Global leaders focus on SME competitiveness

Geneva - The urgent need to create trade and employment opportunities by increasing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be at the core of the discussions at the 14th World Export Development Forum (WEDF) to take place from September 15 to 17 in Kigali, Rwanda.

This is the first time the International Trade Centre (ITC) - a  joint agency of the World Trade Organisation and the United Nations - which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, will bring its flagship event to Africa. The government of Rwanda, through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), will host the conference.

More than 500 representatives of government, the private sector and trade support institutions will contribute to the global debate on achieving inclusive, sustainable development through entrepreneurship, employment and economic growth.

The plenary sessions will focus on topics such as unlocking SME competitiveness by creating an enabling business environment, boosting SME participation in international trade through trade facilitation and regional integration, capitalising on South-South trade opportunities and attracting investments, tapping trade opportunities for SMEs in tourism and buying goods and services from women-owned businesses.

"SMEs serve as the backbone of the economies of developing countries, where populations are predicted to increase by 400 million within the next decade and SMEs can contribute to two-thirds of employment opportunities," the organisers said in a statement.

"Their role is particularly important in least developed countries, where they account for 80% of jobs across all economic groups, including marginalised groups such as women and youth."