MARKET DEVELOPMENT
Sierra Leone Produce Marketing Company (SLPMC) on Cross Border Trade for Food Security Survey
Sierra Leone Produce Marketing Company (SLPMC) on Cross Border Trade for Food Security Survey
26/07/2013 (Awareness Times) - The International Trade Centre (ITC) with Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland is funding a survey on cross-border trade through Sierra Leone Produce Marketing Company (SLPMC). The joint initiative is focusing on identifying impediments to cross border trade along Sierra Leone–Liberia border for young entrepreneurs trading in agricultural produce like rice, fish, cassava, palm oil, and spices for food security. The study will analyze data from traders at cross-border regions and use the information to identify frequently asked questions that will inform the preparation of a step-by-step illustrated guide on related cross border formalities.
A Reference Group comprising of senior Ministry of Trade & Industry officials and other institutions with knowledge in subject matter has been constituted, and will be working with the national consultant and the SLPMC to coordinate the implementation of the project.
Speaking at the launching ceremony of the survey on Thursday 25th July 2013 at the conference room of the SLPMC in Freetown, the Managing Director of SLPMC, Mr. Henry Yamba Kamara, who doubles as Project Coordinator said the survey on cross border trade and customs formalities is a joint programme implemented by the International Trade Centre in collaboration with the SLPMC.
He told participants ITC is a development partner for export promotion, and is the joint technical cooperation agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. Mr. Kamara revealed that to ITC aims at contributing to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, and generating sustainable incomes and livelihoods.
Mr. Kamara said the outcome of this survey will provide data that will support ITC and SLPMC in the preparation of guide for cross-border traders to provide them with a step-by-step overview and clear explanation of related cross-border formalities, focusing on the product groups proposed in the project at the border areas between Sierra Leone and Liberia.He said the project will also support SLPMC in its’ strive to establish a formal market channels along the Sierra Leone–Liberia border that will boost trade between the two nations.
National Consultant, Dr. Gboku, in his presentation said the lack of adequate and credible data that can be used to answer frequently asked questions by traders has made it imperative for the survey to be conducted so that the needed data on the selected priority crops such as rice, fish, cassava, palm oil.
Representatives from the various key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Trade and Industry, also made meaning contributions.
A Reference Group comprising of senior Ministry of Trade & Industry officials and other institutions with knowledge in subject matter has been constituted, and will be working with the national consultant and the SLPMC to coordinate the implementation of the project.
Speaking at the launching ceremony of the survey on Thursday 25th July 2013 at the conference room of the SLPMC in Freetown, the Managing Director of SLPMC, Mr. Henry Yamba Kamara, who doubles as Project Coordinator said the survey on cross border trade and customs formalities is a joint programme implemented by the International Trade Centre in collaboration with the SLPMC.
He told participants ITC is a development partner for export promotion, and is the joint technical cooperation agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. Mr. Kamara revealed that to ITC aims at contributing to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, and generating sustainable incomes and livelihoods.
Mr. Kamara said the outcome of this survey will provide data that will support ITC and SLPMC in the preparation of guide for cross-border traders to provide them with a step-by-step overview and clear explanation of related cross-border formalities, focusing on the product groups proposed in the project at the border areas between Sierra Leone and Liberia.He said the project will also support SLPMC in its’ strive to establish a formal market channels along the Sierra Leone–Liberia border that will boost trade between the two nations.
National Consultant, Dr. Gboku, in his presentation said the lack of adequate and credible data that can be used to answer frequently asked questions by traders has made it imperative for the survey to be conducted so that the needed data on the selected priority crops such as rice, fish, cassava, palm oil.
Representatives from the various key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Trade and Industry, also made meaning contributions.