Analysis of Agri-Food Trade Structures
to Promote Agri-Food Trade Networks
among the OIC Member Countries
130
Annex 2 – Semi-Structured Interview Instrument
The purpose of this document is to provide the outline for a 20-30 minute discussion with
government officials and other knowledgeable parties dealing with agri-food trade. The questions
are designed to be starting points for a broader discussion, and the interviewee should be asked at
the end if there is any supplementary or complementary information s/he wishes to provide. When
precise quantitative data are not available, interviewees should be asked to provide “best guess”
estimates based on their experience. The intended audience includes officials of relevant agencies,
line ministries (trade, and agriculture), international development partners, and potentially
representatives of the private sector, including peak bodies (chambers of commerce).
1. What have been the recent trends in the development of the agri-food sector, as defined by
the project TORs? How do local agri-food markets connect with world markets, and in
particular other OIC member countries? What does the country’s pattern of comparative
advantage as expressed through trade specialization look like? How has that been changing
over time? Is there any evidence of product or process upgrading in agri-food sectors, or the
introduction of new products?
2. What are the perceived benefits of world agri-food markets for the country? Is integration
viewed as more of an opportunity (e.g., lower prices, increased variety), or more of a threat
(e.g., constraints on local producers)? How is displacement of local production by more
competitive imports handled?
3. What policy measures have been implemented in recent years to develop the
competitiveness of the agri-food sector? How successful have they been?
4. What has been the country’s focus on trade with other OIC member countries? Is this dealt
with as a specific issue, or is it part of a more general trade development strategy? What
measures have been implemented to boost international trade in agri-food products, in
particular with OIC member states?
5. Do local producers make use of local or regional quality scheme labeling, such as regional
labels, Halal certification, or geographical indications?
6. What are the main barriers faced by local producers looking to integrate further with world
markets, including those of other OIC member countries? How do they deal with tariffs and
non-tariff measures, especially product standards, including health and safety
requirements? Are there any reciprocal measures in place to assist with these processes,
such as mutual recognition agreements (either of standards or of testing)? What structures
are in place for certification, and how does that interact with market integration?
7. What is the influence of regional trade agreements (RTAs) on agri-food exports and
imports?
8. What in the interviewee’s view are the main drivers of trade with regional partner countries
and OIC member countries? What can policymakers and the private sector do to help
promote sustainable regional and OIC-wide trade networks in agri-food products?