Publication

This paper examines the economic environment in the ASEAN region and the potential contribution of well-developed medium- and small-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the zone’s economic prosperity. In order to 1) sustain equitable and prolonged economic growth; 2) facilitate the expansion of SMEs; and 3) help them integrate into global supply chains, ASEAN has crafted a Strategic Action Plan for SME Development. It should be noted, however, that the plan faces various obstacles and will require the active cooperation of ASEAN members if it is to succeed.