The challenges of complying with stringent technical requirements in the international marketplace limits the participation of SMEs from developing countries in international trade. To help navigate the complexities of quality standards and regulations, exporters turn to their local institutions for support and guidance. Trade Promotion Organizations (TPOs) are often the first point of contact for enterprises seeking to export. They play an important role providing capacity-building services and crucial market information to exporters. National Standards Bodies (NSBs) help align with requirements and regulations; they also act as representatives of their country in international and regional standardization organizations and usually act as the enquiry point in developing and transition countries. It is recognized that close collaboration between TPOs and NSBs is essential to help exporters address export constraints and technical barriers to trade. But in many countries, there has been little or no formal cooperation between these institutions in the past.

The CRT will be publishing dates for our capacity building workshops to be held in our key respective locations around the world. These projects are are aimed to reinforce competencies and skills both at institutional and enterprise levels. Listings of dates and locations will be published in due course.