§ Sir Alastair GoodladTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has made to the (i) WTO, (ii) UNCTAD, (iii) ITC, (iv) IMF, (v) World Bank and (vi) UNDP about the implementation of the Integrated Framework for the co-ordination and delivery of trade-related development co-operation; and if she will make a statement. [40154]
§ Clare ShortThe Integrated Framework was discussed in the WTO hosted High Level Meeting in October 1997. The Integrated Framework seeks to enhance the effectiveness of trade-related technical assistance in order to promote the integration of Least Developed Countries into the multilateral trading system.
This Government have consistently supported discussion of the Integrated Framework in the senior bodies of the WTO, IMF, UNCTAD, ITC, World Bank and UNDP. Each of these bodies has indicated their support for the Framework and agreed to co-ordinate their efforts in this area. Further, the agencies have agreed to set up an Inter-Agency Working Group and an Administrative Unit to be housed at ITC.
186WI believe that good progress had been made on setting up the machinery to operationalise the Integrated Framework and over the coming months, my Department will be working to ensure this is used to design and implement effective country-level programmes.