Navigating the future: SMEs and the digital economy at the WTO 13th Ministerial Meeting

The session centred on “Innovation & Digital Transformation” and featured speakers from both public and private sectors. Dr. Antonio Feraco, Dr. Sarah Meinert, Richard Fattal, and Amel Chadli shared insights on how digital solutions can enhance SME participation in global trade while navigating associated challenges. Despite the transformative potential of digital technologies, SMEs often face barriers to fully leveraging these tools. Financial constraints and a lack of expertise hinder their ability to implement robust cybersecurity measures and comply with complex data privacy regulations. Consequently, many SMEs remain vulnerable to cyber threats and data breaches. Digitalisation, however, offers a pathway for SMEs to enhance their access to trade finance by streamlining processes, diversifying financing instruments, and broadening the scope of dedicated trade finance options.

Access to Finance & Cross-Border Payments

The second session, “Access to Finance & Cross-Border Payments,” focused on the financing landscape for SMEs. Speakers such as Massimo Falcioni, Raja Al Mazrouei, Shaker Zainal, and Sahra English shed light on the various financing instruments available to support SME growth and internationalization efforts. Despite their significant contribution to the economy, SMEs often encounter challenges in accessing traditional bank loans. To address this, governments and financial institutions in the UAE are actively developing initiatives and programs to provide funding support to SMEs. Notable examples include the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development and the Khalifa Fund. One such innovative initiative highlighted during the session was ADGM’s “Numou” platform, designed to bridge the funding gap for SMEs. This digital platform facilitates connections between SMEs and lenders, offering features tailored to streamline the loan application process and enhance credit assessment efficiency. In conclusion, the discussions at the WTO Ministerial Meeting underscored the importance of fostering an enabling environment for SMEs to thrive in the digital age. By embracing innovation and facilitating access to finance, we can empower SMEs to play a more significant role in driving economic growth and prosperity.

Dr Raed Safadi, Chief Economist, Whiteshield, moderating the “Access to Finance & Cross Border Payments” session at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi on February 28th, 2024.