WTO MSME Group explores IP's role in trade, hears success stories and updates
The Coordinator of the Group, Ambassador Matthew Wilson of Barbados, welcomed an information session by the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys UK (CIPA UK) on "demystifying IP", which emphasized that while intellectual property can be a game changer for MSMEs, many firms are not always aware of the IP tools they need to protect and commercialize their ideas. As part of the session, Isabel Pulido, founder of Nanofreeze, described how patent protection for the Colombian company's passive refrigeration technology helped unlock investment, secure clients and support business growth.
In the thematic discussion on IP that followed, a representative from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) presented tools and services available to MSMEs seeking to protect, manage, and commercialize their IP. WIPO presented their Global Entrepreneurship Empowerment Programme (GEEP) as a one-stop shop with their full offerings for business, organized around an entrepreneur's journey and complemented by mentorship. Members also heard from Ghana on the protection of Kente cloth as a geographical indication, with support from WIPO, and from Peter Molnar of the Tokaj Council of Wine Communities on the use of IP tools in the wine sector.
The meeting's "MSME Spotlight" - which showcases diverse entrepreneurial experiences - featured Marie Sharp's Fine Foods of Belize, a family-owned company known for its hot sauces, jams, jellies, seasonings and juices. The company's experience illustrated how a small business can combine branding, product quality and export capability to build an internationally recognized enterprise.
Aissatou Diallo, Executive Director of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), briefed members on EIF Phase Three, launched at MC14 and running to 2031. She said the new phase has already had significant achievements supporting around 35,000 MSMEs with an estimated USD 1.1 billion exports generated and initiatives to strengthen MSME competitiveness.
The International Trade Centre shared its just-launched environmental, social, governance (ESG) module for the Global Trade Helpdesk to help users prepare for sustainable trade. Anna Jakowska-Ericksson said sustainability is one of the major drivers of business transformation and the new tools will help simplify the process for MSMEs. The ITC also updated members on preparations for the second Global SME Ministerial Meeting, which Switzerland will host in Geneva from 25 to 27 May 2027. The event is expected to draw ministers, senior officials, entrepreneurs and private-sector representatives.
Jack Yao of the Organization for Trade Development and Standards Cooperation presented work on ISO/IWA 51, a new International Organization for Standardization work item on synergy between business support organizations and standards development organizations. He said the proposal aims to strengthen practical cooperation between business support organizations and standards bodies and invited members to contribute national experiences and case studies to support the work.
A representative from UN Trade and Development briefed members on the forthcoming World Investment Forum in Doha from 25 to 27 October 2026, including the Ministerial Roundtable on Entrepreneurship, and on its analysis of the potential impact of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz on MSMEs in its report.
Under other reporting, Japan updated members on its proposal to the Committee on Trade and Development on "Trade as an Engine for Economic Growth" and invited MSME Group members to consider contributing their experience-sharing inputs. Uruguay also shared reference points from its recent Trade Policy Review, including the central role of MSMEs in its economy and policies supporting digitalization, trade facilitation and access to finance.
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