Enhancing competitiveness of Commonwealth countries

Two parallel workshops to boost the competitive advantages of Commonwealth countries in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and professional service will be held in Singapore from 1-7 April 2009.

One of the workshops is on Enhancing Competitiveness in Services and the other on Strategies for SME Internationalisation. Both events run by the Singapore-Commonwealth Third Country Training Programme, will bring together 50 officials from the Commonwealth comprising 32 countries.

The workshops, co-organised by Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Commonwealth Secretariat, will examine economic trends, government policies and trade opportunities for the export of professional services, particularly in the financial, health and IT sectors. The focus will also be on the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through franchising, licensing and co-development of businesses. Trade facilitation through the enhancement of competitiveness in products and services; business expansion through the establishment of overseas branches, and the identification of niche markets will also be discussed.

“There is great potential for the export of professional services in the globalisation of economies. Skills, knowledge and experience that underpin the growth of a country’s economy is vital for its sustainability in competitive markets. Similarly, SMEs, which often form the backbone of many economies, can contribute to national competitiveness if they can lead through innovation and market niche,” said Mr Jose Maurel, Director of the Special Advisory Services Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat, who is one of the facilitators at the workshop.

“The success of the SMEs through the expansion of their businesses locally and overseas, or through the development of innovative products and services, will have a positive economic impact. The upside of it is - employment opportunities, brand development, and the prestige gained by the exporting country, apart from gaining foreign exchange. This workshop focuses on ways to create advantageous conditions for businesses to thrive and identify strategic and new markets,” added Mr Maurel.

He stressed that the workshop will involve discussions on the structure, resources and environments that present challenges and opportunities for SMEs. Policies, practices and plans, he said, are vital in devising strategies for SME growth and expansion, not only to capture the local market, but eventually the global market by being a trend-setter or niche player in an industry.

Key Links:

• Special Advisory Services
• Country Profile: Singapore