NATIONAL EXPORT STRATEGY

Work led by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Private Sector Development to develop a National Export Strategy is currently at an advanced stage.

Following extensive national consultations, a concept paper was developed titled "The Case for a National Export Strategy: Key Issues and Possible Response".

The paper was officially launched by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Private Sector Development at a National Export Strategy Symposium in September 2005. Six priority sectors (agro-processing, cotton, handicrafts, mining, services, tourism) were endorsed at the Symposium, and the writing of the constituent sector strategies was launched.

Sector work on cotton and tourism has already reached an advanced stage, and good progress has been made in agro-processing (divided into horticulture and food processing) and services. An additional "cross-cutting issues" group was established which has also completed its work.

The final National Export Strategy is scheduled for completion in 2007.