APEC SELF-FUNDED PROJECT: FOSTERING GREATER SME PARTICIPATION IN GLOBAL VALUE CHAINS
SESSION 1: DEEP DIVE ON LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORT
Indicative Date: 27 July 2022 (Virtual, 1.5 hours)
Issues
Importance of transparency and availability of information
The role of third party logistics
Efforts to improve interoperability of platforms
Industry/MNE guest speakers: Corporations involved in providing trade digital solutions (hardware and software), and/or shipping companies, including transport and warehouse services
SESSION 2: UNDERSTANDING MNE REQUIREMENTS FOR SUPPLIERS AND PARTNERS
Indicative Date: 6 September 2022 (In-person/Hybrid in Phuket as part of APEC SME Week, half day)
Issues
MNE specific approaches/methods to supplier partnerships
Finding channels and understanding applications to become a vendor/supplier
Importance of meeting relevant environmental and social obligations
Industry/MNE guest speakers: multinational corporations involved in retail, electronics, food and beverage and/or clothing and shoes
SESSION 3: GETTING CONTRACTS RIGHT AND ACCESSING FINANCE
Indicative Date: 28 September 2022 (Virtual. 1.5 hours)
Issues
What goes into supplier agreements and how to get the best outcomes
What is supply chain finance and is it good for SMEs
Creating the right regulations and the role of fintechs
Industry/MNE guest speakers: legal firms, banks, financial institutions and/or fintechs
SESSION 4: BEING PART OF GLOBAL VALUE CHAINS IN SERVICES
Indicative Date: 26 October 2022 (Virtual, 1.5 hours)
Issues
Identifying some of these traded services
How to facilitate and grow these services as part of GVCs
What are the potential benefits from digital trade
Industry/MNE guest speakers: international services firms involved in infrastructure, information and communications, architecture, legal and/or environment