The Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) for trade-related technical assistance to least-developed countries was launched in 2009 and is finally fully operational. The EIF aims at enabling least developed countries to build and strengthen their trade capacities, better integrate trade in their national development strategies and use trade as a tool for growth and poverty reduction. The EIF Trust Fund has now reached contributions of in total USD100 million, and Norway is one of its major donors.
Norway is therefore very pleased that Assistant Director Ingrid Glad, Multilateral Bank and Finance Section at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has become a new Board Member. The first board meeting was held in Geneva on Friday 30 April 2010.
Since July 2009, 20 projects have been approved for implementation with another 30 to 40 expected to be approved this year. Link to the EIF’s website with further information: http://www.integratedframework.org/index.html