New Delhi, June 29 (KNN) On the occasion of first-ever Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day – the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) highlighted five works which they do every day in order to support small businesses grow through international trade.

International MSME Day is a designation made by the United Nations General Assembly earlier this year to recognise the crucial role that MSMEs will play in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

ICC in a press release mentioned six highlights from its everyday work:

1. Championing global rules for e-commerce
   Small businesses that use e-commerce platforms are more than five times more likely to export than those in the offline economy. We think e-commerce has enormous potential to boost MSME growth, but many small businesses still find it hard to navigate the myriad of national rules and regulations covering e-commerce. That’s why we are calling on governments to develop a common framework of legal standards and practices without delay – read our full concept paper which was launched at the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Public Forum last year.
2. Making trade simpler
   It’s estimated that the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) – a landmark trade deal to cut red-tape at borders – could lead to a 80% increase in MSME exports in some economies. That’s quite a prize! We’re working with partner organisations and donor governments through the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation to help realise the potential of the TFA to make it easier for MSMEs to trade internationally.
3. Promoting access to finance
   Our research shows that many MSMEs find it difficult to access cost-effective bank finance to support their international operations. Earlier this year, we secured a UN-led review of this problem and its underlying causes – with the aim of easing the flow of bank finance to deserving businesses. Watch this space…
4. Standardising global trade practice
   Every day, millions of MSMEs use our global rules and standards to make trade across borders an easier process. From our standard delivery terms – known as the Incoterms© rules – to our Marketing and Advertising Code, our aim is to make the prospect of doing business globally that bit less daunting.
5. Delivering the best in online learning
   Established in 2015, the ICC Academy provides tailored e-learning courses designed by industry experts from around the world. Our Export Import Certificate is the gold-standard in training for companies looking to grow the expertise of their teams to trade internationally with ease and expertise.
6. Supporting SME development through regional chambers
   Our (WCF) provides chambers of commerce worldwide with the support they need to help SMEs face the challenges and opportunities of globalisation. Jointly organised with the Sydney Business Chamber, our World Chambers Congress in Sydney, Australia from 19-21 September 2017 will be a key opportunity for chambers to develop the knowhow needed to further help SMEs get a foothold in global markets.