International Trade Centre

International_Trade_Centre_Logo

International Trade Centre

The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN). It is dedicated to supporting the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The ITC's mission is to foster inclusive and sustainable economic development and contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

History

The ITC was established in 1964 as the International Trade Information Centre. It was created to provide trade-related technical assistance to developing countries. Over the years, the ITC has evolved to address the changing needs of the global trade environment.

Functions

The ITC provides a range of services to support SMEs in developing countries, including:

• Market analysis and research
• Trade information services
• Export development and promotion
• Trade facilitation
• Capacity building and training

Programs and Initiatives

The ITC runs several programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing the trade capacities of developing countries. Some of these include:

• SheTrades Initiative: Aims to connect three million women entrepreneurs to international markets by 2021.
• Ethical Fashion Initiative: Links the world's top fashion talents to marginalized artisans in developing countries.
• Trade for Sustainable Development (T4SD): Supports businesses in integrating sustainability into their operations.

Governance

The ITC is governed by a Joint Advisory Group (JAG), which includes representatives from the WTO, the UN, and member states. The JAG meets annually to review the ITC's activities and provide strategic guidance.

Headquarters

The ITC is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

Related Pages

• World Trade Organization
• United Nations
• Small and medium-sized enterprises
• Sustainable Development Goals
• Trade facilitation
• Export development

See Also

• SheTrades Initiative
• Ethical Fashion Initiative
• Trade for Sustainable Development (T4SD)

External Links

• Official website

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