Trade Facilitation and Competitiveness Project in Cambodia: Analysis of Consulting Services Requirements

Strategic Insights -

The Royal Government of Cambodia, with financing from the International Development Association (World Bank), European Commission, and AusAID, is undertaking the Trade Facilitation and Competitiveness Project. This project aims to streamline and automate trade facilitation procedures, build private sector capacity to export, and support the introduction of competitive private participation in infrastructure. To prepare for this project, the Government has applied for a Project Preparation Facility and intends to apply part of the proceeds to payments for consulting services.

Key Takeaways:

  • The project requires a Strategic Review of the role of CamControl, an Agency of the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce, which will conduct an organizational analysis and review of the role of CamControl, proposing options for its future mandate and operations.
  • A Requirements Analysis for ICT System Development will assess the information and communication technology requirements for the development of an automated, seamless trade facilitation process across Government agencies, recommending existing "off the shelf" software packages and an overall architecture.
  • The project also requires Human Resources Development Plans, Performance Measurement Systems, PPI Capacity Building Plans, and the establishment of Implementation Manuals.
  • The Royal Government of Cambodia intends to apply part of the proceeds from the Project Preparation Facility to payments for consulting services, which will be selected in accordance with the World Bank's Guidelines.
  • The project will be financed through grants from the International Development Association (World Bank), European Commission, and AusAID.

Statistics:

  • The project has a total budget of US$ 580,000 equivalent from the World Bank toward the cost of project preparation.
  • The project requires four staff months for the Strategic Review of CamControl, starting on or after 25 November 2004.
  • The Requirements Analysis for ICT System Development will take an estimated four staff months, starting on or after 20 December 2004.
  • Two full-time consultants will be hired for a period of two months each starting on or after 20 December 2005 for the Human Resources Development Plan.
  • The Performance Measurement System will be developed by a consulting firm for a two-month period with an expected starting date of 30 November 2005.
  • The PPI Capacity Building Plan will be prepared by a consultant for an unspecified period.
  • The Implementation Manual will be established by a consultant familiar with World Bank projects for a two-month period with an expected starting date of 2 January 2005.

Sources:

  • World Bank's Guidelines: Procurement under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits (May 2004)
  • World Bank's Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers (May 2004)
  • United Nations Development Business (UNDB) Print Edition: Issue No. 643, 30 November 2004
  • Asia Pulse 11-11 1624