Singapore / New Delhi / London / Vilnius/Ottawa/Tallinn — August 20, 2024 — The International Trade Council (ITC), the International Centre for Trade Transparency (ICTTM), and the Association of Business Women in Commerce & Industry (ABWCI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during a virtual ceremony hosted by ABWCI. The partnership sets out a framework to empower women-owned SMEs worldwide through research, training, trade events, and expanded access to international markets.
The signing ceremony was attended by:
- Parul Soni, Founder & Secretary General, ABWCI
- Savita Sethi, Director of Programs, ABWCI
- Ranjani Rangan, Chairperson, International Trade Council
- Justina Jakstiene, Board Member, International Trade Council =
- Diane Wessman, Board Secretary, International Trade Council
- E. Sven Jurgenson, International Centre for Trade Transparency (ICTTM) Board Member; former Chairman of UNICEF; former Head of the UN Security Council; former Estonian Ambassador to the UN
Partnership Objectives
Under the MOU:
- Data Platform Access: ABWCI members to access the ADAMftd global trade data platform under preferential terms.
- Online Training: Free access for ABWCI members to certificate courses via the International Trade Academy.
- Co-publication & Distribution: Work together jointly on research and publications.
- International Events: Collaboration on events, including the Go Global Awards, with discounted rates and revenue sharing for ABWCI.
- Media & Outreach: ABWCI members’ stories featured at no cost on org.
- Cross-Promotion: Shared visibility across events and initiatives.
First Action Point
The first joint initiative under the partnership is to provide free access to online certificate courses through the International Trade Academy, helping ABWCI members strengthen their knowledge in international trade and compliance, followed by a release this month of the ADAMftd trade tools – alongside live, online, training sessions.
Quotes
Parul Soni, Founder & Secretary General of ABWCI, said:
“ABWCI’s mission has always been to enable women entrepreneurs to overcome barriers and thrive globally. This partnership with ITC ensures our members gain not just access to knowledge and data, but also a powerful global platform to amplify their businesses.”
Ms. Ranjani Rangan, Chairperson of the International Trade Council, said:
“The ITC is delighted to partner with ABWCI. Together, we can level the playing field, ensuring women-owned businesses have the resources, visibility, and networks they need to compete and succeed internationally.”
H.E. Sven Jurgenson, Board Member, International Centre for Trade Transparency (ICTTM), added:
“Trade transparency and inclusivity go hand in hand. By combining ICTTM’s data-driven insights with ABWCI’s strong network of women entrepreneurs, this collaboration sets a new benchmark in making global trade more equitable, diverse, and resilient.”
About ABWCI
The Association of Business Women in Commerce & Industry (ABWCI) is a global chamber for women entrepreneurs, connecting members to industry leaders, professional development, and opportunities to expand internationally. ABWCI’s mission is to reduce barriers such as limited funding access, regulatory hurdles, and lack of entrepreneurial education, empowering women to grow their businesses and drive job creation worldwide. Learn more at www.abwci.org.
About the International Trade Council (ITC)
The International Trade Council is a peak-body global chamber of commerce whose membership includes government export-promotion agencies, foreign direct-investment bodies, chambers of commerce, industry associations, and corporations. ITC advocates for fair and sustainable global trade while providing education, market research, and networking for businesses worldwide. Learn more at www.tradecouncil.org.
About the International Centre for Trade Transparency (ICTTM)
The International Centre for Trade Transparency (ICTTM), headquartered in the United Kingdom, operates under the ITC umbrella. ICTTM’s mission is to promote transparent supply chains and mitigate risks such as trade-based money laundering, sanctions evasion, and illicit trade. Through its subsidiary, ADAMftd, it provides businesses and governments with actionable insights into supply and demand, due diligence, and global trade intelligence by analyzing billions of customs declarations, shipping documents, and corporate records. Learn more at www.icttm.org.
Press Contacts:
Parul Soni
Founder & Secretary General
ABWCI
[email protected]
Ms. Ranjani Rangan
Chairperson
International Trade Council
[email protected]
Daisy Mae Torres
Tariff Projects Manager
International Centre for Trade Transparency
[email protected] | +44 20 4586 1690
