International Trade Forum - The quarterly magazine of the International Trade Centre

Global Value Chains

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 05:00:00 GMT

With the need for countries to see job creation and the regeneration of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), it is increasingly necessary for TSIs to focus on better positioning companies within global supply and production chains through capacity building and export development services. Participation in global supply chains can provide SMEs with the opportunity to increase productivity, expand their markets and attain financial stability.

In this issue of International Trade Forum, we investigate the challenges and opportunities for TSIs and the businesses they support as they integrate these supply chains.

The State of World Trade - Many Grounds for Optimism

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Things seem subdued, if not pessimistic, in the world of trade. While the heated talk of global currency wars has cooled to some extent, major imbalances remain. The success of the Doha Round is still not assured. And although protectionist pressures have generally been resisted, stubbornly high unemployment rates in many Western countries in particular could yet render them politically irresistible � no matter how economically undesirable.

2010 World Export Development Forum - Renewed Optimism for Export-led Growth in the Post-crisis Era

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The 11th World Export Development Forum (WEDF) held in Chongqing, China on 9�12 September highlighted renewed optimism and commitment to the export-led growth model and the necessity for trade, with a need to rethink strategies and objectives in the post-crisis era.

Value Creation and Purchasing Strategy

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Increasingly, as European manufacturers face fierce competition from new Asian sources, suppliers are looked to as sources of competitive advantage. This article discusses the strategic role that differentiated purchasing and supply management represents in support of companies� overall product/market and business strategies.

SustainabiliTEA - Value in Partnership

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 05:00:00 GMT

A collaboration between the Rainforest Alliance, Unilever and the Kenya Tea Development Agency is changing the global tea industry.

New Forces of Economic Growth

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The new dynamism and forces of economic growth in developing countries are in contrast to the low growth rates and uncertainty being felt in developed countries. While it is not possible to anticipate whether the pace of growth in the South will outpace the impact of depressed conditions in traditional markets, the appropriate balance between domestic and export growth, the roles of regional integration and how to enhance the value-added components of South�South trading agreements need to be addressed.

New Market Opportunities in Emerging Markets

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 05:00:00 GMT

As the recovery from the global economic crisis unfolds, the role of emerging economies and changing patterns of competition are key to the sustainability of world trade growth. Amidst diversifying markets, changing demographics and consumer-driven demand in developing countries, there is renewed call for multilateralism versus regional trade agreements and the modernization of trade support mechanisms.

TPO Network Conference & Awards - Building Export Success in a Changing Global Environment

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The 8th TPO Network Conference and Awards, held in Mexico City on 13�15 October 2010, highlighted the need for trade promotion organizations (TPOs) and the businesses they support to adapt to the impact of the global economic crisis.

TPO Awards - Excellence in Trade

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The 2010 TPO Network Awards recognized excellence in export development initiatives by trade promotion and support organizations to boost export performance.

New Drivers of Global Value Chains

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The long-term impact of the changing trade landscape on global value chains is being shaped by changes in standards regimes, exchange rates, investment flows and other key determinants such as climate change. While trading with fast-growing emerging economies such as China, India and Brazil will become increasingly important, the question remains as to whether this will create export opportunities for other developing countries or merely divert trade away from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries towards the emerging economies.

News Brief: Global Value Chains

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 05:00:00 GMT

APEC ministers adopt a new vision for regional growth

In November, Asia-Pacific leaders gathered under the theme of �Change and Action� for the 22nd APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Ministerial Meeting in Yokohama, Japan.