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ITC’s mission, objectives and interventions
The International Trade Centre (ITC) supports the business sectors of
developing and transition economies, helping them to realize their potential by
sharpening their ability to compete in the international marketplace, thus
making a difference to the lives of their people. ITC is the joint technical
cooperation agency of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
and the World Trade Organization (WTO) for business aspects of trade
development.
ITC’s mission: ITC enables small business export success in developing
countries by providing, with partners, trade development solutions to the
private sector, trade support institutions and policy-makers.
ITC’s strategic objectives focus at three levels:
- Enterprises — to strengthen the international competitiveness of
enterprises.
- Trade support institutions — to develop the capacity of trade service
providers to support businesses.
- Policymakers — to support policymakers in integrating the business
sector into the global economy.
Within ITC’s Consolidated Programme Document, these three objectives have
been disaggregated into sub-objectives to allow tangible outcomes to be
measured.
ITC offers a range of global programmes, advisory and training services, tools
and products, and information sources, which are delivered in an integrated
manner to achieve these objectives:
- Global programmes — respond to the needs of partners in all regions.
They are based on proven ITC methodologies, and incorporate advisory
services, tools and products. Global programmes are replicable and
adaptable, and have a perceptible time-proven impact. ITC also participates
in major trade-related multi agency programmes.
- Advisory and training services — are offered in key areas of
international trade. Needs assessment, tailor-made advisory activities and
customized training are designed and delivered to build capacity in partner
countries in close cooperation with trade support institutions.
- Tools and products — support, sustain and improve the delivery of trade
support services through partner institutions. They include practical guides
that can be adapted to local requirements, methodologies and approaches for
the development or review of trade support services, training materials,
benchmarking and assessment tools.
- Information sources — for international trade and business development
are largely accessible through the Internet.
ITC’s global programmes, advisory and training services, tools and
products, and information sources are principally directed at the three
strategic levels of intervention identified above — at the enterprise (SME),
trade support institution (TSI) or policy- or strategy-maker level. ITC believes
it is necessary to apply a holistic and comprehensive approach to addressing
trade development issues that takes into account the complexity and
interrelatedness of trade and development. Such an integrated approach to ITC’s
technical assistance will help provide sustainability by building trade capacity
at all levels.
Although the key thrust of ITC’s technical assistance remains trade capacity
building, this is done by building bridges and partnerships between the private
sector, government institutions and civil society organizations, all of whom
have an important role to play in trade development. The bulk of ITC’s
assistance will be directed towards building the capacity of TSIs to provide
effective business support services to their clients and represent the business
sector in strategy- and policy-making at national level. In addition, ITC will
promote the integration of the business dimension in the design and delivery of
trade related technical assistance (TRTA), in particular within the context of
Aid for Trade and the Enhanced Integrated Framework for Trade Related Technical
Assistance.
The different levels of ITC interventions are reflected in the diagram below.
ITC’s global programmes, advisory and training services, tools and products,
and information sources, are summarised below by its objectives and
sub-objectives. |
Objective 1. Strengthen the international
competitiveness of enterprises
Enable enterprises to formulate sound international
business strategies
Services
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Capacity Building in Strategic Market Analysis
F
S |
A service designed to support export-oriented managers and analysts in conducting effective market analysis. Training programmes cover the use of ITC's market analysis tools, strategic analysis, preparation of Market Profiles, Training of Trainers, Business Clinics, mentoring on export potential assessment and market access review. Capacity building can also be customized to a partner's specific needs. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/mas/capacity.htm Contact:
mas@intracen.org |
|
Diagnostics and Programme Design Competency
F
S |
A certification programme designed to strengthen the competency of Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) to assess SMEs’ resource planning and management skills and to design need-based programmes. The programme provides access to a methodology and a collection of tools and materials to help BDSPs design programmes for SME managers by analyzing the gaps between business needs, demand and the adequacy of the current service supply. At the end of the programme, participants are certified and able to assess needs and design needs-based programmes. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/emds
Contact:
emds@intracen.org |
|
Export Management Competency
F
S |
A certification programme designed to strengthen the competency of Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) to offer training and consulting programmes to SMEs concerning managerial competence for export. The tools and materials address three major components in export: obtaining international orders, the ability to fulfil these orders and getting paid. At the end of the programme, participants are certified and able to assist SMEs in being export-ready. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/emds
Contact:
emds@intracen.org |
|
Management and Strategy Design Competency
F
S |
A certification programme designed to strengthen Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) to offer training and consulting programmes to the SMEs concerning the design of competitive business strategies. The programme provides access to a methodology, software tools and materials to design strategy and develop resource planning skills. At the end of the programme, participants are certified and able to assist SMEs in designing and implementing competitive strategies. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/emds
Contact:
emds@intracen.org |
|
Market Analysis and Strategic Market Research
F
S |
A market research and trade analysis service for exporters, importers and trade support institutions. Upon request, tailored studies are conducted for governments, trade support institutions, international organizations, research institutions and the business community. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/mas
Contact:
mas@intracen.org |
|
Production and Marketing Competency
F
S |
A certification programme designed to strengthen the competency of Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) to offer training and consulting programmes to SMEs concerning production and marketing capabilities. The programme explains strategy design for prioritizing production and marketing tasks. Software tools and materials are used to discuss relevant topics such as: enterprise competitiveness, strategy design and resource planning, producing at the desired cost, quality, quantity and time and relevant marketing requirements such as communicating the message and distributing the products. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/emds
Contact:
emds@intracen.org |
|
Trade in Services
F
S |
A technical assistance programme to promote exports of services aimed at trade support institutions, governments and firms in the services sector. Includes studies, training of trainer kits, workshops and networks. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/servicexport/welcome.htm
Contact:
services@intracen.org |
|
Training and Consulting Competency
F
S |
A certification programme designed to strengthen the competency of Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) to design training and consulting services in order to address SME management problems, and manage the administration, logistics and financing of these services. Training materials are used to discuss relevant topics such as: enterprise competitiveness, designing, developing and delivering training and consulting interventions. At the end of the programme, participants are certified and able to design, develop and deliver sustainable trade-training programmes for SMEs. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/emds
Contact:
emds@intracen.org |
Tools and products
|
Capacity Building in Strategic Market Analysis
F
S |
A service designed to support export-oriented managers and analysts in conducting effective market analysis. Training programmes cover the use of ITC's market analysis tools, strategic analysis, preparation of Market Profiles, Training of Trainers, Business Clinics, mentoring on export potential assessment and market access review. Capacity building can also be customized to a partner's specific needs. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/mas/capacity.htm Contact:
mas@intracen.org |
|
Diagnostics and Programme Design Competency
F
S |
A certification programme designed to strengthen the competency of Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) to assess SMEs’ resource planning and management skills and to design need-based programmes. The programme provides access to a methodology and a collection of tools and materials to help BDSPs design programmes for SME managers by analyzing the gaps between business needs, demand and the adequacy of the current service supply. At the end of the programme, participants are certified and able to assess needs and design needs-based programmes. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/emds
Contact:
emds@intracen.org |
|
Export Management Competency
F
S |
A certification programme designed to strengthen the competency of Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) to offer training and consulting programmes to SMEs concerning managerial competence for export. The tools and materials address three major components in export: obtaining international orders, the ability to fulfil these orders and getting paid. At the end of the programme, participants are certified and able to assist SMEs in being export-ready. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/emds
Contact:
emds@intracen.org |
|
Management and Strategy Design Competency
F
S |
A certification programme designed to strengthen Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) to offer training and consulting programmes to the SMEs concerning the design of competitive business strategies. The programme provides access to a methodology, software tools and materials to design strategy and develop resource planning skills. At the end of the programme, participants are certified and able to assist SMEs in designing and implementing competitive strategies. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/emds
Contact:
emds@intracen.org |
|
Market Analysis and Strategic Market Research
F
S |
A market research and trade analysis service for exporters, importers and trade support institutions. Upon request, tailored studies are conducted for governments, trade support institutions, international organizations, research institutions and the business community. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/mas
Contact:
mas@intracen.org |
|
Production and Marketing Competency
F
S |
A certification programme designed to strengthen the competency of Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) to offer training and consulting programmes to SMEs concerning production and marketing capabilities. The programme explains strategy design for prioritizing production and marketing tasks. Software tools and materials are used to discuss relevant topics such as: enterprise competitiveness, strategy design and resource planning, producing at the desired cost, quality, quantity and time and relevant marketing requirements such as communicating the message and distributing the products. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/emds
Contact:
emds@intracen.org |
|
Trade in Services
F
S |
A technical assistance programme to promote exports of services aimed at trade support institutions, governments and firms in the services sector. Includes studies, training of trainer kits, workshops and networks. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/servicexport/welcome.htm
Contact:
services@intracen.org |
|
Training and Consulting Competency
F
S |
A certification programme designed to strengthen the competency of Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) to design training and consulting services in order to address SME management problems, and manage the administration, logistics and financing of these services. Training materials are used to discuss relevant topics such as: enterprise competitiveness, designing, developing and delivering training and consulting interventions. At the end of the programme, participants are certified and able to design, develop and deliver sustainable trade-training programmes for SMEs. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/emds
Contact:
emds@intracen.org |
Information sources
|
Country Market Analysis Profiles (Country Map) |
Profiles 184 countries and territories with benchmarks of their national and sectoral trade performance and competitiveness. Available only in English.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/countries
Contact:
mas@intracen.org |
|
JURIS International
F
S |
A multi-language (English, French, Spanish) collection of trade-related information on international law (including multilateral trade agreements, more than 250 model contracts with practical interest for international commercial transactions and networks of business lawyers) aimed at business lawyers and SMEs. Provides affordable legal information and strengthens the user’s position in contract negotiations. JURIS International is also available on CD-Rom. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.jurisint.org
Contacts:
bourque@intracen.org or
vittori@intracen.org |
|
Market Briefs
F |
Market Briefs are concise market reports, presenting information on market and product characteristics, market access conditions, packaging and labelling issues, trade contacts, and market opportunities. They cover export markets and products of interest to developing countries. Market Briefs are available through Product MAP. Available in English and French.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/mas/mb
Contact:
mb@intracen.org |
|
Market News Service |
Weekly/monthly reports, provided through Product MAP, containing market intelligence on selected primary and semi-processed products. Information is gathered directly from manufacturers and traders. Sectors include: Fresh Fruit & Vegetables; Cut Flowers & Ornamental Plants; Fruit Juices; Spices; Pharmaceutical Starting Materials/Essential Drugs; and Medicinal Plants & Extracts. Available only in English.
Information:
http://www.p-maps.org/mns
Contact:
mns@intracen.org |
|
Trade at hand
F |
The Trade-at-hand pilot service directly connects buyers and sellers nearly instantly via the mobile phone network. The pilot programme disseminates daily market information in the form of text messages to fruit and vegetable exporters in Burkina Faso and Mali from France, their main foreign customer. The services will be expanded to additional African countries and business sectors as well as connected to more international market sources. Available in English and French.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/trade-at-hand
Contact :
dard@intracen.org |
|
Trade Information Reference system
(F,S) |
Online access to the ITC’s bibliographical databases, providing references and, where applicable, direct links to over 16,000 selected trade information sources. Interface in English, sources in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/tirc
Contact:
hebboul@intracen.org |
|
World Tr@de Net Business Briefing |
Monthly newsletter containing news on important WTO meetings and their business implications, dispute settlement cases, relevant ITC publications and events of interest to partners in ITC’s World Tr@de Net programme. Available only in English by email or online.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/mts/welcomewtn.htm
Contact:
worldtradenet@intracen.org |
Enable enterprises to match supply-side requirements to destination market
requirements
Services
|
International Purchasing and Supply Chain Management
F
S |
A service to strengthen purchasing and supply management capabilities in the private and public sectors. It supports governments, business communities and institutions in applying best practices in procurement and supply chain management to promote enterprise competitiveness, improve overall trade performance and ensure cost-effective use of resources. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/ipsms
Contact:
ipsms@intracen.org |
|
Product and Market Development by Sector
F
S |
Tailor-made advice and support for product development and adaptation, promotion and market development. It covers priority sectors, such as textiles and garments, wood and wood products, artisanal products, coffee, leather, organic products, fruit juices and spices. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/mds
Contact:
knappe@intracen.org |
|
Value Chain Approach |
A service based on the analysis of value chains extending from supply of inputs through to the delivery of finished goods and services to consumers. It enables the formulation of national export strategies, trade support services and enhances sector trade performance. Available only in English.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/ipsms/tsd
Contact:
sayers@intracen.org |
Tools and products
|
Compete |
Compete is a technical assistance package designed to help groups of product or service sector enterprises to plan approaches and strategies to supply new markets, optimise their value chains for export delivery and develop business plans. Participation in Compete is normally limited to about 10 participating companies at one time. Used in English, French, Spanish … and any other language, on request.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/ipsms/tsd
Contact:
tsd@intracen.org |
|
Discover |
Discover is a value chain diagnostics and action planning tool with a training package for trade support organisations. It is designed to help businesses to analyse their value chains for current trade performance, diagnose problems, identify opportunities for value addition, develop prioritised action plans and organise their implementation. Discover is suitable for groups of up to 80 participants at a time. Used in English, French, Spanish … and any other language, on request.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/ipsms/tsd
Contact:
sayers@intracen.org ,
tsd@intracen.org |
|
ISO 9001 Fitness Checker
F
S |
A software-based, easy-to-use checklist designed to help SMEs assess their readiness for ISO 9001 certification. Questions cover various aspects of the setting-up, implementation and certification of a quality management system according to ISO 9001:2000. The checklist is available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/eqm
Contact:
gujadhur@intracen.org |
|
Market Access through Standards and Conformity Assessment
F
S |
A modular information pack accessible through trade support institutions designed for the export-oriented business community on how to improve/maintain market access using the benefits resulting from the WTO Agreements on TBT and SPS. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/eqm
Contact:
gujadhur@intracen.org |
|
Product Costing and Pricing – Artisan as Entrepreneur
F
S |
A module for producers of artisanal products featuring exercises and case studies, including strategies and formulas to calculate costs and determine prices. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/creativeindustries
Contact:
hauswirth@intracen.org |
|
The Competitive Edge |
A software-based benchmarking tool that enables an enterprise to assess its international competitiveness. The Edge provides an analytical basis to identify strengths and weaknesses in enterprise performance, and helps participating enterprises prioritise areas of action to improve international business performance. Available only in English.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/ec
Contact:
piskoltie@intracen.org |
|
The FiT |
A software-based benchmarking tool designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the garments sector. The FiT compares and positions the enterprise performance of one firm with respect to a group of other national and international firms on a completely confidential basis. It provides an analytical basis for identifying strengths and weaknesses in the global performance of an enterprise. Available only in English.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/textilesandclothing/
Contact:
knappe@intracen.org |
|
Transport Packaging Fitness Checker
F
S |
A software-based, easy-to-use checklist designed to help SMEs run a quick check on the enterprise’s export packaging readiness and, in particular, that of transport packaging. It enables enterprises to identify possible weaknesses and strengths as they prepare to enter a foreign market. Available in English, French, and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/ep
Contact:
packit@intracen.org |
Information sources
|
Export Quality Management: An Answer Book for Small and Medium-Sized Exporters
F
S |
A guide providing SME managers with answers to their most frequently asked questions on standards and conformity assessment. Each question is also accompanied by references to explore the topic in greater detail. The guide is designed to be adapted by national partner institutions. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
www.intracen.org/eqm
Contact:
gujadhur@intracen.org |
|
Exporting Automotive Components: An Answer Book for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
F
S |
A guide answering SMEs’ frequently asked questions on various aspects of exporting in the automotive components sector. It covers the fundamentals of exporting, sector-specific information sources on industry trends, suppliers and buyers, and explains ISO 9001:2000, ISO 14000, and ISO/TS 16949. Answers are accompanied by references to explore the topic in greater detail. The guide is designed to be adapted by national partner institutions. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/ec
Contact:
menon@intracen.org |
|
How to Approach Banks
F
S |
A guide containing practical information on how to obtain trade credit, designed to be adapted by national partner institutions. The guide is aimed at SMEs as well as financial institutions that want to train loan officers to meet the needs of entrepreneurs. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/tfs
Contact:
financefortrade@intracen.org |
|
International Trade Rules: An Answer Book for Small and Medium-Sized Exporters
F
S |
A guide answering SMEs’ questions on WTO Agreements, addressing issues such as the implementation and enforcement of Agreements, the WTO dispute settlement mechanism, the WTO itself, and the implications for international trade of open markets. Answers are accompanied by references to explore the topic in greater detail. The guide is designed to be adapted by national partner institutions. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/ec
Contact:
matile@intracen.org |
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Secrets of Electronic Commerce: A Guide for Small and Medium-Sized Exporters
F
S |
A guide answering the questions foremost in the mind of small businesses related to e-commerce. It identifies SME issues and constraints related to e-commerce. Answers to each question are accompanied by references to explore the topic in greater detail. The guide is designed to be adapted by national partner institutions. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/ec
Contact:
menon@intracen.org |
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Secrets of Intellectual Property: A Guide for Small and Medium-Sized Exporters
F
S |
Co-published with World Intellectual Property Organization, the guide contains questions and answers dealing with intellectual property issues, aimed at small and medium-sized exporters and trade support institutions. The guide is designed to be adapted by national partner institutions. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/ec
Contact:
menon@intracen.org |
|
Trade in Services: An Answer Book for Small and Medium-Sized Exporters
F
S |
The guide provides answers to questions commonly asked by services suppliers located in developing and transition economies. It furnishes practical advice, strategies, and references to help enterprises in the services sector improve their export performance or enter new markets. Answers to each question are also accompanied by references to explore the topic in greater detail. The guide is designed to be adapted by national partner institutions. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/ec
Contact:
services@intracen.org |
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Trade Secrets: The Export Answer Book for Small and Medium-Sized Exporters
F
S |
The Export Answer Book is a unique, practical reference guide to exporting, which is designed to be customized by partner institutions. The book is designed for small businesses engaged in exporting. It provides a comprehensive overview of the export transaction from an operational point of view. Adapted versions feature answers to around 100 of a country’s most frequently asked questions. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/ec
Contact:
emds@intracen.org |
Enable enterprises to convert commercial opportunities into actual business by
strengthening export marketing
Global programmes
|
South-South Trade Promotion
F
S |
A programme that promotes intra- and inter-regional trade transactions. It methodically identifies and quantifies missed trade opportunities, and helps realize their potential by organizing buyers–sellers meetings to bring together potential business partners in identified sectors. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/sstp
Contact:
south-south@intracen.org |
|
World Tr@de Net |
A programme designed to strengthen the business community’s effective participation in the world trading system. It reinforces private-public sector consultations on WTO-related issues and provides training and information on the business implications of the WTO Agreements. It facilitates experience and information exchange through country networks. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/mts/welcomewtn.htm
Contact:
worldtradenet@intracen.org |
Services
|
e-Trade Bridge – e-Trade Management Competency
F
S |
A certification programme designed to build the capacity of Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) to offer training and consulting programmes to SMEs on e-utilization and potential in order to improve their international competitiveness by developing their e-trade capabilities. The programme emphasises why, where and when ”e” should be used for the purpose of meeting the business objectives as part of the business strategy. At the end of the programme, participants are certified and able to assist SMEs in becoming e-ready. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/etradebridge Contact:
etradebridge@intracen.org |
|
Standards and Quality Management
F
S |
A service designed to strengthen support to SMEs on quality-related issues. It helps enterprises to meet standards, technical regulations and sanitary and phytosanitary measures in their export markets. It strengthens the capacities of organizations dealing with standardization, quality assurance, accreditation and metrology to provide improved services to enterprises. Available in English, French and Spanish.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/eqm
Contact
http://www.intracen.org/eprp/welcome :
gujadhur@intracen.org |
Tools and products
|
Export-Readiness Diagnostic Tool for Services Firms |
A tool designed to assess the competitiveness, resources and expectations of services firms, and suggest strategies. Available only in English.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/servicexport/tools.htm
Contact:
services@intracen.org |
|
Leatherline |
Leatherline provides SMEs in developing countries with market information and business matchmaking. It is a comprehensive web portal providing a wide spectrum of data and links on different aspects of the leather industry and trade, and free access to analysis tools. Leatherline is also a virtual market place, where offers and demands can be posted. Available only in English.
Information:
http://www.intracen.org/leatherline Contact :
leatherline@intracen.org |
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Successful Services Exporting - Training Modules - Service Exporter Participants
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