Follow Up - Progress to date: Madagascar

Madagascar was one of the three IF pilot countries. Activities were initiated in July 2001 but were later suspended due to unfavorable political climate during much of 2002.

At the request of the government it was decided in October 2002 to resume the process. During a special mission in February 2003 it was decided to update the existing version of the DTIS emphasizing regional trade arrangements and agriculture.

The main issues of the DTIS were the following:

• Economic Background

• Trade Policy and Market Access

• Developments in the Primary Sector

• Lessons from Case Studies in the Manufacturing Sector

• Tourism

• Trade Support Infrastructure

• Pro-poor Trade Strategy

• Action Matrix

The National Workshop took place on July 17, 2003. Discussions during the workshop were focused on:

• Investment Climate and Credits

• Agricultural Diversification, Cotton Industry

• Trade Reform (tariffs, customs, negotiating capacity and market access)

• Strengthening Competitive Advantages

• Emerging Sectors

Agreement was reached on an implementation plan. Based on the recommendations of the workshop the DTIS will be revised, followed by a formal validation by the government. After the validation a donor implementation meeting will be organized.

The Government has recently prepared their PRSP, which covers the main trade issues as discussed in the DTIS.

The World Bank is the donor facilitator for Madagascar.

Page Last Updated On July 12, 2005