1. BACKGROUND

The Jordan Economic Reform Activity Task Order 1 (ERA) is a 5-year, $54 million program funded by USAID, which aims to support the Government of Jordan (GOJ) to prioritize and implement economic reforms. Through coordination with the GOJ, the Jordanian and international private sector, other donors, and Jordanian civil society, ERA will (1) advance economic reforms, (2) strengthen the business enabling environment, (3) increase exports and local, regional, and international investments, and (4) respond to emerging priorities. 

1. OBJECTIVE

The Economic Reform Activity Task Order 1 (ERA) aims to explore the feasibility of establishing trade office(s) in priority export market(s) (e.g. United States and Gulf Cooperation Council) to enhance the promotion of Jordanian businesses through export promotion. The consultant will conduct a comprehensive study of trade offices, drawing insights from successful models such as the Arab Potash Corp Rep. Office in Brazil and other export promotion agencies (EPA). The resulting feasibility study is expected to give evidence-based information for the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply (MoITS) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on the expected impact of the creation of trade office(s).

This activity will contribute to ERA’s export promotion component and will be measured against the following indicator(s):

Indicator 3: Number of governmental entities that implemented (new/upgraded) systems/tools/ processes/working methods to improve (specific area of service/functions)

Indicator 4: Number of capacity building activities for government employees completed

III. DETAILED RESPONSIBILITIES

Task 1: Market Analysis and Prioritization

1. Develop methodology/parameters (e.g. gross domestic product, logistical ease, free trade agreements) by which priority markets will be determined. The methodology for analysis/parameters will be shared with the Ministry and ERA prior to the STTA identifying priority markets.
2. Prioritize markets based on economic viability and strategic importance with National Export Strategy (NES) and Economic Modernization Vision (EMV)
3. Conduct desk research to evaluate successful models, such as the following:
   1. Arab Potash Corp Rep. Office in Brazil Model: Assess its operational structure and success factors.
   2. Successful Export Promotion Agencies (EPA) Models: Study strategies adopted by successful EPAs.
   3. Market Entry Models: Explore direct exports, distributors, joint ventures, and representative offices.
   4. Global Business Hub Models: Examine successful global business hubs as central points for trade.
   5. Digital Trade Office Models: Explore virtual or digital trade office models leveraging technology.

Task 2: Feasibility Assessment

1. Assess the feasibility of establishing trade office(s) in selected markets, regulatory requirements, market trends, and potential challenges.

Task 3: Best Model Recommendation

1. Propose the most suitable model for the trade office(s) based on the feasibility assessment.
2. Detail the proposed organizational structure, roles, and responsibilities.
3. Provide recommendations for adapting successful models to the Jordanian context.