During the 2004/2005 period, an IF Manual was prepared and provides practical and factual information on the IF as a reference for beneficiary countries and all stakeholders involved in the IF process.  The Manual explains the IF structures and processes, the scope of issues to be dealt with and draws attention to the tools for trade-related capacity developments available to LDCs.  The Manual also clarifies what can be expected from the IF process and how to access resources and offers suggestions on how to mainstream trade into the national development strategy.  Based on lessons learned from ongoing IF processes, the manual highlights the essential role of national ownership, the importance of including a wide range of stakeholders and the need for a strong working relationship between LDCs and international partners. 

The Manual is organized as follows:

• An overview of the current state of research on the relationship between trade, growth and poverty reduction followed by a presentation of the IF and the strategic importance of mainstreaming trade into development strategies;
• A discussion of key issues such as national ownership, resource mobilization, and implementation of policy measures and priority projects;
• A brief look at cooperative arrangements between the IF and other Technical Assistance programs.
  

The Manual was prepared under the joint initiative of DFID, UNDP and UNCTAD and in close consultation with the members of the IF Working Group.

A manual for the enhanced IF is currently under preparation.

Page last updated on 14 May 2008