WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
4 March 1998
(98-0845)
Committee on Trade and Development
Integrated Framework for Trade-RelatedTechnical AssistanceOriginal:  French
TRADE-RELATED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NEEDS
ASSESSMENT SUBMITTED BY BENIN
INTEGRATED RESPONSES BY THE WORLD BANK,
ITC, UNCTAD, IMF, WTO AND UNDP
BENIN
AddendumWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
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BENIN
PROJECT DOCUMENT FOR THE FOLLOW-UP TO AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WTO
AGREEMENTS PROJECT - Version:  22.01.98
WTO World Trade Organization
UNCTAD United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
ITC International Trade Centre
Title Follow-up to the WTO Agreements and improvement of the
international outlets for Benin's exporting enterprises.
Duration Two and a half years
Location of the project Cotonou, Benin
Sector Trade and development
Subsector Export Promotion
Executing Agencies World Trade Organization
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
International Trade Centre
National Cooperating -  Ministry of Trade, Crafts and Tourism (MCAT)
Agencies -  Benin Foreign Trade Centre (CBCE)
-  Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB)-  National Export Council (CNEX)
-  Business Opportunities Observation Post
-  Cotonou University
Estimated starting date March 1998
Brief description The purpose of this project is to establish a national capacity to
improve knowledge of the multilateral trade system by the
administration, institutions and enterprises of  Benin and facilitate the
identification of export opportunities resulting from the
implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreements by the countries
Members of WTO.
Total estimated budget: US$1,371,750
1998 1999 2000 Total
WTO 53,000 33,000 0 86,000
ITC 341,250 431,500 123,000 895,750
UNCTAD 141,400 141,200 107,400 390,000
Total 535,650 605,700 230,400 1,371,750WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
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Approved by:
Government of Benin (Signatur e) ____________________ Date:  ____________________
Donor Country (Signature) ____________________ Date:  ____________________
Donor Country (Signature) ____________________ Date:  ____________________
WTO (Signature) ____________________ Date:  ____________________
UNCTAD (Signature) ____________________ Date:  ____________________ITC (Signature) ____________________ Date:  ____________________WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
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CONTENTS
Page
I. CONTEXT 6
II. DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBSECTOR 6
A. Economic background 6
B. Benin's membership of WTO and application of the
Uruguay Round Agreements 13
C. The institutional framework 13
D. Benin's trade regime 15
III. PROJECT JUSTIFICATION 15
A. Development problem to be tackled 15
B. Beneficiaries 15
C. Project strategy 16D. Special considerations 16
E. Coordination measures 16
F. National support and execution capacities 16
G. Ongoing technical assistance 17
H. Technical assistance needs 17
IV. OBJECTIVES AND OUTPUTS OF THE PROJECT 22
A. Development objective 22
B. Project direct objectives 22
C. Project outputs and activities related to the first objective 23
D. Project outputs and activities related to the second objective 33E. Project outputs and activities related to the third objective 34
V. INPUTS TO AND MANAGEMENT OF THE PROJECT 46
A. Project strategy 46
B. Project management and coordination 48
C. Inputs by the project partners 51
VI. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA AND RISKS 62
A. Success criteria 62
B. Risks 66
VII. EVALUATION AND REPORTING 66
VIII. SUSPENSION OR ENDING OF ASSISTANCE 66IX. BUDGETS 67
A. WTO operating budget 67
B. UNCTAD operating budget 68
C. ITC operating budget 69
X. SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES 70WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
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ABBREVIATIONS
ADB African Development Bank
APFB Association for the Promotion of Fruit and Vegetables
ASNIB National Association of Benin Manufacturers
BCEAO Central Bank of West African States
CAT-CNS Technical Support Unit of the National Monitoring Committee of the Private Sector
Revival Programme
CBCE Benin Foreign Trade Centre
CCIB Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry
CFA African Financial Community
CNCB Benin National Shippers Council
CNEX National Export Council
CPA Centre for the Promotion of CraftsDAGRI Agricultural Directorate
DAPS Analysis, Forecasting and Synthesis Directorate
DAR Application of Regulations Directorate
DAS Sectoral Coordination Department
DCE Foreign Trade DirectorateDDI Industrial Development Directorate
DG/DDI General Directorate of Customs and Excise
DMM Merchant Marine Directorate
DNA National Crafts Trade Directorate
DOI International Organizations DirectorateDPI Investment Promotion Directorate
DPQC Quality and Control Promotion Directorate
DTH Tourism, Hotels and Restaurants Directorate
ECOWAS Economic Community of West African States
GREXPOB Benin Association of  Oleaginous Product ExportersIDB Islamic Development Bank
MAEC Ministry of  Foreign Affairs and Cooperation
MCAT Ministry of Trade, Crafts and Tourism
MDR Ministry of Rural Development
MF Ministry of FinanceMIPME Ministry of Industry and Small and Medium Enterprises
MPREPE Ministry of Planning, Economic Restructuring and Job Promotion
MTPT Ministry of Public Works and Transport
PAC Autonomous Port of Cotonou
SONAPRA National Agricultural Production Society
WADB West African Development Bank
WAEMU West African Economic and Monetary UnionWAEN West African Enterprise Network
WTO World Trade OrganizationWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
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I. CONTEXT
This project document is the result of a joint WTO/UNCTAD/ITC mission to identify Benin's
technical assistance needs which visited Cotonou from 23 to 27 September 1996 within the
framework of the ITC/UNCTAD/WTO Integrated Technical Assistance Programme to help selected
African Countries to implement th e Uruguay Round Agreements.  This mission was a response to the
need of the least developed and other countries in Africa for assistance to develop and diversify theirtrade and improve their integration into the multilateral trading system.
This programme, which covers eight countries including Benin, followed a request by the
African Ministers of Trade, meeting at Tunis in October 1994, who expressed the hope that the
international community would assist their countries to adapt their foreign trade to the new context of
liberalization and globalization stemming from the implementation of the Uruguay Round
Agreements.
The objectives of the mission were:- To identify technical assistance needs;
- to assess institutional capacities for the development of human resources;  and
- to consider ways and means of strengthening the potential export capacity.
II. DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBSECTOR
A. Economic Background
1. Main characteristics of the economy
Extending over 112,622 km2  to the east of  Ni geria, Benin has almost 6 million inhabitants.
The economy is essentially dependent on agriculture (cotton and food crops), which supplies more
than one third of the gross domestic product (GDP), three quarters of all jobs and the bulk of export
earnings.  With a per capita income of less than US$400 in 1996,  Benin belongs to the group ofleast-developed countries.  Health and education conditions constitute a serious handicap to the
country's economic development.  The child mortality rate is high;  average life expectancy at birth is
51 years and 74 per cent of the women are illiterate.  Education and health are in the top rank of the
Government's development priorities but together represent only about 3 per cent of GDP.
After agriculture, trade is the second pillar of the economy, contributing more than
20 per cent to GDP.  It is largely transit trade with the landlocked countries to the north of Benin
(Niger and Burkina Faso), which use the Port of Cotonou on the Atlantic Ocean;  and east and west
trade with Togo and Nigeria.  In view of the size of the latter country, the length of the common
frontier and the density of trade between the two countries, Benin's economy is more dependent on
economic developments in Nigeria than it is sensitive to variations in the world prices of cotton.Other factors have probably conditioned to a gr eater extent the long-term evolution of economic
growth, such as the State's investment policy and intervention in the production and marketing of
agricultural produce.
The manufacturing sector produces essentially staple commodities (soap, edible oils,
beverages and cement), and cotton textiles and other cotton products.  Service activities are very
prominent in the economy  (45 per cent of GDP), reflecting the importance of trade.  Although
significant mining and energy potential has been identified, it is still very little exploited.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 7
The informal sector supplies about half the jobs available.  It is concentrated in agriculture
and in trade, including imports and exports.  Its expansion may be due to the rigidity of the planned
economic system in force during the 1970s and 1980s.  At the time of the budget readjustment plans
introduced at the end of the 1980s, the sector served as a safety valve for the dismissed civil servants,
but at considerably lower levels of remuneration.  The common frontier with Nigeria, and the many
smuggling possibilities arising from the import restric tions in that country, have also stimulated the
activities of the informal sector.  The Government of Benin, recognizing that the sector makes a
significant contribution to national economic development, keeps up a conciliatory attitude to such
enterprises although they do not contribute anything to the national taxation system.
2. Stabilization and adjustment
Although reforms were undertaken from 1986 onwards, including a freeze on recruitment to
the administration, a salary abatement of 10 per cent for the civil service and some privatization
operations, the process gathered speed only after the coming of democracy in February 1990 and thereturn to political and civil stability.  A major public finances reconstruction programme was put into
place in close cooperation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.  In order
to reduce the government sector deficit, reforms were introduced to increase revenue and support
measures were adopted to facilitate the passage to the private sector of the 37,000 employees laid off
by the civil service and State enterprises.  A healthy banking system was re-established, comprisingseveral new private banks.
The macroeconomic recovery between 1990 and 1993 was significant and contrasted with the
tendency to decline in the region which prevailed before the devaluation of January 1994.  The State
budget has regained and retained a positive primary balance, although debt-servicing payments
continue to cause a budgetary gap.  Deposits in the newly established banks have increasedconsiderably as a result of the repatriation of capital.  The quantity of money increased by almost one
third during this period, reflecting the recovery of economic activity, while bank loans to the
government sector which had, in the past, been a major cause of the collapse of the banking sector,
remained stable.  However, the balance of payments regained an equilibrium largely through
donations from abroad, which exceeded 10 per cent of GDP on average.  Between 1990 and 1995,Benin's gross international reserves, expressed in months of goods imports, tripled.  The adjustment
was accompanied by a modest but sustained economic growth.
During this period, the Government also carried out a reform of the taxation system, including
inter alia , the introduction of VAT and a simplified system  of taxation for small enterprises.  In the
context of trade reforms, it abolished import licences and most of the quantitative import restrictions.The number of products subjected to price controls was reduced to less than five in 1996.  Export
taxes and licences have been eliminated for most products.  In addition, the requirements to engage in
trading activities have been simplified.
The CFA franc was devalued by 50 per cent on 12 January 1994.  This devaluation followed
an appreciation in real terms of the CFA franc in most  of the countries in the franc area.  In the case of
Benin, this appreciation largely reflected the considerable depreciation in real terms of the Nigerian
naira.
The effect of this devaluation on the local en terprises varied in accordance with several
factors.  It gave a breathing space to certain enterprises inasmuch as, by increasing the prices in CFAWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 8
francs of imported goods, it made it possible to increase the prices of their locally manufactured
substitutes.1  Nevertheless, it also increased the costs of imported inputs and the weight of
indebtedness in foreign currencies.2  Enterprises producing for export benefited from the increase of
prices in the national currency.3  In addition, the devaluation was followed by a contraction in overall
demand, which had a negative effect on certain enterprises.
The Government's prime objective is the revival of private investment.  At the moment, a
modest recovery of investment is taking place to an extent of 17 per cent of GDP in 1995.  This
growth however appears to be essentially due to pub lic investment.  Foreign direct investment (FDI)
has not exceeded US$10 million since 1990.  The low level of capital investment can be attributed to
the low level of education and training, the qua lity and cost of commercial services (e.g.
telecommunications and air transport), and the absence of any effective legal and judicial protection
for investors.  The lack of dynamism of privat e investment may also, perhaps, be due to the
uncertainty which characterizes future trading and fiscal conditions in the context of the variousregional trade agreements, particularly WAEMU and ECOWAS.  Any large-scale investments
designed for an enlarged regional market would, to be profitable, require the actual abolition of the
tariff and non-tariff barriers to regional trade, which does not yet seem to be the case.
3. Trade features
The composition of foreign trade is difficult to analyse, because of the complication of re-
export trade, both informal and formal, which represents between one fifth and one quarter of imports
and for which few detailed statistics are available.  Moreover, the foreign trade of some state
enterprises, such as those concerned with oil (SONACOP), electricity (SBEE) and cotton
(SONAPRA), is not included in the accounts of the National Statistical and Economic Analysis
Institute.
Foreign trade comprises the export of local products, cotton being the most important, and the
re-export trade in imported products, illustrating the central role of trading activities for Benin
(Graph I.4).  This trade reflects the geographical position of the country but also its political stability
and the relative efficiency of the Port of Cotonou and the land transport system as compared with
certain neighbouring countries.
The export statistics, calculated from the balance-of-payments figures, also include estimates
of the significant informal trade which is not registered by the customs and which can be either of
domestic origin (e.g. direct exports of raw cotton or foodstuffs by the peasant farmers) or of foreign
origin.  In the latter case, products are usually first imported into Benin, since the neighbouring
countries, have import restrictions or higher customs duties, and then "informally" re-exported tothose countries.  This trade mainly concerns rice and flour, cotton fabrics and other textiles, clothing,
used tyres and alcoholic drinks intended for Nigeria.  These products are either cleared through the
customs for domestic consumption and then re-exporte d by land or river avoiding the customs posts
or else are declared as being in transit for another country and then diverted.
                                                     
1The palm-oil producers were able to increase their se lling price over and above their local production
costs, such as wages and the purchase of clusters from the growers (Société française de conseil endéveloppement (1994)).
2The Benin Water and Electricity Board (SBEE) imports  most of the electricity that it then sells at
ceiling prices established by the State;  its debts are in foreign currencies.  SOBERRA, which produces beer andsoft drinks, also imports the bulk of its inputs and has major debts in foreign currencies.
3The exporters of cotton and pineapple, who sell th eir production at world prices, have recorded some
major increases in profits as a result of the change in the exchange rate.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 9
Total exports (on the basis of the balance-of-payments figures) reached CFAF 227 billion in
1996, or more than US$440 million, after a remarkable growth since 1994, connected with the
increase in the prices of cotton and in the quantities produced.  Total imports (CIF) reached CFAF
287 billion, or more than US$557 million, in 1996.  At constant prices, they fell by 25 per cent
following the devaluation, but the rebound in 1995 was equally important.  Some intermediary goods
and equipment goods, imported for the Sixth Summit meeting of the French-speaking countries inDecember 1995, are included in these figures.
(a) Structure of trade by product
Cotton (fibres and seeds) is the main export crop, producing incomings estimated at
CFAF 120 billion (US$230 million) in 1996.  Reflecting the performance of cotton, exports of
domestic products more than doubled between 1992 and 1996.  Exports of cashew nuts
(12,000 tonnes in 1994/95), tobacco and other agricultural products also expanded considerably in this
period, but did not exceed US$10 million.  Oil exports are declining, as a result of the exhaustion ofthe only field exploited.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 10
Exports, 1992 and 1996
(Millions of US$ and Percentages)
Products 1992 1996
Million $ % Total Million $ % Total
Total exports (f.o.b.): 371.4 100 443.7 100
Exports of domestic products 132.2 35.6 284 64
Re-exports 239.2 61.4 159.7 36
Exports of domestic products:
Ginned cotton 97.5 26.3 230.1 51.9
Cotton seeds 6.4 1.7 10.2 2.3
Petroleum 16.3 4.4 10.2 2.3
Cashew nuts 1.4 0.3 7.5 1.7
Tobacco and cigarettes 0.3 0.1 4.1 0.9
Rice 5.9 1.6 3.1 0.7
Sawn or sliced wood 0.3  0.1 1.3 0.3
Fish 0.2 0.1 1.1 0.3
Cement 1.9 0.5 1.1 0.3
Oilcake and oilseeds 0.2  0.1 0.9 0.2
Banknotes 0.0 0 0.6 0.1
Mats and basketwork  0.3 0.1 0.5 0.1
Motor vehicles, tractors 1.6 0.4 0.4 0.1
Wood in the rough 0.0 0 0.4 0.1
Sheet iron and other articles of iron 0.3 0.1 0.3 0.1
Machinery, equipment and mechanical
appliances 0.6 0.2 0.3 0.1
Oxygen 0.0 0 0.1 0
Other cereals, wheat, maize 1.1 0.3 0 0
Pro memoria :  exchange rates 264.7 511.6
Source:  Official Beninese statistics.
According to the data available, the main im ports consist of oil products which correspond to
12 per cent of total imports.  Other imports include rice, other foodstuffs and textiles.  They areinformally re-exported in part to Nigeria;  liberalization by Nigeria of rice imports in 1996 apparently
reduced this trade by two thirds.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
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Imports by Main Groups of Products, 1992 and 1996
(Millions of US$ and Percentages)
1992 1996
Product group Value
million $% of
totalValue
million $% of
total
Total imports (c.i.f.) 648.6 100 681.8 100
Total imports (f.o.b.): 560.4 86.4 561.8 82.4
Imports for domestic consumption 383.3 59.1 439.3 64.4HS code
Imports for re-export 177.1 27.3 122.5 18
Total imports (c.i.f.):
50-67 Cotton, textiles and clothing 98.7 15.2 83.9 12.3
27 Petroleum products 66.6 10.3 79.8 11.7
28-29, 31-32 Chemicals 38.1 5.9 45.1 6.6
10 Cereals 151.6 23.4 42.3 6.2
84 Machinery and mechanical
appliances27.4 4.2 33.6 4.9
74-83 Metals and metal articles 31 4.8 33.2 4.9
87 Transport vehicles 42.9 6.6 30.3 4.4
85 Electrical equipment 20.5 3.2 23.7 3.5
48-49 Paper and printed material 11.8 1.8 17.2 2.5
26 Minerals and mineral products 15.6 2.4 14.6 2.1
30 Pharmaceutical products 8.4 1.3 14.1 2.1
19 Food preparations 8.3 1.3 11.4 1.7
4 Dairy produce 5.2 0.8 11.4 1.7
17 Sugars and sugar confectionary 11.9 1.8 10.5 1.5
22, 24 Beverages and tobacco 19.3 3 9.3 1.4
11 Products of the milling industry 16.9 2.6 9.1 1.3
68-70 Ceramic products, and articles of
stone and glassware4.3 0.7 6.1 0.9
2 Meats and edible meat offal 11.7 1.8 4.4 0.6
33 Cosmetic preparations 10.3 1.6 3.6 0.5
3 Fish and crustaceans 8.7 1.3 3.4 0.5
Others (informal imports) 39.5 6.1 194.9 28.6
Pro memoria :  Exchange rates CFAF/US$,  $1 = 264.7 511.6
Source:  Beninese official statistics.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
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(b) Structure of trade by region
Cotton is exported to several countries, the main ones being Brazil, Morocco and Portugal.
Cashew nut exports go mainly to the European Union, the United States and India.  The remaining
trade is mainly with neighbouring countries, partic ularly Nigeria and the land-locked countries of the
Sahel.
In the case of imports, Benin's main partner is the European Union and particularly France,
which supplies more than 18 per cent of its imports.  The other main partners are Thailand (rice), the
European Union and China.  The statistics on impor ts from Nigeria do not pick up the greater part of
the (informal) trade with that country.
(c) Trade in services, net flows of resources and long-term debt
Foreign debt amounted to 709 billion CFA francs ($1.4 billion) in 1996, or 63 per cent of
GDP.  The country has negotiated an alleviation of its foreign debt every year since 1989.  In
November 1996, it obtained the cancellation of 67 per cent of its bilateral debt (of 127 billion CFAfrancs) from the Paris Club.   However, the bulk of the debt (or 454 billion CFA francs in 1996) is
owed to multilateral institutions and thus cannot be rescheduled.
In 1996, the deficit in the trade balance was about 7.75 per cent of GDP.  It is estimated at
4 per cent in 1997.  The balance of services also shows a deficit which increased in 1994 as a result of
the increase in the interest on the foreign debt.  Since 1995, the expenditure on insurance and freightlinked with the expansion of imports has also help ed to increase the deficit.  Private transfers
increased significantly after the devaluation, reflecting the attractiveness of real-estate investment in
Benin for Beninese living abroad.  However, the current balance is in deficit and is essentially
financed from foreign budgetary assistance.  In 1996, official donations amounted to almost 8 per cent
of GDP.  The net flows of resources to Benin are considerably lower, because of the debt-servicing
payments which absorb every year something like one fifth of the receipts from the export of goods
and services.
(d) Export growth prospects
The Government's objectives for the period 1997-1999 are to achieve a growth rate of
6 per cent in real terms and to keep the current account deficit (without donations) to 5.5 per cent ofGDP in 1999, while strengthening the country's social infrastructure.  According to the authorities,
this would imply an increase in the value of exports of domestic products of about 10 per cent during
the period.  The Government is aware of the fact that such an outcome will depend, to a very
considerable extent, on satisfactory results in the cotton sector and a favourable development of world
prices.
4. Exchange regulations
Within the franc area, Benin forms part of the West African Economic and Monetary Union
(WAEMU, formerly WAMU/WAEC),  the issuing institute of which is the Central Bank of West
African States (BCEAO).  The currency used in the Union is the CFA (African Financial Community)
franc.  Its rate of exchange is 100 CFA francs to one French franc.  The BCEAO has an "operational
account" with the French Treasury, into which are paid its foreign currency assets and which it uses
for transfers outside the franc area.  The peculiarity of this account is that it can be overdrawn withoutany limits fixed in advanced, thanks to the commitm ent by the French Government to guarantee the
convertibility of the CFA franc over and beyond the foreign assets available.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 13
(a) Payments connected with the trade in goods
All import operations must be domiciled at an approved bank if their value exceeds half a
million CFA francs.  In the case of the opening of a documentary credit, the foreign currency required
cannot be obtained more than eight days before the despatch or can be obtained only on the date that
payment is required if the goods have already been imported.  Payment for exports to foreign
countries, including countries having flow of funds accounts, is due within 180 days following thearrival of the goods at their destination.  Exports having a value greater than half a million CFA francs
must be domiciled at an approved bank.  All export  receipts must be converted into CFA francs within
one month.
(b) Capital transfers
Capital transfers within the franc area are unrestricted, whereas transfers outside the area
require the approval of the Minister of  Finance.  All investments abroad by residents require a prior
authorization, including investments made by the foreign branches or subsidiaries of companiesestablished in Benin.  Foreign loans and the issue, advertising and offer for sale of foreign transferable
securities in Benin are subject to the authorization of the Ministry of Finance.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Benin must be declared in advance to the Ministry of
Finance which can postpone it for a period of up to two months.
4  The liquidation of all kinds of
investment must also form the subject of a prior declaration.
B. Benin's Membership of WTO and Appl ication of the Uruguay Round Agreements
Benin is a founder member of WTO.  As one of the least developed countries, it is eligible for
the special and differential measures in favour of developing countries and least developed countries
provided for in the Uruguay Round Agreements.
As regards the notifications, Benin has still some difficulty in meeting this obligation, largely
due to a lack of the relevant information supplied to the other administrative departments by the
Ministry of Trade, Crafts and Tourism or a lack of coordination among the various institutions
responsible for supplying the data needed for that purpose.  This situation arises from two defects
noted by the technical assistance needs identification mission, namely, the low level of information on
the Uruguay Round Agreements (despite a national seminar following the signature of theAgreements), and the lack of a structure to link the various administrative departments.  To remedy
these defects, the WTO representatives in the joint programming mission organized a working session
with the administrative departments concerned in order to explain the notification process and the
implementation of the Agreements.  Very little has been done in Benin to implement the Agreements
but the Government has requested deferred application of the Agreement on value for customspurposes.
C. The Institutional Framework
1. Focal point for the implementation of and follow-up to the Uruguay Round Agreements
The Foreign Trade Directorate (DCE) of the Ministry of Trade, Crafts and Tourism (MCAT)
has been designated as focal point for the implementation of and follow-up to the Uruguay Round
Agreements and as the "national antenna" for the programme activities.  It is proposed to establish a
national commission responsible for the implementation of and follow-up to the Agreements as an
                                                     
4Investment is regarded as direct if it implies taking control of the enterprise.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 14
inter-institutional structure bringing together all th e parties concerned with the implementation of the
Agreements.
2. Foreign trade management and promotion organizations
The Ministry of Trade, Crafts and Tourism is responsible for the formulation, application and
administration of trade policy.  The Ministry of Finance (General Directorate of Tariffs and Indirect
Taxes) and the Ministry of Planning, Economic Restructuring and Job Promotion (InvestmentPromotion Directorate) take part in the formulat ion and application of trade policy and investment
policy.
The Ministry of Trade, Crafts and Tourism has also under its supervision institutions that are
active in the administration of trade policy, namely, the Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(CCIB) the Benin Foreign Trade Ce ntre (CBCE) and the Centre for the Promotion of Crafts (CPA).
(a) The Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB)
The CCIB is a public establishment having its own legal personality and financial
independence whose purpose is to represent and promote the interests of the economic agents in
industry, trade and other services.  It advises the Government concerning ways of improving
commercial and industrial legislation, including customs tariffs and price regulations.  All enterprises
established in Benin must be registered with the CCIB.
(b) The Benin Foreign Trade Centre (CBCE)
The object of the Benin Foreign Trade Centre is to encourage exports and, at the moment, it is
trying to develop new agricultural exports in addition to cotton and pineapples.  The means at its
disposal are modest and it largely restricts itself to informing the economic agents about products and
export markets.  The CBCE coordinates its promotion activities with those of the Ministry of Rural
Development.  It also tries to help exporters to benefit from the various trade liberalization schemesthat are available (e.g. ECOWAS, WAEMU, the Lomé Convention and GSP).
(c) The Economic and Social Council
The Economic and Social Council is another body for concertation between the private sector
and the Government.  In accordance with the Constitution, it gives its opinion concerning the draft
laws, orders or decrees submitted to it but it can also, on its own initiative, draw the attention of theNational Assembly and Government to economic and social reforms which it considers to be
necessary or in the general interest.
(d) The National Export Council
The National Export Council (CNEX), established in 1990 by private companies under the
auspices of the Ministry of Trade, Crafts and Tourism, has the purposes of:
(i) Promoting the export of agricultural, industrial, artisanal and cultural products;
(ii) establishing a data bank in the areas of foreign market research, information on world
prices and their developments and the administrative, banking and commercial
formalities required for exporting;  and
(iii) organizing and maintaining close and pe rmanent links with everybody involved in
exports.  Generally speaking, the objectives of the association cover all areasWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 15
connected with exports and the securities and financial operations directly connected
with them.  The CNEX is very active in the West African Enterprise Network
(WAEN).
(e) The Business Opportunities Observation Post
In order to improve the exploitation of investment and export opportunities, the Government
has decided to establish an Opportunities Observation Post which will take the form of a data bank tobe placed at the disposal of national and foreign investors for the purpose of developing business and
capital contributions to the country.
The establishment of the Observation Post is scheduled for the end of 1997.  Its operation will
be assisted by this Project.
However, all these institutions are short of the human and financial resources needed to carry
on their work.  Assistance is thus needed, particularly  in the form of an analysis of the institutional
apparatus and of the export promotion structures and the rationalization and preparation of an action
plan for the export promotion organizations.
D. Benin's Trade Regime
During the last ten years, Benin's trade regime has been gradually liberalized:  abolition of
quantitative import restrictions in 1988, import licences in 1991 and official market prices for imports.
As a result of two tariff reforms (1991 and 1994), the duties levied on imports have been reduced totwo and, at the same time, the number of rates has been reduced from 16 to 5.
Because of its international transit role, Benin's tariffs are among the lowest in Africa south of
the Sahara:  the duties, which are mainly ad valorem,  amount on average to 13 per cent, but the
effective collection rate is further reduced by the numerous exemptions applied.  Finally, VAT at
18 per cent is levied on imports at the frontier in the same way as on domestic production.
III. PROJECT JUSTIFICATION
A. Development Problem to be Tackled
The Final Act embodying the results of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade
Negotiations entered into force on 1 January 1995.  It will produce an extensible remodelling of the
rules governing international trade.  This new departure will require an adaptation of internationaltrading strategy on the part of governments and enterprises in the years to come.  The challenge to
Benin, as a Member of the World Trade Organization, is to adapt its production tools and create the
most favourable conditions for its trade with a view to profiting from these Agreements with the
ultimate aim of increasing its share of world trad e and thus ensuring a sustained level of growth.
B. Beneficiaries
The direct beneficiaries of the Project activities in terms of information, training and analysis
concerning the new framework for international trade are:
- The Foreign Trade Directorate (DCE);
- the other competent services of the Ministry of Trade, Crafts and Tourism;
- the other Ministries involved in implementing the Agreements;WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 16
- the private sector support institutions: CNEX, CBCE, the Chamber of Commerce,
and the Business Opportunities Observation Post;
- the professional associations;
- the economic agents concerned with the Project;  and
- the training institutions (University, National Economic Institute, specialized
professional centres and other interested operators).
In the long term, the capacity of these institutions and their staff to cope more effectively with
the Agreements will benefit the Beninese economy as a whole.
C. Project Strategy
The project strategy is based on constant interaction among the various national elements
involved in international trade, includ ing the agents in the informal sector.
D. Special Considerations
The Project framework was formulated in accordance with the recommendations of the
Conference of African Ministers of Trade on the implications of the Uruguay Round Agreements for
the continent, held at Tunis on 27 October 1994.  At the end of that Conference, the African Ministers
of Trade, being anxious to confront the various qu estions linked with implementation of the Uruguay
Round Agreements, identified their technical assistance needs and requested the support of the
international community, particularly WTO, UNCTAD and ITC.  The present Project is to be seen inthat perspective.
E. Coordination Measures
The Project will include in its implementation plan activities to be financed by other projects.At the national level, the structures and mechanisms responsible for coordinating the Project
and the participation of the various implementing agents are essentially:
- The Foreign Trade Directorate (DCE), whose coordination function arises from its
responsibilities and its operation as a horizontal structure.  This Directorate will
establish the link between the structures of the Ministry of Trade, Crafts and Tourism
and the organizations under its auspices, on the one hand, and the other ministries,
professional organizations and technical bodies concerned with economic and tradematters, on the other;  and
- the National Commission responsible for the follow-up to and implementation of the
Uruguay Round Agreements, consisting of representatives of the various
organizations and departments that are beneficiaries of the activities included in the
Project.
F. National Support and Execution Capacities
The Foreign Trade Directorate (DCE) of the Ministry of Trade, Crafts and Tourism has
limited experience when it comes to executing technical assistance projects.  Consequently, special
attention was paid when preparing the Project to defining the activities that could be executed by thatWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 17
Directorate and those that would require external intervention.  To this end, the operational capacities
of the DCE will be strengthened.
Other organizations such as CBCE, CNEX and the Chamber of Commerce, as well as other
business institutions, will be associated with the implementation of the project.
G. Ongoing Technical Assistance
There is not, at the moment, any technical assistance project in the trade sector.
H. Technical Assistance Needs
The joint needs identification mission, organized by ITC, UNCTAD and WTO, submitted a
double questionnaire relating, in the first place, to problems connected with Benin's participation in
the international trading system and, secondly, to the selection of potential trainers on the multilateral
trading system.
On the basis of conversations with various national luminaries of both the private and the
public sectors and the replies to the questionnaires, the following needs have been identified.
1. Technical assistance needs of the government services and public institutions
Benin needs technical assistance and help to develop its human resources.  The national
bodies involved in implementing the agreements re sulting from the Uruguay Round negotiations will
need help in preparing trade policy and managing  the trading sector with a view to effective
participation in the work of the World Trade Organization.
In the light of the preceding, the assistance expected of the World Trade Organization
(WTO), the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and
Development (UNCTAD) should render possible:
- A better understanding of the provisions of the Agreement establishing the World
Trade Organization and the annexed agreements;
- increased popular awareness of these Agreements;
- the acquisition of trade negotiation techniques;  international trade is changing
rapidly and an overhaul of know-how in respect of trade negotiations has become
necessary;
- the training of Beninese craftsmen to produce artefacts more in keeping with the
standards required by the export markets;
- the establishment of a crafts promotion fund;
- more effective monitoring of the behaviour of export products on foreign markets;
- the supply to foreign investors of full information concerning business opportunities;
- financial support for the promotion of trade and tourism;- greater competitiveness of the Beninese economy through the diversification of
domestic production;WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 18
- the introduction (with WTO assistance) of a foreign trade development strategy for
Benin;  and
- the installation of software to process the Beninese foreign trade statistics.
2. Technical assistance needs of the private sector and the enterprises
The private sector is very little developed in Benin.  Most Benin national enterprises have
been privatized or are being privatized in the framework of the structural adjustment programme.
In the context of the increased liberalization accelerated by the Uruguay Round Agreements,
the financial constraints with which Beninese enterprises are faced are not such as to enable them to
compete with foreign enterprises.
The Beninese private sector suffers from the same handicaps as that of other countries of the
subregion, despite Benin's role as an international trade hub.  The following factors impede efforts by
the private sector to develop production and trade:
- The cost of energy, but especially of air freight, which is holding up the development
of tourism and ongoing efforts to develop non-traditional fruit and vegetable exports;
- the difficulties associated with a sometimes obscure legal environment, aggravated by
a lack of persons trained in business law, and especially the law of contracts in
international trade;
- the poor dissemination of information on trade opportunities abroad and the lack of
means of processing that information;
- a lack of human skills in the areas of management and international marketing;
- the lack of an export credit guarantee and insurance system;  and, finally
- the slowness of financial settlements in international transactions.
These handicaps are making foreign operations more expensive and delaying the integration
of the Benin economy into international trade.
Consequently, the Beninese private sector and enterprises need technical support to
strengthen their management capacities by developing human resources in order to create pools of
entrepreneurs and to develop training programmes for managers in the industrial sector.  The
assistance requested by Benin should focus on strengthening the competitiveness of its enterprises.
(a) Circulation of information
As far as information is concerned, there are three gaps that the Project will have to fill (1) the
considerable need for information on the international trading system in general and the WTO
Agreements in particular, (2) the disparity between the administration and the economic agents as
regards awareness of the international agreements and their implementation, and (3) the lack of a
strategy to implement the agreements.
In addition to general information on the various WTO Agreements, there are some
institutions that have expressed the desire to obtain some specific information:WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 19
- Ministry of Finance:  information on the WTO Agreements that are relevant to the
responsibilities of the Ministry of Finance, particularly the TRIMs Agreement, the
balance-of-payment provisions, etc;
- General Directorate of Customs:  information on the Agreements directly relevant to
customs activities (rules of origin, TRIPS, particularly the aspect of controlling
fraudulent imitations at the frontier, preshipment inspection, value for customspurposes, technical barriers to trade and the Agreement on Textiles, particularly with
regard to the anti-circumvention provisions);
- Ministry of Agriculture:  the Agreement on Agriculture, Sanitary and Phytosanitary
Measures;  and
- Crafts Directorate:  information on the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade,
TRIPS, particularly with regard to the protection of designs and names of origin, the
Agreement on Rules of Origin and information on quality and packaging standards.
At the Round Table Meeting held after the Seminar to explain to the Beninese private sector
the results of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations, organized in September 1996 by
the ITC with the participation of WTO and UNCTAD, the wish was expressed by the participants that
the programme of public information, through the press, radio and local television, should take place
as far as possible in the national languages so as to reach most of the operators in the informal sector,particularly the women active in trade.
(b) Strengthening institutional capacity
The fact that the economy of Benin is in the stage of transition towards a market economy
after a long period of State control justifies an increased and rapid strengthening of its institutional
capacities.  Many other international organizatio ns such as the World Bank and UNDP are already
contributing to this work, particularly in the context of the project to develop the private sector.  This
programme is focused on five essential components:
(i) Improving the legal, judicial and fiscal context;
(ii) strengthening institutional capacities and human resources;
(iii) supporting SME-SMI and micro-enterprises;(iv) improving industrial infrastructures (customs-free area and industrial parks) and the
infrastructures attached thereto;  and
(v) introducing a strategy for the promotion of investments and exports.
In the specific area of international trade and implementation of the WTO Agreements, the
strengthening of institutional capacities is urgent in the following areas:
- Customs:  revision of the customs code and inclusion therein of special provisions on
the import of intellectual property works and supports;  introduction of the
Harmonized System national tariff and the renegotiation of concessions under
Article XXVIII of the 1994 GATT;WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 20
- economic information:  establishment of a national information point with a view to
regularly informing the economic agents concerning the implementation of the WTO
Agreements (administrative departments and private firms), industrial information
and the setting up of a Business Opportunities Observation Post;
- standards and quality:  establishment within the DPQC of a laboratory and an
information service concerning standards and the quality of imported and exportedproducts.  The information service should consist of a network accessible to both
institutions and economic agents; and
- Support services:  development and improvement of the foreign trade support
services.  An urgent example is that of improving the services in the Port of Cotonou.
(c) Training and the development of human resources
Neither the Beninese administration nor the economic agents are really well aware of the
constraints and conditions of international trade, at a time when, within the framework of currentliberalization policy, they are obliged to look towards the international markets.  In particular, it has
been noted that they are not well informed about (i) the rules for the negotiation of trade contracts, (ii)
international trade financing practices and (iii) the scope of international trade agreements.  It is thus
urgent to train the administrative officials in the new rules of international trade so that they can
usefully advise the economic agents and, in particular, those of the informal sector.
In addition, the liberal opening of Benin gives more responsibility to the economic agents.  It
is a matter of urgency to pass from informal trade activities to a competition-based commercial
practice in the new international trade environment.  Benin has an entrepreneurial class which must be
made more professional and capable of standing up to international competition.
Among the numerous training courses requested by the various people encountered by the
mission, we shall select the following:
- Training of trainers to meet the demand of the administrative departments and other
business structures;
- training the officials of the trade promotio n institutions: training in trade negotiations,
international arbitration, intellectual property, rules of competition and theinternational trade in commodities; and
- training the agents active in the Autonomous Port of Cotonou (consignees, customs
brokers, shippers, etc.).
Despite the main constraints weighing down the existing training apparatus in Benin
(dispersion of the apparatus, inadequacy of the programmes and the high cost of equipment), Benindoes have public institutions which can guarantee an adequate training.  In this connection, the
National Economics Institute (INE) is the main centre  for training in international trade techniques.
Attached to the National University of Benin, INE is a public university-level training establishment
with autonomous management.  It is well equipped, having two lecture theatres, with 150 and
300 seats, respectively, 12 classrooms, four computer rooms, a library and full teaching support
equipment.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 21
(d) Strengthening export capacities
There is little promotion of exports and investment in Benin.  The absence of information
concerning markets abroad, the weakness of productive capacities and the ponderous nature of export
procedures hinder the access of Benin companies to such markets.  On the other hand, the lack of
practical information concerning opportunities, and on the procedures and advantages for foreign
investors, limits the effectiveness of the motivation offered them.
The promotion of exports and investments is the responsibility of the Benin Foreign Trade
Centre (CBCE), the National Export Council (CNEX), whose role is to help exporters to find outlets
and obtain trade information, and the Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB).  The
three institutions lack the human and financial resources they need to do their work properly.
The Project will help to strengthen the capacity of  CBCE, CNEX and CCIB, through, inter
alia, the establishment of a reference centre on the multilateral trading system, a trade information
system and an opportunities observation post, as well as the setting up of a Trade Point.
The Trade Point will actually be set up in the context of a technical assistance arrangement
financed by the European Union which will be strengthened by this Project.  In addition, many
information and training activities directed towards the three institutions in particular cannot but help
to improve the services they deliver to the business community in Benin.
3. Workshop on Benin's technical assistance needs
Moreover, in confirmation of the analysis made above, a workshop comprising
representatives of the administration and the private sector was held at the beginning of
September 1997 in order to prepare for the participation of Benin in the High-Level Meeting on
Integrated Initiatives for Least Developed Countries' Trade Development, held at Geneva on 27 and
28 October 1997.  The workshop in question, which was chaired by an expert from the World Bank,established in order of priority the country's need for technical assistance in connection with the
implementation of the WTO Agreements as follows:
- Assistance with the setting up of a Trade Point:  training, equipment and Internet
access;
- support for the commercial promotion of Benin products (fairs, etc);- assistance with the establishment of an information service and training for quality 
control and standards;
- study of the possibilities of developing Benin's underexploited agricultural sectors;
- training in international trade negotiations;
- training of trainers in international management;- training of trade promotion institution managers;
- formulation of an investment and export promotion strategy;
- training in international commodity trade;
- training of trainers in customs valuation and rules of origin;WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 22
- support for improvement of the legal, judicial and fiscal framework and alignment
with WTO rules;
- financial support for the promotion of international trade and tourism;
- study of the competitiveness of Benin products on foreign markets;
- support for notification obligations: training and computerization, assistance with the
management of the WTO dossier, etc;
- technical support for the improvement of standards and the promotion of craft and
tourist products;
- assistance in the field of packaging;
- holding of training seminars on the content and implications of the WTO
Agreements;
- study to assess the impact of the WTO Agreements on the Benin economy;
- training of specialists in the drafting of legal texts in the field of international trade;- training of tourism and craft enterprise marketing managers;
- training in new information technologies, especially the Internet;
- study of the informal sector and its rule in foreign trade, especially subregional trade;
and
- assistance with the facilitation of customs procedures.While addressing the specific situation of Benin, this Project forms part of an overall
programme to deal with the generic technical assistance needs linked to the implementation of the
WTO Agreements which will help to improve the integration of Benin into world trade.  In that
context, some of the needs listed below will have to form the subject of additional technical assistance
projects requiring additional resources and activities in greater depth, within the framework of  thecountry development programmes.
IV. OBJECTIVES AND OUTPUTS OF THE PROJECT
A. Development Objective
To facilitate Benin's integration into the mu ltinational trading system based on the Uruguay
Round Agreements.
B. Project Direct Objectives
1. Developing a national capacity for understanding the multilateral trading system based on the
changes that have occurred as a result of  the Uruguay Round Agreements;
2. Helping to bring national legislation into confor mity with the rules of the multilateral trading
system and to devise strategies to derive the maximum advantage from the opportunities arising fromthe implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreements;  andWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 23
3. Helping to improve knowledge of Benin's export markets and strengthening the competitive
position of its exporting enterprises.
C. Project Outputs and Activities Related to the First Objective
Developing a national capacity for understanding the multilateral trading system based on the
changes that have occurred as a result of the Uruguay Round Agreements.
The objective is to sensitize further and develop a greater knowledge and better understanding
of the WTO Agreements, including questions of trade policy, with a view to a more effective and
more advantageous participation in the multilatera l trading system.  This objective can be achieved
through national awareness seminars, i.e., by training in the country and by training trainers.
In addition, the Project will support the operations of the inter-institutional committee which
the Ministry of Trade, Crafts and Tourism intends to establish as well as those of the customs
administration for matters within its competence.
1. Output 1.1:   Institutional assistance
To assist the inter-institutional committee to become operational, the Project will inter alia
help the implementation of the following activities:
- Drafting and adopting terms of  reference and rules of procedure for the inter-
institutional committee which will bring together both the government departments
engaged in implementing the Agreements and the private sector organizationsconcerned;
- developing and adopting appropriate strategies to take advantage of the transitional
periods allowed by the Agreements;
- preparing annual working plans for the inter-institutional committee;
- drafting terms of reference for the working parties deriving from the committee for
the carrying out of specific tasks;  and
- participating in subregional consultation meetings of the inter-institutional
committees responsible for implementing the Uruguay Round Agreements in the
WAEMU countries.
More particularly, the WTO will help by:
- Supplying core documentation on the WTO Agreements to serve as a reference
framework for the inter-institutional committee in carrying out its future work;
- supplying the relevant documents of the various WTO committees and working
groups having a direct relationship to the work of the inter-institutional committee;
and
- including the inter-institutional committee in the WTO mailing list of periodical
publication.
Within the context of this support, the WTO would also be able to give technical advice on
any question of concern to the committee envisaged for this Project on legal and institutional
questions within the competence of the WTO and on its activities in course.  In addition, the Project
will supply assistance with regard to new information technologies.  The WTO will supply to theWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 24
official focal point the documentation relating to the Final Act, annexes, analytical and reference
documents, CD ROMS, Internet connection, etc.
For its part, UNCTAD will contribute by:
- Supplying documentation to the secretariat of the inter-institutional committee:
 recent reports prepared by the UNCTAD secretariat and the databases developed by
the secretariat (Trains, Mast, etc);
- participating in the subregional concertation meetings of the inter-institutional
committees responsible for implementing the Uruguay Round Agreements in the
WAEMU and ECOWAS countries;
- facilitating the exchange of information between the various inter-institutional
committees;  and
- setting up a national trade and transport facilitation committee, within the framework
of the Trade Point already envisaged (project financed by the European Union, for thesetting up of Trade Points in the ECOWAS countries.
2. Output 1.2: Assistance to the customs administration
The customs administration receives technical support from the World Customs Organization
(WCO), in the form of training in value calculation techniques.
In addition, the WTO will give assistance;- By providing information to the customs administration on the implementation of the
Agreement, particularly in respect of the notifications and all the issues discussed in
the context of the Agreement on Implementation of Article VII of the General
Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994;
- in respect of all matters connected with customs tariffs, particularly those relating to
the schedules of concessions, the renegotiations under Article XXVIII, the
exemptions and issues linked to the Memorandum on Article 2 1B of  the GATT
1994; and
- concerning any legal matter question relating to regional integration or the free-trade
area.
UNCTAD will supply maintenance assistance in the implementation of the ASYCUDA
system version three, recently installed by the ECOWAS Community Data-Processing Centre (CIC).
UNCTAD assistance will focus on the establishment of high-level operating teams, consisting of
customs officials and data-processing experts required to deal with the software, and also by
organizing a study trip by three Benin customs officers to the Customs Technical Centre at Lomé,Togo.
3. Output 1.3:  Strengthening national training capacity in multilateral trading system issues
Strengthening the national capacity to understand the multinational trading system and its
implications for the country will be achieved by training trainers/discussants/experts on the subject
and establishing a network of contacts and exchanges among these resource persons.  The network
should enable the resource persons in question to keep one another informed of the development of
know-how and help one another in the organization of training activities and the dissemination ofWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 25
information and advice.  They will constitute the ma in support for the various activities to be carried
out within the framework of this Project such as the setting up of Reference Centres or the making of
training and advisory activities available to enterprises and government departments.  The national
network of trainers/discussants/experts, which will have to be enlarged by the local training of
generalist and specialist trainers/discussants, will itself form part of a more extensive network
consisting of resource persons with similar expertise in the other countries covered by the Programme.
The enlarged network thus constituted will be su pported by and integrated into the network of
trainers in international trade and the multilateral trading system which the ITC is to set up in the
context of its global programme to follow up the WTO Agreements.  The trainers/discussants will,
moreover,  have the benefit of exchanges of  training equipment in the Case Studies Exchange
established by ITC.
The training activities and the establishment of national, regional and global networks will be
developed according to the following scheme:
(a) Training of trainers:  the Geneva course
A training course lasting three weeks will be organized by ITC, UNCTAD and the WTO for
the purpose of giving a limited number of trainers/discussants a knowledge and training capacity in
the area of the Uruguay Round Agreements and the multilateral trading system.
Six trainers/discussants (two of whom will be accommodated by ITC, two by UNCTAD and
two by the WTO) will be selected from among the candidates submitted by the authorities in the
context of the exercise to identify potential trainers which took place during the programming
mission.  In the case of trainers/discussants belonging to the private sector, precise conditions and
terms will be developed to govern their availability and the transfer of know-how to the other
interested parties.
The participation of the trainers/discussants in the course will be financed by the Project.  The
organization of the course will draw upon the experience gained from holding a similar course for
English-speaking countries covered by the Programme (24 November-12 December 1997 at Geneva).
The course will contain the following main elements:
Part I:  The WTO
The WTO part of the training course will be devoted to an in-depth examination of the
Agreements, instruments, legislative and implementation aspects, WTO operational methods, and an
introduction to WTO information technologies - technical cooperation in an electronic form based on
the use of a CD-ROM.
The WTO will accommodate two Beninese participants for three weeks at Geneva.  WTO
financing will cover the cost of transport and subsistence of these two persons selected by ITC,
UNCTAD and the WTO.
Part II:  UNCTAD
UNCTAD training will relate to the policy dimension of the development of the Agreements:
particularly national and regional strategies with regard to the new issues relating to trading
framework that are on the agenda, such as competition rules and investment policy;  the trade
diplomacy course of the Trainfortrade Programme;  familiarization with the use of CD-ROM andintroduction to the Trade Points.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 26
Part III:  ITC
As far as ITC is concerned, the training will relate to an assessment at the country's own
specific level of, the potential produced and the development of markets and the requirements
associated therewith;  trade information, its appli cation and use;  support services to foreign trade
such as quality control, packaging, export insurance and financing and the management of
international purchases and supplies.
An evaluation and follow-up session on these activities will be carried out after this
programme by the WTO, UNCTAD and ITC.  Immediately after their training in Geneva, the
trainers/discussants will devise a joint plan of action comprising inter alia  a survey of the training
needs for generalist and specialist trainers, as well as a programme for disseminating technical
information on the multilateral trading system in their countries.
Activities
- Selection of candidates for training from among those identified during the
programming mission (trainers/discussants);
- statement of the conditions for the participation of trainers/discussants from the
private sector and assent to these conditions by the candidates;
- participation of the trainers/discussants in the training course;  and
- preparation of a plan of action by the trainers/discussants.
(b) Survey of the training needs linked to the implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreements
The training needs linked to the implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreements will be
determined by means of an ad-hoc methodolo gy based on those used in the ITC and UNCTAD to
identify training needs linked to international trade.
Additional potential trainers/discussants will be identified in the course of this survey together
with the teaching equipment needs of the national training institutions involved.
Activities
- Adoption of a methodology to identify specific training needs;- survey of general and specialized training needs;  and
- identification of potential trainers/discussants.
(c) Training of trainers at the national level
The potential trainers identified will be given a training course taught by the six trainers who
had participated in the Geneva course, with a participation of resource persons from the WTO,
UNCTAD and ITC.  The six trainers in question wi ll previously have followed a day's course of
further methodological training given by resource  persons from the WTO, UNCTAD and ITC, on the
preparation of case studies and on group presen tation and communication techniques.  National
consultants will also be involved in this activity.  The training course for generalist trainers will be
organized at the end of the first year of the Project so as to help consolidate the national capacity for
managing and following up the WTO Agreements.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 27
Furthermore, specialist trainers/discussants/experts will be trained and integrated into the
national network, as mentioned above.  These resource persons will be selected from the technical and
training institutions that are competent in subjects of particular interest to the country, such as:
- Technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, quality control and
certification, export packaging;
- intellectual property and trademarks;- value for customs purposes, rules of origin, preshipment inspection, import licences
and export regimes;
- regional integration;
- agriculture and textiles;
- services;
- export products diversification and development;
- competition rules, anti-dumping, safeguard measures, subsidies, state trading, public
markets, etc.
Trainers/discussants/experts in these areas will take part in training cycles organized by ITC,
UNCTAD and the WTO in the form of subregional seminars which will enable economies of scale to
be achieved and promote exchanges among the participant countries.
Activities
- Designing the course programmes;
- day of further training in methodology;
- training course for generalist trainers;  and
- subregional seminars for specialist trainers.
(d) Training institutions
The Project will make it possible to strengthen the capacity of the training institutions
specializing in international trade and internatio nal business law to teach the multilateral trading
system.  The strengthening will include supplying course supports to the institutions selected during
the survey of training needs mentioned above.
Activities
- Supply of three types of course support:  written works, transparencies and data-
processing tools (if applicable), after consultation with the organizations selected;
and
- as far as UNCTAD is concerned, the course support will be adapted.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 28
(e) Discussion Forum
The trainers trained by ITC, UNCTAD and the WTO and those trained at the national level
will be affiliated to a "discussion group" established on the Internet at Geneva.  The Discussion
Forum will ensure that the training programme is followed-up and will make it possible to answer the
questions asked and to exchange experience, case-studies and the training material needed to organize
national training and information programmes on the multilateral trading system.  A Web-site will becreated, accessible through the ITC, UNCTAD and WTO page.  This site will present the activities of
the Integrated Programme in each of the countries covered and will enable the six national trainers of
each country participating in the programme to make immediate contact with the other experts, the
regional advisers posted in West Africa and East Africa by the programme executing agencies and the
latters' headquarters in Geneva.  The Web-site, access to which will be reserved for authorized users
(protection by password), will also enable the WTO, UNCTAD and ITC to distribute all the
information needed to implement the programme (activity plan, description of consultants' posts etc.)together with training and information material.  It will also facilitate almost instantaneous interaction
between the Geneva organizations and their partners in the countries participating in the programme.
UNDP, the World Bank and IMF, in the framework of their joint effort to assist the least-developed
countries, will have the possibility of acceding and contributing to the Discussion Forum, as will the
donors financing the programme.  The computers installed by the WTO in October-December 1997,in the framework of the Official reference Centres in each of the countries covered by the programme,
will be used as relays for participation in the Discussion Forum.  Other computers will be able to join
in from the Reference Centres for the business and academic communities (see 1.4. below).
Activities
- Creation of a Web-site accessible through the home-page of ITC, UNCTAD and the
WTO;
- establishment of an electronic exchange network on the Internet (automatic e-mail
list);
- creation and operation of a format for transmitting electronic messages to the
Discussion Forum site;
- organization of on-line accessibility to the messages exchanged (first stage);
- organization of the on-line discussion (second stage);  and
- site management:  channelling of questions and answers, cleaning, synthesis, etc.
(f) Exchange of experience at the subregional level
On two occasions during the Project, subregional workshops will be organized to enable the
generalist and specialist national trainers to meet one another and discuss their experiences so as to
make use of the positive aspects and draw lessons therefrom.
In the western African subregion, a workshop wi ll be organized in the first half of 1999 and
another a few months before the end of the Project (first half of 2000).  They will gather together the
trainers and the discussants from Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, together with the
Regional Adviser and resource persons from ITC, UNCTAD and the WTO.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 29
Prior to these two activities and thanks to the Discussion Forum established as described
above, case-studies will be exchanged as well as training material (transparencies, presentation notes,
etc.).  They will be made available to the participants in the workshops.
Activities
- Exchange of case-studies;- preparation of subregional workshops;- holding of subregional workshops on the exchange of experience between trainers
and discussants on the multilateral trading system;  and
- exchange of information and experience on notifications.
(g) Participation in the ITC Case-Study Exchange for the development and interchange of
training material
ITC is establishing a centre for the development and interchange of training materials, which
will bring together case-studies on the development of trade in the context of the multilateral tradingsystem.  The national trainers' networks will be invited to submit case-studies periodically (at least
one per year) to this centre and will be helped to improve them.  Once they reach a satisfactory level
of quality, the cases will be circulated in a global network (the Case-Study Exchange) so that they can
be used by the trainers in other countries.  The Project will assist the Beninese trainers to participate in
this interchange through the Discussion Forum.
Activities
- Methodological advice;- collection of cases;
- distribution through the global network;  and
- supply of case-studies produced by the network.
4. Output 1.4:  Establishment of Reference Centres on the multilateral trading system
A "Reference Centre" on the Uruguay Round Agreements and on the multilateral trading
system is an information and guidance point on the rules governing the international trade order and
the business relationships between nations and betw een exporting and importing enterprises.  The
Reference Centre typically consists of a collection of documents which is regularly updated andwhich operates with the appropriate information and communication means.  The collection is placed
in an existing documentation facility or economic and commercial site which is regularly visited by
the users targeted.  One or more resource persons, associated with the operation of the documentation
collection of the Reference Centre, will be responsible for explaining the provisions of the
Agreements and guiding the users.  These resource persons are to be selected from among the trainerswho attended the Geneva training course.  To take account of the different requirements of the various
categories of users, two Reference Centres might be established.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 30
(a) Official Reference Centre
This centre is for the use of the officials of the administrative departments responsible for
preparing draft legal and regulatory texts as well as official notes and statements of position on
questions that are being negotiated, for example.  The official Reference Centre is usually located near
the focal point for the management of and foll ow-up to the Uruguay Round Agreements.  It will
contain the texts of the Agreements and their Anne xes together with various publications and analyses
which are useful for the intended purpose:  jurisprudence, the positions of the Member States on
questions that have been negotiated or are being negotiated, etc.  It will be accessible to the members
of the inter-institutional committee and to members of the civil service and Parliament.  The members
of the Trade Cooperation Service of the Foreign Trade Directorate would be the resource persons
responsible for guiding the users and particularly the trainer(s)/instructor(s) that has/have attended the
Geneva training course mentioned above.  The documentation service of the Foreign Trade
Directorate would house the Centre and would devise  a procedure for looking after and managing the
documentation.
The WTO has already installed the necessary equipment in October 1997 (a Pentium
computer, printer, CD-ROM and modem) and a core  collection of documents comprising the texts of
the Agreements on written support and on CD-ROM together with reference works.  An e-mail
address has been established and a short training course was given to the service operators.
Once the Project has been launched, UNCTAD and ITC will complete the installation of the
Official Reference Centre at the same time as they will proceed to set up another Reference Centre for
the business community.
Activities
- Supply of documentation: final act, annexes, analytical and reference documents,
CD-ROM, etc.   (UNCTAD, ITC).  (Alrea dy carried out by the WTO October 1997);
- supply of electronic equipment (computers,  CD-ROM readers).  (Already carried out
by the WTO in October 1997);
- connection to Internet.  (Already carried out by the WTO in October 1997);
- connection to Discussion Forum on the multilateral trading system;- connection to ITC databases:  Juris, Qualidata, etc;
- extra documentation to be supp lied by ITC and UNCTAD;  and
- training of the managers in ITC or in a place identified in the subregion.
(b) Reference Centre for the business community
A second Reference Centre will be established for the use of enterprises and their guidance
and promotion institutions.  It will contain the same core information as the first Centre: the Final Act
and its Annexes with their updatings, details of notifications and analyses relevant to the enterprises,
other than those that are purely legal.  This second Centre will be located in the CBCE.  It will be
accessible to users in accordance with a consultation arrangement to be specially developed.  The
business Reference Centre will also be open to teachers and students.  The collection of documents
and the means of consulting them, particularly electronic means, will be made available within the
context of the Project as soon as the efficiency criteria, to be indicated later, have been satisfied.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 31
In addition, this Centre could, if necessary, be incorporated into the future Trade Point to be
set up within the context of the project for th e establishment of Trade Points in the ECOWAS
countries.
Activities
- Supply of documentation:  Final Act, Annexes, analytical and reference documents,
CD ROM, etc.  (UNCTAD, ITC);
- supply of electronic equipment (computers, CD-ROM readers);
- connection to Internet;
- connection to GTP Net;
- connection to ITC databases:  Juris, Qualidata, Packadata, etc; and
- connection to the Discussion Forum on the multilateral trading system.
(c) Training seminar for the managers of the Reference Centres
A seminar will be organised for the officials of the reference services hosting the two
Reference Centres.  This will be a four-day training seminar, directed by a specialist ITC consultant,
either in the country itself or else in the subregion for the managers of all the reference services in
Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana.
Activities
- Selection of candidates for training; and
- holding the seminar.
5. Output 1.5:  Knowledge and understandi ng of the multilateral trading system
(a) Informing the media and the general public
The WTO will make available to the Benin author ities useful material for the information of
the general public about the WTO Agreements.  The WTO will supply the press releases and filesestablished by its Information and Media Relations Division together with videos about the WTO.
Moreover, the WTO might, as far as possible, accommodate a representative of the Benin
media to cover the WTO Ministerial Conferences.
(b) General seminars
National seminars of a general or specific nature will make it possible to improve knowledge
of the Uruguay Round Agreements by the institutions of the government and private sectors and by
the enterprises.  To this end the following activities will be organized:
(i) A  national high-level seminar on the WTO and the Uruguay Round Agreements
This seminar, which will last two days will be held for:WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 32
- Senior civil servants professionally concerned with the multilateral trading system;
- institutions supporting the private sector;
- members of the Economic and Social Council (CES);
- members of the National Assembly committees concerned with economic and trade
questions and international relations;
- leaders of the private sector;- academics;
- diplomats; and
- other personalities in civil society and public figures that are concerned, including
some representatives of the media.
(ii) Seminar for staff members of the public and private sectors
This three-day seminar will be organized for the technical staff of all the administrative
departments and institutions in the private sector that are interested in the WTO Agreements.
It will be addressed also to the enterprises engaged in foreign trade.  The seminar will deal
inter alia with the impact of the Uruguay Round Agreements on Benin enterprises.  It will be
organized after completion of the study provided for in Output 2.2.
(c) Specialized technical workshops
A series of specialized workshops (4 to 5), each lasting two or three days, will be organized
for the persons interested in the respective subjects .  Some of them will be directed by the national
trainers who have benefited from the training given in the context of the Project with the support of
the WTO, UNCTAD and ITC specialists.  Within this context, the WTO will provide support by
sending five of its experts for the specialized training workshops on customs questions, technical
barriers to trade, rules concerning competition, agricultural products and textiles.  The specializedtechnical workshops will deal with questions specific to Benin, with the help of material from the
impact study, mentioned under D.2 below, as well as the data collected within the context of the
matrix  of products and markets which will be prepared under activity E.1(a) of the objective of
diversifying products and markets.
The subjects of the specialized workshops will be selected from among the following:- Technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, quality control and
certification and export packaging and marking/labelling;
- intellectual property and trade marks;
- value for customs purposes, rules of origin, preshipment inspection, import licences
and export regimes;
- regional integration;WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 33
- agriculture and textiles;
- services;
- diversification of exports and development of export products (in the light of the
products - markets matrix);
- rules on competition, anti-dumping, safeguard measures, subsidies, state trading,
public markets, etc; and
- international trade and transport.
D. Project Outputs and Activities Related to the Second Objective
Helping to bring national legislation into confor mity with the rules of the multilateral trading
system and to devise strategies to derive the maximum advantage from the opportunities arising from
the implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreements.
1. Output 2.1:  Adjustment of the foreign trade laws and regulations
Benin's membership of the WTO makes it necessary to bring the domestic texts and laws
governing many sectors relating to foreign trade into conformity with the provisions of Uruguay
Round Agreements.  To that end, the Project will have to assist Benin in adjusting its laws,
regulations and procedures.
The WTO assistance will relate to:
- Assistance in the drawing up of the notifications which the country must make
because of its membership of WTO.  This assistance could take various forms,
particularly the provision of a special handbook prepared with a view to the drawing
up of the notifications required under the various agreements;
- the dispatch of an information mission to the various ministries involved, to provide
explanations and technical information concerning the required notifications;
- provision of technical advice on the implementation of the Agreements, particularly
on the basis of examples from countries with similar profiles;
- evaluation missions concerning any problem relating to the review or introduction of
national legislation aiming at consistency with the WTO rules; and
- field missions designed to enable the authorities to introduce national legislation by,
inter alia , proposing model laws that could be adapted to the specific situation of
Benin.
2. Output 2.2:  Assessment of the impact of th e new multilateral trading system on Benin's
economy and foreign trade
A prospective survey will be undertaken on the probable impact of the implementation of  the
Uruguay Round Agreements on the Benin economy.  The survey on the impact of the Uruguay Round
Agreements will make it possible to give a more practical and country-specific orientation to the
training and information seminars mentioned above.  It will be the starting point for the formulation ofWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 34
a national strategy for the development of  foreign trade, together with the elements of the products -
markets matrix which will be established under E.1(a).
The impact survey will illustrate in practica l terms the consequences expected from the
erosion of tariff preferences and the improvement in the conditions of access to traditional and
potential markets of interest to Benin's products.  The same survey will review, in those markets, the
import conditions for exportable Benin products, including technical barriers to trade, qualityconsiderations and competition.  It will make it possible to prepare projections for the various
subsectors and lay the foundations for sectoral strategies.  It will also indicate the general outlines of
activities to improve export competitiveness, in terms of quality and price.  It will be carried out with
the assistance of a team of national expe rts supported by experts from UNCTAD and ITC.
The results of the survey will be submitted to and discussed at the national symposium on
export promotion envisaged under 3.2(d).
3. Output 2.3:  Assistance in improving foreign trade development strategies
UNCTAD will supply advisory services for:
- A review of present Benin trade policy and identification of the relevant constraints
and requirements;
- an analysis of the implications of the Uruguay Round for the country's trade
opportunities; and
- a definition of strategies for the country's trade expansion:  these strategies will be
designed to consolidate the country's economic opening and to put macroeconomic
policies into concrete form (prices, appropriate exchange rate etc).  They will help to
improve the business and investment environment by inter alia  a technology and
innovations policy and an appropriate regulatory framework at the economic level.
These activities should take advantage of the survey of business laws and regulations which is
to be prepared with a view to assessing the conformity of these laws and regulations with the
international agreements.  The new provisions and proposals, which must also take account of the
subregional treaties (WAEMU, ECOWAS, etc.) must culminate in the formulation of:
Trade policy and strategies aimed at making the country's business environment more
auspicious;  and
Trade facilitation measures, with particular attention to a VAT reimbursement and customs
duties and taxes drawback scheme for exported products.
E. Project Outputs and Activities Related to the Third Objective
Helping to improve knowledge of Benin's export markets and strengthening the competitive
position of its exporting enterprises.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 35
1. Output 3.1:  Identification of trade and export development potentials in the context of the
globalization of world markets
(a) Matrix of products and markets of interest to Benin
In parallel with the study on the impact of the multilateral trading system on Benin's foreign
trade and economy (see D.2 above), a products-markets matrix will be worked out in order to
determine the potential for diversifying Benin's export products and markets, in the context of theliberalization and globalization of markets.  The methodology recently developed in ITC to identify
the dynamic forces and comparative advantages of the developing countries will be followed, using
national statistics and current and projected production data as well as the "mirror statistics" of the
Comtrade database.
Activities
- Selection of the technical team to work out the products-markets matrix from the
staffs of CBCE, CNEX and the sele cted professional associations;
- adoption of the terms of reference for the study;
- methodological advice by an international ITC consultant;  and
- construction of the products-markets matrix.
(b) Study of Benin's exportable products potential
On the basis of the products-markets matrix, a study of export potential will be carried out by
CBCE, in cooperation with CNEX, CCIB, the ministerial departments and the representatives of the
professional associations or enterprises concerned.  The participation of these last will be on the basis
of a contribution to the costs.  The study will make it possible to assess the real prospects of the
production sectors in terms of competitiveness, product by product, and identify the bottlenecks and
the technical and other obstacles that will have to be dealt with.
Activities
- Selection of the team of researchers to carry out the study on potential from the staffs
of CBCE, CNEX and the enterprises concerned;
- adoption of the terms of reference for the study;
- methodological advice by an ITC consultant;  and- carrying out of the study on the potential of Benin's exportable products.
(c) Studies of foreign markets of interest to Benin
The same matrix will be used to select a series of market surveys on the basis of documents or
by field visits.  These surveys, which will take the form of market monographs, will review, in the
target markets, the conditions for the import of Benin's exportable products, together with thetechnical barriers to trade, quality and competition considerations and so forth.  They will take
particular account of the improved conditions of market access introduced by the application of the
Uruguay Round Agreements.  They will be carried out with the support of the ITC services.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 36
Activities
- Methodological advice by specialized ITC consultants;
- carrying out of at least four market surveys in the subsectors of:
- Textiles;
- oilseeds, vegetable oils and derivatives;
- handicraft products;- fresh fruit and vegetables and horticultural products;  and
- agricultural and food preserves and products.
(d) Study of the services export potential
A second services-markets matrix would have to be worked out to determine, on the basis of
national and international data, the services imported and exported by Benin.  On the basis of this
matrix, a study of the export potential will be carr ied out by a team consisting of technicians from
CBCE, CNEX and the competent ministerial departme nts.  This team will have to estimate the
country's development potential in the following service subsectors:
- Transport and transit;
- enterprise consultation and management;
- rural project development;
- data-processing subcontracting (in French and in English);- cultural and discovery tourism;  and
- international and subregional conferences and meetings.
Any enterprises that are interested in these se ctors could participate in the study, on the basis
of a contribution to the cost entailed.  The study will make it possible to assess the real prospects of
the services subsectors in terms of competitivene ss and identify the bottlenecks and the technical and
other obstacles to be overcome in order to promote the development of these activities.
Activities
- Selection of the team of researchers to carry out the study on potential;- adoption of the terms of reference for the study;
- methodological advice by specialized ITC consultants;  and- carrying out the study on the potential of Benin's exportable services.
Within the framework of the Coordinated African Programme of Assistance in Services
(CAPAS), UNCTAD will help to develop national analytical and decision-making capacities in the
areas of services policy.  This Programme has also the objective of ensuring a better understanding of
the relationship between internal reforms and the liberalization process undertaken in the context ofthe agreements on trade in services.  CAPAS will make an assessment to identify potential prospectsWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 37
for the development of and trade in services.  Policies to develop and promote the export of services
will be assessed in the context of the Programme.  In addition, assistance will be given to prepare for
the year 2000 negotiations in the framework of the General Agreement on Trade in Services.  This
assessment will be funded by the contribution included in the CAPAS Programme as well as by the
financial inputs under this Project.
UNCTAD will also help:- In the negotiations on services in the WTO framework, namely, the sectoral
negotiations that are in progress and the future major worldwide round negotiations
provided for in Article XIX, paragraph 1, of the General Agreement on Trade in
Services;
- to satisfy the requirements of Article III of the General Agreement on Trade in
Services concerning the establishment of enquiry points;  and
- to prepare sectoral plans of action and development for services.
2. Output 3.2:  Designing export development strategies
Three strategic approaches will be examined:- A national export strategy, including diagnosis and reform of the institutional
apparatus;
- a subregional trade promotion strategy;  and- sectoral strategies for priority sectors.
(a) A national strategy to develop Benin's exports
With the help of the data thus collected on the potential supply and the foreseeable demand of
the foreign markets, a proposed national strategy to develop foreign trade will be prepared.  This
strategy will review the institutional apparatus for promoting exports as well as the sectors presentingcomparative advantages for the country, as identified under E.1, and will indicate an approach to be
adopted which will take account of the improved conditions of access to traditional and new markets
that can be targeted by Benin products as well as the expected development of exportable production.
The proposed national strategy will comprise projections for the various subsectors, including
services, which will provide a basis for the formulation of sectoral strategies.  It will also provideguidelines for action to improve export competitiveness,  in terms of quality and price.  To that end,
extensive consultations will be held with the technical departments and professional associations
concerned.
Activities
- Selection of the team of national and international experts to design the strategy;
- adoption of the terms of reference for the research to prepare the strategy;
- methodological advice by an ITC consultant;  and
- preparation of the national export development strategy.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 38
(b) Sectoral strategies for the development of priority export sectors
The sectoral strategies will be developed in cooperation with the professional associations
which will be assisted, if necessary, to develop their own analytical capacity and capacity to design
promotional strategies for their respective groups of products.  The sectoral strategies will relate to
five groups of products (four groups of goods and one group of services).  Project cards for the
development of subsectors of interest will be proposed for the export of both goods and services.
Activities
- Selection of teams of national and international experts to design the sectoral
strategies;
- adoption of terms of reference for the research to prepare the sectoral strategies;
- methodological advice by ITC consultants and on-the-job training of the counterpart
staff;  and
- preparation of sectoral strategies for:
Exporting goods, four of the following groups:
- Textiles;
- oilseeds, vegetable oils and derivatives;
- handicraft products;
- fresh fruit and vegetables and horticultural products;  and- agricultural and food preserves and products.
Exporting services, one of the following groups:
- Rural project development, construction and related works;
- cultural and discovery tourism, conferences and meetings;
- transport and transit;  and- preparation of sectoral project cards for the same subsectors.
(c) Strategy for the development of Benin's subregional trade
In relation to the global and sectoral objectives for the development of Benin's exports, an
approach and specific objectives will be proposed for the development of Benin's subregional trade,
with due regard for the country's comparative advantages within the subregion and the dynamism thatcharacterizes the national economy as compar ed with the neighbouring WAEMU and ECOWAS
countries.  The service-export category will also be given particular consideration here.
Activities
- Selection of the teams of national and international experts to design the subregional
trade development strategy;
- adoption of the terms of reference for the research to prepare the strategy;
- methodological advice by an ITC consultant;  and
- preparation of the subregional trade development strategy.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 39
(d) National symposium on the development of Benin's exports
The proposed strategies will be considered at a national export symposium to which will be
submitted also the results of the study of the impact of the multilateral trading system on Benin's
economy and foreign trade.
Activities
- Logistics of the symposium and technical and administrative preparations;  and
- technical contributions to the symposium by ITC consultants.
3. Output 3.3:  Installation of coordinate d economic and trade information services
Of the basic tools for effective competition to be made available to the Benin enterprises
engaged in foreign trade, economic and trade information is of particular importance.  In that context
and over and above the strengthening of the existing mechanisms for producing and distributing
economic and trade information, the Project will he lp the Business Opportunities Observation Post,
which the Government has decided to establish, to become operational:
(a) Feasibility study on coordinated economic and trade information services and on the setting
up of the Opportunities Observation Post
The Opportunities Observation Post will be an economic data bank at the service of any
investor or promoter who wishes to develop business in Benin's trade, handicraft, tourism,
agricultural, industry or mining sectors.
To that end, the Opportunities Observation Post will be responsible for:
- Collecting and distributing information on economic projects that are seeking finance
and on domestic and foreign trading opportunities;
- facilitating access by the economic agents to information of value for reaching
economic decisions;
- helping any economic agent to identify bus iness opportunities in keeping with his
financing possibilities and to convert them into an investment project;
- organizing and encouraging business contacts between the various economic
promoters;  and
- informing Beninese business circles of all measures likely to affect the development
of trading activities and market trends.
An evaluation of trade information needs will be made and coordinated information services
proposed, indexing various producers and distri butors of economic, statistical and commercial
information on a national and subregional scale.  The aim will be to achieve economies of scale on the
investments, particularly with regard to the production of information and data handling.  The servicesin question will be based on commercial data handling implying that, in due course, private firms will
take them over.  Obviously it will not be possible for the services to become fully profitable in the
short run.  It might be possible, however, to combine the management of the economic and trade
information system with advertising activitie s, supplying access to the Internet and otherWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 40
communication services to SMEs for which a fee would be charged.  In this way, a certain amount of
profitability could be achieved.
The study should determine the conditions in which the operation could be optimized and the
way in which the resources of information producers, distributors and consumers could contribute to
the effective functioning of the services.  In addition to the feasibility of a national network to collect
and disseminate various types of information needed by the foreign trade enterprises and by thoseinvolved in the development of Beninese trad e, the study would cover the ways and means of
launching the Business Opportunities Observation Post, the essential task of which will be to
centralize information of domestic origin on opportunities of exporting products and services as well
as on investment possibilities in the country.  It will indicate the various project ideas available and
the procedures required and also the comparative advantages and incentives offered to foreign and
domestic investors.
Activities
- Adoption of terms of reference for the feasibility study on the information system and
establishment of the Observation Post;
- constitution of the study team (CBCE , Chamber of Commerce, Opportunities
Observation Post);
- methodological advice by an ITC consultant;- elaboration of enquiries by the team;  and
- finalization of the feasibility study with the support of the ITC consultant.
(b) Workshop on economic and trade information in Benin
Once the feasibility study has been completed, a workshop will be organized on "export-
oriented economic, trade and investment information in Benin" for the producers, distributors andconsumers of information.  The participants in the workshop will include government departments
and enterprises, as producers and consumers of information, as well as CBCE, the Chamber of
Commerce, CNEX, the professional associations, the Business Opportunities Observation Post and
other private information intermediaries, includ ing the suppliers of access to the Internet.
Activities:
- Technical preparation;
- guidance of the workshop by the study team with support from the ITC consultant;
and
- adoption of operational rules for the trade information system and practical operating
conditions for the Business Opportunities Observation Post.
(c) Installation of coordinated economic and trade information services
The Project will facilitate the upgrading of the various components of the system by
supplying data, organizing exchanges of data during an experimental period and connecting the
components up to the international databases.  Its assistance activities will focus in particular on the:WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 41
- CBCE component;
- Chamber of Commerce component;
- CNEX component;
- Ministry of Trade, Crafts and Tourism component;  and
- Business Opportunities Observation Post component.
The Project will supply the Business Opportunities Observation Post with adequate computer
equipment to process the databases to be established.  It will supply the necessary advisory services to
organize the work of the Observation Post and trai n the members of its staff, who will be appointed by
the Government and the private sector.
Activities
- Technical advice to the components of the system;- supply of data;
- supply of computer equipment to the Busi ness Opportunities Observation Post;  and
- facilitation of connection to the international databases (Internet).
4. Output 3.4:  Adaptation and production of the Guide to "Trade Secrets - The Export Answer
Book"
ITC has developed the basic concept of a generic guide to exporting which can be adapted to
the national context:  a tool which is made available to exporting enterprises or enterprises that wishto become exporters.  It supplies essential information by answering 100 questions that are regularly
and frequently asked by SME executives in respect of export management.  The answers are
supplemented by appropriate references to additional information resources.
Technical assistance by ITC will make it possible to adapt the generic version and turn it into
a country-specific Guide for Benin.  This will be done in partnership with a national counterpartorganization which will co-sponsor the publication of the adapted version.
Activities:
- Advice on the preparation of the Guide to "Trade Secrets - The Export Answer Book"
Mission by a specialized consultant to guide the team selected by the national
counterpart organization responsible for the process of adapting the Guide.
- Realization of the Guide to "Trade Secrets - The Export Answer Book"
The national adaptation will be carried out, with the technical support of ITC, by a
subcontractor.  The counterpart organization will be responsible for the realization
procedures in accordance with the terms of the arrangement contracted with ITC and
will benefit from the proceeds of sales of the publication.  The subcontractor willprepare the draft text for publication on the basis of the realization procedures.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 42
- Organization of the distribution of the Guide to "Trade Secrets - The Export Answer
Book"
The Guide will be distributed and sold in accordance with the contractual
arrangement between the national counterpart organization and ITC.  The proceeds of
the sales will be retained by the counterpart organization to recover its preparation
and printing costs and to finance any future updated version.
5. Output 3.5:  Improving access to export financing
The Project will help to facilitate the access of enterprises (Benin/Burkina Faso/Côte d'Ivoire)
to prefinancing of their export activities by, on the one hand, making available to them a handbook on
the approach to banks and its adaptation, in cooperation with the national monetary and creditauthorities as well as WAEMU, ECOWAS and W ADB and, on the other, by carrying out a study on
export financing.
(a) Adaptation and realization of the ha ndbook "How do I Approach the Banks?"
ITC has prepared for the export enterprises in developing countries a prototype handbook on
approaching banks in the context of their expor t financing needs.  This handbook reviews the
financing instruments normally available to an ex porting enterprise and the conditions that should
prevail in approaching commercial banks with a view to opening an export credit file.  In the context
of this Project, the handbook in question will be made available to Beninese enterprises in a versionadapted to the context of the CFA area in general and Benin in particular.
The handbook has to be translated from English and adapted to the national context.  To that
end, and in order to achieve economies of scale, translation of the prototype handbook and its
adaptation to local conditions could be carried out jointly by the organizations concerned in Benin,Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire, in a regional version for the CFA area, which takes account of
similarities of situation in that monetary area, where the credit regulations are identical.
A team of consultants from the country concerned will be selected under the responsibility of
supervisory organizations to be appointed by joint agreement between ITC and the authorities of the
countries covered by the ITC/UNCTAD/WTO Integr ated Programme of Technical Assistance to
follow up the Uruguay Round Agreements.  The team  of consultants, which will work in close
relationship with ECOWAS and WAEMU, as well as with the commercial banks in the countries in
question, will have the task of translating the handbook and introducing into it specific elements
which would make it usable by the enterprises of Benin, Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire.  It will alsobe useful for the other countries of the CFA area and will constitute a joint work that could be
incorporated into the collaboration among these members of WAEMU.  The sponsorship and support
of that organization will be sought, particularly with a view to linking up with the study mentioned
below.
The Project will bear the costs of the translation, adaptation and circulation.  The handbook
will be sold to enterprises by the organizations grouping the export enterprises in the countries
concerned.  The produce of the sales will serve to consolidate their respective resources, in
accordance with a formula to be agreed between ITC and the authorities concerned.
Activities:
- Establishment of cooperative relations with WAEMU, ECOWAS and WADB;
- selection of the subcontractor to translate the generic prototype of the handbook on
approaches to banks (from English into French);WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 43
- translation of the generic handbook;
- selection of a team of consultants (Côte d'Ivoire, Benin and Burkina Faso) to decide
on the specific elements concerning their respective countries which should be
incorporated into the handbook (possibility of enlarging the work of the CFA area);
- subcontracting agreement for the publica tion of the handbook "How do I Approach
the Banks?", in a national or regional version;  and
- distribution of the handbook.
(b) Study on export financing
This study will review the schemes and facilities available to export enterprises for access to
credit in the countries of the WAEMU area in general and in the countries covered by the Integrated
Programme (Benin, Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire) in particular.
The financing needs of the exporting enterprises will be assessed.  The conditions on which
such enterprises have or have not access to export credit will be studied.  In the light of thecomparisons between needs and the facilities available, a synthesis will be prepared and
recommendations made for the introduction, at the regional level or in each of the countries of the
area, of suitable mechanisms to facilitate the access of exporting enterprises to preshipment and
postshipment export credit, so as to consolidate their competitiveness on the international markets.
The study and the recommendations arising therefrom will take into account all the work being donein the subregion on the subject and related themes by the World Bank, the IMF and other bilateral and
multilateral organizations.
The study will be carried out by national consultants helped by an international ITC
consultant.
Activities:
- Selection of the national consultant or team of consultants for the WAEMU area
(Benin, Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire);  and
- preparation of the study on export financing.
(c) Subregional workshop on export financing
The conclusions and recommendations of the above study will be proposed and discussed in
the context of a subregional workshop, to be organized under the auspices of WAEMU, attended by
representatives of the public and private sectors concerned by the matter.  The Project will
accommodate the participation of three persons in this workshop and will contribute to its
organizational costs.
Activities:
- Selection of participants in cooperation with the national authorities, WAEMU,
ECOWAS and the WADB;
- preparations for the workshop;
- holding the workshop;  andWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 44
- publishing a report with the workshop's recommendations based on or taking account
of the recommendations of the study.
6. Output 3.6:  Strengthening the national capacity to develop products and markets
As a result of previous assistance by ITC, a certain amount of capacity exists in CBCE and
the Chamber of Commerce as regards the development of products and markets.  The Project will
help to re-establish cooperative relations between these institutions and the enterprises as regardsmarket research and the development/adaptation of exportable products.  This will be done through
specialized consultations and on-the-job training for specialists in the subject.
Within the context of facilitating meetings between exporters and importers, CBCE will be
helped to organized two trade missions.  Exporters of  non-traditional products will participate in these
two missions on the basis of a cost-sharing formula to be developed.
(a) On-the-job training in the development of products and markets
Activities:
- Missions of consultants specializing in the following products and sectors, according
to the request of the exporting enterprises selected:
- Textiles
- oilseeds, vegetable oils and derivatives;
- handicraft products;- fresh fruit and vegetables and horticultural products;  and
- agricultural and food preserves and products.
(b) Trade mission to selected countries of WAEMU and ECOWAS
The aim of the first mission will be to introduce Benin products, particularly manufactured
products, to the markets of the subregion.  These products will be selected on the basis of dataincluded in the product-market matrix elaborated under E.1(a).  The mission will be supported by the
organization of a travelling sample exhibition.
Activities
- Preparations for the trade mission to the subregion;  and- realization of the trade mission.
(c) Trade mission to new markets
Another mission will be undertaken to new mark ets in North Africa and the Middle East with
non-traditional products, to be selected in the light of the market studies that will be carried out under
activity 3.1(c).  This trade mission will be synchronized, to the greatest possible extent, with the
holding of specialized commercial displays.
Activities
- Preparations for the trade mission to the target regions;  andWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 45
- realization of the trade mission.
7. Output 3.7: Helping to train officials a nd devising a quality control work programme
In order to promote the installation of quality management systems within enterprises and
support institutions, the Project will help to set up the National Standardization Organization by
training officials and devising a medium-term work programme.
(a) Study tour for persons responsible for quality management training in the enterprises
This activity aims at showing the officials of the national institution responsible for quality
standards something of the experience of other developing countries in promoting the quality of
exportable products.  Two officials from the department in charge of quality and metrology and two
officials responsible for training enterprises in quality management will participate in the study tour.
Activities
- Material organization of the study tour  by the ITC Quality Section;  and
- realization of and follow-up to the study tour.
(b) Establishment of the enquiry point on technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary
measures and export packaging
The Directorate responsible for quality and metrology of the Ministry of Trade, Crafts and
Tourism will be given assistance to establish a capacity to manage the enquiry point provided for by
the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade and the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary andPhytosanitary Measures.  An equivalent capacity should make it possible for Benin to monitor
pertinent activities in other countries for the benefit of Beninese exporters.
Activities
- Advisory mission to the enquiry point on technical barriers to trade and on sanitary
and phytosanitary measures.
(c) Constitution of a database on the standards and quality requirements of Benin's exportable
products
This activity will be carried out in connection with the installation of coordinated economic
and commercial information services, covered by E.3 above.
Activities
- Subscription to ISO technical publications;
- subscription to AROS technical publications;
- subscription to ITC technical publications; and
- collection of documents on quality matters in the multilateral trading system
agreements.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 46
(d) National seminar on the quality management of  exportable products
A national seminar on the quality management and control of exportable products at the
enterprise level will be held in Cotonou.  It will include quality assessment exercises and case studies
on the profitability of quality controls in selected sectors (foodstuffs, textiles, etc.).  It will target the
production techniques and marketing frameworks of Beninese products.  This activity will take
account of the operations in progress with the assistance of foreign cooperation.
Activities
- Logistics of the national seminar;  and- resource persons to guide the technical seminar, with the support of ITC specialists
and national trainers.
V. INPUTS TO AND MANAGEMENT OF THE PROJECT
A. Project Strategy
The Project approach to building a national capacity to take advantage of the multilateral
trading system is based on the following three main priorities:
- Developing the national capacity for understanding the rules of the multilateral
trading system and managing Benin's membership of the WTO;
- strengthening the main trade support institutions and enterprise guidance institutions
with a view to formulating and implementing sectoral and national strategies basedon the country's comparative advantages;  and
- supporting selected enterprise guidance institutions and the installing tools related to
the multilateral trading system with a view to giving them the appropriate capacity to
assist the exporting enterprises.
The Project will implement the above priorities by:- Setting up or supporting a national inter-institutional committee which will take
responsibility for, organize and coordinate questions relating to the country's
implementation of and follow-up to the WTO Agreements;
- establishing or strengthening a national network of trainers, experts and promoters
which will ensure the follow-up to issues concerning the multilateral trading system.
Some 15 to 20 generalists and five to ten specialized trainers/promoters will be
trained to explain and interpret the rules of the multilateral trading system.  They will
be responsible for improving the distribution of information and giving advice to the
users of the multilateral trading system.  To strengthen their command of matters
relating to the multilateral trading system, the national resource persons thusconstituted as a network will be linked to other similar national networks in the
subregion and in the world through an electronic Discussion Forum and a global
network for exchanging training material:  the Case-Studies Exchange;
- setting up Reference Centres which will supply pertinent information on the rules of
international trade and on new opportunities of improved access to export marketsWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 47
together with direct institutional support to the organization of the private sector and
to the enterprises.  The Reference Centres will be strengthened by the resource
persons of the national network which, in its turn, will support the inter-institutional
committee; and
- assisting in the formulation of trade policies, the bringing of national legislation into
conformity with the country's commitments as a Member of WTO and the design ofexport strategies, including export financing schemes.
At the level of the business community, the Pr oject will assist exporting enterprises in the
public and private sectors and their guiding institutions to have access to basic competitiveness tools
such as:
- The capacity to formulate and execute export development strategies based on
appropriate identification in the medium and long terms of comparative advantages,
new potentials and competitive strengths and weaknesses on the internationalmarkets;
- an effective economic and trade information system including the Reference Centres
on multilateral trade and other specialized components which supply information that
is relevant, practical and useful for the effective management of exports;  and
- improved quality management which will be achieved through the training of
resource persons responsible for quality controls and standardization as well as those
in charge of the operation of the official enquiry points on technical obstacles to
trade, sanitary and phytosanitary measures and on packaging and labelling for export.
In addition to facilitating access to and command of the competitiveness tools, the Project will
assist in the realization of international marketin g activities for the benefit of exporting enterprises
such as:
- Identification of groups of products presenting a long-term export potential, as well
as a better knowledge of marketing possibilities and conditions of access to the
markets;
- definition of sectoral export strategies and specific export marketing programmes for
enterprises; and
- the establishment and maintenance of effective trading contacts at the regional and
international levels.
All the Project activities will be coordinated with the technical assistance projects in progress
in the country, the expectations of the private sector and of the government authorities being at theheart of the Project's concerns.  The Project will benefit from other initiatives in course of
implementation and will supplement them with a view to strengthening their impact.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 48
B. Project Management and Coordination
1. Management of the Project activities by ITC, UNCTAD and the WTO
(a) Project management in the field
For the eight countries covered by the Integrated Programme, the WTO, UNCTAD and ITC
will appoint two regional coordinators, senior technical advisers, to manage the projects in two groups
of countries.  The two resident experts will be stationed respectively in:
- West Africa (for Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana);  and
- East Africa (for Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda);  and
- the project activities for Tunisia will be managed directly from Geneva by the
services of the three agencies.
The regional coordinator in each subregion will monitor and coordinate the inputs of  the
Geneva-based agencies in close coordination with the local UNDP field offices.
Each regional coordinator will act as a senior technical adviser and will make a significant
technical contribution to the activities of the Project, especially those related to trade policy.  The
coordinator will also give advice concerning the formulation of strategies and the carrying out of
research;  he will participate in training activities and certain seminars and workshops as presiding
officer.  In addition, the regional coordinator will supply technical support to the consultants
according to his qualifications and experience of the field and will be a member of the SteeringCommittee described in 2(a) below.  In addition, subcontracts agreed upon with national "facilitators"
will be supervised by him.  Resources will be included in the Project budget (under ITC component
BL 11.01) to support part of the cost of the regional coordinator and other coordination expenses,
which will be shared with other projects in the region that are under the regional coordinator's
authority and responsibility.
(b) Project coordination in Geneva
Senior and assistant professional officers will be appointed in ITC and UNCTAD to manage
and execute the Integrated Programme.  The three Geneva-based agencies will hold regular
coordination meetings to ensure cohesion, comp lementarity and synergy with their respective
technical cooperation programmes.
2. Local management and national execution of activities
(a) National Steering Committee
In Benin, the Project activities will be coordinated by a National Steering Committee, which
will be formed as soon as the Project is adopted and signed.  The Committee will be placed under the
authority of a senior official of the Ministry of Trade, Crafts and Tourism (MCAT) who will be
appointed together with an alternate.  The senior official of the Ministry will coordinate all the WTO
related activities.  The Steering Committee will be composed of:
- On behalf of the Government:
- Ministry of Trade, Crafts and Tourism; and
- Benin Foreign Trade Centre (CBCE).WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 49
- On behalf of the private sector:
- Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB); and
- National Export Council (CNEX).
- On behalf of the executing organizations (WTO, UNCTAD and ITC):
- The regional coordinator/senior technical adviser in charge of the
implementation of the Project;
- On behalf of the donors and development partners:
- The donor countries represented in Benin;
- UNDP;
- the World Bank;  and
- other interested parties, who will be able to participate in the National
Steering Committee as deemed useful to ensure full integration of the Project
activities with those of other technical assistance projects in progress in thecountry.
(b) Local subcontractor to support the Project activities
A subcontractor (private company or parastate institution) will be engaged to handle
administrative and logistic matters relating to the Project activities.  It will act as an interface between,
on the one hand, the local counterparts (government departments, private sector institutions andenterprises) and, on the other hand, the executing agencies (ITC, UNCTAD and the WTO) and their
regional coordinator.  Detailed terms of reference will be elaborated to determine the tasks of the local
subcontractor.
(c) Focal points for the implementation of the technical execution
For the day-to-day implementation of activities, the following organizations will bear the
responsibility for coordinating the inputs and resources to be made available by the counterparts:
- For objectives 1 and 2 (national capacity and adjustment of trade regulations, laws
and procedures):  the focal point at the Ministry of Trade, Crafts and Tourism will
coordinate the activities;
- for objective 3 (enhancing Benin's export readiness):  CBCE, the Chamber of
Commerce and CNEX will coordinate the preparation and implementation of
activities, in conjunction with other relevant professional organizations.  A liaison
unit, formed by CBCE, the Chamber of Commerce and CNEX, will be set up to
implement and coordinate the activities under this objective.  More specifically, for
the management of trade information, a non-profit association will be formed, asindicated in the text of the Project document, to monitor the system and set up the
adequate management protocols and methodologies.
The local subcontractor will liaise between th ese organizations and the regional coordinator.
3. Activities directed to exporting enterprises
Trainers from the private sector will be enrolled in the training activities on a cost-sharing
basis.  Enterprise participation in trade missions and market surveys will also be handled on a similar
basis.  At a later stage, trade information will be handled on a commercial basis.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 50
4. Coordination of project activities with other ongoing technical assistance projects
Project implementation will be coordinated with the activities of ongoing technical assistance
projects being carried out by ITC, UNCTAD and the WTO, as well as by other donors and
international organizations.  Details are described in the document.  Adaptations and adjustments will
be made as the need arises.
The National Steering Committee responsible for coordination and follow-up in the field will
take initiatives and recommend to government authorities appropriate measures to integrate the
activities of this Project with those of other ongoing projects being implemented by bilateral and
international organizations so as to improve synergies with a view to optimizing the impact on the
country.
5. Implementation of the Project and sequencing of activities
The Project document describes the activities that will be undertaken to achieve the objectives
fixed.  Several activities are closely linked and their effectiveness will depend on the appropriateorganization of their executing sequence.  Indications are supplied in the Project document on the
relationships between these activities.  The order of execution of the activities will be refined later in
the implementation plan which will be elaborated at the moment of commencing the activities.
The activities that must follow a particular sequence are the following:
Output 1.1 (strengthening the inter-institutional committee) is the foundation for numerous
activities but will also be enhanced when other activities have been carried out, such as those
provided for in output 1.2 (assistance to the customs administration), output 1.3 (national
training capacity), output 1.4 (Reference Centres) and output 1.5 (dissemination of
information).  The Reference Centres (output 1.4) will have a prime role to play in sensitizing
key staff members and, to some extent, the general public on important subjects as well assupporting the strengthening of negotiating capacity.  The Reference Centres will be
strengthened, at the same time as the national network of trainers and experts (output 1.3),
which will contribute to the success of the Project activities in general.
The adjustment of laws and regulations (output 2.1) will be successfully completed once
output 2.3 (knowledge of the subjects of trade policy) has been completed.  The survey of theimpact of the WTO Agreement on the national ec onomy (output 2.2) will constitute the basic
material for the national symposium (output 3.2(d)) and the information for the designing of
sectoral and national export development strategies (output 3.2).  A precondition for the last
output is the successful completion of output 3.1 (identification of export potentials).  The
establishment of a coordinated trade information system (output 3.3) will be a preconditionfor the effective operation of the Trade Point pr ovided for elsewhere.  The trade information
system and the Trade Point will, together, help to improve the access of the exporting
enterprises to business opportunities on foreign markets.
The consolidated implementation plan will include detailed information on the execution
schedule and the human and financial resources that will be mobilized to undertake the
Project activities.  In the field, adaptation of the content of activities and of the schedule
might prove necessary to strengthen their impact.  In such a case, appropriate amendmentswill be made to the implementation plan in close cooperation with the Government and the
three executing agencies.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 51
C. Inputs by the Project Partners
1. Contribution by the executing agencies and the donor community
The financial resources needed for the implementation of this Project will be made available
by donors in the context of a Joint Trust Fund, established at Geneva within the executing agencies.
This Joint Trust Fund will receive contributions, whether earmarked to finance activities in a given
country, according to the donors' respective priorities, or directed towards all the activities of theIntegrated Programme, including the future preparation of projects for other African countries.
The Joint Trust Fund will be managed by a Steering Committee set up by all the partners
concerned.
2. Contributions by the Government
In addition to the human resources required for assignment to Project activities, the
Government will also allocate, on an annual basi s, the financial resources needed to cover the
recurrent charges resulting from the implementation of the various activities.  Details of the nature ofthese recurrent charges are supplied in the following matrix.  The cost of these charges will be
incumbent on the authorities of each country according to its budget practices and the availability of
resources.
Nevertheless, the Government will have to allocate a sufficient level of resources to ensure
the normal execution of the activities, such as the logistics, transport and per diem costs of trainersand the participation of officials in missions inside and outside the country, which are not financed by
the Project.
3. Contributions of the private sector
In several cases, the enterprises participating in Project activities will have to contribute to the
financing of those activities.  The cost-sharing will be established on the basis of two principles:
- When the enterprises derive a direct advantage from Project activities, they will be
requested to contribute to the costs so as to be able to extend the benefit of these
activities to a maximum number of enterprises;  and
- the enterprises will pay part of the Project costs so as to ensure their "ownership" of
the Project and put them in a position to expect a high quality of service from theexecuting agencies and the national officials involved.
The inputs of the partners in the Projec t are summarized in the following matrix.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 52RESOURCE ALLOCATION FOR PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
Project elements WTO/UNCTAD/ITC inputs Government inputsInputs by institutions
and enterprises
1st objective
Developing a national capacity forunderstanding the multilateral trading
system based on the changes that have
occurred as a result of the UruguayRound Agreements
1.1 Institutional assistance WTO Supply of documentation and 
advisory services to the official focal pointRecurrent charges
UNCTAD Establishment of a national trade and 
transport facilitation committee 
(1 m/m)
UNCTAD/ITC Supply of documentation:
Regional adviser;Official missions
1.2 Assistance to the customs 
administrationUNCTAD Customs expert (1 m/m)
Technical expert (1 m/m)
Legal adviser (1 m/m)Study trip to Lomé (3)Recurrent charges
1.3 Strengthening national training 
capacity in multilateral trading system issuesRecurrent charges
(a) Training of trainers:  the Geneva 
courseWTO Accommodation of two Beninese 
participants, including their transport 
costs and per diem for three weeksRecurrent charges
-  Counterpart staff
UNCTAD/ITC Accommodation of four Beninese 
participants, including their transport 
costs and per diem for three weeksWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 53Project elements WTO/UNCTAD/ITC inputs Government inputsInputs by institutions
and enterprises
(b) Survey of the training needs 
linked to the implementation of the Uruguay Round AgreementsITC Regional adviser
International consultant (0.75 m/m)
UNCTAD Agency missionRecurrent charges
- Logistics
- Counterpart staffRecurrent charges
(c) Training of trainers at the national
levelITC Regional adviser
International consultant (1 m/m)
National consultants (3 m/m)
Group training
UNCTAD Agency missionRecurrent charges
- Logistics
- Counterpart staffRecurrent charges
(d) Training institutions WTO/UNCTAD/ITC Supply of teaching material and 
documentationRecurrent charges
(e) Discussion Forum ITC Documentation
SubcontractsRecurrent charges Recurrent charges
(f) Exchange of experience at the 
subregional levelITC Group training
International consultants (2 x 0.25 m/m)
Regional advice
UNCTAD Agency missionRecurrent charges
- Logistics
- Counterpart staff
(g) Participation in the Case Study 
ExchangeITC Documentation Recurrent charges
1.4 Establishment of Reference 
Centres on the multilateral trading
system
(a) Official Reference Centre WTO Data-processing equipment, 
documentation, Internet connection
UNCTAD/ITC Teaching material and documentation
Regional adviserRecurrent charges
- Logistics
- Counterpart
staffRecurrent chargesWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 54
Project elements WTO/UNCTAD/ITC inputs Government inputsInputs by institutions
and enterprises
(b) Reference Centre for the business 
communityUNCTAD/ITC Regional adviser
Various documentation and 
references
Data-processing equipmentRegional adviserRecurrent charges
- Logistics
- Counterpart staff
(c) Training seminar for the managers
of the Reference CentresITC International consultant (3 m/m)
National consultant (0.25 m/m)Recurrent charges
- Logistics
- Counterpart staffRecurrent charges
- Logistics
- Counterpart staff
1.5 Knowledge and understanding of 
the multilateral trading system
(a) Informing the media and the 
general publicWTO Supply of documentation Recurrent charges Recurrent charges
(b) General seminars for decision-
makers and officialsWTO Three persons for two seminars
UNCTAD Resource persons:  two weeks' 
mission, two seminars
ITC Regional adviser
National consultant/promoter 
(0.25 m/m)Recurrent charges
- Logistics
- Counterpart staffRecurrent charges
- Logistics
- Counterpart staff
(c) Specialized technical workshops WTO Five experts for workshops on 
customs questions, technical barriers 
to trade, competition rules, agricultural products and textilesRecurrent charges
- Logistics of 
workshops
- Counterpart staffRecurrent charges
- Logistics
- Counterpart staff
UNCTAD Three resource persons for three of 
the eight seminarsWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 55Project elements WTO/UNCTAD/ITC inputs Government inputsInputs by institutions
and enterprises
ITC Alternatively, consultants/promoters 
for three of the eight subjects of the 
proposed seminars (0.75 m/m)
Group trainingRegional adviser
National consultant (1.5 m/m)
Documentation
2nd objective
Helping to bring national legislation intoconformity with the rules of the
multilateral trading system and to devise
strategies to derive the maximum
advantage from the opportunities arising
from the implementation of the UruguayRound Agreements
2.1 Adjustment of foreign trade laws 
and regulationsWTO Evaluation mission relating to the 
review or introduction of national 
legislation and other action concerned
with the introduction of legislation
Supply of documentation concerning the notifications
Supply of model lawsRecurrent charges
- Missions logistics
- Counterpart staff
UNCTAD Advisory services:
- Survey of the present trade 
policy framework (1 m/m);
- defining strategies to expand 
the country's external trade 
1 m/m
Total:  2 m/m
2.2 Assessment of the impact of the 
new multilateral trading system 
on Benin's economy and foreign 
tradeUNCTAD Resource persons (1 m/m)
ITC national consultant (1 m/m)Recurrent charges
- Missions logistics
- Counterpart staffRecurrent charges
- Missions logistics
- Counterpart staffWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 56
Project elements WTO/UNCTAD/ITC inputs Government inputsInputs by institutions
and enterprises
ITC International consultant (0.75 m/m)
National consultant (1 m/m)
Supply of statistical analyses
Official mission
2.3 Assistance in improving foreign
trade development strategiesUNCTAD International consultant
ITC International consultant (0.25 m/m)
National consultant (0.25 m/m)
3rd objective
Helping to improve knowledge of Benin'sexport markets and strengthening the
competitive position of its exporting
enterprises
3.1 Identification of trade and
export development potentials in
the context of the globalizationof world markets
(a) Matrix of products and markets
of interest to BeninITC Regional adviser
Supply of statistical analysesRecurrent charges
•D a t aRecurrent charges
•D a t a
(b) Study of Benin's exportable
products potentialITC Regional adviser
National consultant (2 m/m)Recurrent charges
• Missions logistics
•D a t a• Counterpart staffRecurrent charges
• Missions logistics
•D a t a• Counterpart staff
(c) Studies of foreign markets for
four groups of goodsITC Regional adviser
International consultants (2 m/m)Analysis and production of market 
monographs
National consultants (4 m/m)Analyses and documentationRecurrent charges
• Missions logistics
• Counterpart staffRecurrent charges
• Logistics
• Counterpart staff
• Cost-sharingWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 57Project elements WTO/UNCTAD/ITC inputs Government inputsInputs by institutions
and enterprises
(d) Study of Benin's services export
potentialUNCTAD Consultant (2 m/m)
ITC Regional adviser
International consultant (0.5 m/m)National consultant 1 m/m)Recurrent charges
• Missions logistics
• Counterpart staffRecurrent charges
3.2 Designing export development
strategies
(a) Development strategies for
Benin's exportsUNCTAD Advisory services (1 m/m)
National consultant (1 m/m)
ITC Regional adviser
International consultant (0.5 m/m)National consultant (0.5 m/m)Recurrent charges
• Missions logistics
• Counterpart staffRecurrent charges
(b) Five sectoral strategies for the
development of priority exportsectors (goods and services)ITC Regional adviser
International consultant (1.25 m/m)National consultants (1.25 m/m)Recurrent charges
• Missions logistics
• Counterpart staffRecurrent charges
(c) Strategy for the development of
Benin's subregional tradeUNCTAD Advisory services (0.5 m/m)
ITC Regional adviser
International consultant (0.75 m/m)National consultant (1 m/m)Recurrent charges
• Missions logistics
• Counterpart staffRecurrent charges
(d) National symposium on the
development of Benin's exportsUNCTAD Resource person:  travel and per diem
ITC Regional adviser
International consultant (0.25 m/m)
National consultants (1.25 m/m)Recurrent charges
• Logistics of the 
symposium
• Participation in 
the premisesRecurrent charges
3.3 Installation of coordinated
economic and trade information
services
(a) Feasibility study on coordinated
economic and trade information
servicesITC Regional adviser
International consultant (0.5 m/m)
National consultant (1 m/m)Recurrent charges
• Logistics of the 
study
• Counterpart staffRecurrent charges
• Logistics of the
study
• Counterpart staffWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 58Project elements WTO/UNCTAD/ITC inputs Government inputsInputs by institutions
and enterprises
(b) National workshop on economic
and trade informationUNCTAD Resource person:  travel and per diem
ITC Regional adviser
International consultant (0.25 m/m)
National consultant (0.25 m/m)Recurrent charges
• Logistics of the 
workshop
• Local participationRecurrent charges
• Logistics of the 
workshop
• Local participation
(c) Installation of coordinated
economic and trade information
services and the Business
Opportunities Observation PostUNCTAD Advisory services (0.5 m/m)
Supply of documentation and database
ITC National consultant (3 m/m)
Supply of documentation and databasesRecurrent charges
• Equipment
• Counterpart staff• Missions logisticsRecurrent charges
• Equipment
• Counterpart staff• Missions logistics
3.4 Adaptation and production of
the Guide to "Trade Secrets"
(a) Advice on the preparation of the
GuideITC Senior adviser
International consultant (0.5 m/m)National consultant (0.5 m/m)Recurrent charges
• Logistics
• Participation in the 
preparations for 
printing and 
publishingRecurrent charges
• Logistics
• Participation in the 
preparations for 
printing and 
publishing
(b) Realization of the Guide Subcontracting
International consultant (0.5 m/m)
SubcontractingRecurrent charges
• Logistics
• Participation in the 
preparations for 
printing and publishingRecurrent charges
• Logistics
• Participation in the 
preparations for 
printing and publishingWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 59Project elements WTO/UNCTAD/ITC inputs Government inputsInputs by institutions
and enterprises
(c) Organization of the distribution
of the GuideDocumentation Recurrent charges
• Logistics
• Participation in 
the preparations 
for printing and 
publishingRecurrent charges
• Logistics
• Participation in the 
preparations for 
printing and 
publishing
• Proceeds of the sales
of the Guide
3.5 Improved access to export
financing
(a) Adaptation and realization of
the handbook "How do I
approach the banks?"International ITC consultant (0.3 m/m)
National consultants (1 m/m)
Official missionsSubcontracting (translation) and realizationRecurrent charges
• Counterpart staffRecurrent charges
• Counterpart staff
(b) Study on export financing International ITC consultant (0.3 m/m)
National consultants (1 m/m)Recurrent charges
• Logistics of the 
study
• Counterpart staffRecurrent charges
• Logistics of the 
study
• Counterpart staff
(c) Subregional workshop on export
financingInternational ITC consultant (0.3 m/m)
National consultants (1 m/m)
Official missionRegional adviserRecurrent charges
• Logistics of the 
workshop
• Counterpart staffRecurrent charges
• Logistics of the 
workshop
• Counterpart staff
3.6 Strengthening the national
capacity to develop productsand markets
(a) On-the-job training in the
development of products and
markets (seminars)ITC Regional adviser
International consultant/promoter 
(0.25 m/m)Recurrent charges
• Logistics of the 
seminars
• Counterpart staffRecurrent charges
• Logistics of the 
seminars
• Counterpart staffWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 60
Project elements WTO/UNCTAD/ITC inputs Government inputsInputs by institutions
and enterprises
(b) Trade mission to selected
WAEMU and ECOWAScountriesITC Regional adviser
National consultant (1 m/m)
Group training:  transport and DSA 
for 2 representatives of institutions and 8 representatives of enterprises (two thirds of the costs)Recurrent charges
• Logistics
• Counterpart staffRecurrent charges
• Participation: one 
third of the costs
• Logistics• Counterpart staff
(c) Trade mission to new markets ITC Regional adviser
National consultant (1 m/m)
Group training:  transport and DSA
for 2 representatives of institutionsand 8 representatives of enterprises
(two-thirds of the costs)Recurrent charges
• Logistics
• Counterpart staffRecurrent charges
• Participation: one 
third of the costs
• Logistics• Counterpart staff
3.7 Helping to train officials and
devising a quality-control workprogramme
(a) Study tour for persons
responsible for qualitymanagement training in the
enterprisesITC International consultant (0.3 m/m)
Group training:  DSA and transport costs for 4 persons during 10 daysRecurrent charges
• Logistics
• Counterpart staffRecurrent charges
• Participation: one 
third of the costs
• Logistics• Counterpart staff
(b) Establishment of the enquiry
point on technical barriers totradeITC International consultant (0.5 m/m)
DocumentationEquipmentRecurrent charges Recurrent charges
• Participation: one 
third of the costs
• Logistics• Counterpart staff
(c) Constitution of a database on the
standards of Benin's exportableproductsITC Supply of database (subcontract) Recurrent charges
•D a t aRecurrent charges
•D a t a
(d) National seminar on the quality
management of exportable
productsITC International consultant/promoter 
(0.25 m/m)Recurrent charges
• Logistics
• Counterpart staffRecurrent charges
• Participation: one 
third of the costsWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 61COORDINATION OF THE PROJECT/ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Project elements WTO/UNCTAD/ITC inputs Government inputs Inputs by institutions and enterprises
Coordination (senior adviser) ITC
Regional adviser
Administrative support
EvaluationRecurrent charges
• Logistic support• Counterpart staffRecurrent charges
• Logistic support
• Counterpart staffWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 62
VI. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA AND RISKS
A. Success Criteria
1. Objective 1:  Developing a national capacity for understanding the multilateral trading system
based on the changes that have occurred as a result of the Uruguay Round Agreements
(a) Output 1.1:  Institutional assistance
The adoption of annual working plans and their execution will indicate the degree of success
of the assistance given to the inter-ministerial technical committee.  The regular supply of informationand publications to the public and private sector institutions by the focal point of the Ministry of
Trade, Crafts and Tourism would also be an indicator of success.  These institutions will have tosupply information to the exporting enterprises and hold regular exchanges of views with them so as
to reflect their interest in the official position of Benin in the context of the WTO trade negotiations.
The country's compliance with its commitments in  terms of WTO notifications would also be an
indication of an approved understanding of the obligations arising from the implementation of the
WTO Agreements.
(b) Output 1.2:  Assistance to the customs administration
Adequate application of the WTO customs value method instead of the Brussels valuation
system by the end of the transitional period would be an indication of the success of the assistance
given within the context of this output.  The relevance of the technical advice supplied by the WTOand UNCTAD to Benin can also be measured in terms of an increased involvement by the national
customs administration in the working groups of the WTO Committee and its subcommittee in the
World Customs Organization.
(c) Output 1.3:  Strengthening national training capacity in multilateral trading system issues
The success of the Project activities in establishing an effective national capacity to
implement and follow up the various commitments in the framework of WTO can be measured by:
- The existence and availability of a body of generalist and specialist trainers/promoters
in the field of the multilateral trade system who have benefited from the training
activities, either directly from those of the WTO, UNCTAD and ITC, or locally.  Bythe end of the Project, 15 to 20 generalist trainers/promoters and five to ten specialist
trainers/promoters will have been selected and trained, with the help of this output,
among the public and private institutions and organizations concerned with the
implementation of the WTO Agreements;
- the degree of involvement of local resources and capacities by the Beninese
institutions in the processing and management of the country's participation in the
implementation of the WTO Agreements;  and
- the inclusion of subjects relating to the multilateral trading system in the training
programmes of higher training institutions such as the University of Benin.
The level of effectiveness reached by the national trainers and specialists network in assessing
needs, assigning duties and coordinating programmes can be checked by means of interviews.
Increased participation of the Beninese trainers/promoters in the Discussion Forum created in the
framework of this programme will be reflected in the submission of at least one case study per year.
The annual Project performance report will give an account of these activities and of their
impact.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 63
(d) Output 1.4:  Establishment of Reference Centres on the multilateral trading system
The operational effectiveness of the two Reference Centres on the multilateral trading system
can be checked in terms of whether all the written and electronic documentation and the equipment
required to make use of it are actually available in the chosen sites (MCAT and CBCE).
The degree of efficiency of the resource persons in helping to use the Reference Centres can
be measured by the number of requests handled and the degree of user satisfaction, particularly withregard to prompt replies to requests.  The annual reports of the host institutions and the Project
performance reports will contain indications concerning the operation of the Reference Centres.
(e) Output 1.5:  Knowledge and understanding of the multilateral trading system
In addition to the general seminars which the Beninese institutions involved in the Project
will take the initiative in organizing, the Project will organize a series of specialized seminars for the
various users of the multilateral trading system.  The level and number of participants in these
seminars will indicate the importance attached to th em by the institutions and enterprises.  This will
be reflected in the annual reports and press reports and can be checked by interviewing the
participants.
2. Objective 2:  Helping to bring national legislation into conformity with the rules of the
multilateral trading system and to devise strategies to derive the maximum advantage from
the opportunities arising from the implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreements
(a) Output 2.1:  Adjustment of the foreign trade laws and regulations
The conformity of national trade legislation with the provisions of the WTO Agreements,
which are calculated to improve the business environment, would be a criterion for measuring Project
performance.  What is more, these results should  make it possible to facilitate foreign direct
investment, particularly in export-oriented enterprises.  Interviews with members of the businesscommunity should reveal whether the business environment has improved.
(b) Output 2.2:  Assessment of the impact of th e new multilateral trading system on Benin's
economy and foreign trade
The relevance of this study will be confirmed by the issue of a document presenting a
circumstantial analysis with conclusions and recommendations that will be useful for the work to beundertaken later on the basis of the identification of the trade opportunities and comparative
advantages of the export sectors.  Subsequent activities will include the national symposium and work
of various kinds on export development strategies.
(c) Output 2.3:  Assistance in improving foreign trade development strategies
The attainment of this result will be reflected in the issue of a report containing a diagnosis of
the situation and precise recommendations concerning the macroeconomic framework applicable to
foreign trade in Benin.  The resultant improvement in the country's business environment would be an
indirect positive result of the activities arising from this output.
Consequently, an appropriate link between tr ade policy and export development strategies
would be one of the criteria for assessing the impact of the activities carried out in the context of the
second objective.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 64
3. Objective 3:  Helping to improve knowledge of Benin's export markets and strengthening the
competitive position of its enterprises
The impact sought by the activities implemented in the context of this objective is to make
available to Benin's exporting enterprises export promotion and diversification actions arising from
the country's potentials and the opportunities offered by the international markets for goods and
services, following the entry into force of the WT O Agreements.  To that end, the placing at their
disposal of information services, technical suppor t and other facilities would contribute to their
mastery of export development activities.
(a) Output 3.1:  Identification of trade and export development potentials in the context of the
globalization of world markets
This result will be achieved when:
- A report has been submitted to the authorities and enterprises containing the matrix of
products and markets offering export potentials for Benin which is needed for thesubsequent surveys of potentials;
- a study of these potentials has been carried out by sector of activity on the basis of the
preceding matrix;
- four sectoral surveys have been made (textiles, food products and preserves,
vegetable oils, handicrafts) describing the characteristic features of the target marketsfor these sectors;
- a similar survey has been carried out of the potential of the service sector; and
- the reports submitted have been found clear and useful in preparing the enterprises'
sectoral strategies and export development plans ("Business Plans").
Moreover, as regards the services sector, a better understanding of the General Agreement on
Trade and Services (GATS) by the parties concerned will be an additional criterion for assessing the
success of the Project activities.
(b) Output 3.2:  Export development strategies
Data on the potential Beninese supply of products and services offering comparative
advantages for export and on the demand of the target markets will be used to prepare appropriatestrategies at the national and sectoral levels.
The submission of these strategic reports to the authorities and enterprises and their
examination in the course of the symposium to be organized will be indicators of the success of these
activities.  Endorsement of the strategies in question by the participants in the symposium will be a
further indicator of this.
(c) Output 3.3:  Installation of coordinate d economic and trade information services
The aim of the activities provided for under this item is to make available to Beninese
enterprises a system of trade information meeting their export management requirements.  The
expectations of the enterprises in this respect will be set forth in the context of a feasibility study of
such a system.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 65
The existence and effectiveness of the system will take the material form of effective
cooperative relationships between the various distributers/suppliers of trade information and by
adequate matching of the needs of the enterprises and the nature of the information supplied.  These
factors will be established through a brief field survey during the evaluation of the Project and in the
periodic Project performance reports.
What is more, the use of the trade, technical and regulatory information available through the
Reference Centres, the enquiry points on technical obstacles to trade and sanitary and phytosanitary
measures and other information facilities will constitute a means of assessing the performance of the
Project.  The use of these facilities by public institutions, professional associations and enterprises
will be a criterion of success.  The extent to which the recommendations made in the framework of
the Project activities are applied will also be an indicator of success.
This objective contains some specific outputs with quality aspects which will be opened up by
means of the supply of information to the institutio ns and enterprises.  Utilization of this technical
information by the agents in their international trade operations will be another proof of the success of
the Project in this area.
(d) Output 3.4:  Adaptation and production of the Guide to "Trade Secrets - The Export Answer
Book"
The success of this output among the enterprises can be checked by simply asking the Guide's
users whether it answers the questions frequently asked by them in the area of exports in general and
the Beninese context in particular.
What is more, the number of copies of the Guide sold in the country will be an additional
performance criterion for the success of this output.
(e) Output 3.5:  Improving access to export financing
The success of the handbook:  "How do I approach  the banks?" will also be indicated by the
number of copies sold in the country.  Its usefulness to exporting enterprises and financial institutions
will be assessed and evaluated both in the annual assessment reports and through interviews.
The adoption of the study on export financing schemes containing precise and pertinent
recommendations regarding the steps to be taken at the national and/or regional level will prove thesuccess of this output.
(f) Output 3.6:  Strengthening the national capacity to develop products and markets
Improved national capacity in this area will reveal itself through a greater mastery by the staff
of CBCE, CCIB, CNEX and the professional associ ations of the techniques for preparing export
development strategies.  The success of this output will be checked by interviewing the officialsconcerned during the evaluation in connection with the periodic Project performance reports.
(g) Output 3.7:  Helping to train officials and devising a work programme in the area of quality
control
The success of this output will be measured by:
- The existence of a work programme for the quality promotion and control structure
and the allocation of adequate resources by the public authorities or developmentWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 66
partners on the basis of this work programme.  The Project performance reports and
evaluation will assess the achievements in this area;
- a better command by national officials of matters relating to quality.  The national
seminar on the quality management of exportable products will contribute to this
training;
- an increased awareness by the economic agents (producers and exporters) of the
importance of preventive measures and quality-control measures to improve the value
of the products exported.  These last two factors will be assessed during the Project
evaluation through interviews with the people concerned; and
- the existence and use of the database on quality standards and requirements made
available to the economic agents.  The Project performance reports and the final
evaluation will assess the extent of the achievement, impact and effectiveness of this
output.
B. Risks
The impact and performance of this Project arising from the implementation of the activities
involved would be markedly reduced by any insu fficient commitment of the Beninese partners to
providing the human and financial counterpart resources needed to secure the continued functioning
of some of the Project's outputs:  Reference Centres, information services, etc.  The improvement ofthe national business environment could be seriously hampered by the unavailability in the medium
term of human resources, particularly trainers, to ensure national training operations on matters
relating to the multilateral system and domestic legislation adjustment.
Inadequate business community sensitization to and awareness of the challenges and
opportunities resulting from the implementation of the multilateral trading system could reduce, if notseriously damage, the application of sectoral strategies for promoting and diversifying exports.
VII. EVALUATION AND REPORTING
The Project will be assessed at mid-term and at the end by the three executing agencies in
cooperation with the Government of Benin and the local counterpart institutions.  Lessons will be
drawn for the implementation of similar programmes in other countries or for any continuation oftechnical assistance.  The mid-term evaluation will serve to correct, if necessary, the Project approach
and to introduce any changes into the Project elements.
VIII. SUSPENSION OR ENDING OF ASSISTANCE
The cooperating international agencies may, by means of a written notification, suspend or
end their assistance within the context of the Project if they establish that the smooth running of theProject or the achievement of its objectives woul d be jeopardized by new circumstances or serious
developments.
In the same notification or in a later one, the international agencies concerned may indicate
the conditions on which they are prepared to resume their assistance to the Project.  In such a case, the
assistance will remain suspended until the conditions in question have been accepted and
implemented by the Government.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 67
IX. BUDGETS
A. WTO Operating Budget
(In US$)
1998 1999 Total
Mission to follow up the training of trainers
programme5,000 5,000 10,000
Training of trainers 20,000 20,000
Organizing specialized seminars/implementing
legislation22,000 22,000 44,000
Documentation for specialized workshops 500 500 1,000
Teaching documentation 2,000 2,000 4,000
Documentation for focal point and reference p.m.
Documentation for general information p.m.
Miscellaneous 3,500 3,500 7,000
TOTAL 53,000 33,000 86,000WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 69B. UNCTAD Operating Budget
B/L Item 1998 1999 2000 Total
m/m US$ m/m US$ m/m US$ m/m US$
11.01 Regional Adviser, STA
13.01 Administrative support
15.01 Project travel
16.01 Official travel 18,000 6,000 6,000 30,000
16.02 Evaluation 10,000 10,000 20,000
17.01 National consultants 2.00 7,000 4.00 16,000 4.00 18,000 10.00 41,000
18.01 International consultants 4.00 56,000 4.00 56,000 3.00 42,000 11.00 154,000
21.01 Subcontracting 0
32.01 Group training 22,300 22,500 10,500 55,300
33.01 National symposium 3,500 3,500
41.01 Expendable, including documentation 3,600 1,300 1,200 6,100
42.01 Non-expendable equipment 15,000 15,000
51.01 Maintenance 3,500 3,500 7,000
52.01 Reporting 1,000 1,000 1,000 3,000
53.01 Miscellaneous and reserves 3,733 3,656 2,844 10,233
Subtotal 125,133 124,956 95,044 345,133
56.13 Operating costs 16,267 16,244 12,356 44,867
Total 6.00 141,400 8.00 141,200 7.00 107,400 21.00 390.000WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 70C. ITC Operating Budget
B/L Item 1998 1999 2000 Total
m/m US$ m/m US$ m/m US$ m/m US$
11.01 Regional adviser, STA 2.50 30,000 3.00 37,800 2.25 29,768 7.75 97,568
13.01 Administrative support 5.00 5,000 6.00 6,300 4.50 4,961 15.50 16,261
15.01 Travel of project staff 23,870 20,110 11,810 55,790
15.02 Travel of project consultants 53,430 77,377 6,560 137,367
16.01 Official travel 7,000 7,000 2,000 16,000
16.02 Evaluation 6,700 6,800 13,500
17.01 National consultants 13.00 24,700 15.75 31,430 2.50 5,240 31.25 61,370
18.01 International consultants 5.55 54,945 6.60 69,300 1.30 14,820 13.45 139,065
21.01 Subcontracting 23,000 23,000 6,000 52,000
32.01 Group training 22,500 81,090 8,400 111,990
33.01 National symposium 2,500 2,500
41.01 Expendable, including documentation  11,700 4,700 2,700 19,100
42.01 Non-expendable equipment 21,500 0  0 21,500
51.01 Maintenance 2,760 2,750 2,750 8,260
52.01 Reporting 1,900 2,100 2,300 6,300
53.01 Miscellaneous and reserves 12,987 16,401  4,741 34,129
Subtotal 301,991 381,858 108,850 792,699
56.13 Operating costs 39,259 49,642 14,150 103,051
Total 26.05 341,250 31.35 431,500 10.55 123,000 67.95 895,750"xxxxx":  activity projected for the quarter indicated.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 71X. SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES (by quarter)
(The sequence of carrying out the activities will be reviewed once the execution of the Project begins)
Project elements 1998 1999 2000
II III IV I II III IV I II III
First objective
Developing a national capacity for understanding the multilateral trading system
based on the changes that have occurred as a result of the Uruguay Round
Agreements
1.1 Institutional assistance1.2 Assistance to the customs administration1.3 Strengthening national training capacity in multilateral trading 
system issues
(a) Training of trainers:  the Geneva course(b) Survey of training needs(c) Training of trainers at the national level(d) Training institutions(e) Discussion Forum(f) Exchange of experience at the subregional level(g) Participation in the Case Study Exchange
1.4 Establishment of Reference Centres on the multilateral trading 
system
(a) Official Reference Centre(b) Reference Centre for the business community
(c) Training seminars for the managers of the Reference
Centres
1.5 Knowledge and understanding of the multilateral trading system
(a) Informing the media and the general public(b) General seminars(c) Specialized technical workshopsxxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
Done in '97
xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx"xxxxx":  activity projected for the quarter indicatedWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 72Project elements 1998 1999 2000
II III IV I II III IV I II III
Second objective
Helping to bring national legislation into conformity with the rules of the
multilateral trading system and to devise strategies to derive the maximum
advantage from the opportunities arising from the implementation of the
Uruguay Round Agreements.  Helping to strengthen Benin's export capacity
2.1 Adjustment of foreign trade laws and regulations
2.2 Assessment of the impact of the new multilateral trading system on
Benin's economy and foreign trade
2.3 Assistance in improving foreign trade development strategies
2.4 Main international legal instruments concerning the multilateral trading
system as reflected in national foreign trade regulations
(a) Diagnosis of current status of membership
(b) Plan of action(c) Subregional workshopxxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxxx"xxxxx":  activity projected for the quarter indicated.WT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 73Project elements 1998 1999 2000
II III IV I II III IV I II III
Third objective
Helping to improve knowledge of Benin's export markets and strengthening the
competitive position of its exporting enterprises3.1 Identification of trade and export development potentials in the context
of the globalization of world markets
(a) Matrix of products and markets of interest to Benin(b) Study of Benin's exportable products potential
(c) Studies of foreign markets of interest to Benin
(d) Study of Benin's services export potential
3.2 Designing export development strategies
(a) A strategy to develop Benin's exports(b) Sectoral strategies for the development of priority export
sectors (goods and services)
(c) Strategy for the development of Benin's subregional trade(d) National symposium on the development of exports
3.3 Installation of coordinated economic and trade information services
(a) Feasibility study on coordinated economic and trade
information services
(b) National workshop on economic and trade information(c) Installation of coordinated economic and trade information
servicesxxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx"xxxxx":  activity projected for the quarter indicatedWT/COMTD/IF/14/Add.1
Page 74Project elements 1998 1999 2000
II III IV I II III IV I II III
3.4 Decision and publication of the Guide to "Trade Secrets - The Export
Answer Book"
(a) Methodological advice(b) Realization of the Guide
(c) Distribution of the Guide
3.5 Improving access to export financing
(a) Adaptation and realization of the handbook "How Do I 
Approach the Banks?"
(b) Study on export financing
(c) Subregional workshop on export financing
3.6 Strengthening the national capacity to develop products and markets
(a) On-the-job training in the development of products and 
markets
(b) Trade mission to selected WAEMU and ECOWAS 
countries
(c) Trade mission to new markets
3.7 Helping to train officials and devising a quality-control work
programme for exportable products
(a) Study tour for persons responsible for quality management 
training
(b) Establishment of enquiry point on technical barriers to trade(c) Constitution of a database on the standards of Benin's 
exportable products
(d) National seminar on the quality management of exportable 
productsxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
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xxxxx
__________