Due to small-scale operations, most of the SMEs in Cambodia, Lao P.D.R., Myanmar, and Vietnam (CLMV) undertake “niche” marketing by selling to a small, well-defined section of the market. Thus, market entry is one of the weakest areas wherein SMEs face major problems to international market. SMEs could be efficient exporters if given ample support and appropriate advice. In a number of cases, SMEs have shown themselves equal to large companies in their ability to enter and operate in international markets when proper support is provided. 

With assistance from New Zealand Aid Programme (NZAP), Mekong Institute (MI) is implementing a three-year project on Capacity Building for the Integration of CLMV Economies into ASEAN Economic Community. Through this project, SME promotion was initiated in 2012 by promoting SME clusters and export consortia in the CLMV countries. During 2012-2013, 17 SME product clusters were formed which include: 

• Cambodia: organic rice, instant noodle, rattan, mango and organic vegetable clusters. 
• Laos: silk, wooden furniture, silk and handicraft, and organic rice clusters 
• Myanmar: mango, plastic, and macadamia clusters 
• Vietnam: ceramic (1), ceramic (2), organic tea, Van Phuc silk and Dong ha silk clusters. 

In order to provide market opportunities for the SME clusters, MI in collaboration with the Sasin Japan Center (SJC) is organizing the SME Cluster Promotion and Investor Forum on March 19, 2014 at SJC, Bangkok. In this forum, regional buyers and investors in related SME products are invited to seek possible business collaboration with the SME clusters. The forum will provide a business matching platform for the buyers and sellers, to forge business collaboration, networking and plan for joint business expansion. 

Attachments: 

Concept paperProgram schedule