COMCEC Trade Outlook 2019
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Development of Trade (ICDT) prepared a feasibility study on the modality of the network. The
TINIC became operational in 1996. It was restructured in 2001 in order to meet the growing
needs of the private sector of the Member States.
COMCEC also initiated Islamic Trade Fairs which are organized biannually in one of the Member
States. Islamic Trade Fairs bring together the producers from the Member States together to
increase awareness and support intra-OIC trade. In recent years, ICDT is also organizing
sectorial trade fairs and exhibitions in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the COMCEC.
Moreover, COMCEC initiated the Private Sector Meetings, organized annually in one of the
Member States. The Private Sector Meetings bring the business owners, firm representatives
and chambers to discuss their common challenges, needs and cooperation opportunities. These
meetings also present opportunities for partnership and trade.
Furthermore, COMCEC Trade Working Group deliberated on the Trade Promotion
Organizations (TPOs), which are one of the most important institutions utilized by governments
to support SMEs exports. Most of the OIC Member States now have newly established
institutions or existing governmental bodies that serve as TPOs. The research report titled
“Promoting the SMEs Exports in the OIC Member Countries: The Role of the TPOs”
commissioned by the COMCEC Coordination Office for the 1st Meeting of the COMCEC Trade
Working Group, designates following actions as the main services provided by TPOs;
 Provision of information about overseas markets,
 Business consultancy for new exporters or companies that intend to expand their
international business,
 Networking with potential business partners in foreign markets,
 Support in participation to trade fairs and organization of mission tours to foreign
markets,
 Seminars and training courses to enhance the managerial ability of exporters and/or
mentoring services,
 Financial support to exporters.
The study recommends several strands of actions for policy development to OIC Member States
such as;
 Greater emphasis on intra-OIC trade activities through the development of multilateral
agreements or possible free trade zone agreements,
 Institutional focus on developing soft infrastructure of skills development and of
entrepreneurship,
 Strengthening and development of an exclusive front on new Technologies,
 Promotion of public-private partnerships,
 Development of a data infrastructure, to monitor business dynamics and performance
by size of firms 43.
Moreover, the COMCEC TWG has focused on the theme of Special Economic Zones in the OIC
Member States in its 10th Meeting held on November 2nd, 2017. During the meeting, the
43 COMCEC Coordination Office, 2013a.