• About BTFP • Value chains • Trade Promotion • Sustainable Use • Benefit-sharing •
 

In autumn 2000, the UNCTAD BioTrade Initiative approached the International Trade Centre (ITC) with a view to facilitate trade in biodiversity products and services and to identify potential international markets. The ITC is a joint programme of UNCTAD and the World Trade Organisation.

A joint scoping study was carried out in preparation of a trade promotion programme. This study –  “Working document on potential components and partners for a trade facilitation programme” – was discussed in a meeting with representatives from UNCTAD, ITC and various BioTrade partners.

With financial support from the Government of the Netherlands and the Andean Development Corporation (CAF), UNCTAD and ITC produced a “Proposal for Collaboration in a BioTrade Facilitation Programme”. The proposal included two stages, the first of which was to prepare a solid institutional and methodological foundation for the trade facilitation programme.

The Government of Switzerland, through SECO, agreed to finance the implementation of the first stage. Activities included the development of a product selection methodology for the BTFP, country mapping exercises, development of training material, design of web services, development of strategic partnerships with collaborating organisations and fundraising.

Experiences gained through these activities were used to improve a final programme document. The first phase ended in June 2002. With the financial support of the Government of Switzerland and the Government of The Netherlands, the BTFP programme was announced on 1 September 2002 during the World Summit on Sustainable Development that in Johannesburg. The BTFP has been included as type-2 outcome of the WSSD and has been operational from 1 July 2003.