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
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the UK
Sustainable Development Goals
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.
Workshops in Jordan strengthen food safety and environmental standards
From 25 to 28 November 2024, the UKTP programme in Jordan organized two training workshops in Amman. Nine Jordanian businesses that make processed foods learned how to obtain critical certifications to access global markets, particularly the UK and EU.
The first workshop ran over two days, focused on the BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9 standard. Twenty participants received comprehensive training on food safety management systems, hazard analysis, and maintaining compliance with UK retailer requirements.
This globally recognized certification enhances food safety practices and strengthens market competitiveness. Feedback surveys revealed an increased awareness among participants, who noted certain certification requirements they had not previously considered.
The second workshop, attended by 12 participants, addressed the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems standard. Businesses that obtain this credential ensure they have sustainable business practices, environmental impact management, and strategies for continuous improvement.
Participants gained practical insights into aligning their organizational goals with environmental responsibility to meet international standards.
‘The comprehensive guidance provided has greatly enhanced our understanding of these critical standards and the benefits of their implementation,’ said Ahmad Soudi, commercial manager of Jordan Valley Food Ind. Co. ‘We truly appreciate the opportunity to strengthen our commitment to quality, sustainability, and continuous improvement.’
Both workshops included interactive training, expert-led discussions, and practical tools. These initiatives aim to build awareness and prepare businesses for certification audits. By enhancing compliance with international standards, the sessions support Jordanian businesses in enhancing their competitiveness and integrating into global value chains.
UKTP videos
UKTP programme
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30 June 2021
Reforming organic agriculture laws in Sri Lanka to unlock export potential
With over 400 certified organic exporters/ processors and more than 12,000 organic producers, Sri Lanka’s organic sector contributes over $0.5 billion annually to the national economy. By aligning regulations with international standards, the country aims to strengthen its credibility in the global organic market and unlock new trade opportunities. Key organic exports include tea, coconut-based products, spices, traditional rice, herbal products, and nutraceuticals.
According to the latest FiBL report, the global organic market reached over $142 billion in 2023, a significant rise from over $15 billion in 2000. With major markets such as China, Germany, and the United States driving demand, the adoption of international standards is crucial for Sri Lanka to build on its export potential and secure its place in the growing organic industry.
To support these efforts, the National Organic Control Unit (NOCU), in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) under its United Kingdom Trade Partnerships (UKTP) Programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom, hosted a national consultative workshop on 4 March 2025.
The event gathered 75 stakeholders from the public and private sectors who assessed and refined amendments to Sri Lanka’s legal framework governing organic agriculture.
The high-level discussions underscored the need for regulatory harmonization to ensure Sri Lankan organic products meet stringent requirements of global markets. Reforms are expected to significantly enhance the country’s export competitiveness and global market access for organic products.
Through the UKTP Programme, ITC has been supporting NOCU in aligning Sri Lanka’s National Organic Standard (SLS 1324:2018) with IFOAM International Organic Standard and Great Britain’s (GB) Organic Regulation. This initiative is an important step toward achieving international recognition and facilitating access to high-value export destinations, including the United Kingdom.
