Fisheries Diagnostic Trade Integration Study Liberia

World Bank - Project Dates:
November 2007 - December 2007

Description of Project:
The Integrated Framework (IF) was established by WTO trade ministers in 1996 to promote the integration of the least developed countries (LDCs) into the global economy. This was in response to the slow progress of most LDCs in successfully responding to the opportunities provided by the world trading system. Participating agencies include the WTO, the IMF, the International Trade Center, UNDP, UNCTAD, and the World Bank (WB). The main objective is to assist LDCs to mainstream trade priorities in their national development plans and poverty reduction strategies, to assist in the coordinated delivery of trade-related technical assistance, and to identify priority investment projects.

The first stage of the IF process is the preparation of a Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS) to provide the analytical basis for priority setting. A preliminary mission to discuss the priorities of the government identified the fisheries sector as a potential key export sector.

Services Provided:
A Poseidon consultant subsequently conducted a mission to Liberia to:
1) Assess the potential of the fisheries sector as a source of foreign exchange and poverty reduction, and the main obstacles to its development;
2) Examine the various obstacles to expansion of fish exports, including infrastructure, financing, legislation, technical capacities, and ability to satisfy European norms;
3) Review and assess the current strategy for fisheries development and plans for new projects;
4) Identify and prioritize the key actions to expand exports and ensure their sustainability;
5) Advise on appropriate fisheries priorities for a proposed Poverty Reduction Strategy.