Delivering Targeted Reforms for Small Businesses

The Alliance, through Swisscontact, is helping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and women-led businesses reap the benefits of the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement.

When done right, trade facilitation can benefit governments and businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which are the economic backbone of many developing and least-developed countries.

However, MSMEs face significant hurdles trying to navigate customs bureaucracies. Many operate on thin profit margins and often struggle to meet the high costs of participating in global trade.

Meaningful and targeted trade facilitation reform can help address the specific challenges facing MSMEs, enabling them to seize new business opportunities and unlock their full potential.

The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation is working with Swisscontact to implement trade reforms in several countries, including Cambodia and Uganda, which respond directly to the needs of MSMEs and women-led businesses. Our projects make the cross-border movement of goods simpler, faster, and more cost-effective while enabling governments to protect their revenue and safeguard society.

Watch this video to learn more.