ITC understands that businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, that are striving to achieve and maintain a competitive edge in the global market need to be backed by efficient and strong national trade support institutions.  This is vital for their sustained and improved access to trade-related services such as financing, help in maintaining quality standards, advice on export packaging and ready information on legal requirements of international business.

ITC also assists countries in purchasing the goods required to meet their population's basic needs, and in improving the effectiveness of their government procurement.  ITC works with national institutions to improve their ability to provide consultancy support, information and training covering the whole purchasing and supply chain.  This involves diagnosing supply bottlenecks and problems, monitoring supply markets, implementing effective purchasing strategies, optimizing the quality of goods, managing the inbound logistics process and protecting imported goods against damage, loss and inefficient utilization.