National Competitiveness
Strategy
Improving export competitiveness requires a strategy to improve
the business environment and export competency at the national
level. The strategy should focus on cross-cutting issues, with the
needs of key growth sectors determining areas for priority
attention.
National Branding
National branding can boost a country's profile on the
international business scene, but strategists must think long term
and promote national characteristics that match business
reality.
Sectoral Competitiveness
Value chain analysis highlights links in the chain where firms
and countries can capture more value from exports.
In-country Alliances
Industrial clusters, contract farming, export production
villages, business networks and alliances between non-governmental
organizations and exporters provide ways to improve a country's
international position while reducing its reliance on foreign
direct investment.
Measuring Performance
Trade development officials need benchmarks to establish how far
they are meeting their objectives. They should try to measure
impact, not just resource inputs and service outputs. New tools
such as ITC's benchmarking tools, the balanced scorecard and
contingent valuation by users are useful for conducting
evaluations.