Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement

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The Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA) is a non-binding and cooperation-based arrangement that aims to increase the participation of Indigenous peoples in trade and foster their economic development.
What are the main aims and objectives?

First and foremost, IPETCA aims to increase the participation of Indigenous peoples in trade, thereby promoting their economic development. The agreement also includes provisions to identify and remove the barriers faced by Indigenous businesses in international trade, striving to advance Indigenous economic empowerment. Moreover, the arrangement intends to support the maintenance and development of Indigenous cultural heritage and traditional knowledge. It acknowledges the importance of respecting Indigenous peoples' cultural heritage, self-determination, and their right to engage in trade. The arrangement also recognizes the potential of enhancing Indigenous trade to address the inequality and marginalization faced by Indigenous peoples.

How does the program work?

IPETCA operates as a cooperation-based agreement that aims to boost the participation of Indigenous peoples in international trade, and to foster their economic growth. The participating economies, which include Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Chinese Taipei, collaborate to establish dialogues and partnerships.

A key component of IPETCA's operation involves the IPETCA Partnership Council, which organizes cooperation activities like workshops and conferences to share knowledge and best practices. This arrangement acknowledges and respects the economic relationships with Indigenous peoples, upholds their rights, including the right to be free from discrimination and to maintain and develop their economic systems and institutions.

The IPETCA provides a structure for dialogues, partnerships, and cooperation activities to address challenges faced by Indigenous businesses in international trade. These cooperation activities can include workshops, conferences, and joint research projects. The Arrangement is committed to establishing a Partnership Council to facilitate such activities.

What is the overall cost?

There are no direct costs associated with IPETCA however some of the activities – such as workshops and conferences – conducted by its members will require public spending. Each participating economy bears its own costs related to these cooperation activities.

How was it implemented?

The Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA) was initiated by New Zealand. The development of the IPETCA involved collaboration from numerous experts and organizations, reflecting its broad and inclusive scope. The Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA) was introduced during New Zealand's APEC host year in 2021.

One of the key steps in its development was the establishment of the IPETCA Partnership Council, consisting of officials and Indigenous representatives. The council is responsible for overseeing and implementing the IPETCA. New Zealand is expected to Chair the process for 2023 and 2024.

What impact has been measured?

There is currently no available information on the impact of the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement.

What lessons can be learned?

IPETCA has underscored the importance of respectful economic relationships with Indigenous peoples and their inclusion in the decision-making process. It has highlighted the value of Indigenous traditional knowledge and its contribution to sustainable development and environmental management. Moreover, IPETCA indicates the potential of enhanced Indigenous trade and investment to address issues of inequality and marginalization.

CURATED BY

Tom Hancock

Research Associate
Global Entrepreneurship Network
United Kingdom