Publications

Trade promotion and investment megatrends were the focus of the 2016 Trade Promotion Organizations Network World Conference and Awards in Marrakesh, Morocco. The report includes a summary of discussions with participants from 85 countries. They addressed trends including digital transformation,...

This publication offers guidance to governments and businesses in value chains on how to make effective sustainability claims on products and, ultimately, aims at empowering consumers to make informed sustainable choices.Jointly produced with UN Environment and the UN 10YFP Consumer Information...

BRICS countries – Brazil, the Russian Federation, India, China, and South Africa – are becoming increasingly important players in the global e-commerce market. This joint report by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and ITC examines business-to-clients e-commerce markets...

Women make up almost half of Kenya’s labour force, yet they remain on the margins of business ownership – only 9% of Kenya’s firms are majority women-owned.

This guide offers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) insights on negotiation and collaboration with lead firms in international value chains. It addresses topics such as compliance with standards and regulations, contractual relationships, production and performance management, types of...

Difficult customs procedures, barriers to investment, and labour regulations limiting movement and hiring of personnel are the most stringent obstacles for logistics services providers in developing countries.This study finds that policymakers need to respond to traders’ concerns by promoting...

Trade rules and procedures pose challenges for 73% of surveyed businesses in the Philippines, according to ITC interviews with over 1000 exporters and importers.The survey results offer the Philippine government to address non-tariff measures in the domestic business environment, based on detailed...

This report outlines women’s roles in cotton production in Africa, Asia and Latin America. It compares women’s participation in the total workforce in these regions and suggests how to improve competitiveness by re-evaluating the roles of women.

Being a women-owned company negatively affects the credibility of their business, say Indonesian women entrepreneurs in the services sector.

Inadequate export quality infrastructure is seriously affecting Nepalese exporters.Half of 577 surveyed companies in Nepal (exporters, producers, logistics providers) face difficulties in proving compliance for buyer requirements, due to inadequate testing and certification bodies. The report...

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can benefit more if the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement is implemented in a coordinated manner at regional level. This report charts a roadmap for regional policy frameworks on trade facilitation. Such arrangements have the potential to boost...

Voluntary standards have been rising fast, leading to similar standards operating in the same markets. This study finds multiple standards in 86 of 90 markets it reviewed, which creates confusion for consumers and producers alike. This joint report with the European University Institute is the...