In this issue, we introduce a new feature that puts the
spotlight on individual Trade Forum
readers. They reveal how they are using the magazine to get to
grips with trade development trends and issues. Magatte N'doye,
Coordinator of a trade projects' planning and coordination group in
Senegal's Ministry of Trade and Consumption, is the first reader we
interviewed.
Senegal recently launched a new export-driven growth strategy,
which ITC is helping to implement. ITC also chose Senegal as a
pilot country for its new approach to trade-related technical
assistance.
Q: How long have you been reading our
magazine?
A: It's been 30 years. I've subscribed to the
French version since 1977 - as long as I've known ITC. It's a
precious document, which I've been keeping carefully. Some of my
colleagues know this, and they borrow issues from me now and
then.
In the 70s and 80s, the magazine was very different to today. It
has evolved a lot, in look as well as content, but for me, it's
still a working tool and a unique source of information. Before, I
remember that the magazine focused more on subjects like product
marketing and international marketing, as well as providing very
interesting information on trade techniques, such as Incoterms. Of
course, the magazine has evolved a lot in 30 years and I've been
following its evolution.
Q: How would you describe this
evolution?
A: I think the magazine was able to adapt to
changes in the environment and context for international trade,
marked by trade liberalization and the arrival of the multilateral
trading system. Today, the magazine covers very specific topics,
explaining how to benefit from the multilateral trading system and
trade negotiations taking place at the WTO. I find you approach
these issues in a very pragmatic way, which is something I
appreciate.
Q: How do you use Trade Forum?
A: Today I use Trade
Forum a lot because it is an essential tool to keep
me up to speed in a sector as dynamic as international trade. I
also used it in my daily work when I was at the Centre Sénégalais
du Commerce Extérieur [Senegalese centre for foreign trade], our
export promotion body in the 70s and 80s. Previously, when I was
teaching international marketing, I used Trade
Forum articles several times to prepare my classes
and often gave extracts to my students to illustrate themes from my
lessons. I also used it to prepare case studies or to set exam
questions. A case study on national export strategies is one of my
favourites. I remember that you devoted a whole issue to this
subject.
Q: Do you prefer the print or the online
version?
A: I must confess that I don't know the online
version - yet. But now that you've alerted me, I'll be sure to
consult it.
Q: Are there any subjects you would like to see
addressed in Trade Forum?
A: I'd like to see more stories on sub-Saharan
Africa and on the evolution in its international trade. What are
the existing support mechanisms and their performance, the
possibilities for cooperation which may exist between these
countries through bodies such as chambers of commerce and industry
or agriculture, with international organizations in the area of
trade-related technical assistance, etc.?
It would also be useful if Trade Forum
showcased ITC tools, which aren't always well known by potential
users.
Trade Forum's Luisa Cassaro interviewed Mr
N'doye. If you would like to be featured as a reader, write tocassaro@intracen.org