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 The
Integrated Framework for Trade Related Technical Assistance
(IF), established in 1997, is a trade-focused program
designed to accelerate poverty reduction and improve
economic performance in the least developed countries
(LDCs).
The
IF was created to streamline the trade-related assistance
delivered by the Bank and five other agencies (ITC,
IMF, UNCTAD, UNDP, and WTO) to 49 eligible LDCs via
three activities: help LDCs meet WTO requirements
and ensure the compatibility of laws with WTO commitments;
assist in devising strategies to benefit from Uruguay
Round (UR) agreements and ensure trade regime conformity
to UR; and enhance LDCcapacity to analyse trade policies
and problems facing the external sector.
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Established:
1997; redesigned in 2001
Objective:
To better integrate LDCs into the multilateral
trading system and enhance the benefits
they receive Implementing World Bank,
WTO, UNCTAD,
Agencies:
UNDP, ITC, IMF
Participants:
32 countries, 17 bilateral and multilateral
donors
Funding:
As of January 31, 2004, $21.1 million
pledged: $13.1 million for Window I,
$8 million for Window II
Projects:
Studies completed or near completion
for 13 countries; preparatory activities
for 6 countries begun in CY 2004
Activities:
Diagnostic studies of trade constraints;
capacity building
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