That challenge can be met through accelerated export growth. The Executive Forum exposed us to examples of successful national responses. These suggest that export growth is a viable proposition. Yet at the end of the day, those who are successful are those who achieve overall competitiveness, based on committed partnerships between the public and the private sectors. We learn from this consultation that national export strategies, particularly for developing countries, need renewed attention.
Exports are critical to the development process.
The work of trade promotion organizations should thus be seen not only as relevant, but central to the strategic development efforts of our countries. ITC has an important role as a resource centre and a reference point for best practices. Because time is of the essence for development, the learning curve to build capacity for trade promotion must be very steep. There is little time for experimentation, which, in any case, can also be expensive. This is why ITC should focus on the knowledge collection and dissemination business though improved technical assistance and information provision programmes.