Lao PDR joined the IF in 2004 and undertook preparations for a Diagnostic Trade Integration Study ("DTIS"), which was later validated in September 2006. Lao PDR benefited from four IFTF Window II projects, including; (i) capacity building and technical support for WTO accession; (ii) institutional strengthening of IF coordination and implementation structure; (iii) support to the garment industry; and (iv) capacity building at the MOIC. The National Implementation Unit ("NIU") was also established with funding from the Government and the IFTF Window II project. The Government of Lao PDR established elaborate National IF Governance Structures that cover Ministerial levels collaborating closely with the NIU. The DTIS and the National Export Strategy ("NES") have been used to guide the implementation of the Sixth National Socio‐Economic Development Plan ("NSEDP") 2006‐2010, Trade Strategy by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce ("MOIC"). Under the EIF, Lao PDR submitted its Tier 1 project, "Institutional Strengthening of the IF Coordination and Implementation Structures" which was approved by the EIF Board in January 2010 and implemented by the NIU. The purpose of the project was to strengthen trade integration and coordination mechanisms in Lao PDR. Its objective was to enhance Lao PDR’s national capacity to formulate, implement, manage and monitor a pro-poor trade policy that is consistent with, and supportive of, the country’s NSEDP and its Millennium Development Goals ("MDGs"). The NIU is also undertaking preparations for the DTIS update, which it plans to identify as a trade sector implementation strategy for the NSEDP.