WORLD TRADE WT/COMTD/IF/1*
21November 1997
ORGANIZATION(97-5119)
Committee onTrade andDevelopment
Integrated Framework forTrade-Related
Technical Assistance
TRADE-RELATED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NEEDS-ASSESSMENT AND
INTEGRATED RESPONSES BYIMF, ITC, UNCTAD, UNDP, WORLD BANK AND WTO1
BANGLADESH
*Aprevious version ofthisdocument wascirculated asWT/LDC/HL/12/Add.1
1Thefirstpartofthisdocument, which includes theneeds-assessment fortrade-related technical assistance,
preparedbyBangladesh,iscontainedindocumentWT/LDC/HL/12/Add.1andisnotreproducedinthisdocument.WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page2
INTEGRATED RESPONSE BYIMF, ITC, UNCTAD, UNDP, WORLD BANK AND WTO
TOTHE NEEDS-ASSESSMENT OFBANGLADESH
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Inresponse toquestion A(k):
Technical assistance requirements as
regards compliance withWTO
Agreements
Bangladesh needs technical assistance
forinstitutional development aswell
asforhuman resources development
intheareaoftrade policy
administration andtrade facilitation.
More specifically, Bangladesh needs
technical assistance inthefollowing
areas tocomply withtheWTO
Agreements:
-Tosetupcellsorfocal points inthe
relevant Ministries tocarry outwork
related totheWTO Agreements.
Thiswill,interalia,ensure that
notification andother WTO
obligations arefullyimplemented.
-Tostrengthen theMinistry of
Commerce anditsaffiliated agencies
(liketheBangladesh Tariff
Commission andtheExport
Promotion Bureau) toenhance their
capacities toeffectively handle the
increasing volume ofWTO related
work.UNCTAD UNCTAD willprovide training and
advisory services withaviewto
responding tothepriority needs of
selected Government andcreating
capacities inselected institutions. It
willorganize training seminars for
trainers ontrade policy matters.*
(ICP, Obj.2.1)
(These activities areplanned tobe
undertaken under theGovernment 's
Integrated Country Programme -ICP
-ForStrengthening theSupply
Capacity ForExportable Goods and
Services. (1997-2002). ThisICPhas
beendeveloped following an
UNCTAD ledinter-agency mission
involving ITC, UNDP, andESCAP,
which visited Bangladesh inMay-
June1997).
*Funds arerequested.WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page3
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Question A(k)(cont.):
-Totrainofficials inrelevant
Ministries, particularly theMinistry
ofCommerce, andthevarious
chambers ofcommerce andindustry
toenable them tofullycomprehend
thecomplexities oftheWTO
Agreements andthereby effectively
dealwiththem.ITC Training ofofficials and
management personnel hasbeenand
willcontinue tobeprovided by
means ofdissemination seminars on
URagreements under theITC
Uruguay Round Follow-up
Programme.
UNDP Through itsExport Development and
Promotion project, UNDP is
currently strengthening thecapacity
oftheoftheExport andPromotion
Bureau (byproviding itwith
adequate legalandfunctional
powers) toeffectively discharge its
roleasthenational co-ordination
agency forexport development and
export promotion. Although WTO
wascreated afterthedesign ofthis
project, itisnotexcluded thatinthe
framework ofitsimplementation
some training activities becarried
outspecifically tostrengthen the
capacity oftheEPBtohandle WTO
related work.
World Bank TheWorld Bank intends thatthe
project currently being negotiated
willbecome operational in1998. It
willprovide stafftraining and
outside consultants toaugment the
capacity oftheCommerce Ministry
toanalyze trade policy issues andof
theBTC toconduct investigations
under thesafeguard, anti-dumping
andcountervailing dutyprovisions of
theWTO agreements. Other
elements oftheproject are
mentioned under A(l), A(m), B(g),
B(q)andB(v).WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page4
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Question A(k)(cont.):
WTO 1.With respect tostrengthening
human resources thefollowing
willbeundertaken bytheWTO:
-Regional specialized workshops
onspecific WTO agreements
willbeorganized forEnglish-
speaking Least-Developed
countries inAsiaandinthe
Pacific (1998 and1999).
-Athree-week trade policy
course forEnglish-speaking
Least-Developed countries
(including Bangladesh) willbe
held(1998 and1999).
Thiscourse willcontain general
training forenhancing negotiating
skills forparticipation inmultilateral
trade negotiations.
2.With respect toimplementation of
theWTO Agreements:
-Assistance willbeprovided to
Bangladesh forthedrafting /
alignment ofitsownlegislation
toWTO obligations intheareas
ofanti-dumping, safeguards
andcustoms valuation aswell
asTRIPS (seeA(l)) aswellas
foritsnotification requirements
(1998-2000)WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page5
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Inresponse toquestion A(l):
Technical assistance needs asregards
specific WTO Agreements
Bangladesh hastechnical assistance
needs inalltheWTO Agreements
specified:
Market Access: Bangladesh would
benefit from technical assistance in
designing theextent, sequence, and
timing ofliberalization which willbe
inconformity withherliberalization
obligations under theUruguay Round
Agreement, taking duenoteofthe
transitional periods provided forunder
some Agreements andtowhich sheis
entitled asaleast-developed countryWTO Please refertoA(k).
Agreement inAgriculture:
Bangladesh needs technical assistance
toenhance agricultural production and
alsotoexamine theissue of
subsidizing agricultural production in
thecountry without violating WTO
rules
Safeguards: Bangladesh needs
technical assistance toestablish an
administrative procedure andset-up to
conduct investigations -thatasudden
increase inexports (both absolute and
relative todomestic production) -has
caused orthreatens tocause serious
injury tothedomestic industry, which
would beinconformity withWTO
rules andregulations.World Bank Please refertoA(k).
WTO Assistance willbeprovided to
Bangladesh during theperiod
1998/2000; thisassistance will
consist intraining national
administration staffresponsible for
theimplementation ofthis
Agreement.WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page6
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Question A(l)(cont.):
Anti-Dumping: Technical assistance
isneeded tosetupandstrengthen the
administrative machinery inorder to
fulfil twoconditions. First,
investigations which would establish
beyond anydoubt thatincreased
imports arecausing material injury.
Second, suchinvestigation canbe
"ordinarily" initiated onlyafterthe
submission ofapetition bythe
affected domestic industry, and
furthermore, evidence hastobe
furnished totheeffect thatmaterial
injury isbeing caused toproducers
accounting foratleast25percentof
totaldomestic production.World Bank Please refertoA(k).
WTO Assistance willbeprovided to
Bangladesh during theperiod
1998/2000; thisassistance will
comprise: a)assessment ofthe
requesting country needs inthe
contingent trade remedies area;
b)onthebasis oftheresults ofthis
assessment,technical assistance will
beprovided on:
(i)drafting national legislation;
(ii)establishing domestic trade
remedy system.
Customs Valuation: Technical
assistance isneeded tofacilitate the
change-over totheWTO Customs
Valuation System -which willinvolve
bringing about changes inrelevant
rules andprocedures, further
modernization andcomputerization of
customs procedures, andtraining of
officials.IMF IMFtoprovide assistance:
1)Toreview andupdate customs
legislation andregulations and,
2)Torationalize theimport tariff
andcoordinate itwiththe
domestic indirect taxsystem,
toassure efficient collection of
revenues.
(1998: commitment inprinciple)WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page7
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Question A(l)(cont.): UNCTAD ASYCUDA hasalready been
installed inBangladesh. Inthe
future, UNCTAD willreview the
current customs operations witha
viewtostrengthening custom
management andfacilitating
procedures inareas notincluded in
thefirstASYCUDA project.
UNCTAD willtraincustoms staff
andbrokers tomake maximum use
oftheASYCUDA++ system and
willassist inimplementing
ASYCUDA++ inanation-wide
coverage.* (ICP, Obj.3.5)
World Bank Theproject under development will
identify operational, monitorable
programs thatwillimprove the
efficiency ofcustoms administration
(seeA(k)).
WTO Assistance willbeprovided to
Bangladesh during theperiod
1998/2000 foraligning customs
valuation legislation withWTO
Agreement.
Agreement onTechnical Barriers to
Trade: Bangladesh neither hasthe
expertise northeinstitutional
machinery thatisneeded formeeting
standards andtechnical regulations
requirements ascontained inthe
Agreement.World Bank Theproject willinclude assistance to
develop enterprise andindustry level
capacity tomeetISO9000 standards.
Emphasis onsupport atthe
enterprise andindustry level.
(seeA(k))
Agreement onSanitary and
Phytosanitary Measures: Technical
assistance isrequired foragricultural
products tocomply withsanitary and
phytosanitary regulations applicable in
theimporting countries tofacilitate
market access. Furthermore,
"enquiry points" havetobesetup.
Finally, SPSregulations havetobe
firmed upinBangladesh inorder to
protect herhuman, animal, andplant
lifeorhealth.ITC Atechnical workshop onthissubject
willbeorganised under the
Integrated Country Programme for
Strengthening Supply Capacity for
Exportable Goods andServices of
Bangladesh (ICP).*
*Funds arerequested.WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page8
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Question A(l)(cont.): World Bank Theproject willinclude assistance to
enterprises andtoindustry
associations tomeetproduct
standards inmajor export markets --
toconduct thetestsnecessary to
demonstrate compliance; also
assistance todevelop anational-level
standards accrediting agency
(seeA(k)).
Agreement onTRIPS: Technical
assistance isrequired forreviewing
andappropriately changing national
lawsandregulations relating tothe
protection ofintellectual property
rights. Furthermore, the
administrative machinery required for
enforcement ofintellectual property
rights needs tobeputinplace before
theendofthetransitional period.WTO Assistance willbeextended to
Bangladesh inaccordance withthe
Cooperation Agreement between
WIPO andWTO providing for
WIPO legal-technical assistance
relating totheTRIPS Agreement.
Agreement onTrade inServices:
Technical assistance could beusedto
develop computer skills inthecountry
sothatcompute services like
accounting anddoing simple
administrative work could beexported
toforeign companies, particularly air
andinsurance companies, whoare
looking todeveloping andleast-
developed countries togetsuchwork
doneatlower cost.ITC Atechnical workshop willbe
organised inlate1997 toenhance the
awareness oftheexport potential of
services attheGovernment, trade
association andenterprise levels and
toprovide training inhowto
approach newmarkets.WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page9
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Inresponse toquestion A(m):
Assessment oftheexisting trade
analysis andnegotiating capacities
Bangladesh, likemany LDCs, suffers
seriously from constricted access to
current andcomprehensive trade
related information. Technical
assistance interms ofsetting upofa
trade databaseandalsodeveloping
adequate human resources capable of
using thefacility maygenerate a
number ofpositive externalities.ITC Thetrade information services ofthe
institutions concerned willbe
strengthened under theIntegrated
Country Programme* mentioned
under A(l)bymeans ofconsultancy
andtraining.
UNCTAD Assistance totrade analysis will
continue tobeprovided through the
TRAINS CD-ROM.
Assistance initsusewillbeprovided
through advisory missions and
workshops.*
UNDP Under theExport Development and
Promotion project, UNDP istoset
upanetwork ofmarket intelligence
andtrade information onselected
markets andproducts ofspecific
interest toBangladesh andavailable
tomanufacturers/exporters. Itis
alsostrengthening theChittagong
Trade information Centre andplans
toestablish trade information units in
EPBbranch offices inKhuna and
Rajshahi. EPBstaffwillbetrained
incollection, processing, analysis
anddissemination oftrade
information, including management
ofelectronic database andsources.
*Funds arerequested.WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page10
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Question A(m) (cont.):
World Bank Theproject willprovide support for
enterprises andforindustry
associations toidentify theproblems
theyface, todevelop remedies for
those problems thatarebestresolved
atanenterprise levelandto
effectively represent theirviews to
government onnegotiating and
general policy issues (seeA(k)).
ITC/
UNCTADATrade Point hasbeenestablished
inDacca. TheTrade Point willbe
made operational toserve the
business community andthe
Government incooperation withthe
chambers ofcommerce.
(ICP, Obj.2.5)WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page11
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Inresponse toquestion B(g):
Technical assistance needs asregards
supply constraints
(i)Investment promotion, particularly
providing funds forfinancing exportUNCTAD UNCTAD willreview the
Bangladesh investment environment,
including policies, laws, incentives,
andinstitutional structures (including
EPZs), usedtoattract foreign
investment, taking intoaccount the
experience ofneighbouring countries
andinternationally established best
practices ininvestment promotion.*
World Bank Astudy isunder waytodetermine
howserious problems oftrade
financing areandhowtosolve them.
(ii)Development ofphysical
infrastructure (e.g.telecommunication
services, portandtransport facilities,
etc.)UNCTAD TheRail-Tracker component of
UNCTAD 'sAdvance Cargo
Information System (ACIS) has
already beeninstalled inBangladesh
Railways. Itcould beextended to
linkthephysical points toother
transport modes onthebasis of
existing software.*
*Funds arerequested.WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page12
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Question B(g)(cont.):
World Bank TheWorld Bank willsupport astudy
ofportmodernisation.
TheWorld Bank willsupport astudy
toidentify andquantify needs.
TheWorld Bank willsupport astudy
onroadrehabilitation and
maintenance: improving roads,
bridges essential forefficiency inthe
transport ofindustrial, agricultural,
export andimport goods.
TheWorld Bank willsupport astudy
ontelecommunications sector
reform.
Allofthese studies areintended to
develop specific investment
programs.
(iii)Human resources development
through providing training onskill
development forgovernment officials
serving intrade-related organizations
aswellasmanagement personnel and
production workers intheprivate
sectorITC Please refertoA(l). Training
opportunities willbeoffered toboth
government officials andpersonnel
concerned intheprivate sector by
means ofdirect training, training of
trainers andcurricula development.
UNCTAD Through theTraining forTrainers
(TFT) programmes, UNCTAD will
increase themanagement skills of
private operators aswellasthose of
officials intrade-related public
organizations. (ICP, Obj.2.4)
UNDP Through itsExport Development and
Promotion project, UNDP is
assisting theTrade Representation
Service inupgrading itscapacity for
promoting Bangladesh exports.
World Bank Please refertoA(l)
WTO Please refertoA(k)WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page13
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
(iv)Streamlining andsimplifying legal
andadministrative procedures relating
totrade through undertaking legaland
administrative reformUNCTAD UNCTAD willcarry outatrade
efficiency assessment withaviewto
simplifying trade formalities,
procedures andoperations.
World Bank Theprojects listed under A(k)above
willprovide assistance toidentify
procedural constraints onexport.
WTO Please refertoA(k)
(v)Advisory andsupport services in
theareaofdeveloping newexport
products andimproving thequality of
existing export products, product
design improvement, packaging, etc.ITC Newproducts willbeidentified for
product development andadaptation
under theICP.*
UNDP Oneoftheobjectives oftheUNDP
Export Development andPromotion
project, istopromote theexpansion
anddiversification ofexport product
baseandmarkets forselected
product groups (ready-made
garments, knitwear/hosiery, leather
andleather product, electronic,
vegetable andfresh fruits, ceramic
Tableware, stuffed Toys, Jewellery).
Thiswilldonebyimproving product
development andadaptation, quality
control, design andpackaging at
enterprise level; enlarging their
existing export market shares and
disseminating thefindings and
recommendations within theindustry
forobtaining multiplier effect within
theindustry, andgovernment for
appropriate policies andmeasures.
World Bank Theprograms listed under A(k)
above willsupport private sector
expenditures toimprove design,
packaging, marketing, etc.
(vi)Developing trade information
network systemITC/
UNCTADPlease refertoA(m)
*Funds arerequested.WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page14
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Question B(g)(cont.):
UNDP Please refertoA(m)
World Bank Theprograms listed under A(k)
above willsupport development of
non-governmental information
systems, e.g.,among enterprises,
industry associations.
(vii)Establishing aninstitutional set-
upwhich willfacilitate transfer,
development andacquisition of
appropriate technologyUNCTAD UNCTAD willprepare anintegrated
project oninvestment,
entrepreneurship development and
technology, withasitsmain
objectives:
(a)theenhancement ofthelegaland
institutional environment relating to
investment flows. SeealsoB(g)(i)
(b)thefacilitation oftheintegration
ofscience, technology and
innovation policies withdevelopment
strategies and
(c)enhancing thetechnological
capacity building andstrengthening
theirrelevance totherestofthe
economy.* (ICP, Obj.3.4)
World Bank Theprograms listed under A(k)
above willinclude sub-sector
programs tosupport technology
acquisition attheenterprise, industry
level.
(viii) Labour market development
(ix)Multilateral donor agencies may
persuade Governments ofdeveloped
anddeveloping countries toencourage
theirinvestors through fiscal and
other incentives toinvest inleast-
developed countries likeBangladesh.
*Funds arerequested.WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page15
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Inresponse toquestion B(q):
Technical assistance needs inthearea
oftrade promotion andsupport
services
(i)Establishment ofaTrade Point ITC/
UNCTADTheExport Promotion Bureau will
beassisted tostrengthen the
functions tobecarried outbythe
Trade Point under ICP(Obj. 2.5).
Please refertoA(m)
(ii)Building uptheresearch capability
ofvarious trade promoting
organizations andestablishing linkage
among themITC Training andconsultancy willbe
provided totheinstitutions
concerned under theICP.*
World Bank Projects listed under A(k)above will
support development of
non-governmental information
systems, e.g.,among enterprises,
industry associations
(iii)Strengthening training programs
forskilldevelopment inthepublic as
wellasprivate sectorITC Please refertoB(g).
UNCTAD Thiswillbeundertaken under the
TRAINFORTRADE program.*
(ICP, Obj.2.4)
*Funds arerequested.WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page16
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Question B(q)(cont.):
World Bank Projects listed under A(k)will
include:
Ingovernment ministries: support to
increase capacity tomanage
WTO-related policy matters
IntheBangladesh Tariff
Commission: support toincrease
capacity todoeconomic analysis of
tariffs andother trade instruments,
toconduct safeguard andother
WTO-sanctioned trade remedy
investigations.
Intheprivate sector: support to
increase capacity toidentify andto
analyze business opportunities
WTO Please refertoA(k)
(iv)Setting upandstrengthening
design development centres and
quality management
institute/organizationITC Please refertoB(g)
World Bank Please refertoB(g)(v)
(v)Improving trade finance facilities World Bank Please refertoB(g)(i)
(vi)Building upmodern information
technological capability inthecountryWorld Bank Please refertoB(g)(vi)
WTO Onecomputer willbeprovided by
theWTO tothefocal point onWTO
matters intheTrade Ministry .This
includes alinkuptoInternet (1998).
Training onaccess anduseof
Internet resources andofCDRoms
willbeprovided toBangladesh
(1998).WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page17
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Inresponse toquestion B(v):
Technical assistance asregards market
access
-In-depth analysis ofthepresent
market access problems inmajor
export markets andfinding ways of
overcoming themITC Under ICP,market demand studies
willbecarried out,onbasis of
which export strategies topenetrate
target markets willbeformulated.
UNCTAD Thecountry willbenefit from the
GSPProgramme which aimsat
increasing GSPutilization witha
better understanding oftrade laws
governing market access conditions
inmajor markets. Information on
GSPandother preferential tariffs are
available intheTRAINS CD-ROM
which isavailable toBangladesh.
UNDP Through itsExport Development and
Promotion project, UNDP isalso
assisting thegovernment andthe
private sector increase their
knowledge ofmarket access
requirements, competition and
conditions intarget export markets.
Itisalsosupporting activities
designed totestthetarget market for
export opportunities.
World Bank Please refertoB(g)(v) andB(g)(vi)
-Advisory support forproduct
development &product diversificationITC Please refertoB(g)andB(q)
World Bank Please refertoB(g)(v) andB(g)(vi)
-Sponsoring product-wise marketing
missions andparticipation in
international trade fairsITC Please refertoB(g)andB(q)
World Bank Theproject listed under a(k)above
willinclude support forproduct-wise
marketing missions, withemphasis
onprivate sector participation.WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page18
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Question B(v)(cont.):
-Strengthening institutions and
procedures relating toquality controlITC Please refertocomments under B(g)
World Bank Theproject willinclude assistance to
enterprises andtoindustry
associations tomeetproduct
standards inmajor export markets --
toconduct thetestsnecessary to
demonstrate compliance; also
assistance todevelop anational-level
standards accrediting agency
(seeA(k)).
-Establishing design development
centres andfashion institutesITC Please refertocomments under
B(g).
World Bank Please refertoB(g)(v) andB(g)(vi)
-Lobbying support forrationalizing
GSPandGSTP schemes infavour of
least-developed countries (e.g.
increasing theproduct coverage,
relaxing Rules ofOrigin criteria, etc.)UNCTAD UNCTAD willprovide support in
GSP/GSTP through studies, advisory
services, andtraining programs.
Additional resources needed to
complement existing programs.*
*Funds arerequested.WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page19
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Inresponse toquestion C(b):
Summary oftechnical assistance needs
according topriority
1.Institutional strengthening and
human resources development in
relevant Ministries andGovernment
agencies, particularly Ministry of
Commerce anditsaffiliated agencies,
toeffectively handle work relating to
compliance withvarious WTO
Agreements. More specifically, this
willinvolve beefing upnational
capacity formeeting product
standards andtechnical regulations
requirements inmajor export markets
ofBangladesh, establishing the
administrative mechanism required to
conduct investigations andcomplete
other formalities related tothelevying
ofsafeguard measures, anti-dumping
duties andcounter-veiling duties,
establish "enquiry points", changing
existing national legislation inthearea
ofintellectual property rights tobring
them intoconformity withthe
provisions oftheAgreement on
TRIPs, strengthen selected service
sub-sectors (e.g.telecommunication,
financial services, etc.), stepping up
research efforts toenhance
agricultural productivity, etc.IMF IMFtoprovide assistance:
1)Toreview andupdate customs
legislation andregulations and,
2)Torationalize theimport tariff
andcoordinate itwiththe
domestic indirect taxsystem,
toassure efficient collection of
revenues.
(1998: commitment inprinciple)WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page20
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Question C(b)(cont.):
ITC Training hasbeenandwillcontinue
tobeprovided bymeans of
dissemination seminars onUR
agreements under theITCUruguay
Round Follow-up Programme.
Atechnical workshop onSanitary
andPhytosanitary Measures willbe
organised under theIntegrated
Country Programme for
Strengthening Supply Capacity for
Exportable Goods andServices of
Bangladesh (ICP).*
UNCTAD UNCTAD willprovide training and
advisory services withaviewto
responding tothepriority needs of
selected Government andcreating
capacities inselected institutions. It
willorganize training seminars for
trainers ontrade policy matters.*
(ICP, Obj.2.1)
(These activities areplanned tobe
undertaken under theGovernment 's
Integrated Country Programme -ICP
-ForStrengthening theSupply
Capacity ForExportable Goods and
Services. (1997-2002). ThisICPhas
beendeveloped following an
UNCTAD ledinter-agency mission
involving ITC, UNDP, andESCAP,
which visited Bangladesh inMay-
June1997.)
UNCTAD willimplement the
TRAINFORTRADE program.*
*Funds arerequested.WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page21
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Question C(b)(cont.):
UNDP Through itsExport Development and
Promotion project, UNDP is
currently strengthening thecapacity
oftheoftheExport andPromotion
Bureau (byproviding itwith
adequate legalandfunctional
powers) toeffectively discharge its
roleasthenational co-ordination
agency forexport development and
export promotion. Although WTO
wascreated afterthedesign ofthis
project, itisnotexcluded thatinthe
framework ofitsimplementation
some training activities becarried
outspecifically tostrengthen the
capacity oftheEPBtohandle WTO
related work. SeealsoUNDP
response toB(g).
World Bank TheWorld Bank intends thatthe
project currently being negotiated
willbecome operational in1998. It
willprovide stafftraining and
outside consultants toaugment the
capacity oftheCommerce Ministry
toanalyze trade policy issues andof
theBTC toanalyze tariff issues, to
conduct investigations under the
safeguard, anti-dumping and
countervailing dutyprovisions ofthe
WTO agreements.WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page22
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
WTO 1.With respect tostrengthening
human resources thefollowing
willbemade bytheWTO:
-Regional specialized workshops
onspecific WTO agreements
willbeorganized forEnglish-
speaking Least-Developed
countries inAsiaandinthe
Pacific (1998 and1999).
-Athree-week trade policy
course forEnglish-speaking
Least-Developed countries
(including Bangladesh) willbe
held(1998 and1999).
Thiscourse willcontain general
training forenhancing negotiating
skills forparticipation inmultilateral
trade negotiations.
2.With respect toimplementation of
theWTO Agreements:
-Assistance willbeprovided to
Bangladesh forthedrafting /
alignment ofitsownlegislation
toWTO obligations aswellas
foritsnotification requirements
(1998-2000).WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page23
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Question C(b)(cont.):
WTO (cont.) Assistance willbeprovided to
Bangladesh onthesubject of
Safeguards during theperiod
1998/2000; thisassistance will
consist intraining national
administration staffresponsible for
theimplementation ofthis
Agreement
Assistance willbeprovided to
Bangladesh onAnti-Dumping issues
during theperiod 1998/2000; this
assistance willcomprise:
a)assessment oftherequesting
country needs inthecontingent trade
remedies area;
b)onthebasis oftheresults ofthis
assessment,technical assistance will
beprovided on:
(i)drafting national legislation;
(ii)establishing domestic trade
remedy system
(iii)training national administration
staffresponsible forthe
implementation ofthetrade remedy
system
Assistance willbeprovided to
Bangladesh during theperiod
1998/2000 foraligning customs
valuation legislation withWTO
Agreement.
Assistance willbeextended to
Bangladesh inaccordance withthe
Cooperation Agreement between
WIPO andWTO providing for
WIPO legal-technical assistance
relating totheTRIPS Agreement.WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page24
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Question C(b)(cont.):
2.Development ofphysical
infrastructureUNCTAD TheRail-Tracker component of
UNCTAD 'sAdvance Cargo
Information System (ACIS) has
already beeninstalled inBangladesh
Railways. Itcould beextended to
linkthephysical points toother
transport modes onthebasis of
existing software.*
World Bank TheWorld Bank willsupport astudy
ofportmodernisation.
TheWorld Bank willsupport astudy
toidentify andquantify needs.
TheWorld Bank willsupport astudy
onroadrehabilitation and
maintenance: improving roads,
bridges essential forefficiency inthe
transport ofindustrial, agricultural,
export andimport goods.
TheWorld Bank willsupport astudy
ontelecommunications sector
reform.
Allofthese studies areintended to
develop specific investment
programs.
3.Advisory andsupport services for
developing newexport products and
improving thequality, design, and
packaging ofexisting export productsITC Training opportunities willbe
offered topersonnel concerned inthe
private sector bymeans ofdirect
training.
Newproducts willbeidentified for
product development andadaptation
under theICP.
*Funds arerequested.WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page25
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Question C(b)(cont.):
UNDP Oneoftheobjectives oftheUNDP
Export Development andPromotion
project, istopromote theexpansion
anddiversification ofexport product
baseandmarkets forselected
product groups (ready-made
garments, knitwear/hosiery, leather
andleather product, electronic,
vegetable andfresh fruits, ceramic
Tableware, stuffed Toys, Jewellery).
Thiswilldonebyimproving product
development andadaptation, quality
control, design andpackaging at
enterprise level; enlarging their
existing export market shares and
disseminating thefindings and
recommendations within theindustry
forobtaining multiplier effect within
theindustry, andgovernment for
appropriate policies andmeasures.
World Bank Theprograms listed under A(k)
above willsupport private sector
expenditures toimprove design,
packaging, marketing, etc.
Theprograms listed under A(k)
above willsupport development of
non-governmental information
systems, e.g.,among enterprises,
industry associations.
4.Developing amodern trade
information network including
establishment ofaTrade PointUNDP SeeA(m).
ITC/
UNCTADSeeA(m).WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page26
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Question C(b)(cont.):
5.Investment promotion with
particular emphasis onimprovement
oftrade finance facilitiesUNCTAD UNCTAD willreview the
Bangladesh investment environment,
including policies, laws, incentives,
andinstitutional structures (including
EPZs) usedtoattract foreign
investment, taking intoaccount the
experience ofneighbouring countries
andinternationally established best
practices ininvestment promotion.*
UNCTAD willprepare anintegrated
project oninvestment,
entrepreneurship development and
technology, withasitsmain
objectives:
(a)theenhancement ofthelegaland
institutional environment relating to
investment flows. SeealsoB(g)(i)
(b)thefacilitation oftheintegration
ofscience, technology and
innovation policies withdevelopment
strategies and
(c)enhancing thetechnological
capacity building andstrengthening
theirrelevance totherestofthe
economy.*
(ICP, Obj.3.4)
World Bank Astudy isunder waytodetermine
howserious problems oftrade
financing areandhowtosolve them.
6.In-depth analysis ofmarket access
problems faced inmajor export
markets andfinding ways to
overcome theseITC Under ICPmarket demand studies
willbecarried out,onbasis of
which export strategies topenetrate
target markets willbeformulated.
*Funds arerequested.WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page27
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Question C(b)(cont.):
UNCTAD Thecountry willbenefit from the
GSPProgramme which aimsat
increasing GSPutilization witha
better understanding oftrade laws
governing market access conditions
inmajor markets. Information on
GSPandother preferential tariffs are
available intheTRAINS CD-ROM
which isavailable toBangladesh.
UNCTAD willprovide support in
GSP/GSTP through studies, advisory
services, andtraining programs.
Additional resources needed to
complement existing programs.*
UNDP Through itsExport Development and
Promotion project, UNDP isalso
assisting thegovernment andthe
private sector increase their
knowledge ofmarket access
requirements, competition and
conditions intarget export markets.
Itisalsosupporting activities
designed totestthetarget market for
export opportunities.
World Bank Theprograms listed under A(k)
above willsupport private sector
expenditures toimprove design,
packaging, marketing, etc.
*Funds arerequested.WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page28
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Question C(b)(cont.):
7.Strengthening theexisting
institutional set-up anddeveloping
human resources tofacilitate transfer,
development andacquisition of
appropriate technology.UNCTAD UNCTAD willprepare anintegrated
project oninvestment,
entrepreneurship development and
technology.
(a)theenhancement ofthelegaland
institutional environment relating to
investment flows. SeealsoB(g)(i)
(b)thefacilitation oftheintegration
ofscience, technology and
innovation policies withdevelopment
strategies and
(c)enhancing thetechnological
capacity building andstrengthening
theirrelevance totherestofthe
economy.*
(ICP, Obj.3.4)
World Bank Theprograms listed under A(k)
above willinclude sub-sector
programs tosupport technology
acquisition attheenterprise, industry
level.
8.Training forskilldevelopment of
officials serving intrade promotion
organizations inthepublic andprivate
sectorsITC Training opportunities willbe
offered tobothgovernment officials
andpersonnel concerned inthe
private sector bymeans ofdirect
training, training oftrainers and
curricula development.
UNCTAD Through the"Training forTrainers"
Programme, UNCTAD willincrease
themanagement skills ofprivate
operators aswellasthose ofofficials
intrade-related public organizations.
(ICP, Obj.2.4)
UNDP Please seeUNDP response toA(k)
andB(g).
*Funds arerequested.WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page29
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Question C(b)(cont.):
World Bank Projects listed under A(k)above will
support development of
non-governmental information
systems, e.g.,among enterprises,
industry associations
9.Building upinstitutional capability
informulation andimplementation of
trade policy mattersUNCTAD UNCTAD willprovide training and
advisory services withaviewto
responding tothepriority needs of
selected Government andcreating
capacities inselected institutions. It
willorganize training seminars for
trainers ontrade policy matters.*
(ICP, Obj.2.1)
(These activities areplanned tobe
undertaken under theGovernment 's
Integrated Country Programme -ICP
-ForStrengthening theSupply
Capacity ForExportable Goods and
Services. (1997-2002). ThisICPhas
beendeveloped following an
UNCTAD ledinter-agency mission
involving ITC, UNDP, andESCAP,
which visited Bangladesh inMay-
June1997.)
UNCTAD willimplement the
TRAINFORTRADE program.*
UNDP Please seeUNDP response toA(k)
andB(g)..
*Funds arerequested.WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page30
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Question C(b)(cont.): World Bank Projects listed under A(k)will
include:
Ingovernment ministries: support to
increase capacity tomanage
WTO-related policy matters
IntheBangladesh Tariff
Commission: support toincrease
capacity todoeconomic analysis of
tariffs andother trade instruments,
toconduct safeguard andother
WTO-sanctioned trade remedy
investigations.
Intheprivate sector: support to
increase capacity toidentify andto
analyze business opportunities
10.Sponsoring product-wise
marketing missions abroad and
participation ininternational trade
fairsITC Under ICPmarket demand studies
willbecarried out,onbasis of
which export strategies topenetrate
target markets willbeformulated.
UNDP Please seeUNDP response toA(k)
andB(g).
World Bank Theprograms listed under A(k)
above willsupport private sector
expenditures toimprove design,
packaging, marketing, etc.
Theprograms listed under A(k)
above willsupport development of
non-governmental information
systems, e.g.,among enterprises,
industry associations.WT/COMTD/IF/1
Page31
Technical assistance needs identified
inthequestionnaireOrganization Response
Inresponse toquestion C(d):
Technical assistance needs inthearea
ofinformation technology including
training ofhuman resources
Bangladesh haslimited technological
capacity andhuman resources tomake
useofthenew
information/communication
technology tools suchasCD-ROM,
theInternet, etc.Assistance isneeded
forundertaking extensive training
programmes inthisareaaswellasfor
making trade-related software and
infrastructural facilities easily
available.UNCTAD Assistance willcontinue tobe
provided through theTRAINS
CD-ROM. Assistance initsusewill
beprovided through advisory
missions andworkshops.*
UNDP Please seeUNDP response toA(m).
WTO Onecomputer willbeprovided by
theWTO tothefocal point onWTO
matters intheTrade Ministry .This
includes alinkuptoInternet (1998).
Training onaccess anduseof
Internet resources andofCDRoms
willbeprovided toBangladesh
(1998).
*Funds arerequested.