INF/MSME/W/6  
 
17 June 2019  
(19-4135) Page: 1/122 
 Original: English  
 
INFORMAL WORKING GRO UP ON MSMES  
MSME -RELATED LANGUAG E IN REGIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS  
The following document has been prepared by the WTO Secretariat at the request of the Informal 
Working Group on MSMEs to shed light on MSME -related provisions in Regional Trade Agreements 
(RTAs).1 It does not represent the official position of the WTO, nor of the WTO Secretariat.  
 
_______________  
 
  
                                                
1 As a matter of consistency, the term "MSME" is used throughout this document. This does not 
prejudice any Member´s position with respect to the definition of SMEs or MSMEs.  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  TABLE OF CONTENTS  
1   INTRODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  3 
2   COMPENDIUM OF MS ME-RELATED PROVISION S IN RTAS  ................................ ............  7 
3   COOPERATION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  8 
4   GOVERNMENT PROCU REMENT  ................................ ................................ ...................  30 
5   INVESTMENT  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  44 
6   E-COMMERCE  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  52 
7   TRADE IN SERVICE S ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 56 
8   CUSTOMS PROCEDUR ES AND TRADE FACILIT ATION  ................................ .................  60 
9   INTELLECTUAL PRO PERTY  ................................ ................................ .........................  63 
10   ADMINISTRATION OF THE RTA  ................................ ................................ ...............  67 
11   MSMES  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  69 
12   LABOUR  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  74 
13   TRANSPARENCY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 77 
14   ENVIRONMENT  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  79 
15   COMPETITION  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  81 
16   TRADE IN GOODS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 82 
17   REGULATORY COHE RENCE  ................................ ................................ .......................  83 
ANNEX I  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  85 
ANNEX II  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  118  
 
  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTION  
1.  Out of 312 RTAs notified to the WTO Secretariat, 166 include MSME -related provisions (53%).  
These provisions are both in the text and the Schedules of RTAs.  
2.  This document is composed of three parts. First, a compendium of MSME -related provisions in 
RTAs,  organized by RTA chapter. Since there are 15 different RTA chapters where MSME -related 
provisions may be featured, the compendium comprises 15 sections. The second part, Annex I, 
comprises a list of RTAs notified to the WTO with MSME -related provisions. I t gives an overview of 
the RTA's chapter(s) and topic(s) with such provisions.  The first two parts can be read in 
conjunction. Annex I permits to find the page numbers of MSME -language in RTAs analysed in the 
compendium. The third part, Annex II, is a lis t of RTAs by chapter with MSME -related provisions. As 
a side note, all MSME -related provisions contained in RTAs and their Schedules are now available in 
the WTO database of Regional Trade Agreements.2 
3.  From the analysis of MSME -related provisions in RTAs, one can identify three broad objectives of 
such provisions.  The first objective is to drive economic growth and integration through greater 
MSMEs ' participation in regional and international markets. The second is to improve economic 
competitiveness. RTAs  often have provisions to facilitate the acquisition and exploitation of 
technologies, as well as to support innovation and creativity by MSMEs. The third objective is to 
achieve sustainable development. RTAs often have a goal to promote sustainable econom ic 
development, with an emphasis on MSMEs, in order to contribute to the reduction of poverty via job 
creation through trade.  
4.  In this context, the number of MSME -related provisions in RTAs has increased steadily since 2000 
(see Figures 1 and 2), and so ha s the share of RTAs incorporating MSME -related provisions. Both 
developing and developed countries have MSME -related provisions in their RTAs (see Figure 3). 
MSME -related provisions are primarily located in four chapters: cooperation, government 
procuremen t, investment, and e -commerce (see Figures 3 and 4). MSME -related provisions in the 
chapter on cooperation are aimed at strengthening the productive and export capabilities of MSMEs 
as well as at improving their competitiveness. The second chapter where MS ME-related provisions 
are frequently featured is the chapter on government procurement, with the objective of facilitating 
MSMEs ' access to public procurement markets through scheduled exemptions and a cooperation 
framework. These exemptions include any fo rm of preferences for MSMEs, such as price preferences 
or exclusive rights to supply products, procurement markets that are set -aside for MSMEs, and 
measures facilitating sub -contracting and transfer of technology in favour of MSMEs. In third and 
fourth po sition come the chapters on investment and e -commerce. MSME -related provisions in the 
chapter on investment contribute to MSME development through two channels, namely, limitations 
on market access and national treatment commitments with respect to small -scale sectors or 
enterprises and through a cooperation framework. Limitations on market access commitments 
restrict access to small -scale sectors through different authorization regimes, which are sometimes 
granted only to national persons, or through a lim itation on the share of foreign capital in MSMEs. 
Limitations on national treatment commitments enable governments to introduce subsidies for 
economic development and social policy favouring local MSMEs. Provisions in the chapter on e -
commerce aim at facil itating the use of e -commerce by MSMEs. This is typically realized through a 
cooperation framework, which only a few RTAs have clarified. Figure 5 shows that the number of 
MSME -related provisions in the chapter on e -commerce has increased since 2004. In ad dition, with 
a view to improving national or regional competitiveness, MSME -related provisions in the chapter on 
intellectual property pursue the objective of stimulating the creation and exploitation of intellectual 
property by MSMEs through a cooperation  framework. A few RTAs also encourage governments to 
make publicly available procedures relevant to MSMEs for the acquisition of intellectual property 
rights. Figure 5 shows that MSME -related provisions in the chapter on intellectual property have 
increase d as of 2005. Lastly, a few RTAs contain MSME -related provisions in other chapters, which 
are explained later in the compendium.  
                                                
2 The WTO database on Regional Trade Agreements is available at the following link: 
https://rtais.wto.org/UI/PublicMaintainRTAHome.aspx . INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  Figure 1 – Percentage of RTAs with MSME -related provisions per year  
 
 
Figure 2 – Evolution of the number of RTAs with MSME -related provisions  
 
 
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  Figure 3 – Number of RTAs in which WTO Members or a group of Members take part 
(>1 only)  
 
 
Figure 4 – Percentage of MSME -related provisi ons by RTA Chapter  
 
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  Figure 5 – The number of MSME -related provisions by chapter and by year  
 
 
  
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  2  COMPENDIUM OF MSME -RELATED PROVISIONS IN  RTAS  
5.  The compendium describes MSME -related provisions in RTAs. It comprises 15 sections 
corresponding to the 15 chapters with MSME -related provisions. Each section is presented according 
to the same structure, namely a summary of the MSME -related provisions spelled out in a given 
chapter provided in an introductory blue box followed by one or several tables illustrating all RTA 
provisions by topic.  The classification by topic is not meant to prejudice Members ' position when 
reading the RTA provisions. Rather, the classification is intended to shed light on common national 
trends with  respect to MSMEs in RTAs.  
6.  Chapters are presented in order of importance determined by the number of MSME -related 
provisions, as reflected in Figure 2. Hence, the compendium is organized as follows:  
• Chapter on cooperation [page 8 to 29] 
• Chapter on gov ernment procurement [page 30 to 43] 
• Chapter on investment [page 44 to 51] 
• Chapter on e -commerce [page 52 to 55] 
• Chapter on trade in services [page 56 to 59] 
• Chapter on customs procedures  and trade facilitation  [page 60 to 62] 
• Chapter on intellect ual property [page 63 to 66] 
• Chapter on the administration of the RTA [page 67 to 69] 
• Chapter on MSMEs [page 69 to 73] 
• Chapter on labour [page 74 to 76] 
• Chapter on transparency [page 77 to 78 ] 
• Chapter on environment [page 79] 
• Chapter on competition [page 81] 
• Chapter on trade in goods [page 82] 
• Chapter on regulatory coherence [page 83] 
 
7.  The list of WTO -notified RTAs with MSME -related provisions, which gives an overview of the 
chapter(s) and issue(s) addressed by each RTA is presented i n Annex I ( pages 85 -117). 
 
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3  COOPERATION  
Eighty -eight3  RTAs among the 166 FTAs with MSME -related provisions, that is, 53%, refer to 
MSMEs in their chapter on cooperation. This is the chapter where MSMEs related provisions have 
first been introduced in RTAs, and it is by far the main chapter with MSME -related  provisions. 
These provisions cover seven areas of cooperation, hereunder referred to as "pillars of 
cooperation, " which aim to strengthen productive and export capabilities of MSMEs and improve 
their competitiveness. The development of MSME capabilities a nd competitiveness, in turn, leads 
to five outcomes that are listed in some RTAs, which are close to the three broad objectives 
highlighted in the introduction. These outcomes include (i) the expansion, specialization, 
diversification and modernization of the industrial base; (ii) social cohesion through the 
eradication of poverty and job creation through trade and the inclusion of those left behind, 
including, inter -alia, MSMEs; (iii) the increase in trade and investment flows and the transfer of 
technolog y between Parties, which contribute to trade -driven growth and increased 
competitiveness; (iv) regional and international economic integration; (v) the maximization of the 
benefits derived from the RTAs. This section comprises two parts, namely, the presen tation of the 
7 pillars of MSME development and a table highlighting the pillar(s) in each RTA provision in the 
chapter on cooperation.  
 
PILLARS OF COOPERATION  
8.  The seven key issues identified in RTAs as contributing to the development of the productive an d 
export capabilities, including competitiveness, of MSMEs are: (i) human resource development; 
(ii) adoption of technology; (iii) facilitation of business partnerships; (iv) facilitation of access to 
financial solutions; (v) access to regulatory and marke t information; (vi) facilitation of partnerships 
between relevant institutions; (vii) the establishment of a committee mandated with MSME -related 
affairs.  
Figure 6 – MSME Development – Productive and export capabilities as well as 
competitiveness  
 
 
                                                
3 The list of RTAs is presented in Annex II (page 117). 
INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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Human resource development  
 
9.  RTAs specify a wide range of forms of cooperation aiming to equip MSMEs with skills to supply 
and trade their goods or services. These forms of cooperation contribute to the exchange of 
expertise, and consis t of, inter-alia, seminars, conferences, workshops, exchange of experts, 
trainings, fellowships, secondments, internships, and studies. Some RTAs specify the areas of the 
exchange of expertise. These include, inter -alia, entrepreneurship; management and bu siness skills; 
quality and production standards; technical regulations; conformity assessment; accreditation and 
metrology. The exchange of expertise is carried out for MSME personnel but also for those providing 
MSMEs with support services, such as busine ss advisors or staff members of government agencies 
(e.g., export promotion agencies). For instance, some RTAs' cooperation framework includes 
activities aimed at strengthening government personnel's capacities to formulate and evaluate 
MSME -related polici es. The RTA provisions on human resources development are highlighted in 
orange  in the Illustration of RTA Provisions.  
Adoption of technology by MSMEs  
 
10.  With a view to enhancing MSME export and productive capabilities and to improving their 
competitiveness, some RTA cooperation frameworks aim to facilitate the transfer of technology and 
increase the participation of MSMEs in scientific and research coopera tion. This is similar to the 
objectives pursued under the cooperation framework of the chapter on intellectual property, as well. 
RTAs encourage cooperative relationships, including a focus on innovation, research and 
development and increased access to in formation on technological promotion programs and financial 
support for MSMEs. MSME -related provisions aimed at promoting MSME adoption of technology are 
highlighted in green  in the Illustration of RTA Provisions.  
Facilitation of access to capital and fina ncial services  
 
11.  The RTA cooperation framework pursues the objectives of facilitating MSME access to finance. 
In order to achieve such objectives, governments facilitate the partnerships and exchange of 
information between financial institutions, such as between credit ban ks, seed capital organizations 
or guarantee organizations. Further, a few RTAs suggest the exchange of credit information between 
banks in order to reduce the level of bank risks. They also encourage the collaboration between 
national chambers of commerce and industry to establish, develop or modernize (as the case may 
require) lending institutions to provide financial services to MSMEs. In addition, governments stress 
the importance to cooperate in facilitating and promoting investments to increase cross -border 
investment flow, thereby contributing to the transfer of technology and the exchange of expertise. 
In that context, governments cooperate in creating joint investment opportunities with MSMEs, such 
as joint ventures. Lastly, a few RTAs suggest develo ping policies to improve access to finance, such 
as more flexible lending conditions or the facilitation of administrative procedures. The RTA 
provisions highlighting government efforts to facilitate MSME access to capital and financial services 
are highli ghted in red in the Illustration of RTA Provisions.  
Business partnership facilitation  
 
12.  The exchange of information, expertise and technologies can be realized through business 
partnerships, as well. The RTA cooperation framework facilitates the cooperation  and exchange of 
expertise and information between MSMEs, as well as between MSMEs and larger firms. As RTAs 
suggest, this fosters linkages between value -chain actors, which in turn facilitates the transfer of 
technology, knowledge and skills. RTAs specify  that these networking opportunities should revolve 
around the field of management skill development, technology transfer, product quality 
improvement, supply chain linkages, information technology, access to financing and technical 
assistance. Complementi ng the mechanisms facilitating investments in or by MSMEs, the 
mechanisms stimulating business partnerships include, inter -alia, sub -contracting arrangements, 
cluster development, strategic alliances and joint commercialization programmes. RTA provisions 
aiming at facilitating business partnerships are highlighted in blue in the Illustration of 
RTA Provisions.  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  Access to regulatory and market information  
 
13.  RTAs stress the importance for MSMEs to access both market and regulatory information. To 
provide for e nhanced access to market information by MSMEs, RTAs call for fostering dialogue and 
exchange of information. They also include text to create mechanisms that will provide information 
on markets for goods and services and investment, including export opport unities and, in some 
cases, government procurement leads.  Some RTAs call for promoting business networks, fora, and 
trade fairs and other programs, as well as making publications and relevant statistics available. With 
respect to access to regulatory info rmation, RTA provisions call on governments to make information 
on regulatory regimes and procedures, particularly mandatory procedures, more easily available.  
Websites dedicated to this purpose, sometimes serving MSMEs specifically, are also suggested in  
RTAs as a means of realizing access to various types of information. RTA provisions aiming at 
facilitating MSME access to both market and regulatory information are highlighted in purple  in the 
Illustration of RTA Provisions.  
Partnerships between relevant  institutions  
 
14.  Complementing the objective of facilitating partnerships between MSMEs, or MSMEs and larger 
firms, the RTA cooperation framework also aims at facilitating the cooperation and exchange of 
information between (i) government agencies, (ii) MSM E-supporting intermediaries, such as 
chambers of commerce, and (iii) public -private partnerships (PPPs).  Intergovernmental cooperation 
mainly consists of sponsoring dialogue on MSME -policies to improve understanding of each 
government's policies. With res pect to the cooperation between intermediary non -governmental or 
quasi -governmental organizations, governments facilitate networks in order to stimulate initiatives 
and policy instruments for the development of MSMEs. In relation to PPPs, governments are u rged 
to engage in activities that contribute to MSME development. The areas of PPP include, for example, 
investment promotion, environmental management, ICT, nanotechnology, biotechnology and 
renewable technologies.  RTA provisions facilitating partnership s between these relevant 
stakeholders are highlighted in light blue  in the Illustration of RTA Provisions.  
Establishment of a committee mandated with MSME -related affairs  
 
15.  Some RTAs establish a committee with the mandate of monitoring and evaluating programmes 
and projects of cooperation undertaken by governments, and of identifying and recommending ways 
of further cooperation. In addition, the committee is in charge of moni toring, reviewing and 
discussing issues concerning the effective implementation of obligations under the chapter of 
cooperation. RTA provisions establishing a committee are highlighted in light orange  in the table 
in the Illustration of RTA Provisions.  
ILLUSTRATION OF RTA PROVISIONS  
 
16.  The table highlights seven key issues addressed in RTA provisions according to the following 
colour code:  
• Human resource development (in orange ); 
• Adoption of technology by MSMEs (in green ); 
• Facilitation of access to capi tal and financial services (in red); 
• Business partnership facilitation (in blue); 
• Facilitation of access to regulatory and market information (in purple ); 
• Facilitation of partnerships between (i ) government agencies, (ii) MSME supporting 
intermediaries, and (iii) public -private partnerships (in light blue ); 
• Establishment of a committee (in light orange ). 
 
Issues  Number of 
FTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Seven pillars of MSME development  
MSME 
development 
through human 
resource 
development 
(in orange ), 75 out of 88 
RTAs (85%)  
• human 
resources 
development 
(21% ) "In order to further the objectives of this Agreement, the Member States shall, as 
appropriate, use their best endeavours to encourage co -operation between, and 
co-ordination of activities of, the irrespective firms and industries . To this 
end, the Member States shall exchange information and consult together on 
developments in industry within the Area , and may agree on, and implement, if 
consistent with their international obligations, special measures beneficial to the INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  Issues  Number of 
FTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
adoption of 
technology by 
MSMEs  
(in green ), 
investment 
facilitation 
(in red), 
Business 
partnership 
facilitation 
(in blue), the 
facilitation of 
access to 
regulatory and 
market 
information 
(in purple ), 
partnerships 
between 
relevant 
institutions 
(in light blue ) 
and through an 
established 
committee (in 
light orange ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 • adoption of 
technology 
by MSMEs 
(10% ) 
• investment 
facilitation 
(15% ) 
• Business 
partnership 
facilitation 
(20% ) 
• the 
facilitation of 
access to 
regulatory 
and market 
information 
(11% ) 
• partnerships 
between 
relevant 
institutions 
(16% ) 
• establishment 
of a 
committee 
monitoring 
MSME -related 
issues (7%) 
 trade and development of a Member St ate. The Australian Government shall assist 
the Government of Papua New Guinea in the promotion and development of the small 
business sector in Papua New Guinea. Such assistance may include the provision of 
initial professional and technical staff and vari ous forms of training . This 
assistance would be largely funded by AIDAB (Australian Investment.) and might 
include activities such as fellowship and secondments for Papua New Guinean 
technical and managerial counterpart staff ; preparation of appropriate 
information packages for small business developments; preparation of 
training modules in basic accounting and other business skills; provision of 
advice and training to small -scale entrepreneurs and to those training 
entrepreneurs " (Australia  - Papua New Gu inea, no chapter, art. 15)  
 
"Cooperation shall include, among other subjects: (a) the designing and 
development of mechanisms to encourage partnership and productive chain 
linkage development ; (b) development of human resources and 
management skills to inc rease the knowledge of the Peruvian and Chinese 
markets ; (c) defining and developing methods and strategies for clusters 
development;  (d) increasing access to information regarding mandatory 
procedures and any other relevant information for an SME exporter ; 
(e) defining technological transference: programs oriented to transfer 
technological innovation to SME and to improve their productivity ; 
(f) increasing access to information on technological promotion programs 
for SME and financial support and encouragement programs for SME ; 
(g) supporting new exporting SME (sponsorship, credits and guarantees, 
seed capital) ; and (h) encouraging partnership and information exchange for 
SME financing institutions (credits, banks, guarantee organizations, seed 
capital firms) . Cooperation shall be developed, among other activities, through: (a) 
information exchange; (b) conferences, seminars, experts dialogue and 
training programs with experts ; and (c) promoting contacts between 
economic operators, encouraging oppor tunities for industrial and technical 
prospecting " (Peru  - China, Chapter 12, art.155)  
 
"The Parties shall promote cooperation under this Agreement for their mutual benefits 
in order to facilitate and liberalize trade and investment between the Parties in order 
to assist development goals and to promote the wellbeing of the peoples of the 
Parties. For this purpose, the Parties shall cooperate between the Governments of 
the Parties and, where necessary and appropriate, encourage and facilitate 
cooperation be tween parties, one or both of whom are entities other than 
the Governments of the Parties, in the following fields: (g) Small and 
Medium Enterprises . The Parties, recognizing the fundamental role of small and 
medium enterprises (hereinafter referred to in this Chapter as "SMEs ") in maintaining 
the dynamism and enhancing the competitiveness of the national economies of their 
respective Countries, shall cooperate in promoting the development of SMEs of the 
Countries. The areas of cooperation under this Chapte r may include: 
(i) strengthening of management  and competitiveness of SMEs; (ii)  human 
resource development relating to SMEs ; and (iii) other areas of cooperation 
which the Parties deem important. "The forms of cooperation under this Chapter may 
include: ( i) exchanging information on SMEs policies and best practices on 
SMEs development and promotion ; (ii) capacity building for SMEs; 
(iii) promoting the holding of seminars and workshops; and 
(iv) encouraging exchange of experts . A Working Group on SMEs 
(hereinafter referred to in this Article as "the Working Group ") shall be 
established under the Sub -Committee . The functions of the Working Group shall 
include: (a) exchanging views and information on cooperation in the field of SMEs 
and iden tifying ways of further cooperation; (b) monitoring, reviewing, and 
discussing issues concerning the effective implementation of this Chapter; 
(c) reporting the findings and actions taken by the Working Group to the 
Sub-Committee regarding issues relating to the implementation of this Chapter; and 
(d) discussing other issues relating to cooperation in the field of SMEs " 
(Japan  - Philippines, Chapter 14, art.46 and 47)  
 
"The Parties shall, in accordance with their respective applicable laws and regulations, 
promote cooperation under this Agreement for their mutual benefits in order to 
liberalize and facilitate trade and investment between the Parties and to promote the 
well-being of the peoples of the Parties. For this purpose, the Parties shall cooperate 
between the Governments of the Parties and, where necessary and appropriate, 
encourage and facilitate cooperation between the parties, one or both of 
whom are entities other than the Governments of the Parties, in the 
following fields: (c) small and medium en terprises . The Parties, recognizing the 
fundamental role of small and medium enterprises (hereinafter referred to in this 
Chapter as "SMEs ") in maintaining the dynamism and enhancing the competitiveness 
of the national economies of their respective Countri es, shall cooperate in promoting 
the development of SMEs of the Countries. The areas of cooperation under this 
Chapter may include: (i) strengthening of management  and competitiveness of 
SMEs; (ii) human resource development related to SMEs ; (iii) development 
of supporting industry ; and (iv) other areas of cooperation which the Parties deem INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  Issues  Number of 
FTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
 
 
 
 
MSME 
development 
through human 
resource 
development 
(in orange ), 
adoption of 
technology by 
MSMEs  
(in green ), 
investment 
facilitation 
(in red), 
Business 
partnership 
facilitation 
(in blue), the 
facilitation of 
access to 
regulatory and 
market 
information 
(in purple ), 
partnerships 
between 
relevant 
institutions 
(in light blue) 
and through an 
established 
committee ( in 
light orange ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 important. "The forms of cooperation under this Chapter may include: 
(i) exchanging information on SMEs policies and best practices on SMEs 
development and promo tion; (ii) capacity building for SMEs; (iii) promoting 
the holding of seminars and workshops; and (iv) encouraging exchange of 
experts . A Working Group on SMEs (hereinafter referred to in this Article as 
"the Working Group ") shall be established under the Sub-Committee . The 
functions of the Working Group shall include: (a) exchanging views and information 
on cooperation in the field of SMEs and identifying ways of further cooperation; 
(b) monitoring, reviewing, and discussing issues concerning the effective  
implementation of this Chapter; (c) reporting the findings and actions taken by the 
Working Group to the Sub -Committee regarding issues relating to the implementation 
of this Chapter; and  (d) discussing other issues relating to cooperation in the field 
of SMEs " (Japan  - Viet Nam, Chapter 12, art.111)  
 
"The Governments shall, in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations of 
their respective Countries, promote co -operation under this Agreement for their 
mutual benefits in order to liberalise and fa cilitate trade and investment between the 
Countries and to promote the well -being of the peoples of the Countries. For this 
purpose, the Governments shall co -operate and, where necessary and appropriate, 
encourage and facilitate cooperation between parties  other than the 
Governments . The main objectives of this Chapter are as follows: (a) to enhance 
socio-economic development; (b) to strengthen economic competitiveness; (c) to 
advance human resource development; (d) to promote sustainable development; and 
(e) to improve overall well -being of the peoples of both Countries.  The fields of 
co-operation under this Chapter shall include: (a) small and medium enterprises.  the 
Governments, recognising the fundamental role of small and medium ente rprises 
(hereinafter referred to in this Section as "SMEs ") in enhancing the dynamism and 
the competitiveness of the national economies of their respective Countries, shall 
co-operate in promoting the development of SMEs of both Countries. The areas of 
co-operation shall include: (i) strengthening of management  and competitiveness 
of SMEs; and (ii) human resource development relating to SMEs. "The forms 
of co-operation may include: (i) exchanging information and sharing experience 
on SMEs ; (ii) promoting ca pacity building for SMEs; (iii) promoting the 
holding of seminars, dialogues and workshops; (iv) encouraging and 
facilitating visits and exchanges of experts ; (v) promoting investment by 
SMEs of both Countries ; and (vi) other forms of co -operation which th e 
Governments mutually agree upon. "A working group on small and medium 
enterprises (hereinafter referred to in this Article as "the Working Group ") 
shall be established under the Sub -Committee . The functions of the Working 
Group shall include: (a) exchang ing views and information on co -operation in the 
field of SMEs and identifying ways of further co -operation; (b) monitoring, reviewing 
and discussing issues concerning the effective implementation of this Section; 
(c) reporting the findings and the outcome of discussions and making 
recommendations to the Sub -Committee regarding issues relating to the 
implementation of this Section; and (d) discussing other issues relating to 
co-operation in the field of SMEs " (Japan -Malaysia, Chapter 12, art.140 and 
141)  
 
"The forms of cooperation under this Article may include: (i) exchanging 
information on policies for the productive sector, especially for SMEs, and 
on best practices on development and promotion of the productive sector, 
especially for SMEs ; (ii) capacity building for the productive sector, 
especially for SMEs; (iii) promoting seminars and workshops; (iv) enhancing 
training opportunities; (v) encouraging exchanges of experts ; and (vi) other 
forms as may be agreed by the Parties. Note: For the purpose s of this Article, the 
term "small and medium enterprises " or "SMEs " includes microenterprises. "The 
areas of cooperation under this Article may include: (i) human resource 
development related to the productive sector, especially for small and 
medium enter prises (hereinafter referred to in this Article as "SMEs "); (ii) 
encouraging cooperation and technical assistance referred to in Article 98 
of the Basic Agreement; (iii) strengthening management , competitiveness and 
technological capabilities of SMEs ; (iv) promoting environmental protection 
through environmentally sound technologies; and (v) other areas as may be agreed 
by the Parties " (Japan -Peru, Chapter 14, art.201)  
 
"The co -operation under the scope of this Agreement shall primarily involve the 
following fields :  a) Industry; b) Agriculture; c) Services; d) Transportation; e) Small 
and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs). With the view to further enhance trade and 
economic activities, the Parties shall give priority to promoting business and 
investment opportunities  as well as joint ventures between SMEs of the two 
countries . Within this context, the Parties will, inter alia; a) exchange expertise 
on entrepreneurship, management, research and management centers, 
quality and production standards ; b) provi de market information to create 
investment opportunities; c) furnish published documents concerning SMEs . 
Turkey shall support Jordan's efforts towards capacity building for the related private 
sector institutions " (Turkey  - Jordan, Chapter 2, art.38)  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  Issues  Number of 
FTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
MSME 
development 
through human 
resource 
development 
(in orange ), 
adoption of 
technology by 
MSMEs  
(in green ), 
investment 
facilitation 
(in red), 
Business 
partnership 
facilitation 
(in blue), the 
facilitation of 
access to 
regulatory and 
market 
information 
(in purple ), 
partnerships 
between 
relevant 
institutions 
(in light blue) 
and through an 
established 
committee ( in 
light orange ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
"The Parties will promote a favorable environment for the development of small and 
medium -sized enterprises (SMEs). Cooperation shall be oriented to share knowledge 
and good practices with SMEs. These practices should promote partnership and 
productive chain linkage development, downstream and upstream oriented, 
to improve SMEs productivity , development of capacities to increase SMEs access 
to markets, integrate technology to labor intensive processes  and human 
resource development to increase their knowledge about Chinese and 
Chilean markets. Co-operation shall be developed, among other activities, through: 
(a) information exchange; (b) conferences, seminars, experts dialogue and 
training programs with experts ; and (c) promoting contacts between 
economic opera tors, encouraging prospecting for industrial and technical 
opportunities . Co-operation shall include, among other subjects: (a) designing 
and develop mechanisms to encourage partnership and productive chain 
linkage development; (b) defining and develop methods and strategies for 
clusters development; (c) increasing access to information regarding 
mandatory procedures and any other relevant information for an 
SME exporter ; (d) defining technological transference: programs oriented to 
transfer technological innovation to SMEs and to improve their productivity; 
(e) increasing access to information on technological promotion programs 
for SMEs and financial support and encouragement programs for SMEs;  
(f) supporting new exporting SMEs (spo nsorship, exporters club) ; and 
(g) identifying specific areas subject to potential improvement. " (Chile  - China, 
Chapter 13, art.109)  
 
"The Parties shall establish close cooperation aimed inter alia at: (a) strengthening 
and building on existing cooperative relationships, including a focus on 
innovation, research and development ; (b) creating new opportunities for trade 
and investment; and  (c) promote and foster technical and scientific cooperation  
in areas of mutual interest. The Parties shall: (a) develop a program of mutually 
agreed cooperative activities so as to pursue the areas of cooperation described in 
Annex 16.2. Annex 16.2: POSSI BLE AREAS OF PROMOTION AND ATTRACTION OF 
INVESTMENT AND COOPERATION include (i) Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) 
and family -owned businesses, including training in entrepreneurship and 
information and communications technology (ICT) " (Panama  - Singapore, 
Chapter 16, art.3)  
 
"The Parties agree to strengthen mutual cooperation that contributes to the 
implementation and better use of this Agreement, in order to optimize its results, 
expand opportunities, and maximize the benefits for the Parties, a ccording to their 
national strategies and policy goals. The Parties shall cooperate with the objective of 
identifying and employing the most effective methods and means for the 
implementation of this Chapter. To this end, the Parties shall generate synergi es with 
other forms of bilateral cooperation. To achieve these objectives, the Parties agree 
to pay particular attention to cooperation initiatives aimed at: (b) promoting the 
development of small and medium enterprises. The Parties shall endeavor to promo te 
a favorable environment for the development of small and medium -sized enterprises 
by encouraging relevant private and governmental bodies to build the 
capacities of small and medium -sized enterprises . The cooperation will include, 
among others: (a) desi gning and developing mechanisms in order to foster 
partnerships and the development of productive chains; (b) promoting 
cooperation between the economic agents of the Parties  in order to identify 
areas of mutual interest and to obtain the maximum benefits possible of trade, 
investment, and small and medium -sized enterprises; (c) fostering more dialogue 
and exchange of information on mandatory procedures, enhanced access to 
trade promotion networks, business fora, business cooperation instruments, 
and any ot her relevant information for small and medium -sized enterprises 
exporters ; (d) promoting training and exchange programs for small and 
medium -sized enterprises exporters of the Parties ; (e) promoting exchange 
of experiences between the public agencies of th e Parties on initiatives and 
policy instruments for the development of enterprises, with a special focus 
on small and medium -sized enterprises ; and (f) encouraging public and 
private institutions related to small and medium -sized enterprises to 
cooperate i n areas such as environmental management, ICT, 
nanotechnology, biotechnology, renewable energy, and other subjects of 
mutual interest " (Korea, Republic of – Colombia, Chapter 17, art.1 and 9)  
 
"The Parties, recognising the fundamental role of small and medium enterprises 
(hereinafter referred to as "SMEs ") in maintaining the dynamism of their respective 
national economies, shall cooperate in promoting close cooperation among SMEs  
as well as the r elevant agencies of the Parties. The cooperation pursuant to paragraph 
1 may include, but is not limited to the following forms: (a) establishing 
networking opportunities for SMEs of the Parties to facilitate collaboration 
or sharing of best practices, suc h as in the field of management skill 
development including training programmes for SME managers, technology 
transfers, product quality improvements, supplychain linkages, information INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 14 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
FTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
MSME 
development 
through human 
resource 
development 
(in orange ), 
adoption of 
technology by 
MSMEs  
(in green ), 
investment 
facilitation 
(in red), 
Business 
partnership 
facilitation 
(in blue), the 
facilitation of 
access to 
regulatory and 
market 
information 
(in purple ), 
partnerships 
between 
relevant 
institutions 
(in light blue) 
and through an 
established 
committee ( in 
light orange ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 technology, access to financing and technical assistance ; (b) facilitat ing the 
investment flows by the Parties  ; (c) supporting the organisation of fairs and 
exhibitions ; and (d) encouraging their relevant agencies to discuss, 
cooperate and share information and experiences in the development of 
SMEs policy and programmes " (Korea, Republic of – India, Chapter 13, art.5)  
 
"The Parties shall promote cooperation for their mutual benefits in order to liberalise 
and facilitate trade and investment between the Parties, to strengthen wide -ranging 
relations between the Parties and to promote the well -being of the peoples of the 
Parties. For this purpose, the Parties shall, where necessary and appropriate, 
encourage and facilitate cooperation between their relevant entities.  The main 
objectives of this Chapter include: (a) liberalisati on and facilitation of investment and 
trade between the Parties through cooperation in the mutually identified fields; 
(b) strengthening economic competitiveness of the Parties; (c) ensuring long -term 
sustainable development of the Parties; (d) promoting t he Parties’ human resource 
development and capacity building; and (e) improving overall well -being of the 
peoples of the Parties.  The fields of cooperation under this Chapter shall include: 
(i) small and medium enterprises; The scope of cooperation in the  field of Small and 
Medium Enterprises (hereinafter referred to in this Article as "SMEs ") may include 
management, supply and distribution channels and appropriate financial policy 
relating to SMEs. The forms of cooperation in this Sector may, inter alia, include: 
(a) exchanging information and sharing experiences and best practices; 
(b) promoting human resource development and capacity building for SMEs; 
(c) enhancing training opportunities; (d) facilitating holding of seminars, 
workshops, trade fairs, exhibitions, and networking opportunities ; and 
e) other forms of cooperation to be mutually agreed upon by the Parties " 
(India  - Japan, Chapter 13, art.129)  
 
"Las Partes acuerdan ampliar y profundizar el Convenio Básico de Cooperación, 
conforme a lo s siguientes objetivos adicionales del mismo:  (d) apoyando el rol del 
sector privado en la promoción y construcción de alianzas estratégicas con 
el fin de impulsar el crecimiento económico y el desarrollo mutuo, 
especialmente en relación a las pequeñas y medianas empresas . Para cumplir 
con este objetivo, las Partes fomentarán y facilitarán, según corresponda, las 
siguientes actividades incluyendo, pero no limitándose, a : (a) diálogos sobre 
políticas e intercambios regulares de información y puntos de vista  acerca 
de las maneras en que se puede promover y ampliar el comercio de 
mercancías y servicios entre las Partes ; (b) desarrollo de proyectos tendientes 
a fortalecer la capacidad comercial de las Partes ; (c) mantenerse mutuamente 
informados acerca de asuntos económicos y comerciales importantes, así como de 
los obstáculos para ampliar la cooperación económica; (d) entregar apoyo y dar 
facilidades a las visitas de negocios y misiones comerciales con el 
conocimiento y apoyo de las agencias involucradas;  (e) apoyar el diálogo e 
intercambio de experiencias entre las respectivas comunidades de personas 
de negocios de las Partes ; (f) establecer y desarrollar mecanismos para 
entregar información e identificar op ortunidades para la cooperación de 
negocios, el comercio de mercancías y servicios, inversión y compras de 
gobierno  ; (g) estimular y facilitar las acciones del sector público y privado 
en áreas de interés económico incluyendo la exploración de oportunidad es 
en terceros mercados ; (h) promover el turismo, especialmente mediante la 
promoción conjunta de circuitos integrados regionales que ofrezcan servicios a 
terceros países y/o a través de asistencia técnica recíproca; y (i) fomentar el 
desarrollo empresaria l con especial énfasis en la pequeña y mediana 
empresa  " (Chile  - Colombia, Chapter 19, art.1)  
 
"The two sides agreed to carry out trade and investment facilitation cooperation in 
seven areas of trade and investment promotion, customs clearance, commodity 
inspection and quarantine, food safety, quality standards, e -commerce, transparency 
of laws and regulations, cooperation between small and medium -sized 
enterprises , and cooperation in Chinese medicine industry. Conducted under the 
direction and coordinatio n of the Joint Steering Committee  established under 
Article 19 of the Arrangement. The two sides recognize that the development of SMEs 
is important for increasing employment opportunities, promoting economic 
development and maintaining social stability, the two sides agreed to jointly 
promote exchanges and cooperation between the two SMEs . (A) Cooperation 
mechanism: to establish a working mechanism between the government 
departments of the two sides to promote cooperation between SMEs in the two 
places, and promote cooperation and common d evelopment of SMEs in the two 
places. Content of Cooperation: the two sides agreed to support and promote 
cooperation in the following areas: 1. studies and exchanges, to discuss 
strategies to support the development of SMEs and support policies . 
2. Invest igate and exchange the organization and operation of 
intermediaries serving the SMEs and promote the cooperation of 
intermediaries . 3. Establish channels for providing information services to 
SMEs in the two places, regularly exchange relevant publications , set up 
special websites, and gradually realize the docking and information INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 15 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
FTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
MSME 
development 
through human 
resource 
development 
(in orange ), 
adoption of 
technology by 
MSMEs  
(in green ), 
investment 
facilitation 
(in red), 
Business 
partnership 
facilitation 
(in blue), the 
facilitation of 
access to 
regulatory and 
market 
information 
(in purple ), 
partnerships 
between 
relevant 
institutions 
(in light blue) 
and through an 
established 
committee ( in 
light orange ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 exchange between the two websites . 4. Organize direct communication and 
communication between SMEs in different forms through various forms to 
promote cooperation among enterprise s. (C) the involvement of other 
entities of the two sides support and assist semi -official institutions, non -
governmental organizations to play a role in promoting SME cooperation in 
two places . " (China  - Hong Kong, China, Chapter 5, art.17) & (China – 
Macao  China, Chapter 5, art.17)  
 
"The Parties, on the basis of mutual benefits, shall explore and undertake cooperation 
projects in the following areas: (c) small and medium enterprises. The Parties, 
recognising the fundamental role of small and m edium enterprises (hereinafter 
referred to as "SMEs ") in maintaining the dynamism of their respective national 
economies, shall cooperate in promoting close cooperation among SMEs  as well 
as the relevant agencies of the Parties . Such cooperation shall incl ude: 
(a) establishing networking opportunities for SMEs of the Parties to facilitate 
collaboration and/or sharing of best practices, such as in the field of 
management skill development, technology transfers, product quality 
improvements, supply -chain link ages, information technology, access to 
financing as well as technical assistance ; (b) facilitating the investment 
flows by Korean SMEs in the ASEAN Member Countries, and vice versa ; and 
(c) encouraging their relevant agencies to discuss, cooperate and sha re 
information and experiences in the development of SMEs policy and 
programmes  "(ASEAN  - Korea, Republic of, Chapter 3, art.1)  
 
"The Parties will cooperate in the field of SMEs by encouraging relevant private 
and governmental bodies to build capacities of SMEs , including utilizing existing 
bilateral Small and Medium Business Policy Exchange Committee Mechanism, 
established by the relevant or competent authorities of the Parties. Areas of SMEs 
cooperation may include, but are not limited to, th e following: (a) facilitating the 
investment flows between SMEs of the Parties ; (b) fostering more exchange 
of information on trade procedures, trade promotion networks, joint 
business fora, business cooperation instruments, and any other relevant 
statisti cs and information for traders who are SMEs;  (c) promoting training 
and exchange programs for small and medium -sized enterprises  traders of 
the Parties, and exploring promising fields suitable for inter -governmental 
cooperation on SMEs ; (d) enhancing exch ange of experiences between the 
public agencies of the Parties on initiatives and policy instruments for the 
development of enterprises, with a special focus on SMEs ; and (e) enhancing 
competitiveness of micro enterprise through cooperation of private and 
governmental bodies and exchange of information related with micro 
enterprise . The Parties will cooperate in the field of SMEs by encouraging relevant 
private and governmental bodies to build capacities of SMEs, including utilizing 
existing bilateral Small  and Medium Business Policy Exchange Committee 
Mechanism , established by the relevant or competent authorities of the Parties " 
(China  - Korea, Republic of, Chapter 17, art.9)  
 
"The Parties, on the basis of mutual benefit, shall explore and undertake coope rative 
activities. Sectors may include (i) supporting policy for small and medium -sized 
enterprises " (Korea, Republic of - Viet Nam, Chapter 10, art.8)  
 
"The objectives of this Chapter are to facilitate the establishment of close cooperation 
aimed, inter a lia, at: (a) strengthening and building on existing cooperative 
relationships between the Parties; (b) creating new opportunities for trade and 
investment; (c) creating new opportunities to encourage small and medium -sized 
enterprise ( "SME") business growth and management development; (d) supporting 
the important role of the private sector in promoting and building strategic alliances 
to encourage mutual economic growth and development; (e) encouraging the 
presence of the Parties and their g oods and services in the respective markets of Asia 
and Pacific; and (f) increasing the level of and deepening cooperation activities 
between the Parties in areas of mutual interest. The aims of cooperation on SMEs 
are: (a) to build on existing agreements or arrangements already in place for trade 
and economic cooperation; (b) to promote a favourable trading environment for the 
development of SMEs; and (c) to build the capacity of SMEs to trade effectively under 
this Agreement. The Parties will encourage an d facilitate, as appropriate, inter alia, 
the following activities: (a) promoting cooperation and  information exchange 
between government institutions, business groups and industrial 
associations ; (b) exploring jointly effective strategies and support poli cies 
for the development of SMEs, including financial support and intermediary 
services ; (c) holding trade fairs and investment marts and promoting other 
mechanisms for exchanging goods and services involving SMEs of both 
Parties ; and (d) promoting trainin g and personnel exchange between SMEs 
of both Parties and relevant business advisors and industrial associations . 
Cooperation activities will be oriented to improve knowledge and good practices 
among SMEs and to facilitate bilateral trade by SMEs, includin g through exchanges 
of information about regulatory regimes, local markets and regional and INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 16 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
FTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
MSME 
development 
through human 
resource 
development 
(in orange ), 
adoption of 
technology by 
MSMEs  
(in green ), 
investment 
facilitation 
(in red), 
Business 
partnership 
facilitation 
(in blue), the 
facilitation of 
access to 
regulatory and 
market 
information 
(in purple ), 
partnerships 
between 
relevant 
institutions 
(in light blue) 
and through an 
established 
committee ( in 
light orange ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 national economies of both Parties "(China – New Zealand, Chapter 14, 
art.176)  
 
"RESUELVE : Instar al Comité de Representantes a fortalecer las acciones que ha 
venid o realizando la Asociación, conjuntamente con los organismos nacionales y 
regionales, con la finalidad de incrementar la participación de los empresarios de la 
región y, en particular de las Micro, Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas (MIPYMES), 
debido a la import ancia de las mismas en la estructura productiva y social de los 
países miembros, en los flujos de comercio intrarregional, impulsando su intervención 
en el ámbito de las macrorruedas de negocios, encuentros sectoriales, 
misiones comerciales y ferias, entre  otras actividades de promoción 
comercial orientadas a propiciar la generación de cadenas regionales de 
valor " (Latin American Integration Association, RESOLUCIÓN 79 (XVII) del 
21 de agosto de 2014)  
 
"La cooperación que se desarrolle entre las Partes tendrá los siguientes objetivos: (a) 
coadyuvar para el fortalecimiento y establecimiento de flujos comerciales, 
financieros, tecnológicos y de inversión; (b) mejorar la capacidad de los sectores 
público y p rivado para aprovechar las oportunidades que ofrece el presente Tratado; 
y (c) propiciar un entorno favorable para el desarrollo de las MIPYMES y la generación 
de oferta exportable. Proyectos: (a) apoyar investigaciones y estudios que 
amplíen, promuevan y faciliten el financiamiento y operatividad de 
programas y proyectos para desarrollo de la competitividad de las MIPYMES, 
con la finalidad de aumentar el intercambio comercial ; (b) apoyar el 
mejoramiento del ambiente de negocios, sobre todo en aspectos de p olíticas y 
normativas que buscan el desarrollo competitivo de las MIPYMES; (c) difundir 
mejores prácticas en políticas públicas para la promoción y fomento del 
sector, donde se conozcan y transfieran en las regiones los desarrollos 
legislativos, marcos reg ulatorios, iniciativas para la formalidad y otros 
instrumentos de desarrollo, particularmente, centros de desarrollo 
tecnológico e innovación y el fomento al emprendedurismo ; (d) apoyar el 
fortalecimiento de las gremiales de las MIPYMES como interlocutores  válidos 
capaces de interpretar tanto los intereses de las empresas que representan, 
como los del propio Estado, además de ser los legitimadores sociales de 
políticas y procesos ; (e) fomentar sistemas que garanticen la interconectividad, 
que además de un m ejoramiento de la calidad de vida, faciliten a las MIPYMES el 
conocimiento de oportunidades para acceder a los mercados. Para tales efectos, se 
deben promover pasantías, misiones técnicas y comerciales, encuentros 
sectoriales dentro del segmento y misiones  conjuntas a terceros países ; y 
(f) asistencia técnica para fortalecer el sistema de evaluación de las políticas 
y de los sistemas de apoyo a las MIPYMES, entre otros . Actividades: impulsar 
alianzas empresariales y el establecimiento de redes de informació n que 
permitan el desarrollo de las MIPYMES ; (b) fomentar la adopción de las 
nuevas tecnologías entre las MIPYMES para modernizar su gestión 
empresarial , ampliar sus mercados y facilitar el cumplimento de sus obligaciones; 
y (c) construir un escenario de c ooperación horizontal en el intervalo de los 
grupos intermedios, para los diferentes niveles en que operan las empresas: 
redes, estructuras asociativas, cooperativas, alianzas estratégicas, 
franquicias, consorcios, inversiones conjuntas e instituciones públicas y 
privadas de promoción a la inversión . "(Colombia - Northern Triangle (El 
Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras), Chapter 20, art. 2)  
 
"The Parties shall support the enhancement of SMEs’ competitiveness and their 
insertion in the internatio nal markets on the basis of strengthening their productive 
capabilities. 2. Cooperation shall include, among others, activities to: (a) design and 
execute mechanisms to encourage partnerships and development of 
productive linkages ; and (b) develop SMEs’ co mpetitiveness through the 
exchange of information between the relevant institutions of both Parties 
and such other mechanisms as may be agreed by these institutions " 
(Costa  Rica - Singapore, Chapter 14, art 3)  
 
"Development cooperation shall be primarily f ocused on the following areas as further 
articulated in the individual Chapters of this Agreement: (i) The provision of 
support measures aimed at promoting private sector and enterprise 
development, in particular small economic operators, and enhancing the  
international competitiveness of CARIFORUM firms and diversification of the 
CARIFORUM economies "  (EU - CARIFORUM, Chapter 1, art.8)  
 
"The measures and programs within the fields of industrial development and the 
development of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, may include those which 
contribute to: (a)  investment in industries, including agro -based industries, 
with particular emphasis on those of a smaller or medium size " 
(South  Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement, n o 
chapter, art. 8)  
 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 17 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
FTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
MSME 
development 
through human 
resource 
development 
(in orange ), 
adoption of 
technology by 
MSMEs  
(in green ), 
investment 
facilitation 
(in red), 
Business 
partnership 
facilitation 
(in blue), the 
facilitation of 
access to 
regulatory and 
market 
information 
(in purple ), 
partnerships 
between 
relevant 
institutions 
(in light blue) 
and through an 
established 
committee ( in 
light orange ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 "The Parties shall cooperate in promoting the development of small and medium 
enterprises of both Parties (hereinafter referred to in this Article as "SMEs ") in order 
to maintain the dynamism of their respective economies and promote fa vorable 
environment for bilateral trade and investment. Such cooperation may include: 
(a) exchange of information on SMEs policies for : (i) strengthening 
competitiveness of SMEs; (ii) assisting SMEs to start-up businesses; and 
(iii) promoting entrepreneuri al networks of SMEs;  (b) encouragement of 
establishment of networks among appropriate entities of both Parties that 
provide assistance to SMEs ; and (c) encouragement of the exchange of 
experts on the development of SMEs " (Japan  - Mexico, Chapter 14, art.141)  
 
"The Parties will promote a favourable environment for the development of small and 
medium -sized enterprises (SMEs). Cooperation shall consist, amongst other actions, 
in: (a) technical assistance; (b) conferences, seminars, prospecting for 
indust rial and technical opportunities, participation in round tables and 
general and sectoral fairs ; (c) promoting contacts between economic 
operators, encouraging joint investment and establishing joint ventures  and 
information networks through existing horizontal programs ; (d) facilitating 
access to finance, providing information and stimulating innovation. In 
compliance with the WTO General Agreement on Trade in Services (the "GATS ") and 
within the bounds of their own fields of competence, the Parties will support and 
intensify cooperation with each other, reflecting the growing importance of services 
in the development and growth of their economies. Cooperation aimed at promoting 
the development and diversification of productivity and competiti veness in Chile’s 
service sector will be stepped up. The Parties will determine the sectors on which 
cooperation will concentrate, and they will also focus on the means available for this 
purpose. Activities will be directed particularly at SMEs and at fac ilitating 
their access to sources of capital and market technology . In that connection, 
special attention will be devoted to promoting trade between the Parties and third 
countries " (EU - Chile, Chapter 3, art.19 and 20)  
 
"The aims of cooperation on scienc e and technology , carried out in the mutual 
interest of both Parties and in compliance with their policies, particularly as regards 
the rules for use of intellectual property resulting from research, shall be: (a) policy 
dialogue and exchanges of scientifi c and technological information and experience at 
regional level, particularly in respect of policies and programmes; (b) promotion of 
lasting relations between the two Parties’ scientific communities; and 
(c) intensification of activities to promote linka ge, innovation and technology transfer 
between Chilean and European partners. Higher -education institutions, research 
centres and productive sectors, including SMEs, on both sides shall be 
involved in this cooperation in an appropriate manner " (EU - Chile,  
Chapter  3, art.36)  
 
"The Parties recognise the importance of technical cooperation and assistance in 
order to facilitate the implementation of commitments and to maximise the 
opportunities created under Title III (Establishment, Trade in Services and Elec tronic 
Commerce) of Part IV, and achieve the objectives of this Agreement. Cooperation 
includes support for technical assistance, training and capacity building in, 
inter alia, the following areas) improving the export capacity of service 
suppliers of the Republics of the CA Party, with particular attention to the 
needs of small and medium -sized enterprises . The Parties recognise the 
importance of technical cooperation assistance in the field of technical barriers to 
trade and agree to cooperate among others, in the following areas: (a) providing 
expertise, capacity building, including the development and stre ngthening 
of relevant infrastructure, training and technical assistance in the areas of 
technical regulations, standardisation, conformity assessment, 
accreditation and metrology.  This may include activities to facilitate the 
comprehension and compliance w ith European Union requirements, in particular by 
small and medium sized enterprises. The Parties recognise the importance of 
cooperation programmes that promote actions that help artisanal goods 
manufactured in the Republics of the CA Party to benefit fro m this Agreement. More 
specifically, cooperation could focus in the following areas: a) developing capacities 
to facilitate market access opportunities for Central American artisanal 
goods; (b) capacity building of the Central American entities responsible  for 
export promotion, in particular supporting micro, small and medium size 
enterprises (hereinafter referred to as "MSMEs ") from urban and rural 
sectors, necessary to manufacture and export artisanal goods, including on 
customs procedures and technical r equirements established in the European 
Union market ; c) promotion of the preservation of these cultural products; 
(d) supporting the development of infrastructure needed to support MSMEs engaged 
in the manufacture of artisanal goods; (e) capacity building  to improve the 
business performance of artisanal goods producers, through training 
programmes . The Parties agree to promote the competitiveness and insertion of 
rural and urban MSMEs and their representative organisations, in the international 
markets, ac knowledging their contribution to social cohesion through poverty 
reduction and job creation, through the provision of non -financial services, training INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 18 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
FTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
MSME 
development 
through human 
resource 
development 
(in orange ), 
adoption of 
technology by 
MSMEs  
(in green ), 
investment 
facilitation 
(in red), 
Business 
partnership 
facilitation 
(in blue), the 
facilitation of 
access to 
regulatory and 
market 
information 
(in purple ), 
partnerships 
between 
relevant 
institutions 
(in light blue) 
and through an 
established 
committee ( in 
light orange ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 and technical assistance, by executing the following cooperation actions, among 
others: (b) strengthenin g of the local and regional institutional frameworks, 
to create and operate MSMEs ; (c) support MSMEs so that they may 
participate in the goods and services markets at local and international 
levels, by means of participation in fairs, commercial missions a nd other 
mechanisms of promotion ; (g) identification and reduction of obstacles for 
the MSMEs to access financial sources and the creation of new financing 
mechanisms  " (EU - Central America, Chapter 3, art. 56, 57, 60 and 70)  
 
"The Parties, acknowledging that social development shall go hand in hand with 
economic development, agree that cooperation shall aim at enhancing social cohesion 
through the reduction of poverty, inequity, inequality and social exclusion, in 
particular in view to the f ulfilment of the Millennium Development Goals and of the 
internationally agreed objective of promoting fair globalisation and decent work for 
all. The accomplishment of these objectives shall mobilise significant financial 
resources, from both cooperation and national resources. For this purpose, the 
Parties shall cooperate in order to promote and to support the execution of: (b) trade 
and investment policies, bearing in mind the link between trade and sustainable 
development, fair trade, the development of  rural and urban micro, small and 
medium enterprises and their representatives organisations and to corporate social 
responsibility. The Parties agree to cooperate in order to promote employment and 
social protection through actions and programmes, which a im in particular to: 
(k) stimulate job creation and entrepreneurship by strengthening the institutional 
framework necessary to the creation of small and medium sized enterprises and 
facilitating access to credit and micro -finance " (EU - Central America, 
Chapter 3, art.41 and 42)  
 
"Cooperation in this field (Scientific and Technological Cooperation) shall 
aim to develop scientific, technological, and innovation capacities covering 
all the activities under the research framework programmes  (FPs). To this 
end, the Parties shall foster policy dialogue at regional level, exchange of information 
and the participation of their research and technological development bodies in the 
following scientific and technological cooperation activities, in compliance with their  
internal rules:(i) assistance to establish National Innovation Systems (NIS), to 
develop technology and innovation, in order to facilitate appropriate responses for 
demand driven by small and medium size business and to promote local production, 
among oth ers; furthermore, assistance to develop excellence centres and high -tech 
clusters. Research centres, higher -education institutions, and other 
stakeholders, including MSMEs, located in the Parties shall be involved in 
this cooperation as appropriate ." (EU - Central America, Chapter 3, art.76)  
"The goal of the Community Industrial Policy shall be market -led, internationally 
competitive and sustainable production of goods and services for the promotion of 
the Region’s economic and social development. In fulfil ment of the goal, the 
Community shall pursue the following objectives: (d) establishment of a viable micro 
and small economic enterprise sector. In order to achieve the objectives of its 
industrial policy, the Community shall promote, inter alia (e) the de velopment of 
required institutional, legal, technical, financial, administrative and other support for 
the establishment or development of micro and small economic enterprises 
throughout the Community. The Community shall adopt appropriate policy measures 
to encourage the development of competitive micro and small economic enterprises 
in the Member States. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the 
competent Organ shall encourage policy initiatives and the establishment of effective 
programme s to foster a facilitative legal, economic, and administrative framework in 
the Member States to enhance micro and small economic enterprise development, 
and shall promote: (a) the development of the capacities of national and 
regional support agencies for  micro and small economic enterprises, 
including the creation of entrepreneurial centres, by organising  technical 
assistance inclusive of planning, delivery and evaluation of support services 
to the sector ; (b) access to, improvement in the quality of, and  opportunities for 
training and education in areas such as technical skills, entrepreneurial 
competence and business management for micro and small entrepreneurs ; 
(c) access by micro and small economic enterprises to the technical 
assistance provided by th e support agenci es; (d) the establishment, 
development or modernising, as the case may require of financial 
institutions to provide, to micro and small economic enterprises, services by 
way of appropriate and innovative instruments ; (e) innovation within the 
micro and small enterprise sector ; and (f) the creation of, and access to, 
trade and technology  information networks . 3. For the purposes of this Article, 
micro and small economic enterprises shall be economic enterprises within the 
meaning of A rticle 32 that satisfy such other criteria as may be determined by the 
competent authorities. Article 32 : "Economic enterprises " includes any type of 
organisation for the production of or trade in goods or the provision of services (other 
than a non-profit organisation) owned or controlled by any person or entity, who is 
(i) a citizen of a Member State, (ii) has a connection with a Member State , or (iii) a 
company or other legal entity constituted in a Member State, provided that such INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 19 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
FTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MSME 
development 
through human 
resource 
development 
(in orange ), 
adoption of 
technology by 
MSMEs  
(in green ), 
investment 
facilitation 
(in red), 
Business 
partnership 
facilitation 
(in blue), the 
facilitation of 
access to 
regulatory and 
market 
information 
(in purple ), 
partnerships 
between 
relevant 
institutions 
(in light blue) 
and through an 
established 
committee ( in 
light orange ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 entity is owned and effectively controlled by person mentioned  in (i) and 
(ii) "(Caribbean Community and Common Market, Chapter 4, art.32)  
 
"With the view to further enhance trade and economic activities, the Parties shall give 
priority to promoting business and investment op portunities as well as joint ventures 
between their SMEs. Within this context, the Parties shall, inter alia: (a) establish 
networking opportunities for Malaysian and Turkish SMEs to facilitate 
collaboration and exchange of experience, such as in the field  of technology 
transfers, product quality improvements, supply chain linkages, access to 
financing for SMEs and technical assistance ; (b) facilitate investments 
between Malaysia and Turkey ; (c) share experience and improve 
understanding of each other’s pol icies and operations through visits and 
discussions by government officials and professionals from Malaysia and 
Turkey ; (d) collaborate in assisting capacity building of high skilled workers 
and technicians such as in construction and construction related services, 
innovation, research and development, IT and manufacturing sectors ; 
(e) exchange expertise on entrepreneurship, management, research and 
management centres, quality and production standards ; (f) encourage 
relevant agencies to discuss and cooperat e closely, especially in promoting 
the skills and development of workers and strengthen the dialogue between 
relevant institutions ; and (g) promote entrepreneurial networks of SMEs of 
respective countries , support cooperation between respective 
Chambers/Unions of Commerce/Industry and encourage establishment of 
networks among their appropriate entities that provide assistance to SMEs " 
(Turkey -Malaysia, Chapter 9, art.5)  
 
"With the view to further enhance trade and economic activities, the Parties  shall give 
priority to promoting business and investment opportunities as well as joint 
ventures between small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) of the two 
countries . Within this context, the Parties will (a) change experiences and 
expertise on entrepre neurship, management, research and management 
centres, quality and production standards ; (b) provide market information 
to create investment opportunities ; (c) send published documents 
concerning SMEs ." (Turkey -Palestinian Authority, Chapter 4, art.34) & 
(Turkey  - Syria, Chapter 4, art.32)  
 
" With the view to further enhance trade and economic activities, the Parties shall 
give priority to promoting business and investment opportunities as well as 
joint ventures between small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) of the 
two countries . Within this context, the Parties will a) change experiences and 
expertise on entrepreneurship, management, research and management 
centres, quality and production standards ; b) provide market information to 
create i nvestment opportunities ; c) send published documents concerning SMEs. 
The Parties shall further determine the methods and modalities for economic 
cooperation and technical assistance; in particular within the work of the Association 
Council referred in Art icle 40. In this regard, the Association Council may decide 
to establish sub -committees . The co -operation under the scope of this Agreement 
shall primarily involve the following fields referred in detail between Articles 34 to 39 
of the Agreement: (a) Indu stry; (b) Agriculture; (c) Services; (d) Small and 
medium -sized enterprises ; (e) Trade development; (f) Investment promotion " 
(Turkey  - Tunisia, Chapter 2, art. 33)  
 
"The Parties shall, subject to the availability of resources as well as their respective 
applicable laws and regulations, promote cooperation under this Agreement for their 
mutual benefits in order to liberalise and facilitate trade and investment among the 
Parties and to promote the well -being of the peoples of the Parties, taking into 
account the different levels of economic development among  ASEAN Member States. 
The Parties shall promote regional and sub -regional development through 
economic cooperation activities including capacity building, technical 
assistance , and other such a ctivities as may be mutually agreed upon among the 
Parties. The Parties, on the basis of mutual benefit, shall explore and undertake 
economic cooperation activities in the following fields: (g) Small and Medium 
Enterprises " (ASEAN  - Japan, Chapter 8, art.5 3) 
 
 
"Each Party shall promote the cooperation to improve the institutional capacities 
and the competitiveness of the micro, small -and-medium enterprises in the 
fields of quality, productivity, innovation, and technological development, 
considering, but no t limited to, the following topics: (a) technological 
strengthening for testing laboratories and industrial metrology; 
(b) assistance for updating academic curricula of technical careers (middle 
level education, technical education, and higher education); (c) support with 
internships related to the fields of quality and productivity, technological 
innovation, and development, for private enterprises, academic and public 
sector employees; and (d) strengthen the capacities of human resources of 
the public sec tor, in fields related to quality, productivity, innovation, and INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 20 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
FTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MSME 
development 
through human 
resource 
development 
(in orange ), 
adoption of 
technology by 
MSMEs  
(in green ), 
investment 
facilitation 
(in red), 
Business 
partnership 
facilitation 
(in blue), the 
facilitation of 
access to 
regulatory and 
market 
information 
(in purple ), 
partnerships 
between 
relevant 
institutions 
(in light blue) 
and through an 
established 
committee ( in 
light orange ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 technological development " (El Salvador  - Honduras - Chinese Taipei, 
Chapter 17, art.12 ) 
 
"The specific purposes of this Chapter are the following: (a) strengthen and diversify 
the cooperatio n activities between the Parties; (b) strengthen the cooperation in 
order to develop, improve, intensify and diversify commercial relationships; 
(c) strengthen and diversify financing sorts for development; micro, small, and 
medium enterprises, and for the development of exportable offer; (e) improve the 
capacity of public and private sectors to profit from the opportunities provided by this 
Agreement;  and (f) contribute to the creation of trade, financial and technological 
flows and investment between the Parties. The Parties will promote a propitious 
environment for the development of the micro, small -and-medium enterprises. This 
cooperation will focu s on the following: (a) promote business partnership and 
the creation of information networks to enable the development of the 
micro, small -and medium enterprises ; (b) support research and studies that 
extend, promote, and facilitate the financing and oper ating of programs and 
projects for the development of competitiveness of the micro, small -and 
medium enterprises, with the purpose of increasing the commercial trade  
(c) support the improvement of business environment, especially related to aspects 
of policies and norms that aim for the competitive development of the micro, 
small -and-medium enterprises ; and (d) promote the adoption of new 
technologies in micro, small -and-medium enterprises to update their 
company management, extend their markets, and facili tate the fulfilment of 
their obligations " (El Salvador - Honduras - Chinese Taipei, Chapter 17, 
art. 2 and 6)  
 
"La cooperación que se desarrolle entre las Partes tendrá los siguientes objetivos: 
(e) promover la inclusión de las pequeñas unidades productivas; asociaciones de 
economía popular y solidaria; y micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas, en adelante 
"pequeñas unidades productivas, Aepys y Mipymes " al comercio entre las Partes.  Las 
Partes establece n el Comité de Cooperación Comercial , que se encargará de 
coordinar, impulsar, dar seguimiento y evaluar los programas, proyectos y otras 
iniciativas de cooperación que surgieran de este Acuerdo . El Comité tendrá las  
funciones siguientes: (g) facilitar, coordinar y dar seguimiento a los 
compromisos específicos en el ámbito de este Acuerdo, en relación a las 
pequeñas unidades productivas o empresas de minorías, Aepys y Mipymes " 
(El Salvador – Ecuador, Chapter 9, art.1 a nd 5)  
 
"The cooperation shall, in particular, cover the following sectors: (a) Private Sector 
Development, particularly Industrial Development, micro -enterprises, small and 
medium -sized enterprises (MSME), Mining and Minerals as well as Tourism. The 
Partie s recognise the importance of cooperation to develop the ESA region’s private 
sector as the main engine of wealth creation in view to set up an appropriate enabling 
environment which is conducive to investment and growth. The Community support 
and cooperat ion shall take account of the economic structure of the ESA States and 
their priorities in strengthening productive capacities and value addition, and the 
application of Production, Marketing, Distribution, and Transportation (PMDT) 
functions to improve su pply capacities and competitiveness. The scope of cooperation 
of private sector development will cover, inter alia, investment, industrial 
development and competitiveness enhancement, micro -enterprises, small and 
medium sized enterprises development, minin g and minerals and tourism 
development as well as other productive sectors which are directly and indirectly 
covered by this Agreement. The Parties recognise the importance of investment. 
Subject to the provisions of Article 36 the Parties agree to coopera te, including by 
facilitating support, in the following areas: (d) support efforts of the ESA States 
to attract financing, with particular emphasis on private financing, for 
infrastructure investments and revenue generating infrastructure critical for 
the private sector, including small and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs) . 
The Parties agree to cooperate, including by facilitating support, in the following 
areas: (a) capacity building and institutional support ; (b) technology 
development  and transfer, innova tion, information exchange and networks 
and marketing ; (c) development of MSME databases; (d) access to finance ; 
(e) encourage EU -ESA partnerships, linkages and joint ventures between 
economic operators ; (f) trade and investment promotion (g) strengthen value 
chains; (h) promote diversification and value addition " (EU - Eastern and Southern 
Africa States, Chapter 6, art. 38, 39 and 42)  
 
"En la aplicación de las modalidades de integración industrial, la Comisión y la 
Secretaría General tendrán e n cuenta la situación y requerimientos de la pequeña y 
mediana industria, particularmente aquellos referidos a los siguientes aspectos: 
(a) Las capacidades instaladas de las empresas existentes; (b) Las necesidades de 
asistencia financiera  y técnica para l a instalación, ampliación, 
modernización o conversión de plantas ; (c) Las perspectivas de establecer 
sistemas conjuntos de comercialización, de investigación tecnológica y de 
otras formas de cooperación entre empresas afines ; y (d) Los requerimientos 
de capacitación de mano de obra . La Secretaría General podrá realizar o promover INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 21 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
FTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MSME 
development 
through human 
resource 
development 
(in orange ), 
adoption of 
technology by 
MSMEs  
(in green ), 
investment 
facilitation 
(in red), 
Business 
partnership 
facilitation 
(in blue), the 
facilitation of 
access to 
regulatory and 
market 
information 
(in purple ), 
partnerships 
between 
relevant 
institutions 
(in light blue) 
and through an 
established 
committee ( in 
light orange ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 acciones de cooperación, incluyendo las de racionalización (i.e. lograr un óptimo 
aprovechamiento de los factores productivos y a alcanzar mayores niveles 
de productividad y eficiencia)  y modernización industrial, en favor de cualquier 
actividad del sector y, en especial, de la pequeña y mediana industria de la Subregión, 
con el fin de coadyuvar al desarrollo industrial de los Países Miembros. Estas acciones 
se llevarán a cabo prioritariamente en Bolivia y el Ecuador " (Andean Community, 
Chapter 5, art.67)  
 
"The Parties shall establish a technical cooperation mechanism in order to develop 
their technical capabilities in specific sectors, with particular attention  to smaller 
economies which are Signatory Parties to this Agreement, and SME's (Small and 
Medium Enterprises), including: - organization and holding of fairs, exhibitions, 
conferences, advertising, consultancy and other business services " 
(Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) – Israel, Chapter 7, art.3)  
 
"The aims of economic cooperation will be: (a) to build on existing agreements or 
arrangements already in place for trade and economic cooperation; and (b) to 
advance and strengthen trade and economic relation s among the Parties. In pursuit 
of these objectives, the Parties will encourage and facilitate, as appropriate, the 
following activities, including, but not limited to: ( c) working together to promote the 
use of English and other languages as tools for sma ll and medium 
enterprises , and in the use of information technology tools  to assist the 
learning process, as agreed by the APEC Economic Leaders at their 12th meeting " 
(Trans -Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership, Chapter 16, art.4)  
 
"In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of research and innovation 
may cover science, technology, including information and communication 
technologies, with the aim of contributing to the OCTs ' sustainable development and 
to promoting the OCTs 's role as regional hubs and centres of excellence as well as 
their industrial competitiveness. In particular, cooperation may concern: 
(d) participation of individual OCTs researchers, research bodies and legal 
entities from OCTs in the framework for  coop eration related to research and 
innovation programmes within the Union and the Programme for the 
Competitiveness of Enterprises and small and medium - size enterprises  
(COSME) " (EU - Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT), Chapter 2, art.31 ) 
 
"The Partie s affirm their commitment to promote capacity building and economic 
modernisation in Central Africa using the various instruments at their disposal, for 
example by setting up an economic and institutional framework at national and 
regional levels that is c onducive to growth in economic activity in Central Africa, by 
means of trade policy instruments and development cooperation instruments. The 
Parties agree on the creation of an EPA regional fund, set up by and for the 
Central  African region, to coordinate support which will help to finance effectively the 
priority measures intended to build productive capacity in the Central African States. 
The EPA regional fund is an instrument which was created by and for Central Africa, 
which thus determines the details of its use and its organisation. Its key areas of 
action include, among others, (3) Industry, diversification and competitiveness of 
economies in conjunction with regional development, through (3.9) . Support for 
small and medium -sized enterprises. Types of  measures to be taken: (a). Expertise 
services — provision of a range of services to help SMEs with marketing, 
accounting, legal analysis, business plan preparation, access to finance. 
(b). Vocational training  (c). Facilitating access to credit and improving 
conditions for SMEs to access credit.  Useful to create mechanisms which are more 
likely to provide funds for SMEs in the region, for example by means of loan 
guarantee funds.  Examples are: BEI, BDEAC, etc. Expertise services will be able to 
help SMEs to prepare their loan documentation. (d). Provision of credit 
information at regional level. Facilitating access to information for potential 
creditors in order to reduce the level of bank risk which currently exists. For 
example: creation of shared d atabases on client risk. (e). More flexible 
lending conditions. Exploring ways of relaxing lending conditions in order to 
facilitate access to loans, taking account of the scale of the informal sector 
of the economy. (f). Strengthening the capacity of fina ncial intermediaries 
in Central Africa. Analysis of the potential role of the CASDB. Improving risk 
analysis capacity in institutions which may issue loans. Modernisation of and 
training for credit institutions. (h). Analysis of the recommendations 
resulti ng from the study on financial services in Central Africa . (i). Promoting 
the transition from the informal to the formal economy, in conjunction with the public 
authorities, for example by means of incentives " (EU - Cameroon, Chapter 2, 
art.9)  
 
"The two Pa rties shall together establish the strategies and procedures needed to 
achieve cooperation in the fields covered by this Title (Economic and Sector 
Cooperation). The Parties undertake to intensify economic cooperation in their mutual 
interest and in the sp irit of partnership which is at the root of this Agreement. The 
aim of economic cooperation shall be to support Lebanon's own efforts to achieve 
sustainable economic and social development. Cooperation shall aim at increasing INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 22 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
FTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MSME 
development 
through human 
resource 
development 
(in orange ), 
adoption of 
technology by 
MSMEs  
(in green ), 
investment 
facilitation 
(in red), 
Business 
partnership 
facilitation 
(in blue), the 
facilitation of 
access to 
regulatory and 
market 
information 
(in purple ), 
partnerships 
between 
relevant 
institutions 
(in light blue) 
and through an 
established 
committee ( in 
light orange ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 the flow of capital, expertise  and technology to Lebanon through, inter alia: 
(c) examining the creation of joint ventures (especially for small and medium -sized 
enterprises), and when appropriate the conclusion of agreements between the 
Member States and Lebanon. The aim of cooperation shall be to: (f) encourage the 
development of SMEs , particularly by: — promoting contacts between 
enterprises , partly by using Community networks and instruments for the 
promotion of industrial cooperation and partnership, — facilitating credit access 
for financing investment , — making information and support services available, 
— enhance human resources  to encourage innovation, and setting up projects and 
economic activities ". (EU - Lebanon, Chapter 5, art.46 and 47)  
 
"The two Parties shall together establish the strategies and procedures needed to 
achiev e cooperation in the fields covered by this Title (Economic and Sector 
Cooperation). The Parties undertake to intensify economic cooperation in their mutual 
interest and in the spirit of partnership which is at the root of this Agreement. The 
aim of econom ic cooperation shall be to support Lebanon's own efforts to achieve 
sustainable economic and social development. Cooperation shall aim at increasing 
the flow of capital, expertise and technology to Lebanon through, inter alia: 
(c) examining the creation of  joint ventures (especially for small and 
medium -sized enterprises) , and when appropriate the conclusion of agreements 
between the Member States and Lebanon. The aim of cooperation shall be to: 
(f) encourage the development of SMEs, particularly by: — prom oting contacts 
between enterprises, partly by using Community networks and instruments 
for the promotion of industrial cooperation and partnership , — facilitating 
credit access for financing investment, — making information and support 
services available , — enhance human resources to encourage innovation, 
and setting up projects and economic activities ". (EU - Lebanon, Chapter 5, 
art.46 and 47)  
 
"The Member States undertake to formulate an industrial strategy aimed at: (a) the 
promotion of linkages among in dustries through specilisation and complementarity, 
paying due regard to comparative advantage in order to enhance the spread effects 
of industrial growth and to facilitate the transfer of technology; (b) the facilitation 
of the development of: (i) small -and-medium scale industries including sub -
contracting and other relations between larger and smaller firms ; (ii) basic 
capital and intermediate goods industries for the purposes of obtaining the 
advantages of economies of scale; (iii) food and agro i ndustries " (Common Market 
for Eastern and Southern Africa, Chapter 6, art.100) & (East African 
Community, Chapter 12, art.20)  
 
" The Partner States agree to provide an enabling environment for the private sector 
and the civil society to take full advantage  of the Community. To this end, the Partner 
States undertake to formulate a strategy for the development of the private sector 
and to: (a) promote a continuous dialogue with the private sector and civil society at 
the national level and at that of the Comm unity to help create an improved business 
environment for the implementation of agreed decisions in all economic sectors; and 
(b) provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to participate actively in improving the 
policies and activities of the institutions o f the Community that affect them so as to 
increase their confidence in policy reforms and raise the productivity and lower the 
costs of the entrepreneurs. 2. For these  purposes, the Partner States undertake to 
(f) collaborate with their national chambers of commerce and industry to 
establish lending institutions that shall primarily cater for the private sector 
especially the small -scale entrepreneurs who find it difficult to obtain credit 
from commercial banks and financing institutions " (East African Com munity, 
Chapter 25, art.127)  
 
"The Member States shall adopt measures designed to promote trade within the 
Common Market. In this regard, Member States shall: (h improve the performance 
of small -and-medium scale enterprises for export development such as 
marketing, business management and  the provision of credits " 
(Common  Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, Chapter 6, art.62)  
 
"The Member States agree to provide an enabling environment for the private sector 
to take full advantage of the Common Market. To this end, the Member States 
undertake to: (a) promote a continuous dialogue with the private sector organs at 
the national and regional levels to help create an improved business environment for 
the implementation of agreed decisions in all economic sec tors; and (b) provide an 
opportunity for entrepreneurs to participate actively in improving the policies, 
regulations and institutions that affect them so as to increase confidence in policy 
reforms, raise productivity and lower costs at enterprise levels.   For the purpose of 
implementing these objectives, the Member States undertake to: (g) in 
collaboration with the chambers of commerce and industries, establish 
lending institutions that shall primarily cater for the entrepreneurs, 
especially the small - scale ones, which currently find it difficult to obtain 
credit from commercial banks and financing institutions " (Common Market 
for Eastern and Southern Africa, Chapter 23, art.151)  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 23 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
FTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MSME 
development 
through human 
resource 
development 
(in orange ), 
adoption of 
technology by 
MSMEs  
(in green ), 
investment 
facilitation 
(in red), 
Business 
partnership 
facilitation 
(in blue), the 
facilitation of 
access to 
regulatory and 
market 
information 
(in purple ), 
partnerships 
between 
relevant 
institutions 
(in light blue) 
and through an 
established 
committee ( in 
light orange ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
"Los objetivos específicos de este Capítulo son los siguientes: (a) fortalecer y 
diversificar las acciones de cooperación entre las Partes; (b) fortalecer la cooperación 
para desarrollar, mejorar, intensificar  y diversificar las relaciones comerciales y los 
sistemas de manejo ambiental; (c) fortalecer y diversificar la s modalidades de 
financiamiento para el desarrollo; (d) fomentar la cooperación para la protección y 
mejoramiento del ambiente en el territorio de las Partes para el bienestar de las 
generaciones presentes y futuras; (e) mejorar la capacidad de los sectore s público y 
privado para aprovechar las oportunidades que ofrece este Tratado; y (f) coadyuvar 
al establecimiento de flujos comerciales, financieros y tecnológicos y a la inversión 
entre las Partes. Las Partes promoverán un entorno favorable para el desarr ollo de 
las pequeñas y medianas empresas. 2. Esta cooperación consistirá en lo siguiente: 
(a) fomentar contactos entre agentes económicos, impulsar inversiones 
conjuntas  y el establecimiento de alianzas empresas y redes de información 
que permitan que las Partes promuevan la cooperación financiera entre 
ellas, en particular aquélla dirigida al desarrollo de la micro, pequeña y 
mediana empresa ; y facilitar los procedimientos administrativos para que el sector  
comercial, productivo y exportador tenga un mejo r acceso al financiamiento " 
(Guatemala - Chinese Taipei, Chapter 20, art.9)  
 
"The Parties undertake to intensify economic cooperation in their mutual interest and 
in accordance with the overall objectives of the Agreement. The aim of economic 
cooperation shall be to support Jordan´s own efforts to achieve sustainable economic 
and so cial development.  Cooperation shall promote and encourage in particular, (iv) 
cooperation between small and medium -sized enterprises  in the Community 
and in Jordan . The objective of cooperation will be the creation of a favourable and 
stable environment for investment in Jordan. The cooperation will entail the 
development of (i) harmonised and simplified administrative procedures;  co-
investment  machinery, especially for SMEs of both Parties ; and information 
channels and means of identifying in vestment opportunities " (EU - Jordan, 
Chapter  5, art.66 and 67)  
 
"Cooperation between the Parties shall be aimed at developing and strengthening 
private sector small - and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs), the establishment of new 
undertakings in areas offe ring potential for growth and cooperation between 
SMEs in the Community and in Serbia . Cooperation shall take due account of 
priority areas related to the Community acquis in the field of SMEs, as well as the 
ten guidelines enshrined in the European Charte r for Small Enterprises " (EU - 
Serbia, Chapter 8, art 95)  
 
"The Parties shall, in accordance with their respective laws and regulations, promote 
cooperation under this Agreement for their mutual benefits in order to liberalise and 
facilitate trade and inve stment between the Parties and to promote the well -being of 
the peoples of both Parties. For this purpose, the Parties shall cooperate and, 
where necessary and appropriate, encourage and facilitate cooperation 
between their respective entities in the priva te sector.  The fields of cooperation 
under this Chapter shall include: (a) trade and investment promotion; (b) small and 
medium enterprises " (Brunei Darussalam – Japan, Chapter 9, art.102)  
 
"The parties shall, in accordance with their respective laws and regulations promote 
cooperation under this agreement for their mutual benefit, in order to further 
liberalize and facilitate trade in goods and services as well as investments between 
the part ies and to promote the well-being  of the people and sustainable development 
of the parties. For this purpose, the parties shall enhance further cooperation between 
their governments, and encourage and facilitate mutual cooperation between 
relevant entities  of the parties, one or both of whom are entities other than 
governments of the parties, in the following fields: (c) small and medium 
enterprises " (Japan  - Mongolia, Chapter 15, art.1)  
 
"The objective of this Chapter is to establish a framework and mechan isms for present 
and future development of cooperative relations between the Parties. Without 
prejudice to the possibility of extending the cooperation efforts to other areas, the 
Parties shall closely cooperate in areas aimed inter alia at: (g) increasing  the 
export capabilities of the small and medium enterprises " (hereinafter "SMEs ")" 
(China  - Costa Rica, Chapter 11, art.118)  
 
"The Parties agree to establish a framework for cooperation as a means to expand 
and enhance the benefits of this Agreement and t o promote capacity building 
activities in areas of mutual interest taking into account existing economic 
cooperation between them. The Parties will establish close cooperation aimed inter 
alia at: (a) promoting and enhancing economic cooperation between th em to further 
development objectives in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations of 
each Party; (b) complementing existing, and building new, cooperative relationships 
between the Parties; (c) advancing human resource development, creating new 
opportunities for trade and investment, promoting competitiveness and innovation 
including the involvement, where appropriate, of the private sector; (d) contributing INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 24 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
FTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MSME 
development 
through human 
resource 
development 
(in orange ), 
adoption of 
technology by 
MSMEs  
(in green ), 
investment 
facilitation 
(in red), 
Business 
partnership 
facilitation 
(in blue), the 
facilitation of 
access to 
regulatory and 
market 
information 
(in purple ), 
partnerships 
between 
relevant 
institutions 
(in light blue) 
and through an 
established 
committee ( in 
light orange ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 to the important role of the private sector in promoting and building strategic 
alliances to encourage mutual economic growth and development; (e) encouraging 
through this cooperative process the presence of the Parties and their goods and 
services in each other' s respective markets; and (f) increasing and deepening the 
level of cooperation activities between the Parties in areas of mutual interest. Other 
areas of cooperation for possible implementation can be identified and 
discussed by the Economic Cooperation Co mmittee  including, but not 
limited to:(g) small and medium scale industries " (New Zealand – Malaysia, 
Chapter 13, art.1)  
 
"The Parties shall establish a framework for economic and technical cooperation as a 
means to expand and enhance the benefits of this  Agreement and to promote 
capacity building activities in areas of mutual interest taking into account existing 
economic and technical cooperation arrangements and activities between them. The 
Parties shall establish close cooperation aimed inter alia at: (a) promoting and 
enhancing economic and technical cooperation for the benefit and development of 
both Parties in accordance with the applicable laws, regulations and policies of each 
Party; (b) strengthening existing and building new cooperative relations hips between 
the Parties; (c) advancing human resource development , creating new 
opportunities for trade and investment; (d) contributing to the important role of the 
private sector in encouraging mutual economic growth and development; and 
(e) increasing and deepening the level of cooperation activities between the Parties 
in areas of mutual interest. The Parties may include the following other areas of 
cooperation… small and medium enterprises; and other areas to be mutually agreed 
upon by the Parties " (Malaysia – Australia, Chapter 16, art. 2)  
 
"For the purpose of implementing this Agreement and taking into account the 
development policies of the SADC EPA States, the Parties agree that the areas listed 
in this Article (Cooperation priorities) and in Artic le 14 (Cooperation on fiscal 
adjustment) are priority areas for trade and economic cooperation. Cooperation in 
trade in goods shall aim at enhancing trade in goods and the SADC EPA States 
capacity to trade, including by phasing out tariffs and customs duti es in line with 
liberalisation commitments laid down in this Agreement, by properly implementing 
rules of origin, trade defence instruments, non -tariff measures, sanitary and 
phytosanitary (‘SPS’) standards, and technical barriers to trade (‘TBT’), by addr essing 
non-tariff measures and by promoting customs cooperation and trade facilitation. 
Cooperation in supply -side competitiveness shall aim at increasing the 
competitiveness of the SADC EPA States and  remove supply side constraints at 
national, institutio nal and, in particular, at company level. This cooperation 
includes, amongst others, fields such as production, technology 
development and innovation, marketing, financing, distribution, transport, 
diversification of economic base , as well as development o f the private sector, 
improvement of the trade and business environment and support to small and 
medium enterprises  in the fields of agriculture, fisheries, industry and services " 
(EU - SADC, Chapter 3, art.13)  
 
"In order to enhance equal partnership based  on the principles stipulated in 
Article  152 (Principles of Cooperation), the Parties shall promote cooperation  
between the Governments of the Parties and, where necessary and appropriate, 
encourage and facilitate cooperation between parties, one or both o f whom 
are entities in the Parties other than the Governments of the Parties, in the 
following fields: (g) small and medium enterprises " (Japan  - Thailand, 
Chapter 13, art.153)  
 
"The Community and Bosnia and Herzegovina shall establish close cooperation aimed 
at contributing to the development and growth potential of Bosnia and Herzegovina. 
Such cooperation shall strengthen existing economic links on the widest possible 
foundation,  to the benefit of both Parties. Policies and other measures shall be 
designed  to bring about sustainable economic and social development of Bosnia and 
Herzegovina. These policies should ensure that environmental considerations are also 
fully incorporated from the outset and that they are linked to the requirements of 
harmonious social development. Cooperation between the Parties shall be aimed at 
developing and strengthening private sector small and medium -sized 
enterprises (SMEs) and shall take due accoun t of priority areas related to 
the Community acquis in the field of SMEs , as well as the ten guidelines 
enshrined in the European Charter for Small Enterprises " (EU - Bosnia and 
Herzegovina, Chapter 8, art.83)  
 
"The Parties agree to develop and promote coo peration on economic and industrial 
matters to their mutual advantage and in the interest of the southern African region 
as a whole, by diversifying and strengthening their economic links, promoting 
sustainable development in their economies, supporting pa tterns of regional 
economic cooperation, promoting cooperation between small and medium -
sized enterprises , protecting and improving the environment, promoting the 
economic empowerment of historically disadvantaged groups, including women, 
protecting and pr omoting worker and trade union rights. The Parties undertake to INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 25 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
FTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
MSME 
development 
through human 
resource 
development 
(in orange ), 
adoption of 
technology by 
MSMEs  
(in green ), 
investment 
facilitation 
(in red), 
Business 
partnership 
facilitation 
(in blue), the 
facilitation of 
access to 
regulatory and 
market 
information 
(in purple ), 
partnerships 
between 
relevant 
institutions 
(in light blue) 
and through an 
established 
committee ( in 
light orange ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 develop, diversify and increase trade between them and to improve the 
competitiveness of South African production on domestic, regional and international 
markets. The Parties shall aim to deve lop and strengthen micro enterprises (MEs) 
and small and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa, as well as to 
promote cooperation between SMEs  in the Community and in South Africa and 
the region in a manner that is sensitive to gender equality. T he Parties shall, inter 
alia: (a) cooperate, where appropriate, in the creation of enabling legal, 
administrative, institutional, technical, tax and financial frameworks for the setting 
up and expansion of MEs and SMEs; (b) provide assistance required by M Es and 
SMEs, whatever their legal status, in areas such as financing, skills training, 
technology and marketing;  (c) provide assistance to companies, 
organisations, policy makers and agencies providing services referred to 
under paragraph b through appropr iate technical support , information 
exchange  and capacity building ; (d) establish and facilitate appropriate links 
between South African, southern African and Community private sector 
operators in order to improve the flow of information (relating to strat egy 
formulation and implementation, business trends and opportunities, 
networking, joint ventures and transfer of skills )." (EU - South Africa, 
Chapter  4, art.50, 53 and 54)  
 
"The Contracting Parties shall strengthen and broaden cooperation in the framework 
of the Community's activities in the fields of: small and medium -sized enterprises. 
The cooperation in the field of small and medium -sized enterprises shall in particular 
be promoted within the framework of actions of the Community: - to remove undue 
administrative, financial and legal constraints on business; - to inform and 
assist enterprises, and in particular small and medium -sized enterprises, on 
policies and programmes w hich might be of relevance to them ; - to 
encourage cooperation and partnership between enterprises, and in 
particular small and medium sized enterprises , from different regions of the 
European Economic Area "  (European Economic Area, Chapter 6, art.78)  
 
"Authorities of the Commission  within the consultative assistance and 
coordination of member States’ activities by the main directions of industrial 
cooperation within the framework of the EAEU shall be consist in : (i) assistance in 
involvement in industria l cooperation of member States’ small and medium 
business " (Eurasian Economic Union, Protocol 27)  
 
"The Parties will establish close cooperation aimed inter alia at: (a) strengthening 
and building on existing cooperative relationships; (b) creating new opp ortunities for 
trade and investment, and for promoting competitiveness,  fostering innovation 
and encouraging research and development ; (c) supporting the role of the 
private sector in promoting and building strategic alliances to encourage 
mutual economic growth and development ; and (d) increasing the level of and 
further developing cooperation activities between the Parties in areas of mutual 
interest. Cooperation between the Parties should contribute to achieving the 
objectives of this Agreement through t he identification and development of innovative 
cooperation initiatives capable of providing added value to the bilateral relationship.  
Areas of cooperation may include but should not be limited to: science, agriculture 
including the wine industry, food p roduction and processing, mining, energy, 
environment, small and medium enterprises, tourism, education, labour, human 
capital development and cultural collaboration " (Australia  - Chile, Chapter 18, 
art.2)  
 
"The Parties may enhance broad -based economic growth through policies that take 
advantage of trade and investment opportunities created by this Agreement in order 
to contribute to, among other things, sustainable development and the reduction of 
poverty. These policies may include those related to the promotion of market -
based approaches aimed at improving trading conditions and access to 
finance for vulnerable areas or populations, and SMEs . When mutually agreed, 
two or more Parties shall endeavour to facilitate joint activities between relevant 
government, private and multilateral institutions so that the benefits derived from 
this Agreement might more effectively advance each Party’s devel opment goals. 
These joint activities may include: (c) facilitation of public and private sector 
partnerships that enable private enterprises, including SMEs, to bring their 
expertise and resources to cooperative ventures with government agencies 
in support  of development goals " (CPTPP, Chapter 23, art.3 and 6)  
 
"Without prejudice to the provisions of the "Agreement on Trade and Economic, 
Technical and Scientific Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of 
Turkey and the Government of the Republic of Chile ", areas of cooperation may 
include but should not be limited to innovation, research and development, 
agriculture, food production and processing, air transport, mining, energy, 
environment, small and medium size enterprises, tourism, gender issue s, education, 
labor and employment matters, human capital development and cultural 
collaboration.  The Parties will establish close cooperation aimed inter alia at: a) 
strengthening and building on existing cooperative relationships; b) creating new INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 26 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
FTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
MSME 
development 
through human 
resource 
development 
(in orange ), 
adoption of 
technology by 
MSMEs  
(in green ), 
investment 
facilitation 
(in red), 
Business 
partnership 
facilitation 
(in blue), the 
facilitation of 
access to 
regulatory and 
market 
information 
(in purple ), 
partnerships 
between 
relevant 
institutions 
(in light blue) 
and through an 
established 
committee ( in 
light orange ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 opport unities for trade and investment, and for promoting competitiveness, fostering 
innovation and encouraging research and development; c) supporting the role of the 
private sector in promoting and building strategic alliances to encourage mutual 
economic grow th and development; and d) increasing the level of and further 
developing cooperation activities between the Parties in areas of mutual interest. 
Cooperative activities will be agreed between the Parties and may include, but should 
not be limited to exchan ge of people and information; cooperation in regional and 
multilateral fora; dialogues, conferences and seminars;  the development of 
joint research programs ; and the encouragement of private sector 
cooperation " (Turkey  - Chile, Chapter 5, art.37 and 39)  
 
" Cooperation between the Parties under this Chapter will complement the 
cooperation between the Parties set out in other Chapters of this Agreement. 2. Areas 
of cooperation may include: (h) small and medium enterprises Cooperative activities 
will be agreed  between the Parties and may include: (a) exchanges of people and 
information; (b) dialogues, conferences and seminars ; (c) contacts between 
scientists and academia;  (d) the development of joint research programs ; 
and (e) encouraging private sector cooperation "  (Chile  - Malaysia, Chapter 
9, art.3 and 4)  
 
"Fields of cooperation and capacity building under this Chapter may include, among 
others: (f) Small and Medium -sized Enterprises. Areas and forms of cooperation 
under this Chapter shall be set fort h in the implementing arrangements consistent 
with the objectives set in Article 11.1. 2. Parties will encourage and facilitate, as 
mutually agreed by both Parties, the following activities, including, but not limited 
toa) exchange of people, information, documentation, experiences; (b) cooperation 
in regional and multilateral fora; (c) direct cooperative activities; (d) technical 
assistance; (e) dialogues, conferences, seminars and training programmes 
with experts ; and (f) any other activity the Cooperatio n Committee might define " 
(Chile  - Thailand, Chapter 11, art.3)  
 
"Fields of cooperation and capacity building under this Chapter shall include, inter 
alia (f) small and medium -sized enterprises. In pursuit of the objectives set out in 
Article 9.1, the Part ies will encourage and facilitate, as appropriate, the following 
activities, including, but not limited to (a) building upon existing agreements or 
arrangements for cooperation; (b) facilitating the exchange of experts, 
information, documentation, experien ces; (c) promoting cooperation in regional 
and multilateral fora; (d) guiding cooperative activities; (e) providing technical 
assistance; and (f) organizing dialogues, conferences, seminars and training 
programs " (Chile  - Viet Nam, Chapter 9, art.3)  
 
" The Parties agree to establish a framework for cooperation as a means to expand 
and enhance the benefits of this Agreement and to promote capacity building  
activities in areas of mutual interest taking into account existing economic 
cooperation between them. The Parties affirm the importance of all forms of 
co-operation to be identified and discussed by the Sub -Committee on Economic 
Cooperation. The areas of cooperation include, but not limited to: (f) Small and 
Medium Enterprises " (India  - Malaysia, no chapter, art.5)  
 
"The Parties will promote a favorable environment for the development of small and 
medium sized  enterprises by encouraging relevant private and governmental bodies 
to build the capacities of small and medium -sized enterprises . The cooperat ion 
will include, among others: (a) designing and developing mechanisms in order to 
foster partnerships  and the development of productive chains; (b) promoting 
cooperation between the economic agents of the Parties in order to identify 
areas of mutual inte rest and to obtain the maximum benefits possible of trade, 
investment, and small and medium -sized enterprises; (c) fostering more dialogue 
and exchange of information on mandatory procedures, enhanced access to 
trade promotion networks, business fora ; busi ness cooperation instruments, 
and any other relevant information for small and medium -sized enterprises 
exporters; (d) promoting training and exchange programs for small and 
medium -sized enterprises exporters of the Parties ; (e) promoting exchange 
of exper iences between the public agencies of the Parties on initiatives and 
policy instruments  for the development of enterprises in general with special focus 
on small and medium -sized enterprises; and (f) encouraging public and private 
institutions related to s mall and medium -sized enterprises to cooperate  in 
aspects such as environmental management, information and communications 
technology, nanotechnology, biotechnology, renewable energy, and other subjects of 
mutual interest " (Peru - Korea, Republic of, Chapt er 20, art.4)  
 
"The aim of cooperation shall be to create a favourable climate for flows of 
investment, and to use the following in particular: (a) the establishment of 
harmonised and simplified procedures, co-investment machinery (especially to 
link small and medium -sized enterprises ) and methods of identifying and 
providing information on investment opportunities " (EU - Morocco, Chapter 5, 
art.50)  & (EU  - Algeria, Chapter 5, 54)  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 27 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
FTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
"The Parties shall help to create an attractive and stable environment  for reciprocal 
investment . Such cooperation shall take the form inter alia of: (a) arrangements for 
information, identification and dissemination relating to legislation and investment 
opportunities; (b) support for the development of a legal environment conducive to 
investment between the Parties, where appropriate, by the conclusion between the 
Member States and Mexico, of agreements to promote and protect investment and 
agreements to prevent double taxation; (c) the development of harmonised and 
simplif ied administrative procedures; (d) the development of mechanisms for 
joint investments, in particular, with the small and medium -sized 
enterprises of both Parties. The Parties shall promote a favourable environment 
for the development of small and medium -sized enterprises. Such cooperation shall 
consist in: (a) promoting contacts between economic operators , encouraging 
joint investments and establishing joint ventures and information networks  
through existing horizontal programmes such as ECIP, AL -INVEST, B RE and BC -NET; 
(b) facilitating access to finance, providing information and stimulating 
innovation  (EU - Mexico, Chapter 6, art.15 and 17)  
 
"The Parties agree to cooperate in the field of science and technology  in areas of 
mutual interest, taking account of their respective policies. In this cooperation, the 
Parties shall favour the participation of their respective higher educational 
institutions, research centres and productive sectors, in particular small and 
medium -sized enterprises  " (EU - Mexico, Cha pter 6, art.29)  
 
"Economic cooperation shall be implemented in particular by: (a) a regular 
economic dialogue between the Parties, which covers all areas of economic 
policy  and, in particular, fiscal policy, balance of payments and monetary policy, and 
which shall enhance close collaboration between the authorities concerned with 
economic policy, each in their respective areas of competence within the Association 
Council or any other forum designated by the Association Council; (b) a regular 
exchange of information and ideas in every sector of cooperation including 
meetings of officials  and experts; (c) transfer of advice, expertise and 
training ; (d) implementation of joint a ctions such as seminars and workshops ; 
(e) technical, administrative and regulatory assistance ; (f) the dissemination 
of information on cooperation. The Parties shall promote cooperation in particular in 
the following areas: - cooperation between small and medium -sized enterprises in the 
Community and Israel " (EU - Israel, Chapter 6, art.45)  
 
17.  There are a few RTAs that do not specify one of the 7 pillars of MSME development but take 
into consideration MSMEs ' needs in their cooperation framework, and their contribution to the 
general objectives, which were mentioned in the introductory blue box. These RTA provisions are 
provided in the table below. The colour code is different from the one previously used. In the table 
below, the provisions stressing the contribution of MSME development to the general objectives of 
cooperation is highlighted in blue. 
Issues  Number of 
FTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
General objectives of the FTA Cooperation Framework  
 
Contribution of 
MSME 
development to 
the general 
objectives of 
cooperation 
(in blue)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 12 out of 81 
RTAs (1 5%) "For the purpose of promoting industrial development of Member States and 
integrating their  economies, Member States shall, harmonise the industrialisation 
policies. In  this connection, Member States shall: a) strengthen the industrial base 
of the Community//modernise the priority sectors and foster self -sustained and self -
reliant development;; b) promote joint industrial development projects as well as 
the creation of multinational enterprises in priority industrial sub -sectors likely to 
contribute to the development of  agriculture, transport  and communications, natural 
resource s and energy. In order to create a solid basis for industrialisation and 
promote collective self-reliance , Member States shall: c) ensure the 
promotion of medium and small -scale industries " (ECOWAS, Chapter 5, 
art.26)  
 
"The Parties shall develop and strengthen their cooperation on industrial and 
enterprise policy, thereby improving the business environment for all 
economic operators, but with particular emphasis on small and medium -
sized enterprises (SMEs ) as they are def ined in the EU and Georgian legislation 
respectively. Enhanced cooperation should improve the administrative and 
regulatory framework for both EU and Georgian businesses operating in the EU and 
Georgia, and should be based on the EU's SME and industrial po licies, taking into 
account internationally recognised principles and practices in this field. To these 
ends, the Parties shall cooperate in order to: (a) implement policies for SME 
development, based on the principles of the Small Business Act, and monito ring of 
the implementation process through regular dialogue. This cooperation will also INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 28 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
FTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 include a focus on micro - and craft enterprises, which are extremely 
important for both the EU and Georgian economies " (EU - Georgia, 
Chapter  18, art.8) & (EU  - Moldova , Republic of, Chapter 4, art.62) & 
(EU - Ukraine, Chapter 5, art. 378)4  
 
"The Community and the Republic of San Marino shall institute cooperation with the 
aim of strengthening existing links between them on as broad a basis as possible for 
the mutual be nefit of the Parties, taking account of their respective powers. 
Cooperation shall focus on the priority areas referred to in Articles 15 to 18 of this 
Title. The Contracting Parties undertake to encourage the growth and 
diversification of the industrial a nd services sectors of the economy of 
San Marino, focusing their cooperation activities on small and medium -
sized enterprises " (EU - San Marino, Chapter 2, art.15)  
 
"Recognizing that trade -related cooperation is a catalyst for the reforms and 
investments necessary to foster trade -driven economic growth and 
adjustment to liberalized trade , the Parties agree to promote trade -related 
cooperation pursuant to the following objectives: (a) to strengthen the 
capacities of the Parties to maximize the opportunities and benefits deriving from 
this Agreement; (b) to strengthen and develop cooperation at a  bilateral, regional 
or multilateral level; (c) to foster new opportunities f or trade and investment, 
stimulating competitiveness and encouraging innovation, including dialogue and 
cooperation among their respective academies of science, governmental 
organizations, non -governmental organizations, universities, colleges, as well as 
their science, research and technological centers and institutes, and private sector 
enterprises and firms in areas of mutual interest relating to science and technology 
and innovation; and (d) to promote sustainable economic development, with 
an emphasis on small and medium sized enterprises, in order to contribute 
to the reduction of poverty through trade "(Canada  - Colombia, Chapter 18, 
art.1801) & (Canada  - Peru, Chapter, 18, art.1801) & (Canada  - Ukraine, 
Chapter 15, art.1)  
 
"The Parties agree to streng then cooperation that contributes to the implementation 
of this Agreement and to make the most of it with the aim of optimising its results, 
expanding opportunities and obtaining the greatest benefits for the Parties. This 
cooperation shall be developed wi thin the legal and institutional framework 
governing cooperation relations between the Parties, one of the main objectives of 
which is to boost sustainable economic development that enables to achieve 
greater levels of social cohesion and, in particular, t o reduce poverty . To 
achieve the objectives referred to in paragraph 1, the Parties agree to attach 
particular importance to cooperation initiatives aimed at: (b) promoting the 
development of Micro and SMEs, using trade as a tool for reducing poverty " 
(EU - Colombia -Peru, Chapter 13, art.324)  
 
"The Union and the Member States shall ensure that the conditions necessary for 
the competitiveness of the Union’s industry exist. For that purpose, in accordance 
with a system of open and competitive markets , their a ction shall be aimed at: 
— encouraging an environment favourable to initiative and to the 
development of undertakings throughout the Union, particularly small and 
medium -sized undertakings " (Treaty on the Functioning of the European  
Union, Chapter 5, art.1 73) 
 
"The Parties shall aim to develop and strengthen private sector small and 
medium -sized enterprises  (SMEs), the establishment of new undertakings in 
areas offering potential for growth and cooperation between SMEs in the Community 
and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia " (EU- North Macedonia, Chapter 
8, art.86)  
 
"Cooperation between the Parties shall be aimed at developing and 
strengthening private sector small and medium -sized enterprises  (SMEs) 
and shall take due account of priority areas related to the Community acquis in the 
field of SMEs, as well as the principles enshrined in the European Charter for 
Small  Enterprises " (EU - Albania, Chapter 8, art.83)  
                                                
4 The FTAs between EU and the Republic of Moldava and between EU and Ukraine contain the same 
provision than the FTA between EU and Georgia . INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 29 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
FTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Areas of cooperation include MSMEs  
MSME -related 
affairs (in blue)  2 out of 88 
RTAs (2%)  "The Parties agree to strengthen their cooperation in 5 priority sectors. Cooperation 
shall be extended to other areas, including, but not limited to, banking, finance, 
tourism, industrial cooperation, transport, telecommunications, intellectual property 
rights, small and medium enterprises (SMEs ), environment, bio -technology, 
fishery, forestry and forestry products, mining, energy and sub -regional 
development " (ASEAN  - China, Chapter 2, art.7)  
 
"Where appropriate, the Parties agree to strengthen their cooperation in the 
following areas, including, but not limited to: (h) others: handicrafts, small and 
medium enterprises , competition policy, Mekong Basin Development, intellectual 
property rights, g overnment procurement. " (ASEAN -India, Chapter 6, art.6)  
 
 
_______________  
 
  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 30 - 
 
   
4  GOVERNMENT PROCUREME NT 
Forty-eight5  RTAs include MSME -related provisions in their Chapter on Government Procurement, 
that is, 29% of all RTAs with MSME -related provisions and it is the second most popular subject 
where MSME -related provisions are addressed in RTAs. The provisions on MSMEs in the chapter 
on government procurement aim at facilitating the access by MSMEs to public procurement 
markets.  This facilitation of access to public procurement markets is achieved through scheduled 
exemptions and a cooperation framework, as illustrated in the tables below.  
 
SCHEDULED EXEMPTIONS  
18.  The coverage schedules play a critical role in determining whether a procurement activity is 
covered by the Chapter on Government Procurement or not. Only those procurement activities that 
are carried out by cove red entities purchasing listed goods, services or construction services of a 
value exceeding a specified threshold are covered by the Chapter.  
19.  In order to facilitate access by MSMEs to public procurement markets, a significant number of 
RTAs have schedule s that contain an MSME exclusion of government measures or preferences. These 
preferences benefit MSMEs directly or indirectly. For some RTAs, these preferences are made 
available to MSMEs in procurement contracts whose value is below a threshold, whereas for other 
RTAs such values are not indicated, which suggests that these preferences apply on all procurement 
contracts. Some RTAs provide an illustrative list of preferences to MSMEs, including set -asides, price 
preferences, criteria of tiebreak, measures facilitating sub -contracting and transfer of technology as 
well as the exclusive right to supply a good or a service.  
20.  The granting of these preferences to MSMEs, directly or indirectly, is also associated with 
transparency procedures. These transparency pr ocedures ensure fair and open competition in 
government procurement markets. These procedures include notification and consultation 
requirements as well as the inclusion of such preferences in the call for tenders and the co -
determination and transparency of criteria of eligibility to MSME programmes.  
21.  The table below is divided into two sections, namely, the different forms of preferences and 
transparency procedures associated with these preferences. Blue is used to highlight similar 
provisions by issue def ined in the left -hand column while orange  denotes procurement programs. 
When RTAs exempt preferences to MSMEs up to a value threshold, this value is highlighted in green . 
 
Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Forms of preferences to MSMEs  
Any form of 
preference 
(in blue)  or 
government 
procurements 
(in orange ). Some 
RTAs apply these 
preferences to 
procurement 
contracts of a 
threshold value 
(in green )  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 22 out of 48 
RTAs (46%)  "This Chapter (Government Procurement) does not apply to: (a) any form of 
preference  to benefit small and medium enterprises " (Australia  - Chile, 
Chapter  15, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter (Government Procurement) does not apply to set -asides on behalf of 
small o r minority businesses. Set asides include any form of preference , such 
as the exclusive right to provide a good or service and price preferences " 
(US - Panama, Chapter 9, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter (Government procurement) does not apply to set -asides of 
procurements below US$125,000 on behalf of Micro, Small and Medium -sized 
Companies (MIPYMES). The set-asides include any form of preference , such as 
the exclusive right to provide a good  or a service and measures conducive to 
facilitate the transfer of technology and sub -contracting " (Canada  - Colombia, 
Chapter 14, Schedule)  
 
"Este capítulo (contratación pública) no se aplica a la reserva de contratos hasta 
por US$125.000  en beneficio de las MIPYMES, incluyendo en cualquier tipo de 
preferencias , tales como el derecho exclusivo para proveer en bien o servicio; así 
como medidas conducentes a facilitar la desagregación tecnológica y la 
subcontratación " (Chile  - Colombia, Chapter  13, Schedule)  
 
                                                
5 The list of RTAs is provided in Annex  II (page 117). INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 31 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
 
 "El Salvador podrá implementar cualquier medida de contratación  que tenga 
como objetivo promover el desarrollo de sus MIPYMES o aquellas de propiedad de 
minorías " (Colombia - Northern Triangle, Chapter 11, Schedule)  
 
"La República de Guatem ala podrá implementar una medida de contratación que 
tenga como objetivo promover el desarrollo de sus MIPYMES o aquellas de propiedad 
de minorías, incluyendo cualquier forma de preferencia , tal como el derecho 
exclusivo de proveer una mercancía o servicio  y preferencias en los precios " 
(Colombia - Northern Triangle, Chapter 11, Schedule)  
 
"La República de Honduras podrá implementar cualquier medida de contratación  
que tenga como objetivo promover el desarrollo de sus MIPYMES o aquellas de 
propiedad de mino rías" (Colombia - Northern Triangle, Chapter 11, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter (Government Procurement) does not apply to government 
procurement programs on behalf of small, medium and micro enterprises (SME), 
including any form of preference , such as the exclusive right to provide a good or 
a service " (Dominican Republi c - Central America - United States Free Trade 
Agreement, Chapter 9, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter (Government Procurement) does not apply to set -asides on behalf of 
small or minority businesses. Set asides include any form of preference , such 
as the exclusive right to provide a good or service and price preferences " 
(Dominican Republic - Central America - United States Free Trade 
Agreement, Chapter 9, Schedule)  
 
"El presente Capítulo no se aplica a: (b) La reserva de contratos hasta por 
US$125.000  en beneficio de las Micro, Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas (MIPYMES), 
incluyendo cualquier tipo de preferencias , tales como el derecho exclusivo para 
proveer una mercancía o servicio; así como medidas conducentes a facilitar la 
desagregación tecnológica y la sub contratación " (Pacific Alliance, Chapter 8, 
Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter does not apply to any form of preference  to benefit small and 
medium enterprises " (US - Australia, Chapter 15, Schedule)  
 
"Chapter 9 (Government Procurement) does not apply to set -asides on behalf of 
small or minority -owned businesses. Set-asides include any form of preference , 
such as the exclusive right to provide a good or service and price preferences " 
(US - Bahrain, Chapt er 9, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter does not apply to set asides on behalf of small or minority businesses. 
Set-asides include any form of preference , such as the exclusive right to provide 
a good or service and price preferences " (US - Oman, Chapter 9, Schedul e) 
 
"This Chapter (Government Procurement) does not apply to set asides on behalf of 
small or minority businesses. Set-asides include any form of preference , such 
as the exclusive right to provide a good or service and price preferences " (US - 
Peru, Chapte r 9, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter does not apply to set asides on behalf of small or minority businesses. 
Set-asides include any form of preference , such as the exclusive right to provide 
a good or service and price preferences " (US - Australia, Chapter 15, Schedule)  
 
"Este Capítulo no aplica a: (c) programas para fomentar la participación  de 
MIPYMES colombianas en la contratación pública " (Colombia - Northern Triangle, 
Chapter 11, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter (Government Procurement) does not cover procurement p rograms  
on behalf of small and micro -sized companies " (Canada  - Peru, Chapter 14, 
Schedule)  
 
"El presente Capítulo no se aplicará a: (d) el Capítulo no se aplicará a los programas 
de compras  de la Administración Pública para favorecer a las Pequeñas, Medianas 
y Micro Empresas (PYMES) (Costa Rica  - Colombia, Chapter 10, Schedule)  
 
"Chapter 7 (Government Procurement) of this Agreement does not apply to: 
(a) procurement programs  on behalf of smal l and micro -sized companies " 
(EFTA  - Peru, Chapter7, Schedule)  
 
"Chapter 10 (government procurement) does not apply to procurement programs  
on behalf of Small and Micro Enterprises " (Japan  - Peru, Chapter 10, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter (Government Procurement) shall not apply to procurements  
designed to promote micro, small and medium enterprises " (Panama  - Singapore, 
Chapter 8, Schedule)  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 32 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
"Este Capítulo (Contratación Pública) no se aplica a los programas de 
contratación públ ica para favorecer a las micro y pequeñas empresas " 
(Peru - Honduras, Chapter 10, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter (Government Procurement) does not apply to procurement 
programs  on behalf of small and micro­sized companies " (Peru  - Singapore, 
Chapter 9, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter (Government Procurement) does not apply to procurement 
programs  on behalf of small and micro sized companies " (US - Peru, Chapter 9, 
Schedule)  
 
" Nothing in this Chapter shall prevent the Parties from using government 
procurement  to promote industry development including measures to assist small 
and medium enterprises (SMEs) within their territory to gain access to the 
government procurement market " (Costa Rica  - Singapore, Chapter 8, 
Schedule)  
 
"This Annex is without prejudice to t he measures  undertaken by the Parties to 
encourage small and medium -sized businesses to participate in BOT contracts or 
public works concessions in accordance with their legislation " (EU - Korea, 
Republic of, Chapter 9, Schedule)  
Set-asides 
(in blue) 15 out of 48 
RTAs (31%)  "This Appendix does not apply to the single tendering procurement including 
set-asides  for small and medium -sized businesses " (Korea, Republic of - Chile, 
Chapter 15, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter (Government procurement) does not cover pro curements in respect 
of Set-asides  for small and minority businesses " (Canada  - Colombia, 
Chapter  14, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter (Government procurement) does not apply to set-asides  of 
procurements below US$125,000 on behalf of Micro, Small and Medium -sized 
Companies (MIPYMES). The set -asides include any form of preference, such as the 
exclusive right to provide a good or a service and measures conducive to facilitate 
the transfer of technology and sub -contracting " (Canada  - Colombia, Chapter 14,  
Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter does not cover procurements in respect of: d. set-asides  for small 
and minority businesses " (Canada  - Peru, Chapter 14, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter (Government Procurement) does not apply to set-asides  on behalf 
of small or minority businesses. Set -asides include any form of preference, such as 
the exclusive right to provide a good or service and price preferences " 
(Dominican  Republic  - Central America  - United States Free Trade 
Agreement, Chapter 9, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter (Governme nt Procurement) does not apply to set-asides  on behalf 
of small or minority businesses. Set -asides include any form of preference, such as 
the exclusive right to provide a good or service and price preferences " (US - 
Panama, Chapter 9, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter does not apply to the single tendering procurement and set-asides  
for small and medium -sized businesses according to the Act Relating to Contracts 
to which the State is a Party and its Presidential Decree, and the procurement of 
agricultural, fishery, and  livestock products according to the Grain Management Act, 
the Act on Distribution and Price Stabilization of Agricultural and Fishery Products, 
and the Livestock Industry Act " (Korea, Republic of  – Colombia, Chapter 14, 
Schedule)  
 
"This Chapt er does not apply to: (b) set-asides  of procurements below 
SDR 130,000  on behalf of micro, small, and medium -sized companies 
(SMEs -MIPYMES). The set -asides include any form of preference, such as the 
exclusive right to provide a good or a service and measures conducive to facilitate 
the transfer of technology and sub -contracting " (Korea, Republic of  – Colombia, 
Chapter 14, Schedule)  
 
"The Chapter on Government Procurement does not apply to any set-asides  for 
small and medium sized businesses in accorda nce with the Act Relating to Contracts 
to Which the State is a Party and its Presidential Decree (for Korea only) " 
(Korea,  Republic of  – New Zealand, Schedule)  
 
"The chapter on Government Procurement, section Construction Services, does not 
apply to any set-asides  for small and medium sized businesses according to the 
Act on Private Participation in Infrastructure " (Korea, Republic of  – New Zealand, 
Schedule)  
 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 33 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
"This Chapter does not apply to: (a) the single tendering procurement and set -asides 
for small - and medium -sized businesses according to the Act Relating to Contracts 
to which the State is a Party and its Presidential Decree ; or (b) set-asides  for 
small -and medium -sized businesses according to the Act on Private Participation in 
Infrastructure "  (Korea, Republic of  – United States, Chapter 17, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter (government procurement) does not apply to any set-aside  on behalf 
of small or minority -owned businesses. A set -aside may include any form of 
preference, such as the  exclusive right to provide a good or service, or any price 
preference " (Korea, Republic of  – United States, Chapter 17, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter does not apply to set-asides  on behalf of small or minority 
businesses. Set -asides include any form of prefere nce, such as the exclusive right 
to provide a good or service and price preferences "(US - Australia, Chapter 15, 
Schedule)  
 
"Chapter 9 (Government Procurement) does not apply to set-asides  on behalf of 
small or minority -owned businesses. Set-asides include  any form of preference, such 
as the exclusive right to provide a good or service and price preferences " (US - 
Bahrain, Chapter 9, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter (Government Procurement) does not apply to set-asides  on behalf 
of small and minority businesses " (US - Chile, Chapter 9, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter does not apply to set-asides  on behalf of small or minority 
businesses. Set -asides include any form of preference, such as the exclusive right 
to provide a good or service and price preferences " (US - Oman, Chapter 9, 
Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter (Government Procurement) does not apply to set-asides  on behalf 
of small or minority businesses. Set-asides include any form of preference, such as 
the exclusive right to provide a good or service and price preferences " (US - Peru, 
Chapter 9, Schedule)  
 
" Chapter 16 (Government Procurement) and its Annexes do not apply to the single 
tendering procurement including set-asides  for small -and-medium -sized 
businesses according to the Local Finance Law and its Presidential Decree. Chapter 
16 (Government Procureme nt) and its Annexes do not apply to the single tendering 
procurement including set-asides  for small - and medium -sized businesses 
according to the Act Relating to Contracts to which the State is a Party and its 
Presidential Decree, and the procurement of ag ricultural, fishery and livestock 
products according to the Food -grain Management Law, the Law Concerning 
Marketing and Price Stabilization of Agricultural and Fishery Products, and the 
Livestock Law " (Korea, Republic of – Singapore, Chapter 16, Schedule) & 
(Korea, Republic of – Peru, Chapter 16, Schedule)  
 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 34 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Price preferences 
(in blue)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 10 out of 48 
RTAs (21%)  "This Chapter does not cover procurement measures of the Panama Canal Authority 
designed to promote micro, small and medium enterprises (as defined in Annex 7), 
in accordance with the following: (a) the Panama Canal Authority may award 
Panamanian micro, sma ll and medium enterprises a price preference  that shall 
not exceed 10% " (Canada  - Panama, Chapter 16, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter does not apply to set asides on behalf of small or minority businesses. 
Set-asides include any form of preference, such as the exclusive right to provide a 
good or service and price preferences "(US - Australia, Chapter 15, Schedule)  
 
"Chapter 9 (Government Procurement) does not apply to set -asides on behalf of 
small or minority -owned businesses. Set -asides include any form of preference, such 
as the exclusive right to provide a good or service and price preferences " (US - 
Bahrain, Chapter 9, Sc hedule)  
 
"La República de Guatemala podrá implementar una medida de contratación que 
tenga como objetivo promover el desarrollo de sus MIPYMES o aquellas de propiedad 
de minorías, incluyendo cualquier forma de preferencia, tal como el derecho 
exclusivo de proveer una mercancía o servicio y preferencias en los precios " 
(Colombia - Northern Triangle, Chapter 11, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter (Government Procurement) does not apply to set asides on behalf of 
small or minority businesses. Set -asides include any form  of preference, such as the 
exclusive right to provide a good or service and price preferences " 
(Dominican  Republi c - Central America  - United States Free Trade 
Agreement, Chapter  9, Schedule)  
 
"The Parties reserve the right to apply a ten percent (10%) price preference  for 
the Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in their respective countries " 
(Gulf  Cooperation Council – Singapore, Chapter 6, art.8)  
 
"This Chapter (government procurement) do es not apply to any set -aside on behalf 
of small or minority -owned businesses. A set -aside may include any form of 
preference, such as the exclusive right to provide a good or service, or any price 
preference " (Korea, Republic of – United States, Chapter 1 7, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter does not apply to set asides on behalf of small or minority businesses. 
Set-asides include any form of preference, such as the exclusive right to provide a 
good or service and price preferences " (US - Oman, Chapter 9, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter does not apply to procurement measures of the Autoridad del Canal 
de Panamá designed to promote micro, small, and medium enterprises (as defined 
in Section H of this Annex), in accordance with the following: (a) The Autoridad del 
Canal de Pa namá may award Panamanian micro, small, and medium enterprises a 
price preference  that shall not exceed ten percent " (US - Panama, Chapter 9, 
Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter (Government Procurement) does not apply to set asides on behalf of 
small or minority busi nesses. Set -asides include any form of preference, such as the 
exclusive right to provide a good or service and price preferences  "(US - Panama, 
Chapter 9, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter (Government Procurement) does not apply to set asides on behalf of 
small or minority businesses. Set -asides include any form of preference, such as the 
exclusive right to provide a good or service and price preferences "(US - Peru, 
Chapter 9, Schedule)  
Criteria of tiebreak 
(in blue)  1 out of 48 
RTAs (2%)  "The Republics of the CA Party shall be able to adopt, develop, maintain or 
implement measures to promote opportunities or programs for procurement policies 
for the development of its minorities and its MSMEs including preferential rules, such 
as: (a) ident ifying MSMEs, registered as suppliers of the State; (b) establishing 
criteria of tiebreak allowing procuring entities to adjudicate a contract to a 
domestic MSME, which, participating individually or in consortium has 
submitted an offer of equal ranking as  other suppliers " 
(EU - Central  America, Chapter 4, art.210)  
Measures 
facilitating sub -
contracting and 
transfer of 
technology 
(in blue)  4 out of 48 
RTAs (8%)   
"This Chapter (Government procurement) does not apply to set -asides of 
procurements below US$125,000 on behalf of Micro, Small and Medium -sized 
Companies (MIPYMES). The set -asides include any form of preference, such as the 
exclusive right to provide a good  or a service and measures conducive to 
facilitate the transfer of technology and sub -contracting " (Canada  - 
Colombia, Chapter 14, Schedule)  
 
"Este capítulo (contratación pública) no se aplica a la reserva de contratos hasta 
por US$125.000  en beneficio de las MIPYMES, incluyendo en cualquier tipo de 
preferencias, tales como el derecho exclusivo para proveer en bien o servicio; así INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 35 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
como medidas conducentes a facilitar la desagregación tecnologíca y la 
subcontratación " (Chile  - Colombia, Chapter 13, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter does not apply to: (b) set -asides of procurements below 
SDR 130,000  on behalf of micro, small, and medium -sized companies 
(SMEs -MIPYMES). The set -asides include any form of preference, such as the 
exclusive right to provide a good or a service and measures conducive to 
facilitate the transfer of technology and sub -contracting " 
(Korea,  Republic  of – Colombia, Chapter 14, Schedule)  
 
"El presente Capítulo no se aplica a: (b) La reserva de contratos hasta por 
US$125.000  en beneficio de las Micro, Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas (MIPYMES), 
incluyendo cualquier tipo de preferencias, tales como el derecho exclusivo para 
proveer una mercancía o servicio; así como medidas conducentes a facilitar la 
desagregación tecnológica y la subcontratación " (Pacific Alliance, 
Chapter  8, Schedule ) 
 
 
Exclusive right to 
supply a good or a 
service (in blue)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 13 out of 48 
RTAs (27%)   
"La República de Guatemala podrá implementar una medida de contratación que 
tenga como objetivo promover el desarrollo de sus MIPYMES o aquellas de propiedad 
de minorías, incluyendo cualquier forma de preferencia, tal como el derecho 
exclusivo de proveer un a mercancía  o servicio y preferencias en los precios " 
(Colombia - Northern Triangle, Chapter 11, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter (Government procurement) does not apply to set -asides of 
procurements below US$125,000  on behalf of Micro, Small and Medium -sized 
Companies (MIPYMES). The set -asides include any form of preference, such as the 
exclusive right to provide a good or a service  and measures conducive to 
facilitate the transfer of technology and sub -contracting " (Canada  - Colombia, 
Chapter 14, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter (Government Procurement) does not apply to government 
procurement programs on behalf of small, medium and micro enterprises (SME), 
including any form of preference, such as the exclusive right to pro vide a good 
or a service " (Dominican Republic  - Central America  - United States Free 
Trade Agreement, Chapter 9, Schedule)  
 
"Chapter 9 (Government Procurement) does not apply to set -asides on behalf of 
small or minority -owned businesses. Set -asides include any form of preference, such 
as the exclusive right to provide a good or service  and price preferences " 
(US - Bahrain, Chapt er 9, Schedule)  
 
"Este capítulo (contratación pública) no se aplica a la reserva de contratos hasta 
por US$125.000  en beneficio de las MIPYMES, incluyendo en cualquier tipo de 
preferencias, tales como el derecho exclusivo para proveer en bien o servicio ; 
así como medidas conducentes a facilitar la desagregación tecnologíca y la 
subcontratación " (Chile  - Colombia, Chapter 13, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter (Government Procurement) does not apply to set asides on behalf of 
small or minority businesses. Set -asides include any form of preference, such as 
the exclusive right to provide a good or service  and price preferences " 
(Dominican  Republic  - Central America  - United States Free Trade 
Agreement, Chapter 9, Schedule)  
 
"This Appendix does not apply to the si ngle tendering procurement including set -
asides for small and medium -sized businesses according to the Act Relating to 
Contracts to which the State is a Party and its Presidential Decree, the Local Finance 
Law and its Presidential Decree, and the Governmen t Invested Enterprise 
Management Law and Accounting Regulations on Government Invested Enterprise. 
After the Administrator of the Small and Medium Business Administration 
designates specific goods to be purchased from small and medium -sized 
business , Korea  will notify Chile of the addition to the existing list of goods 
annually " (Korea, Republic of  - Colombia, Chapter 14, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter does not apply to: (b) set-asides  of procurements below 
SDR 130,000  on behalf of micro, small, and medium -sized companies 
(SMEs -MIPYMES). The set-asides include any form of preference, such as the 
exclusive right to provide a good or a service  and measures conducive to 
facilitate the transfer of technology and sub -contrac ting" (Korea, Republic of  -
Colombia, Chapter 14, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter (government procurement) does not apply to any set-asides on behalf 
of small or minority -owned businesses. A set -aside may include any form of 
preference, such as the exclusive right  to provide a good or service , or any 
price preference " (Korea, Republic of – United States, Chapter 17, Schedule)  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 36 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
"El presente Capítulo no se aplica a: (b) La reserva de contratos hasta por 
US$125.000  en beneficio de las Micro, Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas (MIPYMES), 
incluyendo cualquier tipo de preferencias, tales como el derecho exclusivo para 
proveer una mercancía o servicio ; así como medidas conducentes a facilitar la 
desagregación tecnológica y la  subcontratación " (Pacific Alliance, Chapter 8, 
Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter does not apply to set asides on behalf of small or minority businesses. 
Set-asides include any form of preference, such as the exclusive right to provide 
a good or service  and price p references " (US - Australia, Chapter 15, 
Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter does not apply to set asides on behalf of small or minority businesses. 
Set-asides include any form of preference, such as the exclusive right to provide 
a good or service  and price preferen ces" (US - Oman, Chapter 9, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter (Government Procurement) does not apply to set asides on behalf of 
small or minority businesses. Set -asides include any form of preference, such as 
the exclusive right to provide a good or service  and price preferences " 
(US - Panama, Chapter 9, Schedule)  
 
"This Chapter (Government Procurement) does not apply to set asides on behalf of 
small or minority businesses. Set -asides include any form of preference, such as 
the exclusive right to provide a g ood or service  and price preferences. "(US - 
Peru, Chapter 9, Schedule)  
Transparency procedures regarding preferences to MSMEs  
Notification and/or 
consultation 
requirements for 
granting MSME 
preferences by a 
Party (in blue)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 out of 48 
RTAs (1%)  "If, before the end of the five -year period established in subparagraph (a), Panama 
requests an extension of the period, the Parties shall consult to determine whether 
there is a need to extend the period during which price  Annex 9.1 -22 preferences 
may be applied, and if they agree that there is such a need, to determine the terms 
and conditions of the extension; and (v) If, following the entry into force of this 
Agreement, Panama proposes to implement any procurement measure intended to 
provide an exclusiv e right for its micro, small, and medium enterprises to provide a 
good or service covered by this Chapter, Panama shall notify  such proposal to the 
United States and enter into consultations  with the United States regarding the 
need, and any terms and cond itions, for such a measure . Panama may 
implement the measure subject to such terms and conditions as the Parties may 
agree " (US - Panama, Chapter 9, Schedule)  
 
"This Appendix does not apply to the single tendering procurement including set -
asides for small  and medium -sized businesses according to the Act Relating to 
Contracts to which the State is a Party and its Presidential Decree, the Local Finance 
Law and its Presidential Decree, and the Government Invested Enterprise 
Management Law and Accounting Regul ations on Government Invested Enterprise. 
After the Administrator of the Small and Medium Business Administration designates 
specific goods to be purchased from small and medium -sized business, Korea will 
notify  Chile of the addition to the existing list o f goods annually " 
(Korea   Republic  of – Chile, Chapter 14, Schedule)  
 
"To the extent possible, the Parties shall endeavour to ensure that such measures 
are not applied for trade protectionist purposes; and (b) a Party shall, wherever 
practicable, give reas onable notice  to the other Party prior to adopting any new 
measure relating to SME participation in government procurement " (Singapore  - 
Australia, Chapter 6, art.16)  
 
"If following the entry into force of this Agreement, the Republic of Panama proposes 
to implement a procurement measure that is intended to provide an exclusive right 
for its micro, small and medium enterprises to provide a good or service covered by 
this Chapter, Panama shall notify  such proposal to Canada and enter into 
consultations  with Canada regarding the need, and any terms and 
conditions, for such a measure . The Republic of Panama may implement the 
measure subject to such terms and conditions as the  Joint Commission may 
determine " (Canada  - Panama, Chapter 16, Schedule)  
 
"If, following the entry into force of this Agreement between the United States and 
Guatemala, Guatemala proposes to implement a procurement measure that is 
intended to promote the d evelopment of its minority -owned or small, medium and 
micro enterprises, but that would not be consistent with this Chapter, Guatemala 
shall consult  with the United States. If the United States and Guatemala agree on  
the need and terms and conditions for s uch a measure , Guatemala shall be 
permitted to implement the measure " (Dominican Republic  – Central  America  - 
United States Free Trade Agreement, Chapter 9, Schedule)  
 
"Before the end of the five -year period, the United States and Nicaragua shall consult 
to determine whether there is a need to extend the price preference program and, INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 37 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
if they agree that there is such a need, to determine the scope of the extension. If, 
following the entry into force of this Agreement between the United States and 
Nicaragua, Nicaragua proposes to implement a procurement measure that is 
intended to promote the development of its small, medium and micro enterprises, 
but that would not be consi stent with this Chapter, Nicaragua shall consult  with 
the United States. If the United States and Nicaragua agree on the need and 
terms and conditions for such a measure , Nicaragua shall be permitted to 
implement the measure " (Dominican Republic  - Central America  – 
United  States Free Trade Agreement, Chapter 9, Schedule)  
Consultation 
requirements for 
the criteria of 
eligibility to MSME 
preferences 
(in blue)  2 out of 48 
RTAs (4%)  "The Parties shall establish, within 12 months after the date of entry into force of 
this Agreement, the Committee on Small Business, comprising representatives of 
the Parties. The Committee shall meet as mutually agreed, but not less than once 
each year, and shall report annually to the Commission on the efforts of the Parti es 
to promote government procurement opportunities for their small businesses. The 
Committee shall work to facilitate the following activities of the Parties: 
(a) identification of available opportunities for the training of small business 
personnel in gov ernment procurement procedures; (b) identification of small 
businesses interested in becoming trading partners of small businesses in the 
territory of another Party; (c) development of data bases of small businesses in the 
territory of each Party for use b y entities of another Party wishing to procure from 
small businesses; (d ) consultations regarding the factors that each Party uses 
in establishing its criteria for eligibility for any small business programs ; 
and (e) activities to address any related matte r" (NAFTA, Chapter 10, art. 1021)  
 
"Las Partes crean el Comité de la Micro, Pequeña y Mediana Industria, integrado por 
representantes de cada Parte. El comité se reunirá por acuerdo de las Partes, pero 
no menos de una vez al año, e informará anualmente a l a Comisión sobre los 
esfuerzos de las Partes para promover oportunidades en compras del sector público 
para sus micro, pequeñas y medianas industrias. El comité trabajará para facilitar 
las siguientes actividades de las Partes: (a) la identificación de oportunidades 
disponibles para el adiestramiento del personal de micro, pequeñas y medianas 
industrias en materia de procedimientos de compras del sector público; (b) la 
identificación de micro, pequeñas y medianas industrias intere sadas en convertirse 
en socios comerciales de micro, pequeñas y medianas industrias en el territorio de 
otra Parte; (c) el desarrollo de bases de datos sobre micro, pequeñas y medianas 
industrias en territorio de cada Parte para ser utilizadas por entidade s de otra Parte 
que deseen realizar compras a empresas de menor escala; (d) la realización de 
consultas respecto a los factores que cada Parte utiliza para establecer sus 
criterios de elegibilidad para cualquier programa de micro, pequeñas y 
medianas indus trias; y (e) la realización de actividades para tratar cualquier 
asunto relacionado " (Colombia  - Mexico, Chapter 15, art.22)  
Inclusion of price 
preferences for 
MSMEs in the call 
for tenders 
(in blue)  3 out of 48 
RTAs (6%)  "The price preference shall be clearly described in the notice of intended 
procurement or notice inviting suppliers to participate in the procurement 
and relevant tender documentation " (Dominican Republic  - Central America 
-  United  States Free Trade Agreement, Chapter 9, Schedule)  
 
"In cases established by the procurement legislation of the member State for the 
procurement could be established benefits for institutions and enterprises of 
criminal -executive system, organizations of d isabled persons, small and medium -
sized businesses, as well as for socially -oriented non -profit organizations. 
Information on the establishment of such benefits is specified by the customer 
in the notification about conduction of the procurement and the 
procurement documentation " (Eurasian Economic Union, Chapter 25 in 
the Annex, art.40)  
 
"Any price preference shall be clearly described in the notice of intended 
procurement or notice inviting suppliers to participate in the procurement 
and relevant tender d ocumentation " (US - Panama, Chapter 9, Schedule)  
Transparency of 
criteria of eligibility 
to MSME 
preferences 
(in blue)  2 out of 48 
RTAs (4%)  "If a Party maintains a measure that provides preferential treatment for SMEs, the 
Party shall ensure that the measure, including the criteria for eligibility, is 
transparent " (CPTPP, Chapter 15, art.21)  
 
"Cuando una Parte mantenga medidas que ofrezcan un trato preferencial para sus 
MIPYME, se asegurará de que tales medidas, incluidos los criterios de 
elegibilidad, sean objetivas y transparentes " (Pacific Alliance, Chapter 8, 
art.21)  
 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 38 - 
 
  COOPERATION ON GOVERNM ENT PROCUREMENT  
22.  Access to information about government procurement rules and markets represents a barrier 
to MSME participation. RTAs emphasize cooperation programs to increase understanding of 
government procurement systems of each RTA´s Party and to faci litate access by MSMEs to 
government procurement markets. For some RTAs, this cooperation is institutionalized through the 
establishment of a Committee on Government Procurement or a Focal Point, which is mandated to 
undertake activities facilitating the a ccess by MSMEs to government procurement markets. 
Cooperation programmes, benefiting MSMEs, directly or indirectly, include the exchange of 
information on government procurement systems, technical assistance to staff members of 
governments or MSMEs, the fa cilitation of access to relevant information about government 
procurement, and the use of information and communication technologies.  Some examples of the 
latter include e -procurement opportunities or the creation of a database of potential MSME suppliers  
from which government agencies can procure their goods and services, including construction. The 
following table shows the different provisions on cooperation encountered in the Chapter on 
Government Procurement in RTAs. It is organized into two sections,  namely, the objective of the 
cooperation framework and the forms of cooperation to achieve the objective. Blue and green  are 
used to highlight similar provisions by issue, defined in the left -hand column.  
Issues  Number 
of RTAs 
dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Objective of the cooperation framework  
Cooperation with a 
view to facilitating 
MSME access to 
government 
procurement 
markets (in blue)  
 15 out of 
48 RTAs 
(31%)  "Las Partes reconocen la importancia de la cooperación como una vía para conseguir un 
mejor entendimiento de sus respectivos sistemas de contratación pública, así 
como un mejor acceso a sus respectivos mercados, en particular para las micro, 
pequeñas y medi anas empresas " (Costa Rica  - Peru, Chapter 10, art.20) 
& (Panama  - Peru, Chapter 10, art.20) & (Peru  - Honduras, Chapter 10, art.20)  
 
"The Parties shall endeavour to cooperate in matters such as: (a) facilitating 
participation by suppliers in government procurement, in particular, with 
respect to SMEs " (CPTPP, Chapter 15, art.22)  
 
"The Parties shall endeavour to cooperate in the following: a) facilitating participation 
of suppliers in government procurement, in particular, with respect to small  
and medium enterprises " (Eurasian Economic Union  – Viet Nam, Chapter 10, 
art. 1) 
 
"The Parties shall endeavour to provide each other with technical co -operation, 
particularly aimed at small and medium size enterprises, with a view to achieve a better 
unde rstanding of their respective government procurement systems and 
statistics, as well as a better access to their respective markets " (EFTA  – Chile, 
Chapter 5, art.67)  
 
"Las Partes harán sus mejores esfuerzos para desarrollar actividades de cooperación a 
fin de conseguir un mejor entendimiento de sus respectivos sistemas de 
contratación pública, así como un mejor acceso a sus respectivos mercados, en 
temas tales como: b) facilitar la participación de proveedores de las Partes en 
la contratación pública, en p articular de las MIPYME " (Pacific Alliance, 
Chapter  8, art.22)  
 
"The Parties recognise the importance of cooperation with a view to achieving a better 
understanding of their respective government procurement systems, as well as 
a better access to their respective markets, in particular for small business 
suppliers " (EFTA  - Central America, Chapter 7, art.27)  
 
"The Parties recognise the importance of co -operation with a view to achieving a better 
understanding of their respective government procurem ent systems, as well as 
a better access  to their respective markets, in particular for small business 
suppliers " (EFTA  - Colombia, Chapter 7, art.20) & (EFTA  - Georgia, Chapter  8, 
art.27) & (EFTA  - Ukraine, Chapter 6, art.10) & (Korea, Republic of  – Colomb ia, 
Chapter 14, art.17)  
 
"The Parties recognise the importance of cooperation with a view to achieving a better 
understanding of their respective government procurement systems, as well as 
a better access to their respective markets, in particular for micr o, small and 
medium suppliers " (EU – Colombia  - Peru, Chapter 6, art.193)  
 
"The Parties shall cooperate, on mutually agreed terms, to increase understanding of 
their respective government procurement systems, with a view to maximizing 
for the suppliers of both Parties the access to their respective government 
procurement market . For this purpose, each Party shall develop and implement, within INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 39 - 
 
  Issues  Number 
of RTAs 
dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
one year after the entry into force of this Agreement, concrete measures for the 
cooperation, which may include trai ning and orientation programs for government 
personnel or interested suppliers regarding such aspects as how to identify government 
procurement opportunities and how to participate in the respective government 
procurement markets . In developing such measur es, special attention should be 
given to small businesses in each Party " (Japan  - Mexico, Chapter 11, art.127)  
 
"Las Partes reconocen la importancia de la cooperación como una vía para conseguir 
un mejor entendimiento de sus respectivos sistemas de contratación pública, 
así como un mejor acceso a sus respectivos mercados, en particular para las 
micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas " (Panama  - Peru, Chapter 10, art.20)  
Forms of cooperation  
Cooperation 
through the 
exchange of 
information on how 
to facilitate MSME 
access to 
government 
procurement 
markets (in blue)   8 out of 48 
RTAs 
(17%)  "The Parties shall also exchange information  on their respective approaches to 
maximise access for small and medium enterprises to the government procurement 
market " (Australia  - Chile, Chapter 15, art.24)  
 
"The Parties agree to work jointly towards exchanging information  and facilitating 
SMEs access to government procurement procedures, methods and con tracting 
requirements, focused on SMEs special needs " (EFTA  - Colombia, Chapter 7, art.19)  
 
"The Parties agree to work jointly towards exchanging information  and facilitating 
SMEs access to government procurement procedures, methods and contracting 
require ments, focused on SMEs special needs " (EFTA  - Peru, Chapter7, art.29)  
 
"The Parties agree to exchange information  and work jointly with the aim of facilitating 
access by Micro and SMEs to government procurement procedures, methods and 
contracting requireme nts, focused on their special needs " (EU – Colombia  - Peru, 
Chapter 6, art.192)  
 
"The Parties shall endeavour to work jointly towards exchanging information  and 
facilitating access of SMEs to government procurement procedures, methods, and 
contracting requirements, focusing on their special needs " (Korea, Republic of  – 
Colombia, Chapter 14, art.6)  
 
"Las Partes podrán: (a) proporcionar información respecto de sus medidas 
utilizadas para ayudar, promover, alentar o facilitar la participación d e las 
MIPYME en la contratación pública , y (b) cooperar en la elaboración de mecanismos 
para proporcionar información a las MIPYME sobre los medios para participar en la 
contratación pública cubierta por el presente Capítulo. Para facilitar la participació n de 
las MIPYME en la contratación pública cubierta, cada Parte, en la medida de lo posible: 
(a) proporcionará información relacionada con la contratación pública, que incluya una 
definición de las MIPYME en un portal electrónico; (b) garantizará que los d ocumentos 
de contratación estén disponibles de forma gratuita " (Pacific Alliance, Chapter 8, 
art.21)  
 
"Las Partes crean el Comité de la Micro, Pequeña y Mediana Industria, integrado por 
representantes de cada Parte. El comité se reunirá por acuerdo de las Partes, pero no 
menos de una vez al año, e informará anualmente a la Comisión sobre los 
esfuerzos de las Partes para promover oportunidades en compras del sector 
público para sus micro, pequeñas y medianas industrias . El comité trabajará para 
facilitar las  siguientes actividades de las Partes:  a) la identificación de oportunidades 
disponibles para el adiestramiento del personal de micro, pequeñas y medianas 
industrias en materia de procedimientos de compras del sector público;  b) la 
identificación de micr o, pequeñas y medianas industrias interesadas en convertirse en 
socios comerciales de micro, pequeñas y medianas industrias en el territorio de otra 
Parte;  c) el desarrollo de bases de datos sobre micro, pequeñas y medianas industrias 
en territorio de cad a Parte para ser utilizadas por entidades de otra Parte que deseen 
realizar compras a empresas de menor escala; d) la realización de consultas respecto a 
los factores que cada Parte utiliza para establecer sus criterios de elegibilidad para 
cualquier progr ama de micro, pequeñas y medianas industrias; y  e) la realización de 
actividades para tratar cualquier asunto relacionado " (Colombia  - Mexico, 
Chapter  15, art.22)  
 
"The Parties shall endeavor to work jointly towards exchanging information  and 
facilitating access of small and medium sized enterprises to government procurement 
procedures, methods, and contracting requirements, focusing on their special needs " 
(Korea, Republic of – Peru, Chapter 16, art.17)  
Cooperation 
through the 
establishment of a 
Committee or a 
focal point in 
charge of MSME -
related issues 
(in blue)  9 out of 48 
RTAs 
(19%)  "The Parties hereby establish a Committee  on Procurement to address matters 
related to the implemen tation of this Chapter  with a view to maximizing access to 
government procurement, including with respect to facilitating participation by small and 
medium enterprises in the government procurement market of the other Party " 
(Canada  - Panama, Chapter 16, art.15)  
 
"Cada Parte designará un punto de contacto  para abordar las materias 
relacionadas con la implementación de este Capítulo  (Contratación Pública), tales INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 40 - 
 
  Issues  Number 
of RTAs 
dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 como (d) esfuerzos para aumentar el entendimiento de sus respectivos sistemas de 
contratación pública, con miras a aumentar al máximo el acceso a oportunidades de 
contratación pública, especialmente para proveedores de la pequeña y mediana 
empresa " (Chile  - Colombia, Chapter 13, art.18)  
 
"Las Partes crean el Comité de la Micro, Pequeña y Mediana Industria , integrado 
por representantes de cada Parte. El comité se reunirá por acuerdo de las Partes, pero 
no menos de una vez al año, e informará anualmente a la Comisión sobre los esfuerzos 
de las Partes para promover oportunidades en compras del sector público para sus micro, 
pequeñas y medianas industrias.  El comité trabajará para facilitar las siguientes 
actividades de las Partes:  a) la identificación de oportunidades disponibles para el 
adiestramiento del personal de micro, pequeñ as y medianas industrias en materia de 
procedimientos de compras del sector público;  b) la identificación de micro, pequeñas 
y medianas industrias interesadas en convertirse en socios comerciales de micro, 
pequeñas y medianas industrias en el territorio d e otra Parte;  c) el desarrollo de bases 
de datos sobre micro, pequeñas y medianas industrias en territorio de cada Parte para 
ser utilizadas por entidades de otra Parte que deseen realizar compras a empresas de 
menor escala; d) la realización de consultas  respecto a los factores que cada Parte utiliza 
para establecer sus criterios de elegibilidad para cualquier programa de micro, pequeñas 
y medianas industrias; y  e) la realización de actividades para tratar cualquier asunto 
relacionado " (Colombia  - Mexico, Chapter 15, art.22)  
 
"The Parties hereby establish a Committee on Government Procurement  
(Committee), composed of government representatives of each Party. On request of a 
Party, the Committee shall meet to address matters related to the implementa tion 
and operation of this Chapter , such as: (a) cooperation between the Parties, as 
provided for in Article 15.22 (Cooperation);(b) facilitation of participation by SMEs in 
covered procurement, as provided for in Article 15.21 (Facilitation of Participati on by 
SMEs) " (CPTPP, Chapter 15, art. 23)  
 
"Se establecerá un Comité de Compras del Sector Público , a la entrada en vigor de 
este Tratado, que estará integrado por representantes de cada una de las Partes. El 
Comité se reunirá cuando sea necesario, pero al  menos una vez por año, para dar a las 
Partes la oportunidad de consultarse sobre las cuestiones relativas al 
funcionamiento del presente capítulo o la consecución de sus objetivos , para 
buscar mecanismos de cooperación que permitan un mayor entendimiento de sus 
sistemas de compras del sector público, un mayor acceso a las mismas; promover 
oportunidades para sus micro, pequeña y mediana empresa; y para desempeñar las 
funciones que establece este capítulo y las demás que le encomienden las Partes " 
(Dominican  Republic - Central America, Chapter 12, art.13)  
 
"The Committee on Government Procurement  shall meet, upon request of a Party, 
to: (d)consider the promotion of coordinated activities to facilitate access for suppliers 
to procurement opportunities in the territory of each Party. These activities may include 
information sessions, in particular wi th a view to improving electronic access to publicly -
available information on each Party's procurement regime, and initiatives to facilitate 
access for small and medium -sized enterprises "(EU - Canada, Chapter 20, art.20)  
 
"The Parties shall establish , within 12 months after the date of entry into force of this 
Agreement, the Committee on Small Business , comprising representatives of the 
Parties. The Committee shall meet as mutually agreed, but not less than once each year, 
and shall report annually to the Commission on the efforts of the Parties to promote 
government procurement opportunities for their small businesses. The Committee shall 
work to facilitate the following activities of the Parties: (a) identification of available 
opportunities for the train ing of small business personnel in government procurement 
procedures; (b) identification of small businesses interested in becoming trading 
partners of small businesses in the territory of another Party; (c) development of data 
bases of small businesses in  the territory of each Party for use by entities of another 
Party wishing to procure from small businesses; (d) consultations regarding the factors 
that each Party uses in establishing its criteria for eligibility for any small business 
programs; and (e) a ctivities to address any related matter " (NAFTA, Chapter 10, 
art. 1021)  
 
"The Parties hereby establish a Committee on Procurement  comprising 
representatives of each Party. On request, the Committee shall meet to address 
matters related to the implementatio n of this Chapter , such as: (d) efforts to 
increase understanding of their respective government procurement systems, with a 
view to maximizing access to government procurement opportunities for small business 
suppliers " (US - Chile, Chapter 9, art.18) & ( US - Colombia, Chapter 9, art.15)  
 
"The Parties hereby establish a Committee on Procurement  comprising 
representatives of each Party. On request of a Party, the Committee shall meet to 
address matters related to the implementation of this Chapter , such as:  
(d) efforts to increase understanding of their respective government procurement 
systems, with a view to maximizing access to government procurement opportunities, INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 41 - 
 
  Issues  Number 
of RTAs 
dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
especially for small business suppliers. To that end, a Party may ask the other Party to 
provide trade -related technical assistance, including training of government personnel 
or interested suppliers on specific elements of that Party’s government procurement 
system, in coordination with the Committee on Trade Capacity Building, as 
appropriate "(US - Peru, Chapter 9, art.15)  
Cooperation 
through the 
provision of 
technical assistance 
to government 
personnel or to 
MSMEs (in blue)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 7 out of 48 
RTAs 
(15%)  "The Parties hereby establish a Committee on Procurement comprising representatives 
of each Party. On request, the Committee shall meet to address matters related to the 
implementation of this Chapter, such as: (d) efforts to increase understanding of their  
respective government procurement systems, with a view to maximizing access to 
government procurement opportunities for small business suppliers. To that end, either 
Party may request the other to provide trade -related technical assistance, 
including trai ning of government personnel or interested suppliers on specific 
elements of each Party’s government procurement system  (US - Chile, 
Chapter  9, art.18)  
 
"The Parties hereby establish a Committee on Procurement comprising representatives 
of each Party. On r equest of a Party, the Committee shall meet to address matters 
related to the implementation of this Chapter, such as: (d) efforts to increase 
understanding of their respective government procurement systems, with a view to 
maximizing access to government procurement opportunities, especially for small 
business suppliers. To that end, a Party may ask the other Party to provide trade -related 
technical assistance, including training of government personnel or interested 
suppliers on specific elements of that Party’s government procurement system, 
in coordination with the Committee on Trade Capacity Building, as appropriate " 
(US - Colombia, Chapter 9, art.15) & (US  - Peru, Chapter 9, art.15)  
 
"The Parties shall cooperate, on mutually agreed terms, to increase understanding of 
their respective government procurement systems, with a view to maximizing for the 
suppliers of both Parties the access to their respective government procurement market. 
For this purpose, each Party shall develop and implement, within one year after the entry 
into force of this Agreement, concrete measures for the cooperation, which may include 
training and orientation programs for government personnel or interested 
supplie rs regarding such aspects as how to identify government procurement 
opportunities and how to participate in the respective government 
procurement markets. In developing such measures, special attention should 
be given to small businesses in each Party " (Japan - Mexico, Chapter 11, 
art.127)  
 
"The Parties shall cooperate, on mutually agreed terms, to increase understanding of 
their respective government procurement systems, with a view to maximizing for the 
suppliers of both Parties the access to their respec tive government procurement 
markets. For this purpose, each Party shall develop and implement, within one year after 
the entry into force of this Agreement, concrete measures for the cooperation, which 
may include training and orientation programs for gove rnment personnel or 
interested suppliers regarding such aspects as how to identify government 
procurement opportunities and how to participate in the respective 
government procurement markets. In developing such measures, special 
attention should be given to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), including 
microenterprises, in each Party " (Japan  - Peru, Chapter 10, art.166)  
 
"Las Partes crean el Comité de la Micro, Pequeña y Mediana Industria, integrado por 
representantes de cada Parte. El comité se reunirá p or acuerdo de las Partes, pero no 
menos de una vez al año, e informará anualmente a la Comisión sobre los esfuerzos de 
las Partes para promover oportunidades en compras del sector público para sus micro, 
pequeñas y medianas industrias.  El comité trabajará  para facilitar las siguientes 
actividades de las Partes:  a) la identificación de oportunidades disponibles para 
el adiestramiento del personal de micro, pequeñas y medianas industrias en 
materia de procedimientos de compras del sector público ;  b) la ide ntificación de 
micro, pequeñas y medianas industrias interesadas en convertirse en socios comerciales 
de micro, pequeñas y medianas industrias en el territorio de otra Parte;  c) el desarrollo 
de bases de datos sobre micro, pequeñas y medianas industrias e n territorio de cada 
Parte para ser utilizadas por entidades de otra Parte que deseen realizar compras a 
empresas de menor escala; d) la realización de consultas respecto a los factores que 
cada Parte utiliza para establecer sus criterios de elegibilidad p ara cualquier programa 
de micro, pequeñas y medianas industrias; y  e) la realización de actividades para tratar 
cualquier asunto relacionado " (Colombia  - Mexico, Chapter 15, art.22)  
 
"The Parties shall establish, within 12 months after the date of entry into force of this 
Agreement, the Committee on Small Business, comprising representatives of the Parties. 
The Committee shall meet as mutually agreed, but not less than once each year, a nd 
shall report annually to the Commission on the efforts of the Parties to promote 
government procurement opportunities for their small businesses. The Committee shall 
work to facilitate the following activities of the Parties: (a) identification of avail able 
opportunities for the training of small business personnel in government 
procurement procedures ; (b) identification of small businesses interested in becoming INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 42 - 
 
  Issues  Number 
of RTAs 
dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
trading partners of small businesses in the territory of another Party; (c) development 
of data bases of small businesses in the territory of each Party for use by entities of 
another Party wishing to procure from small businesses; (d) consultations regarding the 
factors that each Party uses in establishing its criteria for eligibility for any sm all business 
programs; and (e) activities to address any related matter " (NAFTA, Chapter 10, 
art. 1021)  
Facilitation of 
MSME access to 
government 
procurement 
markets through 
transparency 
mechanisms, 
including 
information 
(in blue) and 
documentation  
(in green)   3 out of 48 
RTAs (6%)  To facilitate participation by SMEs in covered procurement, each Party shall,  to the extent 
possible and if appropriate: (a) provide comprehensive procurement -related 
information that includes a definition of SMEs in a single electronic portal ; 
(b) endeavour to make all tender documentation available free of charge ; 
(c) conduct pro curement by electronic means or through other new information and 
communication technologies; and (d) consider the size, design and structure of the 
procurement, including the use of subcontracting by SMEs (CPTPP, Chapter 15, 
art.21)  
 
"Las Partes podrán: (a) proporcionar información respecto de sus medidas utilizadas 
para ayudar, promover, alentar o facilitar la participación de las MIPYME en la 
contratación pública, y (b) cooperar en la elaboración de mecanismos para proporcionar 
inform ación a las MIPYME sobre los medios para participar en la contratación pública 
cubierta por el presente Capítulo. Para facilitar la participación de las MIPYME en la 
contratación pública cubierta, cada Parte, en la medida de lo posible: (a) proporcionará 
información relacionada con la contratación pública, que incluya una definición 
de las MIPYME en un portal electrónico ; (b) garantizará que los documentos de 
contratación estén disponibles de forma gratuita ; (c) identificará a las MIPYME 
interesadas en conv ertirse en socios comerciales de otras empresas en el territorio de 
las otras Partes; (d) desarrollará bases de datos sobre las MIPYME en su territorio para 
ser utilizadas por entidades de las otras Partes " (Pacific Alliance, Chapter 8, art.21)  
 
"The Comm ittee on Government Procurement shall meet, upon request of a Party, to: 
(d)consider the promotion of coordinated activities to facilitate access for suppliers to 
procurement opportunities in the territory of each Party. These activities may include 
inform ation sessions, in particular with a view to improving electronic access to 
publicly -available information on each Party's procurement regime , and 
initiatives to facilitate access for small and medium -sized enterprises " (EU - Canada, 
Chapter 20, art.20)  
Facilitation of 
MSME access to 
government 
procurement 
markets using 
information and 
communication 
technologies 
(in blue)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 4 out of 48 
RTAs (8%)  To facilitate participation by SMEs in covered procurement, each Party shall, to the extent 
possible and if appropriate: (a) provide comprehensive procurement -related information 
that includes a definition of SMEs in a single electronic portal; (b) endeavo ur to make all 
tender documentation available free of charge; (c) conduct procurement by 
electronic means or through other new information and communication 
technologies ; and (d) consider the size, design and structure of the procurement, 
including the use  of subcontracting by SMEs (CPTPP, Chapter 15, art.21)  
 
"The Parties shall establish, within 12 months after the date of entry into force of this 
Agreement, the Committee on Small Business, comprising representatives of the Parties. 
The Committee shall mee t as mutually agreed, but not less than once each year, and 
shall report annually to the Commission on the efforts of the Parties to promote 
government procurement opportunities for their small businesses. The Committee shall 
work to facilitate the followi ng activities of the Parties: (a) identification of available 
opportunities for the training of small business personnel in government procurement 
procedures; (b) identification of small businesses interested in becoming trading 
partners of small businesse s in the territory of another Party; (c) development 
of data bases of small businesses in the territory of each Party for use by 
entities of another Party wishing to procure from small businesses ; 
(d) consultations regarding the factors that each Party use s in establishing its criteria for 
eligibility for any small business programs; and (e) activities to address any related 
matter " (NAFTA, Chapter 10, art. 1021)  
 
"Las Partes podrán: (a) proporcionar información respecto de sus medidas utilizadas 
para ayuda r, promover, alentar o facilitar la participación de las MIPYME en la 
contratación pública, y (b) cooperar en la elaboración de mecanismos para proporcionar 
información a las MIPYME sobre los medios para participar en la contratación pública 
cubierta por e l presente Capítulo. Para facilitar la participación de las MIPYME en la 
contratación pública cubierta, cada Parte, en la medida de lo posible: (a) proporcionará 
información relacionada con la contratación pública, que incluya una definición de las 
MIPYME en un portal electrónico; (b) garantizará que los documentos de contratación 
estén disponibles de forma gratuita; (c ) identificará a las MIPYME interesadas en 
convertirse en socios comerciales de otras empresas en el territorio de las otras 
Partes; (d) des arrollará bases de datos sobre las MIPYME en su territorio para 
ser utilizadas por entidades de las otras Partes  " (Pacific Alliance, Chapter 8, 
art.21)  
 
"Las Partes crean el Comité de la Micro, Pequeña y Mediana Industria, integrado por 
representantes de cada Parte. El comité se reunirá por acuerdo de las Partes, pero no 
menos de una vez al año, e informará anualmente a la Comisión sobre los esfuerzos de INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 43 - 
 
  Issues  Number 
of RTAs 
dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
las Partes para promover oportunidades en compras del sector público para sus micro, 
pequeñas y medianas industrias.  El comité trabajará para facilitar las siguientes 
actividades de las Partes:  a) la identificación de oportunidades disponibles para el 
adiestramiento del personal de micro, pequeñas y medianas industrias en materia de 
procedimientos de compras del sector público;  b) la identificación de micro, 
pequeñas y medianas industrias interesadas en convertirse en socios 
comerciales de micro, pequeñas y medianas industrias en el territorio de otra 
Parte;  c) el desarrollo de bases de datos sobre micro, pequeñas y medianas 
industrias en territorio de cada Parte para ser utilizadas por entidades de otra 
Parte que deseen realizar compras a empresas de meno r escala ; d) la realización 
de consultas respecto a los factores que cada Parte utiliza para establecer sus criterios 
de elegibilidad para cualquier programa de micro, pequeñas y medianas industrias; y 
e) la realización de actividades para tratar cualquier  asunto relacionado " (Colombia  -
Mexico, Chapter 15, art.22)  
Measures to 
establish 
partnerships 
between MSMEs for 
joint participation in 
tendering proposals 
(in blue)  9 out of 48 
RTAs 
(19%)  "Las Partes también reconocen la importancia de las alianzas empresariales entre 
proveedores de cada Parte, y en particular de las micro, pequeñas y medianas 
empresas, incluyendo la participación conjunta en procedimientos de licitación " 
(Costa Rica  - Peru, Chapter 10, art.19)  
 
"The Parties also recognise the importance of business alliances between suppliers 
of each Party, and in particular of SMEs " (EFTA  - Colombia, Chapter 7, art.19) 
& (EFTA  - Peru, Chapter7, art.29)  
 
"The Parties also recognise the importance of business alliances between suppliers 
of the Parties, and in particular of Micro and SMEs, including the joint 
participation in tendering procedures " (EU - Colombia  - Peru, Chapter 6, 
art.192)   
 
"The Parties also recognize the importance of business alliances between suppliers 
of each Party, and in particular of SMEs, including the joint participation in 
tendering procedures " (Korea, Republic of – Colombia, Chapter 14, art.6)  
 
"Las Partes también reconocen la importancia de las alianzas empre sariales entre 
proveedores de las Partes y en particular de las MIPYME, incluyendo la 
participación conjunta en procedimientos de contratación " (Pacific Alliance, 
Chapter 8, art.21) & (Panama  - Peru, Chapter 10, art.19) & (Peru  - Honduras, 
Chapter 10, art. 19) 
 
"The Parties recognize the importance of the participation of small and medium -sized 
enterprises in government procurement. The Parties also recognize the importance of 
business alliances between suppliers of each Party, and in particular between 
smal l and medium -sized enterprises, including the joint participation in 
tendering procedures ." (Korea, Republic of – Peru, Chapter 16, art.18)  
 
_______________  
  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 44 - 
 
  5  INVESTMENT  
Thirty RTAs6 contain MSME -related provisions in the chapter on investment, that is, 17% of all RTAs that 
include MSME -related provisions. These MSME -related investment provisions reflect two trends adopted by 
governments in terms of MSMEs. First, governments enter lim itations on market access and national 
treatment commitments into their RTA's Schedule. These limitations restrict access to small -scale sectors and 
enable the use of subsidies to favour MSMEs for social and/or economic development objectives. These 
limita tions aim at strengthening economic resilience through job creation and MSME development. Second, 
governments have established a cooperation framework with a view to strengthening cross -border 
investments. This cooperation framework typically includes mech anisms for joint investments with MSMEs, 
capacity -building in investment for MSMEs, and the establishment of funds to finance a MSME development 
programme. Lastly, a very few MSME -related provisions aim at facilitating MSMEs as investors to use the 
dispute  settlement mechanism built in the chapter on investment. This section is composed of three sections, 
namely, limitations on market access and national treatment commitments; the cooperation framework; and, 
the facilitation of the use of the dispute settle ment mechanism by MSME investors.  
 
LIMITATIONS ON MARKET ACCESS AND NATIONAL TREATMENT COMMITMENTS  
23.  The Schedules of RTAs have limitations on market access and national treatment commitments, 
which often relate to MSMEs. These limitations contribute to eco nomic resilience through MSME -
development and job creation. Access to small -scale markets is often limited by authorization or 
registration procedures that are granted only to nationals. Further, some RTAs' authorization 
procedures for market access in sma ll-scale sectors are contingent upon the fulfilment of export 
performance requirements. Likewise, access to small -scale markets can be restricted to all suppliers 
other than MSME suppliers and some RTAs only grant market access to the sector(s) upon the 
establishment of a local MSME. A few RTAs establish an economic test before granting access to 
small -scale sectors. Lastly, in small -scale sectors, the supply of a service through commercial 
presence (i.e. mode 3) is limited through restrictions on the share  of foreign capital.  
24.  In addition, RTAs´ Schedules have limitations on national treatment commitments, which, in 
principle, guarantee equal treatment with respect to the establishment, acquisition, expansion, 
management, conduct, operation and disposal of i nvestments. Through these limitations, RTAs 
enable governments to introduce subsidies or preferences favouring local MSMEs. Lastly, a few 
RTAs´ limitations reserve access to the streamlined procedures for companies making a public 
offering of securities to  national MSMEs only.  
25.  A few RTAs also introduce an exception to the MFN principle for the facilitation of small -scale 
trade in border areas or in specific sectors.  
26.  The table below provides the RTA provisions related to the limitations on market access and  
national commitments, as well as to the MFN exception. The blue colour is used to highlight similar 
provisions by issue, defined in the left -hand column.  
Issues  Number 
of RTAs 
dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Limitations on market access commitments  
Access to small -
scale markets is 
contingent upon 
registration, 
which is open 
only to natural 
persons and 
foreign natural 
persons with a 
permanent 
residency or 
locally established 
companies 
(in blue)  2 out of 30 
RTAs (1%)  "Access to small -scale fishing (pesca artisanal) activities shall be subject to registration 
in the registry for small -scale fishing  (Registro de Pesca Artesanal). Registration for 
small -scale fishing (pesca 44rtisanal) is only granted to Chilean natural persons and 
foreign natural persons with permanent residency, or a Chilean juridical person 
constituted by the aforementioned persons " (Australia  – Chile, Chapter 10) 
& (EFTA  – Chile, Chapter 3 Schedule)  
 
                                                
6 The list of RTAs is presented in Annex II (Page 117)  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 45 - 
 
  Issues  Number 
of RTAs 
dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Access to small -
scale sectors i s 
contingent upon 
authorization, 
which is granted 
only to firms 
owned or 
controlled by 
nationals or to 
national natural 
persons (in blue)  1 out of 30 
RTAs (1%)  "The state reserves the right to minerals on all lands. In small and medium scale 
mining a prospecting permit shall be issued only to the following persons: (a) an 
individual who is a citizen of Guyana and an adult; (b) a partnership consisting 
of two or mo re citizens of Guyana; (c) a company whose entire issued share 
capital is beneficially owned by citizens of Guyana or by a corporation which has 
been established by or under a written law in operation in Guyana, or partly by 
such citizens and partly by suc h a corporation " (EU - CARIFORUM, Schedule)  
 
Authorization 
procedures may 
be required to 
supply goods to 
the MSME sector, 
which are 
contingent upon 
the fulfilment of 
export 
performance 
requirements 
(in blue)  2 out of 30 
RTAs (1%)  "Any industrial undertaking which is not a Micro or Small Scale Enterpr ise, but 
manufactures items reserved for the MSE sector, would require Government 
route where foreign investment is more than 24 percent in the equity capital, 
subject to condition s such as obtaining of an Industrial Licence under the Industries 
(Developme nt and Regulation) Act 1951 for such manufacture and the condition that the 
Industrial Undertaking shall undertake to export a minimum of 50 percent of the 
new or additional annual production of the MSE reserved items  to be achieved 
within a maximum period  of three years " (India  - Japan, Chapter 8, art.89)  
 
"The Central Government may, for(a) promoting in a harmonious manner the industrial 
economy of the country and easing the problem of unemployment, and(b) securing that 
the ownership and control of the material resources of the community are so distributed 
as best to serve the common good: (1) identify ancillary and small scale industrial 
undertakings that need supportive measures, exemptions and other favourable treatment 
to enable them to maintain their viability; (2) specify supportive measures, exemptions  
and other favourable treatment to such ancillary and small scale industrial undertakings 
(3) specify, by notified order, the requirements which shall be complied with by an 
industrial undertaking to enable it to be regarded, as an ancillary, or a small sc ale, 
industrial undertaking and different requirements may be so specified for different 
purposes or with respect to industrial undertakings engaged in the manufacture or 
production of different articles. Prior government approval would be required for for eign 
direct investment where more than 24% foreign equity is proposed to be inducted into a 
small scale unit manufacturing items reserved for the small scale sector. Such units with 
more than 24% foreign equity will not be eligible for the benefits availab le to a small scale 
unit as per the policy of the Government. The Central Government has the power to 
classify enterprises engaged in the manufacture or production of goods pertaining to any 
industry specified in Schedule I of the Industries (Development &  Regulation) Act, 
1951(IDRA) as: (i) micro enterprises, (ii) small enterprises or (iii) medium enterprises. 
The Central Government, may from time to time, notify such measures, programmes, 
guidelines or instructions as it may deem fit to promote and streng then micro enterprises, 
small enterprises and medium enterprises and to promote competition among them. Non- 
SSI (small -scale) units can undertake manufacture of items reserved for the 
small scale sector only if they undertake 50% export obligations . Indus trial units 
are classified as Small scale based on investment in Plant and machinery in the case of 
manufacturing units an investment in equipment in the case services sector " 
(Korea,  Republic of  – India, Chapter 10, art.6)  
Access to small -
scale sectors is 
contingent upon 
economics need 
testing (in blue)  1 out of 30 
RTAs (3%)  "Economic needs tests are applied in small business (all sectors) " 
(EU - CARIFORUM, Schedule)  
 
"Foreign service providers must register under the Compan ies Act of Dominica. In 
prescribed circumstances the registrar may restrict the powers and activities that a foreign 
company can exercise or carry on in Dominica. Dominica may reserve small business 
service investments for CARICOM Nationals. Small business  investments are currently 
defined using one or more of the following criteria: — Enterprises with an initial investment 
of less than Eastern Caribbean Dollars (ECD) 2 700 000 (USD 1 000 000); — Initial number 
of employees less than 50; — Enterprises with projected annual sales of less than ECD 2 
700 000 (USD 1 000 000) in the first year. The above criteria will be reviewed from time 
to time An economic needs test may be applied before permitting foreign service 
providers falling outside one or more of the above criteria to operate in 
Dominica " (EU - CARIFORUM, Schedule)  
Access to small -
scale sectors is 
granted upon the 
establishment of 3 out of 30 
RTAs (1%)  "El comercio, la industria y la prestación de servicios en pequeño son patrim onio exclusivo 
de los salvadoreños por nacimiento y de los centroamericanos naturales. En consecuencia, 
los inversionistas extranjeros no tendrán acceso a dichas actividades. Una empresa 
constituida de conformidad con la ley salvadoreña, cuyo capital mayor itario es INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 46 - 
 
  Issues  Number 
of RTAs 
dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
a local MSME, 
which is owned or 
controlled by 
domestic legal or 
natural persons 
(in blue)  de propiedad extranjera, o cuyos socios son mayoritariamente extranjeros, no 
puede establecer una empresa en pequeño para dedicarse al comercio, la 
industria y la prestación de servicios en pequeño . Para propósitos de esta ficha, una 
empresa en p equeño es una empresa con una capitalización no mayor a doscientos mil 
dólares de los Estados Unidos de América ($200,000) " (Colombia  – Northern Triangle 
(El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Schedule)    
 
"Business sectors are open to investment activity except those declared as being totally 
closed or opened for foreign investment with certain conditions based on national 
interests: protection of natural resources, protection of micro, small, medium enterpr ises 
and cooperatives, supervision of production and distribution, increase of technological 
capacity, participation of domestic capital and joint venture with companies appointed by 
government. Investment in (i) Small -Scale Electric Power Plant (up to 10M W) 
(ii) Travel Agent, (iii) Art Studio, (Iv) Tourism Guide Service, (vi) Business 
related to Non -Timber Forest Products, (vii) In -Nature Swallow Nest Business, 
(viii) Sawn Timber Industry (Production Capacity up to 2000M3/Year) 
(ix) Primary Industry of Rat tan Processing (and others)  are reserved for SMEs 
or Cooperatives owned by Indonesian nationals . SMEs are businesses with a 
maximum net asset up to IDR 10 billion (excluding land and buildings). Cooperatives are 
a legal entity that run business based on co operative principles " (Japan  - Indonesia, 
Chapter  5, art.64)  
 
"Only citizens of the Philippines or corporations at least 60 percent of  whose 
capital is owned by citizens of the Philippines, who voluntarily form a 
cooperative duly licensed by the Department  of Environment and Natural 
Resources may engage in the extraction or removal of minerals or ore -bearing 
materials . "Small -scale mining " refers to mining activities which rely heavily on manual 
labor using simple implement and methods and do not use explos ives or heavy mining 
equipment " (Japan – Philippines, Chapter 8, Schedule)  
Access to small -
scale sectors is 
granted only to 
MSME suppliers 
(in blue)  2 out of 30 
RTAs (1%)  "Se podrá autorizar la pesca de calamar con poteras para carnada, únicamente 
para las embarcaciones artesanales de pequeña y mediana escala , así como las 
catalogadas como pesca palangrera costarricense " (Costa Rica  - Colombia, 
Chapter  12, Schedule)  
 
"The Small Business Development Bill defines micro and small businesses and 
stipulates the activities that these businesses must engage in ". 
(EU - CARIFORUM States EPA, Schedule)  
Restrictions  on 
the share of 
foreign  capital in 
MSMEs in all or 
specific sectors 
(in blue)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 4 out of 30 
RTAs (1%)  "In manufacturing sectors, foreign equity is restricted to maximum of 40 percent 
for: (a) Small and medium -sized domestic market enterprises with paid -in equity 
capital of less than the equivalent of US$ 200,000; or (b) Small and medium -
sized domestic market enterprises which involve advanced technology or employ 
at least 50 direct employees wi th minimum paid -in equity capital of less than 
US$ 100,000 ". (Japan – Philippines, Chapter 8)  
 
"No foreign participation is allowed for small -scale utilization of marine 
resources in archipelagic waters, territorial sea and exclusive economic zones . 
For de ep-sea fishing, corporations, associations or partnerships with maximum 
40 percent foreign equity can enter into coproduction, joint venture or 
production sharing agreement  with the Philippine Government ". (Japan  - 
Philippines, Chapter 8)  
 
"In manufacturin g sectors, No foreign equity is allowed in cooperatives "(Japan  - 
Philippines, Chapter 8)  
 
"Cooperatives may accept foreign nationals residing in the Dominican Republic 
as associates in a proportion not larger than 50 % of the total membership and 
shares . At least eighty % of the total number of employees of a company should be from 
the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic reserves the right to limit the transfer 
or disposal of any interest held in an existing state enterprise, such that only a Dominic an 
national may receive such interest. This pertains only to the initial transfer or disposal of 
such interest. The Dominican Republic reserves the right to limit control of any new 
enterprise created by the transfer or disposal of any interest as describe d in the preceding 
paragraph, but not through limitations on the ownership of the interest. The Dominican 
Republic also reserves the right to adopt or maintain any measure related to the 
nationality of senior management and members of the board of director s in such new INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 47 - 
 
  Issues  Number 
of RTAs 
dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 enterprise. The Dominican Republic reserves the right to adopt or maintain any measure 
according rights or preferences to socially or economically disadvantaged group ". 
(EU - CARIFORUM States EPA, Schedule)  
 
"Foreign service providers must register under the Companies Act of Dominica. In 
prescribed circumstances the registrar may restrict the powers and activities that a foreign 
company can exercise or carry on in Dominica . Dominica may reserve small business 
service investmen ts for CARICOM Nationals . Small business investments are 
currently defined using one or more of the following criteria: — Enterprises with an initial 
investment of less than Eastern Caribbean Dollars (ECD) 2 700 000 (USD 1 000 000); — 
Initial number of emp loyees less than 50; — Enterprises with projected annual sales of 
less than ECD 2 700 000 (USD 1 000 000) in the first year. The above criteria will be 
reviewed from time to time. An economic needs test may be applied before permitting 
foreign service prov iders falling outside one or more of the above criteria to operate in 
Dominica " (EU - CARIFORUM, Schedule)  
 
"States reserve the right to adopt or maintain restrictions on small scale 
investment in the sector of manufacturing of furniture " (EU – CARIFORUM 
States  EPA, Schedule)  
 
"States reserve the right to adopt or maintain restrictions on small scale 
investment in the sector of manufacturing of wood and of products of wood and 
cork, except furniture ; manufacture of articles of straw and plaiting materials " 
(EU - CARIFORUM States EPA, Schedule)  
 
"Certain activities in small scale mining may be reserved to nationals " 
(EU - CARIFORUM States EPA, Schedule)  
 
"The Central Government may, for  (a) promoting in a harmonious manner the industrial 
economy of the countr y and easing the problem of unemployment, and  (b) securing that 
the ownership and control of the material resources of the community are so distributed 
as best to serve the common good: (1) identify ancillary and small scale industrial 
undertakings that ne ed supportive measures, exemptions and other favourable treatment 
to enable them to maintain their viability; (2) specify supportive measures, exemptions 
and other favourable treatment to such ancillary and small scale industrial undertakings 
(3) specify, by notified order, the requirements which shall be complied with by an 
industrial undertaking to enable it to be regarded, as an ancillary, or a small scale, 
industrial undertaking and different requirements may be so specified for different 
purposes or wi th respect to industrial undertakings engaged in the manufacture or 
production of different articles. Prior government approval would be required for 
foreign direct investment where more than 24% foreign equity is proposed to be 
inducted into a small scale  unit manufacturing items reserved for the small scale 
sector.  Such units with more than 24% foreign equity will not be eligible for the benefits 
available to a small scale  unit as per the policy of the Government. The Central 
Government has the power to classify enterprises engaged in the manufacture or 
production of goods pertaining to any industry specified in Schedule I of the Industries 
(Development & Regulation) Act, 1 951(IDRA) as: (i) micro enterprises, (ii) small 
enterprises or (iii) medium enterprises. The Central Government, may from time to time, 
notify such measures, programmes, guidelines or instructions as it may deem fit to 
promote and strengthen micro enterpri ses, small enterprises and medium enterprises and 
to promote competition among them. Non - SSI (small -scale) units can undertake 
manufacture of items reserved for the small scale sector only if they undertake 
50% export obligations. Industrial units are cla ssified as Small scale based on investment 
in Plant and machinery in the case of manufacturing units an investment in equipment in 
the case services sector " (Korea, Republic of  – India, Chapter 10, art.6)  
 
"La industria y el comercio en pequeña escala constituyen patrimonio de los hondureños. 
Los inversionistas extranjeros no podrán dedicarse a la industria y el comercio 
en pequeña escala , excepto en aquellos casos que hayan adquirido la carta de 
naturalizaci ón como hondureños, debiendo presentar la documentación que acredite la 
respectiva naturalización, siempre y cuando en su país de origen exista reciprocidad. 
"Industria y comercio en pequeña escala " se define como la empresa con capital menor a 
ciento cinc uenta mil (150,000.00) Lempiras, excluyendo terrenos, edificios, y vehículos " 
(Colombia – Northern Triangle (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Schedule)  
 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 48 - 
 
  Issues  Number 
of RTAs 
dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Limitations on national treatment commitments  
Subsidies or 
preferences 
favouring local 
MSMEs (in blue)  5 out of 30 
RTAs (2%)  "Each Party shall accord to investors and investments of investors of another Party, in 
relation to the establishment, acquisition, expansion, management, conduct, operation 
and disposal of investments, treatment that is no less favourable than that which it 
accords in like situations to its own investors and their investments or to investors and 
their investments of any other State, whichever is more favourable. The standard of 
national treatment shall not apply to subsidies based on a Party’s social policy 
or its economic development policy, even if such subsidies, directly or indirectly, 
favour local enterprises or entrepreneurs . If another Party considers that such 
subsidies, in a particular case, have a seriously distortive effect on the investment 
opportunities of its own investors, it may request consultations on such matters. Such 
requests shall be accorded sympathetic consideration " (China – Korea, Republic of) 
& (EFTA  - Singapore, Chapter 4, art.40)  
 
"The Central Government may, for(a) promoting in a harmonious manner the industrial 
economy of the country and easing the problem of unemployment, and(b) securing that 
the ownership and control of the material resources of the  community are so distributed 
as best to serve the common good: (1) identify ancillary and small scale industrial 
undertakings that need supportive measures , exemptions and other favourable 
treatment to enable them to maintain their viability; (2) specify supportive measures, 
exemptions and other favourable treatment to such ancillary and small scale industrial 
undertakings (3) specify, by notified order, the requirements which shall be complied with 
by an industrial undertaking to enable it to be regarded,  as an ancillary, or a small scale, 
industrial undertaking and different requirements may be so specified for different 
purposes or with respect to industrial undertakings engaged in the manufacture or 
production of different articles. Prior government app roval would be required for foreign 
direct investment where more than 24% foreign equity is proposed to be inducted into a 
small scale unit manufacturing items reserved for the small scale sector. Such units with 
more than 24% foreign equity will not be el igible for the benefits available to a 
small scale unit as per the policy of the Government . The Central Government has 
the power to classify enterprises engaged in the manufacture or production of goods 
pertaining to any industry specified in Schedule I o f the Industries (Development 
& Regulation) Act, 1951(IDRA) as: (i) micro enterprises, (ii) small enterprises or 
(iii) medium enterprises. The Central Government, may from time to time, notify such 
measures, programmes, guidelines or instructions as it may  deem fit to promote and 
strengthen micro enterprises, small enterprises and medium enterprises and to promote 
competition among them. Non - SSI (small -scale) units can undertake manufacture of 
items reserved for the small scale sector only if they undertak e 50% export obligations. 
Industrial units are classified as Small scale based on investment in Plant and machinery 
in the case of manufacturing units an investment in equipment in the case services sector " 
(Korea, Republic of – India, Chapter 10, art.6)  
 
"More favourable treatment may be accorded to New Zealand nationals and 
permanent residents in the form of incentives or other programmes to help 
develop local entrepreneurs and assist local companies to expand and upgrade 
their operations " (New Zealand  - Singapore, Chapter 6, Schedule)  
 
"Articles 59 ( National Treatment ), 60 (MFN) and 63 (Prohibition of Performance 
Requirements) shall not apply to:  (a) any non -conforming measure  that is 
maintained by the following on the date of entry into force of this Agreement, with 
respect to the sectors or matters specified in Annex 4 : (i) the central government 
of a Party; or  (ii) a prefecture of Japan or a province of Indonesia;  (b) any n on-
conforming measure that is maintained by a local government other than a prefecture and 
a province referred to in subparagraph (a)(ii) on the date of entry into force of this 
Agreement. The Sector or Matter specified in Annex 4 includes small -scale Cour ier 
Services/Custody Services (Printing Materials Deliveries; Newspaper; Parcels; 
Package; Money Transfer); small -scale construction services; business services 
for small scale construction services; small -scale pharmacy " (Japan  - Indonesia, 
Chapter 5, art .64) INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 49 - 
 
  Issues  Number 
of RTAs 
dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Access to 
streamlined 
procedures for 
companies 
making a public 
offering of 
securities is 
reserved for 
national MSMEs 
(in blue)  
 5 out of 30 
RTAs (2%)  "Foreign firms , except for certain Canadian issuers, may not use the small business 
registration forms  under the Securities Act of 1933 to register public offerings of 
securities or the small business registration forms  under the Securities Exchange 
Act of 1934 to register a class of securities or file annual reports " (US - Australia, 
Chapter 11, Schedule) & (US  - Chile, Chapter 10, Schedule) & (US  - Oman, 
Chapter 11, Schedule) & (US  - Peru, Chapter 10, Schedule) & (US  - Singapore, 
Chapter 8, Schedule)  
MFN inconsistent measure  
MFN-inconsistent 
measure for the 
facilitation of 
small -scale trade 
in border areas 
(in blue)  2 out of 30 
RTAs (1%)  "Neither Party shall subject investments and activities associated with such investments 
by the investors of the other Party to treatment les s favourable than that accorded to the 
investments and associated activities by the investors of any third Party. This Article 
shall not be construed so as to oblige one Party to extend to the investors of the 
other Party the benefit of any treatment, pref erence or privilege by virtue of: 
(c) any arrangements for facilitating small scale trade in border areas " (Pakistan  
- China, Chapter 9 art.48)  
Unspecified non -
conforming 
measures with 
MFN obligations 
in specific sectors 
(in blue)  1 out of 30 
RTAs (1%)  "Articles 59 (National Treatment), 60 ( MFN) and 63 (Prohibition of Performance 
Requirements) shall not apply to:  (a) any non-conforming measure  that is 
maintained by the following on the date of entry into force of this Agreement, with 
respect to the sectors or matters specified in Annex 4 : (i) the central government 
of a Party; or  (ii) a prefecture of Japan or a province o f Indonesia;  (b) any non -
conforming measure that is maintained by a local government other than a prefecture and 
a province referred to in subparagraph (a)(ii) on the date of entry into force of this 
Agreement. The Sector or Matter specified in Annex 4 in cludes small -scale Courier 
Services/Custody Services (Printing Materials Deliveries; Newspaper; Parcels; 
Package; Money Transfer); small -scale construction services; business services 
for small scale construction services; small -scale pharmacy " (Japan  - Indonesia, 
Chapter 5, art.64)  
 
COOPERATION FRAMEWORK ON INVESTMENT  
27.  The RTA cooperation framework aims at facilitating cross -border investments in, or by, MSMEs. 
This facilitation is realized through three methods, namely, the development of joint -investment  
mechanisms, capacity building programmes for MSMEs, and the establishment of funds to finance 
MSME development programmes. Joint -investment mechanisms are the main method promoted by 
governments in their RTAs. Investment facilitation, in turn, contributes  to the cross -border transfer 
of technology. The table below illustrates the RTA provisions including these three methods of 
investment facilitation. The blue colour is used to highlight similar provisions by issue, defined in the 
left-hand column.  
28.  RTAs co ntain other forms of cooperation, which are not directly related to MSMEs, and therefore 
not elaborated below, even though MSMEs could benefit them. These other forms of cooperation 
include (i) the exchange of information about investment legislation and o pportunities, (ii) the 
conclusion of agreements aimed at advancing investment protection and promotion and at avoiding 
double taxation, and (iii) the simplification and uniformization of investment procedures.  
Issues  Number of 
RTAs 
dealing with 
such issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Facilitating cross -border investments of or in MSMEs  
Through the 
development of 
joint investment 
mechanisms with 
MSMEs (in blue)  
 
 7 out of 30 
RTAs (2%)  "The Parties shall create stable, favourable and transparent conditions for investors 
of the other Parties that are making or seeking to make investments in their 
territories.  The Parties recognize the importance of promoting cross -border 
investment and te chnology flows as a means for achieving economic growth and 
development. Cooperation in this respect may include: (d) the development of 
mechanisms for joint investments, in particular with small and medium 
enterprises " (EFTA  - Egypt, Chapter 4, art.25)  
 
"The EFTA States and Lebanon shall aim to promote an attractive and stable 
environment for reciprocal investment. Such promotion should take the form, in 
particular, of (d) development of mechanisms for joint investments, in INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 50 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
RTAs 
dealing with 
such issues  Text (In Original language only)  
particular with small and medium  enterprises of the Parties " (EFTA  - 
Lebanon, Chapter 4, art.26)  
 
"The EFTA States and Mexico shall aim to promote an attractive and stable 
environment for reciprocal investment. Such promotion should take the form, in 
particular, of: (d) development of mechanisms for joint investments, in 
particular with the small and medium enterprises of both Parties " (EFTA  - 
Mexico, Chapter 5, art.47)  
 
"For the purpose of this Section, investment made in accordance with the laws and 
regulations of the P arties means direct investment, which is defined as investment 
for the purpose of establishing lasting economic relations with an undertaking such 
as, in particular, investments which give the possibility of exercising an effective 
influence on the managem ent thereof. The EFTA States and Mexico shall aim to 
promote an attractive and stable environment for reciprocal investment. Such 
promotion should take the form, in particular, of: (d) development of mechanisms 
for joint investments, in particular with the  small and medium enterprises of 
both Parties " (EFTA  - Morocco, Chapter 5, art.47)  
 
"The Parties shall endeavour to create and maintain a stable and transparent 
investment framework and shall not impair by unreasonable or discriminatory 
measures the management, maintenance, use, enjoyment or disposal of investments 
by investors of the othe r Parties. Parties shall admit investments by investors of the 
other Parties in accordance with their laws and regulations. 2. The Parties recognise 
the importance of promoting cross -border investment and technology flows as a 
means for achieving economic growth and development. Cooperation in this respect 
may include: (d) the development of mechanisms for joint investments, in 
particular with small and medium enterprises " (EFTA  - SACU, Chapter 4, 
art. 30) 
 
"The Parties shall endeavour to create and maintai n a stable and transparent 
investment framework and shall not impair by unreasonable or discriminatory 
measures the management, maintenance, use, enjoyment or disposal of investments 
by investors of the other Parties. Parties shall admit investments by inv estors of the 
other Parties in accordance with their laws and regulations.  The Parties recognise the 
importance of promoting cross -border investment and technology flows as a means 
for achieving economic growth and development. Cooperation in this respect  may 
include: (d) the development of mechanisms for joint investments, 
in particular with small and medium enterprises " (Southern African Customs 
Union (SACU), Chapter 4 art. 30)  
 
"The Parties recognize the importance of promoting cross -border investment flows 
and technology transfers as means for achieving economic growth and development. 
In order to increase investment flows, the Parties or Signatory Parties may cooperate 
through: d) developing mechanisms for joint investments, in particular with 
small and medium enterprises " (Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR)  – 
Egypt, Chapter 3, art. 23)  
Through capacity 
building 
programmes for 
MSMEs (in blue)  1 out of 30 
RTAs (1%)  "This Chapter a pplies to measures adopted or maintained by a Party relating to direct 
investments of investors of the other Party and investors of the other Party, and to 
the promotion and protection of such investments and investors. The Parties shall 
strengthen and dev elop cooperation efforts in investment including through: 
(a) research and development; (b) networking through information technology; 
(c) human resource development; (d) information exchange; and (e) capacity 
building, including for small and medium enter prises . The Parties shall foster 
the development of cooperation in key industries, including in biotechnology, 
software, electronic manufacturing and agro -processing " (Thailand - New Zealand, 
Chapter  9 art.4)  
Through the 
financing of MSME 
development 
programmes 
(in blue)  1 out of 30 
RTAs (1%)  "The OCTs (Overseas Countries and Territories) Investment Facility (the Facility) set 
up by Decision 2001/822/EC with EDF funds to promote commercially viable 
enterprises shall be maintained. The terms and conditions of financing in relation to 
the operations of the Facility and the loans from own resources of the EIB shall be as 
laid down in the Internal Agreement establishing the 11th EDF and in Annex III and 
in this Anne x. These resources may be channelled to eligible enterprises, either 
directly or indirectly, through eligible investment funds and/or financial 
intermediaries. The Facility shall operate in all economic sectors and support 
investments of private and commer cially run public sector entities, including revenue INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 51 - 
 
  Issues  Number of 
RTAs 
dealing with 
such issues  Text (In Original language only)  
generating economic and technological infrastructure critical for the private sector. 
The Facility shall: (d) seek to channel funds through OCTs institutions and 
programmes that promote the development o f small and medium -sized 
enterprises (SMEs )" (EU – Overseas Countries and Territories, Chapter 4 
in the Annex)  
 
DISPUTE SETTLEMENT  
29.  With a view to maximizing the benefits derived by MSMEs from RTA provisions, one RTA 
facilitates the exercise of the right of defence by MSMEs as investors. This RTA facilitates MSMEs in 
submitting their claim before a dispute settlement body through three methods, namely, the 
opportunity for MSMEs to request to be heard by only one member of the dispute settlement body,  
the holding of consultations through videoconference, and lastly through financial arrangements. 
The blue colour is used to highlight similar provisions by issue.  
Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Facilitation of the exercise of the right of defence for MSMEs as investors  
Through the 
opportunity to 
request to be heard 
by only one 
member of the 
dispute settlement 
body (in blue)  
 1 out of 30 
RTAs (1%)  "The investor may, when submitting its claim, propose that a sole Member 
of the Tribunal should hear the claim . The respondent shall give sympathetic 
consideration to that request, in particular if the investor is a small or 
medium -sized enterprise  or the compensation or damages claimed are rel atively 
low". (EU – Canada, Chapter 8 art. 23)  
 
"The disputing parties may agree that a case be heard by a sole Member of 
the Tribunal to be appointed at random from the third country nationals. The 
respondent shall give sympathetic consideration to a requ est from the 
claimant to have the case heard by a sole Member of the Tribunal, in 
particular where the claimant is a small or medium -sized enterprise , or the 
compensation or damages claimed are relatively low. Such a request shall be made 
before the consti tution of the division of the Tribunal " (EU – Canada, Chapter 8 
art. 27) 
 
Through the 
holding of 
consultations by 
videoconference 
(in blue)  1 out of 30 
RTAs (1%)  "The disputing parties may hold the consultations through videoconference  or 
other means wher e appropriate, such as in the case where the investor is a small 
or medium -sized enterprise " (EU – Canada, Chapter 8 art.19)  
 
Through financial 
arrangements 
(in blue)  1 out of 30 
RTAs (1%)  "The CETA Joint Committee shall consider supplemental rules aimed at reducing 
the financial burden on claimants who are natural persons or small and 
medium -sized enterprises . Such supplemental rules may, in particular, take into 
account the financial resour ces of such claimants and the amount of compensation 
sought " (EU – Canada, Chapter 8 art. 29)  
 
 
_______________  
  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  6  E-COMMERCE  
Twenty -eight 7RTAs contain MSME -related provisions in their chapter on e -commerce, or 18% of 
all RTAs containing provisions related to MSMEs. These provisions aim at facilitating the use of 
e-commerce by MSMEs through the establishment of a cooperation framework. This section is 
comprised of just one part (i.e,. cooperation), which is itself divided into two categori es, namely, 
the objectives of the cooperation framework and the forms of cooperation.  
 
E-COMMERCE RELATED COOPERATION  
30.  The RTA e -commerce related cooperation framework aims at reducing obstacles encountered 
by MSMEs in using e -commerce. A few RTAs specify the forms of cooperation including (i) the 
exchange of information about laws, regulations, programmes and best practices in relation to the 
use of e -commerce by MSMEs; (ii) the establishment of a working group with the mandate of 
recommending mech anisms to assist MSMEs in overcoming obstacles encountered by them in the 
use of e -commerce; and, finally, (iii)  cooperation in research and training activities related to the 
use of e -commerce by MSMEs. Two RTAs have MSME -related provisions about e -comme rce in their 
chapter on cooperation aiming at the same objective, but they are not mentioned in this chapter. 
The following table comprises two sections, namely, the objectives and the forms of cooperation 
spelled out in the chapter on e -commerce. A colour  code is used to highlight similar provisions by 
issue, defined in the left -hand column.  
Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
I. Objectives of the cooperation framework  
Facilitating the use 
of e-commerce by 
MSMEs (in blue)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 28 out of 28 
RTAs (100%)8 "Considering the potential of electronic commerce as a social and economic 
development tool, the Parties recognize the importance of: (d) facilitating the 
use of electronic com merce by micro -, small -, and medium - sized 
enterprises " (Canada  – Honduras, Chapter 16 art.2)  
 
"The Parties recognize the economic growth and opportunity that electronic 
commerce provides, the importance of avoiding barriers to its use and 
development, and the applicability of WTO rules to measures affecting electronic 
commerce. Recognizing the globa l nature of electronic commerce, the Parties 
affirm the importance of: (a) working together to overcome obstacles 
encountered by small and medium enterprises in using electronic 
commerce " (Dominican Republic  - Central America  - United States Free 
Trade Agr eement (CAFTA -DR), Chapter 14 art.5)  
 
"The Parties recognize the economic growth and opportunities provided by 
electronic commerce and the applicability of WTO rules to electronic commerce. 
Considering the potential of electronic commerce as a social and e conomic 
development tool, the Parties recognize the importance of: (e) sharing information 
and experiences on laws, regulations and programmes in order to facilitate the 
use of electronic commerce by micro -, small - and medium sized 
enterprises ". (Canada – Panama, Chapter 15, art.3)  
 
"Recognising the global nature of electronic commerce, the Parties shall encourage 
co-operation in research and training activities that would enhance the 
development of electronic commerce. These co -operative research and train ing 
activities may include, but are not limited to: (a) promotion of the use of electronic 
                                                
7 The list of RTAs is presented in Annex II (page 117)  
8 Two RTAs have a similar provision in their chapter on cooperation. These RTAs include the RTA 
between Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – Singapore (Chapter 8, art.4) and the RTA between Chile – Thailand 
(Chapter 11, art.7). These two RTAs are not included in the 28 RTAs.  
"Recognizing the global nature of electronic commerce, the Parties shall endeavour to: (a) work 
together to assist small and medium enterprises to overcome obstacles encountered in its us e; (b) exchange 
information and share experiences on regulations, policies, enforcement and compliance regarding electronic 
commerce, including: (b) exchange information and share experiences on regulations, policies, enforcement 
and compliance regarding e lectronic commerce, including: (i) personal data protection; (ii) online consumer 
protection including means for consumer redress and building consumer confidence; (iii) unsolicited 
commercial electronic messages; (iv) security in electronic communications ; (v) authentication; and 
(vi) e-government;" (Chile -Thailand, Chapter 11, art.7).  
"Recognizing the global nature of electronic commerce, the Parties shall encourage co -operative 
activities to promote electronic commerce. The areas of co -operation may incl ude the following: (a) promoting 
and facilitating the use of electronic commerce by small and medium sized enterprises" (Gulf Cooperation 
Council (GCC) – Singapore, Chapter 8, art.4).  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
 
 
Facilitating the use 
of e-commerce by 
MSMEs (in blue)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 versions of trade administration documents used by any other Party or Parties; 
(b) assisting small and medium enterprises to  overcome obstacles 
encountered in the us e of electronic commerce " (ASEAN  – Australia  -
New Zealand, Chapter 10, art. 9)  
 
"The Parties recognise that electronic commerce increases economic growth and 
trade opportunities in many sectors and confirm the applicability of WTO rules to 
electronic comme rce. Recognising the global nature of electronic commerce, the 
Parties affirm the importance of: (a)  working together to facilitate the use of 
electronic commerce by small and medium sized enterprises " (Canada  - 
Israel, Chapter 9, art.4)  
 
"Considering the potential of electronic commerce as a social and economic 
development tool, the Parties recognise the importance of: facilitating the use 
of electronic commerce of small - and medium -sized enterprises and 
developing countries " (Canada  - Kore a, Republic of, Chapter 13, art. 2)  
 
"Considering the potential of electronic commerce as a social and economic 
development tool, the Parties recognise the importance of (c)  facilitating the 
use of electronic commerce by small and medium sized enterprises " 
(EU - Canada, Chapter 16, art. 5)  
 
"Considering the potential of electronic commerce as a social and economic 
development tool, the Parties recognize the importance of facilitating the use of 
electronic commerce of micro, small and medium sized enterprise s. Recognizing 
the global nature of electronic commerce, the Parties affirm the importance of: 
working together to facilitate the use of electronic commerce of micro, 
small and medium sized enterprises " (Canada  – Peru, Chapter 15, 
art. 1508)  
 
"Las partes reconocen el crecimiento económico y las oportunidades que genera 
el comercio electrónico, como también la importancia de evitar los obstáculos 
innecesarios a su utilización y desarrollo. Tomando en consideración la naturaleza 
global del comercio el ectrónico, las Partes reconocen la importancia de: 
(a) trabajar en conjunto para superar los obstáculos que enfrentan las 
pequeñas y medianas empresas en el uso del comercio electrónico " (Chile  
- Colombia, Chapter 12, art. 5)  
 
"Tomando en consideración la naturaleza global del comercio electrónico, las 
Partes reconocen la importancia de: (a) trabajar en conjunto para superar los 
obstáculos que enfrentan las pequeñas y medianas empresas en el uso 
del comercio electrónico " (Colombia - Northern Triangle (El Sa lvador, 
Guatemala, Honduras), Chapter 14, art.8)  
 
"Reconociendo la naturaleza global del comercio electrónico, las Partes afirman la 
importancia de: (a) trabajar conjuntamente para facilitar el uso del 
comercio electrónico por las micro, pequeñas y mediana s empresas " 
(Mexico – Panama, Chapter 14, art.11) & (Costa Rica - Colombia, 
Chapter  16, art.7) & (Pacific Alliance, Chapter 13, art.12)  
 
"Recognizing the global nature of electronic commerce, the Parties shall encourage 
cooperative activities to promote it. The areas of cooperation may include the 
following: (a)  promoting and facilitating the use of electronic commerce by 
small and medium sized enterprises  " (Costa Rica - Singapore, Chapter 
12, art.6)  
 
"Recognising the global nature of electronic commerce, the Parties shall endeavour 
to: (a) work together to assist SMEs to overcome obstacles to its use " 
(CPTPP, Chapter 14, art.15)  
 
"Recognising the global nature of electronic commerce, the Parties affirm the 
importance of: (a) working together to f acilitate the use of electronic 
commerce by small - and medium -sized enterprises  " (Japan  - Australia, 
Chapter 13, art.7) & (Canada – Colombia, Chapter 15 art.1507)  
 
"The parties should cooperate to overcome obstacles encountered by small 
and medium enterprises in the use of electronic commerce  " (Japan  - 
Mongolia, Chapter 9, art.12)  
 
"To the extent necessary and justified, the Trade Committee may establish a 
working group with the aim of performing, among others, the following tasks: 
d) recommending mechanisms to assist Micro and SMEs in overcoming 
obstacles faced by them in the use of electronic commerce  " 
(EU - Colombia  and Peru, Chapter 4, art. 109)  
 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
 
 
 
 
Facilitating the use 
of e-commerce by 
MSMEs (in blue)  "The Parties agree to maintain a dialogue on regulatory matters relating to 
electronic commerce wit h a view to sharing information and experience, as 
appropriate, including on related laws, regulations and their implementation, and 
best practices with respect to electronic commerce, in relation to, inter alia : 
(e) challenges for small and medium -sized e nterprises in the use of 
electronic commerce " (EU - Japan, Chapter 8, art. 80)  
 
"The Parties shall endeavour to share information and experiences on laws and 
regulations relating to electronic commerce and to assist small and medium 
enterprises to overcome the obstacles encountered in the use of electronic 
commerce " (Korea, Republic of  - Viet Nam, Chapter 10, art. 8)  
 
"The Parties recognise the economic growth and opportunities provided by 
electronic commerce and the importance of frameworks that pr omote consumer 
confidence in electronic commerce and of avoiding unnecessary barriers to its use 
and development. Recognising the global nature of electronic commerce, the 
Parties shall endeavour to: (a) work together to assist business and small 
and mediu m sized enterprises to overcome obstacles to its use including 
the sharing of best practices that would facilitate cross -border electronic 
commerce " (New Zealand  - Singapore, Chapter 9, art.16)  
 
"The Parties recognize the economic growth and opportunity th at electronic 
commerce provides, the importance of avoiding barriers to its use and 
development, and the applicability of WTO rules to measures affecting electronic 
commerce. Recognizing the global nature of electronic commerce, the Parties 
affirm the impo rtance of: (a) working together to overcome obstacles 
encountered by small and medium enterprises in using electronic 
commerce  " (Nicaragua – Chinese Taipei, Chapter 14, art. 5)  
 
"Considerando el potencial del comercio electrónico como un instrumento de 
desarrollo social y económico, las Partes reconocen la importancia de: (e) facilitar 
el uso del comercio electrónico por las micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas. 
Reconociendo la naturaleza global del comercio electrónico, las Partes afirman la 
importancia de : (a) trabajar conjuntamente para facilitar el uso del 
comercio electrónico por las micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas " 
(Pacific Alliance, Chapter 13, art. 3)  
 
"Recognizing the global nature of electronic commerce, the Parties affirm the 
importance of: (a)  working together to overcome obstacles encountered by 
the private sector, including small and medium enterprises in using 
electronic commerce " (Panama – Singapore, Chapter 13, art.4)  
 
"Recognising the global nature of electronic commerc e, the Parties affirm the 
importance of: (a) working together to promote the use of electronic 
commerce by small and medium enterprises " (Singapore  - Chinese Taipei, 
Chapter 11, art.7) & (Peru  - Korea, Republic of, Chapter 14, art.9)  
 
"Recognising the glob al and inter -connected nature of electronic commerce, the 
Parties shall endeavour to: (a) work together to assist small and medium 
enterprises to overcome obstacles encountered in the use of electronic 
commerce " (Turkey  - Singapore, Chapter 9, art.9)  
 
"The Parties recognize the economic growth and opportunity provided by 
electronic commerce and the importance of avoiding unnecessary barriers to its 
use and development. Having in mind the global nature of electronic commerce, 
the Parties recognize the import ance of: (a) working together to overcome 
obstacles encountered by SMEs in the use of electronic commerce " 
(US - Chile, Chapter 15, art.5)  
 
"Recognizing the global nature of electronic commerce, the Parties affirm the 
importance of: (a) working together to overcome obstacles encountered by 
small and medium enterprises in using electronic commerce " 
(US - Panama, Chapter 14, art.5)  
 
II. Forms of cooperation  
Exchange of 
information about 
laws, regulations, 
programmes 
(in blue) and best 
practices 
(in orange)  in 
relation to the use 
of e-commerce by 
MSMEs  4 out of 28 RTAs 
(14%)  "The Parties recognize the economic growth and opportunities provided by 
electronic commerce and the applicability of WTO rules to electronic commerce. 
Considering the potential of electronic commerce as a social and economic 
development tool, the Parties r ecognize the importance of: (e) sharing 
information and experiences on laws, regulations and programmes  in 
order to facilitate the use of electronic commerce by micro -, small - and medium 
sized enterprises " (Canada  - Panama, Chapter 15, art.3)  
 
"The Parties agree to maintain a dialogue on regulatory matters  relating to 
electronic commerce with a view to sharing information and experience, as 
appropriate, including on related laws, regulations and their INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
implementation, and best practices  with respe ct to electronic commerce, in 
relation to, inter alia: (e) challenges for small and medium -sized enterprises in the 
use of electronic commerce " (EU - Japan, Chapter 8, art. 80)  
 
"The Parties shall endeavor to share information and experiences on laws and 
regulations relating to electronic commerce  and to assist small and medium 
enterprises to overcome the obstacles encountered in the use of electronic 
commerce " (Korea, Republic of  - Viet Nam, Chapter 10, art. 8)  
 
"The Parties recognise the economic growth a nd opportunities provided by 
electronic commerce and the importance of frameworks that promote consumer 
confidence in electronic commerce and of avoiding unnecessary barriers to its use 
and development. Recognising the global nature of electronic commerce,  the 
Parties shall endeavour to: (a) work together to assist business and small and 
medium sized enterprises to overcome obstacles to its use including the sharing 
of best practices  that would facilitate cross -border electronic commerce " 
(New  Zealand  - Singapore, Chapter 9, art. 16)  
 
Establishment of a 
working group 
mandated to 
recommend how to 
overcome 
obstacles faced by 
MSMEs in the use 
of e-commerce 
(in blue)  1 out of 28 RTAs 
(4%) "To the extent necessary and justified, the Trade Committee may establ ish a 
working group  with the aim of performing, among others, the following tasks: 
d) recommending mechanisms to assist Micro and SMEs in overcoming 
obstacles faced by them in the use of electronic commerce " 
(EU - Colombia and Peru, Chapter 4, art.109)  
Technical 
assistance, such as 
studies and 
training activities, 
to facilitate the use 
of e-commerce by 
MSMEs (in blue)  2 out of 28 RTAs 
(7%) "Recognising the global nature of electronic commerce, the Parties shall encourage 
co-operation in research and trai ning activities  that would enhance the 
development of electronic commerce. These co -operative research and training 
activities may include but are not limited to (b) assisting small and medium 
enterprises  to overcome obstacles encountered in the use of electronic 
commerce " (ASEAN  – Australia  - New Zealand, Chapter 10 art.9)  
 
"The Parties shall endeavor to share information and experiences on laws and 
regulations relating to electronic commerce and to assist small and medium 
enterprises  to overcome the obstacles encountered  in the use of electronic 
commerce " (Korea, Republic of  - Viet Nam, Chapter 10, art. 8)  
 
 
_______________  
  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  7  TRADE IN SERVICES  
Twenty  RTAs9 have MSME -related provisions in their chapter on trade in services and/or 
Schedules, that is, 12% of all RTAs containing MSME -related provisions. Two trends come out of 
the analysis of MSME -related provisions in this chapter. First, these provisions are m ainly spelled 
out in Schedules and correspond to limitations on market access and national treatment 
commitments. These limitations address both horizontal and sector -specific commitments, 
including small -scale fishing industries, financial services, energ y services, mining, and tourism 
services. When limitations address horizontal commitments, they introduce fiscal measures 
favouring national MSMEs or they set aside services sectors characterised by small businesses. 
When limitations address sector -specifi c commitments, they either set aside small -scale specific 
sectors for nationals and residents or they facilitate MSME access to funds through mandatory 
lending imposed on foreign banks, simplified procedures for MSMEs to sell shares in financial 
markets or  through subsidies to financial institutions aiding MSMEs. Second, a few RTAs establish 
a cooperation framework aimed at strengthening MSME export capacity. Some of these RTAs have 
also established a cooperation framework under the chapter on cooperation a imed at 
strengthening export and productive capabilities of MSME as well as their competitiveness. This 
section is divided into three parts, namely, horizontal commitments, sector -specific commitments, 
and the cooperation framework.  
 
HORIZONTAL  COMMITMENT S 
31.  Limitations on national treatment and market access commitments concern both horizontal and 
sector -specific commitments. Limitations on horizontal commitments introduce fiscal measures 
favouring national MSMEs and they set aside services sectors characterised by small businesses to 
national MSMEs. These limitations address only commitments with respect to the supply of services 
through commercial presence (mode 3), as illustrated by the RTA provisions, in blue, in the following 
table below.  
Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Limitations on horizontal  commitments for the supply of services through commercial presence  
Favourable fiscal 
measures 
applicable to 
services MSME 
suppliers (in blue)  1 out of 20 RTAs 
(5%) "Tax measures, generally pertaining to small and medium enterprises 
may result in a difference of treatment in favour of Lao services and 
service supplier " (Horizontal commitments, Mode 3, Limitations to National 
Treatment) (ASEAN  - Korea, Republic of, Schedule)  
Supply of services 
characterized by 
small businesses, 
through 
establishment, can 
be limited to local 
MSMEs (in blue)  1 out of 20 RTAs 
(5%) "A license is required for non -OECS nationals to hold more than 3 acres of land for 
business purposes. Dominica may reserve small business service 
investments for CARICOM Nationals . Small business investments are 
currently  defined using one or more of the following criteria: — Enterprises with 
an initial  investment of less than Eastern Caribbean Dollars (ECD) 2 700 000 
(USD  1 000 000); — Initial number of employees less than 50; — Enterprises with 
projected annual sales of less than ECD 2 700 000 (USD 1  000 000) in the first 
year. The above criteria will be reviewed from time to time. An economic needs 
test may be applied before permitting foreign service providers falling outside one 
or more of the above criteria to operate in Dominica " (Horizontal comm itments - 
Mode 3)  (EU - CARIFORUM States  EPA, Schedule)  
 
"Grenada, Saint Lucia, and St. Christopher and Nevis reserve a number of small 
business service opportunities for nationals ." (Horizontal commitments - 
Mode 3) (EU - CARIFORUM States EPA, Schedule)  
 
SECTOR -SPECIFIC  COMMITMENTS  
32.  When limitations address sector -specific commitments, they revolve around the supply of 
services through commercial presence (mode 3), as well. A few RTAs include limitations on the 
supply of services through natural persons (mode 4) or through cross -borde r trade and consumption 
abroad (mode 1 and 2). The table below is divided into three sections, which reflect these three 
types of limitations. Each of these limitations address both market access and national treatment 
commitments.  
 
                                                
9 The list of RTAs is presented in Annex II (page 117).  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 57 - 
 
  33.  Access through commerc ial presence (mode 3) to small -scale sectors is contingent on 
registration procedures available only to nationals and residents. It is also associated, in specific 
services sectors, with mandatory supply of these services to MSMEs.  
34.  With respect to limitati ons on national treatment commitments, these include access to special 
procedures when supplying specific services to MSMEs, the supply of subsidies to MSMEs directly or 
indirectly through services suppliers providing services to MSMEs, or the mandatory es tablishment 
of a local advisory board composed of MSME experts for the supply of specific services.   
35.  Hence, the two approaches taken by governments with respect to MSME trade in services is to 
set aside small -scale sectors to local MSMEs and to facilitate  MSME access to financial services by 
imposing mandatory MSME -lending on foreign banks; by establishing a simplified procedure for 
MSMEs to raise funds through the selling of shares in financial markets; or by providing subsidies to 
financial institutions owned or controlled by governments, which supply financial services to MSMEs. 
In the table below, a colour code is used to highlight similar provisions by issue, defined in the 
left-hand column.  
Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
I. Limitations on sector -specific commitments  for the supply of services through commercial presence  
 
Limitations on market access commitments  
Registration limited to 
nationals or residents 
(in blue)  4 out of 20 
RTAs (20%)  Small scale fishing industries  
 
"Access to small scale fishing activities (pesca artesanal) shall be subject to 
registration in the Registro de Pesca Artesanal. Registration for small scale 
fishing (pesca artesanal) is only granted to Chilean natural persons and 
foreign natural persons with permanent residency , or a Chilean juridical 
person constituted by the aforementioned persons ". (Canada  - Chile, 
Schedule) & (Chile  - Japan, Schedule)  
 
Energy services  
 
"Mode 3 - None, except electric cooperative operation  (i.e. of power plants 
provided under the BOT scheme) , is limited to Filipinos "  (Japan  -
Philippines, Schedule)  
 
"The mining of lead, zinc, and barite ores in the Tafilalet and Figuig region is 
reserved for small -scale miners from that region " (US - Morocco, 
Schedule)  
Mandatory supply of 
specific services to 
MSMEs (in blue)  4 out of 20 
RTAs ( 20%) Financial services  
 
"Mandatory lending to small -and medium sized companies  is required " 
(ASEAN  - India, Schedule)  & (Korea, Republic of  - India, Schedule) 
& (EFTA  - Korea, Republic of, Schedule)  
 
"The following measures are not inconsistent with Article 12.4 (Market Access 
for Financial Institutions). Any revision, amendment or modification of the 
following measures or related laws will not be construed to be inconsistent with 
Article 12.4 (Market A ccess for Financial Institutions) to the extent that it does 
not conflict with the spirit of the original measure: (b) Korean insurance 
companies are  required to extend loans to small - or medium - sized 
companies on Supervision of Insurance Business (Financ ial Services 
Commission Notification No. 2009 -43, July 22, 2009)); (d) banks and mutual 
savings banks in Korea are  required to extend loans to small or medium -
sized companies.  (Article 2 of the Bank of Korea’s Regulations on Credit 
Extension (Monetary Poli cy Committee, August 19, 1999); and Article 11 of the 
Mutual Savings Bank Act (Law No. 8143, December 30, 2006) and Article 8 -2 of 
the Enforcement Decree of the Mutual Savings Bank Act " (Peru  - Korea, 
Republic of, Schedule)  
Limitations on national treatm ent 
 Access to special 
procedures when 
supplying specific 
services to MSMEs 
(in blue)  1 out of 20 
RTAs (5%)  Financial services  
 
"Las emisiones de empresas costarricenses clasificadas como pequeñas 
y medianas , registradas en el Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Comercio 
(MEIC), podrán registrarse para oferta pública restringida " (Costa Rica – 
Colombia, Schedule)  
Mandatory 
establishment of a 
local advisory board 
composed of MSME 
experts for the supply 1 out of 20 
RTAs (5%)  Financial services  
 
"Foreign banks are required to constitute Local Advisory Boards 
consisting inter alia of prof essionals and persons having expertise in INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
of specific services 
(in blue)  areas such as small -scale industry  and exports " (ASEAN  - Korea, 
Republic  of, Schedule)  
Subsidies to MSMEs, 
directly or indirectly, 
through MSME -
services suppliers by 
program/administrator 
(in blue) and 
eligibility  (in green)  2 out of 20 
RTAs (10%)  Direct subsidies to MSMEs  
 
Unbound for measures at the federal, state or local levels that accord rights or 
preferences to members of socially or economically disadvantaged 
groups  in the United States, including:  
• Federal Small Business Administrations ' loans  are restricted to US 
citizens or companies that are 100 per cent owned by US citizens  
and whose directors are all US citizens Maine  
• The Maine Veterans Small Business Loan Guarantee Program  provides 
guarantees to eligible resident veterans  for business loans from local 
lending in stitutions.  A qualifying business is one that is independently 
owned and operated in Maine, and the applicant must be a war veteran.  
• The Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority 
makes direct loans to socially or economically disadvantaged 
business persons . Applicants must be US citizens  and have a business 
that is 70 per cent owned by socially or economically disadvantaged persons 
(US - Jordan, Schedule)  
 
Indirect subsidies to MSMEs  
 
"Morocco reserves the right to accord advantages to financial institutions , 
other than insurance companies, wholly or majority owned by the State, or 
controlled by the State, that are established for a public interest purpose, 
such as improving access to fi nancing by small and medium enterprises . 
Such advantages shall not significantly disadvantage the operations of 
commercial competitors and include, but are not limited to, the following: 
• Extension of State guarantees; • Tax exemptions " (US - Morocco, Sch edule)  
II. Limitations on sector -specific commitments for the supply of services through natural persons  
Limitations on market access  commitments  
Commercial 
registration 
requirements 
(in blue)  1 out of 20 
RTAs (5%)  Small Business services  
 
"Except where the service is supplied on behalf of a Bahraini enterprise, in order 
for persons of the other Party to supply a service in the following sectors, 
through the presence of a natural person in the territory of Bahrain, such 
persons must maintain a place of business in Bahrain in order to comply 
with commercial registration requirements : (i) Small Business Services " 
(US - Bahrain, Schedule)  
III. Limitations on sector -specific commitments for the supply of services through cross-border, consumption abroad and 
natural persons  
Limitations on market access commitments  
Simplified procedures 
applicable when 
supplying specific 
services to MSMEs 
(in blue)  1 out of 20 
RTAs (5%)  Financial services  
 
"Unbound with respect to the use of simplified registration and periodic 
reporting forms for securities issued by small business corporations " 
(US - Jordan, Schedule)  
 
TECHNICAL COOPERATION  AND ASSISTANCE  
36.  RTAs aimed at strengthening the capacity of MSMEs to supply services include technical 
cooperation and assistance -related provisions.  Some RTAs do not specify services sectors, while 
other FTAs do, particularly tourism and cultural services sectors.  
37.  A few RTAs establish a cooperation framework unde r the chapter on trade in services aimed at 
strengthening MSME export capacity. This objective can concern the export of specific services, such 
as tourism services. The following table illustrates, in blue, the RTA cooperation activities related to 
MSME c apacity development.  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  Issues  Number of RTAs 
dealing with 
such issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Technical 
cooperation and 
assistance 
(in blue)  2 out of 20 RTAs 
(10%)  No specified services  
 
"The Parties shall strengthen and enhance existing cooperation efforts in 
service sectors and develop cooperation in sectors that are not covered 
by existing cooperation arrangements, through inter alia : research and 
development; human resource and professional development and 
apprenticeship; trade in serv ices data management; and SME capacity 
enhancement ." (Thailand – Australia, Chapter 8, art.808)  
 
"The Parties recognise the importance of technical cooperation and assistance in 
order to complement the liberalisation of services and investment, support the  
Signatory CARIFORUM States' efforts to strengthen their capacity in the supply 
of services, facilitate the implementation of commitments under this Title, and 
achieve the objectives of this Agreement. The Parties agree to cooperate, 
including by providing  support for technical assistance, training and capacity 
building in, inter alia, the following areas: (i) Improving the export capacity 
of service suppliers of the Signatory CARIFORUM States, with particular 
attention to  the marketing of tourism and cultu ral services,  the needs of 
small and medium -sized enterprises , franchising and the negotiation of 
mutual recognition agreements " (EU - CARIFORUM States EPA, Chapter 7, 
art.121)   
 
Tourism services  
 
"The Parties shall cooperate for the advancement of the tourism sector in the 
Signatory CARIFORUM States, given the inherent asymmetries in respective 
levels of development of the Parties. The Parties agree to : (a) The upgrading of 
national accounting syst ems with a view to facilitating the introduction of 
Tourism Satellite Accounts (TSA) at the regional and local level; (b) Capacity 
building for environmental management in tourism areas at the regional and 
local level; (c) The development of Internet marke ting strategies for small 
and medium -sized tourism enterprises in the tourism services sector " 
(EU - CARIFORUM States EPA, Chapter 5, art.117)  
 
  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  8  CUSTOMS PROCEDURES A ND TRADE FACILITATIO N 
Twenty -one RTAs10 contain MSME -related provisions in their chapter on trade facilitation and 
customs procedures, or 12% of all RTAs with MSME -related provisions. These provisions reflect 
two trends adopted by governments with respect to MSMEs and trade facilitation measure s. The 
first trend is the simplification of a wide range of customs procedures in order to reduce time and 
costs sand to increase predictability for MSMEs. These customs procedures include the procedures 
for appealing customs rulings and decisions, for req uesting advance rulings, for becoming an 
authorized operator, for filling customs declarations and for determining customs duties. The 
second trend relates to good governance practices. In some RTAs, governments have committed 
themselves to consult with MS MEs in designing and implementing trade facilitation measures. 
This section is divided into two parts, namely, the simplification of customs procedures for MSMEs 
and the requirement to consult with MSMEs in designing and implementing trade facilitation 
measures.  
 
SIMPLIFICATION  OF CUSTOMS PROCEDURES FOR MSMEs  
38.  Streamlining customs procedures for MSMEs is one of the objectives of the chapter on Trade 
Facilitation and Customs Procedures. This simplification often follows the principles of transparency, 
non-discrimination, efficiency, and expeditious customs procedures. Six customs procedures are 
frequently repeated in RTAs, as described in the table below. A colour code is used to highlight 
similar provisions by issue, defined in the left -hand column.  
Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Simplification of customs procedures  
Simplification of 
procedures for 
imports and 
exports of products 
for reducing costs 
(in blue) and 
increasing 
predictability  
(in green)  
 14 out of 21 
RTAs ( 67%) "Each Party shall work towards simplification of its requirements and 
formalities for customs procedures in order to reduce the time and costs 
thereof for traders or operators, including small and medium -sized 
enterprises " (EU – Japan, Chapter 4, art.6)  
 
"The Parties agree that their le gislation, regulations and procedures, in the fields 
of customs and international trade, shall be based on:(a) international standards 
and instruments, including the revised Kyoto Convention, the WCO Framework of 
Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global T rade, the WCO Customs Data Model 
and the International Convention on the Harmonised Commodity Description and 
Coding System (‘HS’); (b) the introduction of a single administrative document, 
or an electronic equivalent, for the purpose of establishing custo ms declarations 
at the import and export stages; (c) modern customs techniques, including risk 
analysis and risk management, simplified procedures for imports and exports of 
products, subsequent verifications and company audit methods. Procedures  
should be  transparent, efficient and simplified, in order to reduce costs and 
increase predictability for economic operators, including small and 
medium -sized enterprises " (EU - Cameroon, Chapter 3, art.35)  
 
"The Parties agree that their respective trade and custom s legislation, as a matter 
of principle, shall be stable and comprehensive, and that the provisions and the 
procedures shall be proportionate, transparent, predictable, non -discriminatory, 
impartial and applied uniformly and effectively and shall inter ali a: (f) aim at 
reducing costs  and increasing predictability  for economic operators, 
including small and medium -sized enterprises " (EU -Moldova,  Republic  of, 
Chapter 5, art.193)   
 
"The Parties agree that their respective trade and customs legislation, as a matter 
of principle, shall be stable and comprehensive, and that provisions and 
procedures shall be proportionate, transparent, predictable, non -discriminatory, 
impartial and appli ed uniformly and effectively and shall inter alia: (f) aim at 
reducing costs  and increasing predictability for economic operators, 
including small and medium -sized companies ." (EU – Ukraine, Chapter 5, 
art.76)  
 
"Member States shall develop and implement a comprehensive ASEAN Trade 
Facilitation Work Programme, which sets out all concrete actions and measures 
with clear targets and timelines of implementation necessary for creating a 
consistent, transparent, and predictable  environment for international trade 
transactions that increases trading opportunities and help businesses, including 
small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), to save time and reduce 
costs " (ASEAN Free Trade Area, Chapter 5, art.45)  
                                                
10 The list of RT As is presented in Annex II (page 117) . INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Simplification of 
procedures 
through non -
discriminatory, 
effective and 
prompt (in blue) 
as well as 
reasonable 
(in green)  
procedures for 
appealing customs 
rulings and 
decisions  
 
 
 
 
  "In order to improve working methods and ensure respect for the principles  of 
non-discrimination, transparency, efficiency, integrity and accountability, the 
Parties shall:(g) provide efficient, prompt and non -discriminatory 
procedures enabling the right of appeal against administrative actions, 
rulings and decisions by the cust oms authorities affecting imports, 
exports or goods in transit . These procedures shall be easily accessible to 
the applicants, including small and medium -sized enterprises , and the 
related costs shall be reasonable and proportionate to the costs incurred 
by lodging the appeal " (EU - Côte d'Ivoire, Chapter 3, art.29)  
 
"The Parties agree that their respective trade and customs legislation, as a matter 
of principle, shall be stable and comprehensive, and that provisions and 
procedures shall be proportionate, transparent, predictable, non -discriminatory, 
impartial and appli ed uniformly and effectively and shall inter alia: (f) aim at 
reducing costs and increasing predictability for economic operators, including 
small and medium -sized companies. In order to improve working methods, as well 
as to ensure non -discrimination, tra nsparency, efficiency, integrity and 
accountability of operations, the Parties shall: provide effective, prompt and 
non-discriminatory procedures guaranteeing the right of appeal against 
customs' and other agencies' administrative actions, rulings and 
decisions affecting the goods submitted to customs . Such procedures for 
appeal shall be easily accessible, including to small or medium -sized 
enterprises  and any costs shall be reasonable and commensurate with 
costs in providing for appeals . The Parties shall also take steps to ensure that 
where a disputed decision is the subject of an appeal, goods are normally released 
and duty payments may be left pending, subject to any safeguarding measures 
judged necessary. Where required, this should be subject to the pr ovision of a 
guarantee, such as a surety or deposit " (EU – Ukraine, Chapter 5, art.76)  
 
"The Parties agree that their respective trade and customs legislation, provisions 
and procedures shall be based upon: c) provide effective, prompt, non -
discriminatory and easily accessible procedures to guarantee the right to 
appeal customs administrative rulings and decisions affecting imports, 
exports or goods in transit . Procedures shall be easily accessible, including 
to Micro and SMEs " (EU – Colombia  - Peru, Chapte r 3, art.59)  
 
"In order to improve working methods, as well as to ensure non -discrimination, 
transparency, efficiency, integrity and accountability of operations, the Parties 
shall: c) provide effective, prompt and non -discriminatory procedures 
guaranteein g the right of appeal against customs and other authorities' 
administrative actions, rulings and decisions affecting the goods 
submitted to customs . Such procedures for appeal shall be easily accessible, 
including to small or medium -sized enterprises , and any costs shall be 
reasonable and commensurate with the costs incurred by the authorities 
to ensure the right of appeal " (EU - Moldova, Republic of, Chapter 5, 
art.193)   
 
"In order to improve working methods, as well as to ensure non-discrimination , 
transp arency, efficiency, integrity and accountability of operations, the Parties or 
the Pacific States, as the case may be, shall: (a)  provide effective, prompt and 
non-discriminatory procedures enabling the right of appeal against 
customs and other agency administrative actions, rulings and decisions 
affecting imports, exports or goods in transit . Procedures for appeal shall be 
easily accessible, including to small or medium enterprises  and any costs 
shall be reasonable and commensurate with costs in  providing for 
appeals " (EU - Papua New Guinea -Fiji, Chapter 4, art.28)  
 
"In order to improve working methods and to ensure transparency and efficiency 
of customs operations, the Parties shall: (d) provide effective, prompt and 
non-discriminatory procedure s enabling the right of appeal, against 
customs and other agency administrative actions, rulings and decisions 
affecting imports, exports or goods in transit . Procedures for appeal shall be 
easily accessible, including to small or medium enterprises " 
(EU - Southern African Development Community, Chapter 4, art.43)  
 
"In order to improve working methods and to ensure transparency and efficiency 
of customs operations, the Parties shall (d) provide effective, prompt and non -
discriminatory procedures enabling th e right of appeal, against customs 
and other agency administrative actions, rulings and decisions affecting 
imports, exports or goods in transit . Procedures for appeal shall be easily 
accessible, including to small or medium enterprises " (EU - South Africa , 
Chapter 3, art.43)  
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  Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Simplification of 
procedures for 
requesting an 
advance ruling 
(in blue)  
 1 out of 21 RTAs 
(5%) "An advance ruling is a written decision provided by a Member to the applicant 
prior to the importation of a good covered by the application that sets forth the 
treatment that the Member shall provide to the good at the time of importation 
with regard to: ( i) the good's tariff classification; and (ii) the origin of the good. A 
Member may require that the applicant have legal representation or registration 
in its territory. To the extent possible, such requirements shall not restrict the 
categories of persons  eligible to apply for advance rulings, with particular 
consideration for the specific needs of small and medium -sized 
enterprises.  These requirements shall be clear and transparent and not 
constitute a means of arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination " (Turkey  -
Singapore, Chapter 6, art.3)  
 
Simplification of 
procedures for 
becoming an 
authorized 
operator (in blue)  1 out of 21 RTAs 
(5%) "Each Member shall provide additional trade facilitation measures related to 
import, export, or transit formalities and procedures, pursuant to paragraph 7.3, 
to operators who meet specified criteria, hereinafter called authorized operators. 
The specified criteria to qualify as an authorized operator shall to the 
extent possible, restrict the participation of small and medi um sized 
enterprises " (Turkey -Singapore, Chapter 6, art.7)  
 
Simplification of 
customs 
declaration 
(in blue)  1 out of 21 RTAs 
(5%) "To prove the origin of small shipments of goods (cost of which is up to 
US$5,000) , the exporter may declare the country of origin of the goods on invoice 
or other accompanying documents attached to the good " (Commonwealth of 
Independent States, Chapter 3, art.18)  
 
Simplification of 
the collection of 
customs duties for 
express shipments 
(in blue)  1 out of 21 RTAs 
(5%) "Each Party shall adopt or maintain expedited customs procedures for 
express shipments  while maintaining appropriate customs control and selection. 
These procedures shall: (f) provide that, under normal circumstances, no 
customs duties  will be as sessed on express shipments  valued at or below a 
fixed amount  set under the Party’s law. Each Party shall review the amount 
periodically taking into account factors  that it may consider relevant, such 
as … impact on SMEs " (CPTTP, Chapter 5, art. 7)  
 
 
CONS ULTATION  REQUIREMENTS WITH RESPECT TO MSMEs  
39.  RTAs guaranteeing that the interests of MSMEs are considered in the design and implementation 
of trade facilitation measures through consultation requirements are listed, in blue, in the following 
table.  
Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Requirement to 
consult with 
MSMEs when 
designing and 
implementing 
trade facilitation 
measures 
(in blue)  7 out of 21 RTAs 
(33%) "Each Party shall consult  its respective busines s community on its needs with 
regard to the development and implementation of trade facilitation 
measures , noting that  particular attention should be given to the interests 
of small and medium -sized enterprises " (EFTA  - Serbia, Chapter 4, Art.2) 
& (EFTA  - Albania, Chapter 3, art.2) & (EFTA  - Canada, Chapter 5, art. 21 
in the Annex)  
 
"The Parties shall consult  their respective business communities on their needs 
with regard to the development and implementation of trade facilitation 
measures, noting that particular attention should be given to the interests 
of small and medium -sized enterprises " (Iceland  - China, Chapter 4, 
art.48) & (Switzerland  - China, Chapter 4, art.4)  
 
"Each Party shall endeavour to consult , as appropriate, its respective busines s 
community on its needs with regard to the development and implementation of 
trade facilitation measures, noting that particular attention should be given to the 
interests of small and medium -sized enterprises "  (EFTA  - Hong Kong, 
China, Chapter 3, art.2) & (EFTA  - Montenegro, Chapter 3, art.2)  
 
 
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  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  9  INTELLECTUAL PROPERT Y  
Twelve RTAs11 contain MSME -related provisions in their chapter on Intellectual Property, or 7% 
of all RTAs with MSME -related provisions. These MSME -related provisions reflect two trends. First, 
that governments have established a cooperation framework to facilitate the acquisition and 
exploitation of intellectual property rights by MSMEs, which, in turn, drives economic 
competitiveness. A few RTA s specify that their cooperation frameworks aim to facilitate the 
transfer of technology, as well. The second trend relates to the simplification and transparency of 
procedures to acquire intellectual property rights applicable to MSMEs. This section is di vided into 
two parts reflecting these two trends, namely cooperation and transparency.  
 
COOPERATION  ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY  
40.  RTAs establish a cooperation framework aimed at facilitating the acquisition and exploitation of 
intellectual property rights by MSMEs. The main form of cooperation is the facilitation of partnerships 
and exchange of information between intellectual property offices, academic institutions and other 
entities in the field of intellectual property protection and development. One RTA allocates its 
cooperation efforts in the strengthening of MSMEs with a view to facilitating the transfer of 
technology through business partnerships. The table below is divided into two parts, namely the 
objectives of the cooperation framework and forms of cooperation. The blue colour is used to 
highlight similar provisions by issue, defined in the left -hand column.  
Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
I. Objectives of the cooperation framework  
Stimulating the 
creation and 
exploitation of 
intellectual 
property by 
MSMEs, which, in 
turn, enhances 
competitiveness 
(in blue)  8 out of 1 2 RTAs 
(66%) "Las Partes intercambiarán información y material en proyectos de educación y 
diseminación respecto del u so de los derechos de propiedad intelectual, en 
concordancia con sus leyes nacionales, regulaciones y políticas, con miras a: 
(b) estimular la creación y desarrollo de la propiedad intelectual dentro 
del territorio de las Partes, particularmente de los pequeños inventores y 
creadores, así como de las micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas " 
(Costa  Rica - Peru, Chapter 9 art.8) & (Peru  - Honduras, Chapter 9, art.8) 
& (Panama  - Peru, Chapter 9, art.9)  
 
"The Parties, through their compete nt agencies, shall: encourage and facilitate the 
development of contacts and cooperation between their respective government 
agencies, educational institutions, organisations and other entities concerning the 
protection and development of intellectual prop erty rights with a view to : 
i) stimulating the creation and development of intellectual property by 
persons of each Party, particularly individual inventors and creators as 
well as small to medium -sized enterprises (SMEs) " (Thailand  - Australia, 
Chapter 13 art.1305)  
 
"The Parties recogn ise that the promotion of creativity and innovation is essential 
for the development of entrepreneurship and competitiveness and the 
achievement of the overall objectives of this Agreement. The Parties agree to 
cooperate, including by facilitating support,  in the following areas: 
b) promotion of creativity and design, particularly in micro, small and 
medium enterprises , and exchanges between networks of design centres 
located in the EC Party and the CARIFORUM States " (EU - CARIFORUM States 
EPA, Chapter 4 ar t.135)  
 
"Recalling the contributions achieved in the WTO Agreement on Trade -Related 
Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, the areas of the cooperation may include:  
(b) endeavouring to facilitate industrial property exploitation with each 
Party’s private  sector industries, in particular small and medium 
enterprises " (Mexico  - Central America, Chapter 13 art.1)  
 
"The Sub -Committee on IP will discuss any issues related to intellectual property 
with a view to enhancing protection of intellectual property and enforcement of 
intellectual property rights and to promoting efficient and transparent 
administration of intel lectual property system, such as: (vii) utilisation and 
                                                
11 The list of RTAs is presented in Annex II (page 117).  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
commercialisation of intellectual property rights for small and medium 
enterprises " (Japan  - Thailand, Chapter 10, art.142)  
 
"The Parties agree that fostering innovation and creativity improves 
compet itiveness and is a crucial element in their economic partnership, in 
achieving sustainable development, promoting trade between them and ensuring 
the gradual integration of CARIFORUM States into the world economy. They also 
recognise that the protection an d enforcement of intellectual property plays a key 
role in fostering creativity, innovation and competitiveness, and are determined 
to ensure increasing levels of protection appropriate to their levels of 
development. The objectives of this Chapter are to:  (b) foster competitiveness 
of enterprises and in particular micro -, small and medium -sized 
enterprises of the Parties " (EU - CARIFORUM States EPA, Chapter 4, 
art. 132)  
 
"The Parties agree to exchange views and information on the legal framework 
concerning  protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in 
accordance with their respective laws, regulations, and policies to: (a) improve 
and strengthen intellectual property systems to promote the efficient enforcement 
of intellectual property right s; and (b) stimulate the creation and 
development of intellectual property by persons of each Party, 
particularly small and medium -sized enterprises " (Peru  - Korea, 
Republic  of, Chapter 17, art.10)  
Facilitating the 
transfer of 
technology 
(in blue)   1 out of 1 2 RTAs 
(8%) "The Parties agree to exchange views and information on their practices and 
policies affecting transfer of technology, both within their respective regions and 
with third countries, w ith a view to creating measures to facilitate information 
flows, business partnerships, and the award of licenses and subcontracting. The 
Parties recognise the importance of education and professional training for the 
transfer of technology  which may be ac complished through academic, 
professional and/or business exchange programs directed to the transmission of 
knowledge between the Parties. The EU Party shall promote that the academic 
exchanges take the form of grants and that the professional and business  
exchanges take the form of internships in organisations of the European Union, 
strengthening of MSMEs, development of innovating industries and creation of 
professional clinics so that the acquired knowledge may be applied in the Central 
American region " (EU - Central America, Chapter 4, art.231)  
II. Forms of cooperation  
Facilitating 
contacts and 
exchange of 
information 
between 
intellectual 
property offices, 
academic 
institutions and 
other entities 
involved in the 
protection and 
development of 
intellectual 
property (in blue)  8 out of 1 2 RTAs 
(66%) "The Parties shall endeavour to cooperate on the subject matter covered by this 
Chapter, such as through appropriate coordination, training and  exchange of 
information between the respective intellectual property offices of the 
Parties, or other institutions , as determined b y each Party. Cooperation may 
cover areas such as: (d) intellectual property issues relevant to: (i) small and 
medium -sized enterprises " (CPTPP, Chapter 18 art.13)  
 
"The Parties, through their competent agencies, shall: encourage and facilitate the 
develop ment of contacts  and cooperation between  their respective 
government agencies, educational institutions, organisations and other 
entities concerning the protection and development of intellectual 
property rights  with a view to: (i) stimulating the creation  and development of 
intellectual property by persons of each Party, particularly individual inventors and 
creators as well as small to medium -sized enterprises (SMEs) " (Thailand  - 
Australia, Chapter 13 art.1305)  
 
"The Parties recognise that the promotion of creativity and innovation is essential 
for the development of entrepreneurship and competitiveness and the 
achievement of the overall objectives of this Agreement. The Parties agree to 
cooperate, including by fac ilitating support, in the following areas: (b) promotion 
of creativity and design, particularly in micro, small and medium enterprises, and 
exchanges between networks of design centres located in the EC Party and 
the CARIFORUM States " (EU - CARIFORUM State s EPA, Chapter 4 art.135)  
 
"Las Partes intercambiarán información y material en proyectos de 
educación y diseminación respecto del uso de los derechos de propiedad 
intelectual, en concordancia con sus leyes nacionales, regulaciones y políticas, con 
miras a : (b) estimular la creación y desarrollo de la propiedad intelectual dentro INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
del territorio de las Partes, particularmente de los pequeños inventores y 
creadores, así como de las micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas " (Costa  Rica 
- Peru, Chapter  9 art.8) & (Peru  - Honduras, Chapter 9, art.8) & (Panama  
- Peru, Chapter9, art.9)  
 
"The Parties agree to exchange views and information on their practices and 
policies affecting transfer of technology , both within their respective regions 
and with third c ountries, with a view to creating measures to facilitate information 
flows, business partnerships, and the award of licenses and subcontracting. The 
Parties recognise the importance of education and professional training for the 
transfer of technology whic h may be accomplished through academic, professional 
and/or business exchange programs directed to the transmission of knowledge 
between the Parties. The EU Party shall promote that the academic exchanges 
take the form of grants and that the professional a nd business exchanges take the 
form of internships in organisations of the European Union,  strengthening of 
MSMEs , development of innovating industries and creation of professional clinics 
so that the acquired knowledge may be applied in the Central Americ an region " 
(EU - Central America, Chapter 4, art.231)  
 
"Cooperation may include exchange of information, sharing of experiences 
and skills and any other form of cooperation or activities as may be agreed 
between the Parties. Such cooperation may cover area s such as: (d) intellectual 
property issues relevant to: (i) small and medium -sized enterprises " 
(EU - Japan, Chapter 14, art.52)  
 
"The Parties will foster the participation of their research and technological 
development bodies in the cooperation activities in compliance with their internal 
rules. Research centres, higher -education institutions, and other 
stakeholders, including micro , small and medium enterprises, located in 
the Parties shall be involved in this cooperation as appropriate " 
(EU - CARIFORUM States EPA, Chapter 4 art.136)  
 
"The Parties agree to exchange views and information on the legal 
framework concerning protection a nd enforcement of intellectual 
property rights in accordance with their respective laws, regulations, and 
policies " (Peru  - Korea, Republic of, Chapter 17, art.10)  
The provision of 
technical and 
financial assistance 
to MSMEs 
(in blue)  4 out of 1 2 RTAs 
(33%) "Each Party shall, in accordance with its laws and regulations, take appropriate 
measures to provide assistance to small and medium enterprises for 
acquisition of  intellectual property rights, which may include reduction of 
official fees " (Japan  - Thailand, Chapter 10 art.142)  
 
"The Parties shall endeavour to cooperate on the subject matter covered by this 
Chapter, such as through appropriate coordination, training  and exchange of 
information between the respective intellectual property offices of the Parties, or 
other institutions, as determined by each Party. Cooperation may cover areas such 
as: (d) intellectual property issues relevant to: (i) small and medium -sized 
enterprises " (CPTPP, Chapter 18 art.13)   
 
"The Parties agree to exchange views and information on their practices and 
policies affecting transfer of technology, both within their respective regions and 
with third countries, with a view to creating meas ures to facilitate information 
flows, business partnerships, and the award of licenses and subcontracting. The 
Parties recognise the importance of education and professional training  for 
the transfer of technology which may be accomplished through academic, 
professional and/or business exchange programs directed to the transmission of 
knowledge between the Parties. The EU Party shall promote that the academic 
exchanges take the form of grants and that the professional and business 
exchanges take the  form of internships in organisations of the European Union, 
strengthening of MSMEs, development of innovating industries and creation of 
professional clinics so that the acquired knowledge may be applied in the Central 
American region " (EU - Central Ameri ca, Chapter 4, art.231)  
 
"Cooperation may include exchange of information, sharing of experiences and 
skills  and any other form of cooperation or activities as may be agreed between 
the Parties. Such cooperation may cover areas such as: (d)  intellectual pr operty INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
issues relevant to: (i) small and medium -sized enterprises " (EU - Japan, 
Chapter 14, art.52)  
Strengthening 
MSMEs to facilitate 
the transfer of 
technology 
through business 
partnerships 
(in blue)  1 out of 1 2 RTAs 
(8%) "The Parties agree to exchange v iews and information on their practices and 
policies affecting transfer of technology, both within their respective regions and 
with third countries, with a view to creating measures to facilitate information 
flows, business partnerships, and the award of licenses and subcontracting. The 
Parties recognise the importance of education and professional training for the 
transfer of technology  which may be accomplished through academic, 
professional and/or business exchange programs directed to the transmission of 
knowledge between the Parties. The EU Party shall promote that the academic 
exchanges take the form of grants and that the professional and business 
exchanges  take the form of  internships in organisations of the European Union, 
strengthening of MSMEs , development of innovating industries and creation of 
professional clinics so that the acquired knowledge may be applied in the Central 
American region " (EU - Central America, Chapter 4, art.231)  
 
TRANSPARENCY  OF PROCEDURES TO ACQUIRE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY  
41.  One RTA sets the obligation for governments to make procedures concerning the acquisition of 
intellectual property rights by MSMEs publicly available, as described, in blue, in the following table.  
Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Obligation to 
publish any 
provision that is 
relevant to MSMEs 
to acquire 
intellectual 
property rights 
(in blue)  1 out of 1 2 RTAs 
(8%) "With the aim of making the protection and enforcement of intellectual property 
rights transparent, each Party shall ensur e that its laws, regulations and 
procedures concerning intellectual property rights are published or otherwise 
made available in a manner that enables the other Party or any interested person 
to become acquainted with them. To clarify procedures and practi ces 
regarding the application, issuance and registration of industrial property 
rights , the Parties should publish : (a) clear and simple instructions and 
explanations of the steps involved regarding the application, issuance and 
registration processes; (b)  the examination guidelines and assessment criteria, if 
any, used to review an application, if applicable; (c) the contact points for inquiries 
regarding the registration of industrial property rights; and (d) the provisions, if 
any, directed to small and medium sized enterprises " (Canada  - Israel, 
Chapter 10 art.7)  
 
 
 
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  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  10  ADMINISTRATION OF TH E RTA  
Nine RTAs12 contain provisions related to MSMEs in their chapter on administration of the 
agreement, or 8% of the total number of RTAs with MSME -related provisions. These provisions 
establish a Trade Committee, whose main task is to evaluate the impacts of the RTA on  MSMEs. 
In assessing these impacts, governments may seek to obtain inputs from MSMEs. In some RTAs, 
this impact assessment may also be undertaken by committees established under other chapters. 
MSME -related provisions in this chapter are close to those spe lled out in the chapter on regulatory 
coherence. However, MSME -related provisions in this chapter involve the impact assessment of 
the RTA itself on MSMEs while the provisions in the chapter on regulatory coherence concerns the 
ex-ante impact assessment of  a covered regulatory measure that a government aims at 
developing.  
 
IMPACTS ASSESSMENT OF RTA s 
42.  When evaluating the impact of their RTAs, governments may consider the impacts of their RTAs 
on MSMEs and make recommendations on MSMEs´ needs. Some RTAs also encourage governments 
to invite and take into consideration inputs received from MSMEs, as illustrated by the RTA provisions 
in the table below. A colour code is used to highlight similar provisions by issue, defined in the 
left-hand column.  
Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
RTA impact assessment  
 
Assessment of the 
impacts of the RTA 
on MSMEs 
(in blue) including 
benefits  
(in green)  
  
9 out of 9 RTAs 
(100%)   
 
"La Comisión podrá: (h) revisar los impactos, incluyendo cualesquiera beneficios 
del Tratado sobre las pequeñas y medianas empresas de las Partes. Con este 
objeto la Comisión podrá designar grupos de trabajo para evaluar dichos 
impactos  y hacer las recomend aciones relevantes a la Comisión, 
incluyendo planes de trabajo enfocados en las necesidades de las 
MIPYMES ; para tales efectos, la Comisión podrá recibir información, insumos y 
aportes de los representantes de las pequeñas y medianas empresas y de sus 
asociaciones gremiales ". (Colombia  - Northern Triangle (El Salvador, 
Guatemala, Honduras), Chapter 17 art.1)  
 
"Las Partes establecen la Comisión de Libre Comercio, integrada por 
representantes a nivel Ministerial de cada Parte, de conformidad con el Anexo 20 -
A, o por las personas a quienes estos designen. La Comisión podrá: (e) revisar 
los impactos del presente Acuerdo sobre las micro, pequeñas y medianas 
empresas de las Partes ". (Costa Rica  - Colombia, Chapter 20 art.1) & 
(Costa Rica  - Peru, Chapter 17 art.1) & (Panama  - Peru, Chapter 20, art.1) 
& (Peru  - Honduras, Chapter 17, art.1)  
 
"The Trade Committee may examine the impact of this Agreement on the 
micro, small and medium -sized enterprises  (hereinafter referred to as ‘Micro 
and SMEs’) of the Parties,  including any resulting benefits ". (EU - Colombia 
and Peru, Chapter 2 art.13)  
 
"The Commission may review the impacts, including any benefits, of the 
Agreement on the small and medium -size businesses of the Parties . 
Toward that end, the Commission may: (a ) designate working groups to evaluate 
the effects of the Agreement on small and medium -size businesses and make 
relevant recommendations to the Commission, including working plans 
focused on the needs of small and medium -size businesses . Any working 
group  recommendations with respect to trade capacity building shall be referred 
to the Committee for Trade Capacity Building for consideration; and (b) receive 
information, input and views from representatives of small and medium -size 
businesses and their busin ess associations ". (US - Colombia, Chapter 20, art.1) 
& (US  - Peru, Chapter 20, art.1)  
 
"The Parties hereby establish a Joint Commission, comprising cabinet -level 
representatives of the Parties, or their designees. The Commission may review 
the impacts, including any benefits, of this Agreement on the small and 
medium -size businesses of the Parties . Towards that end, the Commission 
may: Designate working groups to evaluate the effects of this Agreement on small 
and medium -size businesses and make relevant r ecommendations to the 
Commission , including working plans focused on the needs of small and medium -
                                                
12 The list of RTAs is presented in Annex II (page 117).  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
size businesses. Any working group recommendations with respect to trade 
capacity building shall be referred to the Committee on Trade -Related Cooperation 
for consideration; and Receive information, input and views from representatives 
of small and medium -size businesses and their business associations " (Canada  - 
Colombia, Chapter 20, art.2001)  
 
Consideration of 
inputs received 
from MSMEs when 
assessing the 
MSME -impacts of 
at RTA (in light 
orange ) 3 out of 9 RTAs 
(33%)  "The Parties hereby establish a Joint Commission, comprising cabinet -level 
representatives of the Parties, or their designees.  Th e Commission may review 
the impacts, including any benefits, of this Agreement on the small and medium -
size businesses of the Parties. Towards that end, the Commission may: Designate 
working groups to evaluate the effects of this Agreement on small and med ium-
size businesses and make relevant recommendations to the Commission, including 
working plans focused on the needs of small and medium -size businesses. Any 
working group recommendations with respect to trade capacity building shall be 
referred to the Co mmittee on Trade -Related Cooperation for consideration; and 
Receive information, input and views from representatives of small and 
medium -size businesses and their business associations " (Canada  -
Colombia, Chapter 20, art.2001)  
 
"The Commission may review the impacts, including any benefits, of the 
Agreement on the small and medium -size businesses of the Parties. Toward that 
end, the Commission may: (a) designate working groups to evaluate the effects 
of the Agreement on small and medium -size businesses and  make relevant 
recommendations to the Commission, including working plans focused on the 
needs of small and medium -size businesses. Any working group recommendations 
with respect to trade capacity building shall be referred to the Committee for Trade 
Capac ity Building for consideration; and (b) receive information, input and 
views from representatives of small and medium -size businesses and 
their business associations ". (US - Colombia, Chapter 20, art.1) & 
(US - Peru, Chapter 20, art.1)  
 
 
 
_______________  
  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  11  MSMES  
Five RTAs13 (3%) include a standalone chapter on MSMEs. The MSME -related provisions in this 
chapter revolve around a cooperation framework aimed at developing MSMEs based on the 7 
pillars of MSME development. These five RTAs do not h ave MSME -related provisions in their 
chapter on cooperation, but rather elaborate on their cooperation framework in this stand -alone 
chapter on MSMEs. Arguably, a stand -alone chapter on MSMEs adds greater visibility, and thus 
predictability, for MSMEs. Com plementing the cooperation framework, some of these RTAs 
elaborate upon the pillar of access to regulatory information by requiring governments to make a 
website available containing information designed for MSMEs in the RTA. Lastly, a few RTAs 
specify tha t disputes related to provisions in the chapter on MSMEs cannot be resolved through 
the dispute settlement mechanism built in the RTA, but rather through dialogue, consultations 
and cooperation. This section is divided into three parts, namely, the coopera tion framework, the 
publicly available website containing RTA provisions relevant to MSMEs, and the resolution of 
disputes about provisions in the chapter on MSMEs.  
 
COOPERATION ON MSMES  
43.  The standalone chapter on MSMEs establishes a cooperation framework comprising the 7 pillars 
of MSME development. For matters of consistency, the table below highlights the 7 pillars in 
RTA provisions according to the same colour code used in the chapter on cooperation.  
Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
MSME 
development 
through 
investment  in 
human capital 
(in orange ), the 
adoption of 
technology by 
MSMEs  
(in green ), 
investment 
facilitation 
(in red), Business 
partnership 
facilitation 
(in blue), the 
facilitation of 
access to 
regulatory and 
market information 
(in purple ), 
partnerships 
between relevant 
institutions 
(in light blue) 
and through an 
established 
committee ( in 
light orange ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 out of 5 RTAs 
(100%)  "Pursuant to Chapter 13 (Cooperation) of the Basic Agreement, the Parties, 
recognising the fundamental role of small and medium enterprises (hereinafter 
referred to in this Chapter as "SMEs ") in maintai ning dynamism and enhancing 
competitiveness of the economies of the respective Countries, shall foster close 
cooperation between SMEs  of the Countries and cooperate in promoting their 
sustainability and growth. The areas of cooperation under this Chapter i nclude: 
(a) capacity building for SMEs ; (b) promotion of business collaboration  and 
marketing development; (c) strengthening of SMEs management, 
competitiveness  and technological capability;  (d) improvement of 
financial access for SMEs;  e) exchange of information on SMEs policies 
and best practices ; and (f) other areas and forms of cooperation as may be 
agreed upon. The Parties shall encourage business alliances in the areas of 
trade and investment between Japanese and Thai SMEs through business 
matchin g, facilitating networking and other appropriate means  to enhance 
competitiveness, and to increase business opportunities of those SMEs in the 
market of each Country and in the world market  " (Japan – Thailand, Chapter 
11, art.48, 49 and 50)  
 
"Pursuant to Article 157 of the Basic Agreement, a Sub Committee on Small 
and Medium Enterprises  (hereinafter referred to in this Chapter as 
"Sub-Committee ") shall be established . The functions of the Sub -Committee 
shall be: (a) reviewing and discussing iss ues concerning the effective 
implementation and operation of this Chapter; (b) exchanging views and 
information on the promotion and development of cooperation in the field of SMEs; 
(c) identifying and recommending ways for further cooperation between 
the Parties to develop and enhance partnership between Japanese and 
Thai SMEs ; (d) reporting findings and making recommendations to the Joint 
Committee regarding issues related to the implementation and operation of this 
Chapter; (e) discussing other issues re lating to SMEs; and (f) carrying out other 
functions which may be delegated by the Joint Committee.  3. The Sub Committee 
shall comprise the following: (a) for Japan, an official from the Ministry of 
Economy, Trade and Industry, as co -chair; (b) for Thailan d, an official from the 
Office of Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion of the Ministry of Industry, as 
co-chair; and (c) other officials of the Parties with necessary expertise relevant to 
the issues to be discussed. Notwithstanding the paragraph above, r epresentatives 
of relevant entities other than the Parties, including those from the private sector, 
such as, for Japan, the Japan External Trade Organization, and for Thailand, the 
Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Industries, with neces sary 
expertise relevant to the issues to be discussed, may become members of the 
Sub-Committee at the invitation of the Sub -Committee. The Sub -Committee shall 
meet at such venues and times as may be agreed upon " (Japan  - Thailand, 
Chapter 11, art.51)  
 
                                                
13 The list of RTAs is presented in annex II (page 117).  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
 
 
 
MSME 
development 
through 
investment in 
human capital 
(in orange ), the 
adoption of 
technology by 
MSMEs  
(in green ), 
investment 
facilitation 
(in red), Business 
partnership 
facilitation 
(in blue), the 
facilitation of 
access to 
regulatory and 
market information 
(in purple ), 
partnerships 
between relevant 
institutions 
(in light blue) 
and through an 
established 
committee ( in 
light orange ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 "The Parties, recognising the fundamental role of SMEs in maintaining dynamism 
and enhancing competitiveness of the economies of the respective Parties, shall 
foster close cooperation between SMEs  of the Parties and cooperation in 
promoting the growth of and j ob creation by SMEs. The Parties recognise the key 
role of the private sector in carrying out cooperation activities under this Chapter. " 
(Canada – Israel, Chapter 14, art.1)  
 
"The Parties hereby establish a Committee on SMEs  ("the Committee "), 
composed of relevant representatives of each Party . The Committee shall 
normally convene once a year or as decided by the Parties, in person or by any 
other technological means available, to consider any matter arising under this 
Chapter. The Committee sha ll: (a) identify ways to assist SMEs of the Parties to 
take advantage of the commercial opportunities under this Agreement; 
(b) exchange and discuss each Party’s experiences and best practices in 
supporting and assisting SME exporters with respect to, amon g other things, 
training programs, trade education, trade finance, identifying commercial partners 
in the other Party and establishing good business credentials; (c) review and 
coordinate the Committee’s work program with those of other committees, 
subcomm ittees, working groups and other bodies established under this 
Agreement, as well as those of other relevant international bodies, in order not to 
duplicate those work programs and to identify appropriate opportunities for 
cooperation to improve the abilit y of SMEs to engage in commercial opportunities 
provided by this Agreement; (d) discuss current issues relating to SMEs; 
(e) consider any other matter pertaining to SMEs as the Committee may decide, 
including any issues raised with a Party by SMEs regardin g their ability to benefit 
from this Agreement; (f) exchange information to assist in monitoring the 
implementation of this Agreement as it relates to SMEs; and (g) report, and make 
recommendations as appropriate, to the Commission for its consideration on  any 
matter related to this Chapter. 3. The Committee may: (a) develop and promote 
seminars, workshops and other activities to inform SMEs of the opportunities 
available to them under this Agreement as well as its provisions; (b) explore 
opportunities for capacity building to assist the Parties in developing and 
enhancing SME export counselling, assistance and training programs; 
(c) recommend additional information that a Party may include on the website 
referred to in Article 14.2.1; (d) in the performance  of its duties, work with and 
encourage committees, subcommittees, working groups and other bodies 
established under this Agreement to integrate SME -related commitments, 
considerations and activities into their work; and (e) facilitate the development of 
programs to assist SMEs to participate and integrate effectively into global supply 
chains. 4. The Committee may seek to collaborate with SMEs, appropriate experts 
and international organisations in carrying out its programs and activities. 
SME means a smal l and medium -sized enterprise, including a micro -sized 
enterprise " (Canada – Israel, Chapter 14, art.3 and 6)  
 
"The Parties, recognising the fundamental role of small and medium enterprises 
(hereinafter referred to in this Chapter as "SMEs ") in maintaining the dynamism 
of their respective national economies, shall co -operate in promoting close 
co-operation between SMEs  of the Parties. Co -operation between JETRO and 
PSB includes the following (a) promotion of business alliances between 
Singapore and Japanese small and medium enterprises through business 
matching ; (b) development of one -stop information servic es to facilitate 
the efforts of Japanese SMEs to establish operations in Singapore, and the 
efforts of Singapore SMEs to establish operations in Japan ; and 
(c) establishment of a Business Support Centre in Singapore by JETRO . 
The Parties shall, where appro priate, facilitate such co -operation between JETRO 
and PSB. The Parties, recognising the geographical position of Singapore in 
Southeast Asia, shall co-operate in facilitating investments of Japanese 
SMEs  in Singapore , with a view to enabling SMEs of both Parties to co -operate 
in their businesses, especially in Southeast Asia. The Parties shall likewise 
co-operate to facilitate investments of Singapore SMEs in Japan " 
(Japan  – Singapore, Chapter 18, art.129, 130 and 131)   
  
"For the purposes of effective imp lementation of this Chapter (SMEs), a Joint 
Committee on SMEs (hereinafter referred to in this Article as "the Committee ") 
shall be established . The functions of the Committee shall be: (a)reviewing and 
discussing issues concerning the effective implementation of this Chapter; 
(b) exchanging views and information on the promotion of SMEs co -operation; 
(c) identifying and recommending ways of furth er co -operation between the 
Parties; and (d) discussing other issues relating to SMEs co -operation. the Joint 
Committee on SMEs (hereinafter referred to in this Article as "the Committee ") 
shall comprise the following: (a) senior officials from the Ministr y of Economy, 
Trade and Industry of Japan and PSB of Singapore, as co -chairs; (b) for Japan, 
officials from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of 
Foreign Affairs, and other government officials with the necessary expertise 
relevan t to the issues to be discussed, and representatives of JETRO; and (c) for 
Singapore, officials from PSB, and other government officials with the necessary INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
 
 
 
MSME 
development 
through 
investment in 
human capital 
(in orange ), the 
adoption of 
technology by 
MSMEs  
(in green ), 
investment 
facilitation 
(in red), Business 
partnership 
facilitation 
(in blue), the 
facilitation of 
access to 
regulatory and 
market information 
(in purple ), 
partnerships 
between relevant 
institutions 
(in light blue) 
and through an 
established 
committee ( in 
light orange ) 
 
 
 expertise relevant to the issues to be discussed. Representatives of relevant 
entities other than th e Parties, including those from the private sector, with the 
necessary expertise relevant to the issues to be discussed, may participate in the 
Committee by invitation of either Party " (Japan – Singapore, art.132)   
 
"The Parties recognise the importance of  the provisions of this Chapter as well as 
other provisions in this Agreement that seek to enhance cooperation between 
the Parties on matters of relevance to small and medium -sized 
enterprises  (hereinafter referred to in this Chapter as ‘SMEs’) or that may  
otherwise be of particular benefit to SMEs " (EU – Japan, Chapter 20, art.1)   
 
"Each Party shall, upon the entry into force of this Agreement, designate a contact 
point for the implementation of this Chapter (hereinafter referred to in this Chapter 
as "SME Contact Points ") and notify the other Party of the contact details including 
information regarding the relevant officials. The Parties shall promptly notify each 
other of any change of those contact details. 2. The SME Contact Points shall, in 
accordance with each Party's rules and procedures, have the following functions: 
(a) ensuring that the needs of SMEs are taken into account in the implementation 
of this Agreement; (b) considering ways for strengthening the cooperation on 
matters of relevance to SMEs  between the Parties in view of increasing trade and 
investment opportunities for SMEs; (c) identifying ways and exchanging 
information for enabling SMEs of each Party to take advantage of new 
opportunities under this Agreement; (d) monitoring the implemen tation of Article 
20.2 and ensuring that the information provided by each Party is up -to-date and 
relevant for SMEs; (e) regularly submitting a report on their activities and making 
appropriate recommendations to the Joint Committee; and (f) considering an y 
other matter of relevance to SMEs that is covered by this Agreement. 3. The 
SME Contact Points may, in accordance with each Party's rules and procedures, 
recommend to the Joint Committee the inclusion of additional information by the 
Parties in their respective websites referred to in Article. The SME Contact Points 
shall endeavour to  address any other matter of interest to SMEs in connection with 
the implementation of this Agreement, including by: (a) exchanging 
information to assist the Parties in monitoring the implementation of this 
Agreement on matters of relevance to SMEs ; (b) pa rticipating in the work of 
specialised committees and working groups established under this Agreement, 
including matters of regulatory cooperation and non -tariff issues, and presenting 
to those specialised committees and working groups, in their respective  areas of 
competence, specific matters of particular interest to SMEs, while avoiding 
duplication of work; and (c) considering mutually acceptable solutions for 
improving the ability of SMEs to engage in trade and investment between the 
Parties.  5. The SM E Contact Points shall meet when necessary and shall carry out 
their activities through the appropriate communication channels, which may 
include electronic mail, videoconference or other means. 6. The SME Contact 
Points may seek to cooperate with experts in the field of SMEs and external 
organisations, as appropriate, in carrying out their activities " (EU - Japan, 
Chapter 20, art.3)  
 
"The Parties hereby establish a Committee on SMEs  (Committee), composed 
of government representatives of each Party. The Com mittee shall: (a) identify 
ways to assist SMEs of the Parties to take advantage of the commercial 
opportunities under this Agreement; (b) exchange and discuss each Party 's 
experiences and best practices in supporting and assisting SME exporters 
with respec t to, among other things, training programmes, trade 
education, trade finance, identifying commercial partners in other Parties 
and establishing good business credentials ; (c) develop and promote 
seminars, workshops or other activities to inform SMEs of th e benefits 
available to them under this Agreement ; (d) explore opportunities for 
capacity building to assist the Parties in developing and enhancing SME 
export counselling, assistance and training programmes ; (e) recommend 
additional information that a Party may include on the website referred to in Article 
24.1 (Information Sharing); (f) review and coordinate the Committee 's work 
programme with those of other committees, working groups and any subsidiary 
body established under this Agreement, as well as  those of other relevant 
international bodies, in order not to duplicate those work programmes and to 
identify appropriate opportunities for cooperation to improve the ability of SMEs 
to engage in trade and investment opportunities provided by this Agreeme nt; 
(g) facilitate the development of programmes to assist SMEs to participate and 
integrate effectively into the global supply chain; (h) exchange information to 
assist in monitoring the implementation of this Agreement as it relates to 
SMEs ; (i) submit a  report of its activities on a regular basis and make appropriate 
recommendations to the Commission; and (j) consider any other matter pertaining 
to SMEs as the Committee may decide, including any issues raised by SMEs 
regarding their ability to benefit fr om this Agreement " (CPTPP, Chapter 24, 
art.2)  
 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  PUBLICLY AVAILABLE WEBSITE CONTAINING RTA PROVISIONS RELEVANT TO MSMEs  
44.  Through their RTAs, governments have committed themselves to make information related to 
MSMEs in RTAs publicly available on a website. T his transparency obligation enables MSMEs to reap 
the benefits granted by RTAs. The following table illustrates, in purple, these RTA transparency 
obligations.  
Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Transparency of 
RTA´s obligations 
and rights relevant 
to MSMEs (in 
purple)  3 out of 5 RTAs 
(60%)  "Each Party shall establish or maintain its own publicly accessible website 
containing information regarding this Agreement, including: 
(c) information designe d for SMEs that includes: (i) a description of the 
provisions in this Agreement that the Party considers to be of particular 
interest to SMEs; and (ii) any information that the Party considers useful 
for SMEs interested in the opportunities provided by thi s Agreement . Each 
Party should include in the website  links to the: (a) equivalent website of the 
other Party; and (b) websites of its government agencies and other appropriate 
entities that provide information the Party considers useful to any person 
interested in trading or doing business in that Party’s territory. 3. The information 
may include: (h) SME financing programs . 4. When possible, each Party shall 
endeavour to make the information available in English. 5. Each Party should 
endeavour to ensure that the information and links on the website referred to in 
paragraph 1 are current and accurate " (Canada  - Israel, Chapter 14, art.2)  
 
"Each Party shall establish or maintain its own publicly accessible website 
containing information regarding this Agree ment, including: 
(c) information designed for SMEs that contains: (i) a description of the 
provisions in this Agreement that the Party considers to be relevant to 
SMEs; and (ii) any additional information that the Party considers useful 
for SMEs interested  in benefitting from the opportunities provided by this 
Agreement " (CPTPP, Chapter 24, art.1)  
 
"Each Party shall establish or maintain its own publicly accessible website  
containing information regarding this Agreement, including: (a) the text of this 
Agreement, including all Annexes, in particular the tariff schedules and product -
specific rules of origin; (b) a summary of this Agreement; and (c) information 
designed for SMEs that contains: (i) a description of the provisions in this 
Agreement that the Part y considers to be relevant to SMEs; and (ii) any 
additional information that benefitting from the opportunities provided 
by this Agreement.   2. Each Party shall include in the website referred to in 
paragraph 1 links to: (a) the equivalent website of the o ther Party; (b) the 
websites of its government authorities and other appropriate entities that provide 
information the Party considers useful to persons interested in trading, investing, 
or doing business in that Party; and (c) the website of the EU -Japan Centre for 
Industrial Cooperation or of its successor organisation. 3. Each Party shall ensure 
that the linked websites referred to in subparagraph 2(b) provide information 
related to: (a) customs legislation and procedures, as well as a description of the  
procedures, the practical steps, the forms, documents and other information 
required for importation into, exportation from, or transit through the customs 
territory of that Party; (b) laws and regulations, including procedures, concerning 
intellectual pr operty rights; (c) technical regulations and conformity assessment 
procedures; (d) sanitary and phytosanitary measures relevant for importation and 
exportation; (e) publication of notices for government procurement in accordance 
with Article 10.4 as well a s other relevant information; (f) business registration 
procedures; (g) taxes collected during the importation procedures, if applicable; 
and (h) other information which the Party considers to be useful for SME . 
4. Each Party shall include in the website r eferred to in paragraph 1 a link to a 
database that is electronically searchable by tariff nomenclature code and that 
includes, if the Party considers applicable, the following information with respect 
to access to its market: (a) rates of customs duty to be applied by the Party to 
the originating goods of the other Party, the most -favoured -nation applied rates 
of customs duty and tariff rate quotas established by the Party; (b) customs or 
other fees, including product -specific fees, imposed on or in connec tion with 
importation and exportation; (c) other tariff measures; (d) rules of origin; (e) duty 
drawback, deferral or other types of relief that reduce, refund or exempt customs 
duties; (f) criteria used to determine the customs value of goods; (g) country  of 
origin marking requirements, including placement and method of marking; and 
(h) other relevant measures 5. Each Party shall regularly, or when requested by 
the other Party, review the information and links referred to in paragraphs one to 
four to ensure that they are up -to-date and accurate. 6. Each Party shall work 
towards ensuring that information provided pursuant to this Article is 
presented in a manner that is easy to use for SMEs.  Each Party shall 
endeavour to make the information availab le in English. 7. No fee shall be imposed 
on any person of either Party for access to the information provided pursuant to 
paragraphs 1 to 4 " (EU-Japan, Chapter 20, art.2)  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES ON PROVISIONS IN THE CHAPTER OF MSME s 
45.  A few RTAs specify that disputes arising under the chapter on MSMEs cannot be resolved 
through the dispute settlement mechanism built in RTAs, thereby encouraging the resolution of 
disputes through dialogue, consultations and cooperation, as illustrated, in blue, in the following 
table.  
Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Disputes under the 
chapter on MSMEs 
are not resolved 
through the RTA 
dispute settlement 
mechanism 
(in blue)  3 out of 5 RTAs 
(60%)  "No Party shall have recourse to dispute settlement under Chapter 28 
(Dispute Settlement ) for any matter arising under this Chapter " (CPTPP, 
Chapter 24, art.3)   
 
"A Party shall not have recourse to dispute settlement under this 
Agreement  for any matter arising under the Chapter on SMEs " (Canada  - Israel, 
Chapter 20, art.1)   
 
"The provisions of  this Chapter shall not be subject to dispute settlement 
under Chapter 21 " (EU - Japan, Chapter 20, art.3)  
 
 
_______________  
  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  12  LABOUR  
Five RTAs14 contain MSME -related provisions in their Chapter on Labour, or 4% of the total number 
of RTAs with MSME -related provisions. These MSME -related provisions contribute to the general 
objective of the Chapter on Labour, that is, to improve working conditions in accordance with 
international labour standards, as well as to improve labour productivity and business 
competitiveness. These MSME -related provisions are part of a cooperation framework aimed at 
incentivizing MSMEs to adopt best labour practices. Few of  these MSME -related provisions address 
the need for governments to limit the hindrances to the creation and development of MSMEs when 
designing and implementing labour laws and regulations. This section is divided into two parts, 
the first of which describ es the cooperation framework and the second of which relates to labour 
policymaking practices.  
 
COOPERATION FRAMEWORK ON LABOUR  
46.  The cooperation framework of the chapter on labour comprises a programme aiming at 
improving the conditions of workers through the adoption by MSMEs of best labour practices. These 
practices also contribute to improvements in labour productivity and competitiveness of MSMEs. 
A few RTAs provide an illustrative list of the areas of labour practices, including social protecti on 
services, cooperation frameworks between employers and worker representatives, improved 
working conditions and the respect of fundamental rights at work. Ministries or focal points cooperate 
through the exchange of information about best labour practice s and the undertaking of joint 
activities. One RTA does not have a stand -alone chapter on labour. Rather, this RTA addresses 
labour -related policies in its chapter on cooperation.  
47.  The table below classifies the provisions of the RTAs in two categories, nam ely, the objectives 
of the cooperation framework and the forms of cooperation. A colour code is used to highlight similar 
provisions by issue, defined in the left -handed column.  
                                                
14 The list of RTAs is presented in Annex II (pag e 117).  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only ) 
Objectives of the cooperation framework  
Improving labour 
standards with a 
view to enhance 
working conditions 
and to strengthen 
labour productivity 
and business 
competitiveness 
(in blue) including 
reference to the 
ILO Declaration  (in 
green)  4 out of 5 RTAs 
(80%)15 "Recognizing that bilateral cooperation on labor matters will provide enhanced 
opportunities for the Parties to improve labor standards , and to further advance 
their common commitments,  including the ILO Declaration on Fundamental 
Principles and Rights at W ork and its Follow -up (1998) " (US – Chile, 
Chapter 18 art.5); (US – Peru, Chapter 17 art.6)  
 
"The Parties recognise the importance of cooperation as a mechanism for effective 
implementation of this Chapter, to enhance opportunities to improve labour 
standa rds and to further advance common commitments regarding labour 
matters, including  workers’ wellbeing and quality of life and the principles 
and rights stated in the ILO Declaration. Areas of cooperation may include: 
(f) promotion of improvements in busines s and labour productivity, 
particularly in respect of SMEs " (CPTPP, Chapter 19, art.10)  
 
"The Parties’ contact points shall carry out the work of the Labor Cooperation and 
Capacity Building Mechanism  by developing and pursuing bilateral or regional 
cooper ation activities on labor issues, which may include, but need not be limited 
to:  (p) issues related to small, medium, and micro enterprises, and artisans: 
promotion of fundamental rights at work, improvement of working 
conditions , competitiveness, and pro ductivity levels , and public awareness 
of relevant laws " (US - Peru, Chapter 17, art.6)  
 
"The Parties’ labor ministries shall carry out the work of the Labor  Cooperation 
Mechanism by developing and pursuing cooperative activities on labor matters, 
including by working jointly to:(d) exchange information on and encourage best 
labor practices, including best practices adopted by  multinational firms, 
small and me dium enterprises , and other private enterprises, as well as by 
labor organizations " (US - Chile, Chapter 18, art.5)  
 
" Reconociendo el derecho de cada Parte de establecer sus propias normas 
laborales internas y, consecuentemente, de adoptar o modificar su legislación 
laboral, cada Parte procurará garantizar que sus leyes establezcan normas 
laborales consistentes con los derechos laborales internacionalmente reconocidos. 
Las Partes reconocen la importancia de la cooperación bilateral para fortalecer 
las acci ones en materia laboral . En este sentido, las Partes convienen en 
desarrollar actividades en las áreas de cooperación enumeradas en el listada 
siguiente , el cual no tiene carácter excluyente (f) asuntos relativos a la 
pequeña y mediana empresa " (Chile  - Colombia, Chapter 17, art. 3)  
Forms of cooperation  
Cooperation 
through the 
exchange of 
information 
(in green)  and 
the undertaking of 
joint activities 
(in blue)  
 2 out of 5 RTAs 
(40%)  "The Parties have established a Labor Cooperation Mechanism. The Parties’ labor 
ministries shall carry out the work of the Labor Cooperation Mechanism by 
developing and pursuing cooperative activities on labor matters, including by 
working jointly to:(d) exchange information on and encourage best labor 
practices , including best practices adopted by multinational firms, small and 
medium enterprises, and other private enterprises, as well as by labor 
organizations. The Labor Cooperation Mechanism may undertake  cooperative 
activities  on any labor matter it considers appropriate, such as on: (d) issues 
related to small and medium enterprises: promotion of fundamental rights at 
work; improvement of working conditions; forms of cooperation between 
employers and wor ker representatives; and social protection services agreed 
between workers’ organizations and employers or their associations " (US – Chile, 
Chapter 18, art.5)  
 
"The Parties hereby establish a Labor Cooperation and Capacity Building 
Mechanism, as set out in  Annex 17.6. This Mechanism shall operate in a manner 
that respects each Party’s law and sovereignty. The Parties’ contact points shall 
carry out the work of the Labor Cooperation and Capacity Building Mechanism  by 
developing and pursuing bilateral or reg ional cooperation activities on labor 
issues, which may include, but need not be limited to:  (p) issues related to small, 
medium, and micro enterprises, and artisans: promotion of fundamental rights at 
work, improvement of working conditions, competitiven ess, and productivity 
levels, and public awareness of relevant laws " (US – Peru, Chapter 17, art.6)  
 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  LABOUR POLICY MAKING  
48.  When designing and implementing labour laws and regulations, one RTA introduces an 
obligation for governments to minimize hindrances  to the creation and development of MSMEs. This 
RTA´s provision is illustrated in blue in the table below.  
Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Labour policy making practices  
Minimizing 
hindrances to the 
creation and 
development of 
MSMEs when 
designing and 
implementing 
labour laws and 
regulations 
(in blue)  
 1 out of 5 RTAs 
(20%)  "With a view to achieving the objectives of Article 151 (i.e. promotion of 
employment, improved living and working conditions, so as to make possible their 
harmonisation  the improvement is being maintained, proper social protection, 
dialogue between management and labour, the development of human resources 
with a view to lasting high employ ment and the combating of exclusion.), the 
Union shall support the activities of the Member States in the following fields: 
(a) improvement in particular of the working environment to protect workers’ 
health and safety; (b) working conditions; (c) social s ecurity and social protection 
of workers; (d) protection of workers where their employment contract is 
terminated; (e) the information and consultation of workers. To this end, the 
European Parliament and the Council: (b) may adopt, in these fields, by mea ns of 
directives, minimum requirements for gradual implementation, having regard to 
the conditions and technical rules obtaining in each of the Member States. Such 
directives shall avoid imposing administrative, financial and legal 
constraints in a way whi ch would hold back the creation and development 
of small and medium -sized undertakings ". (EU Treaty, Chapter 5 art.153)   
 
 
_______________  
  
                                                
15 One RTA purses a similar objective through its MSME -related provision in its chapter on cooperation. 
This is the Colombia -US RTA (Chapter 17, art.6). This RTA is not included in the 5 RTAs.  
"The Parties’ contact points shall carry out the work of  the Mechanism by developing and pursuing 
bilateral or regional cooperation activities on labor issues, which may include, but need not be limited to: (p) 
issues related to small, medium, and micro -enterprises, and artisans: promotion of fundamental rights  at work, 
improvement of working conditions, competitiveness, and productivity levels, and public awareness of relevant 
laws" ( Colombia -US, Chapter 17, art.6)  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  13  TRANSPARENCY  
Four RTAs16 have MSME -related provisions in their chapter on transparency. Three of these RTAs 
involve  the European Union and stress the principle of transparency and efficiency with respect 
to the regulatory environment with a view to favouring trade and investment. The fourth RTA 
addresses a different issue, which is related to anti -corruption objectives . This RTA calls for the 
support of intermediaries to assist MSMEs to develop internal controls, ethics and compliance 
programmes for preventing and detecting bribery and corruption affecting international trade and 
investment. This section is divided into  two sections, namely, the transparency and efficiency of 
the regulatory environment for trade and investment growth, and the fight against corruption 
affecting international trade and investment . 
 
TRANSPARENCY AND EFFICIENCY OF THE REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT  
49.  The following table illustrates, in blue, the RTA provisions introducing the principles of 
transparency and efficiency with respect to governments ' regulatory environment.  
Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original languag e only)  
Regulatory environment for MSMEs  
 
Establishing and 
maintaining a 
predictable and 
efficient regulatory 
environment for 
trade and 
investment growth 
(in blue)  
  
3 out of 4 RTAs 
(75%)   
"Recognising the impact which regulatory environment may have on trade and 
investment between the Parties, th e Parties shall provide a predictable 
regulatory environment for economic operators and efficient procedures , 
including for small and medium -sized enterprises, taking due account of the 
requirements of legal certainty and proportionality " (EU - Georgia, Chapter 12, 
art.220)  
 
"Recognising the impact which its regulatory environment may have on trade and 
investment between the Parties, each Party shall provide for a transparent 
regulatory environment, which is effective and predictable  for persons 
including economic operators, especially small and medium -sized enterprises " 
(EU - Japan, Chapter 17, art.2)  
 
"Cognisant of the impact which their respective regulatory environment may have 
on trade between them, the Parties shall establish and maintain an  effective 
and predictable regulatory environment for economic operators  doing 
business in their territory, especially small ones, due account being taken of the 
requirements of legal certainty and proportionality " (EU - Ukraine, Chapter 12, 
art.282)  
 
 
 
_______________  
 
 
FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION AFFECTING INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INVESTMENT  
50.  The following table highlights, in blue, the RTA provision aiming at fighting corruption affecting 
international trade or investment through the adoption of internal controls, ethics and compliance 
programmes by MSMEs.  
 
 
 
 
                                                
16 The list of RTAs is presented in Annex II (page 117).  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Fight against corruption affecting international trade and investment  
 
Adoption of 
internal controls, 
ethics and 
compliance 
programmes by 
MSMEs (in blue)  
 
  
1 out of 4 RTAs 
(25%)   
"Each Party shall take appropriate measures, within its means and in accordance 
with fundamental principles of its legal system, to promote the act ive 
participation of individuals and groups outside the public sector, such as 
enterprises, civil society, non-governmental  organisations and 
community -based organisations, in the prevention of and the fight 
against corruption in matters affecting international trade or investment , 
and to raise public awareness regarding the existence, causes and gravity of, and 
the threat pos ed by, corruption. To this end, a Party may: (b) adopt or maintain 
measures to encourage professional associations and other non -governmental 
organisations, if appropriate, in their efforts to encourage and assist 
enterprises, in particular SMEs, in develo ping internal controls, ethics and 
compliance programmes or measures for preventing and detecting 
bribery and corruption in international trade and investment " (CPTPP, 
Chapter 26, art.10)  
 
 
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  14  ENVIRONMENT  
Two RTAs17 have a standalone chapter on environment that includes MSME -related provisions. 
The general objective of this chapter is the protection of the environment through trade and the 
promotion of environmentally friendly trade practices. In order to achieve this object ive, one RTA 
establishes a specific cooperation framework to facilitate the adoption of sound environmental 
practices and technologies by MSMEs. Another RTA stresses the need to consider MSMEs when 
regulating fisheries subsidies given these subsidies can l ead to overfishing and overcapacity, as 
well as illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This section is divided into two parts, 
one of which relates to the cooperation framework and the other deals with fisheries subsidies 
management . 
 
COOPERAT ION 
51.  Cooperation in the field of environmental protection as it relates to MSMEs is included in one 
FTA. The following table illustrates, in blue, the RTA provision promoting the use of sound 
environmental practices and technologies by MSMEs. Two other RTAs  include MSME -related 
provisions about environmental issues in their chapter on cooperation, but they are not mentioned 
here. 
Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Adoption of sound 
environmental 
practices and 
technologies by 
MSMEs (in blue)  1 out of 2 RTAs 
(50%)18 "The objectives of this Chapter are to contribute to the Parties’ efforts to ensure 
that trade and environmental policies are mutually supportive and to 
collaboratively promote the optimal use of resources in accordance with the 
objective of sustainable development; and to strive to strengthen the links 
between the Parties’ trade and environment policies and practices to further the 
trade expanding goals of this Agreement, including through promoting non -
discriminatory measures, avoiding disguised barriers to trade, and eliminating 
trade distortions where the result can directly benefit both trade and the 
environment. The Parties recognize the importance of s trengthening capacity to 
protect the environment and promote sustainable development in concert with 
strengthening trade and investment relations between them.  Cooperation under 
the Cooperation Agreement may include work in the following fields of activit y: 
(a) improving capacity to achieve environmental compliance assurance, including 
enforcement and voluntary environmental stewardship; (b) encouraging small - 
and medium -size enterprises to adopt sound environmental practices and 
technologies " (US – Chile,  Chapter 19, art.5)  
 
FISHERIES SUBSIDIES MANAGEMENT  
52.  When regulating fisheries subsidies, governments may take into account  that the marine 
fisheries industry is a key contributor to national and local economic development, particularly due 
to the high presence of MSMEs. The following table illustrates, in blue, the RTA provision recalling 
the importance to consider the develo pment of fishing communities characterized by small business 
when regulating fisheries  subsidies.  
 
                                                
17 The list of RTAs is featured in Annex II (page 117).  
18 Two RTAs have a similar provision in their chapter on cooperation. These RTAs include the RTA 
between El Salvador – Ecuador (Chapter 9, art.4) and between Japan -Peru (Chapter 14, art.201). More 
inform ation regarding the environmental considerations of these two RT As are available below . 
"Las Partes podrán: (b) analizar mecanismos de profundización que les permita promover el acceso 
mutuo o conjunto ante terceros a programas en materia ambiental, según sus modalidades específicas, 
incluyendo programas de producción ambientalmente limpias en las pequeñas unidades productivas, Aepys y 
Mipymes" (El Salvador -Ecuador, Chapter 9, art.4)  
"The areas of cooperation under this Article may include (iv) promoting en vironmental protection 
through environmentally sound technologies" (Japan -Peru, Chapter 14, art.201) see also page 8 for the full 
version of the RTA provision  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Consideration of 
MSMEs when 
regulating the 
marine fisheries 
sector (in blue)   1 out of 2 RTAs 
(50%)  "The Parties acknowledge their role as major consumers, producers and traders of 
fisheries products and the importance of the marine fisheries sector to the ir 
development and to the livelihoods of their fishing communities, including 
artisanal or small -scale fisheries ". In this regard, the Parties acknowledge that 
inadequate fisheries management, fisheries subsidies that contribute to 
overfishing and overcapa city, and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) 
fishing can have significant negative impacts on trade, development and the 
environment and recognise the need for individual and collective action to address 
the problems of overfishing and unsustainable  utilisation of fisheries resources " 
(CPTPP, Chapter 20, art. 16)  
 
 
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  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  15  COMPETITION  
Two RTAs19 mention MSMEs in their chapter on competition when dealing with state aid. One of 
these RTAs clarifies that subsidies for MSMEs are compatible with the effective functioning of the 
RTA. The other RTA specifies that subsidies for MSMEs, including subsidies for covering debts or 
liabilities of MSMES or subsidies to insolvent or ailing MSMEs without a credible retraction plan, 
are compati ble with the Subsidies and Countervailing Agreement, provided that criteria for 
eligibility to said subsidies are neutral, non -discriminatory, written in a legal or regulatory 
document, economic in nature, horizontally applied and granted automatically.  
 
STATE AID FOR MSMEs  
53.  The following table illustrates, in blue, the RTA provisions enabling governments to provide 
subsidies for MSMEs.  
Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
State aid for MSMEs  
 
Subsidies to 
MSMEs for 
covering debts or 
liabilities without 
limitation or 
without a credible 
restructuring plan 
are possible 
provided that the 
conditions set out 
in article 2.1(b) of 
the SCM 
Agreement are 
respected 
(in blue)   
2 out of 2 RTAs 
(100%)   
" In so far as it may affect trade between the Community and South Africa, public 
aid favouring certain firms or the production of certain goods, which distorts or 
threatens to distort competition, and which does not support a specific public 
policy objecti ve or objectives of either Party, is incompatible with the proper 
functioning of this Agreement. The Parties agree that it is in their interests to 
ensure that public aid is granted in a fair, equitable and transparent manner. 
Without prejudice to the Part ies' rights and obligations in terms of their respective 
laws and international commitments, and to the measures taken by the Parties in 
implementation of Article 41 of this Agreement, it is accepted that: (b) Public aid 
provided , for example, by way of pr ogrammes or schemes in support of public 
objectives such as , inter alia, regional development, industrial restructuring and 
development, promotion of the micro enterprises and small and medium -
sized enterprises , the advancement of previously disadvantaged persons or 
affirmative action programmes is, as a general rule, compatible with the 
proper functioning of this Agreement ." (EU - South Africa, Chapter 3, 
art. 41) 
 
" The following subsidies shall be deemed to be specific under the conditions of 
Article 2 o f the SCM Agreement and shall be prohibited for the purposes of this 
Agreement in so far as they adversely affect international trade of the Parties. 
(a) subsidies granted under any legal arrangement whereby a government or any 
public body is responsible f or covering debts or liabilities of certain enterprises 
within the meaning of Article 2.1 of the SCM Agreement without any limitation, in 
law or in fact, as to the amount of those debts and liabilities or the duration of 
such responsibility; and (b) subsid ies (such as loans and guarantees, cash grants, 
capital injections, provision of assets below market prices or tax exemptions) to 
insolvent or ailing enterprises, without a credible restructuring plan based on 
realistic assumptions with a view to ensuring the return of the insolvent or ailing 
enterprise within a reasonable period of time to long -term viability and without 
the enterprise significantly contributing itself to the costs of restructuring. This 
does not prevent the Parties from providing subsidie s by way of temporary liquidity 
support in the form of loan guarantees or loans limited to the amount needed to 
merely keep an ailing enterprise in business for the time necessary to work out a 
restructuring or liquidation plan.  For the purposes of this A greement,  subsidies 
for small and medium -sized enterprises granted in accordance with 
objective criteria or conditions as provided for in Article 2.1 (b) and 
footnote 2 attached thereto of the SCM Agreement shall not be subject to 
this Article ". (EU - Kore a, Republic of, Chapter 11, art.11)  
 
  
                                                
19 The list of RTAs is presented in Annex II (page 117).  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  16  TRADE IN GOODS  
Two RTAs20 grant preferential treatment in terms of customs duties to goods produced by MSMEs.  
 
PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT FOR MSME -PRODUCED GOODS  
54.  The following table illustrates, in blue, the RTA provisions providing preferential customs duty 
rates applicable to goods produced by MSMEs.  
Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Preferential treatment for goods produced by MSMEs  
 
Preferential 
customs duty rates 
applicable to goods 
produced by 
MSMEs (in blue)  
  
2 out of 2 RTAs 
(100%)   
" Notwithstanding the provisions of Article III and subject to such exceptions as 
may be made after consultation with His Majesty’s Government of Nepal, the 
Government of India agree to promote the industrial development of Nepal 
through the grant on the ba sis of non -reciprocity of specially favorable 
treatment to imports into India  of industrial products manufactured in Nepal 
in respect of customs duty and quantitative restrictions normally applicable to 
them.  On the basis of a Certificate issued, for each consignment of articles 
manufactured in the small -scale units in Nepal , by His Majesty’s Government 
of Nepal, that the relevant conditions applicable to the articles manufactured in 
similar Small Scale Industrial units in India for relief in the levy of ap plicable Excise 
Duty rates are fulfilled for such a parity, Government of India will extend parity in 
the levy of Additional Duty on such Nepalese articles  equal to the treatment 
provided in the levy of effective Excise Duty on similar Indian articles unde r the 
Indian Customs and Central Excise Tariff. However, this facility will be applicable 
only to articles manufactured in Nepal in such small scale units which qualify as 
small scale units under the Nepalese Industrial Policy as on 5th December, 2001. 
The "Additional Duty " rates equal to the effective Indian excise duty rates 
applicable to similar Indian products under the Indian Customs Central Excise 
Tariff will continue to be levied on the imports into India of products manufactured 
in the medium and la rge scale units in Nepal. In regard to additional duty collected 
by the Government of India in respect of manufactured articles other than those 
manufactured in "small " units; Wherever it is established that the cost of 
production of an article is higher i n Nepal than the cost of production in a 
corresponding unit in India, a sum representing such difference in the cost of 
production, but not exceeding 25 per cent of the "additional duty " collected by the 
Government of India, will be paid to His Majesty’s G overnment of Nepal provided 
His Majesty’s Government of Nepal have given assistance to the same extent to 
the (manufacturers) exporters. " (India  - Nepal, no chapter, art.5)  
 
"CONSIDERANDO Que en la actualización del Régimen General de Origen de la 
Asociaci ón, el Comité de Representantes procurará tratamientos específicos y 
más favorables para los bienes producidos por los PMDER por los 
pequeños productores, incluidas las MIPYMES , RESUELVE -> Encomendar al 
Comité de Representantes actualizar el Régimen General de Origen de la 
Asociación el cual constituirá, siempre que las Partes así lo acuerden, el marco 
normativo aplicable, de la forma más amplia posible, a los Acuerdos suscrito s en 
la ALADI y teniendo en cuenta los principios establecidos en el Artículo 3 del 
Tratado de Montevideo 1980. " (Latin American Integration Association, 
RESOLUCIÓN 65 (XV) del 29 de abril de 2009)  
 
 
 
_______________  
  
                                                
20 The list of RTAs is presented in Annex II (page 117).  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  17  REGULATORY COHERENCE  
One RTA21 discusses MSMEs and good regulatory practices in its standalone chapter on regulatory 
coherence. These MSME -related provisions encourage governments to take into account the 
potential impacts on MSMEs when undertaking regulatory impact assessments. In addi tion, these 
MSME -related provisions require governments to consult with foreign MSMEs when designing and 
implementing cooperation activities, an ex -ante regulatory impact assessment.  
 
REGULATORY IMPACT ASSESSMENTS: IMPACTS ON MSMEs  
55.  The following table ill ustrates, in blue, the RTA provision encouraging governments to take into 
consideration the potential impacts of MSMEs when undertaking regulatory impact assessments. 
Another RTA also encourages governments to consider the potential impacts on MSMEs when 
undertaking regulatory impact assessments, however this MSME -related provision is located in the 
chapter on cooperation.  
Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Regulatory assessment impacts  
 
Governments may 
take into 
consideration the 
potential impacts 
on MSMEs when 
undertaking 
regulatory impact 
assessments 
(in blue)  
  
1 out of 1 RTA 
(100%)22  
"To assist in designing a measure to best achieve the Party’s objective, each Party 
should generally encourage relevant regulatory agencies , consistent with its 
laws and regulations, to conduct regulatory impact assessments  when 
developing proposed covered regulatory measures that exceed a 
threshold of economic impact , or other regulatory impact, where appropriate, 
as established by the Party. Regulatory impact assessments may encompass a 
range of procedures to determine possible impacts. When conducting reg ulatory 
impact assessments, a Party may take into consideration the potential 
impact of the proposed regulation on SMEs " (CPTPP, Chapter 25, art. 25)  
 
 
CONSULTATION WITH MSMEs IN DESIGNING AND IMPLEMENTING COOPERATION 
ACTIVITIES  
56.  The following table illustrates, in blue, the RTA provision requiring governments to consult with 
foreign MSMEs when designing and implementing cooperation activities.  
Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
Good practices when designing and implementing cooperative activities  
Consultation with 
foreign MSMEs in 
the process of 
planning, 
designing, issuing, 
implementing and 
reviewing 
regulatory 
measures 
(in blue)  
 1 out of 1 RTA 
(100%)  "For the purposes of this Chapter, regulatory coherence refers to the use of good 
regulatory practices in the process of planning, designing, issuing, implementing 
and reviewing regulatory measures in order to facilitate achievement of domestic 
policy objec tives, and in efforts across governments to enhance regulatory 
cooperation in order to further those objectives and promote international trade 
and investment, economic growth and employment. 2. The Parties affirm the 
importance of: (a) sustaining and enha ncing the benefits of this Agreement 
through regulatory coherence in terms of facilitating increased trade in goods and 
services and increased investment between the Parties; (b) each Party’s sovereign 
right to identify its regulatory priorities and establ ish and implement regulatory 
measures to address these priorities, at the levels that the Party considers 
appropriate; (c) the role that regulation plays in achieving public policy objectives; 
(d) taking into account input from interested persons in the de velopment of 
regulatory measures; and (e) developing regulatory cooperation and capacity 
building between the Parties. (Cooperation) 1. The Parties shall cooperate in order 
to facilitate the implementation of this Chapter and to maximise the benefits 
arising from it. Cooperation activities shall take into consideration  each Party’s 
needs, and may include: (a) information exchanges, dialogues or meetings with 
other Parties; (b) information exchanges, dialogues or meetings with 
interested persons, including w ith SMEs, of other Parties;  (c) training 
                                                
21 This RTA is included in the Annex II, which gives an overview of RTAs by chapter (page 93).  
22 Another RTA has the same provision in its chapter on cooperation, as follows:  
"When carrying out an impact assessment, the regulatory authority of each Party shall establish and maintain 
processes and mechanisms under which the following factors will be taken into consideration: (c) to the extent 
possible and relevant, the potential social, economic and environmental impact of those alternatives, including 
on trade and on small and medium -sized enterprises" (EU -Japan, Chapter 18, art.8) . INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  Issues  Number of 
RTAs dealing 
with such 
issues  Text (In Original language only)  
programmes, seminars and other relevant assistance; (d) strengthening 
cooperation and other relevant activities between regulatory agencies; and 
(e) other activities that Parties may agree. 2. The Parties further re cognise that 
cooperation between Parties on regulatory matters can be enhanced through, 
among other things, ensuring that each Party’s regulatory measures are centrally 
available " (CPTPP, Chapter 25, art. 5)  
 
 
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  ANNEX I  
 
List of the 153 notified RTAs with MSME -related language, organized by chapter and issues 
addressed in each chapter  
 
Note: The page number points to the RTA provision associated with a given chapter and issue.  
 
RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
Andean 
Community  01/10/1990  2 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
adoption of technology & MSME 
development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms & MSME 
development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for f inancing investments 
& MSME development through 
human resource development  21 
ASEAN - Australia 
- New Zealand  08/04/2010  1 E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  53 
Forms of cooperation - Technical 
assistance, such as studies and 
training activities, to facilitate 
the use of e -commerce by 
MSMEs  55 
ASEAN - China  21-Sep-2005(G)  / 
26-Jun-2008(S)  1 Cooperation  One area of cooperation 
concerning MSME -related affairs  29 
ASEAN - India  19-Aug-2010(G)  / 
20-Aug-2015(S)  2 Cooperation  One area of cooperation 
concerning MSME -related affairs  29 
Trade in Services  Limitations on market access 
commitments for the supply of 
services through commercial 
presence -> Mandatory supply of 
specific services to MSMEs  57 
ASEAN - Japan  23/11/2009  1 Cooperation  MSME development through 
human resource development  19 
ASEAN - Korea, 
Republic of  08/07/2010  3 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms & MSME 
development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for financing investments 
& MSME development through 
the facilitation of partnerships 
between  (i) government  
agencies,  (ii) intermediaries 
providing assistance to 
MSMEs,  and (iii) public -private 
partnerships  15 
Trade in Services  Limitations on national treatment 
-> Mandatory establishment of a 
local advisory board composed of 
MSME  experts for the supply of 
specific services  58 
Limitations on horizontal 
commitments for the supply of 
services through commercial 
presence -> Favourable fiscal 
measures applicable to services 
MSME suppliers  56 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
ASEAN Free Trade 
Area (AFTA)  30/10/1992  1 Customs and 
trade facilitation  Simplification of procedures for 
imports and exports of products  60 
Australia - Chile  03/03/2009  4 Government 
Procurement  Facilitation of access to 
government procurements 
through scheduling exemptions 
of government measures or 
preferences from the scope of 
application of the Chapter on 
Government procurement  30 
Forms of cooperation -> 
Cooperation through the 
exchange of information on how 
to facilitate MSME -access to 
government procurement 
markets   39 
Cooperation  MSME development through the 
adoption of technology &  MSME  
development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms  25 
Investment  Limitations on market access 
commitments -> Access to 
small -scale markets is 
contingent upon registration, 
which is open only to natural 
persons and foreign natural 
persons with a permanent 
residency or legal persons owned 
or controlled by such natural 
persons  44 
Australia - Papua 
New Guinea 
(PATCRA), 
amended  20/09/1991  1 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms & MSME 
development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between (i)  government 
agencies,  (ii) intermediaries 
providing assistance to MSMEs, 
and (iii) public -private 
partnershi ps & MSME 
development through human 
resource development  11 
Brunei Darussalam 
- Japan  31/07/2008  1 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms  23 
Canada - Chile  30/07/1997  1 Trade in services  Limitations on market access 
commitments for the supply of 
services through commercial 
presence -> Registration 
available only to nationals or 
residents  57 
Canada - Colombia  07/10/2011  5 Government 
Procurement  Facilitation of access to 
government procurements 
through scheduling exemptions 
of government measures or 
preferences from the scope of 
application of the Chapter on 
Government procurement  30 
Use of set -asides to MSMEs to 
facilitate their participation in 
government procurement 
markets  32 
Use of measures facilitating sub -
contracting and transfer of 
technology  34 
Use of exclusive rights for 
MSMEs to supply a good or a 
service to facilitate their 
participation in government 
procurement markets  35 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 87 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
Cooperation  Contribution of MSME -
development to the general 
objectives of cooperation  28 
E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  53 
Administration of 
the Agreement  RTA impact assessment -> 
Assessment of the impacts of the 
RTA on MSMEs  68 
RTA impact assessment -> 
Consideration of inputs received 
from MSMEs when assessing the 
impacts of RTAs on them  68 
Canada - 
Honduras  05/11/2013  2 E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  52 
Canada - Israel  15/01/1997  9 E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  53 
IP Transparency of procedures to 
acquire intellectual property -> 
Obligation to publish any 
provision that is relevant to 
MSMEs to acquire intellectual 
property rights  66 
MSMEs  MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to 
regulatory information, 
particularly via a website 
containing RTA provisions related 
to MSMEs in the RTA  72 
MSME development through 
business partnership facilitation 
& MSME development through an 
established committee  70 
Resolution of disputes arising 
under the chapter on MSMEs 
through dialogue, consultations 
and cooperation, but not the 
dispute settlement mechanism 
built in the RTA  73 
Canada - Korea, 
Republic of  22/09/2014  1 E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  53 
Canada - Panama  14/05/2010  3 E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  52 
Forms of cooperation - Exchange 
of information about laws, 
regulations, programmes and 
best practices in relation to the 
use of e -commerce by MSMEs  54 
Government 
Procurement   Use of price preferences for 
MSMEs to facilitate their 
participation in government 
procurement markets  34 
Transparency procedures 
regarding preferences for MSMEs 
-> Notification and/or 
consultation requirements for 
granting MSME preferences by a 
Party 36 
Forms of cooperation -> 
Cooperation through 
the establishment of a 
Committee or a focal point in 
charge of MSME -related issues  39 
Canada - Peru  31/07/2009  4 Cooperation  Contribution of MSME 
development to the general 
objectives of cooperation  28 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 88 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  53 
Government 
Procurement  Facilitation of access to 
government procurements 
through scheduling exemptions 
of government measures or 
preferences from the scope of 
application of the Chapter on 
Government procurement  31 
Use of set -asides for MSMEs to 
facilitate their participation in 
government procurement 
markets  32 
Canada - Ukraine  11/07/2016  1 Cooperation  Contribution of MSME 
development to the general 
objectives of cooperation  28 
Caribbean 
Community and 
Common Market  14-Oct-1974(G) / 
19-Feb-2003(S)  2 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for financing investments 
& MSME development through 
the facilitation of access to 
markets and/or regulatory 
information & MSME 
development through the 
adoption of technology  18 
Chile - China  20-Jun-2007(G) / 
18-Nov-2010(S)  1 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms & MSME 
development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for financing investments 
& MSME development through 
the adoption of technology & 
MSME development through 
human resource development & 
MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to markets 
and/or regulatory information  13 
Chile - Colombia  14/08/2009  6 Cooperation   MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms  14 
MSME development through 
human resource development & 
MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to market 
and/or regulatory information & 
MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between (i) government 
agencies, (ii) intermediaries 
providing assistance to MSMEs, 
and (iii) public -private 
partnerships  14 
Labor  Objectives of the cooperation 
framework - Improving labour 
standards with a view to 
enhance working conditions and 
to strengthen labour productivity 
and business competitiveness  75 
Government 
Procurement  Facilitation of access to 
government procurements 
through scheduling exemptions 
of government measures or 
preferences from the scope of 
application of the Chapter on 
Government procurement  30 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 89 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
Use of measures facilitating sub -
contracting and transfer of 
technology  35 
Use of exclusive rights for 
MSMEs to supply a good or a 
service to facilitate their 
participation in government 
procurement markets  35 
Cooperation through the 
establishment of a Committee or 
a focal point in charge of MSME -
related issues  40 
E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  53 
Chile - Japan  24/08/2007  1 Trade in Services  Limitations on market access 
commitments for the supply of 
services through commercial 
presence -> Registration 
available only to nationals or 
residents  57 
Chile - Malaysia  13/11/2010  1 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms & MSME 
development through human 
resource development  26 
Chile - Thailand  04/10/2013  2 Cooperation  MSME development through 
human resource development  26 
Objectives of the cooperation 
framework -> Facilitating the 
use of e -commerce by MSMEs  52 
Chile - Viet Nam  11/11/2011  1 Cooperation  MSME development through 
human resource development  26 
China - Costa Rica  27/02/2012  1 Cooperation  MSME development through 
human resource development  23 
China - Hong 
Kong, China  29/06/2003  1 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms & MSME 
development through human 
resource development & MSME 
development through the 
facilitation of access to markets 
and/or regulatory information & 
MSME development through the  
facilitation of partnerships 
between (i) government 
agencies, (ii)  intermediaries 
providing assistance to MSMEs, 
and (iii) public -private 
partnerships & MSME 
development through the 
establishment of a committee 
under a cooperation framework 
to monitor and  evaluate MSME 
cooperation programmes  15 
China - Korea, 
Republic of  01/06/2015  2 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms & MSME 
development through human 
resource development & MSME 
development through the 
facilitation of access to markets 
and/or regulatory information & 
MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between (i) government 
agencies, (ii)  intermediaries 
providing assistance to MSMEs, 
and ( iii) public -private 
partnerships & MSME 15 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 90 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
development through the 
establishment of a committee 
under a cooperation framework 
to monitor and evaluate MSME 
cooperation programmes & 
MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities  or to 
credits for financing investments  
Investment  Limitations on national treatment 
commitments -> Subsidies 
favouring local MSMEs for 
economic development and/or 
social policy  48 
China - Macao, 
China  27/12/2003  1 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms & MSME 
development through human 
resource development & MSME 
development through the 
facilitation of access to markets 
and/or regulatory information & 
MSME  development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between (i) government 
agencies, (ii)  intermediaries 
providing assistance to MSMEs, 
and (iii) public -private 
partnerships & MSME 
development through the 
establishment of a committee 
under a cooperation framework 
to monitor and evaluate MSME 
cooperation programmes  15 
China - New 
Zealand  21/04/2009  2 Cooperation  MSME development through 
human resource development & 
MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to markets 
and/or regulatory information & 
MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between (i) government 
agencies, (ii)  intermediaries 
providing assistance to MSMEs, 
and (iii) public -private 
partnerships  15 
Colombia - Mexico  13/06/1994  1 Government 
Procurement  Transparency procedures 
regarding preferences to MSMEs 
-> Notification and/or 
consultation requirements for 
granting MSME preferences by a 
Party 37 
Forms of cooperation -> 
Cooperation through the 
exchange of information on how 
to facilitate MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets   38 
Cooperation through the 
establishment of a Committee or 
a focal point in charge of MSME -
related issues  40 
Cooperation through the 
provision of technical assistance 
to government personnel or to 
MSMEs  41 
Facilitation of MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets through the use of 
information and communication 
technologies  43 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 91 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
Colombia - 
Northern Triangle 
(El Salvador, 
Guatemala, 
Honduras)  09/08/2007  7 E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  53 
Administration of 
the Agreement  RTA impact assessment -> 
Assessment of the impacts of the 
RTA on MSMEs  67 
Investment  Limitations on market access 
commitments -> Access to 
small -scale sectors is granted 
upon the establishment of a local 
MSME, which is owned or 
controlled by domestic legal or 
natural persons  46 
Limitations on market access 
commitments -> Restrictions on 
the share of foreign capital in 
MSMEs in all or specific sectors  47 
Government 
Procurement  Facilitation of access to 
government procurements 
through scheduling exemptions 
of government measures or 
preferences from the scope of 
application of the Chapter on 
Government procurement  31 
Use of price preferences to 
MSMEs to facilitate their 
participation in government 
procurement markets  34 
Use of exclusive rights for MSME 
to supply a good or a service to 
facilitate their participation in 
government procurement 
markets  35 
Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms & MSME 
development through human 
resource development & MSME 
development through the 
facilitation of access to markets 
and/or regulatory i nformation & 
MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between (i) government 
agencies, (ii)  intermediaries 
providing assistance to MSMEs, 
and (iii) public -private 
partnerships & MSME 
development through the 
adoption of technology  16 
Common Market 
for Eastern and 
Southern Africa 
(COMESA)  04/05/1995  5 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms & MSME 
development through human 
resource development & MSME 
developme nt through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for financing investments  22 
Commonwealth of 
Independent 
States (CIS)  29/06/1999  1 Customs and 
trade facilitation  Simplification of customs 
declaration  62 
Comprehensive 
and Progressive 
Agreement for 20/12/2018  19 Customs and 
trade facilitation  Simplification of the collection of 
customs duties for express 
shipments  62 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 92 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
Trans -Pacific 
Partnership 
(CPTPP)  
Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between (i)  government 
agencies, (ii) intermediaries 
providing assistance to MSMEs, 
and (iii) public -private 
partnerships & MSME 
development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for finan cing investments  25 
E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  53 
Environment  Consideration of MSMEs when 
regulating fisheries subsidies, 
which lead to overfishing and 
overcapacity, and illegal, 
unreported and unregulated 
fishing  80 
Government 
Procurement  Transparency procedures 
regarding preferences to MSMEs 
-> Transparency of criteria of 
eligibility to MSME preferences  37 
Cooperation with a view to 
facilitating MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets  38 
Cooperation through the 
establishment of a Committee or 
a focal point in charge of MSME -
related issues  40 
Facilitation of MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets through transparency 
mechanism enhancing access to 
relevant information for them  42 
Facilitation of MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets through the use of 
information and communication 
technologies  42 
IP Forms of cooperation -> 
Facilitating contacts and 
exchange of information 
between intellectual property 
offices, academic institutions and 
other entities involved in the 
protection and development of 
intellectual property  64 
Forms of cooperation -> The 
provision of technical and 
financial assistance to MSMEs  65 
Labor  Objectives of the cooperation 
framework - Improving labour 
standards with a view to 
enhance working conditions and 
to strengthen labour productivity 
and business competitiveness  75 
Regulatory 
Coherence  Governments may take into 
consideration the potential 
impacts of MSMEs when 
undertaking regulatory impact 
assessments  83 
Consultation with foreign MSMEs 
in the process of planning, 
designing, issuing, implementing 
and reviewing regulatory 
measures  84 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 93 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
MSMEs  MSME development through 
business partnership facilitation, 
the facilitation of access to 
regulatory information, 
particularly via a website 
containing RTA provisions related 
to MSMEs and through an 
established committee.  71-72 
Resolution of disputes arising 
under the chapter on MSMEs 
through dialogue, consultations 
and cooperation, but not the 
dispute settlement mechanism 
built in the RTA  73 
Transparency  Fight against corruption affecting 
international trade and 
investment through the adoption 
of internal controls, ethics and 
compliance programmes by 
MSMEs  78 
Costa Rica - 
Colombia  22/05/2013  5 Administration of 
the Agreement  RTA impact assessment -> 
Assessment of the impacts of the 
RTA on MSMEs  67 
E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  53 
Government 
Procurement  Facilitation of access to 
government procurements 
through scheduling exemptions 
of government measures or 
preferences from the scope of 
application of the Chapter on 
Government procurement  31 
Investment  Limitations on market access 
commitments -> Access to 
small -scale sectors is restricted 
to suppliers other than MSME 
suppliers  46 
Trade in Services  Limitations on national treatment 
commitments for the supply of 
services through commercial 
presence -> Access to special 
procedures when supplying 
specific services to MSMEs  57 
Costa Rica - Peru  26/05/2011  4 Administration of 
the Agreement  RTA impact assessment -> 
Assessment of the impacts of the 
RTA on MSMEs  67 
Government 
Procurement  Cooperation with a view to 
facilitating MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets   38 
Partnership between MSMEs for 
the joint participation in 
tendering procedures to increase 
their participation in government 
procurement markets  43 
IP Objective of the cooperation 
framework -> Stimulating the 
creation and exploitation of 
intellectual property by MSMEs, 
which, in turn, enhance 
competitiveness  63 
Forms of cooperation -> 
Facilitating contacts and 
exchange of information 
between intellectual property 
offices, academic institutions and 
other entities involved in the 
protection and development of 
intellectual property  65 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 94 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
Costa Rica - 
Singapore  06/04/2010  3 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms & MSME 
development through the 
facilitation  of partnerships 
between (i) government 
agencies, (ii) intermediaries 
providing assistance to MSMEs, 
and (i ii) public -private 
partnerships  16 
E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  53 
Government 
Procurement  Facilitation of access to 
government procurements 
through scheduling exemptions 
of government measures or 
preferences from the scope of 
application of the Chapter on 
Government procurement  32 
Dominican 
Republic - Central 
America  06/01/2012  1 Government 
Procurement  Cooperation through the 
establishment of a Committee or 
a focal point in charge of MSME -
related issues  40 
Dominican 
Republic - Central 
America - United 
States Free Trade 
Agreement 
(CAFTA -DR) 17/03/2006  2 E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  52 
Government 
Procurement  Facilitation of access to 
government procurements 
through scheduling exemptions 
of government measures or 
preferences from the scope of 
application of the Chapter on 
Government procurement  31 
Use of set -asides for MSMEs to 
facilitate their participation in 
government procurement 
markets  32 
Use of price preferences for 
MSMEs to facilitate their 
participation in government 
procurement markets  34 
Use of exclusive rights for 
MSMEs to supply a good or a 
service to facilitate their 
participation in government 
procurement markets  35 
Transparency procedures 
regarding preferences for MSMEs 
-> Notification and/or 
consultation requirements for 
granting MSME preferences by a 
Party  36-37 
Transparency procedures 
regarding preferences for MSMEs 
-> Inclusion of price preferences 
for MSMEs in the call for tenders  37 
East African 
Community (EAC)  09-Oct-2000(G) /  
01-Aug-2012(S)  3 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms & MSME 
development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for financing investments  22 
Economic 
Community of 
West African 
States (ECOWAS), 
revised in July 
1993  06/07/2005  2 Cooperation  Contribution of MSME 
development to the general 
objectives of cooperation  27 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 95 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
EFTA - Albania  07/02/2011  1 Customs and 
trade facilitation  Requirement to consult with 
MSMEs when designing and 
implementing trade facilitation 
measures  62 
EFTA - Canada  04/08/2009  1 Customs and 
trade facilitation  Requirement to consult with 
MSMEs when designing and 
implementing trade facilitation 
measures  62 
 
 
  
EFTA – Korea, 
Republic of  15-Dec-2005 1 Trade in Services  Limitations on market access 
commitments for the supply of 
services through commercial 
presence -> Mandatory supply of 
specific services to SMEs   
57 
 
EFTA - Montenegro  14-Nov-2011 1 Customs and 
trade facilitation  Requirement to consult with 
MSMEs when designing and 
implementing trade facilitation 
measures  62 
EFTA – Hong Kong, 
China  21-Jun-2011 1 Customs and 
trade facilitation  Requirement to consult with 
MSMEs when designing and 
implementing trade facilitation 
measures  62 
EFTA - Central 
America (Costa 
Rica and Panama)  24/06/2013  1 Government 
Procurement  Cooperation with a view to 
facilitating MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets  38 
EFTA - Chile  03/12/2004  2 Government 
Procurement  Cooperation with a view to 
facilitating MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets  38 
Investment  Limitations on market access 
commitments -> Access to 
small -scale markets is 
contingent upon registration, 
which is open only to natural 
persons and foreign natural 
persons with a permanent 
residency or legal persons owned 
or controlled by such natural 
persons  44 
EFTA - Colombia  14/09/2011  3 Government 
Procurement  Cooperation with a view to 
facilitating MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets   38 
Forms of cooperation -> 
Cooperation through the 
exchange of information on how 
to facilitate MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets   39 
Partnership between MSMEs for 
the joint participation in 
tendering procedures to increase 
their participation in government 
procurement markets  43 
EFTA - Egypt  17/07/2007  1 Investment  Facilitating cross -border 
investments of or in MSMEs 
through the development of joint 
investment mechanisms with 
MSMEs  49 
EFTA - Georgia  27/06/2016  1 Government 
Procurement  Cooperation with a view to 
facilitating MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets  38 
EFTA - Lebanon  22/12/2006  1 Investment  Facilitating cross -border 
investments of or in MSMEs 
through the development of joint 
investment mechanisms with 
MSMEs  50 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 96 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
EFTA - Mexico  25/07/2001  1 Investment  Facilitating cross -border 
investments of or in MSMEs 
through the development of joint 
investment mechanisms with 
MSMEs  50 
EFTA - Morocco  20/01/2000  1 Investment  Facilitating cross -border 
investments of or in MSMEs 
through the development of joint 
investment mechanisms with 
MSMEs  50 
EFTA - Peru  30/06/2011  2 Government 
Procurement  Facilitation of access to 
government procurements 
through scheduling exemptions 
of government measures or 
preferences from the scope of 
application of the Chapter on 
Government procurement  31 
Forms of cooperation -> 
Cooperation through the 
exchange of information on how 
to facilitate MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets   39 
Partnership between MSMEs for 
the joint participation in 
tendering procedures to increase 
their participation in government 
procurement markets  43 
EFTA - SACU  29/10/2008  1 Investment  Facilitating cross -border 
investments of or in MSMEs 
through the development of joint 
investment mechanisms with 
MSMEs  50 
EFTA - Serbia  24/11/2010  1 Customs and 
trade facilitation  Requirement to consult with 
MSMEs when designing and 
implementing trade facilitation 
measures  62 
EFTA - Singapore  14/01/2003  1 Investment  Limitations on national treatment 
commitments -> Subsidies 
favouring local MSMEs for 
economic development and/or 
social policy  48 
EFTA - Ukraine  24/06/2010  1 Government 
Procurement  Cooperation with a view to 
facilitating MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets   38 
El Salvador - 
Ecuador  13/02/2017  5 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
establishment of a committee 
under a cooperation framework 
to monitor and evaluate MSME 
cooperation programmes  20 
Objective of the cooperation 
framework -> Adoption of sound 
environmental practices and 
technologies by MSMEs  79 
El Salvador - 
Honduras - 
Chinese Taipei  06/04/2010  4 Cooperation  MSME development through 
human resource development & 
MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for financing investments 
& MSME development through 
the facilitation of partnerships 
between (i) government 
agencies, (ii)  intermediaries 
providing assistance to MSMEs, 
and (iii) public -private 
partnerships & MSME 
development t hrough the 
adoption of technology  19-20 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 97 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
EU - Bosnia and 
Herzegovina  11-Jul-2008(G) / 
12-Jan-2016(S)  1 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between (i)  government 
agencies, (ii) intermediaries 
providing assistance to MSMEs, 
and (iii) public -private 
partnerships  24 
EU - Cameroon  24/09/2009  2 Cooperation  MSME development through 
human resource development & 
MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for financing investments  21 
Customs and 
trade facilitation  Simplification of procedures for 
imports and exports of products  60 
EU - Canada  30/10/2016  6 E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  53 
Government 
Procurement  Cooperation through the 
establishment of a Committee or 
a focal point in charge of MSME -
related issues   40 
Facilitation of MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets through a transparency 
mechanism enhancing access to 
relevant MSME information  42 
Investment  Facilitation of the exercise of the 
right of defence for MSMEs as 
investors through financial 
arrangements  51 
Facilitation of the exercise of the 
right of defence for MSMEs as 
investors through consultations 
by videoconference  51 
Facilitation of the exercise of the 
right of defence for MSMEs as 
investors through the 
opportunity to request to be 
heard by one member of the 
dispute settlement body  51 
EU - CARIFORUM 
States EPA  16/10/2008  12 Cooperation  MSME development through 
human resource development  16 
Investment  Limitations on market access 
commitments -> Access to 
small -scale sectors is contingent 
upon authorization, which is 
granted only to firms owned or 
controlled by nationals or to 
national natural persons  45 
Limitations on market access 
commitments - Restrictions on 
the share of foreign capital in 
MSMEs in all or specific sectors  47 
Limitations on market access 
commitments -> Access to 
small -scale sectors is contingent 
upon an economic need test  45 
Limitations on market access 
commitments -> Access to 
small -scale sectors is restricted 
to suppliers other than MSME 
suppliers  46 
IP Objectives of the cooperation 
framework -> Stimulating the 
creation and exploitation of 
intellectual property by MSMEs, 
which, in turn, enhance 
competitiveness  63-64 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 98 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
Forms of cooperation - Exchange 
of information between 
intellectual property offices, 
academic institutions and other 
entities involved in the 
protection and development of 
intellectual property  64-5 
Trade in Services  Limitations on horizontal 
commitments for the supply of 
services through commercial 
presence -> Supply of services 
characterized by small 
businesses, through 
establishment, can be limited to 
local MSMEs  56 
Technical cooperation and 
assistance aimed at 
strengthening the export 
capacity of services MSME 
suppliers  59 
EU - Central 
America  29/06/2012  10 Cooperation  MSME development through 
human resource development & 
MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for financing investments 
& MSME development through 
the facilitation of partnerships 
between (i) government 
agencies, (ii)  intermediaries 
providing assistance to MSMEs, 
and (iii) public -private 
partnerships & MSME 
development through the 
facilitation of access to markets 
and/or regulator y information & 
MSME development through the 
adoption of technology  18 
Government 
Procurement  Use of criteria of tiebreak to 
facilitate MSME participation in 
government procurement 
markets  34 
IP Objective of the cooperation 
framework -> Facilitating the 
transfer of technology  64 
Forms of cooperation -> 
Facilitating contacts and 
exchange of information 
between intellectual property 
offices, academic institutions and 
other entities involved in the 
protection and development of 
intellectual property  65 
Form of cooperation -> The 
provision of technical and 
financial assistance to MSMEs  65 
Form of cooperation -> 
Strengthening MSMEs to 
facilitate the transfer of 
technology through business 
partnerships  66 
EU - Chile  03-Feb-2004(G) /  
28-Oct-2005(S)  4 Cooperation  MSME development through 
human resource development & 
MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for financing investments 
& MSME development through 
the facilitation of access to 
markets and/or regulatory  
information & MSME 
development through the 
adoption of technology & MSME 17 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 99 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms  
EU - Colombia and 
Peru  26/06/2012  6 Administration of 
the Agreement  RTA impact assessment -> 
Assessment of the impacts of the 
RTA on MSMEs  67 
Cooperation  Contribution of MSME 
development to the general 
objectives of cooperation  28 
Customs and 
trade facilitation  Simplification of procedures for 
appealing customs rulings and 
decisions  61 
E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  53 
Forms of cooperation - 
Establishment of a working 
group mandated to recommend 
how to overcome obstacles faced 
by MSMEs in the use of e -
commerce  55 
Government 
Procurement  Cooperation with a view to 
facilitating MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets   38 
Cooperation through the 
exchange of information on how 
to facilitate MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets  39 
Partnership between MSMEs for 
the joint participation in 
tendering procedures to increase 
their participation in government 
procurement markets  43 
EU - Côte d'Ivoire  11/12/2008  1 Customs and 
trade facilitation  Simplification of procedures for 
appealing customs rulings and 
decisions  61 
EU - Eastern and 
Southern Africa 
States Interim EPA  09/02/2012  5 Cooperation  MSME development through 
human resource development & 
MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for financing investments 
& MSME development through 
the adoption of technology & 
MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms  20 
EU - Georgia  27/06/2014  2 Cooperation  Contribution of MSME 
development to the general 
objectives of cooperation  27 
Transparency  Establishing and maintaining a 
predictable and efficient 
regulatory environment for trade 
and investment growth  77 
EU - Japan  17/07/2018  10 Customs and 
trade facilitation  Simplification of procedures for 
imports and exports of products  60 
E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  54 
Forms of cooperation - Exchange 
of information about laws, 
regulations, programmes and 
best practices in relation to the 
use of e -commerce by MSMEs  55 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 100 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
IP Forms of cooperation -> 
Facilitating contacts and 
exchange of information 
between intellectual property 
offices, academic institutions and 
other entities involved in the 
protection and development of 
intellectual property  65 
 Form of cooperation -> The 
provision of technical and 
financial assistance to MSMEs  66 
MSMEs  MSME development through 
human resource development, 
the adoption of technology by 
MSMEs, investment facilitation, 
Business partnership facilitation, 
the facilitation of access to 
regulatory and market 
information, partnerships 
between relevant institution s and 
through an established 
committee  71 
Transparency of the RTA´s 
obligations and rights relevant to 
MSMEs  72 
Resolution of disputes arising 
under the chapter on MSMEs 
through dialogue, consultations 
and cooperation, but not the 
dispute settlement mechanism 
built in the RTA  73 
Transparency  Establishing and maintaining a 
predictable and efficient 
regulatory environment for trade 
and investment growth  77 
Cooperation  Governments may take into 
consideration the potential 
impacts of MSMEs when 
undertaking regulatory impact 
assessments  83 
EU - Jordan  17/12/2002  2 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for financing investments 
& MSME development through 
the facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms  23 
EU - Korea, 
Republic of  07/07/2011  2 Competition  Subsidies to MSMEs for covering 
debts or liabilities without 
limitation or without a credible 
restructuring plan are possible 
provided that the conditions set 
out in article 2.1(b) of the SCM 
Agreement are respected  81 
Government 
Procurement  Facilitation of access to 
government procurements 
through scheduling exemptions 
of government measures or 
preferences from the scope of 
application of the Chapter on 
Government procurement  32 
EU - Lebanon  26/05/2003  1 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for financing investments 
& MSME development through 
the facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms & MSME 
development through t he 
facilitation of access to markets 
and/or regulatory information & 22 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 101 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
MSME development through 
human resource development  
EU - Moldova, 
Republic of  27/06/2014  2 Cooperation  Contribution of MSME 
development to the general 
objectives of cooperation  28 
Customs and 
trade facilitation  Simplification of procedures for 
imports and exports of products  60 
Simplification of procedures for 
appealing customs rulings and 
decisions  61 
EU – Overseas 
Countries and 
Territories (OCT)  25/11/2013  2 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
adoption of technology  21 
Investment  Facilitating cross -border 
investments of, or in, MSMEs 
through the financing of MSME 
development programmes  51 
EU - Papua New 
Guinea / Fiji  18/10/2011  1 Customs and 
trade facilitation  Simplification of procedures for 
appealing customs rulings and 
decisions  61 
EU - SADC  10/06/2016  3 Cooperation  MSME development through 
human resource development, 
adoption of technology by 
MSMEs, investment facilitation, 
Business partnership facilitation, 
the facilitation of access to 
regulatory and market 
information, partnerships 
between relevant institutions and 
through an established 
committee  24 
Customs and 
trade facilitation  Simplification of procedures for 
appealing customs rulings and 
decisions  61 
EU - San Marino  24/02/2010  1 Cooperation  Contribution of MSME 
development to the general 
objectives of cooperation  28 
EU - Serbia  31-May-2010(G) / 
20-Dec-2013(S)  1 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms  23 
EU - South Africa  11/10/1999  4 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms & MSME 
development through human 
resource development  25 
Customs and 
trade facilitation  Simplification of procedures for 
appealing customs rulings and 
decisions  61 
Competition  Subsidies to MSMEs for covering 
debts or liabilities without 
limitation or without a credible 
restructuring plan are possible 
provided that the conditions set 
out in article 2.1(b) of the SCM 
Agreement are respected  81 
EU - Ukraine  27/06/2014  3 Cooperation  Contribution of MSME 
development to the general 
objectives of cooperation    
28 
Customs and 
trade facilitation  Simplification of procedures for 
imports and exports of products  60 
Simplification of procedures for 
appealing customs rulings and 
decisions  61 
Transparency  Establishing and maintaining a 
predictable and efficient 
regulatory environment for trade 
and investment growth  77 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 102 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
EU - Mexico  25-Jul-2000 1 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for financing investments  
27 MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms  
MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to market 
and/or regulatory information  
MSME development through the 
adoption of technologies  
EU – Morocco  13/10/2000  1 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for financing investments  26 
EU – Israel  20/09/2000  1 Cooperation  MSME development through 
human resources development  
27 MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between (i)  governmental 
agencies, (ii) intermediaries 
providing assistance to MSMEs, 
and (iii) public -private partners 
& MSME development through 
the adoption of technologies  
EU – Algeria  24/07/2006  1 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for financing investments  26 
EU – Albania  07-Mar-2007 1 Cooperation  Contribution of MSME 
development to the general 
objectives of cooperation  28 
EU – North 
Macedonia  23-Oct-2001 1 Cooperation  Contribution of MSME 
development to the general 
objectives of cooperation  28 
EU Treaty (EC 
Treaty, amended ) 24-Apr-1957(G) /  
10-Nov-1995(S)  2 Cooperation  Contribution of MSME 
development to the general 
objectives of cooperation  28 
Labor  Labour policymaking practices -
> Minimizing hindrances to the 
creation and development of 
MSMEs when designing and 
implementing labour laws and 
regulations  76 
Eurasian Economic 
Union (EAEU)  29/05/2014  2 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
establishment of a committee 
under a cooperation framework 
to monitor and evaluate MSME 
cooperation programmes  25 
Government 
Procurement  Transparency procedures 
regarding preferences to MSMEs 
-> Inclusion of price preferences 
for MSMEs in the call for tenders  37 
Eurasian Economic 
Union (EAEU) - 
Viet Nam  29/05/2015  1 Government 
Procurement  Cooperation with a view to 
facilitating MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets  38 
European 
Economic Area 
(EEA)  02/05/1992  2 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms & MSME 
development through human 
resource development & MSME 
development through the 
facilitation of access to markets 
and/or regulatory information  25 
Guatemala - 
Chinese Taipei  11/07/2011  3 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms & MSME 23 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 103 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for financing investments 
& MSME development through 
the facilitation of partnerships 
between (i) government 
agencies, (ii)  intermediaries 
providing assistance to MSMEs, 
and (iii) public -private 
partnerships  
Gulf Cooperation 
Council (GCC) - 
Singapore  15/12/2008  2 Government 
Procurement  Use of price preferences to 
MSMEs to facilitate their 
participation in government 
procurement markets  34 
Cooperation  Objectives of the cooperation 
framework -> Facilitating the 
use of e -commerce by MSMEs  52 
Iceland - China  15/04/2013  1 Customs and 
trade facilitation  Requirement to consult with 
MSMEs when designing and 
implementing trade facilitation 
measures  62 
India - Japan  14/09/2011  3 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to markets 
and/or regulatory information & 
MSME development through 
human resource development & 
MSME development through 
human resource development  14 
Investment  Limitations on market access 
commitments -> Authorization 
procedures may be required to 
supply goods to the MSME 
sector, which are contingent 
upon the fulfilment of export 
performance requirements  45 
India - Malaysia  06/09/2011  1 Cooperation  MSME development through 
human resource development  26 
India - Nepal  02/08/2010  1 Trade in goods  Preferential customs duty rates 
applicable to goods produced by 
MSMEs  82 
Japan - Australia  08/07/2014  1 E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  53 
Japan - Indonesia  27/06/2008  2 Investment  Limitations on market access 
commitments -> Access to 
small -scale sectors is granted 
upon the establishment of a local 
MSME, which is owned or 
controlled by domestic legal or 
natural persons  46 
Limitations on national treatment 
commitments -> Subsidies 
favouring local MSMEs for 
economic development and/or 
social policy  48 
Unspecified non -conforming 
measures with MFN obligations 
in specific sectors  49 
Japan - Malaysia  12/07/2006  2 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for financing investments 
& MSME development through 
the facilitation of partnerships 
between (i)  government 
agencies, (ii) intermediaries 
providing assistance to MSMEs, 
and (iii) public -private 
partnerships & MSME 
development t hrough human 
resource development & MSME 
development through the 12 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 104 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
establishment of a committee 
under a cooperation framework 
to monitor and evaluate MSME 
cooperation programmes  
Japan - Mexico  31/03/2005  3 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between (i)  government 
agencies, (ii) intermediaries 
providing assistance to MSMEs, 
and (iii) public -private 
partnerships & MSME 
development through human 
resource development & MSME 
development through the 
facilitation of part nerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms  17 
Government 
Procurement  Cooperation with a view to 
facilitating MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets  39 
Cooperation through the 
provision of technical assistance 
to government personnel or to 
MSMEs  41 
Japan - Mongolia  10/02/2015  2 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between (i)  government 
agencies, (ii) intermediaries 
providing assistance to  MSMEs, 
and (iii) public -private 
partnerships  23 
E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  53 
Japan - Peru  24/02/2012  4 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between (i)  government 
agencies, (ii) intermediaries 
providing assistance to MSMEs, 
and (iii) public -private 
partnerships & MSME through 
human resource development & 
MSME development through the 
adoption of technology  12 
Objective of the cooperation 
framework -> Adoption of sound 
environmental practices and 
technologies by MSMEs  79 
Government 
Procurement  Facilitation of access to 
government procurements 
through scheduling exemptions 
of government measures or 
preferences from the scope of 
application of the Chapter on 
Government procurement  31 
Cooperation through the 
provision of technical assistance 
to government personnel or to 
MSMEs  41 
Japan - Philippines  11/12/2008  6 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between (i)  government 
agencies, (ii) intermediaries 
providing assistance to MSMEs, 
and (iii) public -private 
partnerships & MSME 
development through human 
resource development & MSME 
development through the 
establishment of a c ommittee 
under a cooperation framework  11 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 105 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
to monitor and evaluate MSME 
cooperation programmes  
Investment  Limitations on market access 
commitments -> Access to 
small -scale sectors is granted 
upon the establishment of a local 
MSME, which is owned or 
controlled by domestic legal or 
natural persons  46 
Limitations on market access 
commitments -> Restrictions on 
the share of foreign capital in 
MSMEs in all or specific sectors  46 
Trade in Services  Limitations on market access 
commitments for the supply of 
services through commercial 
presence -> Registration 
available only to nationals or 
residents  57 
Japan - Singapore  08/11/2002  5 MSMEs  MSME development through 
business partnership facilitation, 
the facilitation of access to 
markets and regulatory 
information and through an 
established committee, 
investment facilitation  70 
Japan - Thailand  25/10/2007  6 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between (i)  government 
agencies, (ii) intermediaries 
providing assistance to MSMEs, 
and (iii) public -private 
partnerships  24 
IP Objective of the cooperation 
framework -> Stimulating the 
creation and exploitation of 
intellectual property by MSMEs, 
which, in turn, enhance 
competitiveness & Form of 
cooperation  64 
Form of cooperation -> The 
provision of technical and 
financial assistance to MSMEs  65 
MSMEs  MSME development through 
human resource development, 
the adoption of technology by 
MSMEs, investment facilitation, 
Business partnership facilitation, 
the facilitation of access to 
regulatory information, 
particularly via a website 
containing RTA provisions related 
to MSMEs in the RTA, 
partnerships between relevant 
institutions and through an 
established committee  69 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 106 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
Japan - Viet Nam  01/10/2009  3 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between (i)  government 
agencies, (ii) intermediaries 
providing assistance to MSMEs, 
and (iii) public -private 
partnerships & MSME through 
human resource development & 
MSME development through the 
establishment of a committee 
under a cooperation framework 
to monitor and evaluate MSME 
cooperation programmes  12 
Korea, Republic of 
- Chile  08/04/2004  1 Government 
Procurement  Use of set -asides to MSMEs to 
facilitate their participation in 
government procurement 
markets   32 
Transparency procedures 
regarding preferences to MSMEs 
-> Notification and/or 
consultation requirements for 
granting MSME preferences by a 
Party 36 
Korea, Republic of 
- Colombia  21/02/2013  5 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between (i)  government 
agencies, (ii) intermediaries 
providing assistance to MSMEs, 
and (iii) public -private 
partnerships & MSME through 
human resource development & 
MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to market s 
and/or regulatory information & 
MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms  13 
Government 
Procurement  Use of set -asides to MSMEs to 
facilitate their participation in 
government procurement 
markets  32 
Use of measures facilitating sub -
contracting and transfer of 
technology  35 
Use of exclusive rights for 
MSMEs to supply a good or a 
service to increase their 
participation in government 
procurement markets  35 
Cooperation with a view to 
facilitating MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets    
38 
Forms of cooperation -> 
Cooperation through the 
exchange of information on how 
to facilitate MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets   39 
Partnership between MSMEs for 
the joint participation in 
tendering procedures to increase 
their participation in government 
procurement markets  43 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 107 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
Korea, Republic of 
- India  01/07/2010  3 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between (i)  government 
agencies, (ii) intermediaries 
providing assistance to MSMEs, 
and (iii) public -private 
partnerships & MSME 
development through human 
resource development &  MSME 
development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
betwee n MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms  & MSME 
development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for financing investments  13-14 
Investment  Limitations on market access 
commitments ->Authorization 
procedures may be required to 
supply goods to the MSME 
sector, which are contingent 
upon the fulfilment of export 
performance requirements  45 
Limitations on market access 
commitments -> Restrictions on 
the share of foreign capital in 
MSMEs in all or specific sectors  47 
Limitations on national treatment 
commitments -> Subsidies 
favouring local MSMEs for 
economic development and/or 
social policy  48 
Trade in Services  Limitations on market access 
commitments for the supply of 
services through commercial 
presence -> Mandatory supply of 
specific services to MSMEs  57 
Korea, Republic of 
- New Zealand  23/03/2015  1 Government 
Procurement  Use of set -asides to MSMEs to 
facilitate their participation in 
government procurement 
markets  32 
Korea, Republic of 
- Singapore  21/02/2006  1 Government 
Procurement  Use of set -asides to MSMEs to 
facilitate their participation in 
government procurement 
markets  33 
Korea, Republic of 
- United States  15/03/2012  1 Government 
Procurement  Use of set -asides to MSMEs to 
facilitate their participation in 
government procurement 
markets  33 
Use of price preferences to 
MSMEs to facilitate their 
participation in government 
procurement markets  34 
Use of exclusive rights for 
MSMEs to supply a good or a 
service to increase their 
participation in government 
procurement markets  35 
Korea, Republic of 
- Viet Nam  05/05/2015  2 E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs   54 
Forms of cooperation - Exchange 
of information and experiences 
on laws, regulations and 
programmes  55 
Forms of cooperation - Technical 
assistance, such as studies and 
training activities, to facilitate 
the use of e -commerce by 
MSMEs   55 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 108 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between (i)  government 
agencies, (ii) intermediaries 
providing assistance to  MSMEs, 
and (iii) public -private 
partnerships  15 
Latin American 
Integration 
Association (LAIA)  01/07/1982  2 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to markets 
and/or regulatory information  16 
Trade in goods  Preferential customs duties rate 
applicable to goods produced by 
MSMEs  82 
Malaysia - 
Australia  22/05/2012  1 Cooperation  MSME development through 
human resource development  24 
Mexico - Central 
America  20/01/2014  1 IP Objective of the cooperation 
framework -> Stimulating the 
creation and exploitation of 
intellectual property by MSMEs, 
which, in turn, enhance 
competitiveness  63 
Mexico - Panama  03/04/2014  1 E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  53 
New Zealand - 
Malaysia  07/02/2012  1 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
establishment of a committee 
under a cooperation framework 
to monitor and evaluate MSME 
cooperation programmes  24 
New Zealand - 
Singapore  04/09/2001  2 E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  54 
Forms of cooperation - Exchange 
of information and experiences 
on laws, regulations and 
programmes  55 
Investment  Limitations on national treatment 
commitments -> Subsidies 
favouring local MSMEs for 
economic development and/or 
social policy  48 
Nicaragua - 
Chinese Taipei  09/07/2009  1 E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by  MSMEs  54 
North American 
Free Trade 
Agreement 
(NAFTA)  29-Jan-1993(G) /  
01-Mar-1995(S)  1 Government 
Procurement  Transparency procedures 
regarding preferences to MSMEs 
-> Consultation requirements for 
the criteria of eligibility to MSME 
preferences & Cooperation 
through the establishment of a 
Committee or a focal point in 
charge of MSME -related issues   37 
Cooperation through the 
establishment of a Committee or 
a focal point in charge of MSME -
related issues  40 
Cooperation through the 
provision of technical assistance 
to government personnel or to 
MSMEs  42 
Facilitation of MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets through the use of  
information and communication 
technologies  42 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 109 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
Pacific Alliance  10/02/2014  5 E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  53-54 
Government 
Procurement  Facilitation of access to 
government procurements 
through scheduling exemptions 
of government measures or 
preferences from the scope of 
application of the Chapter on 
Government procurement  31 
Use of measures facilitating sub -
contracting and transfer of 
technology  35 
Use of exclusive rights for 
MSMEs to supply a good or a 
service to increase their 
participation in government 
procurement markets  36 
Transparency procedures 
regarding preferences to MSMEs 
-> Transparency of criteria of 
eligibility to MSME preferences  37 
Cooperation with a view to 
facilitating MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets  38 
Forms of cooperation -> 
Cooperation through the 
exchange of information on how 
to facilitate MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets   39 
Facilitation of MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets through transparency 
mechanism enhancing access to 
relevant information for them  42 
Facilitation of MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets through the use of 
information and communication 
technologies  42 
Partnership between MSMEs for 
the joint participation in 
tendering procedures to increase 
their participation in government 
procurement markets  43 
Pakistan - China  18-Jan-2008(G) /  
20-May-2010(S)  1 Investment  MFN inconsistent measure for 
the facilitation of small -scale 
trade in border areas  49 
Panama - Peru  25/05/2011  4 Administration of 
the Agreement  RTA impact assessment -> 
Assessment of the impacts of the 
RTA on MSMEs  67 
Government 
Procurement  Cooperation with a view to 
facilitating MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets  38 
Partnership between MSMEs for 
the joint participation in 
tendering procedures to increase 
their participation in government 
procurement markets  43 
IP Objective of the cooperation 
framework -> Stimulating the 
creation and exploitation of 
intellectual property by MSMEs, 
which, in turn, enhance 
competitiveness  63 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 110 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
Form of cooperation -> 
Facilitating contacts and 
exchange of information 
between intellectual property 
offices, academic institutions and 
other entities involved in the 
protection and development of 
intellectual property  65 
Panama - 
Singapore  04/04/2007  3 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to markets 
and/or regulatory information & 
MSME development through the 
adoption of technology  13 
E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  54 
Government 
Procurement  Facilitation of access to 
government procurements 
through scheduling exemptions 
of government measures or 
preferences from the scope of 
application of the Chapter on 
Government procurement  31 
Peru - China  03/03/2010  2 Cooperation  MSME development through 
human resource development & 
MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for financing investments 
& MSME development through 
the facilitation of access to 
markets and/or regulatory 
information & MSME 
development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms & MSME 
development through the 
adoption of technology  11 
Peru - Korea, 
Republic of  09/08/2011  5 Government 
Procurement  Use of set -asides to MSMEs to 
facilitate their participation in 
government procurement 
markets  33 
Cooperation through the 
exchange of information on how 
to facilitate MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets  39 
Partnership between MSMEs for 
the joint participation in 
tendering procedures to increase 
their participation in government 
procurement markets  43 
Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation  of partnerships 
between (i)  governmental 
agencies, (ii) intermediaries 
providing assistance to  MSMEs, 
and (iii) public -private partners 
& MSME through human 
resources development & MSME 
development through the 
facilitation of access to market 
and/or regulatory information & 
MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firm  26 
E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  54 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 111 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
Intellectual 
Property  Objective of the cooperation 
framework -> Stimulating the 
creation and exploitation of 
intellectual property by MSMEs, 
which, in turn, enhance 
competitiveness  64 
Forms of cooperation -> 
Facilitating contacts and 
exchange of information 
between intellectual property 
offices, academic institutions and 
other entities involved in the 
protection and development of 
intellectual property  65 
Trade in Services  Limitations on market access 
commitments for the supply of 
services through commercial 
presence -> Mandatory supply of 
specific services to SMEs  57 
Peru - Honduras  11/10/2018  5 Administration of 
the Agreement  RTA impact assessment -> 
Assessment of the impacts of the 
RTA on MSMEs  67 
Government 
Procurement  Facilitation of access to 
government procurements 
through scheduling exemptions 
of government measures or 
preferences from the scope of 
application of the Chapter on 
Government procurement  32 
Cooperation with a view to 
facilitating MSME access to 
government procurement 
markets  38 
Partnership between MSMEs for 
the joint participation in 
tendering procedures to increase 
their participation in government 
procurement markets  43 
IP Objective of the cooperation 
framework -> Stimulating the 
creation and exploitation of 
intellectual property by MSMEs, 
which, in turn, enhance 
competitiveness  63 
Form of cooperation -> 
Facilitating contacts and 
exchange of information 
between intellectual property 
offices, academic institutions and 
other entities involved in the 
protection and development of 
intellectual property  65 
Peru - Singapore  30/07/2009  2 Government 
Procurement  Facilitation of access to 
government procurements 
through scheduling exemptions 
of government measures or 
preferences from the scope of 
application of the Chapter on 
Government procurement  32 
Singapore - 
Australia  25/09/2003  1 Government 
Procurement  Transparency procedures 
regarding preferences to MSMEs 
-> Notification and/or 
consultation requirements for 
granting MSME preferences by a 
Party 36 
Singapore - 
Chinese Taipei  07/11/2013  1 E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  54 
South Pacific 
Regional Trade 
and Economic 
Cooperation 07/01/1981  1 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for financing investments  16 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 112 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
Agreement 
(SPARTECA)  
Southern African 
Customs Union 
(SACU)  25/06/2007  1 Investment  Facilitating cross -border 
investments of or in MSMEs 
through the development of joint 
investment mechanisms with 
MSMEs  50 
Southern Common 
Market 
(MERCOSUR) - 
Egypt  02/08/2010  1 Investment  Facilitating cross -border 
investments of or in MSMEs 
through the development of joint 
investment mechanisms with 
MSMEs  50 
Southern Common 
Market 
(MERCOSUR) - 
Israel  18/12/2007  1 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to markets 
and/or regulatory information  21 
Switzerland - 
China  06/07/2013  1 Customs and 
trade facilitation  Requirement to consult with 
MSMEs when designing and 
implementing trade facilitation 
measures  62 
Thailand - 
Australia  27/12/2004  2 IP Objective of the cooperation 
framework -> Stimulating the 
creation and exploitation of 
intellectual property by MSMEs, 
which, in turn, enhance 
competitiveness  63 
 Form of cooperation -> 
Facilitating contacts and 
exchange of information 
between intellectual property 
offices, academic institutions and 
other entities involved in the 
protection and development of 
intellectual property  64 
Trade in Services  Technical cooperation and 
assistance aimed at 
strengthening the export 
capacity of services MSME 
suppliers  59 
Thailand - New 
Zealand  01/12/2005  1 Investment  Facilitating cross -border 
investments of or in MSMEs 
through capacity -building 
programmes for MSMEs  50 
Trans -Pacific 
Strategic 
Economic 
Partnership  18/05/2007  1 Cooperation  MSME development through 
human resource development & 
MSME development through the 
adoption of technology  21 
Turkey - Chile  25/02/2011  1 Cooperation  MSME development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms & MSME 
development through human 
resource development  26 
Turkey - Jordan  07/03/2011  1 Cooperation  MSME development through 
human resource development & 
MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for financing investments 
& MSME development through 
the facilitation of access to 
markets and/or regulatory 
information & MSME 
development through the 
facilitation of  partnerships 
between MSMEs or between 
MSMEs and larger firms  12 
Turkey - Malaysia  17/04/2014  1 Cooperation  MSME development through 
human resource development & 
MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 19 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 113 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
credits for financing investments  
&  MSME development through 
the facilitation of partnerships 
between MSMEs or bet ween 
MSMEs and larger firms & MSME 
development through the 
facilitation of partnerships 
between (i)  government 
agencies, (ii)  intermediaries 
providing assistance to MSMEs, 
and (iii) public -private 
partnerships  
Turkey - 
Palestinian 
Authority  01/09/2005  1 Cooperation  MSME development through 
human resource development & 
MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for financing investments  19 
Turkey - 
Singapore  14/11/2015  3 Customs and 
trade facilitation  Simplification of procedures for 
becoming an authorized operator  62 
Simplification of procedures for 
requesting an advance ruling  62 
E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  54 
Turkey - Syria  15/02/2007  1 Cooperation  MSME development through 
human resource development & 
MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for financing investments  19 
Turkey - Tunisia  01/09/2005  1 Cooperation  MSME development through 
human resource development & 
MSME development through the 
facilitation of access to 
investment opportunities or to 
credits for financing investments 
& MSME development through 
the establishment of a 
committ ee under a cooperation 
framework to monitor and 
evaluate MSME cooperation 
programmes  19 
US - Australia  22/12/2004  2 Government 
Procurement  Facilitation of access to 
government procurements 
through scheduling exemptions 
of government measures or 
preferences from the scope of 
application of the Chapter on 
Government procurement  31 
Use of set -asides to MSMEs to 
facilitate their participation in 
government procurement 
markets  33 
Use of price preferences to 
MSMEs to facilitate their 
participation in government 
procurement markets  34 
Use of exclusive rights for 
MSMEs to supply a good or a 
service to facilitate their 
participation in government 
procurement markets  36 
Investment  Limitations on national treatment 
commitments -> Access to 
streamlined procedures for 
companies making a public 
offering of securities is reserved 
for national MSMEs  49 
US - Bahrain  08/09/2006  2 Government 
Procurement  Facilitation of access to 
government procurements 
through scheduling exemptions 
of government measures or 31 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 114 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
preferences from the scope of 
application of the Chapter on 
Government procurement  
Use of set -asides to MSMEs to 
facilitate their participation in 
government procurement 
markets  33 
Use of price preferences to 
MSMEs to facilitate their 
participation in government 
procurement markets  34 
Use of exclusive rights for 
MSMEs to supply a good or a 
service to facilitate their 
participation in government 
procurement markets  35 
Trade in Services  Limitations on market access 
commitments for the supply of 
services through natural persons 
-> Commercial registration 
requirements  58 
US - Chile  16/12/2003  8 E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  53 
Environment  Cooperation in facilitating the 
adoption of sound environmental 
practices and technologies by 
MSMEs  79 
Government 
Procurement  Use of set -asides for MSMEs to 
facilitate their participation in 
government procurement 
markets  33 
Cooperation through the 
establishment of a Committee or 
a focal point in charge of MSME -
related issues  40 
Cooperation through the 
provision of technical assistance 
to government personnel or to 
MSMEs  41 
Investment  Limitations on national treatment 
commitments -> Access to 
streamlined procedures for 
companies making a public 
offering of securities is reserved 
to national MSMEs  49 
Labor  Objectives of the cooperation 
framework - Improving labour 
standards with a view to 
enhance working conditions and 
to strengthen labour productivity 
and business competitiveness  75 
Forms of cooperation - 
Cooperation through the 
exchange of information and the 
undertaking of joint activities  75 
US - Colombia  22/11/2006  3 Administration of 
the Agreement  RTA impact assessment -> 
Assessment of the impacts of the 
RTA on MSMEs  67 
RTA impact assessment -> 
Consideration of inputs received 
from MSMEs when assessing the 
impacts of RTAs on them  68 
Government 
Procurement  Cooperation through the 
provision of technical assistance 
to government personnel or to 
MSMEs  41 
Cooperation through the 
establishment of a Committee or 
a focal point in charge of MSME -
related issues  40 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 115 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
Cooperation  Objective of the cooperation 
framework -> Improving labour 
standards with a view to 
enhance working conditions and 
to strengthen labour productivity 
and business competitiveness  76 
US - Jordan  15/01/2002  1 Trade in Services  Limitations on national treatment 
commitments for the supply of 
services through commercial 
presence -> Subsidies to MSMEs, 
directly or indirectly through 
services suppliers providing 
services to MSMEs  58 
Limitations on sector -specific 
commitments for the supply of 
services -> Simplified 
procedures applicable when 
supplying specific services to 
MSMEs  
through cross -border, 
consumption abroad and natural 
persons -> 58 
US - Morocco  30/12/2005  2 Trade in Services  Limitations on market access 
commitments for the supply of 
services through commercial 
presence -> Registration 
available only to nationals or 
residents  57 
Limitations on national treatment 
commitments for the supply of 
services through commercial 
presence -> Subsidies to MSMEs 
directly or indirectly through 
services suppliers providing 
services to MSMEs  58 
US - Oman  30/01/2009  2 Government 
Procurement  Facilitation of access to 
government procurements 
through scheduling exemptions 
of government measures or 
preferences from the scope of 
application of the Chapter on 
Government procurement  31 
Use of set -asides to MSMEs to 
facilitate their participation in 
government procurement 
markets  33 
Use of price preferences to 
MSMEs to facilitate their 
participation in government 
procurement markets  34 
Use of exclusive rights for 
MSMEs to supply a good or a 
service to facilitate their 
participation in government 
procurement markets  36 
Investment  Limitations on national treatment 
commitments -> Access to 
streamlined procedures for 
companies making a public 
offering of securities is reserved 
for national MSMEs  49 
US - Panama  28/06/2007  3 E-commerce  Objectives of cooperation - 
Facilitating the use of electronic 
commerce by MSMEs  54 
Government 
Procurement  Use of set -asides for MSMEs to 
facilitate their participation in 
government procurement 
markets  32 
Use of price preferences for 
MSMEs to facilitate their 
participation in government 
procurement markets  34 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 116 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
Use of exclusive rights for 
MSMEs to supply a good or a 
service to facilitate their 
participation in government 
procurement markets  36 
Transparency procedures 
regarding preferences to MSMEs 
-> Notification and/or 
consultation requirements for 
granting MSME preferences by a 
Party 36 
Transparency procedures 
regarding preferences for MSMEs 
-> Inclusion of price preferences 
for MSMEs in the call for tenders  37 
US - Peru  03/02/2009  6 Administration of 
the Agreement  RTA impact assessment -> 
Assessment of the impacts of the 
RTA on MSMEs  67 
RTA impact assessment -> 
Consideration of inputs received 
from MSMEs when assessing the 
impacts of RTAs on them  68 
Government 
Procurement  Facilitation of access to 
government procurements 
through scheduling exemptions 
of government measures or 
preferences from the scope of 
application of the Chapter on 
Government procurement  31-32 
Use of set -asides to MSMEs to 
facilitate their participation in 
government procurement 
markets  33 
Use of price preferences to 
MSMEs to facilitate their 
participation in government 
procurement markets  34 
Use of exclusive rights for 
MSMEs to supply a good or a 
service to facilitate their 
participation in government 
procurement markets  36 
Cooperation through the 
establishment of a Committee or 
a focal point in charge of MSME -
related issues  41 
Cooperation through the 
provision of technical assistance 
to government personnel or to 
MSMEs  41 
Investment  Limitations on national treatment 
commitments -> Access to 
streamlined procedures for 
companies making a public 
offering of securities is reserved 
to national MSMEs  49 
Labor  Objectives of the cooperation 
framework - Improving labour 
standards with a view to 
enhance working conditions and 
to strengthen labour productivity 
and business competitiveness & 
Forms of cooperation - 
Establishment of a Committee 
and the undertaking of j oint 
activities  75 
Forms of cooperation -> 
Cooperation through the 
exchange of information and the 
undertaking of joint activities  75 INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 117 - 
 
  RTAs  Date of 
signature  Total 
number of 
MSME -
related 
provisions  Chapters in 
which MSME -
related 
provisions are 
located  Topics of MSME -related 
provisions by chapter  Page number in 
the compendium 
where the RTA 
provision can be 
read 
US - Singapore  17/12/2003  1 Investment  Limitations on national treatment 
commitments -> Access to 
streamlined procedures for 
companies making a public 
offering of securities is reserved 
to national MSMEs  49  
  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 118 - 
 
  ANNEX II  
List of the 15 RTA chapters with MSME -related language, including the relevant RTA titles  
Chapter on Cooperation (8 8 RTAs) [page 8 to 29] 
Andean Community  
ASEAN – China  
ASEAN – India 
ASEAN – Japan  
ASEAN – Korea, Republic of  
Australia – Chile 
Australia – Papua New Guinea (PATCRA), amended  
Brunei Darussalam – Japan  
Canada – Colombia  
Canada – Peru 
Canada – Ukraine  
Caribbean Community and Common Market  
Chile – China  
Chile – Colombia  
Chile – Malaysia  
Chile – Thailand  
Chile – Viet Nam  
China – Costa Rica  
China – Hong Kong, China  
China – Korea, Republic of  
China – Macao, China  
China – New Zealand  
Colombia – Northern Tria ngle (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras)  
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)  
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans –Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)  
Costa Rica – Singapore  
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), revised in July 1993  
El Salvador – Ecuador  
El Salvador – Honduras – Chinese Taipei  
EU – Bosnia and Herzegovina  
EU – Cameroon  
EU – CARIFORUM States EPA  
EU – Central America  
EU – Chile 
EU – Colombia and Peru  
EU – Eastern and Southern Africa States Interim EPA  
EU – Georgia 
EU – Japan  
EU – Jordan  
EU – Lebanon  
EU – Moldova, Republic of  
EU – Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT)  
EU – SADC  
EU – San Marino  
EU – Serbia  
EU – South Africa  
EU – Ukraine  
EU - North Macedonia  
EU – Mexico  
EU – Morocco  
EU – Israel  
EU – Algeria  
EU - Albania  
EU Treat y, amended  
Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)  
European Economic Area (EEA)  
Guatemala – Chinese Taipei  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 119 - 
 
  Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – Singapore  
India – Japan  
India – Malaysia  
Japan – Malaysia  
Japan – Mexico  
Japan – Mongolia  
Japan – Peru 
Japan – Philippines  
Japan – Thailand  
Japan – Viet Nam  
Korea, Republic of – Colombia  
Korea, Republic of – India 
Korea, Republic of – United States  
Latin American Integration Association (LAIA)  
Malaysia – Australia  
New Zealand – Malaysia  
Panama – Singapore  
Peru – China  
Peru - Korea, Republic of  
South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement (SPARTECA)  
Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) – Israel  
Trans –Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership  
Turkey – Chile 
Turkey – Jordan  
Turkey – Malaysia  
Turkey – Palestinian Authority  
Turkey – Syria 
Turkey – Tunisia  
US – Colombia  
 
Chapter on Government Procurement (4 8 RTAs) [page 30 to 43] 
Australia – Chile 
Canada – Colombia  
Canada – Panama  
Canada – Peru 
Chile – Colombia  
Colombia – Mexico  
Colombia – Northern Triangle (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras)  
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans –Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)  
Costa Rica – Colombia  
Costa Rica – Peru 
Costa Rica – Singapore  
Dominican Republic  – Central America  
Dominican Republic – Central America – United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA –DR) 
EFTA – Central America (Costa Rica and Panama)  
EFTA – Chile 
EFTA – Colombia  
EFTA – Georgia  
EFTA – Peru 
EFTA – Ukraine  
EU – Canada  
EU – Central America  
EU – Colombia and Peru  
EU – Korea, Republic of  
Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)  
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – Singapore  
Japan – Mexico  
Japan – Peru 
Korea, Republic of – Chile 
Korea, Republic of – Colombia  
Korea, Republic of – New Zeal and 
Korea, Republic of – United States  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 120 - 
 
  North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)  
Pacific Alliance  
Panama – Peru 
Panama – Singapore  
Peru – Honduras  
Peru – Singapore  
Singapore – Australia  
US – Australia  
US – Bahrain  
US – Chile 
US – Colombia  
US – Oman  
US – Panama  
US – Peru 
Korea, Republic of – Singapore  
Peru - Korea, Republic of  
Chapter on Investment (30 RTAs) [page 44 to 51] 
Australia – Chile 
China – Korea, Republic of  
Colombia – Northern Triangle  (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras)  
Costa Rica – Colombia  
EFTA – Chile 
EFTA – Egypt  
EFTA – Lebanon  
EFTA – Mexico  
EFTA – Morocco  
EFTA – SACU  
EFTA – Singapore  
EU – Canada  
EU – CARIFORUM States EPA  
EU – Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT)  
India – Japan  
Japan – Indonesia  
Japan – Philippines  
Korea, Republic of – India 
New Zealand – Singapore  
Pakistan – China  
Southern African Customs Union (SACU)  
Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) – Egypt  
Thailand – New Zealand  
US – Australia  
US – Chile 
US – Oman  
US – Peru 
US – Singapore  
Chapter on E -commerce (28 RTAs) [page 52 to 55] 
ASEAN – Australia – New Zealand  
Canada – Colombia  
Canada – Honduras  
Canada – Israel  
Canada – Korea, Republic of  
Canada – Panama  
Canada – Peru 
Chile – Colombia  
Colombia – Northern Triangle (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras)  
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans –Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)  
Costa Rica – Colombia  
Costa Rica – Singapore  
Dominican Republic – Central America – United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA –DR) 
EU – Canada  
EU – Colombia and Peru  
EU – Japan  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
- 121 - 
 
  Japan – Australia  
Japan – Mongolia  
Korea, Republic of – Viet Nam  
Mexico – Panama  
New Zealand – Singapore  
Nicaragua – Chinese Taipei  
Pacific Alliance  
Panama – Singapore  
Singapore – Chinese Taipei  
Turkey – Singapore  
US – Chile 
US – Panama  
Peru - Korea, Republic of  
Chapter on Trade in Services ( 20 RTAs) [page 56 to 59] 
ASEAN - India 
ASEAN - Korea, Republic of  
Canada - Peru 
Chile - Japan  
Costa Rica - Colombia  
EU - CARIFORUM States EPA  
Japan - Philippines  
Korea, Republic of - India 
Peru - China  
Peru - Singapore  
Thailand - Australia  
US - Bahrain  
US - Chile 
US - Morocco  
US - Peru 
Canada - Chile 
EFTA - Korea, Republic of  
Mexico - Panama  
Peru - Korea, Republic of  
US - Jordan  
Chapter on Customs procedures and trade facilitation ( 21 RTAs) [page 60 to 62] 
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)  
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans –Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)  
EFTA – Albania  
EFTA – Canada  
EFTA – Serbia  
EFTA – Montenegro  
EFTA - Hong Kong, China  
EU – Cameroon  
EU – Colombia and Peru  
EU – Côte d'Ivoire  
EU – Japan  
EU – Moldova, Republic of  
EU – Papua New Guinea / Fiji  
EU – SADC  
EU – South Africa  
EU – Ukraine  
Iceland – China  
Switzerland – China  
Turkey – Singapore  
ASEAN Free Trade Area  
Chapter on Intellectual Property (11 RTAs) [page 63 to 66] 
Canada – Israel  
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans –Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)  
Costa Rica – Peru 
EU – CARIFORUM States EPA  
EU – Central America  
EU – Japan  INF/MSME/W/6  
 
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  Japan – Thailand  
Mexico – Central America  
Panama – Peru 
Peru – Honduras  
Thailand – Australia  
Chapter on the Administration of the RTA (9 RTAs) [page 67 to 69] 
Canada – Colombia  
Colombia – Northern Triangle  (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras  
Costa Rica – Colombia  
Costa Rica – Peru 
EU – Colombia and Peru  
Panama – Peru 
Peru – Honduras  
US – Colombia  
US – Peru 
Chapter on MSMEs (5 RTAs) [page 69 to 73] 
Canada – Israel  
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans –Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)  
EU – Japan  
Japan – Singapore  
Japan – Thailand  
Chapter on Labour (5 RTAs) [page 74 to 76] 
Chile – Colombia  
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans –Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)  
EU Treaty, amended  
US – Chile 
US – Peru 
Chapter on Transparency (4 RTAs) [page 77 to 78 ] 
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans –Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)  
EU – Georgia  
EU – Japan  
EU – Ukraine  
Chapter on Environment (2 RTAs) [page 79] 
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans –Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)  
US – Chile 
Chapter on Competition (2 RTAs) [page 81] 
EU – Korea, Republic of  
EU – South Africa  
Chapter on Trade in goods (2 RTAs) [page 82] 
India – Nepal  
Latin American Integration Association (LAIA)  
Chapter on Regulatory Coherence (1 RTA) [page 83] 
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans –Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)  
 
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