To support MSMEs in scaling-up digital connectivity, Mekong Institute (MI) hosted a Synthesis and Evaluation Workshop as part of the project on “Scaling-Up Digital Connectivity for Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises in the Lancang-Mekong Countries for Post-Pandemic Resilience” on December 14, 2023. The online event brought together a diverse batch of 28 participants from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam (CLMTV) to identify digital technologies and solutions that can be successfully scaled up in the Lancang-Mekong (LM) countries.

With the support of the People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China, the virtual workshop convened the participants to present the results of their action plan implementation and discuss policies and strategies that could best support in scaling-up digital connectivity in MSMEs sector, with focus on showcase public and private sector initiatives to support MSMEs. The CLMTV participants shared their experiences and outcomes, highlighting innovative approaches to digital connectivity for MSMEs. They also deliberated on how governments and development partners can further engage with the private sector aimed for a quicker economic recovery in LM countries.

The action plans covered various topics, ranging from digital information websites, digital literacy initiatives, digital marketing tools, capacity building programs, and green and digital transformations.

The workshop concluded with a synthesis of the action plans and discussions on the way forward. The participants expressed their commitment to continued collaboration and the shared goal of accelerating digital connectivity for MSMEs in the Lancang-Mekong countries, contributing to achieving the aspiration of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, the Global Development Initiative, and the SDGs.

Asked about their feedback to the workshop, one participant shared that:

“The program has opened new doors for us. msme.glam.bz promises to be a game-changer for MSMEs in Myanmar, providing a digital space to learn, connect, and thrive. Myanmar is committed to seeing this initiative through, with the development of MSME.glam.bz slated for the upcoming Fiscal Year. The nation looks forward to positioning its MSMEs as digital frontrunners, contributing to the broader digital transformation narrative.”