Launching “Trade for Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth” Initiative to Empower SMEs in Developing Countries

Launching “Trade for Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth” Initiative to Empower SMEs in Developing Countries

Ottawa, ON – September 24, 2025

TFO Canada is proud to announce the launch of “Trade for Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth” ( TRISEG ), a transformative five-year initiative (2025–2030) aimed at strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in 16 developing and least developed countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

The initiative was officially endorsed by Prime Minister Mark Carney during his address at the United Nations General Assembly, highlighting Canada’s commitment to inclusive and climate-resilient trade.

Funded by Global Affairs Canada, TRISEG will be implemented by TFO Canada in collaboration with Trade Support Institutions (TSIs) in each beneficiary country. The project will focus on empowering SMEs—particularly those owned or led by women and under-represented groups—through capacity building, digital strategies, and climate resilience planning.

TRISEG aims to address key barriers to growth, including limited access to finance, and to support the expansion of SMEs in emerging markets and developing countries. The initiative will promote sustainable economic growth by prioritizing climate-resilient SMEs and focusing on sectors with high employment potential for women and under-represented groups, as well as products and services with low environmental impact.

Key Highlights of TRISEG:

  • 3,200 SMEs targeted, including 2,133 owned or led by women and under-represented groups.
  • Allocation of a Climate Resilience Fund for SMEs to support the development of climate resilience investment plans and facilitate access to capital through partnerships with local financial institutions.
  • Capacity building for TSIs in gender-responsive services, digitalization, and climate adaptation.
  • Market access support for export-ready SMEs to reach Canadian and international buyers.

 Beneficiary Countries:

  • AFRICA: Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia
  • ASIA: Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam
  • LATIN AMERICA & CARIBBEAN: Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru

 Expected reach

TFO Canada will also provide up-to-date trade information services through its online platform, aiming to reach over 5,550 SME beneficiaries from targeted countries.