AGOA/Trade Resource Centers – Objectives, Strategy, Activities Abou Fall AGOA/GVC Coordinator, Trade Hub 04 2016

Objectives Create a framework that supports the Trade Support Institutions (TSIs) that are hosting the AGOA/Trade Resource Centers (ATRCs) to effectively engage the private sector in regional and global trade assistance. Enhance the capacity of ATRCs to provide targeted business advisory services and training to local businesses, and supporting regional and export market linkages.

Specific Objectives Category Service Description Actions Trade Intelligence Exporters (sector) directory/database Tradeshow/fair information Product-specific market briefs & market selection/penetration analysis Liaise with Customs, Statistics agencies, and other sources to identify exporters, both regional and international and organize by sector/value chain. Identify regional and international tradeshow/fair events and share with companies. Research and dissemination (Trademap, usitc.gov, CBI…). Export Development Export readiness assessment Quality, standards, technical regulations Packaging/Labeling   Costing and Pricing Finance Evaluate export-readiness of companies. Provide information on trade and export requirements. Provide information and TA on packaging and labeling requirements. TA on costing and pricing. Organize targeted meetings between companies and banks and referrals to THN. Business Promotion Tradeshow/fair participation Business opportunities, trade leads and buyer/seller linkages Assist companies on trade show preparation (Use Trade Show Guide). Identify trade leads, leverage ECOWAS’ Ecobiz platform, and share within network. Facilitation Export documentation Draft customs documentation guide and provide assistance and training on export documentation.

TA to companies & Market Linkages Enhance capacity of TSIs Strategy TA to companies & Market Linkages Trade Facilitation Enhance capacity of TSIs

Activities and Delivreables Objective/Activities Results 1. Identification of Export-Ready Companies (ERCs) 1.1. Build a database of exporters by sector (liaise with Customs and other agencies) - Company visits 700 exporters (210 women) 2. Capacity Building for Export Ready Companies (ERCs) 2.1. Half-Day workshops on quality standards, packaging, costing and pricing, logistics and customs documentation, productivity, finance, trade show participation, etc.. 1120 exporters trained 2.2. AGOA Workshops 350 companies trained. Export guide developped 3. Business Linkages 3.1. Identify trade leads and share within the network and regional associations $2,000,000 facilitated 4. Trade Facilitation 4.1.Provide review of Commercial Invoices and export documentation of exporters to ensure compliance with AGOA, regional trade, etc. 140 exporters take advantage of AGOA 5. Institutional Framework to Develop Exports 5.1. Consultative meetings to set up an institutional mechanism and develop exports Set up of institutional mechanism and development of exports

Thank you for your attention Abou Fall, ATRC Coordinator Abou_Fall@watradehub.com www.watradehub.com