Marketing key to SMEs going regional

THERE are many opportunities for SMEs to expand into the Asia-Pacific region and across the world. According to official data, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) contribute heavily to the GDPs of our neighbouring economies. They comprise more than 95-99 per cent of all business establishments, and also generate between 51 per cent and 97 per cent of employment in the region.

In addition, governments in this region are also making a huge push to encourage SMEs to venture abroad by providing the physical and financial infrastructure. However, they only account for 30 per cent of exports in the region.

What this means is that opportunities abound for SMEs should they wish to expand and look for new opportunities beyond the confines of their own shores. Indeed, the local companies that are successful and holding up against the headwinds that everyone is facing now are those who took the giant leap forward beyond their shores.