An AITIC Project for the Private Sector

AITIC is opening new avenues for maximising benefits under Aid for Trade for those most directly concerned with trade matters, i.e. the business community across the world.

At a roundtable meeting for private sector and business association representatives on 12 April 2007, the Agency presented a new initiative aimed at improving the business environment and contributing to job creation in developing countries. Based on capacity and needs assessments by developing country companies, the Transfer of Business Skills Programme will seek to fill identified gaps by “lending talent” from major international corporations.

More feedback on this programme would be most welcome. You will find a detailed project proposal here. A list of initial questions for businesses interested in participating in the project is below. To implement it in the most effective and expedient way, AITIC would be grateful to receive responses to the questions and any other comments at the following email address: aid4trade@aitic.org.

Questionnaire

Recipient countries

• Which are the sectors in which the country has a comparative advantage?
• In what areas of activity is the building of business expertise and human resource development most needed?
• What types of business skills are most in need, e.g. supply chains, financial management, quality standards, logistics, marketing and in general, enhancing export potential?
• What are the specific areas in which technology transfer would assist business development?

Developed countries

• What is your comparative business advantage e.g., finance, management, accounting, logistics?
• How do you see your company assisting counterparts in the developing world?
• Has your company already participated in initiatives involving the transfer of business skills or training for developing countries? If so, please explain precisely what these programmes entailed.
• Which of the countries included on the following list are among your current business partners or constitute potential markets?