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New Guide Seeks to Strengthen Commodities Exports for Developing Countries
Development of commodities sector offers hope for reducing poverty
10 July 2009
A new publication from the UN Development Programme, Commodity Development Strategies in the Integrated Framework has emerged from the recognition of the fact that primary commodities including agricultural and mineral commodities are the main source of income, employment and trade for most poor countries. Development of this sector offers hope for reducing poverty, especially amongst marginalized groups like small farm producers and women.
The Integrated Framework (IF) for Trade-Related Technical Assistance to least-developed countries (LDCs) is a process that was first established in 1997 to support LDC governments in trade capacity building and integrating trade issues into overall national development strategies. Through the IF, the participating agencies (IMF, ITC, UNCTAD, UNDP, World Bank and the WTO) combine their efforts with those of LDCs and their other development partners to respond to the trade development needs of LDCs so that they can become full and active players and beneficiaries of the multilateral trading system, thereby enhancing their economic growth and poverty reduction strategies.
Interventions to support commodity development under the Integrated Framework have been fragmented with little assessment of impacts as a basis for taking corrective action. A major recommendation is the need for a robust management information system at the country level to keep track of results and impacts from IF interventions. This book presents a strong case why it is critical for a monitoring and evaluation framework that is practical and works to be an integral part of the Enhanced IF. If there were any doubts on this question, this book effectively dispels them.
“I believe the book is the first major attempt that specifically focuses on how the DTISs have addressed critical issues concerned with productive and trade capacity in the LDCs,” said Cecile Molinier, Director of the UNDP Geneva Office. “We all know how difficult the current global economic crisis is for developing countries, especially LDCs. We also know that LDCs need to prepare and position themselves for a new world economy that has seen some developing countries emerge as major economic powers. On the substantive question of building productive and trade capacity, including capturing a greater share of value from commodities, generating income and employment, this book presents many practical suggestions on how to make the Enhanced IF work for LDCs and poverty reduction.”
Title: Commodity Development Strategies in the Integrated Framework
ISBN: 978-92-1-126265-0
Available through: www.un.org/publications
Download: pdf
Contact:
Adam Rogers, UNDP Senior Communications Advisor
+41 22 917 8541
adam.rogers@undp.org
UNDP is the UN's global network to help people meet their development needs and build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working as a trusted partner with Governments, civil society and the private sector to help them build their own solutions to global and national development challenges. Further information can be found at www.undp.org
