TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In preparation for the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015, ASEAN Small and Medium Enterprise Working Group (ASEAN SMEWG) has convened a policy workshop with a number of key representatives from small-and-medium (SME) policy makers, dialogue partners, and multilateral organizations to discuss the future of SME under the soon-to-be formed economic union.

The workshop, which took place on September 12, 2014 at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, was designed to facilitate discussions on good practices and envision the mission and strategic goals of SMEs under the AEC. The results of the deliberation was consolidated into a framework document titled 'Post-2015 Strategic Action Plan for SME Development (SAP SMED) for 2016-2025'.

The framework document outlined five strategic goals that needs to be achieved by 2025 in order for ASEAN SMEs to retain their economic relevance in the global and/or regional stage - namely streamlining regulatory and institutional frameworks among ASEAN members, extending access to finance and funding, improving market access to the international community, strengthening entrepreneurial education and the development of human resources, and the promotion of innovations, productivity and technology.

According to the framework document, ASEAN SMEWG participants envision that by 2025, ASEAN SMEs could be "globally competitive, resilient, and innovative which can seamlessly integrate into the ASEAN community and beyond for sustainable growth and equitable development in the region."

As a part of its’ effort to secure the survival of SMEs in light of economic globalization, another meeting is also being planned in Cambodia, where private sector companies will be invited to give their recommendations on the issue.

ASEAN SMEWG also plans to hold another Public Policy Dialogue in November 2014. (*)