Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) could be an effective tool for
Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to mobilise Aid for Trade (AfT) and leveraging
other trade related resources to strengthen their trade capacity, said trade,
commerce and supplies and finance minister Shankar Prasad Koirala, addressing
the EIF breakfast meeting in Bali today.
In the
sidelines of ninth World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference
in Bali, Indonesia, Koirala,
delivering his speech as coordinator of the LDC members
in the WTO, highlighted the importance and relevance of EIF in
addressing supply side constraints of LDCs. "Over
the last one and half decade, many LDCs have benefitted from EIF initiatives," he said, the meeting that
focused on
major three issues – EIF beyond 2015, Leveraging
EIF global and national partnership to support delivery of results, and LDCs
and the post Bali agenda – that was attended by trade ministers
of LDCs, representatives of donors and core agencies,
and concerned officials of the WTO and EIF Secretariat.
Acknowledging EIF's important role in trade
sector development, poverty reduction and sustainable development, Koirala underscored the need of
continuity of EIF with increased fund and functionaries even beyond 2015, the
earlier extended timeline which is going to be terminated after two years.
Trade Ministers of LDCs, deputy director
general of WTO Yonov Frederick Agah, representatives
of core agencies and donors
including UNCTAD secretary general Mukhisa Kituyi, EIF executive director Dr Ratnakar
Adhikari also expressed their views on
strengthening EIF and making EIF framework more responsive to the developmental
needs of recipient countries in the days to come.
During the meeting, ministers and head
of delegation including
Myanmar, Yemen, Comoros, South African Republic and Sierra Leon shared their
national experience with regard to the implementation of EIF funded projects.
In response to the concerns expressed by LDC ministers and other delegates,
representative of donor members expressed
their commitment to continue their support for the continuation of EIF.
The ministers
and representatives of different corners, on the occasion, emphasised
the need of continuity of EIF, increasing effectiveness of EIF supported
project and ensuring ownership of recipient country in the process of designing
and implementation of EIF project as well as strengthening partnership among
key stakeholders.
EIF is a multi-donor
trust fund mechanism created under the WTO aegis in 1997 and further revamped
in 2005 to support poor countries of the world. It has been supporting LDCs to
leverage resources from international community for the enhancement of their
trade capacity since its inception.
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