This paper sums up the experience of a Brazilian cluster of small and medium enterprises in the Sinos Valley. It shows that cooperation amongst local enterprises strengthens their ability to compete globally and that business associations can play an important role in identifying the key...

Socially and environmentally responsible business practices contribute to poverty relief and business success. This report presents some examples and lessons from private initiatives to solve business and social problems. Included are case studies of Procter & Gamble in Venezuela and Energía...

This paper examines local efforts to facilitate interactive learning and knowledge sharing among small and medium-sized apparel manufacturers in Guadalajara, Mexico. It focuses on a government-sponsored training program that gets design-oriented and technologically-advanced producers (most of...

It has been established that access to profitable markets is a key factor which determines the long-term success for all businesses. For small and microenterprises, however, various constraints limit this access, such as inadequate technology, geographic isolation, lack of raw materials and...

This paper discusses the significant potential for the SME sector to increase its contribution to East Asia's regional development through greater participation in global value chains while risks from multiple market failures can be mitigated by proper policy measures. The authors also discuss...

The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of current practices in the provision of business development services (BDS) to small and microentrepreneurs in developing countries. The document is meant to serve as a resource for Bank staff and other development practitioners who play a...

While there has been some progress on other aspects of SME policy (especially credit provision), it is generally recognized that "linkage-inducing" policy, is for the most part and in most places, a new and experimental area, with considerable potential. The purpose of this document is to...

This presentation discusses supply chain issues in Asia, including security and competitiveness, as well as the role of LSPs in handling supply chain dynamics. Included are case studies of Asian SMEs and their involvement at the global and regional level. This presentation was presented at the...

This paper discusses the impact of electronic commerce on the private sector of developing countries and outlines the potential role of the Inter American Development Bank in promoting the use of ICT by small and medium businesses. Information Technology is also reshaping other sectors that are...

This presentation explores several mechanisms by which the barriers imposed by rules of origin may be reduced through effective trade facilitation efforts. Also discussed are the functional similarities of a variety of other requirements on international trade with rules of origin, including...