TN-Export Development II

closed

The focus of the project is to build upon and anchor more deeply the institutional reforms started under the first Export Development Project (EDP I) with the intention of creating a conducive export environment and encouraging trade. The Tunisia Second Export Development Project aims to improve access to export markets and finance, and enhance the efficiency and performance of trade clearance processes including customs operations and technical controls, thereby making trade logistics more efficient. There are four project components. Component 1 includes a matching grant fund (the second Export Market Access Fund. Component 2 strengthen the management of the Pre-shipment Export Finance Guarantees Facility (PEFG) program that was set up under EDP I, with the aim of further encouraging financial institutions to provide pre-shipment working capital financing to emerging exporters with viable export contracts. Component 3 aims to strengthen the capability of the Standards and Intellectual Property Institute (INORPI) for collection, analysis and dissemination of standards information. As such, it supports both the efforts of Tunisian firms in meeting voluntary standards critical to export expansion, and Tunisia's efforts to meet multilateral trade obligations and prepare for regional and bilateral Free Trade Agreements (European Union and others). Component 4 will initiate measures to upgrade logistics links to global markets as an important condition for promoting exports and attracting export-oriented foreign direct investment..