The WTPO Awards 2027 are now open, offering Trade Promotion Organizations (TPOs) from around the world an opportunity to showcase innovative initiatives that strengthen exports, support businesses, improve SME competitiveness, and contribute to sustainable economic development.

Organized through the International Trade Centre (ITC), the WTPO Awards have been bringing together the global trade promotion community for nearly three decades. The 2027 edition provides participating organizations with opportunities to gain international recognition, demonstrate measurable impact, exchange good practices, and connect with trade promotion leaders from around the world.

The 2027 awards feature three main categories covering partnerships, technology, and inclusive and sustainable trade. A new TPO Trailblazer Award has also been introduced for organizations implementing concrete changes based on their TPO Roadmaps for Excellence.

The Stage 1 application deadline is November 15, 2026.

What Are the WTPO Awards 2027?

The WTPO Awards recognize outstanding Trade Promotion Organizations that demonstrate excellence in developing and implementing initiatives designed to strengthen international trade.

For nearly 30 years, the International Trade Centre has brought TPOs together to celebrate achievements, exchange knowledge, share successful practices, and strengthen the international trade promotion community.

The awards focus on initiatives that can demonstrate meaningful contributions to areas such as:

• Export development
• SME competitiveness
• Digital transformation
• Partnerships and collaboration
• Inclusive economic growth
• Sustainable trade
• Implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Innovative approaches to trade promotion

The awards therefore provide a platform for TPOs to demonstrate how their initiatives are addressing practical challenges faced by exporters and businesses.

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WTPO Awards 2027 at a Glance

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What Is a Trade Promotion Organization?

Trade Promotion Organizations, commonly known as TPOs, work to support businesses and strengthen their ability to participate in international markets.

Depending on their national or regional mandate, TPOs may help businesses with activities such as:

• Export development
• Market access
• Internationalization
• Export readiness
• Trade information
• Business connections
• International market intelligence
• SME support
• Investment and trade promotion

The WTPO Awards provide these organizations with a platform to showcase initiatives that have generated meaningful results in these areas.

The Three WTPO Awards 2027 Categories

The 2027 edition features three principal award categories. Organizations should consider which category most closely corresponds to the initiative they wish to submit.

1. Best Use of Partnerships

The Best Use of Partnerships category recognizes initiatives that effectively use partnerships and collaborative networks to strengthen export development and increase impact.

Trade promotion frequently requires cooperation between multiple stakeholders. These can include government institutions, private-sector organizations, business associations, financial institutions, international organizations, research institutions, and other partners.

This category provides an opportunity for TPOs to demonstrate how collaboration has helped them achieve stronger results than they could have achieved independently.

Examples of partnership-related approaches may include:

• Developing collaborative export programs
• Building networks that connect businesses with international markets
• Working with public and private-sector partners
• Establishing strategic collaborations
• Coordinating initiatives involving multiple stakeholders
• Using partnerships to expand the reach of trade promotion services

Applicants should use their submission to demonstrate how partnerships contributed to the initiative’s objectives and impact.

2. Best Use of Technology

The Best Use of Technology category recognizes innovative digital solutions that improve productivity, service delivery, client engagement, and exporter support.

Technology is increasingly transforming the way organizations interact with businesses and deliver trade-related services.

TPOs using technology to make their services more accessible, efficient, responsive, or data-driven can use this category to showcase their initiatives.

Potential areas may include:

• Digital exporter support platforms
• Online trade services
• Digital market intelligence
• Technology-enabled client engagement
• Digital tools for SMEs
• Online training and capacity building
• Digital systems that improve organizational productivity
• Technology that makes export services more accessible

The emphasis is on how technology has been applied to improve outcomes for the organization and the businesses it supports.

3. Best Initiative for Inclusive and Sustainable Trade

The Best Initiative for Inclusive and Sustainable Trade category recognizes initiatives that advance inclusive growth, sustainable trade, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This category provides an opportunity for TPOs to highlight programs that address broader economic, social, and environmental objectives alongside trade development.

Relevant initiatives may demonstrate contributions toward:

• Inclusive economic growth
• Sustainable trade
• Sustainable business practices
• SME development
• Greater participation in international markets
• Broader economic opportunities
• Contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Organizations considering this category should clearly explain how their initiative contributes to inclusive and sustainable development.

Apply HERE

New for 2027: TPO Trailblazer Award

The WTPO Awards 2027 introduces a new distinction: the TPO Trailblazer Award.

This award is separate from the three main WTPO Award categories.

The Trailblazer Award recognizes TPOs that are turning commitments into concrete action by implementing changes aligned with their TPO Roadmaps for Excellence.

These roadmaps were developed as an outcome of the 2025 TPO Leadership Dialogue.

How Is the Trailblazer Award Different?

The Trailblazer Award has several distinctions from the three main WTPO Awards:

• It has its own evaluation criteria.
• It follows a separate evaluation process.
• It is not assessed by the WTPO Awards jury.
• It is conferred by the Executive Director of the International Trade Centre.
• It focuses specifically on concrete changes associated with TPO Roadmaps for Excellence.

Organizations can apply for both the main WTPO Awards and the Trailblazer Award.

Importantly, the two applications are independent. Applying for one does not affect eligibility for the other.

Learn more about the TPO Trailblazer Award

What Is the TPO Leadership Dialogue?

The TPO Leadership Dialogue is a high-level international forum that brings together leaders of national trade and investment promotion organizations as well as senior trade representatives from around the world.

The Dialogue creates a space for participants to:

• Exchange experiences
• Discuss emerging challenges
• Explore opportunities in trade promotion
• Strengthen relationships
• Develop partnerships
• Share institutional experiences
• Discuss developments affecting trade promotion organizations

The WTPO Awards finalists will be announced at the TPO Leadership Dialogue.

The Dialogue also provides an opportunity for TPO leaders to interact with ministers, policymakers, and representatives of the private sector.

Connection With the Global SME Ministerial

The TPO Leadership Dialogue is held alongside the Global SME Ministerial.

This creates an additional opportunity for trade promotion leaders to connect with:

• Ministers
• Policymakers
• Private-sector representatives
• Trade promotion organizations
• International stakeholders

The combination of the Leadership Dialogue and Global SME Ministerial creates a setting for discussions connecting trade promotion with broader SME and trade policy priorities.

A Global History of the WTPO Awards and Leadership Dialogue

The WTPO Awards and TPO Leadership Dialogue have travelled across different regions of the world over the years.

Previous host cities and editions include:

• 1996 — Cartagena, Colombia
• 1998 — Santiago, Chile
• 2000 — Marrakech, Morocco
• 2002 — Beijing, China
• 2004 — St. Julian’s, Malta
• 2007 — Buenos Aires, Argentina
• 2008 — The Hague, Netherlands
• 2010 — Mexico City, Mexico
• 2012 — Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• 2014 — Dubai, UAE
• 2016 — Marrakech, Morocco
• 2018 — Paris, France
• 2022 — Accra, Ghana
• 2025 — Johannesburg, South Africa

This history reflects the international nature of the WTPO community and the program’s focus on bringing trade promotion organizations together across different regions.

What Happened at the 2025 TPO Leadership Dialogue?

The first TPO Leadership Dialogue in its new format took place on July 22, 2025, alongside the inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The event concluded with a gala ceremony recognizing the WTPO Awards winners.

The 2024 WTPO winners celebrated at the 2025 ceremony included:

• Business France
• Switzerland Global Enterprise
• ApexBrasil

The runners-up included:

• PROCOMER
• ProDominicana
• NIPDB

The previous edition provides context for the international recognition associated with the WTPO Awards.

Why Should Trade Promotion Organizations Apply?

Participation in the WTPO Awards is an opportunity for organizations to present their work to an international audience of trade promotion professionals and stakeholders.

According to the program information, participating organizations can use the awards to:

Gain International Recognition

The awards provide a platform for organizations to showcase outstanding initiatives and achievements internationally.

Demonstrate Impact

Participation allows TPOs to demonstrate the results of their initiatives to governments, partners, stakeholders, and the wider trade promotion community.

Benchmark Initiatives

Organizations can compare their approaches and experiences with those of other TPOs from around the world.

Share Innovative Practices

The awards provide an opportunity to share approaches that other trade promotion organizations may find useful or adaptable.

Increase Visibility

Selected initiatives can receive exposure through ITC’s international communication channels.

Receive Expert Feedback

The application process can provide feedback that organizations can use to strengthen future initiatives.

Application Guide for the WTPO Awards 2027

Applicants are encouraged to download and review the official WTPO Awards 2027 Application Guide before preparing their submissions.

The guide provides important information about:

• Eligibility requirements
• Application procedures
• Evaluation criteria
• Frequently asked questions
• Submission requirements

Download the WTPO Awards 2027 Application Guide

Reviewing the guide carefully is particularly important because the application process involves multiple stages.

WTPO Awards 2027 Application Process and Key Dates

The 2027 awards process follows a series of important milestones.

September 21, 2026 — Call for Applications

The WTPO Awards 2027 officially launched and applications opened.

November 15, 2026 — Stage 1 Application Deadline

This is the first major deadline for organizations interested in participating.

Deadline: November 15, 2026

Organizations should ensure their Stage 1 application is completed and submitted before the deadline.

December 21, 2026 — Qualifying Applicants Confirmed

Applicants who meet the qualifying requirements are expected to be confirmed and informed on this date.

February 26, 2027 — Stage 2 Application Deadline

Qualified applicants proceed to the second stage, with the Stage 2 application deadline scheduled for February 26, 2027.

May 4, 2027 — Shortlisted Finalists Announced

The shortlisted finalists are scheduled to be announced on May 4, 2027.

May 25, 2027 — Winners Announced

The winners will be announced at the Global SME Ministerial and TPO Leadership Dialogue on May 25, 2027.

How to Prepare a Strong WTPO Awards Application

Trade Promotion Organizations preparing an application should carefully consider how their initiative aligns with the relevant award category.

A strong preparation process can include the following steps.

1. Identify the Initiative

Clearly define the initiative that the organization wants to showcase.

The initiative should be connected to the objectives of one of the award categories.

2. Select the Most Appropriate Category

Consider whether the initiative most closely relates to:

• Partnerships
• Technology
• Inclusive and sustainable trade

Organizations applying separately for the Trailblazer Award should also review its specific requirements.

3. Demonstrate Results

Applicants should be prepared to explain what the initiative achieved and how its impact can be demonstrated.

Relevant evidence may include measurable outcomes, changes in service delivery, improvements for exporters, partnerships established, or other appropriate indicators.

4. Explain the Innovation or Approach

The application should clearly communicate what makes the initiative distinctive and how it addresses a particular trade promotion challenge.

5. Connect the Initiative With Broader Objectives

Depending on the category, applicants should explain connections to export development, SME competitiveness, digital transformation, inclusion, sustainability, or the SDGs.

6. Review the Official Evaluation Criteria

Before submitting an application, organizations should consult the official application guide and make sure their submission addresses the applicable evaluation criteria.

How to Apply for the WTPO Awards 2027

Organizations interested in applying can begin by reviewing the official application guide and then accessing the online application platform.

Step 1: Review the Application Guide

Understand the eligibility requirements, categories, evaluation process, and submission requirements.

Step 2: Select Your Award Category

Choose the category that best corresponds to the initiative being submitted.

Step 3: Prepare the Application

Collect the necessary information and supporting material required for Stage 1.

Step 4: Submit Before November 15, 2026

Ensure that the Stage 1 application is submitted before the official deadline.

Step 5: Monitor the Selection Process

Qualifying applicants are scheduled to be informed on December 21, 2026, followed by the Stage 2 application process.

Apply for the WTPO Awards 2027

How to Apply for the TPO Trailblazer Award

Organizations interested in the newly introduced Trailblazer Award have a separate application process.

The Trailblazer Award application is independent of the three main WTPO Awards categories.

Organizations can therefore apply for both programs without one application affecting the eligibility of the other.

Download the TPO Trailblazer Award Application Guide

Apply for the TPO Trailblazer Award

Previous WTPO Award Winners

The WTPO Awards have previously recognized organizations for their achievements in trade promotion.

The 2024 winners recognized at the 2025 gala ceremony were:

• Business France
• Switzerland Global Enterprise
• ApexBrasil

Their participation demonstrates the international scope of the awards and the variety of organizations involved in the global trade promotion community.

Frequently Asked Questions About WTPO Awards 2027

What are the WTPO Awards?

The WTPO Awards recognize outstanding Trade Promotion Organizations that demonstrate excellence in export development and related areas.

Who organizes the WTPO Awards?

The awards are organized through the International Trade Centre (ITC).

Who can participate?

The opportunity is designed for Trade Promotion Organizations rather than individual applicants.

How many main award categories are there?

There are three main categories:

1. Best Use of Partnerships
2. Best Use of Technology
3. Best Initiative for Inclusive and Sustainable Trade

There is also a separate TPO Trailblazer Award for 2027.

What is the deadline for Stage 1?

The Stage 1 application deadline is November 15, 2026.

When is the Stage 2 deadline?

The Stage 2 application deadline is February 26, 2027.

When will finalists be announced?

Shortlisted finalists are scheduled to be announced on May 4, 2027.

When will the winners be announced?

The winners are scheduled to be announced on May 25, 2027, at the Global SME Ministerial and TPO Leadership Dialogue.

Can an organization apply for both the WTPO Awards and Trailblazer Award?

Yes. The two applications are independent, and applying for one does not affect eligibility for the other.

Where can applicants get assistance?

Questions about the WTPO Awards or application process can be directed to wtpo-awards@intracen.org.

Learn more HERE

Conclusion

The WTPO Awards 2027 provide Trade Promotion Organizations with an international platform to showcase initiatives that strengthen exports, improve SME competitiveness, encourage innovation, and support inclusive and sustainable economic development.

The three main award categories allow organizations to highlight achievements in partnerships, technology, and inclusive and sustainable trade, while the new TPO Trailblazer Award introduces a separate distinction for organizations putting their TPO Roadmaps for Excellence into practice.

With the 2027 awards bringing together the global trade promotion community through the TPO Leadership Dialogue and Global SME Ministerial, the program also provides opportunities for knowledge exchange, institutional networking, and international visibility.

Organizations interested in participating should review the official application guide carefully and prepare their Stage 1 submission ahead of the November 15, 2026 deadline. Further stages will follow in 2027, culminating in the announcement of the winners on May 25, 2027.

For more opportunities HERE