| General Information |
Project/Program |
Project |
| Project Name |
Trade Related Assistance for Development and Equity |
| Duration |
2006- 2009 |
| Donor |
UNDP |
| Implementiong Organization |
UNDP, Ministry of Commerce. |
| Sector and/or Subsector Classification |
Trade |
| Region |
North-Western region (Banteay Meanchay, Pursat, Battambang, and Siem Reap Provinces), and Phnom Penh. |
| Financing |
US $ 3,475,000. |
| Analytical Information |
Stakeholders |
UNDP, Ministry of Commerce, Department of Personnel, Department of Trade Promotion, Project staff, Trade advisors, Development Partners, and Producers Associations. |
| Cross-cutting Issue |
Environment |
|
| Gender |
|
| Impact Analysis |
The project was designed to reinforce the linkages between trade and human development and to reduce poverty by developing institutional capacity and creating employment opportunities. It has been successful in setting up the framework and structures required for effective implementation of the trade strategy. It developed the Diagnostic Trade Integration Study(DTIS) which helped to identify capacity gaps at the human and institutional level in the area of Trade Sector Development. Also the project contributed to the establishment of the Trade SWAp framework that promoted the development of priority product and service sectors to serve as a basis for strengthening and diversifying Cambodia's export basket. |
| Effectiveness |
Ownership/Partnership |
Evaluation |
While there was strong ownership of the project at senior minister and secretary of state level, concerns were raised about ownership at lower levels of the MoC. This was mainly attributed to the absence of a sub-decree formally appointing staff to Trade SWAp positions, which led the staff unwillingly to commit to Trade SWAp responsibilities with their existing roles. |
| Rating |
2/5 |
| Policy Coherence/Harmonization |
Evaluation |
This project was highly relevant to the RGC’s policies and visions. In particular, it was consistent with the Cambodia’s vision for private sector development, with the 2004 Rectangular Strategy and the subsequent National Strategic Development Plan 2006-2010. The support to the establishment of the Trade SWAp have provided an analytical basis for the development of a national trade strategy and a framework for using and coordinating the resources available to achieve that strategy. |
| Rating |
4/5 |
| Evaluation Framework |
Evaluation |
The evaluation team was composed of two experts in Aid for Trade/Aid Effectiveness and Institutional Development/Human Resources. In the report, both primary and secondary data were used. Secondary data consisted primarily of project documents provided by the project manager and UNDP country office, while primary data were collected with questionnaire, interviews, focus groups, key informants and direct observation. However, due to the limited timeframes of the evaluation, only one questionnaire was returned by RGC representative, which made it difficult for the evaluation team to provide a balanced analysis across all stakeholders. |
| Rating |
2/5 |
| Alignment/Composition of Finance |
Evaluation |
The project doesn’t seem to be highly sustainable because of the lack of a sub-decree defining the roles and responsibilities of key government official in the Trade SWAp. There is a need for the establishment of appropriate lines of authority within MoC and increased understanding of department roles and responsibilities. Also, significant changes in project budget were seen in 2007 and 200, resulted from confusion regarding the financial responsibilities of UNDP and RGC. The changes were great hindrance to planned activities and budget disbursement during the years. |
| Rating |
2/5 |
| Other Remarks |
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