Preparatory activities

Though by definition, all LDCs are potentially eligible for the IF process, countries have to request it through the IF Secretariat.

The selection is assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

• demonstration of strong commitment by the government to integrate trade into its national development strategy and its PRSP;
• the preparatory stage of the PRSP;
• the preparatory stage of upcoming meetings of the World Bank Consultative Group or UNDP Round Table; and
• conducive operational country environment (e.g., level of infrastructure, resource base of the World Bank/IMF and UNDP country offices, donor response, and the pace of domestic reform).

Even before approval, requesting LDCs can undertake significant steps for the preparation of the diagnostic phase, including the establishment of a national IF steering committee (NSC), the organization of sensitization workshops, IF familiarization missions, the compilation of ongoing trade-related activities, the appointment of a Focal Point and a Donor Facilitator and the establishment of a National Implementation Unit.

The establishment of an NSC is crucial, notably to channel information to all relevant national stakeholders and to coordinate and stipulate national needs and priorities for its trade development.  The effectiveness of such a committee would largely determine the degree of ownership and the sustainability of the IF process, which in itself is a long-term capacity-building exercise. 

Page last updated on 3 February 2009