The main objective of the project is strengthening national capacities to build up and implement trade policy, establish the institutional coordination structures on trade matters and mainstream trade into the national development plans. This project also supports public-private sector coordination on trade issues while the EIF National Steering Committee facilitates the inter-ministerial coordination on trade.

 Results

• A Medium‑term Programme for Aid for Trade outlined the Government’s priorities. Some areas have received financing, including a study to identify niche exports, the enhancement of certain tourist sites and the implementation of a single window for external trade.
• A capacity building plan for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Posts and Tourism as developed in August 2015.
• Contributed to the construction of a commercial building for a beekeeper association and provided 110 improved hives.
• Supported the International Cooperation Ethics Advisory Agency ACECI women’s group to organize an expo to display their products made from catnip plants, which is highly repellent against mosquitos. Since the expo, the women’s association has been frequently invited to commercial expositions and its monthly revenues have doubled.
• Supported artisans from the iron, vegetable ivory and agri-food value chains to participate in the “Handcraft Ward of Excellence Program” in Kigali, Rwanda.