Press releases

ITC and Germany renew their partnership to empower small businesses and promote sustainable trade

9 décembre 2021
ITC News

(Geneva) – The Government of Germany and ITC signed a two-year grant agreement to help ITC to support the economic recovery of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries and economies in transition. Under the agreement, Germany will provide €2.5 million in unearmarked funding to support the work of ITC throughout 2022 and 2023.

The funds provide much needed flexibility to ITC to implement its work programme under the new Strategic Plan 2022-2025 - Building inclusive, sustainable and prosperous economies. The renewed partnership will strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of small businesses with a focus on ITC’s global public goods including trade and market intellligence platforms. The partnership will target priority themes such as women’s economic empowerment, sustainability, digital and climate resilient trade. The agreement reaffirms the close collaboration between the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation (BMZ) and the International Trade Centre (ITC).

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

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Dr. Jugel, Chargé d’affairs, a.i. confirmed the importance of the renewed partnership. ‘ITC remains a valued partner for Germany. The work of ITC is crucial: Supporting MSMEs, youth and women in developing countries is a major driver for sustainable and inclusive economic development.’

Ms. Coke-Hamilton underlined the importance of flexible funding to ITC: ‘We are grateful for Germany’s continued trust in ITC’s delivery. This contribution for the next two years will allow us to make substantial progress towards our common objective of a more sustainable and inclusive economy. On behalf of ITC, the small business community and our partners, I thank the people and the Government of Germany.’

About ITC - 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.

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Media inquiries should be directed to:

Vittorio Cammarota

Chief, Communications and Events

T: +41 22 730 0322

E: vcammarota [at] intracen.org (vcammarota[at]intracen[dot]org)