INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
31 March  2022 
(22-2619) Page: 1/43 
 
  Original: English  
 
  
INFORMAL WORKING GROUP ON  MSMES  
MSME -RELATED LANGUAGE IN REGIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS  
Revision  
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/Rev.3  
 
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  TABLE OF CONTENTS  
 
1 INTRODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  3 
2 COOPERATION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  7 
3 GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT  ................................ ................................ .....................  13 
4 CUSTOM S AND TRADE FACILITATION  ................................ ................................ .........  14 
5 E-COMMERCE  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  15 
6 INVESTMENT  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  16 
7 TRADE IN SERVICES  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 18 
8 INTELLECTUAL  PROPERTY  ................................ ................................ ...........................  19 
9 ADMINISTRATION OF THE RTA  ................................ ................................ ...................  20 
10 MSMES  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  21 
11 TRANSPARENCY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  22 
12 COMPETITION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  23 
13 DEVELOPMENT  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  24 
14 LABOUR  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  25 
15 PREAMBLE AND GENERAL PROVISIONS, OTHER CHAPTERS  ................................ ...... 26 
15.1 Agriculture and Fisheries  ................................ ................................ ............................  26 
15.2 Digital Trade  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  26 
15.3 Environment  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  26 
15.4 Industrial Policy  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  26 
15.5 Regulatory coherence  ................................ ................................ ................................  26 
15.6 Rules of Origin  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  27 
15.7 State -Owned Enterprises  ................................ ................................ ...........................  27 
15.8 Subsidies  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  27 
15.9 Trade in Goods  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  27 
15.10  Good Regulatory Practices and Regulatory Cooperation  ................................ ................  27 
ANNEX 1  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  30 
ANNEX 2  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  34 
 
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  1  INTRODUCTION  
1.  Micro, Small and Medium -Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) are the majority of businesses in every 
economy (WTR 2016). However, despite their numbers, MSME have been shown to participate 
relatively less than large firms when it comes to international trade. Recognizing MSMEs' importance 
to the global economy and the need for more inclusive international trade, Regional Trade 
Agreements (RTAs) increasingly have MSME -related language, and even chapters, included in their 
provisions to stren gthen MSME trade -capacity and avoid discrimination. Using data from the WTO 
MSME Informal Working Group's database on MSME provisions in regional trade agreements 
(https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmesandtra_e/rtaprovisions_e.htm ), the following report 
reviews all in -force RTAs notified to the WTO through 2021 and provides an overview of 
MSME -related provisions found within these agreements.  
2.  Since the first MSME refe rence in the EU – Overseas Countries and Territories agreement in 1971, 
the number of Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) with MSME -related provisions has continued to 
grow ( Figure 1). Out of 353 RTAs currently in force and notified to the WTO , 196 (56%) include at 
least one MSME -related provisions.  
Figure 1 – Total number of RTAs and RTAs with MSME -related provisions, 1991 -2021  
 
 
3.  Since the early 2000s, the growth rate of in -force RTAs with MSME provisions has increased 
significantly with the share rising every decade ( Figure 2). From 16 per cent of in -force RTAs 
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  containing at least one MSME reference before 1999, more recently a high of 80 per cent of RTAs 
that went into force in 2020 had at least one MSME reference .2 
Figure 2 – Share of RTAs with MSME -related provisions by decade  and year, 1956 -2021  
 
 
4.  The vast majority, 90 per cent, of WTO Members are part of at least one in -force RTA with 
MSME -related provisions. Further, for 24 WTO Members, 100 per cent of their RTAs contain MSME 
references (see  Annex 1). 
5.  In general, MSME RTA provisions have three broad objectives. The first is to drive economic 
growth and integration through greater MSME participation in regional and international markets. 
The second is to improve economic competitiveness. And the third is to achieve sustainable 
development. Facilitating the acquisition and exploitation of technology; supporting innovation and 
creativity by MSMEs; and promoting sustain able economic development are all stated goals.  
6.  MSME -related provisions are primarily located under cooperation and government procurement 
chapters, with e -commerce, customs and trade facilitation, and investment following (see Figure 3). 
MSME -related provisions in the chapter on cooperation are generally aimed at strengthening the 
productive and export capabilities of MSMEs, as well as at improving their competitiveness.  
MSME -related provisions under government procurement concern facilitating MSMEs' access to 
public procurement markets through scheduled exemptions and a cooperation framework. More 
details on each of the specific RTA chapters where MSME references were lo cated follow in this 
report.  
 
2 The most recent year, 2021, was an exceptional year given the departure of the United Kingdom from 
the European Union. Of the 45 RTAs that went into force during this year, 38 had the United Kingdom as a 
partner (84 per cent). M ost of these agreements are based on language  in EU Agreements which the UK was 
previously party to . 
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  Figure 3 – Share of MSME -related provisions by chapter over total RTAs with 
MSME -related provisions  
 
 
7.  The RTA chapters with MSME provisions have changed somewhat over the years. Whereas 
pre-2000 refere nces were made mostly in the Pre -amble, Cooperation or Investment chapters with 
only one government procurement chapter reference, one trade in services reference and two 
development chapter references, the mid -2000s saw an increase in the diversification of chapters 
with MSME text ( Figure 4). New references in chapters like e -commerce and intellectual property 
began to appear and a dedicated chapter on Small and Medium -Sized Enterprises (SMEs) was 
introduced in 2002 in the Japan – Singapore agreement.  
 
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  Figure 4 – RTA chapters with at least one MSME reference by chapter and year  
 
 
8.  The following document is meant to serve as a guide on developments concerning MSME -related 
references in RTAs. It is composed of sections related to each of the main areas and chapters in 
RTAS where MSME provisions have been identified. Each section includes a brief summary and 
analysis with references to exa mple texts  in the section end notes . These examples are not  exclusive 
and are meant to serve as a general reference for readers.  Further, the bolded text  of the end 
notes is not original to the RTA text.  More detailed information is available in the MSME G roup RTA 
Database ( https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/msmesandtra_e/rtaprovisions_e.htm ) and full 
text of all in -force and notified agreements are available from the W TO Regional Trade Agreements 
Database available online.  
9.  Annexes at the end contain information by economy on in -force RTA participation with MSME 
references through 2021 ( Annex 1) as well as on the specific agreements with the related chapters 
and total number of MSME references ( Annex 2). 
 
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  2  COOPERATION  
10.  In total, 103 (53 per cent of) RTA's with MSME -related provision , contain a reference to 
cooperation, both in specific chapters and as a part of others . Calls for cooperation focus on t he 
development of MSME capabilities and competitiveness , and cooperation typically aims to  expand 
and diversify the  industrial base; create social cohesion through the eradication of poverty via job 
creation  from trade and the inclusion of those left behind, including MSMEs; increase trade and 
investment flows and  the transfer of technology between Parties; and allow for  regional and 
international economic integration . 
11.  Forms of cooperation include relationships between governments and MSMEs; support from 
financial institutions; connections among MSMEs themselves; l inks between large businesses and 
MSMEs; and partnerships among institutions to further MSMEs' competitiveness.  These provisions 
cover seven main areas of cooperation  that aim to strengthen productive and export capabilities of 
MSMEs and improve their comp etitiveness  through (1) human resource development; ( 2) adoption 
of technology; ( 3) facilitation of business partnerships; ( 4) facilitation of access to financial solutions; 
(5) access to regulatory and market information; ( 6) facilitation of partnerships between relevant 
institutions; ( 7) the establishment of a committee mandated with MSME -related affairs.  Each of 
these types of cooperation, including examples, are discussed further below.  
(1) Human resource development  
 
a. 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 consist of seminars, conferences, workshops, exchange of 
experts, trainings, fellowships, secondments, internships, and studies. Some RTAs 
specify the areas of the exchange of expertise such as for management and business 
skills; quality and production standards; technical regulations; conformity assessment; 
and accreditation (e.g., Turkey  – Jordan, Chapter 2 , art. 28i). The exchange of expertise 
is carried out for MSME personnel but also for those providing MSMEs with support 
services, such as business advisors or staff members of government agencies (e.g., 
export promotion agencies). For in stance, some RTAs' cooperation framework includes 
activities aimed at strengthening government personnel capacities to formulate and 
evaluate MSME -related policies (e.g., Caribbean Community and Common Market, 
Chapter 4, art. 32ii). 
(2) Adoption of technol ogy by MSMEs  
 
b. 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 re search 
cooperation. RTAs encourage cooperative relationships, including a focus on innovation, 
research and development and increased access to information on technological 
promotion programs and financial support for MSMEs (e.g., Chile – China, Chapter 13 , 
art. 109iii).  
(3) Facilitation of access to capital and financial services  
 
c. Access to finance is an important piece of RTAs' cooperation frameworks. Signatories 
facilitate the partnerships and exchange of information between financial institutions, 
such as between credit banks, seed capital organizations or guarantee organizations. 
Further, a few RTAs suggest the exchange of credit information between banks in order 
to reduce risks for the banks themselves (e.g., EU – Cameroon, Chapter 2, art. 9iv). 
They also encourage 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 (e.g., East African Community, 
Chapter 25, art. 127v). In addition, governments stress the importance to cooperate to 
facilitate and increase cross -border investment flows, thereby contributing to the 
transfer of technology and the exchange of expertise. In that context, governments 
cooperate in creating join t investment opportunities with MSMEs, such as joint ventures 
(e.g., EU – Mexico, Chapter 6, art s 15 and 17vi). Lastly, more flexible lending conditions INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
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  or the facilitation of administrative procedures are also suggested to improve MSME 
access to finance.  
(4) Business partnership facilitation  
 
d. 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 opportun ities 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 (e.g., Turkey – Malaysia, Chapter 9, art. 5vii). Complementing the 
mechanisms facilitating investments in, or by MSMEs, the mechanisms stimulating 
business partnerships include sub -contracting arrangements, cluster development, 
strategic alliances and joint commercialization programmes.  
(5) Access to regulatory and market information  
 
e. RTAs stress the importance for MSMEs to access both market and regulatory information 
and 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 opportunities 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 publi cations and relevant statistics available 
(e.g., India – Japan, Chapter 13, art. 129viii). With respect to access to regulatory 
information, RTA provisions call on governments to make information on regulatory 
regimes and procedures, particularly mandatory p rocedures, 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 (e.g., 
China – Hong Kong, China, Chapter 5, art.  17 and Ch ina – Macao , China, Chapter 5, 
art. 17ix). 
(6) Partnerships between relevant institutions  
 
f. Complementing the objective of facilitating partnerships between MSMEs, or MSMEs and 
larger firms, the RTA cooperation framework also aims at facilitating the coope ration 
and exchange of information between (i) government agencies, (ii) MSME -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 (e.g., ASEA N – 
Korea, Republic of, Chapter 3, art. 1x). With respect to the cooperation between 
intermediary non -governmental or quasi -governmental organizations, governments 
facilitate net works in order to stimulate initiatives and policy instruments for the 
development of MSMEs. In relation to PPPs, governments are urged to engage in 
activities that contribute to MSME development (e.g., Korea, Republic of – Colombia, 
Chapter 17, art s 1 and  9xi). The areas of PPPs include, for example, investment 
promotion, environmental management, ICT, nanotechnology, biotechnology and 
renewable technologies.   
(7) Establishment of a committee mandated with MSME -related affairs  
 
g. Some RTAs establish a commit tee 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 monitoring, reviewing and discus sing issues concerning the effective implementation 
of obligations under the chapter of cooperation (e.g. New Zealand – Malaysia, 
Chapter  13, art.  1xii). 
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i "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, th e Parties will, inter alia; a) exchange expertise on entrepreneurship, management, research 
and management centers, quality and production standards ; b) provide market information to 
create investment opportunities; c) furnish published documents concernin g SMEs . Turkey shall 
support Jordan's efforts towards capacity building for the related private sector institutions" (Turkey - Jordan, 
Chapter  2, art.  38) 
 
ii "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 others; furthermore, assistance to develop excellence centres and high -tech clusters. Research 
centres, higher -educati on 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, internation ally competitive and sustainable 
production of goods and services for the promotion of the Region’s economic and social development. In 
fulfilment of the goal, the Community shall pursue the following objectives: (d) establishment of a viable micro 
and sma ll economic enterprise sector. In order to achieve the objectives of its industrial policy, the Community 
shall promote, inter alia (e) the development of required institutional, legal, technical, financial, administrative 
and other support for the establi shment 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 pre judice to the generality of 
the foregoing, the competent Organ shall encourage policy initiatives and the establishment of effective 
programmes 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 busine ss management for micro and small entrepreneurs ; (c) 
access by micro and small economic enterprises to the technical assistance provided by the support 
agencies ; (d) the establishment, development or modernising, as the case may require of financial 
instit utions 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 net works . 3. For the purposes of this 
Article, micro and small economic enterprises shall be economic enterprises within the meaning of Article 32 
that satisfy such other criteria as may be determined by the competent authorities. Article 32 : "Economic 
enter prises" 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 entity is owned and effectively controlled by person 
mentioned in (i) and (ii)"  (Caribbean Community and Common Market, Chapter 4, art.  32) 
 
iii "The Parties will promote a favourable 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 c hain 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 knowl edge 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 operators, 
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 develo p 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 technologi cal 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 (sponsorship, 
exporters  club) ; and (g)  identifying specific areas subject to potential improvement." (Chile - China, 
Chapter 13, art.  109)  
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iv "The Parties affirm their commitment to promote capacity building and economic modernisation in Central 
Africa using the various instrume nts at their disposal, for example by setting up an economic and institutional 
framework at national and regional levels that is conducive to growth in economic activity in Central Africa, by 
means of trade policy instruments and development cooperation in struments. 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 Afri can 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 competitiven ess 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 ac cess 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 document ation. (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 
databases 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 financial intermediaries in Central Afr ica. 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 
resulting from the study on financial serv ices 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) 
 
v "The Partner States agree to provide an ena bling 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 wi th the private sector and 
civil society at the national level and at that of the Community to help create an improved business 
environment for the implementation of agreed decisions in all economic sectors; and (b) provide opportunities 
for entrepreneurs t o participate actively in improving the policies and activities of the institutions of 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 Community, 
Chapter  25, art.  127)  
 
vi "The Parties shall help to create an attractive and stable environment for reciprocal investment . Such 
cooperation shall take the form inte r 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 th e 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 simplified 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, BRE and BC -NET; (b) facilitating access to finance, 
providing informat ion and stimulating innovation " (EU - Mexico, Chapter 6, art s 15 and 17)  
 
vii "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 their SMEs. Within this context, the 
Parties shall, inter alia: (a) estab lish 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 technic al 
assistance ; (b) facilitate investments between Malaysia and Turkey ; (c) share experience and 
improve understanding of each other’s policies 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 entrepreneurshi p, management, research and management centres, 
quality and production standards ; (f) encourage relevant agencies to discuss and cooperate closely, 
especially in promoting the skills and development of workers and strengthen the dialogue between 
relevant i nstitutions ; 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 assista nce to SMEs " 
(Turkey -Malaysia, Chapter 9, art.  5) 
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viii "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 a nd 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) liberal isation 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) promot ing the 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 al ia, 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)  
 
ix "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 
coordination 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) Coop eration 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 development 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. Investigate and 
exchange the organization and operation of intermed iaries 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 exchange between the two websites . 4. Organize direct 
communication and communication between SMEs in different forms through various forms to 
promote cooperation among enterprises . (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) 
 
x "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 
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 relevant 
agencies of the Parties . Such cooperation shall include: (a)  establishing networking opportunities for 
SMEs of the Parti es 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 linkages, information technology, access to financing as well as technic al 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 share information and 
experiences in the development of SMEs policy and  programmes"  (ASEAN - Korea, Republic of, 
Chapter 3, art.  1) 
 
xi "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 maximiz e the benefits for the 
Parties, according 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, t he Parties shall generate synergies 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. Th e Parties shall endeavor to 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 cooperation 
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 interest an d 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 co operation 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 experiences between the 
public agencies of the Parties on initiatives and policy instruments for the development of INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
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enterprises, with a special focus on small and medium -sized enterprises ; and (f) encouraging public 
and private institutions related to smal l and medium -sized enterprises to cooperate in areas such 
as environmental management, ICT, nanotechnology, biotechnology, renewable energy, and other 
subjects of mutual interest " (Korea, Republic of – Colombia, Chapter 17, art s 1 and 9)  
 
xii "The Parties ag ree 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  will establish close cooperation aimed inter alia at: 
(a) promoting and enhancing economic cooperation between them to further development objectives in 
accordance with the applicable laws and regulations of each Party; (b) complementing existing, and bui lding 
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 s ector; (d) contributing 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 go ods 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 discusse d by the Economic Cooperation Committee  including, but not limited 
to:(g)  small and medium scale industries " (New Zealand – Malaysia, Chapter 13, art.  1) 
 INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
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  3  GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT  
12.  Altogether, 57 RTAs (29 per cent) include MSME -related provisions in their chapter on 
government procurement. The provisions on MSMEs in the se chapter s aim to facilitate  the access by 
MSMEs to public procurement markets through scheduled exemptions . 
13.  Covera ge schedules are an important part of determining government procurement eligibility 
and only those procurement activities that are carried out by covered entities purchasing listed 
goods, services or construction services of a value exceeding a specified threshold are covered. 
These schedules can result in MSME exclusion by default. In order to facilitate access by MSMEs to 
public procurement markets, a significant number of RTAs have schedules that contain MSME 
exclusions or preferences for government pro curement. For some RTAs, these preferences are made 
available to MSMEs in procurement contracts whose value is below a threshold (e.g., US – Panama, 
Chapter 9 , Schedulexiii), whereas for other RTAs such values are not indicated, suggesting that these 
prefere nces apply to all procurement contracts (e.g., US - Panama, Chapter  9, Schedulexiv). Some 
RTAs provide an illustrative list of preferences to MSMEs, including set -asides, price preferences, 
criteria of tiebreak measures  that allow a procuring government to adjudicate a contract to a 
domestic MSME if they have submitted an equal offer,  and transfer of technology as well as the 
exclusive right to supply a good or a service.  
14.  The granting of these preferences to MSMEs is also associated with transparency procedu res. 
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 facilitate 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 t he access by MSMEs to government procurement markets  (e.g.,  
Canada – Panama, Chapter 16, art.  15xv). Cooperation programmes, benefiting MSMEs, directly or 
indirectly, include the exchange of information on government procurement systems, technical 
assistan ce to staff members of governments or MSMEs, the facilitation 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.  
 
 
 
xiii "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)  
 
xiv "This Chapter (Government Procurement) does not apply to set -asides on behalf of sm all 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)  
 
xv "The Parties hereby establish a Committee  on Procurement to address matters related to the 
implementation 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) 
 
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  4  CUSTOMS AND TRADE FACILITATION  
15.  Streamlining customs procedures for MSMEs is one of the objec tives of the chapter on Trade 
Facilitation and Customs Procedures. To this end, 36 RTAs contain MSME -related provisions in their 
chapter on trade facilitation and customs procedures, or 1 7 per cent  of all RTAs with MSME -related 
provisions . One of the main objectives is s implification of a wide range of customs procedures in 
order to reduce time and costs for MSMEs and to increase predictability. These customs procedures 
include the procedures for appealing customs rulings and decisions, for requesting advan ce rulings, 
for becoming an authorized  operator, for filling customs declarations and for determining customs 
duties  (e.g.,  Turkey  – Singapore, Chapter 6, art.  7xvi).  
16.  Good governance practices  are also highlighted . In some RTAs, governments have committed 
themselves to consult with MSMEs in designing and implementing trade facilitation measures. This 
often follows the principles of transparency, non -discrimination, efficiency, and expeditious customs 
procedures (e.g., Iceland – China, Chapter 4, art.  48 and Switzerland – China, Chapter 4, art.  4xvii). 
 
 
xvi "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 specif ied criteria, hereinafter 
called authorized operators. The specified criteria to qualify as an authorized operator shall not, to the 
extent possible, restrict the participation of small and medium sized enterprises " 
(Turkey  - Singapore, Chapter 6, art.  7) 
 
xvii "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) 
 
 
 
 
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  5  E-COMMERCE  
17.  E-commerce MSME -related provisions were first included in 2004 in the US – Chile agreement. 
References have since expanded steadily and now 35 RTA's (17 per cent) contain MSME -related 
provisions in their chapter on e -commerce. These provisions aim at facil itating the use of 
e-commerce by MSMEs through  cooperation including (i) the exchange of information about laws, 
regulations, programmes and best practices in relation to the use of e -commerce by MSMEs  (e.g. 
Canada – Panama, Chapter 15, art.  3xviii); (ii) the  establishment of a working group with the mandate 
of recommending mechanisms to assist MSMEs in overcoming obstacles encountered by them in the 
use of e -commerce  (e.g.,  EU – Colombia and Peru, Title IV , art. 109xix) ; and, finally, (iii)  cooperation 
in research and training activities related to the use of e -commerce by MSMEs  (e.g., ASEAN – 
Australia – New Zealand, Chapter 10, art. 9)xx.  
 
xviii "The Parties recognize the economic growth and opportunities provided by electronic commerce and the 
applicability of WTO rules to electronic comm erce. Considering the potential of electronic commerce as a social 
and economic 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 electro nic commerce 
by micro -, small - and medium sized enterprises ." (Canada – Panama, Chapter 15, art.  3) 
 
xix "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, 
Title IV , art. 109)  
 
xx "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 training activities may include,  but are not limited to: (a) promotion of the use of electronic 
versions of trade administration documents used by any other Party or Parties; (b) assisting small and medium 
enterprises to  overcome obstacles encountered in the use of electronic commerce " 
(ASEAN  - Australia - New Zealand, Chapter 10, art. 9)  
 
 
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  6  INVESTMENT  
18.  Twenty -nine RTAs contain MSME -related provisions in the chapter on inve stment (14 per cent 
of all RTAs that include MSME -related provisions). Support for MSMEs through RTA investment 
chapters comes in the form of entry restrictions to participate in certain sectors, especially small -
scale mining (e.g.,  EU - CARIFORUM, Schedul exxi); subsidies for qualifying businesses (e.g., Korea, 
Republic of – India, Chapter 10, art.  6xxii) ; or cooperation frameworks with mechanisms for joint 
investments with MSMEs, capacity -building in investment for MSMEs, and the establishment of funds 
to finance a MSME development programme  (e.g., EFTA – Egypt, Chapter 4, art.  25xxiii). One RTA 
also includes  a provision to support  MSMEs as investors to use the dispute settlement mechanism 
built in the chapter on investment  (EU – Canada, Chapter  8xxiv). 
19.  RTAs contain other forms of investment cooperation such as (i) the exchange of information 
about investment legislation and opportunities (e.g., Thailand – New Zealand, Chapter 9 , art. 4xxv), 
(ii) the conclusion of agreements aimed at advancing investment protec tion and promotion and at 
avoiding double taxation (e.g., EU – Mexico, Chapter 6, art s 15 and 17xxvi), and (iii) the simplification 
of investment procedures.  
20.  Overall, RTA investment measures related to MSMEs aim to protect smaller businesses and to 
support MSME investment in themselves to develop more sustainable businesses and to support 
external investment and access to finance.  
 
 
xxi "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 Guyan a and 
an adult; (b) a partnership consisting of two or more 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 operatio n in Guyana, or partly by such citizens 
and partly by such a corporation " (EU - CARIFORUM, Schedule)  
 
xxii "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 fav ourable 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 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 o r 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 ti me, 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 manu facture of items reserved 
for the small scale sector only if they undertake 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 t he case services sector" (Korea, Republic of – India, Chapter 10, art.  6) 
 
xxiii "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 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 parti cular with small and medium enterprises " (EFTA - Egypt, Chapter 4, art.  25) 
 
xxiv "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 reque st, in particular if 
the investor is a small or medium -sized enterprise  or the compensation or damages claimed are 
relatively low ." (EU – Canada, Chapter 8 , art. 23)  
 
xxv "This Chapter applies 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 INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
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investments and investors. The Parties shall st rengthen and develop 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 
enterprises . 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) 
 
xxvi "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 simplified 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 environme nt 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, BRE and BC -NET; (b) facilitating access to finance, 
providing information and stimulating innovation " (EU - Mexico, Chapter 6, art s 15 and 17)  
 
 
 
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  7  TRADE IN SERVICES  
21.  Twenty -one RTAs have MSME -related provisions in their chapter on trade in services and/or 
Schedules  (14 per cent  of all RTAs containing MSME -related provisions ). Two trends come out of the 
analysis of MSME -related prov isions in this chapter. First, these provisions are mainly 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 smal l-scale 
fishing industries, financial services, energy 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 smal l businesses. When limitations address 
sector -specific 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 mar kets or through subsidies to 
financial institutions aiding MSMEs. Second, a few RTAs establish a cooperation framework aimed at 
strengthening MSME export capacity.  
22.  Limitations on national treatment and market access commitments introduce fiscal measures 
favouring national MSMEs.  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 establishment of  a local advisory board composed 
of MSME experts for the supply of specific services (e.g., ASEAN - Korea, Republic of, Schedulexxvii). 
These limitations address only commitments with respect to the supply of services through 
commercial presence (mode 3 ), oft en 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. Only a few RTAs include limitations on the supply of services through  
natural persons (mode 4) or through cross -border trade and consumption abroad (mode 1 and 2).  
23.  RTAs aimed at strengthening the capacity of MSMEs to supply services include technical 
cooperation and assistance -related provisions or to increase MSME export capacity, such as for 
tourism services. Some RTAs do not specify services sectors, while other FTAs do, particularly 
tourism and cultural services sectors (e.g., EU – CARIFORUM States EPA, Chapter 7, art.  121xxviii). 
24.  Essentially, the approaches taken by govern ments with respect to MSME trade in services are 
to set aside small -scale sectors to local MSMEs and to facilitate MSME access to financial services by 
imposing mandatory MSME -lending from foreign banks. The latter is accomplished by establishing 
simplifie d procedures 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  (e.g., Peru – Korea, Republic of, Sche dulexxix).  
 
 
xxvii "Foreign banks are required to constitute Local Advisory Boards consisting inter alia of 
professionals and persons having expertise in areas such as small -scale industry  and exports" 
(ASEAN - Korea, Republic  of, Schedule)  
 
xxviii "The Parties recognise the importance of technical cooperation and assistance in order t o 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 cultural 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)   
 
xxix "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 Acc ess 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 (Financial 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 Regu lations on Credit 
Extension (Monetary Policy 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)  
 INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
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  8  INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY  
25.  Fourteen  RTAs (7 per cent of RTAs with MSME -related provisions) contain MSME -related 
provisions in their chapter on Intellectual Property. These 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. 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 intelle ctual 
property protection and development (e.g., Peru – Korea, Republic of, Chapter 17, art.  10xxx). A few 
RTAs 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  (e.g., CPTPP, Chapter 18 , art. 13xxxi).  
26.  One RTA sets the obligation for governments to make procedures concerning the acquisition of 
intellectual prope rty rights by MSMEs publicly available ( Canada – Israel, Chapter 10 , art. 7xxxii). 
 
 
xxx "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 strengthe n intellectual property systems to promote the efficient enforcement of 
intellectual property rights; 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) 
 
xxxi "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 
propert y 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) 
 
xxxii "With the aim of making the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights transparent, each 
Party shall ensure that its laws, regulations and procedures concerning intellectual property rights are 
published or otherwise made available in a man ner that enables the other Party or any interested person to 
become acquainted with them. To clarify procedures and practices regarding the application, issuance 
and registration of industrial property rights , the Parties should publish : (a) clear and simp le 
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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  9  ADMINISTRATION OF THE RTA  
27.  When evaluating the impact of their RTAs, governments may consider the impacts of their RTAs 
on MSMEs and make recommendations on  MSMEs ' needs. Twelve RTAs (6 per cent of total RTAs 
with MSME references) contain provisions related to MSMEs in their chapter on administration of the 
agreement. These provisions establish a Trade Committee, whose main task is to evaluate the 
impacts of the RTA on MSMEs  (e.g.,  US – Colombia, Chapter 20, art.  1 and US – Peru, Chapter 20, 
art. 1xxxiii). In assessing these impacts, governments may seek to obtain inputs from MSMEs  (e.g., 
Canada – Colombia, Chapter 20, art.  2001xxxiv). In some RTAs, this impact assessment may also be 
undertaken by committees established under other chapters.  
28.  MSME -related provisions in this chapter are close to those spelled out in the chapter on 
regulatory coherence. However, MSME -related provisions i n 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.   
 
 
 
xxxiii "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 Co mmission, 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 business associations ." 
(US - Colombia, Chapter 20, art.  1) & (US - Peru, Chapter 20, art.  1) 
 
xxxiv "The Parties hereby establish a Joint Commission, compr ising 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 
recommendations to the Commission, including working plans focused on the needs of small and medium -size 
businesses. Any working group recommend ations 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)  
 
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  10  MSMES  
29.  The first RTA put into force with a standalone MSME Chapter was the Japan – Singapore 
Agreement in 2002. Presently, ten  RTAs ( 5 per cent of RTAs with MSME -related provisions ) now 
include a dedicated chapter on MSMEs  in addition to references in other chapters . The MSME -related 
provisions in th e MSME  chapter revolve around a cooperation framework aimed at developing 
MSMEs . A stand -alone chapter on MSMEs can add greater visibility, and thus predictability, for 
MSMEs. Complementing the  cooperation framework, some of these RTAs support  access to 
regulatory information by requiring governments to make a website available containing information 
designed for MSMEs in the RTA  (Canada – Israel, Chapter 14, art.  2xxxv). Lastly, six3 out of the ten 
RTAs with MSME chapters specify that 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  (e.g., CPTPP, Chapter 24, art.  3xxxvi). 
 
 
 
xxxv "Each Party shall establish or maintain its own publicly accessible website containing information 
regarding this Agreement, including: (c)  information designed for SMEs that includes: (i) a 
descr iption 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 this Agreement . Each Party should includ e 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 i n 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) 
 
xxxvi "No Party shall have recourse to dispute settlement under Chapter 28 (Dispute Settlement)  for 
any matter arising under this Chapter" (CPTPP, Chapter 24, a rt. 3)  
 
 
  
 
3 Canada  - Israel ; CPTPP ; EU - Japan ; EU – United Kingdom ; United Kingdom – Japan ; and 
USMCA/CUSMA/T -MEC. INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
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  11  TRANSPARENCY  
30.  Ten RTAs have MSME -related provisions in their chapter on transparency. Seven of these RTAs 
involve the European Union, or the United Kingdom based on previous EU -agreements and stress 
the principle of transparency and efficiency with respect to the regulatory environment with a view 
to favouring trade and investment. This chapter was first introduced in 2014 in the EU – Georgia 
and EU – Ukraine agreementsxxxvii.  
31.  The CPTPP addresses a different  issue, which is related to anti -corruption objectivesxxxviii. 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 internat ional 
trade and investment .  
 
 
 
xxxvii "Recognising the impact which regulatory environment may have on trade and investment between the 
Parties, the 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)  
 
xxxviii "Each Party shall take appropriate measures, within its means and in accordance with fundamental 
principles of its legal sys tem, to promote the active 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 posed by, corruption. To this end, a Party may: (b) adopt or maintain measures to 
encourage prof essional associations and other non -governmental organisations, if appropriate, in their efforts 
to encourage and assist enterprises, in particular SMEs, in developing internal controls, ethics and 
compliance programmes or measures for preventing and detec ting bribery and corruption in 
international trade and investment " (CPTPP, Chapter 26, art.  10) 
 
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  12  COMPETITION  
32.  Nine RTAs mention MSMEs in their chapter on competition. While some of these provisions detail 
when subsidies are allowable, others are more general and provide for information and commission s 
to support MSME competitiveness (e.g., Peru – Australia, Chapter 21 , art. 2xxxix). One of these RTAs 
clarifies that subsidies for MSMEs are compatible with the effective functioning of the RTA. Another 
RTA specifies that subsidies for MSMEs, including subsi dies for covering debts or liabilities of MSMES 
or subsidies to insolvent or ailing MSMEs without a credible retraction plan, are compatible with the 
Subsidies and Countervailing Agreement, provided that criteria for eligibility to said subsidies are 
neutr al, non -discriminatory, written in a legal or regulatory document, economic in nature, 
horizontally applied and granted automatically  (EU – Korea, Republic of, Chapter 11, art.  11xl).  
 
 
xxxix "The Parties recognise that, in order to enhance the domestic, regional and global competitiveness 
of their economies, and to promote economic integration an d development within the free trade area, their 
business environments must be responsive to market developments. 2 . Each Party shall designate and 
notify a contact point on Competitiveness and Business Facilitation to facilitate communications 
between the Parties  on any matter covered by this Chapter. 3. The contact points shall facilitate: (a) 
discussion of effective approaches and develop information sharing activities to support efforts to establish a 
competitive environment that is conducive to the esta blishment of businesses, facilitates trade and investment 
between the Parties, and promotes economic integration and development within the free trade area; (b) 
exploration of ways to take advantage of the trade and investment opportunities that this Agree ment creates; 
(c) identification and discussion of measures affecting, as well as best practices and experiences relevant to, 
the development and strengthening of supply chains; (d) provision of advice and recommendations to the 
Joint Commission on ways to  further enhance the competitiveness of the Parties’ economies, 
including recommendations identifying ways to promote the development and strengthening of 
supply chains, aimed at enhancing the participation especially of SMEs ; (e) where appropriate, 
coordi nation of meetings between government representatives of each Party to address any matter covered by 
this Chapter; and (f) engagement in other activities as the Parties may decide.  (Peru  - Australia, 
Chapter  21, art. 2) " 
 
xl "The following subsidies shall b e deemed to be specific under the conditions of Article 2 of 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 arrangeme nt whereby a government or 
any public body is responsible for 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) subsidies (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 p lan 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 subsidies 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 Agreement, 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 A greement shall not be subject to this Article ." 
(EU - Korea, Republic of, Chapter 11, art.  11) 
 
 
  INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
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  13  DEVELOPMENT  
33.  Of all identified RTAs with MSME -related provisions, six agreements (3 per cent) have MSME 
references in their chapters on development. In general, the objectives of these provisions are to 
create opportunities for entrepreneurs and MSMEs to participate in  the economy as well as to 
increase inclusiveness (e.g., East African Community (EAC), Chapter 22 , arts 122 and 127xli). 
Measures include training, access to finance and participation in regulatory development among 
others.  
 
 
 
xli "Having recognised the importance of women as a vital economic link between agriculture, 
industry and trade, the Partner States undertake  to: (a) increase the participation of women in business 
at the policy formulation and implementation levels; (b) promote special programmes for women in 
small, medium and large scale enterprises ; (c) eliminate all laws, regulations and practises that hind er 
women’s access to financial assistance including credit; (d) initiate changes in educational and training 
strategies to enable women to improve their technical and industrial employment levels through the acquisition 
of transferable skills offered by va rious forms of vocational and on -the-job training schemes; and (e)  recognise 
and support the national and regional associations of women in business established to promote the effective 
participation of women in the trade and development activities of the Community…  
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 privat e sector and to: (a) promote a continuous dialogue with 
the private sector and civil society at the national level and at that of the Community to help create an 
improved business environment for the implementation of agreed decisions in all economic secto rs; and (b) 
provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to participate actively in improving the policies and 
activities of the institutions of the Community that affect them so as to increase their confidence in 
policy reforms and raise the productivity and l ower 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 Community (EAC), Chapter 22 , arts 122 and 127) . 
 
  INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
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  14  LABOUR  
34.  Five RTAs contain MSME -related provisions in their Chapter on Labour, or 2 per cent of the total 
number of RTAs with MSME -related provisions. These MSME -related provisions contribute to the 
general objective of the Chapter on Labour to improve working condit ions 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 . These practices aim to 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 protection services, cooperation 
frameworks between employers a nd worker representatives, improved working conditions and the 
respect of fundamental rights at work. Ministries or focal points also cooperate through the exchange 
of information about best labour practices and the undertaking of joint activities (e.g., US – Peru, 
Chapter 17, art.  6 and annex 17.6xlii).  
35.  MSME -related provisions also address the need for governments to limit the hindrances to the 
creation and development of MSMEs when designing and implementing labour laws and regulations. 
In this vein, one R TA introduces an obligation for governments to minimize hindrances to the creation 
and development of MSMEs (e.g., EU Treaty, Chapter 5 , arts 151 and 153xliii).  
 
 
 
 
xlii "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 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" (US – Peru, Chapter 17, art.  6 and annex 17.6 ) 
 
xliii "With a view to achieving the objectives of Article 151 (i.e. promotion of employment, improved living and 
workin g 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 employment and the combating of e xclusion.), 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 security and social protecti on 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 means of 
directives, minimum r equirements 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 which would hold back the crea tion and development of 
small and medium -sized undertakings ." (EU Treaty, Chapter 5 , arts 151 and  153)  
 
  INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
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  15  PREAMBLE AND GENERAL PROVISIONS, OTHER CHAPTERS  
36.  Twelve  RTAs (6 per cent) contain references to MSMEs in their preambles and general 
provisions. This language generally recognizes the potential of MSMEs for economic development 
and entreats participants to create enabling business environments for MSMEs (e.g.,  Economic 
Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Preamble and General Provisionsxliv). 
37.  MSMEs are also referenced 20 additional times in chapters ranging from agriculture and fisheries 
to subsides. The following is a brief overview of these measures.  
15.1  Agriculture and Fisheri es 
38.  Four RTAs between  the EU – CARIFORUM States and the EU – Eastern and Southern Africa 
States , as well as the subsequent United Kingdom agreements based on the same language, refer 
to support for small -scale agriculture and fisheries. B oth underscore the need to develop capacity 
building for small -scale agriculture and fisheries and to stay aware of potential changes ca used by 
the implementation of the agreement itself to these entities (e.g., United Kingdom – CARIFORUM 
States, Chapter 5 , art. 43xlv).  
15.2  Digital Trade  
39.  MSMEs were introduced into the Digital Trade chapter in the United States – Mexico – Canada 
Agreement (USMCA/CUSMA/T -MEC) in 2020 and also appear in the 2021 United Kingdom – Iceland, 
Liechtenstein and Norway agreement. Both ar e related to the use and access of government data. 
Parties to the agreement will identify ways to expand access to this type of data with the view of 
potentially creating business opportunities, especially for MSMEs.  
15.3  Environment  
40.  Two RTAs with MSME -related  provisions 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 
objective, one RTA establishes a specific cooperation framework to facilitate the adoption of sound 
environmental practices and technologies by MSMEs. The other RTA stresses the need to consider 
MSMEs when regulating fisheries subsidies given these subsidies can lead to overfishing and 
overcapacity, as well as illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.   
15.4  Industrial Policy  
41.  Three RTAs with MSME -related provisions have references in Industrial Policy chapters (United 
Kingdom – Georgia, Unit ed Kingdom – Ukraine, and EU – Armenia). These chapters refer to policy 
cooperation to improve the business environment for all parties, but especially MSMEs and also to 
monitoring of implementation.  
15.5  Regulatory coherence  
42.  One RTA discusses MSMEs and good re gulatory practices in its standalone chapter on regulatory 
coherence. These MSME -related provisions encourage governments to consider the potential impacts 
on MSMEs when undertaking regulatory impact assessments. In addition, these MSME -related 
provisions require governments to consult with foreign MSMEs when designing and implementing 
cooperation activities, an ex -ante regulatory impact assessment.  Another RTA also encourages 
governments to consider the potential impacts on MSMEs when undertaking regulator y impact 
assessments, however this MSME -related provision is located in the chapter on cooperation.  
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  15.6  Rules of Origin  
43.  References to MSMEs are made in the Rules of Origin chapters of two RTAs, ASEAN – Hong 
Kong, China and the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA). Both agreements refer to the functions of sub -
committees on rules of origin, one of their roles being to encourage the development of MSMEs to 
narrow development gaps.  
15.7  State -Owned Enterprises  
44.  One RTA , the EU – Viet Nam agreement,  contains MSME -related pro visions in a chapter on 
State -owned enterprises. In this case, the language denotes an exception to the requirement that 
an enterprise provide information concerning their operations or monopoly if they are categorized 
as a MSME (EU – Viet Nam, Chapter 11 , art. 6)xlvi.  
15.8  Subsidies  
45.  One RTA with MSME -related provisions includes a MSME references in their chapter on subsidies. 
The 2021 EU – United Kingdom agreement. In this agreement, rescue and restructuring of an 
insolvent firm requires that the firm its elf contribute significant funds to the cost of restructuring 
unless it is a MSME, thereby providing a significant exception to these firms (EU – United Kingdom, 
Chapter 3, art. 3.5)xlvii. 
15.9  Trade in Goods  
46.  Three RTAs contain MSME -related provisions in their chapters on Trade in Goods. These three 
references vary in terms of coverage. For the EU – South Africa agreement, language is introduced 
to allow for public aid to be provided for the promotion of MSMEsxlviii. The India – Nepal agreement 
calls for the e xemption of Nepalese small -scale units from Indian excise dutiesxlix. Finally,  the United 
Kingdom – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway Agreement calls on Parties to simplify standardisation 
of data and documentation required by customs, to consult with the bu siness community concerning 
trade facilitation measures, and to ensure that AEO criteria are designed for inclusivity, all bearing 
MSMEs in mind (United Kingdom – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway , Chapter 2 , arts 2.51 -59). 
15.10   Good Regulatory Practices and Re gulatory Cooperation  
47.  The European Union – United Kingdom RTA in 2021 is the first to include  a MSME references 
under their chapter on Good Regulatory Practices.  The references in this chapter ask that the Parties 
consider the impact of regulatory measures on MSMEs, including their impact, when such measures 
are in preparation. Besides impact, parties will also consider ways to reduce the regulatory burden 
on MSMEs when conducting reviews (EU – United Kingdom, Chapter5 , arts. 4, 8 and 9).  
 
 
 
xliv "For the purpose of promoting industrial development of Member States and integrating their  economies, 
Member States shall, harmonise the industrialis ation 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 resources 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 ." (Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), 
Preamble and General Provisions)  
 
xlv "The Parties acknowledge th e importance of the agricultural, food and fisheries sectors to the economies of 
CARIFORUM States and of cooperating to promote the transformation of these sectors, with the aim of 
increasing their competitiveness, developing their capacity to access high quality markets and in view of their 
potential contribution to the sustainable development of the CARIFORUM States. They recognise the need to 
facilitate the adjustment of the agricultural, food and fisheries sectors and the rural economy, to the 
progressi ve changes brought about by this Agreement, while paying particular attention to small scale 
operations... The Special Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries shall: (d) engage in dialogue on matters 
relating to agriculture and fisheries, including in the f ollowing areas: (ii) the promotion of investment in INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
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and knowledge transfer to CARIFORUM agricultural, food and fisheries sectors, including 
small -scale activities ." (United Kingdom – CARIFORUM States, Chapter 5 , art. 43 ) 
 
xlvi "A Party which has reasonable re ason to believe that its interests under this Chapter are being adversely 
affected by the commercial activities of a state -owned enterprise, an enterprise granted special rights or 
privileges, or a designated monopoly, of the other Party may request the ot her Party in writing to provide 
information about the operations of that enterprise or monopoly. The request shall indicate the enterprise or 
monopoly, the products or services and markets concerned, and include indications that the enterprise or 
monopoly is engaging in practices that hinder trade or investment between the Parties. 2. The information 
referred to in paragraph 1 shall include: (a) the ownership and the voting structure of the enterprise or 
monopoly, indicating the percentage of shares and the  percentage of voting rights that a Party or a 
state -owned enterprise, an enterprise granted special rights or privileges, or a designated 
monopoly cumulatively own; (b) a description of any special shares or special voting or other rights that a 
Party or a state -owned enterprise, an enterprise granted special rights or privileges, or a designated monopoly 
hold, where such rights differ from the rights attached to the common shares of such enterprise or monopoly; 
(c) the organisational structure of the ente rprise or monopoly, the composition of its board of directors or of an 
equivalent body exercising direct or indirect control in such an enterprise or entity, and cross -holdings and 
other links with different state -owned enterprises, enterprises granted spe cial rights or privileges, or 
designated monopolies; (d) a description of which government departments or public bodies regulate or 
monitor the enterprise or monopoly, a description of the reporting lines (53), and the rights and practices of 
the governmen t department or public bodies in the appointment, dismissal or remuneration of managers; (e) 
annual revenue or total assets, or both ; (f) exemptions, immunities and any other measures, including 
more favourable treatment, applicable in the territory of the  requested Party to any state -owned enterprise, 
enterprise granted special rights or privileges, or designated monopoly. 3. A Party may request the other Party 
to provide additional information regarding the calculations of the revenue threshold referred t o in paragraph 4 
of Article 11.2 (Scope of Application). 4. Paragraphs 1 to 3 shall not require a Party to disclose confidential 
information which would be inconsistent with its laws and regulations, impede law enforcement or otherwise be 
contrary to the p ublic interest or prejudice the legitimate commercial interests of particular enterprises. 5. In 
the case of the Union, subparagraphs 2(a) to 2(e) do not apply to enterprises which qualify as 
small or medium sized  enterprises as defined in Union law. " (EU – Viet Nam, Chapter 11 , art. 6)  
 
xlvii "Rescue and restructuring 3. Subsidies for restructuring an ailing or insolvent economic actor without the 
economic actor having prepared a credible restructuring plan shall be p rohibited. The restructuring plan shall 
be based on realistic assumptions with a view to ensuring the return to long -term viability of the ailing or 
insolvent economic actor within a reasonable time period. During the preparation of the restructuring plan,  the 
economic actor can receive temporary liquidity support in the form of loans or loan guarantees. Except for 
small and medium -sized enterprises, an economic actor or its owners, creditors or new investors 
shall contribute significant funds or assets to the cost of restructuring.  For the purposes of this 
paragraph, an ailing or insolvent economic actor is one that would almost certainly go out of business in the 
short to medium term without the subsidy. " (EU – United Kingdom , Chapter 3 , art. 3.5 ) 
 
xlviii "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 objective 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 Parties' 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 program mes 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 perso ns or affirmative action 
programmes is, as a general rule, compatible with the proper functioning of this Agreement. " (EU – South 
Africa, Chapter 2 , art. 41 and annex IX ). 
 
xlix "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 bas is 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 c onsignment 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 app licable 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 under  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 lar ge scale units 
in Nepal. In regard to additional duty collected by the Government of India in respect of manufactured articles INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
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other than those manufactured in “small” units; Wherever it is established that the cost of production of an 
article is higher in  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 Go vernment of Nepal provided His Majesty’s Government of 
Nepal have given assistance to the same extent to the (manufacturers) exporters. " (India – Nepal, Trade in 
Goods , art. 5).  
 
 
_______________  
 
 
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  Annex  1 
Members' share of in force and WTO notified RTAs with MSME references  
Member  Share  RTA in force with 
MSME  Total RTAs in force   
and notified  
Brunei Darussalam  100%  10 10 
Cambodia  100%  7 7 
Antigua and Barbuda  100%  3 3 
Barbados  100%  3 3 
Belize  100%  3 3 
Dominica  100%  3 3 
Grenada  100%  3 3 
Jamaica  100%  3 3 
Kenya  100%  3 3 
Saint Kitts and Nevis  100%  3 3 
Saint Lucia  100%  3 3 
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines  100%  3 3 
Suriname  100%  3 3 
Burundi  100%  2 2 
Haiti 100%  2 2 
Rwanda  100%  2 2 
Uganda  100%  2 2 
Cabo Verde  100%  1 1 
Democratic Republic of the Congo  100%  1 1 
Guinea -Bissau  100%  1 1 
Liberia  100%  1 1 
Madagascar  100%  1 1 
Mongolia  100%  1 1 
Sierra Leone  100%  1 1 
The Gambia  100%  1 1 
Colombia  93% 14 15 
Thailand  93% 13 14 
United States of America  93% 13 14 
Japan  89% 16 18 
Lao People's Democratic Republic  89% 8 9 
Myanmar  88% 7 8 
Canada  87% 13 15 
Honduras  85% 11 13 
New Zealand  85% 11 13 
Peru 81% 17 21 
Viet Nam  80% 12 15 
Dominican Republic  80% 4 5 
Singapore  78% 21 27 INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
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  Member  Share  RTA in force with 
MSME  Total RTAs in force   
and notified  
Malaysia  75% 12 16 
Indonesia  75% 9 12 
Bahrain, Kingdom of  75% 3 4 
Bolivia, Plurinational State of  75% 3 4 
Côte d'Ivoire  75% 3 4 
Guyana  75% 3 4 
Oman  75% 3 4 
Trinidad and Tobago  75% 3 4 
Costa Rica  73% 11 15 
Philippines  73% 8 11 
Chile 71% 22 31 
Korea, Republic of  70% 14 20 
Guatemala  70% 7 10 
El Salvador  69% 9 13 
United Kingdom  68% 26 38 
EU 67% 31 46 
Ecuador  67% 4 6 
Papua New Guinea  67% 4 6 
Kuwait, the State of  67% 2 3 
Qatar  67% 2 3 
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  67% 2 3 
Seychelles  67% 2 3 
Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of  67% 2 3 
Australia  65% 11 17 
Switzerland  63% 20 32 
China  63% 10 16 
Liechtenstein  61% 19 31 
Fiji 60% 3 5 
Samoa  60% 3 5 
Norway  59% 19 32 
Iceland  58% 19 33 
Eswatini  57% 4 7 
Lesotho  57% 4 7 
South Africa  57% 4 7 
Nicaragua  55% 6 11 
Mexico  52% 12 23 
Panama  50% 9 18 
Israel  50% 5 10 
Hong Kong, China  50% 4 8 
Mauritius  50% 4 8 INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
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  Member  Share  RTA in force with 
MSME  Total RTAs in force   
and notified  
Botswana  50% 3 6 
Chinese Taipei  50% 3 6 
Solomon Islands  50% 3 6 
Zimbabwe  50% 3 6 
Cuba 50% 2 4 
Ghana  50% 2 4 
Tanzania  50% 2 4 
United Arab Emirates  50% 2 4 
Angola  50% 1 2 
Burkina Faso  50% 1 2 
Guinea  50% 1 2 
Macao, China  50% 1 2 
Malawi  50% 1 2 
Mali 50% 1 2 
Niger  50% 1 2 
Nigeria  50% 1 2 
Senegal  50% 1 2 
Togo 50% 1 2 
Zambia  50% 1 2 
Morocco  44% 4 9 
Namibia  43% 3 7 
Albania  40% 2 5 
Argentina  38% 3 8 
Paraguay  38% 3 8 
Uruguay  38% 3 8 
Kazakhstan  36% 4 11 
India 35% 6 17 
Turkey  33% 8 24 
Russian Federation  33% 4 12 
Brazil  33% 3 9 
North Macedonia  33% 2 6 
Benin  33% 1 3 
Tonga  33% 1 3 
Ukraine  30% 6 20 
Egypt  30% 3 10 
Kyrgyz Republic  30% 3 10 
Georgia  29% 4 14 
Armenia  25% 3 12 
Jordan  25% 2 8 
Cameroon  25% 1 4 INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
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  Member  Share  RTA in force with 
MSME  Total RTAs in force   
and notified  
Mozambique  25% 1 4 
Vanuatu  25% 1 4 
Moldova, Republic of  22% 2 9 
Montenegro  20% 1 5 
Tunisia  13% 1 8 
Pakistan  10% 1 10 
Afghanistan  - - 2 
Bangladesh  - - 5 
Central African Republic  - - 1 
Chad - - 1 
Congo  - - 1 
Gabon  - - 1 
Maldives  - - 2 
Nepal  - - 3 
Sri Lanka  - - 6 
Tajikistan  - - 2 
Yemen  - - 1 
 
  INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
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  Annex 2 
List of the 196 in-force  RTAs with MSME -related language, including chapters  and total 
number of references  
Regional Trade Agreement  Date of entry into force  Chapter (s) with MSME 
reference(s)  Number of 
references  
Andean Community  25 May 1988  Cooperation  2 
ASEAN - Australia - New 
Zealand  01 January 2010  Ecommerce  1 
ASEAN - China  21 September 2005  Cooperation  1 
ASEAN - Hong Kong, China  11 June 2019  Cooperation  2 
Rules of Origin  
ASEAN - India 19 August 2010  Cooperation  2 
Trade in Services  
ASEAN - Japan  01 December 2008  Cooperation  1 
ASEAN - Korea, Republic of  08 July 2010  Cooperation  3 
Trade in Services  
ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA)  01 January 1993  Customs and trade 
facilitation  3 
ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA)  17 May 2010  Rules of Origin  3 
Trade Facilitation  
Australia - Chile 06 March 2009  Cooperation  4 
Government Procurement  
Investment  
Australia - Papua New Guinea 
(PATCRA), amended  20 September 1991  Cooperation  1 
Brunei Darussalam - Japan  31 July 2008  Cooperation  1 
Canada - Chile 05 July 1997  Trade in services  1 
Canada - Colombia  15 August 2011  Cooperation  6 
Ecommerce  
Government Procurement  
Canada - Honduras  01 October 2014  Ecommerce  2 
Canada - Israel  28 May 2018  Ecommerce  10 
IP 
Preamble and General 
Provisions  
SMEs  
Canada - Korea, Republic of  01 January 2015  Ecommerce  1 
Canada - Panama  01 April 2013  Ecommerce  3 
Government Procurement  
Canada - Peru 01 August 2009  Cooperation  6 
Ecommerce  
Government Procurement  
Trade in Services  
Canada - Ukraine  01 August 2017  Cooperation  1 
Caribbean Community and 
Common Market  14 October 1974  Development  2 
Preamble and General 
Provisions  INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
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  Regional Trade Agreement  Date of entry into force  Chapter (s) with MSME 
reference(s)  Number of 
references  
Chile - China  20 July 2007  Cooperation  1 
Chile - Colombia  08 May 2009  Cooperation  6 
Ecommerce  
Government Procurement  
Labor  
Chile - Guatemala (Chile - 
Central America)  23 March 2010  Subsidies  1 
Chile - Honduras (Chile - 
Central America)  19 July 2008  Subsidies  1 
Chile - Indonesia  10 August 2019  Cooperation  2 
Chile - Japan  03 September 2007  Trade in Services  1 
Chile - Malaysia  25 February 2012  Cooperation  1 
Chile - Thailand  05 November 2015  Cooperation  2 
Chile - Viet Nam  01 January 2014  Cooperation  1 
China - Costa Rica  01 August 2011  Cooperation  1 
China - Hong Kong, China  29 June 2003  Cooperation  1 
China - Korea, Republic of  20 December 2015  Cooperation  4 
Investment  
China - Macao, China  17 October 2003  Cooperation  1 
China - New Zealand  01 October 2008  Cooperation  2 
Colombia - Mexico  01 January 1995  Government Procurement  1 
Colombia - Northern Triangle 
(El Salvador, Guatemala, 
Honduras)  12 November 2009  Administration of the 
Agreement  12 
Cooperation  
Ecommerce  
Government Procurement  
Investment  
Common Economic Zone (CEZ)  20 May 2004  Development  1 
Common Market for Eastern 
and Southern Africa (COMESA)  08 December 1994  Cooperation  5 
Development  
Comprehensive and 
Progressive Agreement for 
Trans -Pacific Partnership 
(CPTPP)  30 December 2018  Competition  19 
Cooperation  
Cooperation  
Customs and trade 
facilitation  
Development  
Ecommerce  
Environment  
Government Procurement  
IP 
Labor  
Regulatory Coherence  
SMEs  
Transparency  INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
- 36 - 
 
  Regional Trade Agreement  Date of entry into force  Chapter (s) with MSME 
reference(s)  Number of 
references  
Costa Rica - Colombia  01 August 2016  Administration of the 
Agreement  6 
Ecommerce  
Government Procurement  
Investment  
Trade in Services  
Costa Rica - Peru 01 June 2013  Administration of the 
Agreement  4 
Government Procurement  
IP 
Costa Rica - Singapore  01 July 2013  Cooperation  3 
Ecommerce  
Government Procurement  
Dominican Republic - Central 
America  04 October 2001  Government Procurement  1 
Dominican Republic - Central 
America - United States Free 
Trade Agreement (CAFTA -DR) 01 March 2006  Ecommerce  5 
Government Procurement  
East African Community (EAC)  09 October 2000  Cooperation  3 
Development  
Economic Community of West 
African States (ECOWAS), 
revised in July 1993  24 July 1993  Cooperation  2 
Preamble and General 
Provisions  
EFTA - Albania  01 November 2010  Customs and trade 
facilitation  1 
EFTA - Canada  01 July 2009  Customs and trade 
facilitation  1 
EFTA - Central America (Costa 
Rica and Panama)  19 August 2014  Government Procurement  1 
EFTA - Chile 01 December 2004  Government Procurement  2 
Investment  
EFTA - Colombia  01 July 2011  Government Procurement  3 
Preamble and General 
Provisions  
EFTA - Egypt  01 August 2007  Investment  1 
EFTA - Georgia  01 September 2017  Government Procurement  1 
EFTA - Hong Kong, China  01 October 2012  Customs and trade 
facilitation  1 
EFTA - Korea, Republic of  01 September 2006  Trade in Services  1 
EFTA - Lebanon  01 January 2007 Investment  1 
EFTA - Mexico  01 July 2001  Investment  1 
EFTA - Montenegro  01 September 2012  Customs and trade 
facilitation  1 
EFTA - Morocco  01 December 1999  Investment  1 
EFTA - Peru 01 July 2011  Government Procurement  2 
EFTA - SACU  01 May 2008  Investment  1 
EFTA - Serbia  01 October 2010  Customs and trade 
facilitation  1 
EFTA - Singapore  01 January 2003  Investment  1 
EFTA - Ukraine  01 June 2012  Government Procurement  1 INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
- 37 - 
 
  Regional Trade Agreement  Date of entry into force  Chapter (s) with MSME 
reference(s)  Number of 
references  
El Salvador - Ecuador  16 November 2017  Cooperation  6 
Preamble and General 
Provisions  
El Salvador - Honduras - 
Chinese Taipei  01 March 2008  Cooperation  4 
EU - Albania  01 December 2006  Cooperation  1 
EU - Algeria  01 September 2005  Cooperation  1 
EU - Bosnia and Herzegovina  11 July 2008  Cooperation  1 
EU - Cameroon  04 August 2014  Cooperation  2 
Customs and trade 
facilitation  
EU - Canada  21 September 2017  Ecommerce  6 
Government Procurement  
Investment  
EU - CARIFORUM States EPA  29 December 2008  Cooperation  20 
Investment  
IP 
Trade in Services  
EU - Central America  01 August 2013  Cooperation  10 
Government Procurement  
IP 
EU - Chile 01 February 2003  Cooperation  4 
EU - Chile 03 February 2004  Cooperation  4 
EU - Colombia and Peru  01 March 2013  Administration of the 
Agreement  6 
Cooperation  
Customs and trade 
facilitation  
Ecommerce  
Government Procurement  
EU - Côte d'Ivoire  03 September 2016  Customs and trade 
facilitation  1 
EU - Eastern and Southern 
Africa States Interim EPA  14 May 2012  Cooperation  6 
Cooperation  
EU - Georgia  01 September 2014  Cooperation  2 
Transparency  
EU - Israel  01 June 2000  Cooperation  1 
EU - Japan  01 February 2019  Cooperation  10 
Customs and trade 
facilitation  
Ecommerce  
IP 
Preamble and General 
Provisions  
SMEs  
Transparency  
EU - Jordan  01 May 2002  Cooperation  2 INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
- 38 - 
 
  Regional Trade Agreement  Date of entry into force  Chapter (s) with MSME 
reference(s)  Number of 
references  
EU - Korea, Republic of  01 July 2011  Competition  2 
Government Procurement  
EU - Lebanon  01 March 2003  Cooperation  2 
EU - Mexico  01 July 2000  Cooperation  2 
EU - Moldova, Republic of  01 September 2014  Cooperation  2 
Customs and trade 
facilitation  
EU - Morocco  01 March 2000  Cooperation  1 
EU – Overseas Countries and 
Territories (OCT)  01 January 1971  Cooperation  3 
Investment  
Preamble and General 
Provisions  
EU - Papua New Guinea / Fiji  20 December 2009  Customs and trade 
facilitation  2 
EU - Republic of North 
Macedonia  01 June 2001  Cooperation  1 
EU - SADC  10 October 2016  Cooperation  5 
Customs and trade 
facilitation  
EU - San Marino  01 April 2002  Cooperation  1 
EU - Serbia  31 May 2010  Cooperation  1 
EU - Singapore  21 November 2019  Customs and trade 
facilitation  1 
EU - South Africa  01 January 2000  Cooperation  4 
Trade in goods  
EU - Ukraine  23 April 2014  Cooperation  3 
Customs and trade 
facilitation  
Transparency  
EU - United Kingdom  01 January 2021  Customs and trade 
facilitation  12 
Good Regulatory Practices 
and Regulatory 
Cooperation  
Preamble and General 
Provisions  
SMEs  
Subsidies  
Transparency  
EU - Viet Nam  01 August 2020  Competition  7 
Cooperation  
Customs and trade 
facilitation  
Government procurement  
State -owned enterprises  
Transparency  
EU Treaty (EC Treaty, 
amended by the Single 
European Act, the Treaty on 
European Union, the Treaty of 
Nice and the European 
Constitution)  30 March 2010  Competition  3 
Labor  
Preamble and General 
Provisions  INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
- 39 - 
 
  Regional Trade Agreement  Date of entry into force  Chapter (s) with MSME 
reference(s)  Number of 
references  
Eurasian Economic Union 
(EAEU)  01 January 2015  Cooperation  2 
Government Procurement  
Eurasian Economic Union 
(EAEU) - Viet Nam  05 October 2016  Government Procurement  1 
European Economic Area (EEA)  01 January 1994  Cooperation  2 
Guatemala - Chinese Taipei  01 July 2006  Cooperation  3 
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) 
- Singapore  01 September 2013  Cooperation  2 
Government Procurement  
Hong Kong, China - Australia  17 January 2020  Administration of the 
Agreement  4 
Ecommerce  
Transparency  
Iceland - China  01 July 2014  Customs and trade 
facilitation  1 
India - Japan  01 August 2011  Cooperation  3 
Investment  
India - Malaysia  01 July 2011  Cooperation  1 
India - Nepal  27 October 2009  Trade in Goods  1 
Indonesia - Australia  05 July 2021  Ecommerce  1 
Japan - Australia  15 January 2015  Ecommerce  1 
Japan - Indonesia  01 July 2008  Investment  2 
Japan - Malaysia  13 July 2006  Cooperation  2 
Japan - Mexico  01 April 2005  Cooperation  3 
Government Procurement  
Japan - Mongolia  07 June 2016  Cooperation  2 
Ecommerce  
Japan - Peru 01 March 2012  Cooperation  4 
Government Procurement  
Japan - Philippines  11 December 2008  Cooperation  8 
Investment  
Trade in Services  
Japan - Singapore  30 November 2002  Preamble and General 
Provisions  5 
SMEs  
Japan - Thailand  01 November 2007  Cooperation  6 
IP 
SMEs  
Japan - Viet Nam  01 October 2009  Cooperation  3 
Korea, Republic of - Central 
America  01 October 2019  Cooperation  3 
Ecommerce  
Korea, Republic of - Chile 01 April 2004  Government Procurement  1 
Korea, Republic of - Colombia  15 July 2016  Cooperation  6 
Government Procurement  INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
- 40 - 
 
  Regional Trade Agreement  Date of entry into force  Chapter (s) with MSME 
reference(s)  Number of 
references  
Korea, Republic of - India 01 January 2010  Cooperation  3 
Investment  
Trade in Services  
Korea, Republic of - New 
Zealand  20 December 2015  Government Procurement  2 
Korea, Republic of - Singapore  02 March 2006  Government Procurement  1 
Korea, Republic of - United 
States  15 March 2012  Cooperation  3 
Government Procurement  
Korea, Republic of - Viet Nam  20 December 2015  Cooperation  2 
Ecommerce  
Latin American Integration 
Association (LAIA)  18 March 1981  Cooperation  6 
Customs and trade 
facilitation  
Malaysia - Australia  01 January 2013  Cooperation  1 
Mexico - Central America  01 September 2012  IP 1 
Mexico - Panama  01 July 2015  Ecommerce  3 
Trade in services  
New Zealand - Malaysia  01 August 2010  Cooperation  1 
New Zealand - Singapore  15 November 2018  Ecommerce  2 
Investment  
Nicaragua - Chinese Taipei  01 January 2008  Ecommerce  1 
Pacific Alliance  01 May 2016  Ecommerce  5 
Government Procurement  
Pakistan - China  18 January 2008 Investment  1 
Panama - Peru 01 May 2012  Administration of the 
Agreement  4 
Government Procurement  
Government Procurement  
IP 
Panama - Singapore  24 July 2006  Cooperation  3 
Ecommerce  
Government Procurement  
Peru - Australia  11 February 2020  Administration of the 
Agreement  15 
Competition  
Cooperation  
Customs and trade 
facilitation  
Government Procurement  
Regulatory Coherence  
SMEs  
Peru - Chile 01 March 2009  Customs and trade 
facilitation  1 
Peru - China  01 March 2010  Cooperation  3 
Trade in Services  INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
- 41 - 
 
  Regional Trade Agreement  Date of entry into force  Chapter (s) with MSME 
reference(s)  Number of 
references  
Peru - Honduras  01 January 2017  Administration of the 
Agreement  6 
Government Procurement  
IP 
Peru - Singapore  01 August 2009  Government Procurement  2 
Trade in Services  
Singapore - Australia  28 July 2003  Government Procurement  1 
Singapore - Chinese Taipei  19 April 2014  Ecommerce  1 
South Pacific Regional Trade 
and Economic Cooperation 
Agreement (SPARTECA)  01 January 1981  Cooperation  1 
Southern African Customs 
Union (SACU)  15 July 2004  Investment  1 
Southern Common Market 
(MERCOSUR) - Egypt  01 September 2017  Investment  1 
Southern Common Market 
(MERCOSUR) - Israel  23 December 2009  Cooperation  1 
Switzerland - China  01 July 2014  Customs and trade 
facilitation  1 
Thailand - Australia  01 January 2005  IP 2 
Trade in Services  
Thailand - New Zealand  01 July 2005  Investment  1 
Trans -Pacific Strategic 
Economic Partnership  28 May 2006  Cooperation  1 
Turkey - Chile 01 March 2011  Cooperation  1 
Turkey - Jordan  Cooperation  1 
Turkey - Malaysia  01 August 2015  Cooperation  2 
Turkey - Palestinian Authority  01 June 2005  Cooperation  1 
Turkey - Singapore  01 October 2017  Customs and trade 
facilitation  3 
Ecommerce  
Turkey - Syria 01 January 2007  Cooperation  1 
Turkey - Tunisia  01 July 2005  Cooperation  1 
United Kingdom - Canada  01 January 2021  See "EU - Canada" for 
referenced language.  2 
United Kingdom - CARIFORUM 
States  01 January 2021  Agriculture and fisheries  9 
Cooperation  
IP 
Preamble and General 
Provisions  
Regulatory Coherence  
United Kingdom - Central 
America  01 January 2021  See "EU - Central 
America" for referenced 
language.  1 
United Kingdom - Chile 01 January 2021  See "EU - Chile" for 
referenced language.  1 
United Kingdom - Colombia  01 January 2021  See "EU - Colombia and 
Peru" for referenced 
language.  1 
United Kingdom - Côte d'Ivoire  01 January 2021  Customs and trade 
facilitation  1 
United Kingdom - Eastern and 
Southern Africa States  01 January 2021  Agriculture and fisheries  6 
Development  INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
- 42 - 
 
  Regional Trade Agreement  Date of entry into force  Chapter (s) with MSME 
reference(s)  Number of 
references  
United Kingdom - Ecuador and 
Peru 01 January 2021  See "EU - Colombia and 
Peru" for referenced 
language.  1 
United Kingdom - Egypt  01 January 2021  See "EU - Egypt"  1 
United Kingdom - Georgia  01 January 2021  Industrial policy  2 
Transparency  
United Kingdom - Ghana  05 March 2021  Customs and trade 
facilitation  1 
United Kingdom - Iceland, 
Liechtenstein and Norway  01 December 2021  Digital Trade  9 
Government Procurement  
SMEs  
Trade in Goods  
United Kingdom - Israel  01 January 2021  See "EU - Israel" for 
referenced language.  1 
United Kingdom - Japan  01 January 2021  Cooperation  12 
Customs and trade 
facilitation  
Ecommerce  
IP 
Preamble and General 
Provisions  
SMEs  
Trade in services  
Transparency  
United Kingdom - Kenya  01 January 2021  Cooperation  7 
United Kingdom - Korea, 
Republic of  01 January 2021  See "EU - Korea, Republic 
of" for referenced 
language.  1 
United Kingdom - Kosovo  01 January 2021  See "Central European 
Free Trade Agreement"  1 
United Kingdom - Lebanon  01 January 2021  See "EU - Lebanon" for 
referenced language.  1 
United Kingdom - Mexico  01 June 2021  See "EU - Mexico" for 
referenced language  1 
United Kingdom - Morocco  01 January 2021  See "EU - Morocco" for 
referenced language.  1 
United Kingdom - North 
Macedonia  01 January 2021  See "EU - Republic of 
North Macedonia" for 
referenced language.  1 
United Kingdom - Palestinian 
Authority  01 January 2021  See "EU - Palestinian 
Authority"  1 
United Kingdom - SACU and 
Mozambique  01 January 2021  Cooperation  2 
Customs and trade 
facilitation  
United Kingdom - Singapore  01 January 2021  See "EU - Singapore" for 
referenced language.  1 
United Kingdom - Switzerland - 
Liechtenstein  01 January 2021  See "EU - Switzerland - 
Liechtenstein"  1 
United Kingdom - Tunisia  01 January 2021  See "EU - Tunisia"  1 
United Kingdom - Turkey  01 January 2021  Customs and trade 
facilitation  3 
 
3 
United Kingdom - Ukraine  01 January 2021  Customs and trade 
facilitation  3 
Industrial policy  3 INF/MSME/W/6/Rev.3  
 
- 43 - 
 
  Regional Trade Agreement  Date of entry into force  Chapter (s) with MSME 
reference(s)  Number of 
references  
United Kingdom - Viet Nam  01 January 2021  See "EU - Viet Nam" for 
referenced language.  1 
United States -Mexico -Canada 
Agreement (USMCA/CUSMA/T -
MEC) 01 July 2020  Competition  16 
Digital Trade  
Government Procurement  
Preamble and General 
Provisions  
SMEs  
Trade in services  
 
US - Australia  01 January 2005  Government Procurement  3 
Investment  
US - Bahrain  01 August 2006  Government Procurement  2 
Trade in Services  
US - Chile 01 January 2004  Ecommerce  8 
Environment  
Government Procurement  
Investment  
Labor  
Trade in Services  
US - Colombia  15 May 2012  Administration of the 
Agreement  3 
Cooperation  
Government Procurement  
US - Jordan  17 December 2001  Trade in Services  1 
US - Morocco  01 January 2006  Trade in Services  4 
US - Oman  01 January 2009  Government Procurement  3 
Investment  
US - Panama  31 October 2012  Ecommerce  5 
Government Procurement  
US - Peru 01 February 2009  Administration of the 
Agreement  7 
Government Procurement  
Investment  
Labor  
Trade in Services  
US - Singapore  01 January 2004  Investment  1 
 
 
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