Mechanisms for diversifying commodity trade including policy options towards processing and industrialization in Africa

Abstract

Attempts have been made from time to time to find resolutions aimed at improving the contribution of primary commodities in the context of developing African economies. At the Fifth Session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in 1979 the international community adopted resolution 124 (V) calling for the implementation of the Integrated Programme for Commodities (IPC). The resolution stressed in particular processing, marketing and distribution. It also recognized the need for greater participation by the developing countries in local processing as well as in transportation and distribution of their commodities within a wider framework of international co-operation.