Publications

Cross-border e-commerce can help least developed countries (LDCs) to become more competitive and diversify their exports – and this is especially true for Asia-Pacific, the most dynamic region in global e-commerce. To capture that potential, small businesses in these countries need more market...

This report helps small businesses tap into the Chinese e-commerce market, which is the world’s largest.The publication recommends cross-border e-commerce, which allows opening stores in marketplaces ratherthan opening Chinese sites. It provides systematic instructions on the process, including...

Policymakers now have an SME-friendly toolkit to guide national reforms when implementing the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement. Addressing reforms from the perspective of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will spread benefits across the whole business community. By...

This report offers policy advice to explore synergies between the WTO Trade Facilitation and Information Technology Agreements. These agreements reinforce each other, and can boost trade. Used well, policymakers can set in motion technology-based national trade facilitation reforms, especially for...

A largely untapped resource, Sri Lankan women have the potential to play a significant role in the country’s economy. Given the right tools and support, women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka can achieve this potential and positively affect the global economy.Using the International Trade Centre (ITC)...

Small businesses in Saint Lucia are contributing to the country’s export growth. The findings of a new ITC Competitiveness Survey jointly conducted with the country’s Trade Export Promotion Agency (TEPA) provides guidance on how to exploit opportunities in four key sectors: food and beverages,...

Saffron, the world’s most expensive spice, offers great potential for Afghan exporters. Developing a consistent based for quality is the key to unlocking a ‘red gold’ rush, a priority sector of Afghanistan’s national export strategy.This guide outlines how to build a quality saffron sector...

Inadequate export quality infrastructure in Kyrgyzstan is a key obstacle for Kyrgyz exporters.A survey of over 300 companies on non-tariff measures (NTMs) found 58% of Kyrgyz exporters to be facing challenges with various regulatory and procedural obstacles to trade. Inadequate testing and...

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.Survey results show: high-tech potential among youth, with...

Nearly half of Ugandan companies face challenges with non-tariff measures (NTMs), according to an ITC business survey. Certification, labelling, packaging and rules of origin are their biggest challenges. Stronger quality infrastructure within the country will boost the competitiveness of small...

Through innovation, the Gambia’s young entrepreneurs can contribute significantly to the country’s growth. This is the key message emerging from Gambian firms that participated in the ITC Competitiveness Survey.The survey addressed youth recruitment and the occupational skills gap in the Gambia...

La numérisation et l'essor de l’économie de plateforme modifie rapidement la manière dont les entreprises mènent leurs affaires. Un écosystème commercial robuste est indispensable pour gérer cette mutation. L’édition 2018 des Perspectives de la compétitivité des PME explique comment le...