Ireland and International Trade Centre renew partnership to promote inclusive, sustainable trade
(Geneva) Ireland reconfirms its partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC) to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth – with a focus on fragile states, least developed countries, women’s economic empowerment and sustainability – by committing EUR 1 million in 2021.
International Trade Centre Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton and Ambassador Michael Gaffey, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations and other International Organisations at Geneva, signed a memorandum of understanding on 29 April at ITC.
The funding will support the core work plan of ITC during 2021 and particularly initiatives that seek to build capacity and foster trade and investment in vulnerable communities in light of the current COVID‑19 pandemic. This includes the International Trade Centre’s work to strengthen the participation of micro-, small and medium enterprises in agricultural value chains and support the regional integration of Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Ambassador Gaffey said: ‘Ireland is pleased to continue the long-standing partnership with the International Trade Centre to assist micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. We believe in the great work of the ITC in promoting inclusive and economic growth and trade to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on leaving no one behind.’
‘I am pleased that the excellent partnership with Ireland has continued with the signing of this 2021 agreement.’ said Ms. Coke-Hamilton. ‘We appreciate the trust and confidence placed in us and recognize that the flexible core financing provided by Ireland allows the International Trade Centre to respond to our clients’ evolving needs. This has become increasingly important given the socio-economic fallout caused by COVID-19 and the urgency to build back better.’
About ITC- The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
For more information, visit www.intracen.org.
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International Trade Centre Vittorio Cammarota Chief, Communications and Events T: +41 22 730 0322 E: vcammarota [at] intracen.org (vcammarota[at]intracen[dot]org)
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