History, mandate and principal purposes: The International Trade Centre (ITC) was funded in 1964 by the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Since 1968 the ITC works under the joint guidance of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and United Nations, through the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). With the purposes of avoiding duplication and reinforcing the role of the Organization itself, the 1973 ECOSOC resolution appoints the ITC as “the focal point for technical assistance and cooperation activities in the export promotion field within the United Nations system of assistance to developing countries”.
In order to fulfil its mission, the Organization is committed to sustain exports and competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Developing Countries and in economies in transition; to promote fair, inclusive and sustainable international trade, and to provide for technical assistance to both the private and the public sectors.
Italian Participation: ITC’s balance sheet is co-funded by UNCTAD and WTO. Italy, as an important contributor to the WTO and United Nations, supports the Centre and participates to its activities. In particular, Italy endorses the further integration of SMEs in the international trade system. Moreover, it promotes transparency, efficiency and effectiveness of the ITC, in partnership with the other 28 Members of the European Union.
The Italian funding of “Moda Etica” programs, aimed at establishing cooperation between Developing Countries and advanced economies in the textile sector, in particular with Bangladesh for the leather industry, has been especially appreciated.
Executive Director: Since October 2020 Pamela Coke-Hamilton is the Executive Director of the ITC.
Website: http://www.intracen.org/
Working at the ITC: For information on career opportunities at the ITC, please visit the web page ITC careers (intracen.org)