The section of the WEF’s report focused on eBay is entitled Unlocking SME Trade and it describes how small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) using eBay are able to truly engage in the global marketplace.  The report also highlights the benefits of a global marketplace for consumers stating: “The small merchants that do business through eBay, for instance, enable customers to enjoy niche products and experience the best of many cultures.”

The Internet and mobile technology are lowering barriers to international trade in a revolutionary way, creating new global trade opportunities for very small businesses in particular.  The World Economic Forum finds that that the Internet helps SMEs participate in global markets and creates a broader supply chain that spans the world.  According to a study released by eBay Inc. entitled Enabling Traders to Enter and Grow on the Global Stage, 97 percent of commercial sellers on eBay, which is heavily weighted to small businesses, export.

For more about how eBay is working with the experts at the World Economic Forum, and video of the WEF’s press conference on the report, please continue reading at the eBay Inc. Main Street blog.