New directions in the field of trade promotion and their strategic implications

Abstract

African policy makers are now increasingly aware that for the continent's trade to grow and develop, structural changes towards diversification of products and markets (including new segments in the traditional markets) are needed, these changes should be simultaneous: Trade promotion policy changes and related programmes should go hand in hand with diversification programmes of African countries. This has implications not only for member countries of the Commission but for the ECA itself and for relevant partner-institutions. New and/or enhanced human, institutional and infrastructural capacities should be built to this end at country, regional and international levels. The purpose of this report is precisely to reflect on the modalities for the redesign of trade promotion policies and programmes and on how ECA should equip itself to fully participate in the change process.