The proposed "Global SMEs Launchpad" will allow 100 SMEs in Argentina to benefit from tailored training aimed at helping them improve their business skills so that they can showcase their products on a dedicated online platform. The selection of SMEs will be based on specific assessment criteria, such as innovation and creativity. The training programme will focus on enhancing their business skills in areas such as e-commerce, managerial skills, marketing strategies, customer services and corporate responsibility. 

WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo said: "This is an excellent initiative, designed to provide SMEs with the necessary skills to connect with global markets. We commend Argentina's Chamber of Commerce and Services and Mercado Libre for putting forward this proposal and we look forward to its successful implementation. I am very pleased as well that we are announcing this initiative to support SMEs in Argentina during our Ministerial Conference here in Buenos Aires." 

ICC Secretary General John Danilovich said: "We welcome this latest successful proposal as part of the ICC-WTO Small Business Champions initiative. I commend Mercado Libre and the Argentine Chamber of Commerce and Services for developing a programme which has significant potential to enhance the environment and infrastructure needed to boost MSME growth."

Background

The ICC-WTO Small Business Champions was launched by DG Azevêdo and SG Danilovich in August 2017. The initiative provides a platform for companies and private sector organizations around the world to propose innovative, practical ideas designed to encourage micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to do business across borders. Those businesses putting forward successful proposals will be recognized as ICC-WTO Small Business Champions.

The first two successful proposals were submitted by Google and the Union of Chambers of Commerce of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.  

Read more about the initiative here.