{"id":122084,"date":"2019-11-20T09:24:19","date_gmt":"2019-11-20T14:24:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/selasite.azurewebsites.net\/?post_type=agenda&p=122084"},"modified":"2024-02-08T08:52:44","modified_gmt":"2024-02-08T13:52:44","slug":"prospects-for-internationalization-of-smes-in-latin-america-and-the-caribbean","status":"publish","type":"agenda","link":"https:\/\/rmtsolutions.net\/sela\/en\/agenda\/prospects-for-internationalization-of-smes-in-latin-america-and-the-caribbean\/","title":{"rendered":"Prospects for internationalization of SMEs in Latin America and the Caribbean"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n \n Introduction <\/span>\n <\/div>\n
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SELA is organizing the Seminar on Prospects for internationalization of SMEs in Latin America and the Caribbean, in collaboration with ProColombia (an entity responsible for promoting tourism, foreign investment, non-mining\/energy exports, and brand country) of the Republic of Colombia. The purpose of this Seminar is to analyze and outline the visible horizon of SMEs in terms of their internationalization and export possibilities, with a view to generating proposals in order to achieve a better positioning of small and medium-sized companies in international markets.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\n \n Background <\/span>\n <\/div>\n
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Multiple small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) emerge in Latin America and the Caribbean year after year. Currently, 99% of SMEs are the employers of 47% of the labour force in the region. These companies represent 90% of the regional business fabric, accounting for 28% of the GDP. Sadly, many SMEs cease to exist, and only 45% survives after a couple of years. The luckiest ones come to a standstill after four years. Such situation is due to traditional limitations to the development of SMEs which include, among others: i) severe troubles to access financing sources; ii) poor training of staff, and iii) lack of access to technology.<\/p>\n

Small and medium-sized enterprises that manage to overcome these hurdles still face a somewhat unsurmountable challenge, that is, to display their export potential and become competitive enough to find a niche in international markets, as the only assurance to grow beyond domestic borders. In other words, they are required to turn into exporting small and medium-sized enterprises (EXSMEs[1]<\/strong>). To that end, they need to fit into regional and global value chains (GVC).<\/p>\n

The internationalization of SMEs is a key component to spur production diversification, which is pivotal for the economic progress of countries. As for Latin America and the Caribbean, development ought to be rather balanced, provided that the region counts on a diversified export sector through the significant involvement of SMEs. Such is one of the most important challenges in the region, and therefore an appropriate set of regulations is of the essence to lever the internationalization process of SMEs and thus strengthen their export capacity.<\/p>\n

In 2019, the Permanent Secretariat, under the SELA-SMEs Programme, prepares to hold the \u201cSeminar: Prospects for internationalization of SMEs in Latin America and the Caribbean,\u201d which aims to review and scan a visible horizon for SMEs regarding their internationalization and export possibilities, and bring forward proposals for a better positioning of small and medium-sized enterprises in the global markets.<\/p>\n

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[1]<\/strong>\u00a0Definition provided in: Urmeneta, Roberto (2016). Din\u00e1mica de las empresas exportadoras en Am\u00e9rica Latina: el aporte de las PYMES. Santiago, ECLAC. p. 7.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n

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\n \n Objetives <\/span>\n <\/div>\n
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  1. Analyze the public policies developed in Latin America and the Caribbean and Spain to promote the internationalization of SMEs;<\/li>\n
  2. Gain knowledge about the accompaniment and advice initiatives of public and private entities to support SMEs in their internationalization process.<\/li>\n
  3. Implement working methodologies to develop the export potential of SMEs in LAC, with a view to their inclusion into international markets; and<\/li>\n
  4. Identify and systematize the best practices and most successful experiences in the internationalization efforts of SMEs, with a view to their dissemination and eventual adoption.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n
    \n
    \n \n Agenda <\/span>\n <\/div>\n
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    Thursday 21 November 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Morning<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    8:30 \u2013 9:00<\/td>\nREGISTRATION<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    9:00 \u2013 9:20<\/td>\nOPENING SESSION<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    <\/td>\n\n
    09:20 \u2013 09:30<\/td>\nOFFICIAL PHOTO<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    09:30-10:55<\/td>\nSESSION I. FINANCING AND ACCESS TO PUBLIC AND PRIVATE CREDIT FOR THE INTERNATIONALIZATION OF SMEs IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    <\/td>\nModerator: Ambassador Oscar Hern\u00e1ndez<\/strong>. Director of Relations for Integration and Cooperation of SELA<\/p>\n
    <\/td>\nThis session aims to create a common space for the exchange of ideas and initiatives concerning the design of financing schemes, aimed at generating successful practices of financial inclusion that consider the needs of SMEs. This requires a regulatory and institutional framework and financing opportunities that result in the financial inclusion of small and medium-sized enterprises. Financial education strategies for SMEs will also be addressed, including those that tackle delinquencies and bankruptcies. This session will also aim to show the impact of SMEs on the expansion of financial inclusion and their contribution to access to financial services.<\/p>\n

    Each participant will have 10 to 15 minutes for presentation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    10:55 \u2013 11:10<\/td>\nCOFFEE BREAK<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    11:10 \u2013 11:30<\/td>\nGENERAL DEBATE (QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS)\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    11:30 \u2013 12:30<\/td>\nSESSION II. PUBLIC POLICIES FOR THE INTERNATIONALIZATION OF SMES IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN: ADVICE AND ACCOMPANIMENT FOR SMES IN THE EXPORT PROCESS<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    <\/td>\nModerator<\/strong>: Andr\u00e9s Castellanos. Manager of Agri-Food Exports ProColombia<\/p>\n

    Laura L\u00f3pez. Director of Planning of the Ibero-American Export Network (REDIBERO).\u00a0Export<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>development<\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong>(<\/span>Spanish<\/span>)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Yasm\u00edn Mart\u00ednez. Coordinator of Productive Articulation and Value Chains of the Centre for the Promotion of Micro and Small Enterprises in Central America (CENPROMYPE).\u00a0Public<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>policies<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>for<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>the<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>internationalization<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>of<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>MSMEs<\/span><\/span>\u00a0in\u00a0<\/span><\/span>the<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>region<\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0SICA<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>(<\/span>Spanish<\/span>)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Anna Wiersma. Policy Analyst\u00a0for\u00a0Latin America\u00a0and the Caribbean. OECD\u00a0Global Relations Secretariat .\u00a0Key\u00a0<\/span><\/span>findings<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>of<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>the<\/span><\/span>\u00a0OECD\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Policy<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Index<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>for<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>SMEs<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0(<\/span>Spanish<\/span>)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Marianela Bruno Pollero. Office of Legal Affairs. International Trade Law Division. United Nations.\u00a0UNCITRAL.\u00a0Micro, Small and Medium-<\/span><\/span>sized<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Enterprises (SMEs)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/a> \u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span>(<\/span>Spanish<\/span>)<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    12:15 \u2013 12:30<\/td>\nGENERAL DEBATE (QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    12:30\u2013 2:00<\/td>\nLUNCH<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Afternoon<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    02:00 \u2013 02:50<\/td>\nSESSION II. CONTINUATION<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    <\/td>\nModerator<\/strong>:\u00a0Shirley G\u00f3mez<\/strong>. Coordinator of Internationalization Projects (ProColombia)<\/p>\n
    02:50 \u2013 03:00<\/td>\nCOFFEE BREAK\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    03:00 \u2013 03:45<\/td>\n\n
    3:45- 4:30<\/td>\nGENERAL DEBATE (QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    <\/td>\nThis session sets out several objectives, namely:<\/p>\n
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    1. Identify the public policies required to support the strengthening of capacities of promotion agencies on issues related to the internationalization and innovation of SMEs;<\/li>\n
    2. Highlight the public policy support for SMEs in understanding access and taking advantage of new markets for export purposes, having access to financing, participating in a strong labour market, and accessing a barrier-free distribution network;<\/li>\n
    3. Establish a relationship between policies for SMEs and continuous improvements in the business environment as a support to companies with high growth potential.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Each participant will have 10 minutes for presentation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n


    \nFriday, 22 November 2019<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Morning<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    09:00 \u2013 10:15<\/td>\nSESSION III: DIGITAL PLATFORMS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR MARKET ACCESS TOWARDS THE INTERNATIONALIZATION OF SMEs<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    <\/td>\nModerator: Catalina Hern\u00e1ndez<\/strong>. Export Manager of Procolombia Fashion System<\/p>\n
    <\/td>\nThis session aims to highlight the challenges that SMEs face in adapting and linking each other in their transition to the digital world, noting that digital platforms and technologies are a space for innovation created to boost participation and insertion into the world of the productive sector. It is worth noting the importance of developing a virtual platform to promote trade, as well as support in developing e-commerce with the presence of digital payments and a new generation of financial services accessed through cell phones and Internet.<\/p>\n

    It should be noted that the strategic alliances and best practices of SMEs are fundamental axes in the impact of digital transformation on everyday and productive reality.<\/p>\n

    Each participant will have 15 minutes for presentation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    10:15 \u2013 11:00<\/td>\nGENERAL DEBATE (QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    11:00 \u2013 11:10<\/td>\nCOFFEE BREAK<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    11:15 \u2013 12:15<\/td>\nSESSION IV: LOGISTICS SERVICES FOR THE INTERNATIONALIZATION OF SMEs<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    <\/td>\nModerator<\/strong>:\u00a0Juan Pablo Castrell\u00f3n<\/strong>. Logistics and Competitiveness Coordinator. ProColombia<\/p>\n
    <\/td>\nThis session will be focused on identifying logistics services as a relevant area of policies for SMEs, as well as the barriers they face in terms of the procedures required for the entry and departure of goods and income tax return; requirements for market access, logistics and physical distribution, cultural aspects in negotiation and marketing, leading to the identification of sectors and products with export potential.<\/p>\n

    It will also aim to explain the implementation of international standards for customs and trade, according to the SAFE Framework of Standards (Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade); inform of the safety standards and best practices for determining compliance with procedures that provide insurance against contingencies that may threaten the shipping containers; disseminate the steps to comply with the process of validation and accreditation of the Authorized Economic Operator certification.<\/p>\n

    Each participant will have 10 to 15 minutes for presentation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    12:15 \u2013 12:45<\/td>\nGENERAL DEBATE (QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    12:45 \u2013 2:00<\/td>\nLUNCH<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Afternoon<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    2:00 \u2013 3:00<\/td>\nSESSION V: INTERNATIONALIZATION FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF REGIONAL CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND SUCCESSFUL EXPERIENCES OF SME INTERNATIONALIZATION<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    <\/td>\nModerator<\/strong>:\u00a0Liliana Barreto<\/strong>. Deputy Director of Future Exporters of the Vice-Presidency of Exports. ProColombia<\/p>\n

    Panel with the participation of Colombian small and medium-sized exporting enterprises and chambers of commerce.<\/p>\n

      \n
    • John Carlos Guzm\u00e1n.\u00a0Bogota Chamber of Commerce<\/li>\n
    • Antonio Puentes, Representative of Grupo Quiromar. Uniformes Empresariales (Colombia)<\/li>\n
    • Juli\u00e1n Bohorquez. Financial Manager. Distribuidora Brahman (Colombia)<\/li>\n
    • Faron Lawrence. Executive Director. Chamber of Commerce of Saint Kitts and Nevis. CARICHAM<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    <\/td>\nThis panel is designed to make entrepreneurs the key actors of the debate. The goal is to know their opinions about:<\/p>\n
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    1. Efforts to further boost intra-regional trade and the participation of SMEs in value chains, reinforce the business fabric, create more and better companies, and take advantage of the digital revolution.<\/li>\n
    2. Training and capacity-building courses through the exchange of experiences and best practices among them in topics such as startup creation and development, financial access, financial facilitation.<\/li>\n
    3. Technical support in the participation of commercial events abroad.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    3:00 \u2013 3:30<\/td>\nGENERAL DEBATE (QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    03:30 \u2013 3:45<\/td>\nCOFFEE BREAK<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    03:45 \u2013 4:00<\/td>\nCLOSING SESSION<\/strong><\/p>\n