Publications

Colombia’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a central role in building economic resilience, creating jobs and driving inclusive growth. They also face unique challenges, some of which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Drawing on data from the International...

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...

Increasing annual investments in small and medium-sized enterprises by $1 trillion would yield disproportionate dividends in terms of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. These investments also have the potential to deliver healthy returns for investors.

Africa and the Caribbean have more than $1 billion in export potential across a range of goods and services sectors. By tackling trade barriers and channelling investments into sectors with growth potential, such as agrifoods and fertilizers, Africa could increase its merchandise exports to the...

Boosting the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises in Burkina Faso can make them more resilient to crises, ITC’s SME Competitiveness Survey and COVID-19 Business Impact Surveys find.  Limited access to finance, low certification rates and inadequate infrastructure are...

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...

Most investors seek information about local suppliers before making decisions to invest. This report uses ITC data on small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) competitiveness at macro, meso and micro-level to de-risk investment decisions.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Zambia play a key role in boosting growth and job creation.

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

Standards and regulations have a major impact on SME competitiveness.

Digitalization and the rise of the platform economy are rapidly changing the way in which firms do business. A strong business ecosystem is necessary to manage this change. This year’s SME Competitiveness Outlook tells how to build it.