• Date: 27 June 2018
• Time slot: 0930 - 1300
• Venue: Grace Room (Level 2), Fort Canning Lodge, Singapore

Background

Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of ASEAN economies, making up 89%-99% of all enterprises in ASEAN and 52%-97% of total employment. The establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015 necessitates inclusive growth for all, especially the MSME sector, as ASEAN continues to surge ahead as the third largest market in the world.

Nonetheless, MSMEs in ASEAN are still facing formidable barriers, particularly in the areas of access to finance, technical support and an enabling environment.

As such, MSME development continues to be a key priority for ASEAN and its member states, evidenced by specific plans such as the ASEAN Strategic Action Plan for SME Development 2016-2025 (SAPSMED) and other national development plans.

Objectives of Roundtable

ASEAN CSR Network (ACN), together with partners Oxfam, AVPN and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), is proud to present the findings of a new report on the landscape of MSMEs in the 10 ASEAN member states, titled “Towards Inclusive and Sustainable Growth in the ASEAN Economic Community”.

The research covers the three areas where MSMEs continue to face barriers, unpacking topics such as:

• How well-supported are MSMEs in ASEAN?
• What are the key sources of finance and technical support available to them?
• Is the macro environment conducive for their sustainability and growth?
• How wide is the availability of alternative financing mechanisms for them?

The Roundtable will provide a platform for discussion on ways in which different stakeholders in the ASEAN community, particularly governments and the private sector, can help to boost the development of MSME sector in order to promote more inclusive growth in ASEAN.

Key takeaways of the Roundtable will include:

• Sharing of the key research outcomes. This will include the overall MSME landscape in 10 ASEAN member states, focusing on the challenges and opportunities in access to finance, technical support and an enabling environment.
• Sharing of the ‘missing middle’ phenomenon, as well as the challenges and solutions in addressing this financing gap, with a focus on responsible and inclusive enterprises.
• Discussion on the role of the private sector and the government, and how they can work together to spur the growth of MSMEs.

Key Research Findings and Recommendations

The outcome of the research is a full report and a 6-page summary of the key findings and recommendations.

A key outcome of the research is also the development of infographics which provides an overview of the MSME landscape, as well as a Directory of Financing and Technical Support Options for MSMEs in ASEAN.

Participants (by invitation only)

• Local / foreign government representatives
• Companies and business networks
• Financial institutions
• NGOs / CSOs
• Academic institutions