Matthias Knappe

Matthias Knappe has over 25 years of diversified professional experience in international trade and development. He has worked extensively across the enterprise, institutional, and governmental levels. Currently, he serves as the head of the Fibres, Textiles, and Clothing Unit at the International Trade Centre. For the past 15 years, Matthias has been actively involved in the natural fibres to clothing value chain across the globe, striving to enhance the export competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises. With a deep understanding of market needs, he has designed ITC's Global Textiles and Clothing Programme and established the ITC African Cotton Development Initiative. Matthias holds two master's degrees in economics and development economics and is recognized as an expert in the field of international trade development, cotton and textiles and clothing.