WTO and IFC Host High-Level Roundtable in Bangkok to Boost Supply Chain Finance for Emerging Markets

Key summary

At the 2026 World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings held in Bangkok, Thailand, the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) convened a high-level roundtable with leaders from international development banks and other intergovernmental organizations. The event focused on promoting supply chain trade in emerging markets, analyzing how the current global economic environment affects access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in low-income and fragile countries. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the WTO, emphasized that supply chain finance is crucial for enabling businesses to participate in international trade and integrate into regional and global value chains, noting that multilateral cooperation can help address persistent financing gaps. Maktar Diop, Managing Director and Deputy CEO of IFC, stated that supply chain finance can significantly transform trade and economic flows in emerging markets if necessary elements such as capital, legal infrastructure, digital platforms, and market capabilities converge. He highlighted the unique role of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) in strengthening regulatory environments and using their own funds to attract private investment, focusing on small businesses and underserved markets. The roundtable discussed methods to mobilize private sector participation in supply chain finance markets and concrete measures to expand access to unserved markets and improve SME resilience, including local currency financing for product innovation, partnerships, capacity building, and financial product awareness. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation through the existing Supply Chain Finance Working Group under the WTO Multilateral Development Banks Working Party, which coordinates actions among MDBs such as the International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Asian Development Bank, African Development Bank (Afreximbank), Inter-American Development Bank, and Islamic Development Bank. The working group coordinates with the WTO Secretariat and private sector institutions like the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and FCI.