UNESCAP, ICCB and UMFCCI, Yangon, Myanmar, “Promoting a Regional Inclusive Business Ecosystem (RIBE) for SMEs’ Integration into Global and Regional Value Chains” Paper presented at the International Workshop on International Trade Finance, Logistics and Business Development organized by UNESCAP, ICCB and UMFCCI, Yangon, Myanmar, 2015,
At the International Workshop on International Trade Finance, Logistics and Business Development held in Yangon, Myanmar in 2015, and jointly organized by UNESCAP, the International Chamber of Commerce – Bangladesh (ICCB), and the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), a policy-driven paper titled “Promoting a Regional Inclusive Business Ecosystem (RIBE) for SMEs’ Integration into Global and Regional Value Chains” was presented. The paper explored the urgent need to create a more inclusive and enabling regional ecosystem that supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in accessing and thriving within global and regional value chains. Focusing on South and Southeast Asia, and drawing lessons from Bangladesh’s evolving SME landscape, the research highlighted persistent barriers such as limited trade finance, weak logistics infrastructure, and insufficient cross-border regulatory alignment that hinder SME participation in international markets. It proposed a strategic framework for a Regional Inclusive Business Ecosystem (RIBE)—a collaborative, multi-stakeholder platform that integrates policy reform, digital trade facilitation, access to finance, and capacity-building to enhance SME competitiveness. The presentation underscored the importance of harmonizing regional trade standards, leveraging technology, and strengthening institutional partnerships to create inclusive growth pathways. The paper made a strong case for repositioning SMEs not just as beneficiaries but as key drivers of sustainable trade-led development across the region.
Author: Sheikh Morshed Jahan
