Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) for trade-related assistance for LDCs

Description What is done in the programme or project and why, what results are pursued, who benefits from the activities and who are involved in the implementation.

The EIF is a multi-donor programme, which supports LDCs to be more active players in the global trading system by helping them tackle supply-side constraints to trade. In this way, the programme works towards a wider goal of promoting economic growth and sustainable development and helping to lift more people out of poverty. The programme is currently helping 51 poorest countries worldwide, supported by a multi-donor trust fund, the EIF Trust Fund, with contributions from 23 donors. The first phase of the EIF is coming to and end in 2015 and the second phase of the EIF will start in the beginning of 2016. An external evaluation of the EIF confirmed that the EIF remains very relevant to LDCs in supporting their trade needs. By the end of 2014, a diagnostic trade integration study had been completed in 41 countries and institutional capacity was strengthened in 37 countries. With the support of the EIF, several countries have created sufficient capacity to steer their trade policy independently with results in terms of increased exports and jobs emerging. EIF is an important partner to Finland in Aid for Trade and a long-standing supporter of the EIF programme. Finland continues its support to the EIF in the second phase with nine million euros during 2016-2020.