The International Trade Centre (ITC) is the only international agency fully dedicated to the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Established in 1964, ITC is the joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. ITC’s mission is to foster inclusive and sustainable economic development and contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, working towards creating ‘trade impact for good’.

The agency enables SMEs in developing and transition economies to become more competitive and connect to international markets for trade and investment, helping to raise incomes and create job opportunities — especially for women, young people and poor communities. Its work spans everything from growing and marketing coffee and pineapples to supporting tech start-ups, ethical fashion and the textile industry, while helping drive digital connectivity and a global transition to green, sustainable trade.

ITC’s reach is substantial: in 2024 alone, 58,000 small businesses became more competitive in trade with ITC support, 142 countries received ITC trade-related support, over 10,000 women-led businesses improved their trade competitiveness, and 1.54 million registered users benefited from ITC’s global public goods. ITC works in approximately 128 countries around the world, with a special focus on developing and least developed countries.