Sector Framework Trade

In order to help member countries maximize their trade potential, we work on several different fronts to reduce the costs of logistics, information, regulations, and financing. We:

• Provide access to trade finance instruments, especially for SMEs.
• Help governments streamline and harmonize regulations and customs procedures, and improve physical infrastructure and logistics so as to lower trade costs and increase participation in global supply chains.
• Provide policy-shaping research and statistics on international trade and investment opportunities.
• Facilitate training, business networking, market and product information, and training for the private sector and for export-promotion agencies so as to increase the region’s share of international trade.
• Provide capacity building for governments so that they can more effectively negotiate and implement trade and investment agreements.