UK Pushes Fairer Trade and Green Growth for Small Businesses at WTO

Britain Calls for a More Inclusive Global Trading System

Geneva, 14 October 2025 — The United Kingdom has renewed its call for a fairer global trading system that supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), protects jobs, and advances the transition to a greener economy.

Speaking at the World Trade Organization (WTO) General Council, the UK’s Permanent Representative, Kumar Iyer, outlined the government’s position that trade policy should work for communities and smaller firms, not only large corporations. He said the UK wants to make global markets more accessible to SMEs by simplifying regulations, expanding access to finance, and aligning trade policy with environmental goals.

Focus on Fairness, Jobs, and Access to Finance

The UK delegation argued that giving smaller firms a stronger voice in trade reform would help build a more inclusive economy, allowing them to invest, grow, and create good jobs across the country. The statement also endorsed a WTO reform road map designed to modernise decision-making and improve transparency.

By linking SME access to finance with sustainability goals, the UK signalled that small firms must be at the centre of both economic and environmental progress. Officials stressed that supporting entrepreneurs through fair trade and investment policy is essential to maintaining growth across all regions of the UK.

Wilton Park Talks Highlight Global Cooperation

The UK referenced outcomes from a recent Wilton Park conference, which brought together trade experts and member nations to discuss the future of the multilateral trading system. Participants largely agreed that stable and fair trade rules are essential for long-term confidence, and that globalisation must work for workers, communities, and smaller enterprises — not just large multinational companies.

A Step Toward Balanced WTO Reform

In its remarks, the UK welcomed recent progress on WTO reform, noting China’s decision not to seek new Special and Differential Treatment provisions in future trade agreements. The government described the move as an important step toward a fairer and more balanced global trading framework that still recognises development needs.

SMEs and the Green Transition

The UK’s statement tied SME support to the global shift toward sustainable growth, emphasising that smaller firms play a key role in innovation, green supply chains, and local job creation. Policymakers said ensuring SMEs have the tools to adapt and thrive in a low-carbon economy will be critical to meeting both economic and environmental goals.