Publications

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...

This SME Competitiveness Outlook assesses the impact of conflict and fragility on business performance. It unveils a Fragility Exposure Index, and shows that fragility, as experienced by firms, can be reduced by 25% if they take actions to reinforce competitiveness. These include engaging with...

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...

This SME Competitiveness Outlook assesses the impact of conflict and fragility on business performance. It unveils a Fragility Exposure Index, and shows that fragility, as experienced by firms, can be reduced by 25% if they take actions to reinforce competitiveness. These include engaging with...

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

What keeps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana from being competitive in international markets is often not of their own making, such as unreliable electricity and high interest rates.

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...

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

Four sectors are key to a services-led economic transformation. This report names them ‘connected services.’ Transport and logistics, financial services, information and communication technologies (ICT), and business and professional services contribute directly to economic growth and...

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,...