Key JITAP features

JITAP is first and foremost a capacity-building programme. Its distinctive features are:

• Joint participation of the three Geneva organizations to the full extent of needs assessment and programme implementation.

• Establishment of national networks of trainers and experts in WTO-related issues.

• An Internet-based Communication and Discussion Facility that will enhance networking among partner countries and between them and the Geneva-based organizations.

• A single or generic programme with activities to address critical common needs, based on individual country needs and responses.

• Organization of scores of implementation actions in “Modules” of programme elements, with each Module covering all partner countries.

• Simultaneous implementation across all eight countries, Module-by-Module jointly by ITC, UNCTAD and WTO. This is the first practical arrangement in which the three organizations are working towards realizing a common goal.

These features are designed to enhance synergies among partner countries; among the Geneva-based organizations; and between the two groups, as well as synergies among programme activities. They are also designed to ensure efficient use of resources, through economies of scale and scope in management and programme implementation; sustainability through networking and other capacity-building features; and replicability of the JITAP programme in other countries, should it be decided to expand the programme. Avery important feature is the role of JITAP as a framework for catalyzing other trade-related technical assistance, including those under the Integrated Framework.

The Programme is based on a partnership among the executing organizations and the participating countries, with a close supervision of the donor countries on the progress made and outstanding issues. As much as possible, it favours using national human resources to undertake the planned activities, including the experts and trainers trained under the programme itself. JITAP also promotes networking as a guarantee for the sustainability of the capacity built. The institutional support is also part of the programme priorities, namely in the form of setting up Reference Centres and strengthening the Inter-Institutional Committees (IICs) as frameworks to coordinate MTS issues in the countries, and to prepare negotiations.