| The Integrated Framework (IF) for Trade-Related Technical Assistance to LDCs |
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The Integrated Framework for Trade-Related Technical Assistance (IF) is a multi-agency, multi-donor programme that assists the least developed countries to expand their participation in the global economy whereby enhancing their economic growth and poverty reduction strategies. The IF programme was first mandated by the WTO Singapore Ministerial Conference in December 1996. The participating agencies are IMF, ITC, UNCTAD, UNDP, World Bank and the WTO. The IF has these objectives:
- To "mainstream" (integrate) trade into the national development plans such as the Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) of LDCs.
- To assist in the co-ordinated delivery of trade-related technical assistance in response to needs identified by the LDC. The IF is built on the principles of country ownership and partnership.
- Improved governance structure with the establishment of the Integrated Framework Steering Committee (IFSC) (add 15th session of IFSC) and the expanded IF Working Group (IFWG) for better coordination amongst donors, beneficiary LDCs and the agencies.
- The establishment of the IF Trust Fund, which finances mainstreaming work, led by the World Bank but also follow-up activities from the studies;
- Improved coordination of the delivery of trade-related technical assistance amongst bilateral and multilateral donors within a coherent policy framework.
The IF is increasingly receiving support from both the trade and development communities, such as at the Third UN Conference on LDCs (LDC-III), the G-8 Summits in 2001 and 2005. The support for the IF is also reflected in the form of increased contributions to the IF Trust Fund. The Integrated Framework Trust Fund (IFTF) was established under the financial rules and regulations of the UNDP for the receipt, administration and disbursement of funds and for mobilizing additional resources needed to enhance the programme activities of the Integrated Framework. Since its creation in February 2001, the IFTF has served as a central point for the deposit of contributions to the IF.
Revamped in 2000, the IF is now in the process of being enhanced. At the IF management bodies' meetings at the WTO, in Geneva, on 5 July 2006, IF Agencies and WTO Members adopted the “recommendations” for an Enhanced Integrated Framework. Ministers at the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference had welcomed the agreement to improve the implementation of the IF in three specific areas:
- increased, additional, predictable financial resources to implement Action Matrices;
- strengthened in-country capacities to manage, implement and monitor the IF process;
- Enhanced IF governance.
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