New Global Trade Partnership Empowers SMEs with Freight Forwarder Access, Fueling South-South Commerce

A new partnership between the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) is set to significantly enhance market access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by integrating a vast directory of logistics providers into a global trade platform. This development comes as strengthening trade routes between developing nations are becoming a key pillar of the world economy.

Announced on March 7, the initiative incorporates FIATA’s extensive network of freight forwarders into the ITC’s Global Trade Helpdesk, as reported by the Daily Tribune. This provides exporters, particularly SMEs, with direct access to thousands of logistics providers across more than 150 markets. The goal is to combat the high costs and uncertainties of international shipping, which can represent 10-25% of supply chain expenses for smaller exporters. Julia Spies of the ITC stated the move provides businesses with “practical data for data-driven strategies,” while FIATA’s Director General, Stéphane Graber, noted it helps SMEs move from identifying opportunities to fulfilling them with greater transparency.

This drive for improved logistics transparency is timely, aligning with major shifts in global commerce. According to the Global Times, recent World Trade Organization (WTO) data shows that South-South trade is a growing force for economic stability. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlighted that over half of all exports from developing countries are now destined for other developing economies. This trend is propelled by rising demand in emerging markets and supported by crucial improvements in logistics and infrastructure. The ‘Chancay-Shanghai’ shipping route, which opened in late 2024 and has cut transit times and costs between Peru and China, serves as a prime example of this evolution. By connecting SMEs with competitive logistics services, the ITC and FIATA partnership provides a critical tool to help more businesses participate in and accelerate these burgeoning trade corridors.