Ireland and International Trade Centre strengthen partnership to promote inclusive, sustainable trade

(Geneva) Ireland reconfirms its long-standing partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC) to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth by committing EUR 1 million in 2022. The collaboration will support the operationalization of ITC’s Strategic Plan 2022-2025 with a focus on green trade, the digital economy and inclusiveness.

ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton and Ambassador Michael Gaffey, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations and other International Organisations at Geneva, signed the memorandum of understanding on 6 May 2022 at ITC.

The funding will support ITC throughout 2022 on initiatives that create trade and investment in vulnerable communities in developing countries, helping them to rebuild post-COVID-19. This includes the ITC’s work to strengthen the participation of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in food production and support to the regional integration of Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Ambassador Gaffey said: ‘Ireland’s continued partnership with ITC reflects feedback from developing countries, especially Least Developed Countries, which highlights the challenges of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and recovery from COVID-19 and climate induced shocks. They stress the value of ITC’s focus on MSMEs. Ireland is delighted to accompany ITC in the implementation of its new Strategic Plan in 2022, including creating opportunities for women, youth and people in vulnerable situations.’

‘We are grateful for Ireland’s support as one of our reliable, long-term partners. Together, ITC and Ireland support small businesses in developing countries to leverage the power of trade for sustainable development.’ said Ms. Coke-Hamilton. ‘We appreciate the trust and confidence placed in the abilities of the ITC and recognize that the flexible core financing provided by Ireland allows us to respond to the changing needs of our clients. As most countries of our operations are reeling from the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, we all need to do our part to reduce the growing global inequality and vulnerability.’

Note to the editor

About the International Trade Centre - 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 transitioning 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. For more information, visit www.intracen.org. Follow ITC on Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Flickr

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Vittorio Cammarota
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T: +41 22 730 0322
E: vcammarota [at] intracen.org (vcammarota[at]intracen[dot]org)