Report spotlights role of services export promotion strategies as catalyst for development

At the launch, Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said: "Services have been the most dynamic component of world trade over the past two decades. Digitalization is opening opportunities unimaginable a generation ago. Digitally delivered services have grown by 8.5 per cent on average per year since 2005, compared with 4.7 per cent for goods and 5 per cent for other services. Global services exports totalled USD 9.6 trillion last year, accounting for a record share in global trade of almost 28 per cent on a balance of payments basis. For many developing economies, services exports offer a route to diversify beyond dependence on commodities or agriculture."

"Services deserve a more prominent place in governments' economic policy priorities. … But integrating services effectively into trade and development strategies – and specifically export promotion work - can't just mimic what was traditionally done for goods."

She added: "Training, reputation, trust, expertise and credibility matter greatly in the services context. Service suppliers need to find clients, demonstrate their capabilities, build professional networks and establish confidence that they can deliver."

The report features case studies on tailored approaches to developing and promoting services exports across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing in particular on the experiences of Chile, Costa Rica, Egypt, India, Jamaica, Malaysia, Mauritius, the Philippines and Uruguay.

"Services export promotion needs to be closely connected with strategies to attract investment and develop skills. Prospects for export success in the services sector depend heavily on the policy environment, digital infrastructure and broader competitiveness policies," the Director-General said.

The co-publication by the WTO and UNECLAC benefited from support from the African Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the World Bank Group.