ASEAN Unites to Commemorate MSMEs Day
As ASEAN prepares for its post-2025 agenda, the region is speeding up its shift to digital and sustainable economies. ASEAN is set to enhance integration and innovation across its member states by leveraging the momentum of International Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day 2024. The events highlighted the vital role of MSMEs in economic growth and sustainability, encouraging dialogue and strategies that promote resilience and prosperity throughout the region.
MSME participation in international markets requires strategic actions from policymakers and businesses themselves. By working together, they can unlock new opportunities and drive global growth.
Key Points:
- Strengthening the adaptability and resilience of MSMEs in the face of crises and challenges.
- Leveraging cross-border partnerships for global competitiveness, notably through ASEAN Access.
- Facilitating seamless trade through regional initiatives, such as the ASEAN Single Window and Unique Business Identification Numbers (UBIN).
At the regional level, under Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce co-organised a significant hybrid event in Vientiane on June 24, 2024. Themed “Fostering Innovation and Resilience: Empowering MSMEs for a Sustainable Future,” the event convened around 100 stakeholders from both public and private sectors across ASEAN.
Ms Joanne Tan, Chairwoman of the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (ACCMSME), highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in preparing MSMEs to compete globally: “MSMEs are key agents of change in promoting technological advancements and sustainable business practices. ASEAN stays ever committed to empowering MSMEs and helping them unlock their fullest potential and thrive in the global landscape.”
Participants discussed the critical role of MSMEs in driving socio-economic growth and contributing to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The interactive panels addressed current challenges for MSMEs, such as navigating the evolving e-commerce landscape and managing supply chain disruptions. Local businesses also contributed by sharing practical advice, insights, and success stories to inspire and empower other MSMEs.
The First National MSME Day in Cambodia
Hosted by the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MISTI) in Phnom Penh on 27 June, the first Cambodia National MSME Day highlighted the significant role of MSMEs in driving economic growth and tapping into new markets opprortunities, notably in neighboring countries, such as Viet Nam.
Strengthening MSMEs remains a top priority for the Royal Government of Cambodia, as emphasised in Pentagon 3 of the Pentagonal Strategy: Development of Private Sector and Employment. In line with this, working together as “Team Europe,” Germany and the European Union continue to promote the competitiveness of MSMEs in Cambodia, their participation in the green and digital economy, and cross-border trade.
“On behalf of Team Europe, we congratulate Cambodia on endorsing the National Strategy for Developing the Informal Economy (2023-2028) and launching digital platforms like KhmerSME MATCH and Online Business Registration CamDX, all aimed at fostering MSME growth and development” Steffan Messerer, German Ambassador to Cambodia in his opening remarks.
Aligned with the ASEAN-Germany Development Partnership: Practical Cooperation Areas (2023–2027), both the German Embassy representatives in Lao PDR and Cambodia reaffirmed its continued support for MSMEs in both countries and ASEAN.
Both events underscore the collaborative efforts in the region together with stakeholders in both countries and wider ASEAN. The German Government provided support through GIZ’s ASEAN-German portfolio for sustainable economic development in the ASEAN SME II project. These events highlight the shared
commitment to enhancing the resilience and sustainability of MSMEs across the region.
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