SMEDA launches publications for small enterprises

[Naveed Yaseen]

LAHORE: The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) launched two new business development publications for the benefit of small and medium size businessmen which will be available free of cost for SMEs at SMEDA offices.

SMEDA Chief Executive Officer, Shahid Rashid highlighted major features of the publications on Wednesday at a press briefing arranged at SMEDA head office. SMEDA CEO informed that the first, out of the two publications to be launched is titled “Trade in Services”-an answer book for small and medium sized exporters, and has been published with assistance of the European Community (EC) Trade Related Technical Assistance Programme (TRTA) implemented by the International Trade Center (ITC). Whereas, the second book, titled as “Making a Mark” is a joint publication of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and SMEDA for SMEs engaged in product manufacturing or service delivery activities. The purpose of this endeavor is to enable SMEs to seize the opportunity of trademark protection rather than deferring the decision to adopt IP system on the assumption that IP protection is costly and time consuming or enforcement of the laws are ineffective, he added.

Focusing on the book “Trade in Services” Rashid explained that the 201 pages handbook had provided practical advice using a question and answer format, to help SMEs improve their export performance or enter new markets and minimize the risks involved in exporting services. The topics covered include the decision to export, preparing for export, choice of market, identifying customers, selecting a strategy, cultural considerations, promotional materials, quality assurance, pricing, securing payment and temporary market entry. It also elaborates on the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and the functions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). staff report

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