Section 12: The functoins of the Council shall be—

(a) to conduct periodic reviews of the export policy and advise Government on measures to be taken to improve the performance of export of goods in world markets; (b) to advise Government on setting up of a flexible machinery to provide Sierra Leone producers and exporters with financing facilities and other incentives for the promotion of export of goods; (c) to advise Government on tariff policies in so far as they relate to the export of goods; (d) to assist Government in the identification of products with export potential, and in the determination of export targets for various classes of goods with adoption of measures necessary for the attainment of these targets; 14 No. 8 Sierra Leone Export Promotion Council 1981 (e) to advise Government on the establishment or provision of trade promotion facilities, including showrooms at important commercial centres both in Sierra Leone and abroad; (f) to advise Government on measures designed to eliminate trade malpractices and the setting up of machinery for arbitrating disputes arising between Sierra Leone exporters and foreign importers: (g) to engage in promotional publicity in Sierra Leone and abroad, in collaboration with Sierra Leone's trade missions overseas, designed to educate and motivate Sierra Leone producers and to provide information regarding Sierra Leone export potential; (h) to develop new markets for old products and new products for old as well as new markets; (i) to carry out research into any of the matters mentioned in this section, and to provide advisory services in connection with the promotion of Sierra Leone's export trade; (j) to assist in the simplification of export procedures and formalities; (k) to examine and evaluate investment needs for growth of export oriented units; (l) to assist exporters of goods in product development, adaptation, design, packing and packaging; (m) to undertake supply surveys and market studies and to provide training facilities to exporters of goods in the area of international marketing; (n) to prepare a Directory of Exporters in Sierra Leone; (o) to send study teams and trade delegations overseas and invite trade delegations from other countries to Sierra Leone; (p) to compile and issue periodically, publications on matters of interest to the exporting community; (q) to organise workshops, seminars and conferences on export promotion; (r) to improve standards of quality control and inspection; (s) to advise on the allocation and utilization of export promotion funds; No. 8 Sierra Leone Export Promotion Council 1981 15 (t) to supply samples of competing products for improvement of home products; and (u) to do all such other acts which are connected with or in furtherance of the exercise of the objects of the Council under this Act; [Margin: Powers of the Council.]