WTO MSME Group welcomes expansion, highlights successful entrepreneurs and MC14 plans

The Informal Working Group on Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) on 2 March welcomed South Africa as the 105th member participating in the initiative. Participants discussed plans for the upcoming 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) at the end of March and engaged with small business leaders to learn from their experiences. They also continued thematic discussions on the informal economy and received updates on other areas of the Group's work.

WTO MSME Group welcomes expansion, highlights successful entrepreneurs and MC14 plans

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• Informal Working Group on Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs)
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The Coordinator of the Group, Ambassador Matthew Wilson of Barbados, received the Global Cooperation Advancement Award 2025 from the Organization for Trade Development and Standards Cooperation (ODCCN) for his work on leading the MSME Group's activities and on advancing efforts to create a conducive global trade environment for small businesses.

Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala congratulated the Group on its expansion and on the award granted to Ambassador Wilson, noting that it testified to the Group's "remarkable" work over the years. She said: "MSMEs are the lifeblood of each and every country, whether they're rich or poor." She encouraged participants "to remain very focused on delivering as much practical assistance and help to SMEs as you can. I look forward to your active involvement at MC14."

Members took the floor to welcome South Africa, highlighting the broad support reflected in its decision to join the Group. South Africa acknowledged the important work carried out by the Group and expressed its readiness to contribute to its future activities.

First Global SME Ministerial Conference

The International Trade Centre (ITC), a partner organization of the MSME Group, shared information from a follow-up meeting to the Global SME Ministerial Conference held in Johannesburg in July 2025. The meeting included the launch of a new policy-sharing platform, which has already allowed 74 countries to exchange best practices on the green transition, access to finance and digitalization. The ITC also reported on progress made at intersessional meetings in preparation for the next Global SME Ministerial Conference, expected to take place in 2027.

The ITC presented its latest SME Competitiveness Outlook, which examines how small businesses use digital technologies to scale up operations, reduce costs and innovate. The report highlights key enablers for digital transformation, including the important role of governments in investing in digital infrastructure, skills development and supportive regulatory frameworks.

Success stories

In line with the Group's efforts to strengthen private sector engagement, the meeting continued its regular "MSME Spotlight" showcasing the experiences of small businesses. Crea John, founder of JC's Honey Production from Saint Lucia, shared how she had overcome financial and technical challenges to produce premium honey products and export them across Caribbean markets. She highlighted the importance of support from governments and civil society for women entrepreneurs.

Scientifically tested and recognized for their medicinal benefits, JC's Honey products have won multiple awards, including an award at the 2024 International Honey Show in England.

Thematic discussions on the informal economy

On the topic of the informal economy, the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) presented its inaugural Global Socioeconomic Impact Study, covering more than 100 million direct sellers and companies across key markets. The study highlights the positive impact of direct selling on economic inclusivity, workforce skills development and international trade.

Ambassador Wilson noted possible future thematic discussions for the MSME Group based on members' suggestions, including good regulatory practices, MSMEs and intellectual property, and artificial intelligence.

MC14 plan, implementation of 2020 MSME Package

Ambassador Wilson outlined the tentative outcomes and events planned for MC14. Key deliverables include the Coordinator's Report (WT/MIN(26)/3), stocktaking of the Group's work between MC13 and MC14, a summary of key findings from the thematic discussions and a compilation of trade challenges and opportunities that small businesses have shared with the MSME Group. Additional outcomes include a joint key takeaways document with the Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender on access to finance for women-led businesses (WT/MIN(26)/6 & INF/MSME/7 & INF/TGE/COM/14).

Two side events related to small businesses will be held on 25 March in Yaound�, Cameroon, on the eve of MC14. These comprise a joint event with the International Trade Centre (ITC) focusing on women and business, and a Business Forum co-organized by the WTO and the International Chamber of Commerce.

Guatemala, the Gambia and the United Kingdom shared updates on the implementation of the December 2020 MSME package- a set of policy recommendations aimed at supporting MSMEs. They highlighted how their latest Trade Policy Reviews have incorporated information on measures supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in integrating into global trade and advancing their digital transformation.

Updates

Ambassador Wilson drew members' attention to the 2026 Small Business Champions competition,themed "Supporting small businesses to use AI for international trade." The competition is open for applications until 16 March.

The Group also heard an update from Canada on the thematic session on supporting trade in �menstrual hygiene products, organized by the Committee on Market Access on 27 January 2026, which focused on the Harmonized System and supporting trade in menstrual hygiene products (G/MA/W/190/Rev.2).

Next

The next meeting of the Informal Working Group on MSMEs is scheduled for 29 June 2026.

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