EIF NEWSLETTER

Welcome to the EIF quarterly newsletter. In this edition, we give you a glimpse of recent news from the EIF partnership and, more broadly, from the world of trade and development, with a particular focus on the least developed countries (LDCs). From the EIF Global Forum that brought together stakeholders to explore lessons learned, to our insights into the greening and digital trade debates at the WTO Public Forum, and a special interview with Ethiopia's Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, we have an array of insightful stories to share.

Enjoy the read!

IN FOCUS  

EIF Global Forum

On 11-12 September, the EIF organized the EIF Global Forum, which brought together EIF stakeholders from 36 LDCs and development partners to reflect on lessons learnt and best practices in Aid for Trade (AfT) and trade development. The Forum featured six sessions focusing on a diverse array of topics, which included coordinating and mainstreaming trade through EIF National Implementation Units (NIUs), leveraging resources and partners, catalysing systemic changes in productive capacity, promoting inclusive and sustainable trade, engaging the private sector, and managing resources through value for money. The overarching objective of the EIF Global Forum was to distil the lessons drawn from the implementation of the EIF programme and foster an atmosphere of experience-sharing and South-South cooperation in the realm of AfT. Takeaways from the EIF Global Forum include that EIF catalytic funding is key to leveraging additional resources from governments, the private sector and development partners, and to ensuring impact and transformative change.

[As part of the EIF Global Forum], we have collectively examined the challenges and opportunities facing the LDCs on their path to inclusive and sustainable development through trade.  We have also examined how trade in general and Aid for Trade in particular can be instrumental in helping countries realize their development aspirations.

H.E. Ms Kadra Ahmed Hassan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Djibouti and WTO LDC Group Coordinator, said during the EIF Global Forum. If you're interested in the stimulating discussions that unfolded at the EIF Global Forum, we invite you to take a look at our YouTube channel.

WTO Public Forum

As every year, September proved to be a busy month at the WTO, with the WTO Public Forum unfolding from 12 to 15 September, offering a remarkable array of sessions. To contribute to the global theme of this year's Forum, "It's Time for Action", which called for a thorough examination of how trade can play a pivotal role in fostering a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future, the EIF hosted in collaboration with partners three sessions circling around our collective commitment to fostering a more environmentally conscious future. The sessions delved into i) Partnerships for sustainable industrialization in Africa and lessons from the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in LDCs; ii) Environmental Sustainability and some key lessons and priority actions from LDCs moving forward; as well as iii) the role of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) and trade institutions for leveraging digital tools to create sustainable supply chain partnerships.

Among the key takeaways from the discussions during these sessions was the importance of deepening ongoing efforts related to the AfCFTA National Implementation Arrangements, especially in the context of environmental considerations. This emphasizes the need for forging strong partnerships among stakeholders to drive these initiatives forward. In addition, the sessions highlighted the need for an inclusive approach to environmental sustainability, including actively engaging the private sector. Additionally, the crucial need to ensure that the environmental priorities of the LDCs are prominently featured in multilateral discussions on environmental sustainability was discussed. For those unable to attend our sessions in person, you can access the audio recordings of these discussions here.

Interview with Minister of Ethiopia

We had the privilege of sitting down with Ethiopia's Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Gebremeskel Chala, during his visit to the WTO as part of Ethiopia's WTO accession preparations. In our conversation, Minister Chala passionately discussed the critical topics of capacity-building, trade facilitation support and Ethiopia's position in the global trading landscape, and underscored the profound significance of Africa's prosperity on a global scale.

This [EIF's] wide range of support has had a real impact in our country. Over the past three to four years, we have witnessed significant growth in our merchandise trade, and this has been achieved in no small part thanks to the efforts invested by the EIF programme.

Read the full interview here.

LDC NEWS  

Empowering Tanzanian MSMEs in Key Value Chains: A Focus on Women Entrepreneurs

In a collaborative effort between the EIF and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), recent projects in Tanzania have aimed at enhancing the capabilities of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), with a particular emphasis on women entrepreneurs. These initiatives have been instrumental in boosting the competitiveness of selected value chains in both domestic and international markets. The Tanzanian Government has strategically chosen value chains that include seaweed and anchovies in Zanzibar, as well as horticulture and honey on the mainland. The support has been extended to members of the Tanzania Horticulture Association (TAHA), benefiting 12 groups comprising a total of 720 farmers, including 368 men and 352 women involved in horticulture. These farmers have received comprehensive training in areas such as group dynamics, entrepreneurship and Good Agricultural Practices. Moreover, they have gained access to improved irrigation schemes and pumps within the tomato and bird's eye chili value chains. The crops are intended for supplying the Serengeti tourist hotel market (indirect exports) and for regional export to Uganda and Kenya. TAHA is actively involved in sourcing new markets for the beneficiaries.

Discover the Magic of Bhutan at the Brand Bhutan Exhibition Centre!

Exciting news from Bhutan! The Brand Bhutan Exhibition Centre was launched in the capital, showcasing the country's vibrant culture and enhancing local entrepreneurs' global reach through EIF support.

The Brand Bhutan Exhibition Centre's mission is as exciting as it is essential. It aspires to champion "Made in and Grown in Bhutan" products, both at home and on the world stage. This innovative hub provides local producers with the long-awaited stage to showcase, market and sell their unique creations, while connecting them with international audiences.

It's a remarkable initiative that harmonizes tradition with innovation, and it's a fascinating journey into the heart of Bhutan's craftsmanship. Join us and delve deeper into the world of Brand Bhutan! Learn more.

EIF UPDATES  

EIF Impact Stories

We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you. As we approach the conclusion of the second phase of the EIF in 2024, we will be building a compelling catalogue of impact stories. Each impact story will give a glimpse into one country where the EIF has been working, and the stories will together make up a catalogue that will serve as a testament to the EIF partnership's engagement and achievements in the LDCs and recently graduated countries. So far, we've published a dozen impact stories and you can delve into them by visiting this link.

Additionally, to stay up to date with our latest impact stories, be sure to follow the hashtag #EIFImpactStory on Twitter/X.

Supporting Lesotho to stand independent, but not isolated, in trade by Farai Samhungu and Peter Donelan

Building a solid foundation for economic growth through trade by Kudzai Makombe and Paulin Zambelongo

READ ALL THE IMPACT STORIES ›

EIF Board Update: Interim support for NIU preservation and EIF portfolio

Following the approval by the EIF Board, on 21 August 2023, for Interim Support to NIUs within the context of the closing EIF Phase Two, 20 proposals amounting to more than USD 1 million have been given the green light. These proposals aim to preserve the NIUs in 20 LDCs until 31 March 2024, while also enhancing their capabilities and long-term sustainability. Furthermore, an additional three LDCs will also benefit from this interim support until 31 March 2024.

As of 1 October 2023, there are a total of 175 projects in EIF Phase Two. Out of these, 30 projects are currently active and 145 have been completed.

PARTNER CORNER  

South-South Dialogue in Action

The WTO | The Sixth South-South Dialogue on LDCs and Development, on 28-29 September, convened prominent figures in the realm of international trade. This gathering included representatives from nearly 30 LDCs and featured active participation from the Chairs of the WTO General Council, agriculture, and rules negotiating bodies, as well as close to 80 dedicated delegates. The event provided valuable insights into pivotal WTO negotiations leading up to the WTO's 13th Ministerial Conference.

Conversations revolved around the trade priorities of the LDCs, digital integration and strategies for fostering trade and development within the framework of the WTO. Distinguished speakers, among them the Director-General of the WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, underscored the importance of addressing the specific needs of the LDCs and promoting their active engagement in global trade. Additionally, H.E. Mr Kokou Yackoley Johnson, Chair of the EIF Board, delved into lessons learned from the EIF programme's implementation and shared insights on recent developments within the Task Force pertaining to the future of AfT for the LDCs.

Don't Miss Out: UNCTAD eWeek 

The end of the year is fast approaching, and December 2023 will herald the next edition of the UNCTAD eWeek. Together with its partners, the EIF will organize three sessions, delving into topics such as harnessing national coordination mechanisms to bolster digital trade, fostering smart partnerships to enhance inclusion in the digital economy (co-organized with the International Telecommunication Union, the International Trade Centre and the GSM Association); and leveraging technologies for paperless trade in the Asia-Pacific (co-organized with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law).  

Stay tuned for further information, but you can already register here to be part of this year's eWeek!

EIF PARTNERSHIP IN THE NEWS: ROUND UP  

▶ Tourism Ministry to Open Handcrafts and Souvenir Centre in Masindi Soft Power News │ 3 September 2023  

▶ Burkina/Transport, transit et échanges entre les pays de l’Afrique de l’Ouest : Vers la mise en œuvre d’un guichet et garantie unique de transport inter-Etats Le Faso, Burkina Fasso │ 7 August 2023   

▶ 'LDCs' concern about the potential loss of concessional financing following their graduation does not hold much water' My Republica, Nepal │ 6 August 2023  

▶ UK Delivers Statement at 2023 WTO Trade Talks Mirage News │ 25 July 2023

▶ CTIS 2019-2023 achieves 86% success, MoC says Khmertimeskh │ 21 July 2023  

▶ Tchad : l'UMOCIRT renforce l'association des tanneurs à Massakory dans sa mission de développement Alwihda Info │ 13 July 2023  

▶ Tchad : L'UMOCIRT s'engage à construire un site dédié aux femmes tanneuses de Bokoro Alwihda Info │ 13 July 2023  

▶ Tchad : l'UMOCIRT en mission de suivi à la Tannerie artisanale améliorée de Dourbali Alwihda Info │ 11 July 2023  

▶ Tchad : l'UMOCIRT soutient le développement du secteur du tannage à Dourbali Alwihda Info │ 11 July 2023  

▶ ITC launches Jokkalante Market Platform The Point │ 4 July 2023  

▶ IFC and the Cambodia Rice Federation Support the Advancement of Cambodia’s Rice Industry IFC, World Bank │ July 2023  

Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter. We hope you found it informative and enjoyable. We welcome your feedback and suggestions for future topics that you would like us to cover in the upcoming editions!  

Our mailing address is: eifcommunications@wto.org