There are up to 500 million Indigenous Peoples worldwide in over 90 countries, of which 39.5 million live in 14 OECD countries. Indigenous people make an important contribution to the culture, heritage, and economic development of these countries, including a long history of trade. With the right structures, systems, and policies in place, Indigenous trade can be revived to the mutual benefit of all. Indeed, OECD work on trade and Indigenous Peoples is guided by their shared interest to revive this legacy.
The OECD hosted meetings with Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders from North and Latin America, and the Pacific, in March 2024. They were moderated by two OECD Ambassadors and sought a better understanding of Indigenous interests in trade with a focus on three areas: Indigenous representation in trade; intra-Indigenous trade and investment; and the protection and appropriate dissemination of Indigenous intellectual property.
Intra-Indigenous trade and investment can help renew historic trade networks and establish new ones to promote economic development, knowledge sharing, and cultural revitalisation. This is of particular importance to Indigenous Peoples as it would ensure they are able to reap the benefits of trade and gain economic independence.
Forthcoming OECD work in this area draws on case studies and data to highlight the opportunities created in fostering intra-Indigenous trade and investment.
Indigenous intellectual property, particularly traditional knowledge, is an important component of modern trade negotiations. Safeguarding this and disseminating traditional knowledge is pivotal to promoting Indigenous innovation, productivity, and entrepreneurship, in addition to protecting and sustaining Indigenous culture.
International trade has contributed to lifting millions out of poverty and has been integral to developing economic growth and encouraging economic integration. Yet socio-economic gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people persist across many indicators – income, employment, life expectancy and educational attainment – and which could be significantly reduced through greater trade.
Trade agreements and negotiations have historically excluded Indigenous rights and interests, considering them to be outside the purview of trade. Recently, some countries have incorporated specific provisions regarding Indigenous rights and concerns in their trade agreements. Continued work is needed to fully realize Indigenous rights and concerns in international trade.
