Methodology

The approach developed in each of the selected countries emphasizes the social factors that are crucial to competitiveness in their interdependence with the economic aspects of development.

The overall objective, in each country and in the light of its particular conditions, is to develop a strategic approach for bringing TCF enterprises up to date, an approach that is coordinated in its economic and social dimensions with a view to promoting decent work in these industries.

The immediate goals are:

1. to summarize and evaluate current knowledge on the TCF sectors, identifying the key aspects of competitiveness including social factors;
2. to define and implement integrated policies and programmes aimed at boosting competitiveness by promoting decent work;
3. to develop capacities for consultation and dialogue with the social partners in the sector with a view to formulating and implementing an overall strategy for economic and social development in the TCF sectors.

The product developed in each country comprises a coordinated and integrated approach to improving productivity and competitiveness by promoting decent work.

The main activities are:

1. an economic and social “survey” of the TCF industries to identify the key economic and social determinants in competitiveness. This survey would be carried out by national consultants with the technical support of the Office;
2. establishing in each country a tripartite steering committee to monitor the project. It would propose the main thrusts of the programme, validate the research phase (“survey”) and, with the Office’s help, draw up terms of reference for a draft action programme;
3. the final text of the action programme comprising two main elements, namely:
   • programmes and policies for implementation at national level;
   • action to define the areas in which the sectoral constituents might wish to obtain specific help from the Office.

The steering committee is responsible for following up and implementing programmes and policies. It also provides an interface with the support activities and programmes requested from the Office.

At the end of this series of pilot exercises, there will be an evaluation exercise on the national programmes established. A report summarizing this evaluation exercise will be produced by the ILO.