The Small and Medium Enterprise Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs hosted the ''APEC Digital Innovation to Facilitate SME'sGreen Transformation Forum'' on June 13th and 14th, 2023. Representatives of the public sector, industries, and academia from the United States, Japan, the European Union, Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Viet Nam, Thailand, Peru and Mexico were invited to discuss how to assist SMEs in achieving green transformation through adoption of digital innovation.
Chern-Chyi ''C.C.'' Chen, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Economic Affairs noted that in the past few years, the international community has grappled with both the emergent issues of the pandemic and enduring challenges of climate change. To assist Chinese Taipei's SMEs in responding to international trends in net-zero emission and demand of supply chains, the Ministry of Economic Affairs has implemented five key strategies to support SMEs in their carbon reduction efforts. These strategies include knowledge dissemination, On-site consultation and diagnosis, carbon reduction counseling, business environment improvement, and financial support. By integrating counseling resources, assessment tools, and supporting measures, we aim to collaborate with stakeholders to work together towards carbon-reduction goals.
The Small and Medium Enterprise Administration noted that SMEs lack awareness, knowledge, guidance, and capacity to address the international trend of green transformation. Therefore, facilitating SMEs'green transformation and participating more deeply in global supply chains have been the focused priority of APEC. The event comprised panel discussions: Increasing SME Awareness of Net Zero Emissions Trends; Activating SME Green Transformation Through Digital Platforms; and Promoting Green Business Models Through Corporate Startup Partnership. These sessions sought to assist SMEs in understanding digital technology applications and accelerate their green transformation.
The forum also invited 7 APEC member economies, including Chinese Taipei, to a concurrent physical exhibition highlighting a total of 28 best case practices. The exhibition comprised two themes: low carbon lifestyle and circular innovation, with technologies and solutions including smart mobility, smart building, smart health, waste management, and the innovative re-use of resources. In addition, the exhibition featured special booths spotlighting Chinese Taipei's innovative circular model cases of water chestnut shells and coffee grounds.
In addition, Chinese Taipei also held a best practices competition, which invited mentors representing Deloitte & Touche Risk Management Advisory Co., Cathay Private Equity Co., and the Global Innovation Forum. Startups nominated by Chinese Taipei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Viet Nam, Peru, and the Philippines participated in the showcase competition and received mentoring, which aims to build startup's capacity of green transformation and disseminate the knowledge.
The Small and Medium Enterprise Administration will keep cooperating with member economies of APEC, assisting SMEs in green transformation, and enhancing green competitiveness to achieve sustainable and inclusive future for all.