International value chains

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises or MSMEs in developing countries are crucial providers of jobs and income, and essential for inclusive economic growth. But it can be challenging for these enterprises to offer differentiated, value-added products that attract foreign investors and multinational companies.

Companies and governments may not work together at the sector level, support services are weak or non-existent and business networks insufficiently mature. MSMEs may also lack adequate managerial skills, production capabilities, marketing expertise, innovative potential, financing and strong sector linkages.  

ITC addresses these challenges by building competitiveness at the sector level and helping MSMEs develop products with strong international export potential. We equip business support organizations (BSOs) with up-to-date services to support clients and advocate for improvements on issues of value to MSMEs. We also focus on the value of goods or services that can be created and retained within a country. 

ITC is:

• focusing on agriculture, cotton, textile and clothing, tourism, e-commerce and digital entrepreneurship. We can also adapt our methodology to additional sectors. 
• encouraging stakeholders in a value chain to work together, tailoring our assistance, offering training, advisory services, market linkages, and access to finance