Representatives from 150 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in ASEAN countries have attended a workshop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to learn more about boosting their competitiveness using e-commerce platforms and tools.

Leaders from large US firms such as Baker & McKenzie, eBay, Google, Paypal and UPS shared information focusing on leveraging e-commerce platforms and payment tools, maximising international shipping and delivery services, the legal aspects of cross-border e-commerce, and the means of strengthening global market presence through online marketing.

At the function, US Ambassador to Malaysia Joseph Y. Yun said his country supports the development of small businesses in ASEAN, given their importance to foster economic growth in the region.

It is therefore important that these businesses take advantage of learning new technologies from multi-national companies, giving them the competitive edge and opportunities to enter new markets, regionally and globally, he added.

SME Corporation Chief Executive Officer Hafsah Hashim said that in today’s world, which is driven by development of the latest technology, regional entrepreneurs must use e-commerce, as it will save time in conducting transactions and increase the efficiency of small businesses’ operations. It will also enable them to provide their service to a bigger base of customers.

The workshop was sponsored by the US and ASEAN through the US-ASEAN Business Alliance for Competitive SMEs, a collaborative effort between the US-ASEAN Business Council and the US Agency for International Development.-VNA