ITC, UNCTAD launch BioTrade Facilitation Programme.

• Date: 01 October 2002
• Published date: 01 October 2002

As consumers become more environmentally conscious, "green" products and services offer vast new trade opportunities. Companies trading in natural products that can show respect for the environment are also likely to be more competitive than others. Consequently, ITC is taking a fresh look at its activities linking trade and the environment. An important step was the launch of a joint programme with UNCTAD to develop trade in biodiversity products at the World Summit on Sustainable Development. This dynamic trade area holds a high potential for many biodiversity-rich developing countries.

The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD, Johannesburg, August-September 2002) recognized that responsible trade in natural products can help sustain biological diversity. It is also clear that sharing the benefits of this trade can contribute to alleviating poverty. Yet there are major obstacles to expanding trade in biodiversity products in developing countries, including lack of market information and access; low management and export skills; low...