Study on Trade Support Network Development in Bangladesh (2002)

The assignment involved conducting a research study on the development of the trade support network in Bangladesh. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in collaboration with the World Trade Organization’s International Trade Centre (WTO-ITC), engaged Young Consultants (YC) to undertake supporting research to identify challenges affecting the trade support network and explore ways to address them. The study involved reviewing existing research, collecting primary and secondary data, consulting relevant stakeholders, and analyzing findings to support the development and strengthening of trade support services in Bangladesh.

Scope of Services Provided
1. Desk Research and Review of Existing Studies

Conducted desk-based research and reviewed existing studies, research papers, and relevant documents concerning trade support network development. Identified key issues and gathered background information to inform the study.

2. Questionnaire Development and Primary Data Collection

Designed and prepared a standardized questionnaire to collect the necessary primary data from relevant stakeholders. Ensured that the questionnaire addressed the key research objectives and information requirements.

3. Secondary Data Collection

Collected relevant secondary data and information from available sources to support the assessment of the trade support network and provide context for the research findings.

4. Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews

Conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews with relevant stakeholders to gather insights, identify challenges, and understand the issues affecting trade support network development.

5. Data Processing, Analysis, and Reporting

Processed and analyzed the collected data using appropriate statistical tools and techniques. Interpreted the findings to identify key challenges and develop evidence-based insights relevant to the study objectives.

6. Draft Report Preparation and Stakeholder Consultation

Prepared the draft research report and circulated it among key stakeholders for review, comments, and observations. Incorporated relevant feedback to improve the accuracy and quality of the report.

7. Final Report Preparation and Submission

Finalized the report by incorporating stakeholder feedback and submitted the completed research findings and recommendations to the client.

Key Deliverable
A finalized research report on trade support network development in Bangladesh, incorporating desk research, primary and secondary data collection, stakeholder consultations, statistical analysis, and feedback from key stakeholders.

Assignment Details
Client: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) / World Trade Organization – International Trade Centre (WTO-ITC)
Project Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Client Address: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Approximate Contract Value: Not provided
Assignment Duration: 2 months
Start Date: February 2002
Completion Date: March 2002
Total Staff-Months: 2
Associated Consultants: Not specified
Professional Staff-Months Provided by Associated Consultants: N/A
Senior Professional Staff Involved
Name
Designation / Function
M. Zakir Hossain
Key Researcher
S. M. Firoz Hasan
Coordinator