Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Key developments and update in the Informal Working Group discussions among World Trade Organization members

This report builds on an earlier brief covering the Informal Working Group (IWG) on Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises' (MSMEs) work since its inception and incorporates some of the key considerations involving gender equality and social inclusion. The authors note the policy responses at the national, regional, and international levels to help MSMEs affected by the pandemic. Lastly, the brief summarizes some of the immediate next steps for the IWG, particularly in the lead-up to the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Twelfth Ministerial Conference.

This material has been produced with funding by UK aid from the UK Government. The Umbrella Grant is a project of the Trade and Investment Advocacy Fund (TAF2+) and is implemented by the International Institute for Sustainable Development, in consortium with CUTS International Geneva and BKP Economic Advisors.

The report benefitted from Rhea Pradeep and Chidochashe Ncube’s research inputs and was substantively reviewed by Sofia Baliño and Rashid S. Kaukab.

Views expressed in the publication are the authors’ own and do not necessarily reflect HM Government’s official positions or those of TAF2+.