Indigenous Peoples and trade
Overview
Indigenous Peoples make up only 6% of the global population, but care for 25% of the Earth’s surface and safeguard 80% of its biodiversity. While the situation varies per country, in some cases, Indigenous Peoples can represent more than 60% of the population. Their meaningful inclusion in trade is equally a matter of equity as it is for global sustainability.
Yet they face obstacles that limit their participation in global trade, from inadequate infrastructure and logistical challenges to insufficient access to financial services and discriminatory practices.
At ITC, we’re working to empower indigenous entrepreneurs to engage in regional and global trade while protecting their unique cultural heritage and traditional knowledge.
Training for indigenous entrepreneurs
ITC provides culturally tailored training so Indigenous entrepreneurs can access national, regional and international markets. These small businesses work in handicrafts, ecotourism, agrifood, and conservation. Our programmes also focus on increasing opportunities for Indigenous women and youth in trade.
Strengthen business support organizations
We work with existing organizations to make it easier for Indigenous Peoples to register businesses, tap into financial services, and create sustainable value chains.
Encourage more supportive policies, nationally and internationally
We’re amplifying the voices of Indigenous Peoples in trade policy talks. Through our partnership with the World Intellectual Property Organization, we make the sure their intellectual property and cultural heritage is protected, so that they’re fairly compensated.
White paper for Governments on Indigenous Trade
World Economic Forum with contributions from ITC
Information in Spanish on the project: Guatemala: Facilitating Exports and Investment through enhanced digitalisation of government services and promotion of sustainable and inclusive trade with the EU.
