Box 8: The Cocoa Additive Value Chain Table 4: An Action Plan for Supporting Value Chain Development Policy Directive Rationale Key Implementation Activity This is a routine function of Markets should be identified in key export Assess the government and sectors. market agencies in Switch some of the market-intelligence potential in key most African economies. towards regional African markets and export sectors, For historical reasons most markets in other emerging economies. particularly in African economies trade links are focused on regional northern markets. markets Different export markets Government can assist local producers Help exporters will have different seeking to export, especially small and to assess the characteristics with respect medium sized firms, to search and analyse character of to quality, price and these market characteristics. demand in standards. Regional African markets are likely to have different less demanding standards than northern markets markets, and determining this should be a component of market intelligence activities. Lead firms ensure Develop locally based independent business Meeting standards compliance (for service providers standards example with regard to ISO Provide some form of temporary incentive or required in standards) by utilising direct support to local business service different export externally based providers, depending on the sector and the markets independent business level of economic diversification in the services providers to exporting economy. monitor local producers.
Box 8: The Cocoa Additive Value Chain Table 4: An Action Plan for Supporting Value Chain Development Policy Directive Rationale Key Implementation Activity Assess the market potential in key export sectors, particularly in regional markets This is a routine function of government and agencies in most African economies. For historical reasons most African economies trade links are focused on northern markets. Markets should be identified in key export sectors. Switch some of the market-intelligence towards regional African markets and markets in other emerging economies. Help exporters to assess the character of demand in different markets Different export markets will have different characteristics with respect to quality, price and standards. Government can assist local producers seeking to export, especially small and medium sized firms, to search and analyse these market characteristics. Regional African markets are likely to have less demanding standards than northern markets, and determining this should be a component of market intelligence activities. Meeting standards required in different export markets Lead firms ensure standards compliance (for example with regard to ISO standards) by utilising externally based independent business services providers to monitor local producers. Develop locally based independent business service providers Provide some form of temporary incentive or direct support to local business service providers, depending on the sector and the level of economic diversification in the exporting economy.