Output 1 - Research Work
Research Work will consist of:
i. Desktop Research: to see the current state of MSME-Specific provision in the FTAs among all APEC economies.
ii. Pre-workshop Survey of participating economies:
A pre-workshop survey through online questionnaires will be distributed to confirmed participants, from CTI and Small and Medium Enterprises Working Group (SMEWG) members prior to the event to gauge their views and understanding on MSMEs-specific provisions in current existing FTAs/RTAs. A combination of closed-ended and open-ended survey questions will be developed. The respondents will be given between two to three weeks to complete the survey.
A written output of an estimated of 2 to 3 pages of the survey findings will be shared with the experts for further deliberation at the Workshop.
Output 2 - 2-Day Workshop
A two-day Workshop which tentatively to be held in Peninsular Malaysia with participation from APEC economies under the CTI and SMEWG provides the avenue for experts and participants to share their thoughts and recommendations on next generation MSME-specific provisions and possible next steps for the Work Program on MSMEs in FTAAP. The workshop will be divided into few sessions to discuss / brief on the following:
a) Overview of the current state of MSME-Specific provision in FTAs among APEC economies based on the Research Work;
b) Highlights from the region based on case studies;
c) Sharing of best practices which includes discussion on how female participation can be promoted in the field;
d) Discussion on exploring for cross-fora collaboration;
e) Interactive sessions with the participants on the outcome of the workshop. To recap the key learning, what they gained, and how they can/plan to apply the new information, resources or learning in their roles; and
f) Dissemination of of the Post Workshop survey forms.
The following issues are also planned to be discussed during the Workshop:
a) MSMEs’ experiences in internationalization, through utilization of relevant/general FTA/RTA provisions on MSMEs;
b) Sharing of the key findings from the Research Work;
c) Possible MSME-specific priorities or desired elements to be included in future FTAs/RTAs; and
Emerging opportunities and challenges for MSMEs in the 21st century approach to FTAs/RTAs.
Output 3 - Summary Report
A brief Executive Summary of maximum 3 pages and full Summary Report of the Workshop of minimum 12 pages which include key findings from the Research Work and sharing of best practices from APEC economies will be circulated with the participants, CTI and other relevant APEC fora i.e. SMEWG for consideration in building future action plans. The consideration of the Executive Summary and the Summary Report will be done inter-sessionally.
The Summary Report will be uploaded into the Meeting Document Database on the APEC website as well as to be published as APEC Publication through APEC Publication Database.
Outcomes
1) Active participation and engagement promoted by raising awareness of the participants on the MSME-related provision in current FTAs/ RTAs and their challenges. This will be measured by the percentage of participants responding positively in the Post-workshop Survey.
2) Two-days Workshop:i. Develop knowledge, abilities and skills on beneficial MSMEs provisions in FTAs.
ii. Provide an opportunity to learn and emulate best practices from each other.
iii. Networking.
3) Impact on policy making is an important outcome of APEC-funded project. This may be measured by the percentage of positive response from the participants to the relevant questions in the Post-Workshop Survey, by surveying the member economies 6 to 12 months after the project completion.
Beneficiaries
The immediate beneficiaries of the project are government
officials in Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Ministry of Entrepreneurs and Cooperatives Development (MECD) and other stakeholders, including policymakers from APEC economies, particularly developing economies, who are involved in MSMEs policy-making and trade negotiations.
In addition to that, the immediate beneficiaries are also among the strategic and managerial level from the private sectors which involve in micro, small and medium enterprises namely Philippine Trade and Investment Centers (PTIC), Enterprise
Singapore (ESG), SME Corporation (SMECorp) and etc.
a) Primary beneficiaries : On the selection criteria for participants, priority will be given to subject matter experts, those in direct relevance to the subject, as well as key industry players, researchers and analysts. Participants will also be selected in a balance of background, industry / enterprise and gender, particularly in encouraging more female participation.
The Workshop will bring together experts and interested stakeholders of trade in services, particularly from MSMEs, and it is expected to be attended by government officials and other stakeholders from APEC developing economies that are involved in
MSMEs policy-making and trade negotiations. Nominations through the focal points from
CTI and SMEWG of each Economy with the policymakers and trade negotiators who are familiar with their economy’s services domestic regulation priorities and commitments, including current situations of MSME. Participants should have the authority to contribute to advancements in their MSME sectors.
The workshop will also engage international organizations such as ABAC/ OECD/
UNCTAD/ WTO, private sectors involved in this area, key industry players in the member economies, as well as relevant APEC fora (such as CTI and Small and Medium
Enterprises Working Group (SMEWG)) that are also undertaking work related to MSMEs.
b) Secondary beneficiaries: This workshop will also benefits the government agencies back home as well as the private sectors which involve in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME). 
