The WTO and ICC select the Institute of Export & International Trade's 'Small Business Champions Initiative
15 March 2018
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) have selected The Institute of Export & International Trade’s (IOE&IT) proposal to run an ‘Open to Export International Business Awards’ over the summer of 2018, as part of the Small Business Champions initiative, alongside proposals from Ebay (the US) and the National Confederation of Industry in Brazil.
The ICC-WTO Small Business Champions initiative provides a platform for companies and private sector organizations around the world to propose innovative, practical ideas designed to encourage MSMEs to do business across borders.
The IOE&IT proposed an international version of the Open to Export Action Plan competition to the ICC-WTO panel. Through Open to Export, companies can use the online ‘Export Action Plan’ tool to take ownership of their export strategies, making decisions along each step of their international trade journey - from selecting a market to delivering products or services to new customers. The ‘Export Action Plan Competition’ rewards the best export plans with prizes and further support for the businesses to take their next steps in international trade.
The Open to Export International Business Awards will be aimed at MSMEs from around the world with 20 finalists invited to pitch their plans to a panel of judges at the WTO Public Forum at the start of October. The 20 finalists will receive training in export skills, and the winning entries will receive support from the Institute to put their plans into action.
WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo said:
"The proposals we are announcing today come from three different parts of the world, but they share a genuine desire to support small businesses and to help them gain the necessary skills to trade internationally. I commend the Institute of Export and International Trade, eBay and the National Confederation of Industry for their creativity in bringing their ideas to the table. We look forward to seeing these projects implemented, and to the positive impact that they will make for small businesses."
ICC Secretary General John Danilovich said:
“Our aim in launching this initiative last year was to demonstrate the capability and willingness of business to help SMEs further reap the proven benefits of global trade. These three new proposals – from the Institute of Export and international Trade, eBay and the Brazilian Confederation of National Industries – powerfully demonstrate the determination of the private sector to make trade more inclusive, and for that I offer them my sincere congratulations.”
The Institute of Export & International Trade is honoured to have the Open to Export platform recognised in this way on an international platform.
The Institute’s Director General Lesley Batchelor said:
“We are delighted and honoured that our proposal to the ICC-WTO Small Business Champions Initiative has been accepted. The competition will be an incredible event, showcasing the fantastic variety of SMEs across all sectors and in all parts of the world grappling with the challenges and opportunities of exporting. The project will also open up the wealth of trade information and advice on the Open to Export site to a wider audience, showing that Britain is keen to do business with the world and support global trade, especially as we leave the European Union.
The Institute of Export & International Trade
The Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) has for over 80 years been the professional membership body representing and supporting the interests of everyone involved in importing, exporting and international trade in the UK. Through qualifications and training the IOE&IT has driven the export skills agenda in the UK and is the country’s leading authority for best practice and competence in trade.
The IOE&IT is increasing its engagement with trade organisations around the world as the UK leaves the EU and hosted a landmark session on the importance of learning the skills of trade at the WTO Public Forum in September 2017.
The IOE&IT works closely with the ICC in driving the international agenda in UK business along with leading industry trade associations and partners. It also benefits greatly from the wisdom of its President, Lord Green of Hustpierpoint (former Minister for UK Trade & Investment and former Chairman of HSBC Holdings plc), and Young President, Arne Mielken, who has had close ties with WTO for well over a decade.
Open to Export
Open to Export (OTE) is the IOE&IT’s digital solution to boosting the UK’s SME exports. It helps new and inexperienced businesses prepare to sell overseas by giving them vital access to online information, support and advice – at no cost whatsoever. This includes introductory guides to all the key steps of export, market guides and a comprehensive webinar programme.
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