INF/MSME/W/39/Rev.1  
 
24 March 2023  
(23-2128) Page: 1/18 
  Original: English  
 
INFORMAL WORKING GROUP ON MSMES  
PRESENTATIONS PROVIDED TO THE WTO INFORMAL WORKING GROUP ON MSMES  
Update: 24 March  2023 
Revision  
The following communication, dated 24 March 2023, is being circulated at the request of the  
Coordinator of the Informal Working Group on MSMEs.  
 
_______________  
  INF/MSME/W/39/Rev.1  
 
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  TABLE OF CONTENTS  
1   IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DECEMBER 2020 PACKAGE  ................................ ................  4 
1.1   Global Trade Helpdesk update, ITC (IO)  ................................ ................................ ........  4 
1.2   Global Trade Helpdesk update, ITC (IO)  ................................ ................................ ........  4 
1.3   Global Trade Helpdesk update, ITC (IO)  ................................ ................................ ........  4 
1.4   Global Trade Helpdesk update, ITC (IO)  ................................ ................................ ........  4 
1.5   Good regulatory practices to improve SPS measures, WTO (Secretariat)  ............................  4 
1.6   Update on the Implementation of the 2019 Integrated Database (IDB) decision, WTO 
(Secretariat)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  5 
2   INNOVATION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  5 
2.1   Developing countries challenges in  innovation and policy aspects, UNCTAD (IO)  .................  5 
2.2   World Trade Report 2020 – Government policies to promote innovation in the dig ital age, 
WTO (Secretariat)  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  5 
2.3   Briefing on discussions on MSMEs, IP and innovation in the context of the TRIPS Council, 
WTO (Secretariat)  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  5 
2.4   SMEs and innovation experiences in Ecuador, Ecuador's Ministry for Production, Trade, 
Investme nt and Fisheries (Member)  ................................ ................................ ....................  6 
3   INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY TOOLS  ................................ ................................ ...............  6 
3.1   Tools on intellectual property for SMEs, WIPO (IO)  ................................ .........................  6 
3.2   IP tools and support for MSMEs, WIPO (IO)  ................................ ................................ ... 6 
4   LOW -VALUE SHIPMENTS  ................................ ................................ .............................  7 
4.1   A proposal to simplify duty and tax collection on imported low -value shipments, Global 
Express Association (Other)  ................................ ................................ ................................  7 
4.2   Australia's experience on Goods and Service Tax (GST) on low value imported goods, 
Australia's Department of Home Affairs (Member)  ................................ ................................ . 7 
4.3   Canada's low -value shipments policy regarding the application of customs duties, Canada 
Border Services Agency (Member)  ................................ ................................ .......................  7 
4.4   Low Value Shipment Duty/Tax Collection, Global Express Association (Other)  .....................  8 
5   MSME PROVISIONS IN REGIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS (RTAS)  ................................ . 8 
5.1   MSME provisions in Regional Trade Agreements, WTO (Secretariat)  ................................ .. 8 
5.2   MSME -related language in R egional Trade Agreements, WTO (Secretariat)  .........................  8 
6   MSME FINANCING  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 8 
6.1   National Supply Chain Finance Initiatives and Platforms, IFC (IO)  ................................ ..... 8 
6.2   Unlocking financial inclusion for MSMEs, Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (Other)  .... 9 
7   CROSS -BORDER PAYMENTS  ................................ ................................ .........................  9 
7.1   Current state of e -commerce and payments, dLocal (organized by Member)  ......................  9 
7.2   Cross -border payments for MSMEs Post -Covid, World Economic Forum (Other)  ..................  9 
7.3   Payments to advance growth for all, Inter -American Development Bank (IO)  ....................  10 
7.4   Inclusive trade and cross -border payments, Visa (Other)  ................................ ................  10 
8   SUSTAINABILITY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 10 
8.1   SME & Africa Strategies, United Nations Global Compact (IO) ................................ ..........  10 
8.2   GreenToCompete, ITC (IO)  ................................ ................................ ........................  10 
8.3   G20 Policy Toolkit for Green via Digital MSMEs, UNCTAD (IO)  ................................ .........  11 INF/MSME/W/39/Rev.1  
 
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  8.4   Supporting MSMEs on Accounting and Financial, Sustainability and SDG Reporting, UNCTAD 
(IO) ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............................  11 
8.5   The Climate Impact of SMEs, ICC (IO)  ................................ ................................ .........  11 
9   TRADE FACILITATION  ................................ ................................ ...............................  12 
9.1   Promoting integration of MSMEs in international trade, UN/CEFACT (IO)  ...........................  12 
9.2   EIF VANUATU: ASYCUDA -CDS Communication Platform Project, Enhanced Integrated 
Framework (Secretariat)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 12 
9.3   Briefing on SPS/TBT notification alert system ePing and related capacity building activities in 
Vietnam, WTO (Secretariat)  ................................ ................................ ..............................  12 
9.4   Global Trade Hub for Internationalization of Brazilian MSMEs, Brazil Mission to WTO (Member)
 ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 12 
9.5   Supporting SMEs Through Trade Facilitation Reforms: Toolkit for Policymakers, ITC (IO)  .... 13 
10   CYBER -READINESS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 13 
10.1   Canadian SME Cybersecurity Initiati ves & Programs, Government of Canada (Member)  ..... 13 
10.2   Strengthening MSME Cyber Security, TechUK (organized by Member)  ............................  13 
10.3   Importance of cybersecurity for digital trade, Coalition to Reduce Cyber Risk (CR2) (Other)
 ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 14 
10.4   GCA Cybersecurity Toolkit for Small Business, Global Cyber Alliance (Other)  ...................  14 
11   DIGITAL  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  14 
11.1   The Model Law on Elec tronic Transferable Records – MLETR, Abu Dhabi Global Markets 
(other)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  14 
11.2   Bahrain's ETR Law, Economic Development Board of the Kingdom of Bahrain (Member)  .... 15 
11.3   Creating a modern digital trade ecosystem, ICC -UK (IO)  ................................ ..............  15 
11.4   Overview of the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records – MLETR, 
UNCITRAL (IO)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  15 
12   STANDARDS TO DIGITALIZE TRADE  ................................ ................................ ........  16 
12.1   United Kingdom -Kenya Trade Logistics Information Pipeline (TLIP), IOE&IT (Other)  ..........  16 
12.2   United Kingdom -Kenya Trade Logistics Information Pipeline (TLIP), IOTA (Other)  .............  16 
13   OTHER TOPICS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  16 
13.1   Activities of the OECD Working Party on SMEs and Entrepreneurship, OECD (IO)  .............  16 
13.2   Policy options to support rural MSMEs, Brazil Mission to the WTO (Member)  ....................  17 
13.3   Legislative Guides on Business Registration and Limited Liability Enterprises, UNCITRAL (IO)
 ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 17 
13.4   Outcomes of the Global MSME Forum 2021 and Updates on the APEC Boracay Action 
Agenda, Philippines' Government (Member)  ................................ ................................ .........  17 
  INF/MSME/W/39/Rev.1  
 
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  Brief Description : The present document includes the list of all presentations provided by 
participating organizations in the meetings convened by the WTO Informal Working Group on MSMEs  
from 18 February 2021 to 7 April 2022. The presentations are sorted by thematic category and date. 
Each presentation includes a summary along with its corresponding institution, title and link.  
Thematic categories : 1) Implementation of the December  2020 Package; 2 ) Innovation;  
3) Intellectual Property Tools; 4) Low -value shipments; 5)  MSME Provisions in Regional Trade 
Agreements (RTAs ); 6) MSME Financing; 7) Sustainability; 8) Trade Facilitation; 
9) Cyber -Readiness; 10) Digital; 11) Other Topics.  
Period co vered : 18 February 2021 – 13 March 2023 . 
1  IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DECEMBER 2020 PACKAGE  
1.1  Global Trade Helpdesk update , ITC (IO)  
24 September 2021  
 
1.1.  The International Trade Centre (ITC) updated the Group on latest developments regarding the 
Global Trade Helpdesk (GTH). Members were invited to submit, ideally by the end of this year, 
information to feed into the GTH as per Annex 2 of the 2020 package.  
https://www.wto.org/english/tr atop_e/msmes_e/gth_sept21.pdf   
1.2  Global Trade Helpdesk update , ITC (IO)  
8 February 2022  
 
1.2.  The ITC gave a presentation on the Global Trade Helpdesk's plans for 2022, including 
navigational videos, possible new training with the ICC Centres for Entrepreneurship , and new tools 
it is working to develop, including AI enhanced search of HS codes. The ITC also provided information 
on the verification surveys it has received from MSME Group members so far, as agreed in Annex 2 
of the 2020 Package.  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/822022_e/Global_Trade_Helpdesk_Update.pdf   
1.3  Global Trade Helpdesk update , ITC (IO) 
7 April 2022  
 
1.3.  Update on the national informati on as per Annex 2 of the package and planned GTH 
informational webinars. https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/gth_update_7april22.pdf   
1.4  Global Trade Helpdesk update , ITC (IO)  
13 March 2023  
1.4.  Representatives from the ITC provided a presentation of their updates, outreach and plan of 
work for the Global Trade Helpdesk.  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/global_trade_helpdesk.pdf   
1.5  Good regulatory practices to improve SPS measures , WTO (Secretariat)  
8 February 2022  
1.5.  The Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) presented their new report on Good 
Regulatory Pr actices in the context of SPS measures, which include greater transparency and 
reviewing changes with a small business lens. The guide offers practical guidance and encourages 
public and private sector stakeholder engagement. The Guide aims to improve comp liance, reduce 
administrative costs and increase trust in new SPS regulations. All of this ties in closely with Annex 
4 of the December 2020 package to promote MSME inclusion in regulatory development in the area 
of trade, and members noted the importance of encouraging close work and dialogue with other 
WTO bodies and committees to identify synergies.  
https://www.standardsfacility.org/sites/default/files/STDF_GRP_Gu ide_EN.pdf   INF/MSME/W/39/Rev.1  
 
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  1.6  Update on the Implementation of the 2019 Integrated Database (IDB) decision , WTO 
(Secretariat)  
7 April 2022  
 
1.6.  Update on the implementation of the 2019 IDB decision that streamlines processes and allows 
integration of additional data elements. Ca nada and Uruguay have already established direct 
transmission of related data and others are in advanced talks, all of which would ensure updated 
and accessible information for businesses.  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/idb_7april22.pdf   
2  INNOVATION  
2.1  Developing countries challenges in innovation and policy aspects , UNCTAD (IO)  
4 May 2021  
 
2.1.  Clovis Freire, an economist from UNCTAD's division on Technology and Logistics, p resented to 
the MSME Group on the importance of innovation, especially in developing economies, in order to 
create new products that lead to economic development, diversification and stronger, broader 
exports. Unfortunately, MSMEs are more challenged to in novate because of market failures that 
make it hard to protect their intellectual property; system failures, like those that make it challenging 
for MSMEs to access capital; and "capability failures", or lack of adequate education and training. 
Innovation and trade works in both directions: trade can provide opportunities for "emulation" by 
MSMEs when they insert themselves into upstream production, creating low -cost value -added parts 
or repairing imported items, which then leads to more specialization and innovation as they learn 
and even future exports. Targeted policy instruments can be an important way to increase innovation 
and bring MSMEs onboard, including through education, infrastructure, industrial parks, special 
economic zones, and industrial inst itutes.  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/unctad_innovation0521.pdf   
2.2  World Trade Report 2020 – Government policies to promote innovation in the digital 
age, WTO (Secretariat)  
4 May 2021  
 
2.2.  Over the past decade, many economies have been adopting new types of policies aimed at 
technological upgrading and transitioning to a new digital economy. The WTO World Trade Report 
2020 looked at addressing what has changed with the digital economy, what are the policy 
implications, and what is the role of trade and the WTO given this trend. Government R&D funding 
was found to be important to promote innovation in an economy generally, especially in developing 
regions, and, for MSMEs, direct financial supp ort was the main instrument to encourage their R&D. 
Trade has an important role in that open trade policies contribute to innovation through GVCs and 
cooperation in the multilateral trading system has supported the expansion of digital sectors, which 
in turn provide opportunities for digitally connected MSMEs and new areas for economic exploration 
and innovation. https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/wtr2020_0521.pdf   
2.3  Brief ing on discussions on MSMEs, IP and innovation in the context of the TRIPS 
Council , WTO (Secretariat)  
26 July 2021  
 
2.3.  Related to support of MSME IP, the WTO Secretariat updated the Group on discussions at the 
TRIPS Council. Over the past seven years 116 inte rventions on the issue of MSMEs and innovation 
have been made to the Council, touching on issues from national strategies to technical assistance. 
At its foundation, the IP system is about innovation and the availability of technology to promote 
social and  economic welfare. Members have reported on a range of initiatives to increase MSME 
understanding and use of IP, including workshops, dedicated portals and practical support while 
others have implemented innovation policies like tax incentives or incubatio n centers. Still, there are 
a wide range of challenges to MSMEs for using the IP system, including cost, enforcement, and a 
high reliance on informal IP or "knowhow". Members of the Group expressed interest in working INF/MSME/W/39/Rev.1  
 
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  more closely with the TRIPS Council an d with WIPO to explore ways to address these challenges. 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/260721_trips.pdf   
2.4  SMEs and innovation experiences in Ecuador , Ecuador's Mini stry for Production, 
Trade, Investment and Fisheries (Member)  
26 July 2021  
 
2.4.  Ecuador also shared its national experience regarding the importance of rural MSMEs and their 
various projects to support innovation by these businesses. Support has been focused i n particular 
on re-forestation and the flower and agri -business sectors.  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/260721_ecuador.pdf   
3  INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY TOOLS  
3.1  Tools on i ntellectual property for SMEs , WIPO (IO)  
26 July 2021  
 
3.1.  WIPO delivered a presentation that underscored MSMEs in Europe that make use of intellectual 
property (IP) have 70% more revenue than those that do not, however only 9% of European MSMEs 
use IP as part  of their strategy. Given that MSMEs are less likely to make use of IP, WIPO presented 
its work to develop intellectual property tools to support MSME Growth and innovation, such as the 
IP Diagnostic Tool and Inventor Assistance Program to match developing  economy inventors and 
MSMEs with patent attorneys. WIPO also continues to look into IP as a form of collateral to increase 
MSME access to finance and it was suggested this could be something for the MSME Group to 
consider in relation to Annex 6 of the Dec ember 2020 MSME Package on access to trade -related 
finance. WIPO also suggested the group consider adding a point on IP in the "checklist of 
MSME -related information to voluntarily include in WTO Trade Policy Reviews" appended to Annex 1 
on the collection of MSME -related information in TPRs of the December 2020 package. Lastly, he 
also invited members of the Group to share information on WIPO's tools with their constituents. 
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/INF/MSME/R27.pdf&Open=True   
3.2  IP tools and support for MSMEs , WIPO (IO)  
8 November 2021  
 
3.2.  MSMEs are important to the global economy, but they do not always know how to mak e the 
best use of IP or its potential benefits to increase competitiveness and visibility as well as to avoid 
the risk of unknowingly infringing on proprietary content. WIPO is actively working to develop 
resources for MSMEs related to IP. These include an  IP diagnostic tool, IP for business guides (this 
includes guides currently in development on IP and technologies like artificial intelligence and Big 
Data), a list of intermediaries and IP support offices that MSMEs can contact, IP management 
support, and  information on IP and finance such as IP -backed finance. The WIPO IP Business Division 
is also currently supporting a number of projects and activities for MSMEs in the economies of many 
MSME Group members. WIPO also works to provide training and support services through the 
development of business support units in national IP offices, mapping of MSME intermediary 
institutions and their services, the Investor Assistance Program (IAP) and patent drafting programs. 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/wipo_presentation.pdf   INF/MSME/W/39/Rev.1  
 
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  4  LOW -VALUE SHIPMENTS  
4.1  A proposal to simplify duty and tax collection on imported low -value shipments , 
Global Express Association (Other)  
18 February 2 021 
 
4.1.  The Global Express Association GEA presented a video to the Group (available on their website) 
noting how the Internet has allowed for more MSME participation in trade and that the volume of 
small parcel shipments has increased dramatically in recent years . However, customs procedures, 
designed for large shipments, have not kept in step with this change, causing difficulties for many 
small traders at the border. To address this, the GEA has a proposed system of three options for 
consideration by national go vernments to simplify the process and to focus border formalities on 
health, security and safety rather than inefficient tax collection. The first option would be to eliminate 
specific duties for parcels under a certain value and instead apply a flat rate on these entries at the 
border. The second option would be to follow the model implemented by Canada for imports under 
a value threshold which allows for three tariff categories (for example all textiles are grouped into 
the first category), with only one tariff for any product within the category, rather than a multitude 
of tariffs based on the HS codes of individual products. This would significantly reduce classification 
difficulties. The third option would be to simplify or eliminate import duties altog ether, as in Australia 
(which mostly charges a flat 5 per cent duty on imports) and Singapore (which is almost entirely 
duty free), and instead implement a goods and services tax (GST) or value -added tax (VAT) on 
imports just as applies to domestic transac tions. More information on the GEA proposal can be found 
here. https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/gea_18221.pdf   
4.2  Australia's experience on Goods and Service Tax (GST) on l ow value imported goods , 
Australia's Department of Home Affairs (Member)  
4 May 2021  
 
4.2.  The Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs presented to the MSME Group on 
their national e -commerce experience given their goods and services tax (GST) on low -value 
imports. Australia has a de minimis threshold of AUD 1,000 on customs duties, GST and reporting 
obligations, introduced in 2000 before the significant rise in e -commerce. The increase in 
e-commerce and a rise in cross -border low -value shipments meant  a significant GST revenue loss, 
which the government has tried to counter with a new GST on low -value goods, implemented on 
1 July 2018. This new GST requires overseas businesses with a turnover greater than AUD 75,000 
to register with the Australian Taxa tion Authority. GST is then collected at the point -of-sale, while 
at the border the AUD 1,000 de minimis level remains, thereby preventing double -taxation. 
Registration is simplified and traders using an e -commerce marketplace are not required to register 
separately, rather the e -commerce marketplace itself must register and follow the necessary 
requirements, thereby assisting MSME trade.  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/ msmes_e/australia_gst0521.pdf   
4.3  Canada's low -value shipments policy regarding the application of customs duties , 
Canada Border Services Agency (Member)  
24 September 2021  
 
4.3.  Canada's low -value shipment policy regarding the application of customs duties can sim plify 
tariffs and duties at the border. Canada has both a low -value threshold of CAD 3,300 and a renewed 
de minimis for courier remission orders (CIROs) only. Canada applies different categories of CIRO 
and postal import remission order (PIRO) de minimis t hresholds for imports depending on their origin 
with exceptions for certain imports such as alcohol and tobacco. Canada also applies the Generic 
Harmonized System (GHS) for qualified postal and courier shipments, which is a simplified 
classification proces s that allows imports to be categorized in one of three generic MFN tariff rates 
provided the value is CAD 500 or less. Goods also need to be imported for personal or household 
use and certain goods, including alcohol and tobacco, are ineligible. Overall, Canada has found that 
GHS has a minimal impact on tariff revenue, no impact on sales tax revenue, and it facilitates the 
processing of low -value shipments.  
https://www.wto.org /english/tratop_e/msmes_e/canada_sept21_e.pdf   INF/MSME/W/39/Rev.1  
 
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  4.4  Low Value Shipment Duty/Tax Collection, Global Express Association (Other)  
12 October 2022  
4.4.  The Global Express Association (GEA), an organization representing three of the largest global 
express carriers i.e., DHL, FedEx and UPS, returned to the MSME Group to present on two proposed 
low value shipment (LVS) duty/tax collection processes, their common features, and a proposal for 
a global duty/tax rate repository. As detailed in two documents submitted to the MSM E Group 
(INF/MSME/P/2 and INF/MSME/P/3) and the GEA's 2021 presentation, two main options are 
proposed to simplify the duty compliance burden for traders – namely a simplified flat -rate duty for 
all dutiable imports below a certain de minimis threshold or a simplified classification structure based 
on plain language with varying tax/duties attached to these categories. One of the key features of 
these two systems are their "vendor models" that rely on the seller as the source of information. 
These two syste ms would benefit from cross -border cooperation among customs officials given that 
buyers must pay the duties but vendors hold the information. A global repository, which the GEA 
suggests that the WTO could hold, might contain information related to nationa l duty/tax rates, the 
type of simplified duties applied, the value threshold, the commodity list, and the GST/VAT or other 
tax rates if applicable. Ultimately, an automated system relying on standardized information would 
be the most efficient and benefici al to firms of all sizes.  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/gea_low_value_shipment_duty_collection.pdf   
5  MSME PROVISIONS IN REGIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS (RTAS)  
5.1  MSME provisions in Regional Trade Agreements , WTO (Secretariat)  
24 June 2021  
 
5.1.  The Secretariat presented on a report  completed in 2019 on MSME references in regional trade 
agreements (INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.1), including the updated background database available at the 
MSME provisions in regional trade agreements webpage 
(https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmesandtra_e/rtaprovisions_e.htm ). The Secretariat  was 
invited to update the 2019 report for discussion at a forthcoming meeting.  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/rta_240621.pdf   
5.2  MSME -related language in Regional Trade Agreements , WTO ( Secretariat)  
7 April 2022  
 
5.2.  Updated report regarding MSME references in regional trade agreements 
(INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3) and the associated online database. More than half (56 per cent) of in -force 
RTAs contain at least one reference to MSME -related provisions and the share and variety of such 
provisions continues to increase.  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/rtas_7april22.pdf   
6  MSME FINANCING  
6.1  National Supply Chain Finance Initiatives and Platforms , IFC (IO)  
4 May 2021  
 
6.1.  Aksinya Sorokina joined the MSME Group to prese nt on supply chain finance (SCF), its 
importance for MSMEs, and the role of public entities and industry associations to promote SCF. SCF 
allows for frequently smaller, sub -suppliers or buyers, to access finance based on the reputation of 
a larger, anchor,  company and the contracts it has made with the supplying or buying company. In 
order for SCF to function optimally, it requires visibility of the entire underlying trade flow, which 
new digital technologies have made increasingly possible. Public institut es and industry associations 
have an important role to bring awareness to SCF as a finance tool for MSMEs and to push for an 
appropriate legal and regulatory framework. Governments also need to support digital infrastructure 
and technological capacity to b uild up SCF programs and increase local bank interest in SCF for 
MSMEs, potentially through risk -assumption. Ms. Sorokina laid out a number of different, specific, 
approaches that Governments can take to support SCF, from an "enabling framework provider INF/MSME/W/39/Rev.1  
 
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  approach" that lays out an appropriate regulatory environment for SCF to a "financing approach" 
where public institutions can provide SCF directly at preferred rates. Ultimately, there is no 
"one-size-fits-all" for SCF, but it can be a powerful tool to bring  MSMEs into trade.  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/national_scf0521.pdf   
6.2  Unlocking financial inclusion for MSMEs , Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation 
(Othe r) 
8 February 2022  
 
6.2.  The Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (the GLEIF ) joined the Group to present the Legal 
Entity Identifier (LEI), a life -long code owned by the respective legal entity. The GLEIF highlighted 
the benefits of the LEI through suppor ting presentations by four financial institutions and businesses 
with a case study from Zimbabwe. First, Yann Desclercs, Managing Director of Cornerstone Advisory 
Plus, a west African financial compliance firm, explained the importance of the LEI, especial ly for 
African financial institutions. The LEI can help financial institutions to increase their compliance 
standards, thereby reducing their exposure to "derisking" when the international financial 
community offloads certain institutions because they assu me they will require excessive due 
diligence. Next, Munyaradzi  Kamhozo and Erasmus Bhunu from the NMB Bank in Zimbabwe, 
reported that the LEI can significantly reduce the time to validate the identity of MSMEs and can 
decrease the cost of doing business fo r traders who are especially exposed. Finally, Second Muguyo 
from Copperwares, a Zimbabwe copper and silver goods manufacturer, explained how the LEI would 
make finance more accessible to small businesses like Copperwares, assuring their business 
sustainab ility. 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/822022_e/GLEIF_Presentation.pdf   
7  CROSS -BORDER PAYMENTS  
7.1  Current state of e -commerce and payments , dLocal  (organi zed by Member)  
4 May 2021  
 
7.1.  Sergio Fogel, co -founder of dLocal, a Uruguay e -payment company, presented on the current 
state of e -commerce and payments. Currently, there is a lot of innovation and change occurring in 
this field and no clear winning process h as emerged. What is clear, is that e -commerce is hindered 
by a number of regulatory frictions, both in terms of the movement of goods but also for payments. 
There is a need for governments both to protect small e -payment innovators that may be able to 
bring new solutions to the market, as well as facilitate the integration and interoperability of these 
new technologies for cross -border transactions. https://dlocal.com/   
7.2  Cross -border payments for MSMEs  Post-Covid , World Economic Forum (Other)  
13 October 2022  
7.2.  The World Economic Forum (WEF) organized an information session on Cross -border payments 
for MSMEs. In their introductory presentation, the WEF underscored the importance of basic 
infrastructure and digital paym ents, especially in the face of a pandemic. Further, the changing 
digital landscape for MSMEs has highlighted the need for payments to cover new digital services and 
e-commerce, many of which are linked with MSMEs, but which face challenges ranging from la ck of 
infrastructure or interoperability to cyber -crimes. The WEF closed with four calls to action. The first 
was for continued investment in basic infrastructure for the digital economy, both physical and 
regulatory such as the MLETR guidelines. Second, t he WEF call for a commitment to interoperable 
systems to ensure that payments can be made across borders. Third, the WEF proposed a 
commitment for international coordination pertaining to innovation and regulations. The final call to 
action was for a commi tment for multi -stakeholder engagement in the design of regulations.  All of 
these are essential for functioning cross -border digital payment systems. 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/wef_cross -border_payments_for_msmes_post -
covid.pdf   INF/MSME/W/39/Rev.1  
 
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  7.3  Payments to advance growth for all , Inter -American Development Bank (IO) 
13 October 2022  
7.3.  The Inter -American Development Bank (IADB ) provided information on the growth of digital 
payment use in Latin America and noted Brazil as a case study of a leading economy with regards 
to adoption and use of innovative payment technology. In fact, Brazil adopted a national payment 
system, PIX, wh ich has allowed over 40 million people to make their first bank transfer in 2020 and 
far outpaced other economies' payment system growth. Going further, the IADB described a joint 
program with the WEF called Payments to Advance Growth for All (PAGA), which  was launched in 
2021. Key takeaways from PAGA include the need to build good regulatory practices to reduce 
market barriers and promote innovation; encourage public -private sector collaborations; explore 
digital trade agreements to secure cross -border dig ital payments; and facilitate new technology and 
innovation. Overall, the IADB noted the need for interoperability among payment systems; the 
importance of ensuring end -to-end payments for businesses just as for individuals; digital identities, 
consumer pr otection and cyber security; and review of payment licensing. 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/iadb_payments_to_advance_growth_for_all.pdf   
7.4  Inclusive trade and cross -border payments , Visa (Other)  
13 October 2022  
7.4.  Visa described the changing payment environment and the way that economic digitalization 
can lead to greater equity and inclusion. For example, women entrepreneurs are increasingly 
creating "born digital" and "born global" firms, relying on digital sales and exports from initialization 
of their business. Cross -border payments also go beyond trade and e -commerce, they are tied 
closely with remittances which continue to increase worldwid e. Visa underlined the importance of 
payment interoperability, but perhaps even more importantly regulatory interoperability between 
economies' payments systems. One best practice in this regard that was cited in the presentation 
was the Singapore -Australi a Digital economy Agreement. This model demonstrates how economies 
can consider digital payment interoperability and standardization to increase secure, functioning 
payment transactions. Ultimately, to increase access and ensure a more equitable digital ec onomy, 
focus will need to be turned towards providing citizens with the opportunity to access digital 
networks; to increase digital skills; and to develop trust in digital systems and products. 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/visa_inclusive_trade_and_cross_border_payment
s.pdf  
8  SUSTAINABILITY  
8.1  SME & Africa Strategies , United Nations Global Compact (IO)  
24 September 2021  
 
8.1.  The UN Global C ompact gave a presentation on its new strategy to engage with businesses of 
all sizes. Given the importance of MSMEs to the global economy, the UN Global Compact has 
recognized that the only way to fulfil the SDGs is to bring these firms on board with the Compact's 
ten principles focused on human rights, labour, the environment and anti -corruption. Recognizing 
the resource challenges and everyday business realities of MSMEs, UN Global Compact has 
implemented digital onboarding and benchmarking for MSMEs inc luding an onboarding readiness 
tool along with tailored programming tools like playbooks, accelerators, and peer learning groups. 
The UN Global Compact has also recently developed an Africa strategy focused on SMEs in the 
region. These strategies will focu s on local resources through the UN Global Compact's Local 
Networks to increase SME engagement and provide on -the-ground support for sustainable 
development. https:// www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/un_global_compact_sept21.pdf   
8.2  GreenToCompete , ITC (IO)  
8 February 2022  
 
8.2.  The ITC reported to the MSME Group on their GreenToCompete initiative to build MSME capacity 
and strengthen their resilience in green markets. Reco gnizing the competitive forces in trade that INF/MSME/W/39/Rev.1  
 
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  are affecting businesses, both negative from value chain risks due to climate hazards and 
environmental externalities created by business including emissions and waste as well as positive 
forces like new environ mental business opportunities, the ITC looked for ways to activate green 
trade focusing on circularity, climate resilience and the bioeconomy. Through new GreenToCompete 
Hubs ( https://www. sustainabilitygateway.org/hubs -landing/ ), access to green finance via a mapping 
of national sources, platforms for dialogue and thought leadership, the ITC hopes to help set the 
policy agenda and support MSMEs to drive green change. As part of the initiati ve, the ITC has 
developed a toolkit on the circular economy, coaching programmes or MSMEs, and are in the process 
of developing a platform where MSMEs can do an environmental assessment of their business.  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/822022_e/ITC_Green_to_Compete.pdf   
8.3  G20 Policy Toolkit for Green via Digital MSMEs , UNCTAD (IO)  
8 February 2022  
 
8.3.  On behalf of G20 Italian Presidency, UNCTAD presented the "Non -Binding Policy Toolkit on 
Promoting Born Green via Digital MSMEs and Entrepreneurship in Global Supply Chains", which was 
developed in collaboration with the ITC, OECD, World Bank and WTO. The green and digital 
economies are two entry po ints for MSMEs and are tied in with the G20 priorities of people, planet 
and prosperity. Recognizing new challenges that MSMEs face accessing green finance, digital 
technologies, online marketplaces, compliance with green regulations and access to new know ledge 
and skills, a toolkit with a framework of five elements was developed. These elements include 
enhancing entrepreneurship education and skills; facilitating technology exchanges and innovation; 
improving access to finance; promoting partnerships and l inkages; and optimizing the regulatory 
environment. It is hoped that this toolkit can inform further discussions and exchanges of best 
practices, provide a reference for those looking to support MSMEs in the green and digital economies, 
and can inform poli cy support and technical assistance.  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/822022_e/UNCTAD_G20_toolkit_on_MSMEs.pdf   
8.4  Supporting MSMEs on Accounting  and Financial, Sustainability and SDG Reporting , 
UNCTAD (IO)  
8 February 2022  
 
8.4.  UNCTAD also presented on the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on International Standards 
of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR). Created by ECOSOC and housed at UNCTAD, ISAR seeks to 
generate consensus building, provide policy guidance, and give technical assistance on financial and 
sustainability reporting. ISAR also looks to support enterprise reporting for assessing the private 
sector contribution to implementation of the S DGs. Key areas of focus also include MSME accounting 
and reporting. Currently, ISAR is in the pilot phase of developing an e -accounting platform for 
MSMEs. It has also developed guidance on core SDG indicators and a training manual on accounting 
for MSMEs.  Improving MSME reporting and accounting capacity can help these businesses improve 
their credit worthiness and access to finance.  
https://www.wto.o rg/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/822022_e/UNCTAD_Supporting_MSMEs_reportin
g.pdf  
8.5  The Climate Impact of SMEs , ICC (IO)  
13 March 2023  
 
8.5.  The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) presented The Climate Impact of SMEs report , 
which was launched at COP27 with their partner Sage. This report seeks to promote a global 
approach to climate regulation and put a renewed emphasis on MSMEs as key stakeholders for 
decarbonization. The report surveyed more than 4,000 SMEs in the United Kingdom and South Africa 
about their views on sustainability and how they apply to their businesses. Overall, the study found 
that MSMEs are eager to t ake climate and environmental action, however this action is often limited 
due to financial constraints. That is, MSMEs will tend to take action on "low -hanging" fruit when it 
comes to decarbonization and 16 per cent even report that switching to more envi ronmental 
practices can attract new customers. However, MSMEs face significant hurdles when it comes to 
more substantial environmental changes. Overall, the report identifies 11 policy recommendations 
to help MSMEs transition to more sustainable business p ractices, including adapting standards and INF/MSME/W/39/Rev.1  
 
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  reporting requirements; providing tailored guidance and training; fostering the use of digital 
technologies; and addressing trade barriers.  
9  TRADE FACILITATION  
9.1  Promoting integration of MSMEs in international trade , UN/CEFACT (IO)  
18 February 2022  
 
9.1.  UN/CEFACT presented information to the Group on the Integrated Services for MSMEs in 
International Trade (ISMIT) project which has been completed and approved since its initial 
presentation in 2019. ISMIT is a single submi ssion portal (SSP) meant to bridge the gap between 
an e-commerce transaction made on a platform and national single windows or other government 
customs and trade procedures. Although similar to a Single Window in that it seeks to connect 
traders to regulat ory procedures and offers facilities to streamline the official trade process, it is not 
run by the government and could be offered by many different private and non -governmental 
providers. In addition, the ISMIT goes beyond regulatory procedures covered b y Single Windows 
and could provide additional services related to legal advice, insurance, logistics, foreign exchange 
settlement, etc. and could even act as a source to document small traders' transaction histories for 
access to finance. https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/unece_18221.pdf   
9.2  EIF VANUATU: ASYCUDA -CDS Communication Platform Project , Enhanced Integrated 
Framework (Secretariat)  
26 July 2021  
 
9.2.  The Enhanced Integr ated Framework (EIF), briefed the Group on its ASYCUDA -CDS 
Communication Platform Project in Vanuatu, developed in partnership with the United Nations 
Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU). As 
ecommerce exploded the volume of small packages being sent across borders, it was recognized 
that national postal services and customs administrations needed new methods to facilitate this 
trade, which is often conducted by MSMEs. With this in mind, the cooperation launched a project in 
Vanuatu to facilitate clearance by exchanging pre -arrival/pre -departure information among agencies 
and automate customs clearance processes. The UPU and UNCTAD have identified 23 LDCs where 
an interface between the UPU's customs declaration sy stem (CDS) and UNCTAD's ASYCUDA could 
also be established and interested MSME Group members were invited to reach out to learn more.  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/26 0721_eif.pdf   
9.3  Briefing on SPS/TBT notification alert system ePing and related capacity building 
activities in Vietnam , WTO (Secretariat)  
26 July 2021  
 
9.3.  The WTO Secretariat introduced the new Vietnamese version of the e -Ping platform, an online 
alert system that helps companies follow new developments on standards and regulations for traded 
goods. ePing's services allow for private sector stakeholders, in particular MSMEs, to filter through 
the large amount of information to stay informed on regulatory develo pments. Given that language 
barriers were identified as a main obstacle to access regulatory updates, ePing was translated and 
additional sectors were included, allowing MSMEs in Viet Nam to directly follow and react to measures 
that affect them. Given the  positive results from this project, there is a hope to find similar 
opportunities in the future. https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/260721_eping.pdf   
9.4  Global Trade Hub for Internationalization of Brazilian MSMEs , Brazil Mission to WTO 
(Member)  
24 September 2021  
 
9.4.  Global Trade Hub, a UK -funded project in partnership with the Brazilian government, aims to 
create a digital solution to help Brazilian MSMEs internationalize. The initiative is based on 
UN/CEFACT's ISMIT concept to bring e -commerce trade services together in a platform for easier 
MSME access and trade in services. The Global Trade Hub will bring together private sector service INF/MSME/W/39/Rev.1  
 
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  providers, Brazil ian federal government agencies and national business associations among others 
to create "The Amazon of export services" for Brazilian businesses looking to internationalize. The 
Global Trade Hub was implemented in September 2021 and intends to be operati onal by 2022. 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/brazil_sept21.pdf   
9.5  Supporting SMEs Through Trade Facilitation Reforms: Toolkit  for Policymaker s, ITC 
(IO) 
12 October 2022  
9.5.  The International Trade Centre (ITC) provided the MSME Group with a presentation on MSMEs 
and trade facilitation based on their 2018 report Supporting SMEs Through Trade Facilitation 
Reforms : Toolkit for Policymakers . The Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) is especially important 
for MSMEs whose competitiveness is impacted twice as much as large firms by trade inefficiencies. 
Within the TFA, the ITC has identified 19 TFA provisions that impac t MSMEs most, either positively 
or negatively, and provided recommendations for how to address reforms bearing a MSME -
perspective in mind. Besides the strong recommendation for publishing information in plain language 
and implementing commonly used solutio ns like e -payments, the ITC also identified the 
disproportionately high benefits MSMEs can gain from Authorized Economic Operator ( AEO) status. 
However, the ITC noted that MSMEs are sometimes prevented from joining AEO programs because 
of criteria related to volume or frequency of shipments as well as financial requirements, all of which 
the ITC recommends eliminating. The ITC also noted the need for e -payments to streamline the 
customs process, especially in economies where there are large "unbanked" segme nts of the 
population and many traders cannot send traditional money transfers. To close, it was underscored 
that "reforms that work for larger firms might not benefit MSMEs, but reforms that work for MSMEs 
will also benefit larger firms".  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/itc_supporting_msmes_through_trade_facilitatio
n_reforms.pdf   
10  CYBER -READINESS  
10.1  Canadian SME Cybersecurity In itiatives & Programs , Government of Canada 
(Member)  
18 February 2021  
 
10.1.  Although many MSMEs believe they are too small to be targeted for a cyber breach, Verizon 
data for 2019 indicate that more than two fifths of attacks were against MSMEs. To address this 
problem, CyberSecure Canada, a cyber security partnership initiative for MSMEs developed by the 
Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, was created. Canada's national cyber security strategy, 
administered through the Centre for Cyber Security, has three high l evel goals – to increase 
resilience of Canadian systems; to foster an innovative and adaptive cyber ecosystem through skills 
and talent; and to provide effective leadership, governance and collaboration.  CyberSecure Canada 
is a voluntary certification prog ramme based on 13 "security control areas" or best practices on 
cyber security, such as developing an incidence response plan; creating data backups with 
encryption; and implementing user authentication protocols. Launched in 2018, the programme is 
current ly in its pilot phase through fall 2021 at which point it will move to a Canadian National 
Standard. Outreach and engagement are currently ongoing, with four certificates already issued and 
175 SMEs undergoing the certification process. CyberSecure Canada also intends to engage with 
other national initiatives including the UK Cyber Essentials and the US Cybersecurity Maturity Model 
Certification (CMMC) programme to ensure mutual recognition and reciprocity. 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/cybersecure_canada_18221.pdf   
10.2  Strengthening MSME Cyber Security , TechUK (organized by Member)  
4 May 2021  
 
10.2.  TechUK is an industry association representing UK businesses on d igital and cyber matters. 
It works directly with government and its MSME members to develop technology policy and create 
an environment conducive to technological change. One of the biggest concerns when it comes to 
MSMEs and technology is cyber security. Despite a growing cybersecurity sector in the UK, MSMEs INF/MSME/W/39/Rev.1  
 
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  face a number of challenges to access these services including the costs of these services; lack of 
skills and awareness of their business' cyber risks; and brain drain as employees with cyber securit y 
skills can gain higher compensation elsewhere. Actions the UK government has taken to protect 
MSME cyber security includes developing a National Cyber Security Strategy 2016 -2021, creating 
specific cyber security advice for MSMEs, and creating a Cyber Es sentials certification program for 
firms. Businesses that sign up for Cyber Essentials can be reviewed for security defects and receive 
recommended actions to improve their digital security.  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/cyber_security0521.pdf   
10.3  Importance of cybersecurity for digital trade , Coalition to Reduce Cyber Risk (CR2) 
(Other)  
24 September 2021  
 
10.3.  CR2 presented to the Group on the importance of cybersecurity for digital trade. Currently 
there are more than 80 different national strategies for critical infrastructure in place that define 
what critical infrastructure is in scope but do not specify ex ante security requirement or a process 
and timelines for incident reporting. The digital ecosystem is reliant on trust, and cyber -attacks 
compromise that trust. Companies need to be able to take an integrated, risk -based approach to 
cybersecurity, however many prescriptive policies prevent firms from doing so. There is also a need 
by governments to follow international standards and best practices because divergent laws can act 
as non -tariff barriers requiring companies to duplicate their efforts or even ex it a market out of fear 
of legal repercussions. A consistent use of standards can reduce complexity and compliance costs, 
thereby increasing MSME participation in trade, including international trade. Alignment with 
international standards can also increas e security outcomes thereby protecting MSMEs which are the 
most vulnerable to cyber -attacks. For examples of cyber language in trade agreements, CR2 noted 
cybersecurity cooperation in CPTPP, the G20 Finance Ministers Declaration, RCEP and the Australia -
Singapore DEA to name some.  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/cr2_sept21.pdf   
10.4  GCA Cybersecurity Toolkit for Small Business, Global Cyber Alliance (Other)  
7 April 2022  
 
10.4.  Presentation on the Global Cyber Alliance's (GCA) approach to cyber readiness for MSMEs and 
the GCA free -to-use toolkit of MSME resources. Overall, the GCA is focused on  building a secure and 
trustworthy internet including by building a domain trust community for information sharing and 
best practices. Tools that the GCA has developed for MSMEs include six guided steps for better MSME 
cyber security, skills assessments an d video trainings. These steps include knowing what a business 
has already; applying relevant updates, such as for software; using strong passwords; ensuring 
systems are backed up and recoverable; and finally, protecting email. The Toolkit itself is access ible 
via an interactive website with a menu bar, guided popups, video introductions and handbooks on 
the relevant topics. Besides a toolkit for business, the GCA also offers cybersecurity toolkits for other 
potential users including mission -based organizat ions and financial institutions.  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/gca_toolkit_7april22.pdf   
11  DIGITAL  
11.1  The Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records – MLETR , Abu Dhabi Global 
Markets (other)  
24 June 2021  
 
11.1.  ADGM presented on its various initiatives to transform Abu Dhabi's business and finance 
landscape through digitization, the development of frameworks related to APIs and crypto assets, 
and the creation of regu latory sand boxes for digital and FinTech. ADGM's labs in particular are 
meant to help make it possible for FinTechs and start -ups to get their ideas and solutions in front of 
established banks. ADGM encourages all banks to participate in these labs where a problem is issued, 
and solutions can be proposed and reviewed. Separately, ADGM is also currently working on an SME 
platform to create an ecosystem where SMEs input their data and opt to receive offers from advisors 
providing finance, legal services, etc . in order to bring SME banking to a new level. This marketplace INF/MSME/W/39/Rev.1  
 
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  will be available at the end of 2021. the regulatory landscape was also underscored, including how 
MLETR can support initiatives such as these.  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/adgm_240621.pdf   
11.2  Bahrain's ETR Law , Economic Development Board of the Kingdom of Bahrain 
(Member)  
24 June 2021  
 
11.2.  The Economic Development Board of the Kingdom of Bahrain presented on  its experience as 
the first economy in the world to implement electronic transferable records (ETR) for specific trade 
documents and instruments. Unlike the MLETR, the Kingdom of Bahrain chose to specifically name 
the trade documents it would make electro nically transferable, namely bills of lading, letters of 
credit, warehouse receipts, cheques, bills of exchange, promissory notes, and other documents or 
instruments (in respect of delivering goods or paying a fixed amount of money) specified in a 
regulati on. They simultaneously issued a new Electronic Communications and Transactions Law 
(ECTL) to ensure consistency and avoid duplication with ETR. The Kingdom of Bahrain concluded by 
noting that ETR was not an isolated initiative, it required a number of com plementary initiatives to 
implement not only in terms of making new laws available on the books ranging from personal data 
protection and revamping the electronic transactions law to ECTL, but also promoting the use of 
cloud computing and government digita lization as well as providing training and pursuing continued 
customs modernization initiatives.  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/bahrain_240621.pdf  
11.3  Creating a mode rn digital trade ecosystem , ICC-UK (IO)  
24 June 2021  
 
11.3.  The ICC -UK presented on a recent joint report with Coriolis looking into the ways that 
digitizing transferable documents could support SME growth. Given the sheer number of trade 
documents, making them electronic can be a very practical way to support MSMEs. Governments 
play a critical role in this digitization and the benefits can be enormous based on the study, namely 
an estimated £25 billion in new economic growth and 25% more SME Trade by 2024; up to  a 75% 
reduction in the number of days needed to process documents and up to £224 billion in efficiency 
savings. However, it's important that global harmonization is pursued when it comes to this transfer, 
which is provided by the MLETR framework. The ICC -UK made a call to action of the MSME Group to 
help to raise the visibility of the Model Law and of its importance for MSME growth and trade 
digitalization. https://www.wto.org/en glish/tratop_e/msmes_e/iccuk_240621.pdf  
11.4  Overview of the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records – MLETR , 
UNCITRAL (IO)  
24 June 2021  
 
11.4.  UNCITRAL  began the meeting with a presentation on the history and purpose of the Model 
Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR). Adopted in 2017, MLETR enables the use of various 
trade documents in electronic format, including bills of lading and promissory notes. It also supports 
the use of emerging technologies like blockchain, IoT and smart contracts, but is a technology 
neutral agreement. MLETR is an enabling law – it does not create new regulations, rather it is built 
around functional equivalence rules meaning the same law applies to both electronic and paper -
based documents. By enabling electronic records, MLETR makes it possible to put multiple regulatory 
documents together in one file, with permissions for each document selectively given based on 
relevance. It was noted that enacting MLETR can enable cross -border data flows, improve supply 
chain governance, reduce compliance costs, safeguard against fraud, and minimize manual inputs, 
all of which are especially useful for small businesses for whom comp liance with regulations is a 
burden. Ultimately, MLETR is seen as a key enabler of digital trade financing and paperless trade 
facilitation moving the entire process online and reducing duplication of data. Currently it has been 
adopted in Bahrain, Singapo re, and Abu Dhabi.  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/uncitral_240621.pdf  INF/MSME/W/39/Rev.1  
 
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  12  STANDARDS TO DIGITALIZE TRADE  
12.1  United Kingdom -Kenya Trade Logistics Information Pipeline (T LIP), IOE&IT (Other)  
15 July 2022  
12.1.  The Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE&IT) presented to the Group on their 
United Kingdom -Kenya Trade Logistics Information Pipeline (TLIP). By contributing to address 
trade-related challenges such as regulato ry complexity, limited information access and burdensome 
logistics, TLIP aims to facilitate the trade process for exporters, especially for MSMEs. TLIP is a suite 
of digital solutions around three components. The first is a digital engine designed on distr ibuted 
ledger technology (DTL) – commonly referred as blockchain technology. The second is an 
information engine that supports accessibility and availability of regulatory and market information. 
The third is a policy and governance engine that assists the  sustainability of the digital and 
information engines. While TLIP is currently undergoing a testing phase, it intends to provide its 
potential users with a range of benefits, including: market exploration and discovery; connectivity 
and visibility between  supply chain actors; tracking and traceability of goods; transparency on 
commercial and regulatory transactions; trade information infrastructure for virtual integrated 
border management; and coordinated frameworks for analysis and assessments on non -tariff 
barriers. TLIP focuses on United Kingdom -Kenya bilateral trade opportunities that can result under 
their Economic Partnership Agreement, and involves a range of partners playing a role in 
trade-related processes, such as importers, exporters, wholesaler s, logistics providers, customs 
authorities, and other key institutions across the public and private sectors. 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/uk_kenya150722.pdf   
12.2  United Kingdom -Kenya Trade Logistics Information Pipeline (TLIP) , IOTA (Other)  
13 October 2022  
12.2.  In a follow -up of the 15 July 2022 presentation by the IOE&IT on the United Kingdom -Kenya 
Trade Logistics Information Pipeline (TLIP), the IOTA Foundation prese nted more details on its work 
with TradeMark East Africa to integrate TLIP into a pilot program. Fundamentally, IOTA noted there 
is a need for standards harmonization across trade in order to digitalize and automate international 
trade. Currently, the trad e process remains full of paper and by the time a customs official sees 
these many documents they are removed from the actual supplier by at around three to four levels. 
Rather than rely on declarations, the IOTA Foundation is working to use blockchain so that each 
party in the transaction has access to the information and can share data in a trusted way. However, 
to make this system work, information must be standardized. By doing so, it not only makes 
automation possible but also reduces the burden of the  trade process given that as much as 80% of 
the information is identical across documents (for example contact information, product, weight 
etc.). To conclude, the ICC -WTO Standards Toolkit was referenced as a starting point to increase 
standardization. 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/tlip_how_standards_increase_data_flow.pdf   
13  OTHER TOPICS  
13.1  Activities of the OECD Working Party on SMEs and Entre preneurship , OECD (IO)  
18 February 2021  
 
13.1.  The OECD's presentation highlighted the recently updated OECD Scoreboard on financing 
SMEs and Entrepreneurs with information on 48 economies and a thematic chapter on the evolution 
of SME financing policies. It was  also noted in the presentation that a forthcoming paper on trade 
finance in the digital era would be released soon. The presentation also showed how MSMEs have 
been at the center of the Covid -19 pandemic and bankruptcies are expected to rise sharply in 20 21. 
Most economies have implemented business support measures beginning with deferral of payments 
and increased access to credit moving to structural policies such as acceleration of digitalization and 
internationalization. It was highlighted that many new  options theoretically exist to assist MSMEs in 
the digital era, however challenges remain. From a policy perspective, efforts need to be made to 
make the finance process digital from end to end; interoperability needs to be prioritized; banks INF/MSME/W/39/Rev.1  
 
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  need to be i ncentivized to provide digital solutions; and finally, MSMEs themselves need have access 
to digital tools. https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/oecd_18221.pdf   
13.2  Policy optio ns to support rural MSMEs , Brazil Mission to the WTO (Member)  
4 May 2021  
 
13.2.  On rural MSMEs, Brazil proposed that the MSME Group could exchange best practices on rural 
MSME policies and hold a dialogue on trade facilitation and rural MSMEs in relation to Anne x 3 of the 
package (the recommendation on trade facilitation and MSMEs). Rural MSMEs make up a significant 
portion of the economic participants in developing economies. Ensuring that they have access to 
international markets can benefit these actors by ens uring they have demand for their products and 
increasing efficiencies.  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/rural_msmes_brazil0521.pdf   
13.3  Legislative Guides on Bu siness Registration and Limited Liability Enterprises , 
UNCITRAL (IO)  
24 September 2021  
 
13.3.  The United Nations Commission for International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) gave a presentation 
on the legislative guides on business registration and limited liability enterp rises, both of which have 
important implications for MSMEs. These legislative guides join a host of UNCITRAL texts that apply 
to the whole of a MSME lifecycle, including UNCITRAL arbitration rules, technical notes on online 
dispute resolution and UNCITRAL Model Law on Secured Transactions. The new legislative guides 
came from work by UNCITRAL's Working Group I, which was established in 2013 to work on reducing 
legal obstacles throughout the lifecycle of MSMEs. Key features of the new legislative guide on ke y 
principles of a business registry are easy access to information, such as making registration 
information easily and publicly accessible (including across borders); creating a fully electronic 
process with all information located in one online location; providing guidance on the registration 
process as well as preservation of records for future access; and finally an improved registry system 
with regularly updated information and unique identifiers for users. For the legislative guide on 
limited liability  enterprises, legislators sought to create a flexible business form that could be tailored 
to MSMEs and that could be supported by stand -alone national legislation. Ultimately, these 
guidelines look to benefit start -ups and informal MSMEs who are looking t o join the formal economy.  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/uncitral_sept21.pdf   
13.4  Outcomes of the Global MSME Forum 2021 and Updates on the APEC Boracay Action 
Agenda , Philippines' Government1 (Member)  
8 February 2022  
 
13.4.  The Philippines updated the Group on the APEC Boracay Action Agenda (BAA) as well as the 
outcomes of the 2021 Global MSME Forum on Greening SME Finance. The Boracay Action Agenda 
was initia ted in 2015 and has five main priorities, namely trade facilitation, access to finance, the 
digital economy, capacity building, and support for women MSMEs. A recent study found that 
initiatives of the BAA focused on women, the digital economy and capacity  building and included the 
creation of an APEC MSME Marketplace; APEC Trade Repository; APEC Authorized Economic Operator 
Compendium; APEC Strategy for Green, Sustainable and Innovative MSMEs; and La Serena 
Roadmap for Women and Inclusive Growth. A number of issues were also identified that still need 
addressing, including a strong need for MSME e -learning and skill certification programmes, 
increasing MSME access to finance, and establishing a common standard for intellectual property 
evaluation in APEC ec onomies. The BAA also found a need for promoting green and SMART MSMEs 
as enterprises of the future. The Philippines noted its desire to collaborate with WTO Members in 
common priority areas of cooperation for MSMEs from the BAA including on transparency a nd 
information sharing; trade facilitation and e -commerce; participation in regulatory development; 
gender equality and women's economic empowerment; aid -for-trade and technical assistance and  
  
 
1 This presentation contains relevant content for the sections on MSME financing, sustainability, trade 
facilitation , and digital . INF/MSME/W/39/Rev.1  
 
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  capacity building; and access to finance.  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmes_e/822022_e/Philippines_APEC_Boracay_Action_Age
nda.pdf .  
 
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