7.2. Description of the steps composing the IF process

There is no precise estimate of the timeframe for IF implementation. The preparation of the Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS) is estimated to last between six and twelve months. The enhanced IF proposes indicative timeframes for the approval of projects: 10 and 16 weeks for respectively Tier 1 and Tier 2 projects.

Stage I:

Request for participation and adherence to the IF – The LDC submits its official request for assistance under the IF to the IF Executive Secretariat. After review by the World Bank, the IF Steering Committee endorses the request and the LDC is admitted to participate in the IF. Under the enhanced IF, the IF Board shall decide on the admission of new beneficiary countries.

Stage II, Pre-DTIS:

Capacity Building Workshop – Preparatory efforts include a workshop to build capacity and raise awareness of the IF at the national level organised with the support of IF core agencies.

Appointment of IF National Structure – The national IF bodies (i.e. National Focal Point, Donor Facilitator, National Implementation Unit and National Steering Committee) are designated by the national authorities. Under the enhanced IF, an inter-ministerial committee will engage and coordinate the key government ministries involved (i.e. Trade, Finance and Planning).

World Bank Mission – A preliminary mission is conducted to prepare the DTIS.

Stage III, DTIS:

Launch of DTIS process

Draft of DTIS and Action Matrix – In the DTIS, the competitiveness of the country’s economy is assessed, the sectors with greatest export potential and the constraints to trade identified. Most importantly, the Action Matrix summarises the project priorities and recommendations. The DTIS stage is led by the World Bank, or the UNDP, where the World Bank has no local office. The Focal Point has a crucial role in identifying the team of consultants (i.e. international consultants and local experts) who will undertake this work.

IF Validation Workshop – All national IF actors and stakeholders, including from the private sector and representatives of civil society, convene to discuss the DTIS and its consistency with the national development agenda, as well as to agree on priority projects within the Action Matrix. Donors and IF agencies are also present.

Stage IV, Implementation:

Implementation Plan – If it has not already been completed during the Validation Workshop, the National Steering Committee shall prepare an Implementation Plan outlining the next steps for continued IF implementation including execution modalities.

Endorsement by government – The DTIS, as amended in the Validation Workshop, is endorsed by the government.

Implementation meetings – During implementation meetings, possible funding gaps for priority areas are identified, concrete projects are outlined, and donors indicate which particular projects they are willing to fund.

Project and policy implementation

Mainstreaming into PRSP – The DTIS recommendations are integrated into the national development plan in order to ensure coherence with other national priorities that affect trade development and poverty reduction.

Once this process has reached an advanced stage, the DTIS is revised as needed, and the steps are repeated. It is planned that the DTIS is revised twice during the five years cycle of the IF.

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