FOREWORD
My congratulations to all applicants of the 2020 World Trade Promotion Organizations (WTPO) Awards for sharing their practices and innovation with the global community. The WTPO Awards recognize institutional excellence and celebrate hard work, innovation, and commitment. The work of these organizations has never been more challenging – and needed – than it is now.
Most micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have struggled through the pandemic, yet many have remained resilient. As drivers of economic recovery, their business success is inextricably linked to a country’s economic health and growth.
Cultivating and maintaining a conducive trade and investment environment for MSMEs is the raison d’être of trade promotion organizations (TPOs). These organizations provide a lifeline by creating, developing, rolling out and scaling up solutions that reinforce resilience.
These awards symbolize ITC’s partnership and commitment to connect TPOs to each other. They serve to reward success and share good practices so all may benefit.
The 2020 award winners demonstrate how TPOs around the world can streamline their practices and services to adapt to the changing global context.
The 2020 applications were sent to ITC before the pandemic sparked the global lockdown. Even then, TPOs were showing flexibility and responsiveness – characteristics that will hold them in good stead today and in the future.
In this Decade of Action, TPO innovations contribute to the goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda by promoting inclusive initiatives and supporting ‘good trade’ as a strong platform for recovery, resilience and growth.
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The winners have inspired their peers and ITC through their vision, innovation, and leadership as they navigate the disruptive trends affecting businesses and trade.
What makes a winner? showcases pioneering practices by TPOs that successfully meet the MSME needs. It shows how these organizations create value by bringing companies together; delivering services with digital technologies to reach a wider audience; and embedding green growth into the foundation of MSME strategies.
The winners have inspired their peers and ITC through their vision, innovation, and leadership as they navigate the disruptive trends affecting businesses and trade. Their examples can inspire others who seek to do the same.
As we continue to navigate an uncertain future, we must collaborate on exciting solutions to ensure that natural and human capital are preserved and linked with economic growth. This new business paradigm will give rise to innovations we have yet to imagine.
Congratulations again to the 2020 award winners. We missed the camaraderie and the rich exchange of experiences and ideas when the 2020 conference was postponed. I look forward to celebrating the winners in person and meeting you all at the 2022 WTPO Conference in Accra.
Pamela Coke Hamilton ITC Executive Director
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This publication draws from the submissions of the 2020 WTPO Award winners and the videos produced by the shortlisted winners. Natalie Domeisen and Ann Penistan (both ITC) conceived and wrote the publication. Dianna Rienstra contributed research and content compilation. Susanna Pak and Natalie Domeisen (both ITC) conducted video interviews. Sarah Nash and Jennifer Freedman provided editing services. Anne Griffin (ITC) managed editorial production services. Pablo Martinez Mayo and Patrick Schmitt provided Spanish and French translations. Franco Iacovino (ITC) provided layout. Serge Adeagbo (ITC) managed the epublication production process.
TPOs provided all images of shortlisted winners. Unless indicated otherwise, all other photos are property of ITC.
For more information about the WTPO Conference and Awards, visit: www.tponetwork.com
