Business linkages with transnational corporations can improve the competitiveness and export and productive capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries. Evidence shows that such linkages can facilitate SME access to new markets, technology, management skills and knowledge, and help them integrate global value chains. Internationalization presents challenges and opportunities to such SMEs, including regarding outward foreign direct investment; however, internationalization can be encouraged through policy measures and contribute to South-South cooperation. In this context, the Commission will consider the report of the Expert Meeting on Enhancing Productive Capacity of Developing Countries´ Firms through Internationalization.
Transport and trade facilitation are crucial for the competitiveness and development potential of developing countries. At the same time, a country´s level of development affects its capacity to implement facilitation measures, and this should be considered during the ongoing multilateral negotiations on this issue at the World Trade Organization. Ongoing changes in the legal and regulatory framework of international trade and transport also have important implications for development. UNCTAD´s research and analytical work, advisory services and technical assistance should further support developing countries in these matters. In this context, the Commission will consider the report of the Expert Meeting on Trade Facilitation as an Engine for Development.
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) continue to gain wide adoption, but the economic and social benefits of ICTs have yet to be enjoyed in a meaningful way by the majority of people living in developing countries. Policies on ICT and e-business for development, including in areas such as Internet interconnection costs, Internet security and legal aspects, can help enterprises adopt ICTs and enhance their competitiveness. In this context, the Commission will consider the report of the Expert Meeting on ICT and Tourism for Development, as well as UNCTAD´s role in the ICT for development agenda, including on e-measurement and the follow-up to the World Summit on the Information Society.
- Division of Investment, Technology and Enterprise Development
- Division for Services Infrastructure for Development and Trade Efficiency
