The COMCEC Training Programme on Empowering the International Trade Capacity of Maldivian SMEs has officially come to a close on December 18, 2024. 

The 3-day programme was held at the Tradenet Head Office, in our Training Room. It was attended by members of the Tradenet team, the Business Centre Corporation (BCC) team, and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.

The COMCEC (Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the OIC) is an organisation that promotes economic collaboration and development among its member countries. COMCEC aims to enhance trade, investment, and prosperity through initiatives and partnerships, with a focus on strengthening SMEs and fostering sustainable growth.

The program was led by Dr. Nazire Nergiz Dinçer, a distinguished professor in the Department of Economics at TED University and director of the TEDU Trade Research Center. Her extensive experience and knowledge proved invaluable to the attendees and made for a highly informative series of sessions.

This initiative provided valuable insights into the importance of helping SMEs enter the global market, examining strategies to enhance their support, and drawing inspiration from global examples to promote local growth and innovation.

Content Covered

The three-day program offered a comprehensive exploration of SME internationalisation, combining theoretical insights with practical examples. 

Participants learned about the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors, strategies for developing customised trade roadmaps, and techniques for conducting market research to identify target markets. 

Case studies from Turkey and Malaysia showcased successful initiatives, including capacity-building programs, infrastructure investments, and government-backed incentives.

There was also an emphasis on digital trade and data security, with discussions on leveraging modern trading platforms and ensuring secure supply chain management. Attendees also learned about the latest developments in WTO digital trade frameworks and risk management strategies, including handling supply chain disruptions and logistics challenges. 

Another key focus on the sessions was sustainability in trade, addressing environmental standards and policies relevant to developing countries. 

The program came to an end with a reflection on the Maldivian experience, encouraging participants to apply the insights gained to strengthen local SMEs.

Reaction from Attendees

The program garnered enthusiastic responses from participants, who appreciated the interactive discussions and practical insights. 

• BCC Team: Members of the BCC team highlighted the relevance of the program in providing actionable strategies for local SMEs to engage in international markets. They praised the case studies, particularly the Malaysia example, for showcasing effective government-backed initiatives that could inspire similar approaches in the Maldives.

• MEDT Team: Representatives from the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade emphasised the importance of the digital trade and sustainability sessions. They noted that these discussions aligned closely with the Ministry’s broader goals of fostering sustainable economic growth and improving trade infrastructure in the Maldives.

• Tradenet Team: Tradenet participants commended the hands-on sessions, particularly those focused on market research and digital tools. They expressed enthusiasm for applying these insights to their ongoing efforts to support SMEs in navigating global trade complexities. The team also appreciated the collaborative spirit fostered throughout the event, which they viewed as a catalyst for stronger public-private partnerships.

Closing Statements

The Training Programme came to a close with closing statements from the Managing Director of Tradenet, Ms. Saeeda Umar and the Director of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Mr. Ahmed Ifthikhar.

Our Managing Director stated that the response to the programme had been very positive, adding that the knowledge gained and the connections made will be very helpful in the future as we all work towards the development and expansion of local businesses and their activities. 

The Director of the MEDT stated that this Training Programme was the culmination of over a year of discussions and planning. He also stated that the Ministry was interested in more programmes of a similar nature in the future, adding that he would like to see such ventures also be opened to the private sector.

The COMCEC Training Programme concluded successfully, empowering the participants with the knowledge and tools to help local SMEs compete on the global stage. Over the course of three days, participants gained valuable insights and practical strategies to foster sustainable growth and innovation.

We would like to thank the participants from the BCC, the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, and the Tradenet team for their active involvement and dedication throughout the sessions. Their contributions enriched the discussions and helped make the event a resounding success.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Nazire Nergiz Dinçer for her time, expertise, and unwavering dedication. Her leadership and guidance were instrumental in delivering a programme that will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the participants’ future professional endeavours.

We look forward to playing an active role in more programmes like this in the future.