The South-South Global Assets and Technology Exchange (SS-GATE) System was launched in May 2006 by the United Nations Development Programme, Special Unit for South-South Cooperation (SU/SSC) in response to the development challenges in countries of the South.

The aim of SS-GATE is to establish virtual and physical venues where entrepreneurs, civil society organizations and local governments in developing countries can interact and obtain needed technology, asset and finance in a secure environment. The programme was kicked-off during the symposium on “Opportunities and Challenges of Technology Transfer and Market: Toward a Win-Win Scenario” organized by the Special Unit in Shanghai, China, where the vision of the programme was discussed and well endorsed by international business community as well as UN system such as UNCTAD and LDC/LLDC/SIDS Group.

Components of SS-GATE

SS-GATE is a pioneering project, and it is starting relatively small so that the concept can be tested and refined and can build on its growing expertise. The pilot stage of the project consists of three tracks:

• Track I (2007-2008): The creation of a Technology and Asset Exchange Platform for exchanges of assets, equity, technology, and financial resources among SMEs in developing countries, including tools for project bidding, partner matching, financing options, and acquiring project development services.
• Track II: The creation of an Infrastructure Projects Exchange Platform offering public- private partnerships and investment opportunities on small infrastructure projects in the South.
• Track III: The creation of a Southern Development Stock Exchanges Platform for contribution and partnership opportunities serving a screened list of under-funded development projects.