REPORT ON EVALUATION OF THE WORLD TRADE INSTITUTE PROJECT (AID GRANT NO. AID/CM/OTR-6-73-239)

Evaluation covers the period 6/73-8/78 and is based on a review of documents and data, interviews with WTI trainees, meetings at AID/W and WTI, and field visits. LDC requests for assistance and willingness to pay for such services provides clear evidence of WTI's success. WTI technical assistance and training targets have been met. WTI and U.S. in-country training programs benefitted 187 and 504 participants, respectively. Most of the trainees interviewed reported that their training was useful. WTI also conducted a total of 58 trade laboratory projects (against a target of two per year); conducted practical export development research leading to the production of marketing and production guides and other tools for use by LDC's; developed the planned specialized library on international trade development; and provided short-term technical assistance to LDC's and USAID's in several areas. The project was funded on an annual incremental basis, and the resulting uncertainty hurt WTI planning and operations; attainment of financial independence by WTI appears to have been unrealistic. A.I.D. support for the project should continue under continued PPC/PDPR/RD management and should be long enough (at least 4 years) to enable WTI to undertake long-range planning and activities. Consideration should be given to expanding the program. WTI's training courses have served as springboards for export projects and ought to remain a key aspect of the overall program. Efforts should be made either to untie USAID support of training participants (generally required by A.I.D. programming procedures) or increase the use of regional training programs as a source of funding for WTI training. To increase impact on the poor, no single economic sector or type of export project should be emphasized. WTI should increase its promotional activities among potential LDC clients rather than rely on AID/W or USAID channels. AID/W should clearly state its support for LDC export development and for USAID assistance in these areas.