At the request of Angola, UNCTAD is assisting the country in the preparation of its comprehensive trade policy framework. A joint UNCTAD-Government of Angola consultative workshop with all stakeholders was held from 29–30 September, in Luanda, Angola.
Angola's trade policy – packaged as an Economic Transformation Program – feeds into the government's vision of diversifying the nation's economy from being almost entirely dependent on trade in oil and diamonds into agriculture, services, fisheries, and manufacturing. In parallel, Angola is preparing for reclassification from a "least-developed country" to a developing country.
The draft trade policy framework, prepared by UNCTAD’s Trade Negotiations and Commercial Diplomacy Branch, Division on International Trade in Goods, Services and Commodities, encompasses an analysis of trade performance, trade policy measures and options, and other complementary measures, including those which are permitted under the umbrella WTO agreements such as the in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).
It also includes proposals for sectoral development to broaden the productive base of the economy through value addition and export diversification, including through regional integration and regional value chains.
The draft Trade Policy Framework was well received by all stakeholders, which included representatives from the Angolan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The feedback received will enable UNCTAD to finalize the text of the policy framework while the government has said it would complete this process in three months . After that, the framework will be submitted for approval to Angola's Council of Ministers before being implemented.
Other trade policy frameworks prepared by UNCTAD in support of developing countries include those for Jamaica, Papua New Guinea and Rwanda, while work is in progress in supporting Zambia. Namibia has also requested similar assistance and a first UNCTAD mission to Windhoek to prepare a concept note is being planned for the end of October 2014.
Like Angola, both Zambia and Namibia also depend on exports of single primary commodities, namely minerals, and hence their need to diversify and add value to their economies.
