France and building trade capacity in developing countries (15 Oct. 2020)

The Trade Capacity-Building Programme (PRCC) is France’s main bilateral assistance aid-for-trade tool. Implemented by the AFD, it is an important instrument in France’s development assistance policy and helps contribute to France’s strategic positioning in recipient countries, in line with its economic diplomacy goals.

Through higher international standards, intellectual protection, geographical indications and the development of sectors, the PRCC is an instrument which encourages inclusive and sustainable growth. It is also part of the President of the French Republic’s wish to boost relations between France and Africa, by especially focusing on the development of the private sector, young people in Africa and female entrepreneurs.

Since its launch in 2003, the PRCC has set up almost 100 projects which help build the trade capacity of developing countries, particularly the LDCs, and aims to promote exchanges between them and their integration into the global trading system, in line with the principles set out by the WTO. It has now been renewed for the 6th time for the 2020-2022 period. It is equally funded by the Directorate-General of the Treasury and the Directorate-General for Global Affairs (€30 million in total). Contributions from the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) should also be noted for the three years ahead, as it will lend its experience in certification of agricultural products and the management of agrochemical regulations.