Trade-Related Assistance: What Do Recent Evaluations Tell Us?

Evaluation enables donor agencies to assess the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability and impact of their development efforts. It is vital in building knowledge and facilitating a results-based management approach to aid delivery. Since the launch of the WTO Doha Development Agenda (DDA) in 2001, the international community has paid increased attention to trade-related assistance. Against this background, several bilateral donors and multilateral agencies have undertaken evaluations of their trade-related projects and programmes. This report draws on key findings and recommendations emerging from available donor evaluation reports, assesses factors that have contributed to the success (or failure) of past programmes, and provides guidance for enhancing the effectiveness and impact of future trade-related assistance. The report provides a timely input to the ongoing discussions amongst the aid and trade communities on effectively designing and delivering "aid for trade" as a complement to the DDA.

Foreword Acronyms Executive Summary Chapter 1. Introduction Chapter 2. Major Findings: The Results of Past Assistance -Challenges with Assessing Performance -Results of Trade-Related Assistance -Areas Where Further Improvements are Needed -Conclusion Chapter 3. Lessons Learned and Key Recommendations for Effective Trade- Related Assistance -Promote Partner Country Ownership through Stakeholder Dialogue -Understand the Local and International Context -Ensure Linkages to Poverty Reduction -Manage for Results -Target Appropriate Beneficiaries -Identify and Appropriate Mix of Delivery Channels -Enhance the Sustainability of Results -Improve Donor Coordination and Harmonisation -Strengthen Internal Donor Communication and Expertise in Trade-Related Assistance -Conclusion Chapter 4. Ways Forward Annex 1. Methodological Difficulties Annex 2. Performance Indicators Annex 3. The Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness Bibliography