ITC publications bring the business voice to sustainable trade, with a focus on developing countries. We offer guidance for trade policymakers, business support organizations and small firms. Our reports offer insights to make trade more inclusive, green, digital and competitive.
This report provides policymakers with recommendations on how to build the resilience of women-led businesses in the long term. This includes policy actions to improve the competitiveness of women-led businesses, address the barriers they face when participating in trade, and make the...
Based on data from the International Trade Centre's small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) Competitiveness Survey, this report highlights the importance of business support, financial services and digital technologies for Zimbabwean firms. Those with access to these resources are more competitive,...
This report draws from the outcomes of the 2023 World Export Development Forum, held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia in June 2023. Trade voices from around the globe share their insights on green, digital and inclusive paths to trade. New trade routes are emerging in response to...
Approximately 70% of French-speaking African firms feel their business is at high risk from environmental threats, making prevention, preparedness and mitigation a priority. With more than 60% having no adaptation or mitigation measures in place, greater financial and technical support is needed to...
Small and medium-sized enterprises, the backbone of many economies, did nearly all their business within national borders until just a few decades ago. Now they are exporting to and importing from all corners of the world. But most small firms do not have access to the legal advice they need at the...
This glossary is the first edition of legal and other terms that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will encounter while trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The aim of the glossary is to help users understand legal, commercial and customs...
This report advises governments on tackling gender inequality and promoting women’s economic empowerment when implementing the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA). It recommends helping women traders access vital information about their rights, border crossing times,...
This report applies a gender lens framework to government procurement through the public provision, consumption and employment channels. It identifies opportunities to develop a gender lens for government procurement in the World Trade Organization to inform and advance the debate among negotiators,...
Nearly half of Vietnamese exporters face regulatory or procedural trade barriers, according to an International Trade Centre survey of 1800 businesses. Lack of trade information, complexities with certification and compliance, administrative delays in some regions, and complex visa requirements and...
This report presents results of an ITC survey of over 500 businesses in Sri Lanka on their views regarding non-tariff measures and a national workshop to discuss the results. Enterprises in Sri Lanka report difficulties with a broad range of measures, in particular with technical testing,...
The EC-CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) has created business opportunities in services sectors and other investment opportunities. This guide looks at opportunities for Caribbean enterprises in Europe, as well as openings for European businesses in 13 Caribbean markets. Key features of...
According to the 2021 World Bank Report, Zambian women entrepreneurs own more than one-third of the country’s small businesses and more than 40% of its microenterprises. Despite their pivotal role in the Zambian economy, women encounter a disproportionate number of obstacles in accessing financial...
