The WTPF, an international non-governmental organisation established in 2000, grew out of an innovative programme of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
Primary Function-
Through a network of more than 100 trade information and facilitation centres, known as Trade Points, the WTPF assists small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in over 70 countries worldwide to trade internationally through the use of electronic commerce technologies. Capitalising on over a decade of Trade Point market presence, the Federation constantly seeks strategic partners for the development of new value-added services to enable it to better serve its clients.
WTPF activities
The WTPF is involved in the following activities:
· Helping SMEs find reliable business partners through its Trade Point Network in over 70 countries worldwide and encourages them to become more digitally active in trade transactions
· Providing access to international market and investment information worldwide
· Providing a unique Electronic Trade Opportunities (ETO) system allowing SMEs to post and receive trade leads free of charge
· Offering companies a non-stop presence on the web through the Global Trade Directory System (GTDS)
· Entering into public and private partnerships to promote its goals
· Receiving official government and trade missions in its headquarters in Geneva
· Engaging in outward missions to promote the Trade Point network
· Organising annual general assembly meetings and regional meetings
· Representing Trade Points in international trade-related forums
What is a Trade Point?
The WTPF describes a Trade Point as “a trade facilitation centre where participants in foreign trade transactions are grouped together under a single physical (i.e. an actual office) or virtual roof to provide all the necessary services for trade transactions. Examples of such trade facilitation centres might include chambers of commerce, customs, foreign trade institutes, banks, freight forwarders, transport agencies and insurance companies, etc. The Trade Point is also see as a “source of trade-related information, providing actual and potential traders with data about business and market opportunities, potential clients and suppliers, trade regulations, standard and certification requirements, etc.”. Ultimately, the Trade Point network is a gateway to a global networking, accelerating the access of SMEs to electronic commerce.
The Global Trade Directory System
The Global Trade Directory System has been developed to be an extensive database of companies worldwide. This service is still in the early stages of development, however. It is a membership-based service (currently costing US$200) and it gives you the opportunity of giving your company global visibility. The benefits of the GTDS for registered companies are:
Global visibility
- Your company data is freely available to anyone with internet access
- You will have a presence on each local Trade Point website
- It gives you a chance to find new trading partners and to penetrate new markets
- It generates new business right where trade is being promoted
- It helps you save costs on marketing and business travel
- It give you access to the Company Alert service
Companies registered with the GTDS who are Certified Trade Point Members also have access to the password protected areas of the WTPF integrated website and preferential ranking in the GTDS search engine. Becoming a Certified Trade Point Member essentially means that your company is evaluated and certified as a bona fide trading company giving credence to your standing in the international community.
