Publication

This paper underscores the importance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to long-term economic development in the ASEAN region. More specifically, the text identifies the opportunities and problems the area’s SMEs face, and outlines 5 new ‘policy anchors’ that will promote the successful implementation of ASEAN’s Strategic Action Plan for SME Development. The ‘anchors’ include the following:1) promote productivity, technology and innovation; 2) increase access to finance; 3) enhance market access and internationalization; 4) improve policy and regulatory environments; and 5) promote entrepreneurship and human capital development.