Trade Policy and Strategy 2013 – 2017.

The Trade Policy and Strategy is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The timeframe of the Policy is 5 years between 2013 and 2017. The objectives of the Policy are: (I) expanding market access at regional and global level; (II) increasing production, competitiveness and export of high value goods and services; (III) safeguarding productive sectors; (iv) improving the business and trade-enabling environment; (V) strengthening the institutional framework for trade; (VI) financing the needs of the trade related sectors; (VII) mainstreaming trade policy into all relevant sectoral policies; and (VIII) strengthening regional and hemispheric integration and cooperation.
Job opportunities will be increased to improve the standard of living, earn foreign exchange and raise the domestic incomes. Public private partnership will be strengthened for improving economic development.
The exports of goods and services to traditional and non-traditional markets will be increased. The domestic trade related policies, institutional and legislative framework will be improved. Strategies will be developed to overcome trade-barriers faced by domestic exporters. Productive sectors will be developed by updating national standards infrastructure for the development in testing and enforcement mechanisms. Non-tariff and border measures will be taken to reduce food safety risks and risks from pests and disease in order to protect human, animal or plant life, which are referred to as SPS measures. Therefore, a National Sanitary and Phytosanitary Infrastructural Development Strategy will be developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Food Production, the Bureau of Standards and the Chemistry Food and Drug Division. Moreover, a Fair Trading Commission will be established. The export and production of goods and services in the non-energy sectors will be diversified and enhanced. Strategies will be developed to grow exports and to increase competitiveness amongst domestic exporters. The institutional and legal framework for trade will be strengthened. Furthermore, the technical cooperation will be developed to meet the trade related needs.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment shall be responsible for the implementation of the Trade Policy and Strategy, particularly the projects, policy measures, legislation and trade negotiations and trade agreements. A Trade Policy Implementation Committee will be established, including members from the relevant institutions as well as the private sector, private sector organizations, civil society and academia. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment shall chair the Committee. The Ministry of Planning and Development will be involved in the resource mobilization for financing.