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About TCBoost

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About

Why TCBoost?

Globalization is a powerful force. It has improved living standards on an unprecedented scale. But global markets, capital, technology, and products have not reached every country, nor all segments of society within a given country. The purpose of the Worldwide Support for Trade Capacity Building project, or TCBoost, is to provide technical assistance that builds trade capacity and transforms the growth trajectory of developing countries.

What is TCBoost?

TCBoost is a rapid response mechanism that addresses a wide variety of needs in developing countries. Sponsored by USAID’s Bureau of Economic Growth, Agriculture & Trade (EGAT), TCBoost gives USAID/Washington, USAID missions, and trade hubs access to expert assistance in determining the needs of developing-country partners and stakeholders and in designing and implementing projects that meet those needs.

What does TCBoost offer?

TCBoost’s pioneering analysis, practical tools, and customized training fill information and knowledge gaps, generate demand for services, and enhance EGAT’s reputation as a thought leader and premier practitioner in trade capacity building. Areas of expertise include:

  • Trade facilitation and customs reform
  • Trade policymaking, negotiations, and capacity building
  • Export diversification and competitiveness
  • Economic adjustments to trade liberalization
  • Labor, environment, and gender specific effects in trade
  • Sector analysis: services, intellectual property, textiles and apparel

What products does TCBoost have?

TCBoost customizes deliverables for each mission, much like its predecessors—the Support for Trade Capacity Building Activities (STCBA) and Facilitating Streamlined Trade (FASTrade) projects—did in 30 countries. TCBoost deliverables might include

  • Analysis and research
  • Needs assessments on specific topics such as customs reform
  • Short courses for USAID staff and host country partners on a variety of subjects
  • Best practice guides.

Who implements TCBoost?

The joint venture DAI/Nathan Group is implementing TCBoost, bringing to bear a cumulative 95 years of experience in development consulting in more than 150 countries. Nathan Associates, the lead firm for TCBoost, has led similar programs throughout the world, including the predecessor STCBA project. DAI and our subcontractors—Associates for International Resources in Development (AIRD), Sandler and Travis Trade Advisory Services (STTAS), the QED Group, and Development Training Services (dTS)—provide assistance in specialized subjects, including customs and trade facilitation, trade-related labor market adjustments, knowledge management, and gender-specific effects of trade.

Get to know the TCBoost team and how we can help you integrate TCB into your programs.