Author Description

Cambodia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Viet Nam - the so-calledMekong-3 - have experienced rapid trade growth over the last ten years.However, growth could be boosted even further by improving access to tradefinance, such as loans and guarantees, for locally owned businesses seeking totrade globally.This publication presents the results of two surveys undertaken by the IFC todetermine the level of trade finance available to businesses in the Mekong region.An analysis of the data conducted by the WTO explores the potential impact ofan expansion in trade finance and how this could lead to greater integration intoworld trade and more inclusiveness, with increased participation in global supplychains by small businesses and women-owned enterprises.The publication is intended to serve as a guide to how domestic financial sectorscan reorient their operations to support cross-border trade and enhanced accessto global markets.