The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN), headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It is dedicated to promoting inclusive and sustainable trade, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing and transition economies. Through a wide portfolio of technical assistance and capacity-building projects, ITC empowers micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to become more competitive in global markets.
One of ITC’s flagship initiatives is the United Kingdom Trade Partnerships (UKTP) Programme, which aims to strengthen the ability of businesses in developing countries to access and benefit from the UK market by leveraging Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs).
Core Focus of the UKTP Programme
The UKTP Programme is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom and implemented by ITC. It supports businesses and trade institutions in countries with a UK-EPAs framework, helping them to take full advantage of duty-free and quota-free access to the UK.
Key Areas of Intervention:
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Export Development and Market Linkages
- Helping companies enter the UK and regional markets
- Supporting participation in trade fairs, buyer missions, and B2B matchmaking
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Value Chain Upgrading
- Identifying high-potential export sectors
- Providing training on production, processing, packaging, and logistics
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Quality and Standards Compliance
- Assisting producers in meeting UK/EU regulations and voluntary certifications
- Facilitating access to testing and conformity infrastructure
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Trade and Investment Facilitation
- Supporting policy dialogues
- Strengthening the capacity of Trade Promotion Organizations (TPOs) and Business Support Organizations (BSOs)
Geographic Scope and Reach
As of 2024, the UKTP Programme operates in 24 developing and least developed countries, primarily from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. These include:
- Africa: Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Madagascar
- Caribbean: Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and more
- Pacific: Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa
Export Sector Focus:
- Agri-food products (e.g., fresh and processed fruits, spices, cocoa, coffee, tea)
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Textiles and garments
- Sustainable and ethical products
Impact and Achievements
The UKTP Programme has delivered tangible economic benefits across its partner countries through direct support to SMEs and producer groups.
Key Metrics:
- Over 1,000 SMEs supported since 2019
- More than 300 companies linked to UK buyers
- Over 150 trade deals facilitated through UKTP interventions
- 80+ workshops and training sessions on export readiness and standards
- 25+ trade support institutions strengthened to deliver export services
Success stories include the inclusion of African fruit and vegetable exporters into UK retail supply chains, Caribbean spice producers accessing new UK retail distribution channels, and women-led cooperatives achieving international certifications.
Strategic Partnerships
The UKTP Programme is implemented in close collaboration with:
- National trade ministries
- Chambers of commerce
- Sector-specific associations
- UK importers and retailers
- Development partners including FCDO and local EU delegations
These partnerships ensure alignment with national trade strategies and ownership by local stakeholders.
Certification and Sustainability Focus
Many of the supported producers and exporters under the UKTP programme achieve or work toward:
- GlobalG.A.P.
- Fairtrade
- Organic certification (EU/UK standards)
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP)
- ISO 22000
Sustainability and inclusivity are core principles, with a strong focus on gender inclusion, youth employment, and climate-smart trade practices.
Digital Tools and Knowledge Resources
UKTP leverages ITC’s globally recognized tools such as:
- Trade Map
- Market Access Map
- Export Potential Map
- Standards Map
Additionally, the programme has produced sector-specific guides and manuals to help MSMEs navigate UK import requirements.
Notable Testimonials
“The support from UKTP helped our company align with UK supermarket standards. We now export directly to the UK and are seeing steady monthly orders.”
— Agribusiness Exporter, Ghana
“ITC and UKTP opened doors to buyers we never imagined. With their coaching and logistics support, we are now shipping regularly to the UK.”
— Cooperative Manager, Saint Lucia
Major Highlights
- Increased UK-EPA utilization rates in participating countries
- Introduction of digital traceability systems for select agri-value chains
- Support for the UK’s Greening the Trade initiative through sustainable packaging and certification
- Facilitated participation in major trade fairs including IFE London, Specialty & Fine Food Fair, and AFEX Nairobi
The International Trade Centre, through the UKTP Programme, remains committed to building inclusive trade ecosystems that deliver economic growth, employment, and sustainability for developing countries. With its data-driven approach, public-private partnerships, and market intelligence tools, ITC continues to empower exporters to succeed in the UK and global markets.
