Analyzing Trade Competitiveness In Togo

The purpose of this study is to understand the practice of international trade in Togo, to statethe extent of such activity both nationally and internationally. The research aims to:(1) exploreon the one hand, the evolution of trade activity in Togo and to measure its recent performance(2) to identify on the other hand, the challenges to enhance trade competitiveness in Togo (3)and finally, to recommend solutions that are designed to correct these problems in order toimprove the competitiveness of trade.On the one hand the study will use RCA, DBI and EDI tools to measure tradecompetitiveness in Togo. On the other hand, the diamond model suggested by Porter andDunning, will also be used to analyze the international and domestic determinants that affecttrade competitiveness in Togo; these determinants include factor conditions, demand, firmstrategy and rivalry, supporting industries, and multinational activities (government policy, asexogenous variable, is included).The study shows that Togo indeed has strong potentials and commercial resources which aresusceptible to contribute to the country’s growth. But unfortunately these potentials or resourcesalready very less exploited are not accompanied by effective and efficient strategy ofmanagement.Accordingly, the paper suggests new and better policies to improve the trading environmentin Togo, and therefore improve trade competitiveness in the global market.