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: (i) demonstration of strong commitment by the government to integrate trade into its national development strategy and its PRSP; (ii) the preparatory stage of the PRSP; (iii) the preparatory stage of upcoming meetings of the World Bank Consultative Group or UNDP Round Table; and (iv) 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 LDC can undertake significant steps for the preparation of the Diagnostic Phase, including the establishment of a national IF steering committee, the organization of sensitization workshops, IF familiarization missions, and the compilation of on-going trade-related activities.

The establishment of a national steering committee is crucial, notably to channel information to all relevant national stakeholders, and 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. The country, together with other IF partners might also want to work on the identification of an IF (donor) Facilitator.

Page Last Updated On July 28, 2006