Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represent up to 95% of all businesses in developing and transition economies. They account for up to 90% of employment in the industrial sector; 60% to 70% of manufacturing output; and 75% to 80% of national export earnings. Clearly, it is essential to nurture the SME sector in order to drive and maintain growth.


- understand what it takes for an enterprise to survive
  and win in a global economy
- undertake an evaluation of enterprise competitiveness
- compare and position themselves in relation to
  international best performers
- improve their understanding of the export process
- assess their readiness to undertake exports
- identify priority areas for improvement

ITC seeks to build institutional and individual/enterprise capacities in developing countries and economies in transition to face up to the trade challenges of the 21st century.