Intra-Commonwealth SME Trade Summit Opens in Kenya
By Khalifa Hemed
Published May 28, 2019
Representatives of more than 200 organisations are expected to attend the second Intra-Commonwealth SME Trade Summit (ICSA) that is set to open in Nairobi on
May 28, 2019.
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According to a statement from the Commonwealth Secretariat, the two-day event, to be held at Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel, shall be addressed by Patricia Jane Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth who, prior to the event, had noted: “Intra Commonwealth trade continues to grow in spite of the slowdown in world trade growth and is now over 20 percent of Commonwealth countries total trade with the world. A strengthened intra-Commonwealth trade and investment cooperation with SMEs at the centre has the potential to revive global trade and growth, and contribute towards advancing the trade-related aspects of the SDGs”.
The 2nd Intra-Commonwealth SME Trade Summit, that focuses on Access to finance for MSMEs and Digital inclusion, is expected to provide an opportunity for
businesses as well as high-level policymakers to discuss and debate some of the topical trade issues which are of interest to the Commonwealth and to
encourage regional and international investment in areas where Commonwealth countries have competitiveness, but lack capacity.
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ICSA, according to the Commonwealth Secretariat, “was created to provide a platform for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) exporters and importers to meet regularly, build awareness of existing global standards, and encourage regional and international investments in member states.”
The Nairobi gathering, the Commonwealth Secretariat says, shall “enable businesses showcase their products and services and network with private and public sector leaders and the media to forge new business relationships and position their businesses as credible partners within the Commonwealth.”
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Among the sectors identified for trade and investment promotion by the ICSA whose first gathering was in India in 2017 are:
- Textiles and clothing
- Gems and jewellery
- Leather and leather products
- Agro-processed products
- Light manufacturing
- Packaging
- Information and technology
- E-Health and medical equipment
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The 2nd ICSA is hosted by the Intra-Commonwealth SME Association and co-organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat, Kenya’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, Kenya Investment Authority, Kenya Export Promotion Agency, Federation of Indian SME Associations, Tanzania Private Sector Foundation, and GBS- Africa.
