Facilitating Trade, Access to Trade Finance, and Remittances
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velopment in origin countries. G8 countries have yet to develop welldefined comprehensive programs to facilitate diaspora trade, investment, and technology transfer. Existing programs have consisted of small grants or matching grants initiatives, such as the Development Marketplace for African Diaspora in Europe, the African Diaspora Marketplace, and the European Commission–United Nations Joint Migration and Development Initiative. The Fonds Sindibad has, together with the French Development Agency, provided additional funds for innovative projects run by Moroccans living in France. France and Tunisia established in 2008 a Framework Agreement on Migration and Development to support initiatives by Tunisians living in France for the transfer of remittances and investments in manufacturing, agricultural, and service activities. However, little evaluation of these programs has been conducted. New programs have also been established.12
Diaspora engagement: Key selected recommendations Short-term: • Strengthen engagement of Partnership countries’ embassies with their diasporas with a view to identifying the diaspora and facilitating investment and trade contacts. Steps include outreach programs to gain more information, coordination with ministerial departments, and training of embassy staff in contacting diaspora members. Medium-term: • Establish dedicated diaspora programs in Deauville partners to facilitate diaspora trade, investment, and technology and skill transfers, and promote development in origin countries, in consultation with Partnership countries. • Harness diaspora savings through the possible issuance by Partnership countries of targeted financial instruments, such as diaspora bonds and housing and microfinance programs.
Notes 1. Morocco is not included in the International LPI ranking due to limited data availability. 2. The cost measure does not include tariffs or trade taxes. Only official costs are recorded. Inland transport costs are based on distance to the shipping port. The methodology, surveys, and data are available at http://www.doingbusiness.org. 3. Morocco, Tunisia, Syria, and Jordan are members of TIR, but it is used exclusively for trade with third countries (Europe or Turkey).