A National Export Strategy [NES] provides a blueprint for competitiveness and development of a country’s export sector. A comprehensive analysis is undertaken at the national and institutional levels to identify priorities for enhanced performance. Anchored in strong public-private dialogue the blueprint strengthens the links between export development and socio-economic growth.
Outcomes of an ITC-facilitated NES include:
- Trade being mainstreamed into national policies and planning
- Improved policy and institutional frameworks that support development and competitiveness of the export sector
- The country benefits from an integrated network of stakeholders with influence and interest in the export sector, creating a move away from poor systematic dialogue and the traditional lack of trust between the public and private sectors
Information
ITC has developed a full range of tools and services to enhance the ability of participants to formulate national and sector specific export strategies. The process focuses on sustainable export growth and on mainstreaming trade into the broader development framework, including poverty alleviation, empowerment of women and environmental sustainability. Sound export strategies are the basis for effective trade-development programmes and for the coherent positioning of trade-related technical assistance (TRTA). For links to online resources and more information, please expand this section.Data and Research
ITC’s methodology was developed through wide consultation with practitioners and policy makers around the world. Every year ITC has brings together a diverse group of public and private sectors stakeholders, representing more than 100 countries, to share their specific experiences and lessons learnt in export competitiveness and development. ITC’s approach and methodology is built on those lessons.
Advisory Services
ITC does not design or write a country’s NES. Rather, it advises the country on its established methodology and the processes to be followed. To find out more, expand this section. ITC’s experts in export strategy design and management accompany the entire NES process from beginning to end and establish close working relationships with the focal point organizations. Stakeholders receive thorough briefings and training, as well as related support materials/tools. Planning at each step of the process is done jointly between the partner country and ITC’s export strategy team.
National consultations and workshops are facilitated by ITC with an average of five field visits undertaken by staff members during the course of the NES design initiative for face-to-face consultations. ITC will also facilitate decision-making at key points during the strategy-design stage. In addition, the country will receive tailored advice, expertise, and support via telephone and e-mail.
Training
ITC currently does not provide training in this area.
Projects
ITC receives numerous requests every year for technical assistance in export strategy design and management. title="temporary paragraph, click here to add a new paragraph">Countries that ITC is currently working with include:
- Jordan
- Romania (Second National Export Strategy)
- Commonwealth of Dominica
- Jamaica (NES and establishment of the National Export Council
- Grenada (establishment of the National Export Council)
- Mozambique
- Malawi
- Palestine
- Yemen
- Cote D'Ivoire
- Uganda (mid-term review of the National Export Strategy)
- Cameroon (coffee, cassava, and plantain sector export strategies)
- Ethiopia (spices sector export strategy)
- Grenada (nutmeg and mace sector export strategies)
- Jamaica (fruit and vegetables sector export strategy)
- Liberia (cassava sector export strategy)
- Samoa (fruit and vegetables sector export strategy)
- Solomon Islands (coconut sector export strategy)
- Tunisia (processed fruit and vegetables, and enterprise management consulting services export sector strategies)
- Zambia (cassava sector export strategy)
- COMESA (regional export strategy for cotton)
- CEMAC (regional export strategy for cotton)
- ECCAS (regional export strategies for the coffee and cotton sectors)
- ECOWAS (regional export strategy for mango)