MoCI has primary responsibility for developing and implementing the country’s international trade policies in order to expand trade, and to establish an enabling environment that will foster accelerated private sector-led growth and development. It is responsible for providing advice to policy makers, including supporting negotiations for all international trade and transit agreements. Afghanistan has entered, or is expecting to enter into, more than 20 formal trade and transit agreements, including the process for acceding to the WTO.

The project consisted of two work streams: the first delivered a training programme for International Trade General Directorate staff to enhance their analytical skills for effective trade policy-making, which included assessing training needs, designing a tailored course, and evaluating capacity improvements. The second work stream developed a strategy for managing existing trade agreements and negotiating new ones, focusing on organisational structure, resource efficiency, and prioritising negotiations. Additionally, the project provided ad hoc advice on trade issues, including a cost-benefit analysis of WTO accession and guidance on special economic zones and industrial parks.

• Increased MoCI Capacity: Enhanced the International Trade General Directorate’s ability to implement and negotiate trade agreements, including WTO commitments.
• Effective Training Programme: Developed and delivered a targeted training programme to improve analytical skills among ITGD staff.
• Established Trade Management Strategy: Created a comprehensive strategy for managing trade negotiations, including operational procedures and resource recommendations.