Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada

Published purpose

This initiative seeks to reduce poverty in developing Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies by encouraging micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to expand into global and regional markets. The project consists of two main components: MSME Support and Research and Training. The Research and Training component implemented by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada provides training, research and mentoring to MSMEs in developing APEC economies of Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Peru. For example, Canada’s support funded the research studies, surveys, conferences, training and mentoring focused on business and entrepreneurship skills, access to markets for products and services, and technological innovation. The MSME Support component of the project is a sub-fund managed by the APEC Secretariat that supports small-scale projects helping MSMEs in developing APEC economies to innovate, grow, and gain better access to global and regional markets. The two components have a combined contribution amount of $4.79 million.