ITC, Germany renew partnership to strengthen small businesses in developing countries

(Geneva) - Germany will provide €1.7 million in unearmarked funding to support the work of the International Trade Centre (ITC) throughout 2024 and 2025.

The partnership enhances ITC's flexibility to boost the competitiveness of small businesses in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and least developed countries. It prioritizes sustainability, poverty reduction, women's economic empowerment and transparency in information through its global public goods. The agreement reaffirms the close collaboration between the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and ITC.

Ambassador Dr. Katharina Stasch, Permanent Representative of Germany to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of ITC, signed a contribution agreement during a ceremony at ITC today.

Speaking at the ceremony today, Ms. Stasch said: ‘Our close partnership with ITC is a testament to Germany's unwavering commitment to empowering small businesses in the world's most vulnerable economies. Together, we are cultivating hope, fostering growth, and weaving the fabric of a fair and sustainable future - by investing in trade. Germany is proud to remain among ITC’s largest donors and will continue closely working with ITC on today’s most pressing issues.’

Ms. Coke-Hamilton said: ‘Thanks to Germany’s continued trust and partnership, we have the flexibility to tailor our support to small businesses of developing countries, so they have access to the timely market intelligence, skills and trainings they need to sell their goods and services in international markets.’

About the International Trade Centre - The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

For more information, visit www.intracen.org.

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Media contact

Susanna Pak
Senior Strategic Communications Officer
International Trade Centre
E: pak [at] intracen.org
T: +41 22 730 0651
M: +41 79 667 4660