Boosting Enterprise In Small States

Thirty participants from 21 Commonwealth countries were involved in the five-day training course on 'Enterprise Competitiveness in Small State Economies' from 16 to 20 November 2004. It was organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat's Special Advisory Services Division (SASD) and the Singapore Government to assist SME competitiveness in Commonwealth developing countries.

Roland Charles, Chief Programme Officer at SASD, said: "Participants agreed that many countries have SME development initiatives implemented by governments, private sector, NGOs or donors. They felt, however, that there was no collaboration between these players and, therefore, no coherent vision. 

"This resulted in ad hoc delivery of services with diverse organisations 'competing' for resources, failing to share lessons and focusing their efforts on small portions of the population. Delegates also concluded that many government institutions responsible for SME growth lacked the capability to deliver services effectively."

Participants presented papers on initiatives in their own countries and produced strategies for encouraging competitiveness among SMEs. A representative from Malaysia proposed the creation of a network of Commonwealth SME advisers who could share best practices. Another proposal from a delegate from The Bahamas focused on the need for training in financial and tax management for SMEs. 

The Singaporean experience was conveyed by trainers of the International Trade Institute of Singapore. They demonstrated how careful planning, a good resource base and skilled advisers help expedite SME development. They also emphasised that entrepreneurship should be encouraged, even through the formal education system. 

The training was designed to strengthen the skills of government officials in formulating successful policies for international competitiveness. 

The course, funded by the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation, is part of the Singapore-Commonwealth Third Country Training Programme. Under this initiative, the Secretariat and the Government of Singapore collaborate in training personnel from Commonwealth developing countries.

CNIS - the Commonwealth News and Information Service Issue 212 1 December 2004

Key Links:

• Special Advisory Services
• Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation
• Small States

Related News:

• Singapore Cooperation Programme