On the Signing of the MOU between the UNOPS and the Government of Sierra Leone
The Minister of Trade and Industry Alhaji Usman Boie Kamara Signed a Memorandum of understanding with the United Nation Office for Project Services (UNOPS) as trust fund Manger of the Enhanced Integrated Framework Project on Wednesday 31st July 2013 after Successfully negotiating and Extension of the project with the Executive Secretariat of the EIF in the World Trade Organisation in Geneva.
The main objective of the EIF TIER 1 project was to enhance in-country capacity to formulate and implement trade related policies and development strategies geared towards promoting Sierra Leone`s competitiveness in the global market. Basically the project supports Government to:
- Mainstreaming trade into the national development strategies and plans.
- Improving coordination in the delivery of trade-related resources by donors and implementing entities to implement country priorities following adoption of the DTIS Action Matrix.
- Securing resources in support of initiatives that address DTIS Action Matrix priorities.
The project was established in 2009 as a first phase and ended in July 2013. The EIF –National Implementation Unit has provided Technical expertise to the Ministry of Trade and Industry and other line institutions to develop key policies, programmes and strategies including National Export Strategy, National Trade Policy, Local Content Policy, competition policy and law, industrial policy (draft), private sector development; technical papers on ECOWAS Trade liberalisation scheme, MTI strategic planning and budget preparation. It has also contributed significantly in the development of the Agenda For prosperity, serving in the pillar four working group and contributing in drafting the pillar on International Competitiveness.
The EIF secured funds for the revitalisation of the tourism sector to the tune of $2,990,000 and continues to provide expertise for the implementation of the Sustainable Tourism Development and promotion project implemented by the National Tourist board.
Presently, under the leadership of Minister Usman Boie, the EIF-NIU is spearheading the World Trade Organisation (WTO) 2nd Trade policy review.
The EIF is also coordinating the development of an SME POLICY and Action plan and training needs assessment for Private Sector Institution which will culminate to a series of training for private sector institution and SME’s.
The EIF –NIU is also working with the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau to develop a proposal to attract funding for the development of a national Quality Infrastructure.
The NIU has already engage in-country Development partners to participate in the provision of leadership and guidance in the implementation of the EIF programme in country. It will work with the development partners to develop a coordination framework to support programme implementation and the broader Aid For Trade agenda of the country.
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