VANCOUVER, BC – May 18, 2021 – The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) is pleased to host the APEC-Canada Growing Business Partnership Capstone Conference, a two-day virtual symposium on May 19-20 (UTC-8)* funded by the Government of Canada.
Since 2016, the Partnership, in which APF Canada has collaborated with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Secretariat (APEC), has helped build the capacity of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in developing APEC economies through research, training, mentorship, and in-economy programming fostering sustainable inclusive growth and poverty reduction.
As governments worldwide adjust to the new global norms due to the pandemic, the Capstone Conference will explore the successes and challenges of small businesses and entrepreneurs in Indonesia, Peru, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Reflecting on the lessons learned on-the-ground, join us as we gather policymakers and micro and small business entrepreneurs to discuss pressing challenges for MSMEs, including digitalization, gender and entrepreneurship, the impact of COVID-19, and inclusive economic recovery.
Day One will focus on the Partnership’s key implementing partners from government and business from Indonesia (Innovation Factory), Peru (KUNAN - Plataforma peruana de emprendimiento social), the Philippines (Map the Philippines), and Vietnam (Da Nang Institute for Socio-Economic Development) in a discussion on promoting inclusive growth, as well as a panel on gender and entrepreneurship by the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women.
Day Two will feature conversations with individuals from business and industry including Ms. Hafimi Abdul Haadii, ABAC Brunei and Executive Director, LVK Group of Companies, Mrs. Julia Torreblanca, ABAC Peru and Vice President Corporate Affairs at Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A., Ms. Brigitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, and active members of the research and entrepreneurship community who will share lessons learned and best practices from field research across the APEC region.
Closing remarks will be delivered by Ms. Norlela Suhailee, Chair of APEC’s Small and Medium Enterprises Working Group (APEC SMEWG) and Head of Business Development & Support at Darussalam Enterprise. First established in February 1995, the APEC SMEWG is the main fora where APEC economies exchange information, views, best practices, and analysis concerning SMEs in the APEC region.
“This week’s Capstone Conference is the culmination of our work to date through this innovative partnership between the Foundation and our engaged partners in four dynamic APEC economies,” said Stewart Beck, President and CEO of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. “As we move out of the current global health crisis, sustainable and inclusive growth that empowers small businesses and entrepreneurs – including women and youth – will be vital to economic recovery across Asia and the rest of the world. I look forward to sharing the lessons, best practices, and policy solutions we have gathered through the APEC-Canada Growing Business.”
Associated Links:
- APEC-Canada Growing Business Partnership Capstone Conference Registration
- APEC-Canada Growing Business Partnership
- Statement on joint collaboration by APEC members amid COVID-19 pandemic
- Canada and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
Media Contact:
Michael Roberts
Communications Director, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
michael.roberts@asiapacific.ca
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