ICC News

6 May 2020 ICC Trade Register reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on global trade, while affirming trade finance’s decade-long low-risk profile.  Highlights In 2019, global trade flows declined 2% from US$ 18.5 trillion to US$ 18.1 trillion, underpinning a trade finance revenue pool of US$ 46 billion. ICC Trade Register data confirms default rates from 2008-2018 are low across all products and regions surveyed. The report can be used as a reference point for policymakers when considering how to support trade and trade financing during, and after, the COVID-19 crisis. ICC has released its 2019 Trade Register Report, revealing COVID-19’s

6 May 2020 ICC has partnered with International SOS, the world’s largest medical and security services firm, to launch the new ICC AOKpass mobile app, to provide trusted recognition of individuals’ COVID-19 compliance status. Co-developed by Singapore-based startups AOKpass and Perlin, the app will allow consumers, workers and businesses to more safely and quickly resume commercial activity in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. At all times, users maintain full control over their medical information, which is stored securely and privately only on their device. Development of ICC AOKpass comes as many governments and businesses explore how to allow immune and low-risk individuals to

5 May 2020 What steps can micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) take to protect their business from cybercriminals looking to take advantage of increased online operations as a result of COVID-19? A new ICC paper, published today, highlights the increased risk to MSMEs of cyber-attacks due to the COVID-19 crisis and sets out concrete steps that can be taken to enhance the security of their operations and workers. Published as part of a range of resources and tools aiming to help small businesses navigate stay afloat during and post-pandemic, the free-to-download guide underscores the importance for companies to be able

30 April 2020 As COVID-19 continues to threaten lives and livelihoods, action is needed from governments, private sector leaders and international institutions to ensure the continued viability of our MSMEs. ICC has launched a one-stop shop for policy recommendations, resources and support to Save Our SMEs (SOS). The new portal launched today as part of a global campaign to #SaveOurSMEs, which aims to keep micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) afloat during the COVID-19 crisis and support their rapid recovery post-pandemic. Some of the most severe economic impacts of the pandemic are being felt by MSMEs, which account for up to

27 April 2020 ICC and the World Customs Organization (WCO) have issued a joint statement calling for increased action on customs and trade facilitation to ensure an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a joint statement, issued today, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO and WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya say effective trade facilitation – based on international standards – will play a central role in enabling business continuity and renewed economic growth. The statement calls for a coordinated customs response to the COVID-19 crisis – including through active participation in multilateral efforts and an open dialogue with neighbouring

24 April 2020 The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) commemorates World Intellectual Property (IP) Day, by recognising the role that IP plays in encouraging innovation and creativity. Taking place every 26 April, World IP raises awareness on how copyrights, patent systems, trademarks, and designs contribute to economic growth and innovation. This year, World IP Day will explore how a balanced and robust IP system can contribute to a green economy and encourage climate-friendly innovation to shape a net zero future. To mark the occasion, ICC spoke with Bertrand Piccard, founder of Solar Impulse Foundation, and David Nabarro, special envoy to the

23 April 2020 ICC has issued a collection of rapid response measures by trade finance banks to keep trade finance and trade flowing in the face of COVID-19. Trade and trade finance operations require significant back-office operations to process paper-based transactions. With shipping, in-person contact and travel all increasingly disrupted as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, financial institutions have been putting in place measures to enable transactions and the continuity of trade. Collating data from ICC, the International Trade and Forfaiting Association (ITFA) and the Bankers Association for Finance and Trade (BAFT), ICC’s Digitalisation Working Group has published a practical

22 April 2020 ICC has issued a set of competition policy and enforcement measures aimed at contributing to an effective COVID-19 response. The paper was developed by the ICC Commission on Competition in line with ICC commitments to help chart an effective international response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Commending bold steps already taken by governments to put in place short-term measures to buffer shocks to the health system, the economy and financial markets, the paper underscores the importance of upholding competition rules during the crisis, to avoid exploitation and anti-competitive business conduct. The framework paper comprises policy measures already adopted or

16 April 2020 ICC and Mind the Bridge are organising the first global edition of the Corporate Startup Stars Awards, now in their 5th year. Applications now open ICC and the international advisory firm Mind the Bridge have announced a partnership to scale the prestigious Awards for Open Innovation – now in their  5th year – at global level. Taking place under the European Commission’s Startup Europe Partnership initiative since 2016, the Awards aim at recognising the most active corporates in open innovation. The 2020 edition will celebrate the collaborations between corporates and startups across all regions of the world, and enable established

15 April 2020 ICC – the institutional representative of 45 million member companies – has welcomed a pledge from G20 Finance Ministers to suspend debt service payments for the poorest countries that request forbearance. In a communiqué issued earlier today, the world’s 20 largest economies agreed on a coordinated approach to provide immediate debt relief in the context of the COVID-19 crisis – with all bilateral official creditors participating in the initiative. Commenting on the announcement, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said: “We commend G20 Finance Ministers for this robust display of coordination. This is a very welcome first step to