Cape Town: The inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting commenced today, underscoring the essential role small and medium-sized enterprises play in global trade.
According to African Press Organization, the event is co-hosted by the South African Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) and the International Trade Centre (ITC). The main events are scheduled for 23-24 July, following the Trade Promotion Organizations Leadership Dialogue on 22 July. During this dialogue, national trade promotion leaders devised strategies to involve SME ministers in policymaking, ensuring small businesses have a voice.
In her welcome address, ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton emphasized that the Ministerial is a platform for action and collaboration, focusing on access to finance, digital transformation, and green competitiveness for SMEs. Delegates are expected to return to their respective countries with actionable solutions and supporting evidence.
The Ministerial aims to endorse a call-to-action, uniting countries on the three primary areas that support SME development, and establishing a roadmap for future biennial Ministerial Meetings to ensure ongoing progress and tangible outcomes.