Workers sort through tea leaves in Sri Lanka

Workers harvest tea from a plantation in Sri Lanka

Worker in t-shirt sorts cocoa beans in the Solomon Islands

Pakistani workers making surgical instruments, with sparks flying from machinery

United Kingdom Trade Partnerships Programme (UKTP)

Latin America and The Caribbean

Overview

Summary

Through trade promotion and capacity building activities, UKTP strengthens various stages of the value chain. Collaborating closely with government agencies, private sector organizations, public sector institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises and other local stakeholders, UKTP fosters a vibrant trade environment that drives sustainable economic growth. UKTP – funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland – is dedicated to enhancing trade from developing countries to the United Kingdom and European Union. By maximizing the benefits of UK and EU Economic Partnership Agreements and the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme, UKTP empowers small and medium-sized enterprises to expand their international reach and attract investment.

Partners

Funder

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the UK

Sustainable Development Goals

This project contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals, as defined by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Context

Training group studying standards and certification visits an organic coconute farm in Sri Lanka

Photo by ITC

Transforming lives through international trade

The UK Trade Partnerships (UKTP) Programme is driving transformative change in the livelihoods of growers, producers, and artisans worldwide. From cocoa farmers in the Solomon Islands to textile makers in Ethiopia, exporters and their supporting organizations are unlocking new opportunities in international markets by leveraging Economic Partnership Agreements with the United Kingdom and the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme.

Through targeted training, market access facilitation, and participation in global events, the programme is building capacity and expanding reach. With a strong focus on empowering women-owned businesses, the UKTP Programme is uplifting communities across agriculture, textiles, creative arts, and related sectors—bringing real, sustainable change to lives and livelihoods around the globe.

With specialty coffee we can build a relationship directly with the roasters who have the same goals as us – to be aware of ethical pricing for our farmers, dealing respectfully with the environment, making sure the person enjoying the coffee gets value for the cup and at the same time the farmer is being fairly compensated.

Emma Wakpi

Jiwaka Coffee Ltd.

The expertise provided has been nothing short of transformative. The guidance we’ve received has helped raise both our brand and professional profile. I look forward to continuing our collaboration and seeing the results come to fruition.

Purnima Singh

Loloma Fiji

The support has been incredibly beneficial, leading to significant improvements in our online sales and expanding our presence in both the Fijian and Australian markets. We have secured five new clients—two in Fiji and three in Australia—thanks to the programme’s assistance.

Sheenal Synthika

Fiji Spice Queen

It’s been a remarkable experience, with ITC, the UK Embassy, and HDC coming together to create an opportunity that opens a new window into sales and marketing.

Struan Philp

African Preserves

Zimbabwean maker of products like tinned tomatoes and beans

Having this opportunity to interact with someone who speaks from experience and really bring a new dynamic and perspective on branding and marketing is very insightful. How we can position ourselves and how we can turn our weaknesses into strengthens.

Karen Jiri

Cicada

Zimbabwean agribusiness

Thank you so much to the International Trade Centre for your unwavering support and guidance of Solomons Gold as we navigate the UK retail landscape. Your assistance has now seen Solomons Gold earn 15 x prestigious food awards in the UK and this recognition also helps us in our local markets in New Zealand and Australia.