<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Voluntary standards - RSS Feed</title><link>http://www.intracen.org//layouts/RSSFeed.aspx?id=48895</link><description /><item><title>Company contacts now in Trade Map</title><description>&lt;p&gt;  ITCArticleElcitra 
 Site\Intracen 
 Company contacts now in Trade Map 
 ITC adds company data from more than 60 countries&amp;#160;to Trade Map, improving the ability of companies to identify trading partners across the world. 
 ITC Communications 
 2012-08-31 
  Users of the International Trade Centre (ITC)’s Trade Map&lt;/p&gt;</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/news/Company-contacts-now-in-Trade-Map/</link><pubDate>31/08/2012 09:16:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title>Getting a grip on ITC’s market-analysis tools</title><description>More than 30 African Geneva-based officials on 30 July participated in a training session on ITC’s market-access analysis tools. The event, which was organized by ITC’s Office for Africa, was moderated by experts from the Market Analysis and Research...</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/news/Getting-a-grip-on-ITC’s-market-analysis-tools/</link><pubDate>06/08/2012 10:46:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title>Women need equal access to resources and opportunities</title><description>‘We must accelerate our efforts to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women through development programmes grounded in country priorities, recognising that gender equality and women’s empowerment are critical to achieving development results.’...</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/news/Women-need-equal-access-to-resources-and-opportunities/</link><pubDate>11/07/2012 12:28:14 PM</pubDate></item><item><title>Conference on business and humanitarian issues meets in Geneva, Switzerland</title><description>Speaking at a conference focused on the subject of harnessing the potential for the private sector to have a positive impact on development, ITC Executive Director, Patricia Francis, outlined her view that government and civil society engagement with the private sector is a time commitment but is a necessary component of plans to alleviate poverty...</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/news/Conference-on-business-and-humanitarian-issues-meets-in-Geneva-Switzerland/</link><pubDate>16/03/2012 12:11:01 PM</pubDate></item><item><title>ITC targets Indian clothing, food and beverage sectors for Standards Map training</title><description>An ITC team are currently in India demonstrating how Standards Map, the centre's new trade intelligence web tool, can apply to India's booming apparel industry and food and beverage sector...</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/news/ITC-targets-Indian-clothing-food-and-beverage-sectors-for-Standards-Map-training/</link><pubDate>11/01/2012 05:19:45 AM</pubDate></item><item><title>ITC Standards Map is focus of workshop for U.S. Government experts</title><description>Specialists from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), USAID and the U.S. General Services Administration have a better understanding of standards issues thanks to an ITC workshop highlighting the centre's Standards Map...</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/news/ITC-Standards-Map-is-focus-of-workshop-for-US-Government-experts/</link><pubDate>03/01/2012 10:46:45 AM</pubDate></item><item><title>Market Analysis Tools to remain free for 2012</title><description>ITC is pleased to announce its five online Market Analysis Tools - Trade Map, Market Access Map, Investment Map, Trade Competitiveness Map, and Standards Map - will remain free of charge for developing country users in 2012 thanks to financial support...</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/news/Market-Analysis-Tools-to-remain-free-for-2012/</link><pubDate>27/12/2011 10:47:38 AM</pubDate></item><item><title>Kenya farm exporters get guidance on carbon rules</title><description>Some of the world’s top experts in carbon and water standards will give guidance to Kenyan exporters of fruits, vegetables and cut flowers on complying with the tough import requirements of developed country markets....</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/news/Kenya-farm-exporters-get-guidance-on-carbon-rules/</link><pubDate>01/12/2011 09:30:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title>New Drivers of Global Value Chains</title><description>The long-term impact of the changing trade landscape on global value chains 
is being shaped by changes in standards regimes, exchange rates, investment 
flows and other key determinants such as climate change. While trading with 
fast-growing emerging...</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/New-Drivers-of-Global-Value-Chains/</link><pubDate>11/07/2011 10:59:45 AM</pubDate></item><item><title>Building Linkages for Export Success</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Building Linkages for Export Success This handbook produced jointly by ISO and ITC describes the role of quality in export competitiveness and its implications for developing country exporters and support institutions; considers the role of national standards bodies (NSBs) and that of trade promotion organization&lt;/p&gt;</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/Building-Linkages-for-Export-Success/</link><pubDate>16/06/2011 04:23:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title>Tropical Fruits and Vegetables in China: Market overview</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Tropical Fruits and Vegetables in China: Market overview China is the world’s top fruit and vegetable producer, with vegetable outputs alone totalling 49% of global output. The Chinese market for tropical fruits and vegetables is set to keep on growing at a steady pace in the near future. For least developed cou&lt;/p&gt;</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/Tropical-Fruits-and-Vegetables-in-China-Market-overview/</link><pubDate>09/06/2011 05:31:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title>New website compares voluntary sustainability standards</title><description>&lt;p&gt;  Exporters, producers and
retailers can now compare dozens of different voluntary standards in one place. ITC's new Standards Map website (&lt;a target="_blank" title="www.standardsmap.org" href="http://www.standardsmap.org"&gt;www.standardsmap.org&lt;/a&gt;) is the first comprehensive database on voluntary standards such as Fairtrade, Forest
Stewardship Council, Marine Stewardship Council, GlobalG.A.P. and others....&lt;/p&gt;</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/news/New-website-compares-voluntary-sustainability-standards/</link><pubDate>16/03/2011 04:03:11 PM</pubDate></item><item><title>The Impacts of Private Standards on Global Value Chains</title><description>&lt;p&gt;    
  Standards impact value chain  
  Standards impact value chain   
  
  
 2011-03-09 
 &lt;/p&gt;</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/THE-IMPACTS-OF-PRIVATE-STANDARDS-ON-GLOBAL-VALUE-CHAINS-LITERATURE-REVIEW-SERIES-ON-THE-IMPACTS-OF-PRIVATE-STANDARDS/</link><pubDate>09/03/2011 10:53:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title>News Brief</title><description>ITC to assist African Export Standards and QualityITC recently announced a partnership with African trade officials to improve the standard and quality of local small and medium-sized enterprises.</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/News-Brief-Quality-and-Standards/</link><pubDate>24/02/2011 06:44:15 PM</pubDate></item><item><title>Quality - a prerequisite for exports: Increasing complexity of technical requirements in export markets</title><description>Exporters from developing countries are increasingly feeling the pressure to conform to international standards if they are to enter successfully developed country markets.</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/Quality---A-Prerequisite-for-Exports-Increasing-Complexity-of-Technical-Requirements-in-Export-Markets/</link><pubDate>24/02/2011 06:43:52 PM</pubDate></item><item><title>Closing the Gap: Quality and standards in ethical supply chains</title><description>Gap Inc. is one of the world's largest clothing retailers. It is also an industry leader in ethical sourcing and supply chain management through a social responsibility programme that advocates human rights as an essential component of quality and standards management.</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/Closing-the-Gap-Quality-and-Standards-in-Ethical-Supply-Chains/</link><pubDate>24/02/2011 06:42:58 PM</pubDate></item><item><title>Fairtrade: New business model taps markets in the South</title><description>With the emergence of new markets in the South, Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International's standards are adapting to become more than a doorway to export markets in the North.With the continuing shift in economic activity from developed to developing countries, the trend towards consumer growth in emerging markets requires transnational corporations to rethink the way they do business in the South. Fairtrade Labelling Organizations (FLO) International sees these global changes as an opportunity to introduce its international social certification system to consumer markets in the South.</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/Fairtrade-New-Business-Model-Taps-Markets-in-the-South/</link><pubDate>24/02/2011 06:42:41 PM</pubDate></item><item><title>Challenges in agri-food exports: Building the quality infrastructure</title><description>Many developing countries are ill equipped to take advantage of the opportunities provided by trade. Weak infrastructure, lack of capacity and the inability to meet technical product specifications and stringent requirements in terms of quality, safety, health and the environment impede their integration into global markets.</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/Challenges-in-Agro-Food-Exports-Building-the-Quality-Infrastructure/</link><pubDate>24/02/2011 06:42:23 PM</pubDate></item><item><title>Standards and trade development facility: A collaborative approach to strengthen sanitary and phytosanitary capacity</title><description>Despite the potential for trade in food and agricultural products to generate economic growth and reduce poverty in developing countries, meeting food safety, animal and plant health requirements remains a challenge for farmers, processors and government agencies in some countries.</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/Standards-and-Trade-Development-Facility-A-Collaborative-Approach-to-Strengthen-Sanitary-and-Phytosanitary-Capacity/</link><pubDate>24/02/2011 06:42:01 PM</pubDate></item><item><title>Global supply chains: The role of international standards and conformity assessment</title><description>As global supply chains continue to grow, the international accreditation network, underpinned by internationally agreed standards, plays an essential role in the support of competitive markets and cross-border trade. This is increasingly important as businesses seek to lower costs or satisfy contract terms while maintaining a level of confidence that products are technically compatible, to specification and safe.</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/Global-Supply-Chains-The-Role-of-International-Standards-and-Conformity-Assessment/</link><pubDate>24/02/2011 06:41:56 PM</pubDate></item><item><title>The SPS Agreement: WTO agreement on the application of sanitary and phytosanitary measures</title><description>Although import duties on many agricultural products have been dropped or waived as part of preferential trading agreements, farmers in developing countries are facing new challenges to selling their products around the world. Technical requirements, particularly for the hygiene and safety of products, have become one of the greatest barriers to trade for many producers.</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/The-SPS-Agreement-WTO-Agreement-on-the-Application-of-Sanitary-and-Phytosanitary-Measures/</link><pubDate>24/02/2011 06:41:52 PM</pubDate></item><item><title>Global standards: Sweeten sugar for buyers</title><description>With biofuels becoming more prominent on the global market, production is being expanded in Brazil, Asia and Africa. This expansion has environmental groups concerned that sugar cane's environmental impact  outweighs the economic and social benefits.</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/Global-Standards-Sweeten-Sugar-for-Buyers/</link><pubDate>24/02/2011 06:41:39 PM</pubDate></item><item><title>ISO 26000: Putting social responsibility to work</title><description>Recognition of the need for more ethically responsible business practices has seen the emergence of a strong global movement to embrace and promote the concept of social responsibility (SR).</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/ISO-26000-Putting-Social-Responsibility-to-Work/</link><pubDate>24/02/2011 06:41:25 PM</pubDate></item><item><title>A unique approach for developing countries: IEC Standards and Conformity Assessment</title><description>International trade in electrical and electronic products is becoming increasingly competitive. As technologies evolve rapidly, safety, reliability and performance must keep pace. This is equally true for companies in industrialized and industrializing countries.</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/A-Unique-Approach-for-Developing-Countries-IEC-Standards-and-Conformity-Assessment/</link><pubDate>24/02/2011 06:41:11 PM</pubDate></item><item><title>Voluntary standards in developing Countries: The potential of voluntary standards and their role in international trade</title><description>The importance of voluntary standards has grown in recent years, contributing to higher growth rates in international trade, especially in agricultural products, than achieved in many more traditional markets. The advantages of complying with particular standards need to be carefully assessed to see whether significant gains are obtainable.</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/Voluntary-Standards-in-Developing-Countries-The-Potential-of-Voluntary-Standards-and-their-Role-in-International-Trade/</link><pubDate>24/02/2011 06:40:58 PM</pubDate></item><item><title>‘Market access begins at home,’ says ITC</title><description>&lt;p&gt;A new ITC report on market access, transparency and fairness in global trade concludes that ‘market access begins at home’. It argues that further reducing barriers to trade between developing countries needs to be an essential part of the way forward...&lt;/p&gt;</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/news/‘Market-access-begins-at-home’-says-ITC/</link><pubDate>11/01/2011 03:55:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title>Trade for sustainable development (T4SD)</title><description>&lt;p&gt;  Trade for sustainable development (T4SD) 
 2009-06-01 
 2011-12-31 
 one 
  1908 
  
 
  
 true 
 &lt;/p&gt;</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/layouts/three-column.aspx?pageid=49080&amp;id=1327</link><pubDate>06/12/2010 11:32:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title>Company contacts now in Trade Map</title><description>&lt;p&gt;  ITCArticleElcitra 
 Site\Intracen 
 Company contacts now in Trade Map 
 ITC adds company data from more than 60 countries&amp;#160;to Trade Map, improving the ability of companies to identify trading partners across the world. 
 ITC Communications 
 2012-08-31 
  Users of the International Trade Centre (ITC)’s Trade Map&lt;/p&gt;</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/news/Company-contacts-now-in-Trade-Map/</link><pubDate>31/08/2012 09:16:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title>Getting a grip on ITC’s market-analysis tools</title><description>More than 30 African Geneva-based officials on 30 July participated in a training session on ITC’s market-access analysis tools. The event, which was organized by ITC’s Office for Africa, was moderated by experts from the Market Analysis and Research...</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/news/Getting-a-grip-on-ITC’s-market-analysis-tools/</link><pubDate>06/08/2012 10:46:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title>Women need equal access to resources and opportunities</title><description>‘We must accelerate our efforts to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women through development programmes grounded in country priorities, recognising that gender equality and women’s empowerment are critical to achieving development results.’...</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/news/Women-need-equal-access-to-resources-and-opportunities/</link><pubDate>11/07/2012 12:28:14 PM</pubDate></item><item><title>Conference on business and humanitarian issues meets in Geneva, Switzerland</title><description>Speaking at a conference focused on the subject of harnessing the potential for the private sector to have a positive impact on development, ITC Executive Director, Patricia Francis, outlined her view that government and civil society engagement with the private sector is a time commitment but is a necessary component of plans to alleviate poverty...</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/news/Conference-on-business-and-humanitarian-issues-meets-in-Geneva-Switzerland/</link><pubDate>16/03/2012 12:11:01 PM</pubDate></item><item><title>ITC targets Indian clothing, food and beverage sectors for Standards Map training</title><description>An ITC team are currently in India demonstrating how Standards Map, the centre's new trade intelligence web tool, can apply to India's booming apparel industry and food and beverage sector...</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/news/ITC-targets-Indian-clothing-food-and-beverage-sectors-for-Standards-Map-training/</link><pubDate>11/01/2012 05:19:45 AM</pubDate></item><item><title>ITC Standards Map is focus of workshop for U.S. Government experts</title><description>Specialists from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), USAID and the U.S. General Services Administration have a better understanding of standards issues thanks to an ITC workshop highlighting the centre's Standards Map...</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/news/ITC-Standards-Map-is-focus-of-workshop-for-US-Government-experts/</link><pubDate>03/01/2012 10:46:45 AM</pubDate></item><item><title>Market Analysis Tools to remain free for 2012</title><description>ITC is pleased to announce its five online Market Analysis Tools - Trade Map, Market Access Map, Investment Map, Trade Competitiveness Map, and Standards Map - will remain free of charge for developing country users in 2012 thanks to financial support...</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/news/Market-Analysis-Tools-to-remain-free-for-2012/</link><pubDate>27/12/2011 10:47:38 AM</pubDate></item><item><title>Kenya farm exporters get guidance on carbon rules</title><description>Some of the world’s top experts in carbon and water standards will give guidance to Kenyan exporters of fruits, vegetables and cut flowers on complying with the tough import requirements of developed country markets....</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/news/Kenya-farm-exporters-get-guidance-on-carbon-rules/</link><pubDate>01/12/2011 09:30:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title>New Drivers of Global Value Chains</title><description>The long-term impact of the changing trade landscape on global value chains 
is being shaped by changes in standards regimes, exchange rates, investment 
flows and other key determinants such as climate change. While trading with 
fast-growing emerging...</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/New-Drivers-of-Global-Value-Chains/</link><pubDate>11/07/2011 10:59:45 AM</pubDate></item><item><title>Building Linkages for Export Success</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Building Linkages for Export Success This handbook produced jointly by ISO and ITC describes the role of quality in export competitiveness and its implications for developing country exporters and support institutions; considers the role of national standards bodies (NSBs) and that of trade promotion organization&lt;/p&gt;</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/Building-Linkages-for-Export-Success/</link><pubDate>16/06/2011 04:23:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title>Tropical Fruits and Vegetables in China: Market overview</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Tropical Fruits and Vegetables in China: Market overview China is the world’s top fruit and vegetable producer, with vegetable outputs alone totalling 49% of global output. The Chinese market for tropical fruits and vegetables is set to keep on growing at a steady pace in the near future. For least developed cou&lt;/p&gt;</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/Tropical-Fruits-and-Vegetables-in-China-Market-overview/</link><pubDate>09/06/2011 05:31:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title>New website compares voluntary sustainability standards</title><description>&lt;p&gt;  Exporters, producers and
retailers can now compare dozens of different voluntary standards in one place. ITC's new Standards Map website (&lt;a target="_blank" title="www.standardsmap.org" href="http://www.standardsmap.org"&gt;www.standardsmap.org&lt;/a&gt;) is the first comprehensive database on voluntary standards such as Fairtrade, Forest
Stewardship Council, Marine Stewardship Council, GlobalG.A.P. and others....&lt;/p&gt;</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/news/New-website-compares-voluntary-sustainability-standards/</link><pubDate>16/03/2011 04:03:11 PM</pubDate></item><item><title>The Impacts of Private Standards on Global Value Chains</title><description>&lt;p&gt;    
  Standards impact value chain  
  Standards impact value chain   
  
  
 2011-03-09 
 &lt;/p&gt;</description><link>http://www.intracen.org/THE-IMPACTS-OF-PRIVATE-STANDARDS-ON-GLOBAL-VALUE-CHAINS-LITERATURE-REVIEW-SERIES-ON-THE-IMPACTS-OF-PRIVATE-STANDARDS/</link><pubDate>09/03/2011 10:53:09 AM</pubDate></item></channel></rss