CLDP designed a three-phase program, the first two phases of which were characterized by a strong emphasis on exercises and on the development of methodologies. During Phase I (Algiers, January 20-23, 2008) the junior diplomats engaged in a series of practical exercises focusing on two main topics: a) WTO processes and practices, and b) core competencies needed by economic officers/commercial attachés. During Phase II (Algiers, January 26-30, 2008), the junior diplomats spent their mornings visiting Algerian SMEs and discussing advanced technology, as well as the value of the enforcement of intellectual property rights. These Algerian SMEs explained their interest in partnering with foreign firms, especially U.S. firms. In the afternoons, the junior diplomats used these Algerian firms as examples for studying business models and strategies. Phase III (Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and New York, March 28 April 11, 2008), is the program?s capstone. The fifteen junior Algerian diplomats will come to the U.S., accompanied by MFA?s head of Human Resources, and two professors from the Algerian Institute of Diplomacy & International Relations. The Algerian delegation will visit U.S. government agencies, universities, private firms, and other venues to sharpen their skills at commercial tradecraft. The junior diplomats will also apply their skills learned in the first two phases to the U.S. Phase III consultations.