RWA23-1

The request for a workshop on trade finance is justified in the eyes of the authorities of Rwanda by insufficient available financing for international trade, the difficulties of traders in accessing such financing, problems of capacity in handling available financing instruments and managing the risks associated to it, unavailability of alternative and innovative financing resources, the mismatch between needs and supply financing available, and the difficulties of access of national traders and operators to international trade financing instruments.

The WTO Secretariat and International Finance Corporation (IFC), jointly, will organize a seminar with the view to better manage and use financial instruments and their risks; and to support the national trade finance platform, by strengthening the connection between demanders and suppliers, by disseminating information on the most suitable financing offers for different categories of potential users, and allowing an assessment of the underlying institutional and legal framework.

Target audience will represent the actors involved, in particular: financial institutions, banks, micro-credit/finance institutions, and professional associations concerned (the "providers", on the one hand); and, on the other hand, companies, in particular SMEs and other categories of companies directly or indirectly involved in import and export, including in particular (but not exclusively) companies, cooperatives (including women exporters), actors in the export (and possibly import) logistical chain, their representatives and professional associations (business confederation, chamber of commerce, SME movement, association for the promotion of exports), public and para-public organizations involved such as Ministries (trade and industry, finance, budget, SMEs), promotion bodies (investment, export) and other stakeholders (digital youth foundation, etc.).

The seminar aims to "cover" traditional trade finance instruments, as well as innovative forms, including supply chain finance, digital finance, and participatory platforms.