Publications

Sub-Saharan Africa can boost annual GDP by US $15 billion if time in customs clearance is cut by 50%, and add another US $20 billion by improving transport infrastructure. This paper outlines policy options to dramatically increase export growth.   It recommends that sub-Saharan African...

Deeper regional integration goes hand in hand with strengthening processing industries and the internationalization of SMEs.Trade integration within and among regions of African, Caribbean and Pacific Island groups are measured in this study. Regions with the fastest trade integration over the last...

A survey of Polish micro, small and medium sized firms shows that they are weathering the pandemic better than similar firms elsewhere.

Since the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, exports from participating developing countries to China have soared by 79% to $798 billion. However, almost half of the export potential from these countries to China is unrealized.   There are abundant opportunities for export...

To educate policymakers about obstacles specific to trade in services, this guide is for firms, associations and trade institutions who wish to join forces through coalitions. Trade policies should reflect the voice of services firms in order to maximize growth opportunities. To advise on the...

BRICS countries (Brazil, the Russian Federation, India, China and South Africa) have a fast-growing share in global services markets. Improving services regulations and reducing trade costs will help them tap into their potential, especially for high value-added services and digital trade. ...

The African Continental Free Trade Area offers many opportunities to young Africans, who face challenges including high unemployment, lack of decent jobs, barriers to entrepreneurship and inadequate promotion of youth-led businesses. Tackling these challenges will help Africa’s large and rapidly...

Standards and regulations have a major impact on SME competitiveness.

A regional services industries group can help boost trade in services in the COMESA region, as this joint ITC-COMESA Business Council report shows.Services account for over 50% of GDP for most countries in the region. To grow internationally, services industries can work across borders to counter...

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

Firms could build competitiveness and grow by engaging in South-South value chains and producing higher value-added goods, according to a survey of more than 550 East African companies. The North offers opportunities for international engagement and higher sales, but connecting to the South helps...

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...