Joint Statement on Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises: History and latest developments in the Informal Working Group

This brief was prepared for the virtual seminar on the Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) devoted to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), held on May 8, 2020.

The brief outlines the history and developments of MSME-related discussions in the World Trade Organization (WTO) context, looking specifically at MSME-related issues at the WTO as well as in other forums. 

This material has been produced with funding by U.K. aid from the U.K. Government. It was produced as part of the TAF2+ Umbrella Grant Project on New WTO Issues, which covers the areas of investment facilitation, electronic commerce, and MSMEs.

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; BKP Economic Advisors; and InterAnalysis. The papers for our Geneva Seminars and virtual seminars benefited from the review of our editorial oversight committee, including Nathalie Bernasconi-Osterwalder, Rashid Kaukab, Julien Grollier, Rashmi Jose, Susan Joekes, and Julian Mukiibi. Views expressed in the publication are the authors' own and do not necessarily reflect HM Government’s official positions or those of TAF2+.