The 9th meeting of government institutions responsible for SMEs of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation member states has been held
The 9th meeting of government institutions responsible for SMEs of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation member states was held, organized by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria. The meeting took place in an online format, with Small and Medium Business Development Agency representing Azerbaijan. Alongside Azerbaijan, representatives from Bangladesh, Egypt, Malaysia, Nigeria, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Türkiye also participated.
According to Startup.az, representatives of KOBIA highlighted the growing role of SMEs in economic diversification, employment, innovation, and sustainable development. Information was provided on the Agency’s support and services for entrepreneurs, including advisory and training services, startup promotion, and mechanisms supporting access to markets. The “SME House” model, which offers integrated G2B and B2B services in a single space, was also presented. In addition, participants were informed about the Joint Declaration on the Baku Climate Coalition for SMEs’ green transition, initiated by KOBIA within the framework of COP29.
During the meeting, participants discussed practical directions for enhancing cooperation among D-8 member states in the SME sector. KOBIA also presented a draft Action Plan prepared within the framework of implementing the Memorandum of Understanding signed between SME-related government institutions of D-8 countries. The document outlines initiatives such as the exchange of experience on SME policies and programs, a business opportunities bulletin, online trainings, organization of B2B meetings, cooperation between incubators and in ICT, as well as pilot activities related to green SMEs.