Recent Examples of Activites
PACIFIC
Adviser technical support on the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus with Australia and New Zealand and PICTA with respective Governments; expected to encourage trade among Pacific countries and their partners.
The Samoan Adviser provided technical support on finalising the Consumer Protection and Competition Bill. This will promote competitive markets in Samoa, establish standards for traders and protect the safety and interest of consumers.
Adviser contributions to national trade policies, sectoral plans and export strategies in the Republic of Palau, Fiji, Samoa, Republic of Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia and Kiribati, including drafting and stakeholder workshops.
The Republic of Marshall Islands Adviser contributed to Phase I implementation of the ‘Be Marshallese, Buy Marshallese’ trade programme in marketing and promoting domestically produced goods and services in domestic and international markets, and empowering the role of women in business.
AFRICA
Advisers supported development of key documents in Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) negotiations and adoption by AU Heads of State and Government during XXV Ordinary Session 14-15 June 2015, Johannesburg. The CFTA will increase intra-regional trade in Africa.
Advisers supported the development of an MC10 WTO Ministerial Africa Common Position for the Africa Group. The support being provided enhances Africa’s participation in the multilateral trading system for meaningful economic benefits to be derived for its population.
Advisers supported the engagement and advocacy of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) with the US Government towards the reauthorization of AGOA, enhancing the market access of sub-Saharan countries to the US. This legislation has been extended to 2025.
Advisers have supported the development and update of or national consultations on National Trade Policies and Sectoral Trade Policies in Botswana, Burundi, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi and Uganda.
CARIBBEAN
In the OECS, the Adviser worked on the review and scope of the St Vincent and the Grenadines National Export Sector Strategy, Services Sector Strategy and the development of an Industrial policy with a view to boost trade and generate economic growth.
Following Adviser contributions, Jamaica updated the Foreign Trade Policy. This will ensure maximum benefits are extracted from trade agreements.
Adviser technical assistance to a Caribbean Working Group on Geographic Indications (GI). GIs can be a useful sustainable development tool, for example capable of protecting traditional knowledge and promoting community production.
Adviser technical support on the CARICOM-Cuba agreement, CARICOM/Costa Rica Trade Agreement and CARIFORUM-EU EPA Five Year Review process, with the prospect of boosting trading opportunities with these partners.
Technical support of the OECS Commission consultancy assignment to engage a consultant to improve ICT connectivity among national custom administrations and border agencies in order to support implementation of the Free Circulation of Goods (FCG) regime.