India’s intervention at the informal meeting of the Consultative Committee of ITC Trust Fund (CCITF), delivered by Mr. Gaurav Kumar Thakur, Counsellor,
Geneva, 24 March 2025

Thank you ED. Thanks to all colleagues at ITC who continue to do an excellent job. We have listened to you carefully, particularly on budget related issues, UN @ 80 and on the ODA narrative. We understand the complex landscape and continue to be supportive of ITC’s work.

2. We are looking forward to the inaugural Global SME Ministerial Conference, which will be hosted by the Government of South Africa in collaboration with ITC in July 2025. We also look forward to India’s participation at an appropriate level. The conference themes, particularly those focused on access to finance, digital connectivity, and green transition, are highly pertinent to the current global context.

3. We also take this opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the Executive Director’s recent visit to India, during which she inaugurated the ‘She Trades Hub’ in New Delhi in partnership with FIEO. We extend our gratitude to the donors whose support has made the establishment of this Hub a reality.

4. India is encouraged by the productive engagement between ITC and India, particularly in advancing projects related to Trade and Market Intelligence. Addressing issues such as information asymmetry, access to finance, sustainable growth, and digital connectivity remains a core priority for India as we shape our future MSME strategies. We greatly value ITC’s assistance in these crucial areas.

5. In response to points raised, my delegation wishes to underscore the importance of the 45% LDC delivery target outlined in ITC’s Strategic Plan as a critical benchmark. While we acknowledge that these targets have yet to be fully achieved, we advocate that the planned delivery targets for priority country groups be upheld in the forthcoming Strategic Plan.

6. I would also like to highlight that the outcomes of the Pact for the Future in September 2024, particularly Action Point 12, commits all nations to reinforce collective efforts for the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is therefore essential that ITC’s projects align with this overarching vision.

7. Given ITC's unique position within the broader context of the WTO and the UN system, we believe that advocacy related to the policy and regulatory environment for MSMEs must continue to be sensitive to the development challenges faced by developing countries, particularly LDCs and LLDCs. We further stress that the policy tools necessary for economic transformation should be made accessible to all economies on an equitable basis. ITC’s projects must continue to address the development priorities of the countries they serve. In this context South South Cooperation and regional cooperation remain an important area.

8. On issues like ‘e-commerce moratorium’, there is an ongoing discussion at WTO on various aspects with, as I am given to understand, differing positions between countries. ITC’s efforts in digital trade should assist developing countries in capacity building in this area.

9. I also echo suggestion from Barbados on the relevance of UNCTAD XVI ministerial and ITC’s work which align with each other.

10. We commend ITC’s unwavering focus on women-led development and its efforts to empower women MSME entrepreneurs through a wide range of initiatives. The report on this front is truly encouraging.

11. Lastly, my big thanks and a fond farewell to Ashish, who has been an important part of ITC and a regular at these CCITF meeting. We will miss him. We believe he will still be around and will continue to remain in touch. Thank you.

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