WTO, UNCTAD and ITC sign MoU on Global Trade Helpdesk to help SMEs, other biz

New Delhi, Nov 24 (KNN) In order to advance the development of an online platform ‘the Global Trade Helpdesk’, the World Trade Organization (WTO), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and International Trade Centre (ITC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

This is aimed at providing businesses, particularly the small businesses, with faster and easier access to trade data and information on potential export markets.

The organizations will also raise awareness among MSMEs about how to benefit from this trade information.

Agreement will help in investment policies and will ensure that the international community provides better support to MSMEs.

An early version of HelpMeTrade.org was launched at the WTO’s 11th Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in December 2017.

Under the MoU, the WTO, ITC and UNCTAD agree to further develop the platform, with the aim of improving the quality and accessibility of trade information needed by businesses – and in particular, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) – to access market opportunities.

The three organizations will provide technical assistance to developing countries to help them maintain up-to-date information in the Global Trade Helpdesk.

Through a user-friendly interface, the Global Trade Helpdesk will make it easier for companies across the world to increase their participation in world trade and reduce trade costs.

The Helpdesk will contain comprehensive information from various sources on market requirements, export and import procedures, business opportunities and current trade statistics.