Enhanced Integrated Framework
The Enhanced Integrated Framework for Trade-Related Assistance for the Least Developed Countries (commonly abbreviated as EIF) is a global development program with the objective of supporting least developed countries (LDCs) to better integrate into the global trading system and to make trade a driver for development. The multi-donor program was launched on 1 January 2007 as the successor of the Integrated Framework for Trade-Related Technical Assistance to the Least-Developed Countries (commonly abbreviated as IF), which existed from October 1997 to December 2006. The second phase of the EIF has started on 1 January 2016 and will last for 7 years.
| Abbreviation | EIF |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Integrated Framework for Trade-Related Assistance for the Least Developed Countries |
| Formation | January 1, 2007 |
| Type | International trade organization |
| Headquarters | Geneva, Switzerland |
Official language | English, French, Portuguese |
Executive Director | Ratnakar Adhikari |
| Affiliations | World Trade Organization (WTO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, United Nations Development Program (UNDP), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) |
| Website | www.enhancedif.org |
The EIF represents a partnership between different stakeholders in international development assistance including several UN agencies, regional inter-governmental organizations and other donors. The program is supported by a multi-donor trust fund with paid-up capital of USD $165 million (as of 30 April 2012) for development interventions in 49 Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
The EIF is being promoted by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) as the preferred way to provide official development assistance to LDC's as part of the global Aid for Trade Initiative.