Advocacy for Mainstreaming IT in National Development Strategy in Bangladesh Taifur Rahman Unnayan Shamannay Bangladesh

Advocacy for What?  To establish upward and downward linkages between the grassroots and the policy makers (both at local and national level) so as to integrate people’s views and concerns on issues of linkages between international trade and human development into the policymaking process.  Should be based on good research.

Research  Impact of international trade on the ground  Elements of social and political considerations to be taken into account for international trade to benefit the poor.  How to embed social and political considerations in national trade policy?  How to engage civil society organisations into the process of trade policymaking in a socially inclusive manner?  What could be alternative trade policy scenarios in Bangladesh?  What improvements are required in existing institutions in order for international trade to be a more effective route for poverty reduction?

What to Do in Research  Using what we already have Researches already done Data already available  Statistics on macro and trade indicators  Household level data (e.g. HIES)  Local level data on socio-economic indicators and poverty indicators.

What to Do in Research  Acquiring what we don’t have Investigation at different levels HouseholdExposure to and impact of trade Perception Survey Consultation EntrepreneurExposure to and impact of trade across classes (e.g. poor, rich) Perception Survey Case studies Policy peoplePerception and practical experience Possible strategies to mainstream trade Interviews Discussion ExpertsProblems and constraints How to move forward Interviews Discussion

How to Advocate  National Level Advocacy with policy makers, lawmakers and civil society  Meetings/consultations/workshops  A national working group Media  Partnership with electronic and print media to regularly disseminate the trade mainstreaming issues, particularly the ones based on findings of the research

How to Advocate  Local Level Sensitising the local stakeholders Forming Local Trade Promotion Group (LTPG)  Business model for demonstration Undertaking regular events at the local level using LTPG  Conferences, local trade fairs etc  From Local to National Level Sharing the experiences from the local level work with national level policy- and law- makers.  Bringing the grassroots ‘voice’ in the national policy making framework for international trade.