UNGIS

ITC is the joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, fully dedicated to supporting small businesses of developing countries to trade. Originally created by the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) in 1964, ITC has operated since 1968 under the joint aegis of GATT/WTO and the United Nations, the latter acting through the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). ITC is the focal point in the United Nations system for technical cooperation with developing countries and economies in transition, on trade promotion and export development. 

While UNCTAD and WTO work principally with governments, ITC focuses on equipping micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to become more competitive in global markets. In this context, ITC translates the business implications of multilateral trade agreements for businesses, so they can understand, shape and benefit from trade rules. ITC thereby helps to build vibrant, sustainable export sectors that provide entrepreneurial opportunities, particularly for women, youth and vulnerable communities. 

Goals

• Inclusion:
  The ITC emphasizes economic empowerment and fairly paid job opportunities for women, youth, refugees, migrants, and other vulnerable populations.
• Sustainability:
  The ITC helps economies and micro, small, and medium-sized businesses go green and transition towards sustainable development through the circular economy.
• Prosperity:
  The ITC leverages technology to narrow the digital divide, uses Aid for Trade to support developing countries, and builds their capacity to benefit from trade.