WTO launches 2nd phase of EIF for least developed countries

FE Report | Published: July 05, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

The second phase of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), a trade capacity-building programme for the least developed countries (LDCs) under the World Trade Organisation (WTO), was launched in Geneva on July 1.
Under the new tagline 'Trade for LDC Development', the second phase will run from 2016 to 2022 with an estimated budget of US$274 to $320 million.
To support the programme, Norway immediately pledged US$19 million. The Geneva event was organised as a part of the Fifth Global Aid for Trade Review.
In his remarks on the occasion, Director-General of the WTO Roberto Azevêdo said, "The EIF is a very important initiative which has delivered real and concrete support to the LDCs over recent years, helping them to use trade as a tool for growth, sustainable development and poverty reduction."
It is very likely that Bangladesh will get support from the EIF in the second phase. The country is now one of the three board members representing LDCs. Two other countries are Benin and Tanzania. The EIF board is chaired by the Ambassador of Sierra Leone.
Dr Ratnakar Adhikari, executive director of the secretariat of EIF, earlier replied to a few questions by the FE regarding achievement of the programme in the first phase.
He said by the end of 2014, the EIF assisted 50 countries while 131 projects were approved.
During the period, 41 Diagnostic Trade Integration Studies (DTIS) and Updates (DTISU), analytical studies of the national trade environment, were also completed, he informed.
Moreover, $201.39 million donor contribution was received up to December 2014.
Regarding importance of the programme, Dr Adhikari said: "The Programme is highly relevant to the LDCs and it has generated impact on the ground. So there is a prospect for sustainability."
He also said the evaluation of the first phase has shown the need for improvement in trade efficiency and effectiveness. "This is precisely what we are doing in the second phase," he added.
asjadulk@gmail.com