Rene Theil, SME Committee Chairman of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, says now is the time to gain business insights from others
	Networking at last year's World SME Expo

Amid today's global economic turmoil, exploring new market opportunities has never been more critical. Which is why this year's World SME Expo is so important. The region's flagship networking event for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the expo puts a premium on spotlighting promising new avenues for growth.

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), World SME Expo will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 10-12 December. The annual event, held concurrently with the HKTDC Inno Design Tech Expo, draws thousands of local, regional and international visitors and exhibitors, including those from the Chinese mainland and new markets. This year, 263 exhibitors are expected, including more than 100 from Asia, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East.

Coping with today's tough economic environment is a key focus of this year's expo, with themes exploring market potential in India, Africa and South America. Expert speakers will help SMEs understand the challenges and opportunities brought on by the financial turmoil.

Banking on people

"No one is immune, because this is a new kind of recession," said Rene Theil, SME Committee Chairman of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. "It used to be only one part of the world would be in recession. Now, everyone is affected."

Mr Theil, who is also Managing Director of PromoClip Asia Ltd, stressed that networking is key to "leveraging your business in a cost-effective way because it's a chance to get insights from others in the business. They are a huge information bank."

Expo highlights this year include a forum on how SMEs can best navigate their way through the global financial turmoil. There will also be several events focusing on opportunities in the Chinese mainland, including a seminar on the development of the mainland's western region, and another on the latest Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) initiatives between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland. A series of new market seminars will also be held focusing on Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and South America.  

Tailored services, including the HKTDC's business matching services, are available to participants, putting visiting SMEs in touch with the right people to start or expand their Greater China network.

Storm support

The Hong Kong Government has been at the forefront in helping SMEs weather the financial storm. Last month, it unveiled a US$1.2 billion SME loan guarantee scheme, which will provide liquidity to the commercial lending market for SMEs. Up to 15,000 SMEs are expected to benefit from the programme.
 
The Export Credit Insurance Corporation, meanwhile, will expand the number of countries it covers to six new markets: Brazil, Chile, the Czech Republic, Kuwait, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates. Premium rates for these markets will be lowered.

The HKTDC will launch an assistance package worth about US$15.5 million next month. The package includes an incentive programme to bring new buyers to HKTDC international trade fairs in Hong Kong, as well as subsidies to local HKTDC exhibitors. "We believe the best way to help SMEs is to bring these business opportunities right to their door, since international trade fairs have proven to be the most direct and cost-effective promotion and marketing channels," said HKTDC Executive Director Fred Lam.