Joint Statement on promoting startups in APEC issued

Member economies from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) issued a Joint Statement on promoting start-ups and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
Joint Statement on promoting startups in APEC issued ảnh 1At the APEC 2017 Start-ups Forum (Source: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) - Member economies from theAsia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) issued a Joint Statement on promotingstart-ups and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises at the APEC 2017Start-ups Forum held in Ho Chi Minh City on September 12.

President of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Vu Tien Locsaid the forum focused on discussing, sharing and proposing measures to developeconomy in the region.

This was also the first forum to talk about the startupecosystem – which is an important prerequisite to promote entrepreneurship andeffectiveness of startup businesses, he said.

The fact shows that small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) plays a“backbone” role in all global economic sectors, he said, adding that theestablishment and engagement in the global value chains of millions of micro,small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have been a driving force for theworld’s economic development.

The Joint Statement issued at the forum provides recommendations for the mostimportant elements of the startup ecosystem, including government supportpolicies, innovations, and entrepreneurship education.

It also mentions the development of startup support services, especiallyfinancial and consultative matters, as well as the building of a green supplychain and the performance of corporate social responsibility.

The VCCI President noted that from 2017, the APEC Start-ups Forum will becomean annual event to create opportunities for member economies to shareexperience and announce startup indicators in the region, in addition toproposing solutions and recommendations to promote startup activities and buildan APEC startup network.

The content of the Joint Statement will be brought for discussions at theupcoming APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting (SMEMM) in HoChi Minh City on September 15, he added.

MSMEs account for over 97 percent of all enterprises andemploy over half of the workforce across APEC economies. MSMEs contributesignificantly to economic growth, accounting for between 20 percent and 50percent of GDP in most APEC economies. However, they account for only 35percent or less of direct exports. 

Established in 1989, APEC comprises 21 economies, includingAustralia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong (China), Indonesia, Japan,the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru,the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the US, andVietnam.-VNA
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