In recent years, the concept of competitiveness has emerged as a new paradigm in economic development. Competitiveness captures the awareness of both the limitations and challenges posed by global competition, at a time when effective government action is constrained by budgetary constraints and the private sector faces significant barriers to competing in domestic and international markets. The Global Competitiveness Report of the World Economic Forum defines competitiveness as “the set of institutions, policies, and factors that determine the level of productivity of a country“.

Standards Associates work with international development agencies to advocate for and promote policies that create a competitive advantage for developing nations. The Development and Implementation of Egypt TBT Inquiry Point is an example of this type of technical assistance.