JAKARTA, 27 June 2026 – On the occasion of International MSME Day 2026, ASEAN reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as key drivers to economic growth, innovation, and resilience in the region. Through the European Union (EU)-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package – Trade (SCOPE Trade) project, ASEAN and the EU are working together to strengthen the trade policy environment, digital connectivity, and sustainable and resilient value chains that support MSME competitiveness and economic connectivity within ASEAN and between ASEAN and EU.

The five-year SCOPE Trade project is implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in close collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC), ASEAN Sectoral Bodies, and ASEAN Member States.

The ASEAN Coordinating Committee for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (ACCMSME), ASEC and ITC underscored their shared commitment to strengthening ASEAN MSMEs, with a particular focus on digitalisation, sustainability, and greater market access. Through close collaboration among Business Support Organisations (BSOs), policymakers, and the private sector, SCOPE Trade has strengthened regional partnerships that helps MSMEs enhance their competitiveness and participate more effectively in regional and global valuie chains.

The project contributes to ASEAN’s efforts to build a more innovative, resilient, and inclusive MSME ecosystem by supporting enterprises in expanding market opportunities and adapting to evolving business and trade requirements.

The Chair of ACCMSME Trinh Thi Huong remarked, “Digital transformation, technological innovation, and increasing regional and global connectivity are creating new opportunities for startups and growth-oriented enterprises. To fully seize these opportunities, entrepreneurs require not only access to markets and finance, but also strong support systems that can guide them through different stages of business development and internationalisation.”

As sustainability becomes an increasingly important factor for market access and competitiveness, SCOPE Trade supports MSMEs, BSOs, policymakers, and other value chain actors in strengthening the knowledge and skills needed to adapt to evolving market requirements. Through webinars, workshops, regional dialogues, technical assistance, training-of-trainers programmes, and practical sustainability tools, the project promotes awareness and adoption of sustainable operations, production and trade practices across ASEAN.

SCOPE Trade also helps BSOs in strengthening their capacity to assist MSMEs by providing technical guidance on sustainability due diligence, responsible business conduct, and emerging market requirements. Through coaching, business matchmaking, and the promotion of business linkages within ASEAN and between ASEAN and the EU, the project contributes to more sustainable and resilient value chains while enhancing the competitiveness and long-term growth of ASEAN MSMEs.

SCOPE Trade’s initiatives also supports ASEAN MSMEs in advancing digital transformation. In consultation with ASEAN Sectoral Bodies and ASEC, ITC has developed a report analysing the challenges faced by MSMEs participating in cross-border e-commerce. The report’s findings and proposed priority actions have been validated by more than 100 stakeholders from the public sector, BSOs, online marketplaces, technology companies, and service providers across ASEAN. BSOs are also receiving targeted support to implement the recommended actions in order to ensure the sustainability of initiatives.

In addition, start-up accelerators from across ASEAN have been brought together to strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem and foster impactful technology investment. Select ASEAN start-ups will participate in business-to-business events in Europe to connect with potential investors and strategic partners while showcasing ASEAN as an attractive destination for innovation and investment.

About ASEAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established on 8 August 1967 and constitutes eleven Member States: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam, and Timor-Leste. On 31 December 2015, the ASEAN Community was formally established, encompassing the political-security, economic and socio-cultural pillars.
The ASEAN Headquarters is based in Jakarta, Indonesia.

For more information, visit: https://asean.org/

About ACCMSME

The ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (ACCMSME) is the ASEAN body responsible for strengthening MSMEs’ participation in ASEAN integration and in deepening and broadening their contribution to ASEAN’s economic growth. Comprising ASEAN Member States’ Heads and representatives of MSME agencies, and supported by the ASEAN Secretariat, the ACCMSME facilitates the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of ASEAN Strategic Action Plan for MSME Development 2026-2030 (SAP MSMED 2030) with the vision of competitive MSMEs in the regional and global value chains.

About ITC

The International Trade Centre (ITC) is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations dedicated to supporting the internationalization of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). ITC works with governments, the private sector and trade and investment support institutions to make trade more inclusive, sustainable and digital, helping businesses compete and thrive in global markets.

About SCOPE Trade

The EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package – Trade (SCOPE Trade) is a five-year partnership between the ASEAN Secretariat and the International Trade Centre, funded by the European Union. The project supports sustainable connectivity between ASEAN and the EU, and within ASEAN, by strengthening trade policy and facilitation, digital connectivity for MSMEs, and sustainable value chains, contributing to deeper regional economic integration and inclusive growth.