UNIDO and ITC to collaborate on advancing enterprise and industrial development
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Director-General Li Yong said collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) will create greater impact through the complementary roles that both organizations can play in support of economic transformation via industrial development, trade and internationalisation of enterprises.
In a meeting with ITC Executive Director Arancha González in Geneva on 16 June 2014, Mr. Li Yong said UNIDO and ITC can develop a synergistic relationship in the development of production and trade capacity building to enhance sustainable economic development. Together, the Director-General said both organizations can build their efficiency and effectiveness in delivering technical assistance projects that will boost the economic transformation of countries in a globalised world.
He added that inclusive and sustainable industrial development is important in fostering economic growth.
Agreeing, the Executive Director said building the capacities of small and medium-sized enterprises and assisting them to internationalise, while at the same time, strengthening the industrial base of economies can boost their position in international markets.
She outlined the six areas in which ITC is carrying out its mandate on trade development: strengthening trade and market intelligence; supporting regional economic integration and South-South trade; connecting to value chains through SME competitiveness, diversification and links to export markets; strengthening trade and investment support institutions; promoting and mainstreaming inclusiveness and green trade; and building a conducive business and policy environment through public-private dialogues.
Ms. González said a strong partnership between UNIDO and ITC can make best use of the knowledge and know-how of each organization to exercise concrete action in trade development and economic growth.
Mr. Li Yong said the effective partnership will contribute towards building momentum on the discourse on the post-2015 development agenda where trade and industrialisation are inter-connected and clear targets for the achievement of new goals for the future.