Integrated Framework for Trade-Related Technical Assistance : addressing challenges of globalization - an independent evaluation of the World Bank's approach to global programs - case study

The Integrated Framework for Trade- Related Technical Assistance (IF) was established in 1997 as a trade-focused tool to accelerate poverty reduction and improve economic performance in the least developed countries (LDCs). IF was intended to strengthen and streamline the trade-related assistance delivered by the World Bank and five other agencies -- the International Trade Centre, the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the World Trade Organization (WTO) -- to 49 eligible LDCs via three activities: 1) helping LDCs meet WTO requirements and ensure the compatibility of laws with WTO commitments; 2) assisting in devising strategies to benefit from the Uruguay Round (UR) agreements and ensuring trade regime conformity to UR; and 3) enhancing LDC capacity to analyze trade policies and problems facing the external sector. An OED evaluation of the program in June 2000 found that IF had a limited payoff because of lack of clear priorities, ill-defined governance structure, and a low level of funding. The heads of the six agencies decided to address the identified weaknesses. The Sub-Committee of the WTO on Least Developed Countries adopted the Integrated Framework Pilot Scheme in February 2001, which continues to govern IF operations.