Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have great potential for generating economic growth. However, the overall business environment must allow for such developments through the adoption of adequate policies and support measures. Interfirm cooperation and linkages between SMEs and transnational corporations can increase the competitive potential of SMEs and help them overcome their traditional weaknesses through synergies and the sharing of technological knowledge. At the same time, the promotion of linkages should be seen as part of a broader strategy for developing entrepreneurship and technological capabilities that will in turn enable sustainable development and poverty eradication.

Improving the local productive capacity is becoming a priority to prevent developing countries from being increasingly marginalized.

A joint cooperation agreement between OECD and UNCTAD was announced to promote institutional and policy reforms aimed at building competitive domestic productive capacity for enhancing development and integration into the global trading system.