Publications

Challenging the notion that developing countries essentially export commodities, this book showcases the diversity of trade in services that flourishes in developing and least developed countries. With 28 case studies of entrepreneurs from 18 developing countries in a wide range of trade in service...

Small firms in developing countries are using social media to find new clients and generate trade. This guide advises on how to develop a successful social media strategy with a tight budget. Using real business cases and the latest ways to measure the real-time impact of social media campaigns,...

This report encourages artificial intelligence (AI) literacy for small businesses and trade institutions, especially in developing countries, through the lens of publishing. It shows that AI tools empower everyone in the workplace to be publishers – and that leaders can navigate the promises and...

This year’s report focuses on regional trade, the most common form of trade for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

This guide offers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) insights on negotiation and collaboration with lead firms in international value chains. It addresses topics such as compliance with standards and regulations, contractual relationships, production and performance management, types of...

Good Practices in the Global Apparel Industry provides valuable insight on ways for small and medium-sized enterprises to move up the value chain and away from low-value contract manufacturing.

African tech hubs play an important role in building fledgling entrepreneurial ecosystems and helping start-ups, but they struggle to earn revenue and become financially sustainable. This report, based on interviews with dozens of hubs across Africa, examines what hubs do, how they make an impact...

While standards play an increasingly important role in international trade and global value chains, little is known about their actual impacts in these chains. By applying a systematic literature approach, The Impacts of Private Standards on Global Value Chains aims to apply the key research...

The question of how standards impact trade is more relevant than ever. Against the background of a world economy that is global in scope and organization with economic activities being spread across national boundaries, the liberalization of trade has been one factor contributing to a policy shift...

This paper is a tool to help businesses implement ISO 9001:2008. The Diagnostic Tool enables businesses to score and assess readiness to implement an effective ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System. It covers planning; resource management; business processes; measurement, analysis and...

Anti-competitive practices can hurt developing country businesses. This book outlines cases and suggestions for reform. This book focuses on state monopolies and abuses of dominant positions in infrastructure markets, anti-competitive practices in the international distribution and retail sector,...

This year’s report focuses on regional trade, the most common form of trade for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).