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This project aims to develop APEC model indices to measure SME internationalization level, including global value chain (GVC). The common indices in the APEC would provide basis for and facilitate discussions among the policy makers and businesses. The first project focuses on the development of the APEC SME internationalization indices and the application of it to some of member economies, as a process of examining the feasibility of the indices in the region. Eventually, it will lead to the next project which includes expanding the scope to all APEC economies in the form of extended research and workshops.

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Korea's project titled APEC SME Internationalization Model Indices: Development and Application (SME04 2015) ended on July 31, 2016. In order to share the results of the project and to discuss ways to globalize SMEs in the APEC region, Korea's Small and Medium Business Administration (SMBA) and Small and medium Business Corporation(SBC) plan to hold a workshop in Seoul, Korea in October 2016. 

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Under the APEC Strategic Blueprint for Promoting GVC Development and Cooperation, this project seeks to incorporate and disseminate key deliverables achieved in the Phase 1 of the initiative "Promoting SMEs' Integration into Global Value Chains".

Two core element of the project includes (1) holding GVC Workshops, to better understand GVCs and to create better trade environment for SMEs' GVC participation, and (2) developing a comprehensive final policy report focusing on policy recommendations and strategy to promote GVC participation which contributes to realizing APEC's shared goal of promoting balanced and inclusive growth.

By providing best practice cases and policy recommendations, this project seeks to contribute to APEC priority agenda of enhancing the regional economic integration and support sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

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ICTs have the potential to promote women's economic empowerment. For example, ICT skills enable women entrepreneurs and potential women entrepreneurs to access e-commerce and lower their barriers to the global markets, which leads them to become more competitive in global value chains.

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Korean government’s presentation on SME support programs which contributed to the success of a female entrepreneur in the Chinese market. Her company faced with many difficulties when established and she decided to enter overseas markets in 2013. However, problems arose in that course, including lack of information, language barrier, and high cost of marketing. Then, in 2015, the company participated in a government assistance program named ‘Global Distribution Network Program’ that was jointly run by SMBA, Small and Medium Business Administration, and SBC, Small and medium Business Corporation. Thanks to that, the company was offered with opportunities to sell its products on a highest-rated home shopping network in China.

Korean government’s presentation on SME support programs which contributed to the success of a female entrepreneur in the Chinese market. Her company faced with many difficulties when established and she decided to enter overseas markets in 2013. However, problems arose in that course, including lack of information, language barrier, and high cost of marketing. Then, in 2015, the company participated in a government assistance program named ‘Global Distribution Network Program’ that was jointly run by SMBA, Small and Medium Business Administration, and SBC, Small and medium Business Corporation. Thanks to that, the company was offered with opportunities to sell its products on a highest-rated home shopping network in China.

Government organizations such as SMBA, Korea Customs Service, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, and SME-support organizations such as Korea Federation of SMEs are working closely together to implement various policies to support Korean SMEs to make proper use of FTAs.

The APEC SME Internationalization Model Indices was developed per individual economy as well as APEC as the whole thanks to the data collected through pilot studies from 5 member economies. As for analysis, the SME internationalization was examined in terms of the economy-industry-firm size aspect, the diversity-intensity relationship and the major determinants. Major research results included: 1) The larger the firm size, the higher the internationalization level of SMEs; 2) The diversity of SME internationalization is generally higher than the Intensity across all economies; and 3) Firm size, R&D, export history, openness and industry characteristics matter for SME internationalization, but readiness to market advance and government support have little or significant impact on internationalization.

In order to share the results of the project and to discuss ways to globalize SMEs in the APEC region, Korea’s Small and Medium Business Administration (SMBA) and Small and medium Business Corporation(SBC) hold a workshop in Seoul, Korea in October 2016 (SME 05 2016S)

APEC e-commerce forum was held from November 26 to 28, 2015 in Jeju city, Korea. The purpose of the event was to provide a place to discuss the e-commerce industry for industry experts and policy makers. This forum contributed to increasing people’s understanding about the e-commerce industry, and sharing the most up-to-date information on the e-commerce industry.

Government organizations such as SMBA, Korea Customs Service, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, and SME-support organizations such as Korea Federation of SMEs are working closely together to implement various policies to support Korean SMEs to make proper use of FTAs.