§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the outcome of the enhanced integrated framework pilot scheme to improve the efficiency of trade-related technical assistance to developing countries was; and if this will be extended to a wider initiative. [56663]
§ Clare Short[holding answer 16 May 2002]: Three countries (Cambodia, Madagascar and Mauritania) were selected for the pilot phase of the Integrated Framework (IF) on the basis of demonstrating a clear choice and commitment to the mainstreaming of trade into their development plans, through the Poverty Reduction 19W Strategy Paper (PRSP) process. This process helped the three countries to identify and prioritise trade-related technical assistance (TRTA) requirements from infrastructure to human resources within a coherent policy framework. Donors are now in the process of responding to these needs and the final review of the outcome of the pilot phase will be issued in October.
At the fourth WTO Ministerial Conference held in Doha in November 2001, the IF was endorsed as a model for LDCs trade development. In this context, eleven countries, Lesotho, Malawi, Senegal, Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea, Mali, Nepal and Yemen were selected for the next phase of the enhanced IF, and work has already begun. In all 45 countries have been identified.
We remain convinced that the Integrated Framework is the best approach for mainstreaming trade into national development plans and strategies for poverty reduction, as well as being an effective mechanism for supporting donor coordinated delivery of TRTA.