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)

    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

    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
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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
    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.
    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
    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.

    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.

    Sarah Frydman
    Solomons Gold
    Solomon Islands chocolate maker
    Solomon Islands chocolate maker

    UKTP videos

    UKTP programme

    UKTP programme 50 30 June 2021

    Resources

    ITC contact

    Email
    ukpt [at] intracen.org