2011 1st half year report jan jun

7/30/2019 2011 1st Half Year Report Jan Jun

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MSME PROJECTMinistry of Trade & Industry

2

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 3

1.1. BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................. 3

1.2. CHANGES IN PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION ............................................................................... 32. REPORT ON PROJECT COMPONENTS ............................................................................................... 3

2.1. ACCESS TO FINANCE ................................................................................................................... 3

2.1.1. LINE OF CREDIT ..................................................................................................................................... 3

2.1.2. PARTIAL CREDIT GUARANTEE ......................................................................................................... 4

2.1.3. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO BANKS ............................................................................................... 4

2.1.4. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS ........................................................................................ 4

2.2. ACCESS TO MARKETS ................................................................................................................. 5

2.2.1. BDS FUND .......................................................................................................................................... 5

2.2.2. INDUSTRIAL SUB-CONTRACTING & PARTNERSHIP EXCHANGES (SPX)......................................... 52.2.3. WEB-BASED PRODUCT GALLERY...................................................................................................... 5

2.3. ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT ....................................................................................... 6

2.3.1. ABRAFO CRAFT VILLAGES & TOURISM VALUE CHAIN ................................................................... 6

2.3.2. CREATIVE INDUSTRIES ..................................................................................................................... 6

2.3.3. ELECTRICITY AT ADJABENG .............................................................................................................. 7

2.3.4. ICT PARK ............................................................................................................................................ 7

2.3.5. RURAL TECHNOLOGY FACILITIES ..................................................................................................... 7

2.3.6. STORM DRAIN & WATER AT MPIP .................................................................................................. 8

2.4. TRADE FACILITATION ................................................................................................................. 9

2.4.1. EXPORT TRAINING MODULES & PROCESSED FOODS ................................................................... 9

2.4.2. NATIONAL EXPORT STRATEGY ........................................................................................................ 9

2.4.3. PTIS/ SME DATABASE ....................................................................................................................... 9

3. REPORT ON PROJECT INDICATORS .................................................................................................. 11

4. FINANCIAL SUMMARY ...................................................................................................................... 13

5. PROCUREMENT REPORT .................................................................................................................. 14

6. CHALLENGES...................................................................................................................................... 18

6.1. GOVERNMENT COUNTERPART FUNDING ................................................................................ 18

6.2. OBSTACLES IN PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION ........................................................................... 186.2.1. GHANA FREE ZONES BOARD .......................................................................................................... 18

6.2.2. CEDECOM ......................................................................................................................................... 18

6.3. MSME WEBSITE .......................................................................................................................... 18

7. CONCLUSION ..................................................................................................................................... 19


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1. INTRODUCTION1.1. BACKGROUNDThis document is a progress report on the implementation of the various components of the MSMEProject in Ghana from January to June 2011.

The Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) Project is a joint Government of Ghana, IDA and IFC

MSME Program which aims to increase the competitiveness and employment levels of Ghanaian

MSMEs.

The project was formulated to complement Governments Medium-Term Private Sector Strategy

(PSDS) and the Trade Sector Support Programme (TSSP) which aim to trigger shared growth and

lower poverty levels through increasing the competitiveness and employment levels of MSMEs in

Ghana.

1.2. CHANGES IN PROJECT IMPLEMENTATIONIn March 2011, the World Bank made changes to the Development Credit Agreement. These

changes include;

i. Extension of the end of project to June 2013 (for selected components only)ii. Cancellation of US$10 million from the project, andiii. A number of other changes including the amendment to the set of indicators

2. REPORT ON PROJECT COMPONENTS2.1. ACCESS TO FINANCE2.1.1. LINE OF CREDITThe Line of Credit (LOC) component was designed to offer participating banks access to long-term

funds to enable them offer MSMEs longer-term loans to improve their businesses and make them

more competitive.


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4

IFC has held a number of meetings with two banks (GT Bank and Stanbic Bank) which may lead to

the start of this component. It is still not very clear when this component will finally take off.

2.1.2. PARTIAL CREDIT GUARANTEEThe Partial Credit Guarantee (PCG) offers participating banks some cushion on the losses they may

occur in dealing with MSMEs. This is to motivate the participating banks to improve lending to

MSMEs.

Ecobank has signed on and is operational. No claims have been made on the facility so far, and it is

hoped that the need will not arise.

CAL Bank is going through the final formalities to sign on to the PCG. The Risk Sharing Agreement is

being finalized, and should be signed within the third quarter.

2.1.3. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO BANKSThis component is meant to improve the (M)SME Departments of participating banks to enable

them better understand the SME sector and improve lending to MSMEs.

Ecobank has completed two phases (quarters) of the Technical Assistance Program which is being

offered by the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management and have started the final phase

which will end in October 2011.

2.1.4. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTSDuring the project design stage, it was proposed to set up a Ghana Diaspora Equity Fund (GDEF) to

mobilize funds from Ghanaians in the Diaspora for investment into the MSME sector. The

component run into a few problems in its implementation and had to be re-started.

Currently, the MSME Project is working at developing the regulatory and legal framework to

facilitate the implementation of this component by interested private sector players. Efforts arebeing made to obtain assistance from various quarters including the Security and Exchange

Commission and the Ghana Stock Exchange.


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5

2.2. ACCESS TO MARKETS2.2.1. BDS FUNDThe objectives of the BDS Fund Matching Grant Scheme are to offer essential Business

Development Services to MSMEs and to develop the market for these services. The first phase of

the BDS came to an end in April 2010, and a new Fund Manager Triodos Facet has been selected

to implement the second phase.

The contract for Triodos Facet was signed in March 2011, and they implemented the inception phase

immediately thereafter. The actual implementation of the BDS was delayed due to unacceptable

changes in the implementation team of Triodos Facet. The issues were resolved in the latter part of

the second quarter, and implementation is scheduled to start in July 2011.

2.2.2. INDUSTRIAL SUB-CONTRACTING & PARTNERSHIP EXCHANGES (SPX)The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) is implementing this component, which aims to

encourage large firms to sub-contract some aspects of their contracts to smaller companies, and

also to improve the capacity of the smaller companies to implement these sub-contracts.

In 2010, the AGI through the assistance of the SPX Consultant funded by the MSME Project

established twenty-three sub-contracts in the construction sub-sector. The consultant also

prepared training modules to improve the capacity of the MSMEs to implement the sub-contracts.

The AGI proposed to implement a test-run of the training modules within the first half of 2011. This

was however not implemented. It is hoped that AGI will implement this activity within the third

quarter.

2.2.3.WEB-BASED PRODUCT GALLERYThe objective of the Web-Based Product Gallery (WBPG) is to provide an online platform to display

made-in-Ghana products to interested buyers/ investors. It was designed to complement a physical

product gallery that would serve as a showroom for made-in-Ghana products. This component is

being implemented by the Domestic Trade & Distribution of MOTI.

Since 2008, information had been collected from various companies to develop the WBPG. A

number of changes were proposed and made on this component. In December 2010, the Hon.

Minister instructed that the WBPG be developed while more background research is made on the

World Trade Portal - which was suggested along the line.


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Activities implemented under this component from January to June 2011 include the development

of TOR for the assignment, cleaning of existing data, and photography of products. Due to

problems with the selected firm (to develop the WBPG), the second place firm has been furnished

with the TOR to submit technical and financial proposals.

It is expected that the WBPG will be up and running by the end of the third quarter of 2011.

2.3. ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT2.3.1. ABRAFO CRAFT VILLAGES & TOURISM VALUE CHAINThe Central Region Development Commission (CEDECOM) is implementing the two components

Upgrading of the Abrafo Handicrafts Centre and a study on the Tourism Value Chain.

The Abrafo Craft Villages component has experience significant, yet unnecessary, delays in

implementation. The Board of CEDECOM has been reluctant in allowing the PCU of the MSMEProject to offer Technical Assistance to facilitate the speedy implementation of the component

since the beginning of 2011. The component is still in the early days of procurement; a consultant is

being selected to prepare designs, drawings and bidding document for selection a contractor. It is

hoped that the consultant will be in place by the end of the third quarter of 2011.

Request for Expressions of Interest for the study on Tourism Value Chain were published in the

second quarter of 2011, and responses have been evaluated. The shortlisted firms will be furnished

with Requests for Proposals in the third quarter of 2011.

2.3.2.CREATIVE INDUSTRIESA Creative Industries Specialist was recruited to coordinate research into the creative industries,

organize a national forum to validate the findings, and assist the Ministry of Trade and Industries in

promoting the creative industries.

During the first half of the year, TOR was developed to recruit a researcher undertake the research

activity. Procurement processes were followed, and a researcher was thus selected. The contract

has been submitted to the Hon. Minister for signature.

It is hoped that the researcher will commence work in the third quarter.


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2.3.3.ELECTRICITY AT ADJABENGThis project component is being implemented by MOTI, and its main objective is to facilitate the

procurement and installation of electrical transformers at the Garment Producers Enclave at

Adjabeng in Accra.

By the end of December 2010, the designs for the installation had been done, and bidding

documents had been prepared for the selection of a contractor to procure and install the

transformers.

From January to June 2011, procurement processes led to the selection of a contractor (B. Appah

Electricals). The site has been handed over to the contractor, and processes have been initiated to

procure the transformers. To ensure that compatible and durable transformers are procured, MOTI

is collaborating with independent technical experts to inspect the specification of the transformer

every step of the way.

2.3.4.ICT PARKThe Information Technology Enables Services (ITES) department of the Ministry of Communication

(MoC) is the implementing agency for this component. The objective of the component is to

facilitate the design and construction of the first phase of the first ICT Park in Ghana.

Consultants (Garland Ormond International) were selected in 2010 to design the concept, develop

architectural drawings and supervise the construction of the ICT Park. A study tour of ICT Parks in

China, India and Malaysia was conducted in December 2010, and the lessons learnt were

incorporated in the design of the concept for Ghanas ICT Park.

Concepts for the development of the ICT Park were submitted in the first quarter of 2011, and

following approval by the PCU and implementing agency, the consultant continued to prepare

architectural and engineering drawings. Stakeholders meetings were organized in the first two

weeks of June 2011 to review the drawings and bidding documents.

Procurement processes will be set in motion to select a contractor within the second half of 2011.

2.3.5.RURAL TECHNOLOGY FACILITIESThe Rural Enterprises Project (REP) is the implementing agency for this component, which aims to

construct and equip three Rural Technology Facilities (RTFs) in Damongo, Awutu Senya and

Somanya.


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The year began with the selection of a Consultant to review and revise the existing designs and

prepare bidding documents for the selection of a contractor.

There were some delays due to formatting errors in the bidding documents and gaps in

communication. The bidding documents were re-formatted by the MSME Project, and adverts are

scheduled to appear in the national newspapers in July 2011.

2.3.6.STORM DRAIN & WATER AT MPIPStorm Drain

Companies operating in the Multi-Purpose Industrial Park (MPIP) in Tema experience flooding after

any medium-to-heavy rainfall. A request was made to the MSME Project to use some of its funds to

fund the construction of a Storm Drain to alleviate the flooding in the area.

Due to the urgency of the issue (the Ghana Meteorological Service forecasted heavy rains in May

June 2011), the MSME Project requested for a no objection to select a consultant by single sourcing.

The Ghana Free Zones Board (GFZB) objected to selection of a consultant by this method. After

much deliberation, the assignment was split into, with the MSME Project and the GFZB funding the

two phases which could run concurrently.

Requests for Expressions of Interests were published and shortlisted was done. The GFZB and the

Hon. Minister have objected to the shortlisting of two firms with some common personnel which,

according to the procurement hubs of the MSME Project and the Ghana Office of the World Bank, is

permissible. The procurement process is at a stand-still, pending the resolution of the above-

mentioned issue.

Improvement of Water Supply

The MSME Project is also supporting the Improvement of Water Supply at the MPIP. Although

there is a water storage system in the enclave, this is not enough to meet the increasing demand as

more companies move into the area.

The MSME Project recruited a consultant to design and install equipment to improve the water

supply at the enclave. The consultant is facing significant challenges in locating and acquiring a

piece of land for the installation of the equipment. A plot of land was identified in the beginning of

the year, but negotiations broke down along the way.

The MSME Project has therefore advised the consultant to continue searching for a suitable

location for the installation of the equipment.


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2.4. TRADE FACILITATION2.4.1. EXPORT TRAINING MODULES & PROCESSED FOODSThe Ghana Export Promotion Council (GEPC) is implementing the two components.

In the first component (Export Training Modules) the MSME Project is assisting GEPC to develop

new training modules (which take into consideration current trends) for the Export Training School.

The consultant has completed the modules and conducted a Training of Trainers (TOT) workshop

to prepare selected trainers to use the modules, and also to be able to develop additional modules

if the need arises. GEPC will incorporate the new training modules in its Export Training Courses.

In the second component, GEPC has contracted a consultant to conduct a needs assessment

involving fifty (50) companies in the processed foods sub-sector. The objective is to facilitate the

trading of processed foods in the developed markets. The consultant (PriceWaterhouseCoopers) is

yet to submit the final report on the assignment. It is expected that they will submit it within the

third quarter.

2.4.2.NATIONAL EXPORT STRATEGYA consultant was contracted to develop a National Export Strategy to guide the Ministry of Trade in

the management of Exports.

In January 2011, a team was constituted to review the draft report, and the comments and

suggestions were given to the consultant for incorporation into the document.

In June 2011 (after much delay on the part of the consultant) another workshop was held to review

the revised report. The review panel was still not impressed with the work done by the consultant.

The consultant has been given some more time to finalize the strategy document for use.

2.4.3.PTIS/ SME DATABASEThe aim of this component is to establish a Proactive Trade Information System (PTIS) and aDatabase of SMEs in Ghana. This component is being facilitated by the NBSSI.

Prior to January 2011, the component had under gone a number of changes, and finally NBSSI was

selected as the Implementing Agency responsible for the PTIS/ SME Database.

The year 2011 started with the finalization of the Terms of Reference for the development of the

PTIS/ SME Database. Procurement processes lead to the selection of eSolutions Consulting Ltd as


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the preferred developer. The contract was signed on June 1, 2011, and be the end of the first half of

the year, the consultant had submitted and revised the inception report, and had started gathering

information for the assignment.

It is expected that the assignment will be completed by the end of the third quarter.


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11

3. REPORT ON PROJECT INDICATORSSUB-

COMPONENTS

INDICATORS 2010 1st

Half

2010 2nd

Half

2011 1st

Half

Partial Credit

Guarantee

Number of loan officers trained/coached 54

Number of loans disbursed by FIs to

MSMEs

92

Value ($) of loans disbursed by

participating FIs to MSMEs

3,112,505.73

Outstanding SME Loan Portfolio (US$) 1,444,693.16

Number of active loan accounts 75

Percentage of SME loan portfolios at risk 0

Updating and

enforcing

regulations

Number of accreditation institutions to

certify MSME products

2 2

Number of MSME products certified 74 71

Improving

Business

Registration

Process

Average number of days to register a

Sole Proprietorship

4 4 4


Subsidiary Business Name

4 4 4


Partnership

4 4 4


business Limited by Guarantee

4 4 4


Limited Liability Company

8 8 8

Average official cost to register a Sole

Proprietorship

35.00 35.00 35.00

Average official cost to register a


35.00 35.00 35.00

Average official cost to register a

Partnership

75.00 75.00 75.00

Average official cost to register abusiness Limited by Guarantee

155.00 155.00 155.00

Average official cost to register a Limited

Liability Company *(+ 0.5% of stated capital)

175.00 175.00 175.00

Number of businesses registered: Sole

Proprietorship

12,254 15,074


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SUB-

COMPONENTS

INDICATORS 2010 1st

Half

2010 2nd

Half

2011 1st

Half

Number of businesses registered:

Partnership 98

102


External Company 45

52


Guaranteed Company 1,984

2,161


Limited Liability Company

6,609 8,094



163 226

Total number of businesses registered 21,153 25,709

Meetings - PCU,

TC

Number of PCU meetings scheduled 12 12 12

Number PCU meetings held 6 8 8

Number of Technical Committee

meetings scheduled

6 6 6

Number of Technical Committee

meetings held

0 5 5

Monitoring

Activities

Number of Implementing Agencies

active

8 9

Number of reports expected from

Implementing Agencies

48 45

Number of reports received from

Implementing Agencies

15 16

Average number of days reports aredelayed

9 1.69

Evaluation of project

components

Number of evaluation assignments

conducted

0 1 1

Audits (Tech., Fin.,

Procurement, )

Number of audits conducted on project

supported systems

1 1 2

Training

Workshop

Number of training programs organized 0 8 2

Number of people benefiting from

training programs

0 122 16

Study ToursNumber of study tours organized 0 3 1

Number of people sponsored for study

tours

0 20 2

Number of effective man days of study

tour sponsored

0 134 10

Conferences Number of participants sponsored for

conferences

8


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4. FINANCIAL SUMMARYEXPENDITURE

CATEGORY

ORIGINAL

FUND

ALLOCATION

IDA

IDA

DISBURSEMENT

TO DATE

GOG

DISBURSEMENT

TO DATE

Others TOTAL

US $ US $ US $ US $ US $

[1] Works

11,162,908.77 43,403.10 537.65 - 43,940.7

[2] Goods

2,831,799.00 985,536.65 58,583.85 - 1,044,120.5

[3] Consultants'

Services &

Audit

9,492,341.53 3,760,587.83 225,970.56 5,000.00 3,991,558.3

[4] Training

1,082,975.00 806,510.85 6,603.64 - 813,114.4

[5] Operating

Costs 759,105.00 572,043.65 233,614.27 149,126.55 954,784.4

[6] BDS Grants

3,935,531.00 2,211,127.76 - 1,636,685.53 3,847,813.2

[7] LOC

Performance

Grants

250,000.00 - - -

[8] Sub-Programs

(Pooled

Account)

1,800,000.00 1,800,000.00 - - 1,800,000.0

[9] Partial Credit

Guarantees 3,685,339.70 1,185,339.70 - - 1,185,339.7

TOTAL

35,000,000.00 11,364,549.54 525,309.97 1,790,812.08 13,680,671.5


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5. PROCUREMENT REPORT

SUB COMPONENTS

IMPLEMENTATION STATUS/PROGRESS

STATUS/ISSUES FACED

COMMENTS

PROCUREMENT STAGE VALUE USD

ACTIVITY

START

DATE

PREVIOUS DATE CURRENT DATE TURN

AROUND

TIME

(DAYS)

PLAN ACTUAL

PROCUREMENT

CONSULTANCY-PRIOR REVIEW

i. Consultant to develop

PROJECT COORDINATING UNIT

Ghana Diaspora Equity

Fund QCBS

ii. Storm Drain -QCBS

CONSULTANCY-POST REVIEW

MINISTRY OF TRADE &INDUSTRY

ii. Web Based Product

Gallery

- CQS

i. Research intoCreative

PROJECT COORDINATING UNIT

N/A

30 03 11

17 02 11

Submission of

TOR for no

objection

Advertisement of

EOI

Invitation to

submit companys

profiles

26 01 11

30 03 11

17 02 11

Receipt of no

objection to TOR

Submission of

EOI report &

Draft RFP

Clarification on

contract issues

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

700,000.00

200,000.00

50,000.00

N/A

N/A

N/A

The TTL has proposed to t

PCU to only focus

addressing the le

framework for t

establishment of the fund.

EOI responses were evaluat

on 3/5/2011. The GFZB a

the Hon. Minister have rais

some issues on the evaluat

process. These issues a

being resolved for the proc

to continue

Contract negotiations we

held with Consultant, Silky

on the 11/4/11. Howev

Client had some issues on t

qualifications and experien

of the Key staff of t

selected firm since it do

meet the requirement of t

TOR. Client clarifying issu

for the next evaluated firm

be invited to submit bo

technical and financ

proposals.


15/19


15

SUB COMPONENTS


STATUS/ISSUES FACED

COMMENTS


ACTIVITY

START

DATE


AROUND

TIME

(DAYS)

PLAN ACTUAL

Industries QCBS

ii. Rural TechnologyFacility (RTF) CQS

iii. Abrafo CraftVillage- CEDECOM- QCBS

iv. PTIS and SMEDatabase QCBS

v. TriangularTourism CEDECOM

vi. Re-launch ofMSME Website

27 01 11

10 01 11

05 01 11

24 01 11

Advertisement of

EOI

Invitation to

submit companys

profiles

Advertisement of

EOI

Advertisement

EOI

27 01 11

10 01 11

05 01 11

24 01 11

Financial

Proposals

opening

Commencement

of work

Submission of

report on

technicalevaluation

Consultants

commenced

work

31 05 11

04 04 11

31 05 11

01 06 11

120 days

2 days

N/A

120 days

100,000.00

50,000.00

100,000.00

100,000.00

N/A

37,566.00

N/A

90,850.00

Consultants financ

proposals were opened the 31/5/2011. Minutes

financial opening forward

to Minister for her revie

She has raised some issues

the firms whose proposa

were opened she is yet

respond.

Contract was signed by t

Hon. Minister on 30/3/20

Contract was signed by t

consultant on 4/4/20

Consultants have sin

commenced wo

Assignment on going.

RFPs were issued

consultants on 20/4/20

Consultants propos

received on 26/5/20

Consultants proposals we

evaluated by CEDECOM

31/5/2011. CEDECOM yet

submit technical evaluat

report to the PCU for review

Contract was signed

consultant on 31/5/20


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16

SUB COMPONENTS


STATUS/ISSUES FACED

COMMENTS


ACTIVITY

START

DATE


AROUND

TIME

(DAYS)

PLAN ACTUAL

vii. Cotton Pricing -SSS

NON-CONSULTING SERVICES-

POSTREVIEW-GOODS

i. Supply ofSubstationEquipment atAdjaben- NCB

i. Supply andInstallation of Air

conditioners -

Shopping

08 04 11

N/A

N/A

Advertisement of

EOI

Invitation to

submit

Companys

profiles

Request for no

objection to TOR

and CVs

08 04 11

17 02 11

25 03 11

Submission of

EOI short listing

& Draft RFP

Contract signing

Contract signed

N/A

N/A

05 04 11

N/A

N/A

10 days

50,000.00

5,000.00

12,000.00

N/A

15,812.50

12,426.00

Consultant commenced wo

on 1/6/2011. Consultant h

a kick off meeting with clieon 2/6/2011. Assignment

going.

EOI short listing report h

been reviewed a

comments forwarded

CEDECOM on 23/6/2011

re-submit report with t

draft RFP for review

Draft contract was forward

to the Hon. Minister and shas proposed the MSM

website could be hosted

the Ministrys domain. Issu

being discussed by MOTI a

PCU for final decisions to

taken.

No objection to sign contr

was received on the 4/4/20

Contract was signed on t

4/4/11.Consultant


17/19


17

SUB COMPONENTS


STATUS/ISSUES FACED

COMMENTS


ACTIVITY

START

DATE


AROUND

TIME

(DAYS)

PLAN ACTUAL

27 04 11

22 02 10

Deadline for

submission andbid opening

Invitation to

quote

03 03 11

17 03 11

Delivery &

Installation ofTransformers

Contract Award

N/A

28 03 11

N/A

11 days

420,000.00

6,000

414,949.06

6,016

commenced work

5/4/2011. Assignme

completed on 14/4/2011.

Contractors submitt

specifications which ha

been reviewed were fou

unsatisfactory and w

rejected. Contractors ha

submitted new specificat

which is being reviewed

client, if accepted t

transformers will be ordere

Contract has been issued

supplier. Air conditioners yto be delivered and installe


18/19

6. CHALLENGES6.1. GOVERNMENT COUNTERPART FUNDINGThere are a number of activities for which the MSME Project owes the 10% Government of Ghanacounterpart funds. The PCU received notice of the release of some part of the outstanding

counterpart funds since early May 2011, but the funds had not yet reflected in the accounts at the

end of June 2011.

6.2. OBSTACLES IN PROJECT IMPLEMENTATIONSome Implementing Agencies have significantly contributed to the delay in project implementation.

Notable among them are the Ghana Free Zones Board and CEDECOM.

6.2.1. GHANA FREE ZONES BOARDThe GFZB are responsible for the implementation of Improvement of Water Supply at the Multi-

Purpose Industrial Park. They have not shown appreciable interest in the implementation of this

component, which has caused significant delay in its implementation.

6.2.2.CEDECOMCEDECOM is implementing the Abrafo Handicrafts Centre and Tourism Value Chain

components. They are unwilling to accept technical assistance from the PCU, and have committed

various blunders in the procurement process, and this has resulted in significant delays in the

implementation of their components.

6.3. MSME WEBSITEThe hosting contract for the MSME website and emails expired in the second quarter, and it has

taken the PCU some time and effort to get the original service providers to rectify the issue. This

has resulted in lack of access to the Project Website and emails.

The problem is being resolved, and this will fortunately lead to improved management of the

Website.


19/19

MSME PROJECT

7. CONCLUSIONThe PCU has in the first half of 2011 worked closely with the Implementation Agencies and has

facilitated the fast-tracking of some components. Components that made significant progress

include the ICT Park and Proactive Trade Information System/ SME Database.

In the second half of the year, the following milestones are expected;

COMPONENT EXPECTED STATUS

Proactive Trade Information System/ SME Database

Website up and running

Web-Based Product Gallery Website up and runningTechnical Assistance to CAL Bank Consultant recruited and starting work

ICT Park Contractor recruited and starting workRural Technology Facilities Contractors recruited and starting

workElectricity at Adjabeng Transformers installedBDS Fund Support to Value Chains started

2011 1st half year report jan jun

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