"Trade Restrictions Affecting Forest Products" (1997); "Guidelines forStrengthening
andEstablishment ofLogAuction Systems"; and"Marketing inForestry and
Agroforestry byRural People".WT/LDC/HL/7
Page31
TRADE-RELATED TECHNICAL COOPERATION ACTIVITIES
CARRIED OUT INLEAST-DEVELOPED COUNTRIES BY
THE ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT BANK
1. Thecurrent membership oftheIslamic Development Bank (IDB) is52countries. Ofthese,
21members belong tothecategory ofleast-developed countries2.TheBank provides technical
assistance (TA)tothemember countries foridentification, preparation, andimplementation ofprojects,
aswellasforthedevelopment ofinstitutions andhuman resources. Priority fortechnical assistance
isgiven totheleast-developed member countries andtoregional projects.
2. Asfarastrade-relatedtechnicalassistanceisconcerned,itisprovidetomembercountriesthrough
theBank's"Programme ofTrade Cooperation andPromotion". Theobjectives ofthisProgramme
aretostrengthen thetradetiesamong themember countries; facilitate opportunities fortheenhancement
ofintra-trade among member countries; andtoassist member countries inthepromotion oftheir
exportable products. Theactivities oftheProgramme include thefollowing:
(i) organizing business meetings, workshops, andjointtrademissions tostrengthen trade
relations among member countries andtoexchange information andexperiences on
export marketing;
(ii) coordinating andcollaborating withinternational, regional andlocalinstitutions with
aviewtoassisting member countries inpromoting theirexports;
(iii) providing expert services inthefieldoftrade promotion andexport development on
request;
(iv) disseminating thetrade information available intheTrade Promotion Department of
theIDBtotheconcerned authorities inmember countries.
3. Between 1992 and1997, 11seminars/workshops ondifferent trade-related topics havebeen
organized under theProgramme forTrade Promotion andCooperation. Seven ofthese
workshops/seminars were ofinterest totheleast-developed member countries oftheBank inwhich
several ofthese countries participated. TheBank hasalsofinanced under thisProgramme the
participation ofanumber ofitsleast-developed member countries indifferent trade fairs.
4. Inaddition totheseminars/workshops under theabove mentioned programme, theIDBhas
alsoorganized three seminars onUruguay Round Agreements under itsregular technical assistance
programme. Experts/resource persons forthese seminars wereprovided bytheWTO andUNCTAD.
Theobjective ofthese seminars wastocreate anawareness among themember countries about the
newinternational trading system andtohelpthem inbetter understanding andimplementing these
agreements.
5. Asfarastheleast-developed member countries areconcerned, twosuchseminars areworth
mentioning. Thefirstseminar washeldatDakar, Senegal, inJanuary 1997, andwasorganized
exclusively fortheleast-developed members oftheBank inCentral andWest Africa. Twenty-five
senior officials fromministries oftrade andfromtheprivate sector from12least-developed members
oftheBank participated intheseminar. Thesecond seminar washeldinJeddah inJune1997, inwhich
more than90officials from39IDBmembers countries (including 23officials from14least-developed
2Including Senegal, which istreated asaleast-developed member country forthepurpose ofIDBfinancing.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page32
member countries) andeightinternational, regional, andother institutions participated. Thisseminar
addressed issues ofconcern toIDBmember countries thatarealready members oftheWTO, those
thatareintheprocess ofnegotiating theirmembership, andthose thatareconsidering theirmembership
intheWTO.
6. TheIDBispresentlyintheprocessofpreparingacomprehensivetechnicalassistanceprogramme
foritsmember countries which willbeimplemented incollaboration withtheWTO, UNCTAD, ITC,
andother relevant institutions. Itishoped thatthisProgramme willbefinalized byAugust andthat
implementation willstartsoonthereafter. Already, thebasic features ofthisProgramme havebeen
endorsed, inprinciple, bytheBoard ofExecutive Directors oftheBank. TheBank'stechnical assistance
tomembercountriesforWTOrelatedactivitieswillmainlybefor:creatingawareness,capacitybuilding,
andstrengthening regional integration. Themain elements ofthisprogramme arelikely tobethe
following:
(a) Organizing seminars/workshops onUruguay Round Agreements.
(b) Conducting analytical studies aimed atassessing theimplications oftheUruguay Round
Agreements forIDBmember countries.
(c) Providing advisory services tomember countries through financing of
experts/consultants.
(d) Sponsoring official fromIDBmember countries totakepartinrelevant training courses
offered byvarious institutions suchastheWTO.
(e) Strengthening thenegotiation skillofmember countries.
(f) Assisting member countries toprepare forfuture negotiations ontrade-related issues.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page33
TRADE-RELATED TECHNICAL COOPERATION ACTIVITIES
CARRIED OUT INLEAST-DEVELOPED COUNTRIES BY
UNITED NATIONS INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION
1. AsspecializedUNOrganizationforindustrialdevelopment,UNIDOattachesfundamentalpriority
totheindustrialization ofleast-developed countries. UNIDO 'sprogrammes andspecial measures for
least-developed countries arebeing initiated within thecontext ofUNIDO 'sthematic priorities and
inresponse totherequests from least-developed countries.
2. Inthiscontext, UNIDO isbeing increasingly requested byleast-developed countries toassist
them, inter alia,instrengthening andbuilding their national capacities andcreating afavourable
investment environment asameans tooffset theeventual negative impacts ofgrowing globalization
andliberalization oftrade. Inorder toadequately respond tothese requests, UNIDO isfocusing more
thanbeforeitsLDCprogrammeonsuchareasascapacity-buildingandupstreamactivities,strengthening
theproductioncapability,investmentpromotionprogrammesanddevelopmentofsmall-andmedium-size
industries. Therefore, theultimate goalofUNIDO 'strade-related activities inleast-developed countries
istoassist theleast-developed countries inpromoting theirindustrial competitiveness, withaview
tofacilitating theiraccess totheinternational markets.
3. Within thecontext ofitspriority programme "Africa andleast-developed countries", UNIDO
hasinitiated several projects andinitiatives directly linking industry withagricultural sector. Themain
objectiveofthispriorityprogramme,istostrengthentheproductioncapabilitiesinagro-relatedindustries
inleast-developed countries andtohelptheindustrial enterprises toimprove thequality oftheiragro-
industrial products. Theissueofindustrial capacity-building withparticular emphasis onagro-related
industries hasbeenselected asthetheme ofUNIDO 's4thLDC Ministerial Symposium inVienna from
26November to5December 1997 inconjunction withtheSeventh Session ofUNIDO 'sGeneral
Conference. Indealing withthisproblem theleast-developed country Ministers willreview anddiscuss
themechanisms, structures andpolicies facilitating thecapacity-building andinvestment flows tothe
industrial sector intheircountries.
4. Thefive"High Impact Programmes" ofUNIDO, developed from1995-1997, address mainly
thefollowing needs ofLDCs, (i)human resource development inparticular women entrepreneurship,
(ii)support toinstitutional capacity-building including quality-related institutions, (iii)support tothe
formulation ofindustrial policies andstrategies, (iv)strengthening thesupport institutions toSMEs
andmicro-enterprises and(v)investment promotion programmes.
5. Ascanbeseen, UNIDO 'sLDC programme, aimed atpromoting industrial competitiveness
inLDCs andlinking themintoglobal markets, substantially supports andcontributes tothedevelopment
oftradesector inthesecountries. Inorder toupdate theprogramme andmake itmoredemand-oriented,
UNIDO'sLDCprogrammeisbeingregularlyreviewed,discussedandadjustedduringbiennialsymposia
ofLDC Ministers, heldinconjunction withGeneral Conferences ofUNIDO every twoyears.
6. Below isabriefsummary ofthemainfeatures ofUNIDO 'strade-related technical co-operation
programmes inLDCs.
(i) Strengthening production capability
Thisprogramme aimsatincreasing theefficiency andcompetitiveness oftheLDC's
industrial enterprises attheregional/sub-regional andinternational markets. This
programme covers arange ofinter-related activities from quality control, training
programmes andtechnical advise atenterprise leveltothedevelopment ofsmall- andWT/LDC/HL/7
Page34
medium-enterprises(SMEs).Thefollowingexamplesshallexplainthenatureandscope
ofthisprogramme.
AUNIDO High Impact Programme (HIP) ontheapplication ofquality principles to
thefood-processing sector isbeing implemented infiveSouth andEastAfrican LDCs.
Thisprogramme hasasimmediate objective therapid andmeasurable improvement
offoodsafety through implementing pilotprogrammes inselected enterprises and
reinforcing theconcerned support institutions. Byapplying modern concepts ofquality
managementandproduction,theprogrammewillresultinbuildinguplocalandregional
capacity fortechnical support toenterprises thatareprepared toimprove theirquality
andproductivity infoodprocessing. Thesame programme hasbeendeveloped for
West African andAsian selected LDCs andsubmitted forfinancial consideration to
potential donors.
AspartofUNIDO'sprogrammefortheRegionalAfricanLeatherandFootwearIndustry
Scheme (RALFIS), assistance isbeing provided totheNational Leather andFootwear
Industry Schemes (NALFIS) inAfrican LDCs. Fournational projects werelaunched
forAfrican LDCs in1996 withatotalvalue ofUSD 2.0million. Allthese projects
aredesigned toimprove thequality ofrawhides andskins, tostrengthen theproduction
capacity ofthelocaltannery industry andthemarketing performance ofsmall-sized
manufacturers offootwear andleather goods. Furthermore, theprojects aimat
enhancing theefficiency oftannery effluent treatment plants.
Under apreparatory programme fortheAlliance forAfrica 'sindustrialization (AAI),
launched inAbidjan, Côte d'Ivoire inOctober 1996, UNIDO carried outaneeds
assessment inselected African LDCs intheagro-related industries withaview to
assisting these countries inenhancing competitiveness based ontheir potential
comparative advantages. Under thisprogramme, assessment wasmade ofthecurrent
situation andtheneeds fordeveloping specific agro-related industries aswellas
strengthening industry-agriculture linkages inthese countries. Based onthefindings
ofthispreparatory assistance, which were reviewed atthethirteenth Conference of
African Ministers ofIndustry (CAMI) from 19-28 May1997 inAccra, Ghana, a
medium-term integrated technical co-operation programme isbeing formulated which
aims atensuring food security, increasing agricultural productivity andoutputs,
increasing resource flows andcompetitiveness inagro-based industries.
(ii) Institutionbuildingandhumanresourcesdevelopmentincludingwomenentrepreneurship
Taking intoaccount theurgent needofLDCs forpolicy advise oninstitution building
andprivate sector development, UNIDO provided support in1996to14African and
Asian LDCs ranging from direct advisory services intheformulation ofindustrial
policies andcompetitiveness strategies totraining programmes. Such institutions as
ministries ofindustry, national institutes ofstatistics, meteorology andinvestment
promotion centres benefitted from thatUNIDO initiative.
Inresponse totherecommendations oftheThird Ministerial Symposium andUNIDO
General Conference Resolution GC.6/Res.8, UNIDO provides active support to
18African andseven Asian LDCs inestablishing aneffective information network
inthose countries. Thisproject aimsatassessing thepossibilities andprospects for
networking existing industrial resources tosupport theneeds ofthebusiness community
forinformation andvalue-added services bothatthenational andinternational levels.
Theproject willthuslaytheground work for(a)meeting theinformation andvalue-WT/LDC/HL/7
Page35
added needs ofthelocalSMEs and(b)providing asuitable window fortheinternational
business community onlocally available business opportunities.
Alarge-scale project waslaunched in1996 toassist 12English speaking African
countries including sixLDCs incarrying outtheir investment, technology and
information programmes. These programmes aimat(a)capacity-building inmatters
relatedtoinvestment,technologyandinformationattheenterpriseleveland(b)assisting
theprivate sector through thepromotion offoreign direct investment andtechnology
transfer intheform ofco-operation orjointventure andstrategic business alliances
attheinstitutional level.
Inresponse toarecommendation oftheThird LDCMinisterial Symposium, organized
inVienna inDecember 1995, assessment isbeing made oftheexisting physical and
institutional capacities in10African and5Asian LDCs inthefield ofquality,
standardization, testing andmetrology (QSTM). This project willresult inthe
formulation ofthree sub-regional programmes (twoforEnglish andFrench speaking
African LDCs andoneforAsian LDCs) which willidentify thepriority needs ofthe
concerned LDCs andmake specific recommendations tostrengthen theirlocalcapacities
inthefield ofQSTM. Themain objective ofthisprogramme istoincrease
competitiveness inthefoodprocessing enterprises intheconcerned LDCs.
Assistance isbeing provided fortheestablishment ofaregional focalpoint(tissuetéque)
forthepromotion oftraditional textiles industry inWest African LDCs. Thisproject
aimsattraining theartisanal (basically women) entrepreneurs andproviding support
inimproving thequality oftheirtraditional textile products. Thiswould enhance their
competitiveness attheregional markets.
AHIPforwomen entrepreneurship development isunder active implementation in
threeWestAfricancountries,includingoneLDC,Mali.Theprojectaimsatmaximizing
thecontribution ofwomen entrepreneurs totheindustrialization process, through inter-
related activities including training programmes. Theproject aimsalsoatcreating
anenabling environment fortheimprovement andgrowth ofwomen 'sindustrial
enterprises.
Alargescalemulti-funded project forruralwomen entrepreneurs isbeing implemented
inBurkina Faso andMali. Theproject, financed under UNIDO/IFAD andUNDP
resources, aimsatestablishing localcapacities inthefoodprocessing sub-sector through
further training ofwomen artisans andnon-governmental organizations. Thisproject
willensure thesustainability of26platforms already installed inbothcountries under
thefirstphase oftheproject. Theplatforms, consisting ofadiesel engine forpower
generation aswellasother equipment suchaswelding machines, straw cutters, battery
chargers andwater pumps allow thecommunities tomake more rational useofenergy
generated byengine andother equipment rented through theplatforms. Furthermore,
theyprovideemploymentopportunitiesfortheruralpopulationandparticularlywomen.
Thesecond phase ofUNIDO 'Straining programme forwomen entrepreneurs inthe
foodprocessing industry inU.R. ofTanzania waslaunched inNovember 1996. The
aimoftheproject istoensure thesustainability oftheongoing project (first phase)
through thedevelopment andstrengthening ofinstitutional capacities, development
ofnewtraining programmes andsetting quality control standards. Under thefirstphase
oftheproject, aninstitutional andregulatory framework wasestablished forincreasing
theparticipation ofwomen insmall-scale foodprocessing industries.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page36
(iii) Investment promotion
Inorder tosupport LDCs inmobilizing localandforeign investments, UNIDO has
developed anintegrated investment programme which aims atstrengthening local
capacities forinvestment promotion, including formulation ofinvestment codes and
support totheinvestment promotion bureaux, development ofindustrial estates and
freetradezonesaswellasorganizinginvestmentpromotionfora.Furthermore,UNIDO
provides under its"Delegates Programme" training opportunities fordelegates from
LDCs atUNIDO 'sInvestment Promotion Service (IPS) Offices indeveloped and
developing countries. Assistance isbeing provided totheLDC national investment
promotion agencies (IPAs) aiming at(a)networking these agencies withUNIDO IPS
offices and(b)strengthening theircapacity intheimplementation ofprojects.
Around-table meeting ofIPSoffices andnational investment promotion agencies in
theAsiaandPacific region washeldinManilla from28to30May1997which analyzed
thetrends andpossibilities ofmobilizing foreign direct investment todeveloping
countries intheAsiaandPacific region withspecial emphasis onselected LDCs. As
afollow-up totheabove RTM, apreparatory assistance isbeing launched toassess
theprospectsofindustrialcooperationbetweentheLDCsinGreaterMekongSub-region
andAsian investment countries.
InpreparingthejointUNIDO/UNCTADpilotseminarorganizedinGenevainJune1997
onmobilization ofinvestment flows toLDCs, UNIDO carried outsixcountry studies
inAfrican LDCs (Madagascar, Mozambique, Togo, U.R. ofTanzania, Uganda and
Zambia) andoneinBangladesh examining theeconomic andfinancial environment
required forattracting private investment funds tothese countries. Inaddition two
investment opportunity studies werecarried outassessing thestatus aswellastheneeds
ofLDCs inagro-industries andinfrastructure. Thestudies showed thatchannelling
ofinvestment funds totheindustrial sector inLDCs maysucceed ifthepre-conditions
bothatpolicy andatinstitutional levels areimproved inthese countries. Thefinal
report ofUNIDO/UNCTAD pilot seminar willbesubmitted byUNCTAD for
presentationintheabove-mentionedHigh-LevelMeetinginGenevafrom27-28October
1997.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page37TRADE-RELATED TECHNICAL COOPERATION ACTIVITIES
CARRIED OUT INLEAST-DEVELOPED COUNTRIES BY
THE WORLD CUSTOMS ORGANIZATION
COUNTRY HS1996 AMENDMENTS WTO VALUATION
AGREEMENTPROMOTION OFTHE CONCEPTS OFTHE
KYOTO CONVENTION
Angola Assistance provided
Bangladesh Assistance provided Assistance provided Assistance provided
1998 Technical Assistance revised Kyoto
Convention (planned)
Burkina Faso Assistance provided
Burundi Assistance provided
Cameroon 1997 Seminar (planned) Assistance provided
Cape Verde 1997 Seminar (planned) Assistance provided
Central African Republic Assistance provided
Comoros Assistance provided 1997 participation inaRegional Seminar (planned)
Eritrea Assistance provided
Ethiopia Assistance provided Assistance provided
Gambia Assistance provided
Guinea Assistance provided
Haiti 1997/98 Seminar (planned)
Lesotho Assistance provided
Liberia Assistance provided
Madagascar Assistance provided Assistance provided 1997 participation inaRegional Seminar (planned)
Malawi Assistance provided Assistance providedWT/LDC/HL/7
Page38COUNTRY HS1996 AMENDMENTS WTO VALUATION
AGREEMENTPROMOTION OFTHE CONCEPTS OFTHE
KYOTO CONVENTION
Maldives Assistance provided Assistance provided Assistance provided
Mali 1997 Technical Assistance (planned) Assistance provided
Mauritania Assistance provided Assistance provided
Mozambique
Myanmar Assistance provided Assistance provided Assistance provided
Nepal Assistance provided Assistance provided Assistance provided
1998 Technical Assistance revised Kyoto
Convention (planned)
Niger 1997 Technical Assistance (planned) Assistance provided 1997 participation inaRegional Seminar (planned)
Rwanda 1997 Technical Assistance (planned) Assistance provided
Sierra Leone Assistance provided
Sudan 1997 Seminar (planned) 1997 Seminar (planned)
Togo Assistance provided 1997 participation inaRegional Seminar (planned)
Trinidad andTobago Assistance provided Assistance provided
Tanzania Assistance provided Assistance provided 1998 participation inaRegional Seminar (planned)
Uganda Assistance provided Assistance provided
Yemen Assistance provided Assistance provided
Democratic Republic of
theCongoAssistance provided 1997 participation inaRegional Seminar (planned)
Zambia Assistance provided Assistance providedWT/LDC/HL/7
Page39
EXTRACT FROM THE WCO REPORT ONTHE DIAGNOSTIC STUDY PROGRAMME
CONDUCTED INUGANDA (1995-96)
Summary ofProcess andPerformance Improvements
intheUganda Revenue Authority
Positions prior tothe
Diagnostic WorkshopPosition afterandasaresult ofthe
Diagnostic Workshop
·Revenue collections 1994/1995 :528
billion Uganda Shillings (USH)Revenue collections 1995/1996: 650billion
USH**
·Atleast120hours required toprocess a
goods declaration andrelease goodsNow goods declarations areprocessed and
goods released within 48hours
·Lack ofproper control ofbonded goods.
Atotalof123warehouses some assmall
as250m2Number nowreduced to84supervised
bonded warehouses withafloor areaofnot
lessthan450m2
·Atleast30cases ofgoods lostfrom
bonded warehouses were reported in
1994.In1996 only3cases havebeenreported.
Tighter control ofbonded warehouses
attributed tothereduction intheloses
·Uncleared consignments inbonded
warehouses averaged 6billion USH a
yearUncleared consignments in1995 only1.3
billion USH. Thisreduction alsoreduces
risksofrevenue leakage
·10%oftransit consignments lostthrough
diversion tohome useThepercentage ofconsignments lostinthisis
now5%
·Very poorrecord keeping generally Consultant engaged toadvise onrecord
management policy andparttimeemployees
hired tosortexisting records
·Noformal meetings between Customs and
thebusiness communityAtleast12formal meetings peryeararenow
scheduled
·Noformal meetings ofmanagers at
operational levelsMore than30meetings havebeenheldinthe
past12months many more regular meetings
arescheduled
·Stressful working environment, culture of
suspicion andmistrust, reluctance by
managers totakeevensimple decisionAgreeable working environment, more
openness andtrust, managers now
comfortable withteamwork andreadily make
decisions orpropose solutions
**Other factors mayalsohave contributed totheentries inrevenues.WT/LDC/HL/7
Page40
TRADE-RELATED TECHNICAL COOPERATION ACTIVITIES
CARRIED OUT INLEAST-DEVELOPED COUNTRIES BY
THE WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANIZATION
TheWorld Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) hassubmitted twodocuments relating
toitstechnical cooperation activities which areavailable forconsultation intheWTO Secretariat.
These are:
- AB/XXIX/2 ofMay31,1996, entitled "Governing Bodies ofWIPO andtheUnions
Administered byWIPO" -"Twenty-Ninth Series ofMeetings, Geneva, September 23
toOctober 2,1996", and
- PC/IP/XVII/2 ofJune1996, entitled "WIPO Permanent Program forDevelopment
Cooperation Related toIndustrial Property", "Permanent Committee, Seventeenth
Session, Geneva, June24to27,1996".
Parts ofseveral chapters ofthese twodocuments relate directly orindirectly tocooperation
withleast-developed countries.