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Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are important economic drivers in most countries, employing large shares of the workforce in developed and developing economies. Furthermore, there is evidence that SMEs promote diversity and inclusiveness, including the participation of women in the workforce and as entrepreneurs. What is the impact of the global economy on SMEs and how can governments design international trade policies with SMEs in mind?

Leading researchers and academics in international trade from across the APEC region will present and discuss their recent findings on international economic trends following the global pandemic. These trade policy experts will explore key challenges and opportunities facing Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in a rapidly changing international environment. The panelists will draw from their research and focus on the key issues facing SMEs in the APEC economies with a goal of providing evidence-based analysis relevant for policymakers and trade policy practitioners. The issues explored during the four-panel sessions will include:

• the challenges and opportunities facing SMEs in the global economy;
• how are SMEs affected by trade policy and international trade agreements;
• impacts from the pandemic and best practices for economic recovery;
• best practices for performance measurement of global economic policies;
• and global supply chains and SMEs in a post-pandemic world.

Monday, May 17, 2021
7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. EST

Tuesday, May 18, 2021
7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. EST

View full program here.