Expert Deployment Mechanism for Trade and Development

This project aims to reduce poverty in developing countries by expanding trade and investment to create jobs and achieve growth that works for everyone. The project responds to requests for technical assistance from developing countries by providing a wide range of assistance prior to during and following the negotiations of free trade agreement (FTA) or foreign investment promotion and protection agreement (FIPA) with Canada. Project activities include: (1) helping to address the development aspects of priority trade issues in the lead-up to FTA/FIPA negotiations; (2) improving the ability of developing country governments to take into account the perspectives of poor populations when negotiating a FTA/FIPA; (3) supporting trade associations in developing countries to identify the economic and poverty impacts of FTAs/FIPAs; and (4) helping local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) increase their competitiveness in light of new trade and investment regimes in order to expand employment opportunities for the poor.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased quality and number of potentially gender-sensitive inclusive efficient and effective trade and investment negotiations and agreements between Canada and partner country governments; (2) improved formulation and implementation of gender-sensitive pro-poor and inclusive legislation regulations or policies related to the implementation of trade and investment agreements with Canada by partner country governments; and (3) improved market readiness and productivity of key sectors benefitting poor populations in partner countries especially women and girls and other under- represented groups such as SMEs Indigenous Peoples and youth.