The Holistic 3Cs Approach

The development of industrial exports is a multidimensional process requiring effective policies and governance systems to create a stimulating environment for trade.

It also requires a wide diffusion of knowledge, information, skills and technologies across economic agents and institutions to ensure that export growth is diversified and sustainable, and contributes to the creation of an equitable society.

To address the many complex factors underlying successful industrial exports effectively, UNIDO has adopted a holistic approach to trade capacity building structured around three elements:

• Developing competitive manufacturing capability;
• Developing and promoting conformity with market requirements;
• Enhancing connectivity to markets

The different activities under these headings can be described briefly as follows:

Competitivness

Activities under this heading strengthen capacities to produce competitive goods. Projects are based on a rigorous analysis of competitive potential at product and sub-sector level and of supply-side constraints. The services focus on SMEs and include the creation of a policy environment that stimulates trade, the upgrading of industrial activities and the creation of capacity to meet international standards, client requirements and environmental regulations.

Conformity

Activities under this heading upgrade the conformity assessment infrastructure, improve the capacity and bona fides of domestic laboratories and establish adequate sampling and testing capacity. As a result, the effectiveness of the infrastructure is increased while its cost is reduced; larger shares in export markets can be captured and local customers are better protected from sub-standard products.

Connectivity

Activities under this heading facilitate cross-border transactions, increase the understanding of developing countries of international trade rules and help them to play an active, effective role in international trade negotiations and agreements.