ITC recognized for its strategic direction and priorities

Delegates at the International Trade Centre (ITC)’s 46th annual Joint Advisory Group (JAG) have expressed their support for ITC’s 2012-2015 strategic plan during the meeting held on 21 and 22 May 2012, and chaired by H.E. Mr. Francisco Pirez Gordillo, Ambassador, Permanent Representative to the WTO, Uruguay.

‘We thank you for your support on our strategic direction,’ ITC’s Executive Director, Ms. Patricia R. Francis, told the delegates. ‘In particular, I note your support for our commitment to move toward socio-economic impact measurement and gender mainstreaming at the level of corporate indicators of achievement.’

Ms. Francis noted that three key themes emerged from the delegates over the two-day meeting: ITC’s moving towards improving its effectiveness; ITC’s work in capacity-building; and inclusive growth.

‘Donors and beneficiaries have emphasized the importance of impact and quality for the most effective trade-related technical assistance,’ said Ms. Francis. She noted that the discussions confirmed the strategic importance of large programs for the sustainability of ITC’s impact-oriented strategy.

Delegates also encouraged ITC to create innovative programmes to build the capacity of the private sector with a view to integrating small and medium enterprises in global supply chains, focusing in particular on the most vulnerable economies: least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, small island states and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Ms. Francis remarked that ITC, donors and beneficiary countries are in agreement that growth must be inclusive and sustainable, and that trade development is a means to an end, rather than an end in itself. ‘In line with your recommendations we are looking to expand our activities in the field of the green economy. We will continue to promote an inclusive and sustainable model of development, focusing on poverty reduction, and the empowerment of women and youth,’ she said.

In closing, Ms. Francis reminded delegates that ITC is looking forward to hearing from them on an ongoing basis and specifically around their countries’ needs and priorities for 2013 and beyond.

JAG is a meeting at which governments of states which are members of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) review ITC’s work as reported in its Annual Report and make recommendations to the UNCTAD Trade and Development Board and the WTO on ITC’s programme of work.

ITC is the joint agency of WTO and the United Nations and is devoted to helping small and medium enterprises in developing countries become more competitive in global markets and thus to speed up sustainable economic development and contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

Click here to download the PDF version of the press release.