DDG Zhang stresses importance of small business, blue economy for small island states

Small businesses and the ocean economy can help small island developing states (SIDS) recover from COVID-19 and achieve Sustainable Development Goals, Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang said at a workshop on 9 December. He encouraged SIDS to use the policy tools for small businesses developed at the WTO and highlighted how domestic reforms could allow SIDS to tap into the full potential of the ocean economy. The workshop was hosted by the University of Mauritius, a member of the WTO Chairs Programme. DDG Zhang’s full remarks are below.