CICA Event on “Strengthening SME Participation in Trade: Enhancing Access to Markets by Improving E-Commerce”

Date and Time: 20 November 2025, 11:00 Baku time (GMT+4)

Organizer: Small and Medium Business Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (KOBİA), Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, trade and technology ministries, digital commerce stakeholders from CICA Member States, supported by CICA Secretariat

Format: Online

Language: English and Russian

Participants: Representatives of SME support and trade ministries, national e-commerce and investment promotion agencies, business associations and chambers of commerce, private sector e-commerce platforms and logistics providers, and international organizations and financial institutions active in digital trade from CICA Member States.

Objectives:

• To exchange national experiences and regulatory frameworks that enable SMEs to engage in e-commerce.
• To discuss innovative solutions for enhancing SME participation in cross-border trade through digital platforms.
• To highlight successful public-private partnerships and case studies of SMEs using e-commerce to expand markets.
• To identify opportunities for regional cooperation, including training programs, knowledge platforms and joint initiatives on digital trade facilitation among CICA Member States.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) account for the majority of businesses in CICA Member States and play a crucial role in employment generation and innovation. Despite their potential, SMEs face significant challenges in participating in international trade due to limited access to markets, insufficient digital skills, and barriers in adopting e-commerce solutions.

E-commerce provides a transformative opportunity to expand market access, reduce transaction costs, and foster cross-border trade. This webinar will create a platform for Member States to share regulatory practices, technological solutions, and institutional initiatives that support SMEs in leveraging e-commerce for trade integration.

The event also contributes to the broader CICA agenda of enhancing economic cooperation, supporting inclusive growth and promoting regional connectivity.

For more information (for CICA Member States only):

Organizers:

• Mr. Amir Shirinbayli, Deputy Head of Secretariat, Small and Medium Business Development Agency of Azerbaijan (KOBİA) via email at amir.shirinbayli@smb.gov.az and WhatsApp: +994 (50) 679 00 66;
• Mr. Ali Shamchiyev, Specialist, International Cooperation Division of Secretariat, KOBİA via email at ali.shamchiyev@smb.gov.az and WhatsApp: +994 (55) 512 01 09;

CICA Secretariat:

• Ms. Aiganym Shakhrat, Team Assistant, email: a.shakhrat@s-cica.org.

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