Working with NGOs: Focusing on Development Is the Key to Partnership between Trade Agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations

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If the governments, donors and development agencies that drive trade development activities are to increase the development impact of their efforts, they must bring nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) into the mainstream of trade development.

Development is a complex process, not measurable in per capita GDP (gross domestic product) alone. Economic, social and political institutions are tied to development and efforts to transform them should reflect this relationship.

Most "official" trade development efforts, however, tend to define their goals only in economic--trade and business--terms. NGOs, experienced in the many sides of development, can help address these limitations.

It seems obvious for these partners with complementary strengths to work together. Why doesn't this happen more? Often, the block is ideological. NGOs' independence means they will not take part in programmes in which they do not believe. At the same time, governments and donors do not want to be coerced by unelected "special interests" into activities that are not consistent with their own philosophies.

The answer may be to focus on development as a common ground for cooperation. Following are a few recommendations to improve trade development through donor and NGO …