The Coordinator of the Group, Ambassador Matthew Wilson (Barbados), highlighted the results of the Small Business Champions initiative, which were announced during last week's Aid for Trade Global Review. One of the winners is the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Fairtrade Small Producers and Workers of El Salvador (CLAC), a network representing 1,000 Fairtrade-certified organizations in 24 economies in Latin America and the Caribbean. The winning project will survey existing products in Latin America that can benefit indigenous producers, provide training and technical advice, and help indigenous producers identify international markets.
The second winner is O'KANATA of Canada, an organization focused on the empowerment of indigenous youth. Its winning project is for an e-commerce platform that offers a marketplace for indigenous crafts as well as capacity building for entrepreneurs.
The Group considered proposals put forward by members on the future workplan of the Group. The proposals address bridging the gap between trade policy and small businesses, good regulatory practices, supporting women-led MSMEs, low-value shipments, the informal sector, digital trade, and MSME provisions in regional trade agreements. Dedicated discussions will be organized in the coming months to explore these issues.
The International Trade Centre (ITC) updated members on the latest improvements to the Global Trade Helpdesk, a one-stop shop for information on trade opportunities. The ITC reported that the platform is now available in Chinese.
Members shared updates on their implementation of the December 2020 MSME package of recommendations aimed at helping small businesses trade globally. Canada noted that its most recent Trade Policy Review (TPR) included information on programs that support MSMEs in accessing intellectual property services. The TPR also covers provisions in their regional trade agreements and investment agreements which aim to address specific needs of MSMEs and challenges they may face.
China also noted that its upcoming TPR in July includes measures taken by China to support MSMEs and enhance development through various funds with the objective of optimizing the business environment and facilitating financing.
As part of the Group's ongoing efforts to engage with private sector stakeholders, it heard a briefing by Ms Pamela Ugaz from United Nations Trade and Development on the 2024 Global Supply Chain Forum held in Barbados from May 21-24. Ms Ugaz noted that "the Forum discussed impact climate change conflicts costs capital MSMEs." She also highlighted "importance digitalization improving digital skills reducing cost access finance" adding "capacity building resources needed help economies trade minimize negative impact climate."
Ms Usha Subba, an entrepreneur from Nepal, shared her experiences trading tea and exporting to European markets. She emphasized that good infrastructure, improving product quality, and meeting technical standards have helped her reach new markets. Ms Subba outlined some obstacles preventing many small businesses from moving online including regulatory requirements and digital skills. She mentioned receiving support from Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) to help her access international markets.
Building on Compendium Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programs published before 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13), Ms Lazzat Daniyarova from World Customs Organization (WCO) presented results recent survey WCO members' AEO Programs dedicated MSMEs.
Additionally Standards Trade Development Facility (STDF) gave presentation activities help MSMEs meet international food safety plant health standards trading across Africa Asia Pacific Latin America Caribbean.