Strengthening Institutional and Human Capacity for Trade Promotion and Development

Sustainability strategy: The fact that the NIU has been established in the DOT as a permanent unit rather than a separate project office for the EIF will be a key element in the sustainability of the Tier 1 project. The NIU will continue to function as the implementing agency for trade-related technical assistance (TRTA) after the project. The staff working for the NIU is and will be part of regular staff of the DOT and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The mainstreaming of trade initiated through the Tier 1 project will serve as a tool to unleash the potentials of trade during the project and the post project period. The project will also put in place the necessary process and procedures for trade mainstreaming, donor coordination and productive capacity building, which will be beneficial for the DOT after the project ends. Furthermore, improved institutional set up and sectoral coordination will act as a mechanism for implementing any kind of trade initiatives in the country after the project ends. Finally, the knowledge and capacity that will be created in the NIU will be conserved beyond the life of the project through a knowledge transfer plan. The acquired knowledge and capacity will enable the DOT to implement TRTA successfully in future.