Enabling Indigenous Trade 2025

Export capacity and capability development Cross-border trade remains critical to the sustainability of Indigenous economies. Building export capability and capacity among Indigenous businesses is a critical step towards addressing the disparity of distribution of wealth from trade. Some of the main barriers that Indigenous businesses face concerning their capacity or capability to export include: –Lack of awareness of public services that are available to assist –Inability to access funding or capital, leading to scalability and capacity impediments –Lack of familiarity with export processes, meaning exporting is perceived as too complex or technical –Mistrust of the global trade architecture and concerns that their business activity could negatively affect Indigenous communities in the markets they seek to export to or where part of the production factor for their product has adverse human or environmental impactsHowever, there are many benefits that could encourage Indigenous businesses to develop pathways to export such as: –Profiling Indigenous products and services in foreign markets to build understanding and enhance efforts towards protection of Indigenous knowledge –Working with partners and distributors to support the commercialization of their goods and services on mutually agreed and benefit- sharing terms –Improved investment flows to Indigenous-owned businesses, increasing their ability to employ more Indigenous People in their businesses Indigenous businesses have great potential to address important trade issues if meaningful support measures are in place. By integrating more Indigenous businesses into global supply chains, companies can diversify their supply sources, reducing the risks from geopolitical tensions, natural disasters or localized issues. Enhancing Indigenous export capabilities strengthens global value chains in regional economies, leading to improved economic stability, resilience and a more balanced global economic landscape. Indigenous business support in the Pacific Alliance BOX 5 The Pacific Alliance – formed in 2011 by Chile, Mexico, Peru and Colombia – aims to improve well-being, address socioeconomic disparities and promote social and cultural inclusion, including for Indigenous Peoples. –ProChile, part of Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has a programme supporting Indigenous-owned businesses from recognized groups, including Aymara, Quechua, Mapuche, Rapa Nui, Diaguita and Kawésqar. The programme is open to companies in which at least 50% of members belong to one of these Indigenous Peoples. –PROMPERÚ held a 2023 workshop for Indigenous women in Ucayali, training 25 artisans from the Shipibo-Conibo, Kakatibo and Yanesha peoples on global supply chains, business growth and sustainability. The Pacific Alliance has also approved initiatives to empower rural and Indigenous women in international markets, with the Gender Technical Group developing the programme. Building export capability and capacity among Indigenous businesses is a critical step towards addressing the disparity of distribution of wealth from trade. 16 Enabling Indigenous Trade: Actionable Guidance for Governments