The Informal Working Group, following a proposal by the United Kingdom, recently focused on the role of trade digitalization and paperless trading in supporting small businesses' entry into global markets. Presentations included insights from the UK's Electronic Trade Documents Act and contributions from the Commonwealth Legal Reform and Digitalisation Working Group.
A notable presentation was on the UK-Southeast Asia Trade Digitalisation Pilot, which utilizes LogChain, a supply chain platform that enhances connectivity, efficiency, and security through real-time information sharing. The discussion highlighted how digitalization can reduce risks, prevent fraud, minimize delays linked to paper-based trading, and streamline bureaucracy.
Pakistan introduced its single window initiative aimed at facilitating communication among traders, customs officials, and other agencies via digital platforms to ease small business participation in trade transactions. Georgia shared its MSME development strategy focusing on digital literacy and empowering women-led enterprises.
The European Union presented its "EU Traces Platform," an online tool for animal and plant health certification required for imports. Additionally, they discussed a paper titled "Promoting a 'GVCs for LDCs' approach: the case of digital certification for organic products," emphasizing benefits for small exporters in developing economies.
In efforts to enhance private sector engagement, Ms. Gabriela Wurcel from Spicy Girls Kitchen shared her experiences overcoming trade challenges like high costs and market entry risks. Her testimony underscored the need for supportive structures aiding international market access for small businesses.
Switzerland reported on a Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) report adopted in October 2024 that recommends best practices to increase transparency in procurement processes using digital tools to boost MSME market access.
Ambassador Matthew Wilson of Barbados updated participants about databases on MSME references in Trade Policy Reviews and provisions in Regional Trade Agreements with data up to mid-2024. He also mentioned the second Joint Solutions Lab co-organized by various groups focusing on empowering women-led businesses through intellectual property strategies.
The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade shared successful practices from trade promotion organizations facilitating MSME participation globally. Future thematic sessions are planned based on member proposals.
Lastly, the International Trade Centre (ITC) reviewed activities at COP29 in Baku related to climate change initiatives involving MSMEs. ITC launched guidelines urging countries to include data on MSMEs in their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.