As trade remains crucial to economic growth globalisation, it is imperative that groups, such as small businesses and women entrepreneurs have access to opportunities from trade.
SMEs are the backbone of most economies and so too are women business owners crucial to economic growth. According to research by McKinsey, the consultancy, advancing women's equality could add $28 trillion to global GDP by 2025 – equivalent to adding a new United States and China.
“We need to collectively do more to support and drive greater engagement by women as business leaders and encourage their participation in global markets and we also need to do more to promote the opportunities for young women to develop career paths in global trade. Certain areas of trade support services, such as trade finance, logistics, supply chain management, customs and freight forwarding, have traditionally seen low levels of participation by women; this needs to change.” Ms Lisa McAuley, CEO of the GTPA said.