An initiative launched by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) encourages companies and private sector organizations to suggest innovative ideas to promote cross-border trade by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The initiative entitled ICC-WTO Small Business Champions will give recognition to businesses putting forward successful proposals.

The share of MSMEs in cross-border trade is disproportionately small owing to factors such as lack of awareness of the potential market; lack of resources to cope with trading procedures; and other factors such as currency risk or insufficient information on the laws, language and business culture of other countries. New technology is however reducing many obstacles to cross-border transactions and is helping to create a more level playing field between large and small participants in cross-border trade.

The WTO and ICC are asking for proposals that could raise awareness of the barriers to trade faced by MSMEs; emphasize the positive experiences of MSMEs that are already participating in cross-border trade; facilitate greater access by MSMEs to important information; and increase the skills within MSMEs to allow them to access new export markets.

Small businesses trading internationally can grow more quickly and this leads to more job creation in the economy. If MSMEs can overcome problems such as lack of in-house expertise and lack of awareness of potential opportunities they can be equipped to move into potential new export markets. This can be done partly by government policy reforms but can also be boosted by input from the private sector. This latest WTO-ICC initiative can make use of the knowledge, experience and connectedness of the business community in support of MSME participation in international trade.

The types of proposal envisaged by the project include awareness-raising initiatives; capacity building; or training programs. The successful proposals will be promoted by the ICC and WTO in a manner that is suitable to the nature of the proposal, for example by hosting events or providing expertise. They emphasize that no financial contribution would be available. Proposals should not be related to WTO negotiations or changes to the WTO rules as there are other channels for that type of contribution.

Proposals should outline the concept, aims and timelines and should be no longer than three pages in length. Successful proposals will be announced by the WTO and ICC on a rolling basis and there is no limit on the number of proposals that may be accepted. Proposals may be submitted at any time up to 31 December 2017.