WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONWT/COMTD/IF/39
21 September 1998
(98-3585)
Committee on Trade and Development
Integrated Framework for Trade-RelatedTechnical AssistanceOriginal:  French
TRADE-RELATED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NEEDS-ASSESSMENT
PRESENTED BY SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE
INTEGRATED RESPONSES BY IMF, ITC, UNCTAD, UNDP,
WORLD BANK AND WTO
1
SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE
                                                     
1 Published pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 5(e) of the Integrated Framework for Trade-Related
Technical Assistance (WT/LDC/HL/1/Rev.1)WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 2
TRADE-RELATED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NEEDS-ASSESSMENT
PRESENTED BY SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE
 
A. TRADE POLICY
(a) What are the sectors that you believe have unexploited or underexploited export potential?
- Agriculture (fruits, vegetables, flowers and tubers);
- livestock (particularly goats);
- agri-business;
- services, particularly tourism, free-zone and offshore activities.
(b) Could you please define your country's perspective of the reasons for any changes in the
structure and direction of exports and imports?
The reasons for the changes are related to the fact that an economic liberalization policy was
needed containing measures to enable the government to withdraw from direct production and marketing
of goods and services.
After a structural adjustment plan was introduced in 1987, steps were taken with respect to:- Liberalization of trade and prices;
- removal of subsidies on priority products;
- liberalization of the system for allocating foreign exchange for imports;
- reduction of  export duties;- introduction of customs tariffs.
(c) What have been the objectives of trade policy in the most recent period, compared to, say,
two decades ago?
Import quotas and price controls existed two decades ago.
Since 1987, Sao Tome and Principe has been gradually liberalizing its economy, which translates
into:
(a) Liberalization of foreign and domestic trade (removal of import quotas, price controls
and subsidies on prime necessities);
(b) realistic prices and introduction of a regulatory framework to promote the production
and commercial sectors;
(c) withdrawal of the government from the production and commercial sectors to make
room for the private sector.
(d) What are the Ministries in charge of trade policy matters, including formulation,
implementation, enforcement and monitoring?  How is coordination made?  What are the
respective roles of the relevant Ministries (give particular attention to tariff policies and otherpolicies directly affecting exports and imports of goods and services)?
The Ministries in charge of trade policy matters are:WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 3
- The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism which is responsible for defining,
elaborating and introducing measures to apply and monitor trade policy.  It is also
responsible for industrial property matters in the field of trade.
- The Ministry of  Budget and Finance which is responsible for customs, supervisory and
monetary matters and services (banks, insurance, etc.).
- The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries which is responsible for agricultural, livestock
and fisheries policy and for sanitary and phytosanitary matters.
- The Ministry of Health which is responsible for procedures governing imports of
pharmaceutical products.
The institutions responsible for trade policy do not work in a coordinated fashion, which causes
serious problems.
(e) How are the private sector and academic institutions associated with the formulation and
conduct of trade policy?
Sao Tome and Principe does not have any universities.  The first is expected to open this year.
There is no real concerted action between the government and the private sector despite the fact
that the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and Services is consulted on trade policy matters.
(f) What are the institutions in your country that can play a role in implementation of a trade-
related project at the local level?  State their respective roles.
The institutions are:
- The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism which, in addition to defining trade policy,
also manages international trade and promotes the private sector and foreign trade.
- The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries which is responsible for the elaboration of
agricultural policy and phytosanitary and zoosanitary measures.
- The Ministry of Budget and Finance which is responsible for economic, financial and
monetary policy.
- The Ministry of Health which is responsible for overseeing imports of chemical and
pharmaceutical products.
- The Central Bank of Sao Tome and Principe which is responsible for monetary and
financial matters.
- Trade related international organizations: ITC, UNCTAD, WTO, UNDP, World Bank
and IMF could play a very important role in project implementation by conducting
feasibility studies, seeking financing and participating in project evaluation and
monitoring.
(g) What are the main laws and regulations dealing with trade policy - on exports and
imports?  Please provide a short description of each.WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 4
- The Investment Code implemented under Law 13/92 exempts investors who import
equipment for investment projects from customs duties.
- Decree Law 51/93 eliminates the requirement for import and export licences.
Registration is only performed for statistical purposes.
- Decree Law 20/76, which regulated the consumption tax, has been amended by Decree
Law 14/93 which modernizes the tax system, moving from a narrow definition of the
consumption tax to a more extensive and broader tax on goods and services.
- Decree Law 17/93 eliminates export taxes and promotes agricultural production and
exports.
(h) What are the main instruments of trade policy - on exports and imports?  Please elaborate
(e.g. on import restrictions, the questions might be:  on what products are there any import bans;
on what products are there quantitative import restrictions; licensing requirements etc.; what is
the highest tariff rate currently in use; are there any excise taxes, other "domestic" taxes that are
applied differentially to imported goods, or to goods of a type that are principally imported?).
The main instruments of trade policy on exports and imports are liberalization of imports and
exports, the customs code and exchange regulations.
- Products subject to import restrictions:
- aircraft;
- boats;
- ammunition and military equipment;
- radioactive materials;- jewellery, etc.
- import and export licences are issued automatically and are only registered for statistical
purposes;
- there are no products subject to quantitative import restrictions.
- excise taxes are charged on luxury items;- the highest tariff rates are charged on the following products:
- alcoholic beverages: 275 per cent;
- cigarettes:  359 per cent;
- fuels:  119 per cent;
- lenses: 76 per cent;
- vehicles: 99.5 per cent;
- ammunition: 98.95 per cent.
(i) In case you are a WTO Member or are in the process of acceding, how is your country
preparing itself to comply with the WTO Agreements?
Sao Tome and Principe is not yet a WTO Member and is not yet in the process of acceding.  It
intends to begin the process shortly.WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 5
(j) What is the state of familiarity with the WTO framework:
- Among government and government-related agencies?
- in the private sector?
Government and government-related agencies and the private sector are not familiar with the
WTO framework.
(k) What are your technical assistance requirements with regard to your compliance with the
WTO Agreements?
Sao Tome and Principe requires technical assistance to secure trade information and familiarize
economic operators and government agents with the WTO Agreements.
Technical assistance should focus on:1. Structural reforms in sectors that require new legislation or reformulation of existing
legislation;
2. raising public awareness through workshops and seminars;3. training for public servants directly involved with WTO matters, particularly customs
and police officers, to respond to legislative and regulatory notification requirementsunder the WTO Agreements;
4. establishment of a data bank;5. popularization of the content of the WTO Agreements and their implications for the
multilateral trading system.
(l) In which specific areas of the WTO Agreements do you have technical assistance needs
(e.g. market access, agriculture, rules (anti-dumping, subsidies, import licensing, rules of origin,
safeguards etc.), TBT and SPS, Services, TRIPS)?
 Technical assistance should focus on:
- Customs valuation:  reform of legislation;
- TBT:  establishment of a test laboratory and a documentation centre;
- SPS:  reform of legislation and establishment of inspection services for imported and
exported foodstuffs;
- Market access:  access to information on production trends and markets, trade
negotiations and specialized consulting services;
- Agreement on Agriculture:  training for public servants concerned with matters under
this agreement in order to ensure that notification requirements are respected;
- Rules (anti-dumping, subsidies, safeguards, rules of origin, etc.):  training to obtain
information on anti-competitive trading practices.  Preparation of legislation and
enforcement of laws to combat dumping and fraud;WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 6
- Dispute settlement:  training in subject areas and rules for dispute settlement under the
WTO Agreements;
- TRIPS:  training in trade-related intellectual property rights under the Agreement.
(m) What is your assessment of your existing trade analysis and negotiating capacities, both
multilateral and bilateral, in areas already covered by the WTO Agreements and other trade-
related areas, e.g. competition policy and trade and environment?
Our trade analysis and negotiating capacities are still very weak owing to lack of training and
market information.  We do not yet have sufficient capacity for multilateral or bilateral negotiations in
fields already covered by WTO and in other trade-related areas (competition, environment, etc.).  Our
weakness in negotiating capacity is also explained by our lack of training in certain more complextechniques.
B. OBSTACLES TO TRADE EXPANSION
Obstacles to trade encompassing problems in export markets, infrastructure, human capacities,
institutional bottlenecks, trade financing problems and gaps in trade information can inhibit a least-developed country from taking full advantage of trading opportunities.
Supply constraints, including institutional bottlenecks
(a) What are the main bottlenecks inhibiting the development of sustained export capacity of
goods and services (e.g. customs facilitation, freight charges, quality management, elimination of
cumbersome legal and administrative procedures, paucity of human skills, access at international
prices to imported inputs, or inadequate telecommunication, port and transport facilities etc.)?
Land-locked countries may face additional prob lems, such as having to ship using costly
or unreliable transport and ports systems.  In case this applies to your country, please indicate
such problems.  What kind of technical assist ance would help you work out these problems?
The main bottlenecks inhibiting the development of sustained export capacity of goods and
services are:
- Lack of financing;- very high interest rates;- lack of education, specialized training, and research and development in science and
technology;
- lack of qualified personnel, particularly in foreign trade;- lack of information on markets, technologies and competition;
- inadequacies in infrastructure and means of communication;
- inadequate shipping capacity, particularly for perishable products;- lack of quality management;WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 7
- low production levels which seriously limit export development and presence on the
world market;
- lack of laboratories for quality tests to meet international standards;- high production costs owing to scant use of capacity; high cost of imported inputs; very
high freight costs since Sao Tome and Principe is a small isolated island;
- inadequacies in telecommunication and transportation services and in port installations;- lack of incentives for export production and absence of trade promotion support
mechanisms.
(b) Are there any institutional bottlenecks, which may impede the efficient conduct of your
country's trade policies?  Provide details.  For example, what are the problems perceived by the
different actors, e.g. exporters, producers, service providers (banks, insurance companies, quality
control, transporters, etc.), professional associations and Ministries?  Are problems mainly
perceived in the area of:
(i) human resources;
(ii) management of the institution;
(iii) financial and material resources;
(iv) communication.
There are institutional bottlenecks impeding the efficient conduct of the country's trade policies,
related to the lack of interaction among public sector institutions involved in trade policy.  The problems
lie mainly in the following areas:
(i) Human resources
 Lack of technical managers familiar with trade policy issues, trade promotion, customs and
fiscal matters, international trade negotiations, etc.  This absence is felt in both the public and private
sectors.
(ii) Institutional management
- Lack of  qualified human resources;
- lack of financial resources;
- lack of familiarity with international trade issues;
- weakness of  public and private institutions.
(iii) Financial and material resources
Financial and material resources form a serious bottleneck that limits the action of public and
private institutions involved in trade policy.  The insufficiency of these resources is related to the
country's lack of capacity to generate sufficient internal revenue to finance projects in areas such as
export development and promotion, institutional strengthening, upgrading of human resources, etc.WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 8
(iv) Communication
- Lack of coordination among institutions;
- deficient means for dissemination/communication of the texts of trade-related
regulations (standards, technical regulations, etc.);
- lack of clarity in objectives and definition of priorities;
- deficient means of communication which are often in poor condition;- lack of awareness by decision makers.
(c) What are the main bottlenecks to export diversification?
The main bottlenecks to export diversification are:
- Lack of export financing;
- unfamiliarity with foreign markets;- problems with standards;
- high cost of adapting products to market requirements;
- absence of coordination between the production and export sectors;
- weak marketing and lack of professionalism on the part of exporters.
(d) If investment in the production of goods and services is inadequate, what are the main
reasons?  Please elaborate them (e.g. structural constraints, difficulties in attracting foreign
investment, limited enterprise development, financing, lack of appropriate technology, etc.).
The main reasons for inadequate investment are:
- Political instability;- lack of appropriate techniques;
- limited development of enterprises owing to insufficient investment capital, and lack of
specialized technicians and suitable sources of information;
- difficulties in attracting foreign investments owing to shortcomings in basic
infrastructure (port, airport, water, electricity, telecommunications, etc.);
- structural constraints stemming from geographic location and the disrepair and
insufficiency of transportation and communication infrastructure.
(e) Is there a national policy to encourage export-related investment opportunities?  Please
elaborate.  What arrangements are in place for reviewing, drafting and negotiating contractual
arrangements with foreign investors?
Production for export is encouraged under the Investment Code and more recently under the law
on free zones and offshore activities.  There is no structured export-oriented production policy.  With
respect to contractual arrangements with foreign investors, the country's investment legislation does not
discriminate between nationals and foreigners.  The Investment Code also applies equally to nationalsand foreigners.WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 9
(f) What are the main obstacles to the transfer, development and acquisition of technology?  Is
there any national policy/strategy in this area?  Please elaborate.
The main obstacles to the transfer, development and acquisition of technology are:
- Lack of information and high cost of technology;- lack of investment in research and development by national research institutions;- weakness of the production sector which does not have the capacity to adopt and then
adapt transferred technology owing to the lack of skilled personnel;
- lack of capacity to acquire technology adapted to our economic circumstances;- insufficiency of the legal framework and lack of basic infrastructure,
telecommunications, water, electricity, roads.
There is no national policy on the transfer, development and acquisition of technology.
(g) What are your technical assistance or other assistance needs with respect to supply
constraints?
Our technical assistance needs are:
- Study and identification of buoyant markets;- technical assistance in the diversification of production and establishment of a structure
to promote export-oriented investments;
- assistance in the field of standardization and certification and quality control of products;- modernization of legislation governing foreign trade and investment based on the world
trade regulatory framework.
Trade promotion and trade support services
Trade promotion comprises an integrated set of technical and financial services to enhance the
global competitiveness of enterprises and thus facilitate their entry and increasing participation in
international trade.
(h) Do your enterprises, especially small and medium enterprises, experience difficulties in
expanding their exports?  What are these problems in the major export sectors?
In general, our enterprises have considerable difficulties in expanding their exports.  The
problems are:
- Unfamiliarity with international markets;- lack of information and inappropriate technologies;
- lack of financing for export development;
- lack of mastery of modern management techniques and low productivity;WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 10
- difficulties in conforming to quality standards including the sanitary and phytosanitary
standards applied on foreign markets.
(i) What are the problems for your enterprises in obtaining reliable and up-to-date
information on export/import business opportunities?
Human resources to compile and disseminate information on export/import opportunities are
very limited and intensive training is required in international trade and export marketing concepts and
practices.
The following can be mentioned:
- The lack of a recognized information centre;
- the shortage of reliable and up-to-date information in the Chamber of Commerce,
Industry, Agriculture and Services;
- the insufficiency of appropriate infrastructure, particularly the scant use of information
technology, absence of statistical publications, lack of telecommunications, lack of
financial resources, etc.
(j) Can your enterprises offer products of internationally acceptable design, quality and
packaging to foreign buyers?  If not, what are the problems?
The design, quality and packaging of products offered to foreign buyers are often unacceptable.
Inappropriate and outdated equipment is used and there is a shortage of human resources specializing in
international marketing, etc.
(k) What problems, other than in terms of trade policy, do you anticipate in developing the
export of services (e.g. computer software, tourism)?
Other problems include:
- Political and social instability;
- lack of qualified human resources;
- technology (transfers);
- limited highway and communication resources;
- lack of tourist reception facilities and problems with image.
(l) What are the technical/professional problems encountered by trade support institutions
(e.g. trade promotion council, chamber of commerce, exporters association, etc.) in your country in
providing their services to export/import enterprises?
These problems are mainly related to:
- Unavailability of information;- lack of communication;
- absence of material and financial resources;
- insufficiency of human resources;WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 11
- outdated information and documentation services and lack of a structure to disseminate
information;
- lack of communication and little discussion on how to solve the problem between
importers and exporters themselves and between them and the public sector.
(m) What problems and deficiencies are experienced by enterprises in their international
purchasing and inventory management?
The problems and deficiencies concern:
- Delays in delivering merchandise;- unfamiliarity with sources of supply;- stockpiling to take advantage of low prices;
- payment for foreign market research by export service companies;
- payment of commissions, insurance premiums and other expenses;- instability in the exchange rate, shortage of foreign exchange and cash flow problems;- very high shipping and transit costs.
(n) What are the present availability and arrangements for trade finance facilities (e.g. export
credit guarantees, etc.)?  Are there any perceived deficiencies in this area?
Modern trade financing facilities do not exist in Sao Tome and Principe.  Financial institutions
(commercial banks) do not generally grant credit facilities prior to or after shipping.
There are no mechanisms for export credit guarantees.
(o) What are the main problems in the way of improving export/import management skills of
your business enterprises?  Do you have training programmes in the country?  What are the
deficiencies?
The main problems are:
- Lack of specialized training centres;
- absence of specialized training programmes in the country on export/import
management;
- general unfamiliarity with trade management by the public administration and
enterprises;
- lack of financing for market research and participation in international trade fairs.
(p) Does your trade representation service actively promote your trade?  What are the
weaknesses?WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 12
There is no trade representation service and no trade promotion structure.  Problems exist in
compiling and disseminating trade information.
(q) Briefly describe your technical assistance needs in the area of trade promotion and support
services.
The technical assistance needs are:
- Assistance in reactivating the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and
Services;
- assistance in defining a promotion strategy and programme;
- establishment of a system to promote production, particularly of selected products for
export;
- training and/or instruction for human resources;
- quality improvement and diversification of exports.
Market access
(r) What are your main market access problems?
The main market access problems are:
- A small and scantly diversified production and export base which does not permit Sao
Tome and Principe to achieve a position as a regular supplier;
- compliance by products with standards for access to the international market;- absence of suitable information on the opportunities offered on foreign markets;
- unfamiliarity with the forces that influence supply and demand;
- problems with credit, risk sharing, the negotiating capacity of producers, packaging,
standards and quality;
- settlement of commercial disputes.
All of these problems are related to the insufficiency of trade information infrastructure and the
need to restructure trade organizations and to improve the quality of exports.
(s) What specific problems or barriers, and in which countries, are most troublesome for your
exporters?
The specific barriers are:
- Problems with standards in European countries;
- quality inspection despite the use of export certificates;- observance of  the special standards and quality requirements demanded by each market;
- market organization and adaptation of products to markets.WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 13
(t) Regional and sub-regional trading arrangements (RTAs):  please list RTAs to which your
country belongs.  Are you satisfied with the performance with these RTAs?  Please state the
problems of each.  Do you have suggestions on how to solve these?
Sao Tome and Principe is a member of the following regional arrangements:
- Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)
- Lomé Convention  ACP/EU;- African Portuguese Speaking Countries (PALOP);- Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP).- ECCAS.  The institution does not play a full role in trade development in the subregion;- ACP/EU.  There are no problems;
- PALOP.  The institution has problems related to the geographic dispersal of its member
countries;
- CPLP.  Created in 1996,  its structures are still being organized;
- ECCAS and PALOP suffer from shortages of human, material and financial resources
that limit their smooth functioning.
(u) Are there any problems in utilizing the existing market access preferences, such as GSP,
GSTP?  Please state the nature of problems relating to each of these.
There are no possibilities of utilizing the existing market access preferences owing to low levels
of production and to ignorance of  their existence and the way in which they function.
Specifically, the problems are:- The structures of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism which are supposed to
manage the different preference systems do not have the possibility of utilizing them;
- exporters are unaware of the advantages offered by preferences as a tool for trade
promotion and diversification;
- lack of human resources to administer the systems;
- lack of information on these systems and insufficient supply;- problems related to eligibility criteria and documentary evidence.
(v) What are your technical assistance needs with respect to market access?
The technical assistance needs with respect to market access are:
- Training and/or instruction for managers in the field of preferences (GSP, GSTP),
including the organization of seminars and workshops for the national sectors concerned
with these mechanisms;WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 14
- acquisition of negotiating skills to participate effectively in trade negotiations;
- acquisition of  up-to-date information on market needs and trends in the developed
countries;
- improvement of information channels to facilitate fuller use of foreign opportunities
through preference systems, etc.
- a study on foreign market opportunities for the products of Sao Tome and Principe;- consultations with specialists and financial assistance to seek out markets and to conduct
trade missions and participate in trade fairs;
- support for market-penetration capacity and training for commercial attaches and agents.
C. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Technical assistance is normally provided to developing and least-developed countries to build or
enhance their human resources and institutional capacities, provide market intelligence and trade-relatedlegal support, as well as improve their supply capabilities in order to make them more active players in
the field of multilateral trade.
(a) To the extent this kind of information is easily available, could you please briefly describe
what trade-related assistance you have received over the past five years from bilateral andmultilateral sources and what projects/programmes are presently under consideration in this area?
The four following projects have received assistance:
1. ASYCUDA
Objective: Automatic treatment of import and export declarations for statistical
purposes.  The project began in 1993 and is still continuing.
2. Foreign trade and investment promotion
Objective: Development of human resources.  The project began in 1997 and the first
workshop was held in Luanda (Angola) from 5 to 20 June 1997.  Other activities are planned.
3. Institutional support for the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and Services
Objective: Institutional strengthening and the supply of equipment and materials for the
Chamber of Commerce.
4. National trade policy
Objective: Enhancement of the development capacities of public employees and
economic agents.
(b) Please summarize your technical assistance needs as well as other needs as reflected in this
check-list.  Please rank them in terms of priority.
Summary of technical assistance needs in order of priority:WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 15
1. Human resource development
- Training for public servants on all levels and for personnel directly concerned with
WTO matters to enable them to understand, interpret and implement WTO provisions;
- acquisition of negotiating skills;- training in trade polity matters, the use of preferential mechanisms (GSP, GSTP, etc.),
foreign trade promotion techniques, quality standards, standardization/tests and
metrology, trade information processing techniques, etc.;
- intensive training in export marketing;
- assistance to raise awareness in the private sector;
- establishment of foreign trade support mechanisms (market studies, participation in trade
fairs and exhibitions, etc.).
2. Reform of legislation
- Modernization of legislation and regulations in the fields of trade and investment;
- preparation of domestic laws and regulations on anti-dumping, subsidies, safeguards,
competition, organization of seminars and related matters;
- revision of the Investment Code;- preparation of legislation on quality, standardization, testing and metrology, particularly
with respect to definition of a national policy in this field.
3. Trade information
- Better trade information through the introduction of adequate management structures
(establishment of a trade information centre, a trade pole, etc.);
- production of a detailed inventory of potential exports by Sao Tome and Principe;- access to information on markets and technology;- consulting and support services to develop new exports and improve the quality, design,
and packaging of current exports;
- development of a modern trade information system.
(c) In light of the information you have been able to provide so far in response to the questions
in this check-list, what types of information are, in your view, still missing or could be improved
upon?  In order to assist you in providing this missing information, would you need technical
assistance?
The questions in the check-list cover all the pertinent subjects and no information is missing.WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 16
(d) Does your country have the technological capacity and human resources to make use of the
new information/communication technology tools such as CD-ROM, the Internet etc.?  What
assistance would you need to enable your country to use these tools in the context of training and,
more generally, in the context of trade development?
Sao Tome and Principe does not have enough technological capacity or human resources to
make full use of the new information/communication technology tools.
Technical assistance should include:- Provision of computer equipment, particularly for public sector institutions concerned
with trade policy, foreign trade promotion, etc., to enable them to better manage
industrial and commercial information as a factor in developing trade;
- extensive training programme in this field and easy access to computer software and
infrastructure services related to trade;
- establishment of a trade centre.WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 17
INTEGRATED RESPONSES BY IMF, ITC, UNCTAD,
 UNDP, WORLD BANK AND WTO
SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE2
 
Technical assistance needs identified in
the questionnaireOrganization Response
In reply to question A(k):
Technical assistance requirements as
regards compliance with WTO
Agreements
Sao Tome and Principe requires technical
assistance to secure trade information andfamiliarize economic operators and
government agents with the WTO
Agreements.
The technical assistance should focus on:1.  Structural reforms in sectors that
require new legislation or reformulation
of existing texts.UNDP/
UNCTAD/ITCUnder trade development assistance
programme RAF/96/009, a seminarwill be organized in the region and
managers from Sao Tome and
Principe can participate.
2.  Raising public awareness through
workshops and seminars.WTO Invitation to regional seminars for
least-developed French-speaking
countries in 1998/1999.
3.  Training for public servants directlyinvolved with WTO matters, particularly
customs and police officers, to respond to
legislative and regulatory notificationrequirements under the WTO
Agreements.WTO Officials from Sao Tome and
Principe will be invited under
WTO's technical assistance
programme to attend:- specialized regional seminars
which will be organized for least-
developed French-speaking
countries in 1998 and 1999;
- short courses on trade policy forleast-developed French-speaking
countries in 1998 and 1999.
4.  Establishment of a data bank.
5.  Popularization of the content of theWTO Agreements and their implications
for the multilateral trading system. 
WTO 
See below
                                                     
2 Round Table is being prepared.  Scheduled date:  1999.WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 18
Technical assistance needs identified in
the questionnaireOrganization Response
In reply to question A(l):
Technical assistance needs as regards
specific WTO Agreements
Customs valuation:  reform of legislation. UNCTAD Technical and operational evaluation
mission of the ASYCUDA system
currently in use, withrecommendations for a future switch-
over to the new version of
ASYCUDA under a new technical
assistance project.
*
Technical barriers to trade (TBT):
establishment of a test laboratory and a
documentation centre.
Sanitary and phytosanitary measures
(SPS):   reform of legislation and
establishment of inspection services for
imported and exported foodstuffs.
Market access:   access to information on
production trends and markets, trade
negotiations and specialized consulting
services.
Agreement on Agriculture:   training for
public servants concerned with matters
under this agreement in order to ensurethat notification requirements are
respected.WTO See A(k).
Rules (anti-dumping, subsidies,
safeguards, rules of origin, etc.):
training to obtain information on anti-
competitive trading practices.  Preparation
of legislation and enforcement of laws tocombat dumping and fraud.WTO See A(k).
Dispute settlement:   training in subject
areas and rules for dispute settlement
under the WTO Agreements. 
WTO 
See A(k).
Trade-related intellectual property
rights (TRIPS):   training in trade-related
intellectual property rights under the
Agreements.WTO See A(k).
                                                     
* Financing to be requested.WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 19
Technical assistance needs identified in
the questionnaireOrganization Response
In reply to question A(m):
Assessment of the existing trade analysis
and negotiating capacities
Our trade analysis and negotiating
capacities are still very weak owing to lack
of training and market information.  We donot yet have sufficient capacity for
multilateral or bilateral negotiations in
fields already covered by WTO and in
other trade-related fields (competition,
environment, etc.).  Our weakness innegotiating capacity is also explained by
our lack of training in certain more
complex techniques.WTO The short courses on trade policy will
include a training module to
familiarize participants withmultilateral trade negotiations.
ITC/ UNCTAD/UNDPThe joint ITC/UNCTAD/UNDP
regional project on "Enhancing
capacities for trade and development
in Africa" provides for training to
bolster international trade analysis
capacity.  Participants from SaoTome will be invited to attend
seminars to enhance negotiating
capacity.WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 20
Technical assistance needs identified in
the questionnaireOrganization Response
In reply to question B(g):
Technical assistance needs as regards
supply constraints
Study and identification of buoyant
markets.
Technical assistance in the diversificationof production and establishment of astructure to promote export-oriented
investments.
Assistance in the field of standardizationand certification and quality control of
products.ITC ITC will provide appropriate
institutions with specialized
documentation on quality control for
selected products.
UNDP(WIPO)Under project RAF/96/001, UNDP
will organize subregional seminars
on this topic.  Sao Tome and Principewill be invited to send one or two
managers to participate in these
seminars.
Modernization of legislation governingforeign trade and investment based on the
world trade regulatory framework.UNCTAD/
UNDPTechnical assistance was provided
under project STP/95/002 to revise
the regulatory framework governing
investments.  Supplementaryresources are required to continue the
work.
*
                                                     
* Financing to be requested.WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 21
Technical assistance needs identified in
the questionnaireOrganization Response
In reply to question B(q):
Technical assistance needs in the area of
trade promotion and support services
Assistance in reactivating the Chamber of
Commerce, Industry, Agriculture andServices.UNCTAD Under the trade pole project, the
Chamber of Commerce will be anactive partner in the pole's activities
as a supplier of services.
UNDP Under project STP/98/001, UNDP
will reinforce the technical and
operational capacity of the Chamber
of Commerce, Industry, Trade,
Agriculture and Services of SaoTome and Principe.
Assistance in defining a promotionstrategy and programme.ITC ITC is willing to advise on preparing
a programme to promote exports and
reinforce the institutional support
structure.
 *
Establishment of a system to promoteproduction, particularly of selected
products for export.
Training and/or instruction for humanresources.UNCTAD A number of tr aining courses could
be proposed in trade facilitation and
information, including financing andinternational payments, electronic
trade networks and marketing
strategies.
*
ITC/ UNCTAD/UNDPSee A(m).
Quality improvement and diversification
of exports.ITC See below and B(g).
                                                     
* Financing to be requested.WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 22
Technical assistance needs identified in
the questionnaireOrganization Response
In reply to question B(v):
Technical assistance as regards market
access
Training and/or instruction for managers
in preferences (GSP, GSTP), including the
organization of seminars and workshops
for the national sectors concerned with
these mechanisms.ITC/
UNCTAD/
UNDPUnder  project RAF/96/001, UNDP
will organize subregional seminars
on these topics which managers from
Sao Tome can attend.  See A(m).
Acquisition of negotiating skills to
participate effectively in trade
negotiations.WTO See A(m).
ITC/UNCTAD/
UNDPSee A(m).
Acquisition of  up-to-date information  on
market needs and trends in the developed
countries.UNCTAD The link to the global trade pole
network (GTPNet) will facilitate
access by SME to trade information
and global electronic trade
opportunities (ETOs).
Improvement of information channels tofacilitate fuller use of foreign opportunitiesthrough preference systems, etc.UNCTAD See below.
A study on  foreign market opportunities
for the products of Sao Tome and Principe.
Consultations with specialists andfinancial assistance to seek out markets
and to conduct trade missions and
participate in trade fairs.
Support for market-penetration capacityand training for commercial attaches andagents.ITC/
UNCTADIn cooperation with ITC, a trade pole
project will include courses on trademanagement and techniques to
facilitate imports and exports.
*
UNDP/ITC/
UNCTADUnder project RAF/96/001, UNDP
will help the Government of Sao
Tome to address part of this need.
                                                     
* Financing to be requested.WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 23
Technical assistance needs identified in
the questionnaireOrganization Response
In reply to question C(b):
Summary of technical assistance needs
according to priority
1.  Human resource development
-  Training for public servants on all levels
and for personnel directly concerned with
WTO matters to enable them to
understand, interpret and implement WTO
provisions.UNDP See A(k).
WTO See A(l) and A(m).
- Acquisition of negotiating skills. WTO See A(m).
ITC/
UNCTAD/
UNDPSee A(m).
- Training in trade polity matters, the use
of preferential mechanisms (GSP, GTSP,
etc.), foreign trade promotion techniques,quality standards, standardization/tests and
metrology, trade information processing
techniques, etc.ITC/
UNCTAD/
UNDPSee B(g) and B(v).
- Intensive training in export marketing.
- Assistance to raise awareness in the
private sector.UNCTAD Missions to raise private sector
awareness in the areas of trade
efficiency covered by the trade pole:
banks and insurance, transportation,
customs, telecommunications, tradeinformation and facilitation.
*
UNDP Under programme STP/98/001,
UNDP will help the government to
address this need.
- Establishment of foreign trade supportmechanisms (market studies, participation
in trade fairs and exhibitions, etc.). 
ITC/
UNDP 
See B(v) and B(q).
                                                     
* Financing to be requested.WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 24
Technical assistance needs identified in
the questionnaireOrganization Response
In reply to question C(b) (cont'd)
2.  Reform of legislation
- Modernization of legislation and
regulations in the fields of trade andinvestment.IMF The Fund stands ready to provide
advice as necessary reflecting the
following concern: the needsassessment indicates that import
quotas have been suppressed;
however, we understand the
application of selective foreign
exchange allocation continues – the
Fund would advise against this
distortionary practice, whichpotentially inhibits export
diversification and export growth.
UNCTAD/UNDPSee B(g).
WTO See A(m).
- Preparation of domestic laws and
regulations on anti-dumping, subsidies,
safeguards, competition, organization of
seminars and related matters.
- Revision of the Investment Code. UNCTAD/
UNDPSee B(g).
- Preparation of legislation on quality,
standardization, testing and metrology,particularly with respect to definition of a
national policy in this field.UNDP See B(v).
3. Trade information
- Better trade information through the
introduction of adequate management
structures (establishment of a tradeinformation centre, a trade pole, etc.). UNDP  See B(v).
ITC/
UNCTADFeasibility study to determine the
local conditions necessary for the
trade pole to function and improve
access by SME to trade information.
This will facilitate the use of
appropriate trade informationservices to improve the commercial
effectiveness of local export and
import companies.
*
                                                     
* Financing to be requested.WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 25
Technical assistance needs identified in
the questionnaireOrganization Response
In reply to question C(b) (cont'd)
- Production of a detailed inventory of
potential exports by Sao Tome and
Principe.
- Access to information on markets andtechnology.ITC/
UNCTADSee below.  Through the link to
GTPNet, the trade pole will improveaccess by SME to electronic trade,
information on suppliers, the latest
technologies and regional and
international markets.
- Consulting and support services todevelop new exports and improve the
quality, design, and packaging of currentexports.ITC See B(g).
- Development of a modern trade
information system.ITC/
UNCTADSee below.  Technical assistance
through the link to GTPNet based on
local needs, particularly in the field
of telecommunications.  This will
facilitate access to data bases on
trade information, accompanied bytraining on the opportunities offered
by the Internet, especially GTPNet
and the electronic trade opportunities
system (ETO).WT/COMTD/IF/39
Page 26
Technical assistance needs identified in
the questionnaireOrganization Response
In reply to question C(d):
Technical assistance needs in the area of
information technolo gy including training
of human resources
Sao Tome and Principe does not have
enough technological capacity or human
resources to make full use of the new
information and communication
technology tools.
Technical assistance should include:-  Provision of computer equipment,
particularly for public sector institutions
concerned with trade policy, foreign trade
promotion, etc., to enable them to better
manage industrial and commercial
information as a factor in developing trade.UNCTAD/
ITCSee C(b).
-  Extensive training programme in this
field and easy access to computer software
and infrastructure services related to trade.
-  Establishment of a trade centre. UNCTAD/
ITCEstablishment of a trade pole will
foster trade in products and services,
through GTPNet and the ETO
system.*
__________
                                                     
* Financing to be requested.