The WACOMP Observatory is a comprehensive resource, offering three distinct modules to address various trade-related challenges: 1. The Trade competitiveness module provides in-depth monitoring and analysis of trade competitiveness at the national and regional levels, offering data on global, continental, and regional performance. 2. The Regional value chains module empowers policymakers and businesses to assess and integrate into regional value chains, focusing on key sectors: processed fruits, vegetables and roots; food preparations for infant use; processed fish and crustaceans products; beauty and wellness and personal care products; and apparel and textiles. 3. The Business matchmaking platform empowers businesses to promote products and services and connect with buyers and suppliers in the region.
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Revolutionizing Connections: The Business matchmaking platform |
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As the third module of the WACOMP Observatory, the innovative Business matchmaking platform is designed to revolutionize how West African businesses connect and collaborate, fostering regional growth and unlocking a world of new opportunities:
Find your perfect partner: Expand your network and discover reliable partners across West Africa, fostering cross-border collaboration and driving regional growth. With over 200 businesses already registered, the platform is primed for immediate connections. Effortless communication: Break down language barriers with automatic translation features in English, French, and Portuguese, ensuring seamless communication with potential partners. Simplified networking: Our user-friendly platform makes creating a comprehensive business profile a breeze, allowing you to showcase your offerings effectively. |
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Sign up today and be part of the future! Head over to the Business matchmaking platform and register now to join the hundreds of businesses already reaping the benefits of this innovative platform. Be a part of the West African trade revolution and unlock a world of new connections and growth potential! |
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| Discover the platform |
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SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES TRADE TRACKER SIDS Trade Tracker launched at SIDS4 conference in Antigua and Barbuda |
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ITC launched its free online tool for small island developing states (SIDS)—the SIDS Trade Tracker—at the fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), which took place in Antigua and Barbuda from 27-30 May 2024. |
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SIDS face distinct challenges that affect their development and participation in global trade. Geographically, these islands are vulnerable to natural disasters like hurricanes and rising sea levels, and are often remote, leading to high transportation and infrastructure costs that hinder trade. Economically, they tend to rely heavily on a narrow range of exports, exposing them to global market fluctuations. This vulnerability was evident during the pandemic when tourism destinations closed their borders for months, leading to a decline of nearly 70% in SIDS’ travel exports. Analysing trade data for SIDS is complex due to issues such as non-reporting, reporting delays, and inaccuracies, making collating and interpreting data to spot trade trends a key challenge. The SIDS Trade Tracker addresses this gap by making accessible trade indicators on a wide range of topics, from recent trends to export concentration and SIDS-specific factors such as remoteness, tourism dependence, and food import reliance. Speaking at the SIDS4 conference, ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton emphasized that “by using the SIDS Trade Tracker, countries can see where exports are most concentrated and what specialization patterns are emerging, so they can diversify, craft targeted responses and build resilience against shocks.” |
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| Discover the SIDS Trade Tracker |
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Image: Julia Spies, ITC’s head of Trade Data, Tools, and Analysis, presents the SIDS Trade Tracker at the SIDS4 conference in Antigua and Barbuda. |
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TRADE & INVESTMENT FACILITATION MECHANISM II & EUROMED TRADE HELPDESK Euromed: Providing trade and market intelligence
for enhanced integration (TIFM II) |
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| A regional network of trainers on Euromed Trade Helpdesk In May, representatives from Egypt and Lebanon from various public and private institutions successfully completed the national "Training of Trainers" workshops. During their respective 4-day sessions, they enhanced their market analysis and presentation skills to become certified trainers on the Euromed Trade Helpdesk. They will join a large network in the region, including for example in Tunisia. Indeed, partners have been active in the field, delivering their own information sessions on the regional tool. During the last quarter, 40 economic operators were trained on Euromed Trade Helpdesk by four Tunisian trainers. |
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In the meantime, Euromed Trade helpdesk has been gaining visibility through different channels: ITC and the Egyptian Exporter Association (Expolink) organised a presentation to around 30 representatives from the private sector, while a certified trainer presented it during the Moroccan Salon International de l'Agriculture (SIAM).
Learn more about the benefits of the tool for women entrepreneurs and economic operators in the video on the right. |
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| Visit the Euromed Trade Helpdesk |
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High-level meetings to overcome trade barriers in Tunisia and Morocco The Ministry of Commerce and Export Development of Tunisia, the Delegation of the European Union, and the International Trade Centre (ITC) organized a meeting in Tunis on April 30, 2024, on trade obstacles faced by national exporters. During the event, ITC presented the results a survey under ITC's Non-Tariff Measures (NTM) Business Survey, highlighting the persistent challenges facing Tunisian companies in their import-export activities, as well as specific difficulties encountered by financial and insurance service providers when trading. In total, over 550 Tunisian companies were surveyed during 2023. |
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| Read more on the NTM Survey portal |
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Similarly, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Morocco, the Delegation of the European Union, and ITC gathered in Rabat on May 6, 2024, to discuss the challenges posed by non-tariff measures (NTMs) for both goods and services trade, notably the transport and logistics sector. ITC presented the results of a large-scale survey with 700 companies. The goal was to capture the perception of businesses regarding the obstacles they encounter in their cross-border trade and discuss the reforms implemented by Morocco in recent years. Hence, it is essential to understand the perception of the Moroccan private sector on Non-Tariff Measures”, said Paul-Henri Presset, Head of the Trade section of the European Union delegation to the Kingdom of Morocco. |
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| Read more on the NTM Survey portal |
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GLOBAL TRADE HELPDESK Now available in Bahasa Indonesia and working hard to build market analysis skills across regions |
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The Bahasa edition of Global Trade Helpdesk was created through a partnership with ICC Indonesia Centre of Entrepreneurship of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). The platform was unveiled on 23 April at the Junior Chambers International Business Solutions Expo in Yogyakarta. A workshop at the Expo and training session with local firms provided a hands-on lesson on how to conduct market research and compare opportunities across markets. |
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‘In line with our G20 mandate to make information for small businesses more accessible, we are proud to be partnering with ICC Indonesia to make the Global Trade Helpdesk available in Indonesian,’ said ITC Executive Director, Pamela Coke-Hamilton. ‘Working together, we can ensure that small businesses in Indonesian communities can also benefit from this comprehensive digital platform and the new opportunities it brings for its dynamic entrepreneurs.’ The Global Trade Helpdesk team has also been working with business support organizations and partners across regions in response to requests for trainings on market analysis using the platform. |
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The team delivered a series of virtual trainings in April, May and June reaching over 1,000 total participants. This included sessions to small businesses in Latin America in collaboration with the WTO and UN ECLAC on Digital Platform for Exporting via E-commerce, working with the Ministry of Economy of El Salvador, ICC Ghana, Ukrainian Diplomats Nazovni, the University of Strathmore and Kenyan Small Business Development Centres, ICC Indonesia, Apex Brasil and the BRAEXP platform, as well as the Digital Export Enablement Programme for ASEAN markets with ICC, Google, and WIPO. |
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| Access the Bahasa version here |
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AFRICAN TRADE OBSERVATORY Joining forces to enhance African information transparency |
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This quarter has seen remarkable progress in advancing the African Trade Observatory (ATO). The 4th ATO Steering Committee Meeting brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the AU, EU, seven African Regional Economic Communities, and the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PACCI).
The Steering Committee, highlighted the ATO platform as a crucial tool for both private and public sectors, providing timely and relevant data on trade, market access, and border performance. During the meeting, ITC Deputy Executive Director, Ms Dorothy Tembo, underscored the ATO's pivotal role in enhancing trade intelligence across the continent and stressed the need for continued collaboration and active engagement with all African actors. |
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The ITC team also strengthened its partnership with the WCO. Our participation in the 39th WCO ESA Regional Steering Group (RSG) Meeting led to recommendations that encouraged all 24 Customs Authorities to adopt the ATO, leveraging its data automation and analytics features to enhance monitoring of the AfCFTA. These recommendations were subsequently adopted at the 30th Governing Council Meeting. The team also participated to the WCO workshop on Rules of Origin in WAEMU region, highlighting the complementarity of the ATO to support customs authorities in monitoring trade agreements and border operations. To further promote the ATO's implementation, a 3rd Regional Data Workshop was held on 27-28 June, in collaboration with the ECCAS Secretariat. Over 15 officials from ECCAS member states' Ministries of Trade and Customs participated, focusing on the data automation journey – from data collection and processing to dissemination via the ATO platform. In addition to workshops, the team delivered impactful presentations to increase awareness of the ATO project. These included an informative session during the 4th Ordinary Session of the AUC Specialized Technical Committee on Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals, targeting Ministries of Trade, as well as a presentation to all SADC staff in May. Plans are underway for a 4th regional data workshop in the SADC region later this year. |
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| Discover the African Trade Observatory platform |
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EASTERN PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE Training Ukrainian and Moldovan economic diplomats, business support organizations and entrepreneurs to empower them seize new regional trade opportunities |
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In April, the EaP team collaborated with Nazovni, Ukraine’s business globalization service, to deliver targeted training on the EaP Trade Helpdesk to over 60 Ukrainian diplomats. For Ukrainian exporters, diversifying market risks and seizing new opportunities are crucial. The war has led to high logistics and insurance costs, which can reduce profit margins and make Ukrainian goods less competitive. To offset these challenges and maintain resilience, exporters need to explore new markets, diversify their partnerships, and stay informed about emerging business opportunities. |
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‘At Nazovni, we help exporters expand into foreign markets and provide essential information and tools for economic diplomats, who support Ukraine’s economic growth. The training sessions organized jointly with ITC have greatly reinforced our efforts,’ said Oleksandra Sologub, Operational Director at Nazovni. In Moldova, the EaP team continues its close cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to train businesses on exploring and comparing new opportunities using the EaP Trade Helpdesk. Following a Training of Trainers program earlier this year, CCI Moldova has implemented two training session in April engaging with 55 Moldovan businesses to help find opportunities to expand their businesses to EU and EaP markets. |
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| Explore the Eastern Partnership Trade Helpdesk |
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CAPACITY BUILDING ON GLOBAL PUBLIC GOODS
ITC tools reveal strong prospects for exports from Albania and Serbia |
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From 13 to 24 May 2024, ITC experts conducted two workshops in Belgrade, Serbia, and Tirana, Albania, training 28 participants in the use of ITC Market Analysis Tools. These sessions, part of the project Trade Promotion East: Balkan States and Central Asia, equipped government officials, market analysts, trade experts, and university lecturers with the skills to prepare Quantitative Export Factsheets. These factsheets focus on understanding the export of a diverse range of products, by analysing their demand, tariffs and non-tariff measures, better utilizing existing preferential agreements and checking for growth opportunities. A highlight was the session on the Pan Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) convention on preferential rules of origin and regional cumulation opportunities. The workshops underscored Belgrade's and Tirana’s roles as vibrant hubs for international trade skill development. « The training applied a highly practical hands-on approach, which was much appreciated. The active participation of the trainees was strongly encouraged by ITC experts, making the training not only and excellent opportunity to learn about trade analysis tools, but also to exchange opinions, experiences, and ideas. » Feedback from a participant.
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Image: Serbia participant group picture |
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Image: Albania participant group picture |
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| ITC Tools for Curaçao Export Week 2024 |
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Entrepreneurs from various sectors in the country and staff of the Curaçao Investment and Export Agency CINEX were introduced to ITC flagship market analysis tools through a first-time ever dedicated event. Following a request from the government of Curaçao, ITC’s Trade & Market Intelligence Section arranged and delivered a tailored online session to familiarise participants with the capabilities of the tools and with other resources through which people from the country can pursue their learning and continue seizing the power of trade intelligence. The session focused on examples and simulations of exports of national products to selected target markets that are important for Curaçao. The event took place on May 16 and the event was attended by over 30 participants. The director of CINEX expressed its satisfaction about the workshop to ITC and highlighted his interest and commitment to foster the use of ITC tools to support the country’s export development efforts. |
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| Trade intelligence tools presented to delegates from Viet Nam’s government and Vietrade |
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| On 10 – 11 June, ITC welcomed 11 delegates from Viet Nam’s government and Vietrade and presented ITC Market Analysis Tools and Global Trade Helpdesk. The session was highly interactive with participants sharing their experiences using the tools in their daily work. They expressed strong interest in ITC tools and unanimously agreed that such an impressive amount of pertinent information will be very beneficial to Vietnamese SMEs. Another highlight was the success of certified trainers in Viet Nam back who have been conducting series of training in different regions since 2019. |
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SME Trade Academy Distance learning for trade analysis enthusiasts |
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It is well known, that ITC’s SME Trade Academy runs several times a year a number of courses on topics related to business, market and trade development. As part of that offer, two parallel courses on market analysis are provided 4 times a year: “How to analyse trade flows” and “How to access international markets”. These two courses focus on the principles of trade statistics analysis and the identification of market access conditions through ITC tools Trade Map and MacMap, respectively. Over 700 participants have benefited from these online courses so far in 2024. Take a deep dive of 4 hours spread over 2 weeks, at your own pace, into our Market Analysis Tools and learn to apply them to real life analysis. Next rounds of trainings will start in July 8, September 9 and November 11. |
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ITC TOOLS UPDATES Export Potential Map spring update |
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The spring update of Export Potential Map is now available, incorporating the latest trade data and IMF GDP growth projections. In addition, the export potential methodology now includes separate income elasticities for LDCs, accounting for the fact that import demand in LDCs may respond differently to changes in per-capita GDP growth than in developing countries. Previously, the export potential methodology only accounted for differences in income elasticities between developed and developing countries.
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Trade Map data updates |
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Global merchandise trade data We're proud to highlight the recent updates of our database. Data for Q1 2024 is now accessible for 46 countries, encompassing 66% of global goods trade. Furthermore, the Trade Map team has started uploading April 2024 data, currently available for 6 countries and covering 20% of global trade in goods. Stay tuned for more updates with Trade Map. |
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| Visit Trade Map |
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Global trade indicators 2023 are out! Curious to explore the latest trade developments? Trade Map is your go-to resource for up-to-date information. Discover recent trends for any product or country of your interest. The 2023 indicators, based on data reported by 119 countries (highlighted in blue on the map), cover more than 90% of global trade in goods. |
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| See data availability for your country |
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