Mandate

ITC is a technical cooperation organization whose mission is to support developing and transition economies, and particularly their business sectors, in their efforts to realize their full potential for developing exports and improving import operations with the ultimate goal of achieving sustainable development. ITC deals specifically with the operational aspects of trade promotion and export development.

Strategy

The development of national capacities for improving the trade performance of businesses is ITC's overriding objective. While providing direct support to the individual enterprise, ITC attempts to generate a multiplier effect through partnerships with technical and business service institutions able to replicate successes for a broader developmental impact. ITC's direct involvement with national institutions and the business community as well as its applied R & D enable it to draw up practical, relevant and action-oriented trade promotion programmes. It brings to bear the business perspective in contributing to the design and implementation of trade promotion strategies and coordination arrangements. Networking and cooperation with national, regional and international organizations are pillars of its strategy. ITC assumes the dual role of providing its own technical support and of performing a clearing-house function for proven expertise and experience in trade promotion and export development on a worldwide basis.

Core services

To fulfil its mandate, ITC strives to be recognized as a centre of excellence in those priority areas of trade promotion and export development where its comparative advantages allow it to be most effective. ITC's six core services are: product and market development; development of trade support services; trade information; human resource development; international purchasing and supply management; and needs assessment and programme design. Its range of services, expertise and modes of delivery are continuously reviewed and adapted to the changing needs of its clients. In carrying out its tasks, ITC integrates issues of common concern such as environmental considerations; entrepreneurship development; the advancement of women; poverty alleviation and employment generation; and economic and technical cooperation among developing countries.

Values

ITC is a demand-driven organization responsive to national development objectives and programmes. It endeavours to deliver relevant and cost-effective services for sustainable development ends. Its staff are committed to providing information and advice according to criteria implicit in the United Nations Charter: the highest standards of efficiency, competence, integrity and neutrality.