World Chambers Federation

6 ways we’re supporting MSME growth…

  • 27 June 2017
Newtons cradle

Today is the first-ever Micro-, Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises Day – a designation made by the United Nations General Assembly earlier this year to recognise the crucial role that MSMEs will play in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

At the International Chamber of Commerce, every day is a kind of MSME day as we work non-stop to support small businesses grow through international trade.

Here are just six highlights from our everyday work:

  1. Championing global rules for e-commerce
    Small businesses that use e-commerce platforms are more than five times more likely to export than those in the offline economy. We think e-commerce has enormous potential to boost MSME growth, but many small businesses still find it hard to navigate the myriad of national rules and regulations covering e-commerce. That’s why we are calling on governments to develop a common framework of legal standards and practices without delay – read our full concept paper which was launched at the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Public Forum last year.

  2. Making trade simpler
    It’s estimated that the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) – a landmark trade deal to cut red-tape at borders – could lead to a 80% increase in MSME exports in some economies. That’s quite a prize! We’re working with partner organisations and donor governments through the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation to help realise the potential of the TFA to make it easier for MSMEs to trade internationally.
  3. Promoting access to finance
    Our research shows that many MSMEs find it difficult to access cost-effective bank finance to support their international operations. Earlier this year, we secured a UN-led review of this problem and its underlying causes – with the aim of easing the flow of bank finance to deserving businesses. Watch this space…
  4. Standardising global trade practice
    Every day, millions of MSMEs use our global rules and standards to make trade across borders an easier process. From our standard delivery terms – known as the Incoterms© rules – to our Marketing and Advertising Code, our aim is to make the prospect of doing business globally that bit less daunting.
  5. Delivering the best in online learning
    Established in 2015, the ICC Academy provides tailored e-learning courses designed by industry experts from around the world. Our Export Import Certificate is the gold-standard in training for companies looking to grow the expertise of their teams to trade internationally with ease and expertise.
  6. Supporting SME development through regional chambers
    Our (WCF) provides chambers of commerce worldwide with the support they need to help SMEs face the challenges and opportunities of globalisation. Jointly organised with the Sydney Business Chamber, our World Chambers Congress in Sydney, Australia from 19-21 September 2017 will be a key opportunity for chambers to develop the knowhow needed to further help SMEs get a foothold in global markets.

If you’d like any further information on our work with MSMEs, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Happy MSME Day!