World Trade Organisation Joint Statement Initiative on Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs)

For most WTO members, MSMEs make up the majority of their businesses but they do not always share in the benefits of trade to the same extent as larger firms. Addressing the obstacles that create burdens for them and promoting their participation in international trade are growing priorities at the WTO. They are also priorities for Canada, consistent with our inclusive approach to trade that seeks to ensure that the benefits and opportunities that trade creates are widely shared with all, including with traditionally underrepresented groups such as MSMEs.

In early 2017, a group of WTO Members calling themselves the “Friends of MSMEs,” led by Argentina, Brazil, and Chile, successfully launched an informal dialogue on how the WTO can support the integration of MSMEs in international trade. At the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC11) in December 2017, Canada and 86 other WTO Members issued a Joint Ministerial Statement establishing an informal work program on MSMEs. Sessions of the Informal Working Group are open to any WTO member who wishes to attend or participate.

Since 2018, the Informal Working Group has held thematic sessions and undertaken information exchanges to explore the different challenges facing MSMEs in international trade (e.g. access to information, trade finance, reducing trade costs, and e-commerce) as well as to share information and experiences on the efforts of members to address these challenges.

Domestic policy considerations

Canada is an active participant in the Informal Working Group on MSMEs, established at the MC11. Canada has championed an inclusive approach to trade within the Informal Working Group, and has encouraged members to adopt policies and programs to help MSMEs become more productive, innovative and export-oriented. The Joint Statement Initiative is fully in line with Canada’s domestic policies and programs to promote increasing productivity, innovation and exports for Canadian MSMEs.

Related links

• Canada's inclusive approach to trade
• Trade policy and Small- and medium-sized enterprises