Mauritania

<p>The ECOWAS<span>&nbsp;</span>ATCMA Programme is part of a broader initiative under the ATCMA umbrella Programme, with other regional components such as the ECCAS ATCMA , the SADC ATCMA &nbsp;and the COMESA ATCMA . It is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The programme aims to enhance trade competitiveness and market access in West Africa. In line with the AfCFTA, the programme focuses on improving regional competitiveness, integrating economies into continental and global value chains, and promoting sustainable trade between Africa and the EU.</p><p>Key objectives include supporting African countries in meeting international trade standards through improved testing, certification, and accreditation, while maximizing MSMEs&apos; export potential by addressing market access barriers, enhancing value addition, and promoting sustainability and technology transfer. The programme contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals, including economic growth, sustainable industrialization, responsible production, and gender equality.</p>

<p>In 2016, the establishment of the Arab Countries Trade and Investment Organisations Network (ACTION) under the AfTIAS programme marked a pivotal step towards fostering Arab regional integration. ACTION emerged from the collective ambition of Arab nations to enhance their trade and investment landscape, driven by a mutual commitment to prosperity and interconnectedness within the region.</p><p>Following its formation, ACTION initiated its journey with a key meeting in Dubai. This event was crucial in defining the network&rsquo;s structure and operational guidelines, effectively transforming ACTION from a concept to a functioning entity.</p><p>In 2018, a significant gathering took place in Paris, offering a valuable chance for reflection, reassessment, and revitalization of the network&rsquo;s strategies and direction.</p><p>ACTION stands at a crossroads, poised to redefine its trajectory in an ever-changing global landscape. The Abu Dhabi workshop is not merely a gathering; it is a clarion call for strategic introspection and visionary planning.</p><p>The focus will be on conducting a comprehensive reassessment of the network&rsquo;s current state, identifying areas ripe for innovation and improvement. This exercise is crucial in charting a course that not only addresses the immediate needs of the region but also positions ACTION as a leader in the global trade arena.</p><p>Furthermore, the workshop will emphasize the strengthening of bonds between member TIPOs. In a world where economic fortunes are increasingly intertwined, fostering unity and cohesion within the network is paramount. This reinforced solidarity will be the cornerstone of more effective and impactful regional trade initiatives.</p><p>A significant deliverable of this workshop will be the development of a future roadmap. This roadmap will not just be a strategic document; it will be a manifesto of ACTION&apos;s aspirations and commitments for the coming years. It will outline specific goals, milestones, and initiatives that will propel the network towards new heights of success and influence.</p>

<p>In view of the challenges to the trade of agricultural products in the NENA region, ITC will provide support<strong>&nbsp;to enhance intra-regional trade in selected agricultural value chains by removing obstacles to export, transit and import.</strong></p><p>The main objectives of this initiative are:</p><ul><li>To improve the livelihood of small-scale producers by unleashing new business opportunities through exports to regional markets</li><li>To reduce the cost of agricultural products for populations in NENA countries that are dependent on imports.</li></ul>

<p>AIM for Results is an intervention approach that strengthens the performance, efficiency and effectiveness of TISIs and builds their capacity to provide more effective support to the internationalisation needs of their clients, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).</p><p>AIM stands for Assess, Improve and Measure. It is a holistic and targeted integrated three-step-approach focusing on measurable results in order to improve the managerial, operational and service delivery performance of TSIs. The three pillars of AIM are offered either as a single module or as a complete performance improvement programme, depending on the needs of the beneficiary institutions.</p><p>&nbsp;In 2017, the project aims to improve the operational and managerial performance of 40 TISIs applying ITC&rsquo;s AIM For Results methodology.</p>

<p>The overall objective of the proposed project is to attract investment and promote trade and sustainable industrial and business development at continental level, concretely supporting the AfCFTA Secretariat and the African Union and delivering on the Africa-EU partnership for sustainable growth and jobs.&nbsp;</p><p>The project contributes to this objective by</p><ul><li>identifying trade and investment opportunities along regional value chains with potential at continental scale in Africa, including potential for investment by EU economic operators;</li><li>Strengthening the EU-Africa dialogue on trade and economic integration, informing high-level events such as the upcoming AU-EU Summit and European- African Business Forum (EABF)</li><li>identifying pilot/selected continental value chains that could be targeted for support in the EU 2021-27 aid programming exercise.</li></ul><p>It supports the implementation of the AfCFTA and ITC&apos;s One Trade Africa Initiative.</p>

<p>The overall objective of the regional programme is to &quot;strengthen the competitiveness of West Africa by enhancing the production, transformation, and export capacities of the private sector in alignment with regional and national industrial and SME strategies.&quot; The specific objective is &quot;to improve the performance and growth of selected priority sectors and value chains and related services by stimulating their contribution to industry, regional trade, and exports.&quot;</p><p></p><p>The ITC&apos;s intervention through the West Africa Competitiveness Programme (WACOMP) involves implementing activities that promote better regional linkages among selected value chains, support key regional intermediary organizations, reinforce industrial competitiveness in the region, and establish the West African Competitiveness Observatory along with related business tools.</p>