SME Finance in Asia and the Pacific: The Roles and Effects of Public Finance, Credit Guarantees, and Financial Innovation

The upcoming workshop, scheduled for 5 - 6 March 2025 in Seoul, Republic of Korea, aims to enhance SME finance policies to promote resilience and sustainability in the face of changing global economic conditions. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are crucial for economic growth and job creation, especially in emerging economies, yet they often struggle with accessing adequate financing due to challenges such as lack of collateral and limited technological capabilities. As economies shift towards sustainability and digitalization, it is essential for SMEs to adapt in order to remain competitive. The workshop, organized by ADBI and the Korea Credit Guarantee Fund (KODIT), will focus on the roles of public financing, credit guarantees, and financial innovation in supporting SMEs. It aims to equip government officials and financial regulators with the skills to design effective SME finance policies, promote digital transformation, and integrate green finance into SME development strategies. Participants will include mid-to-senior level officials and experts from various sectors, who will share best practices and develop policy recommendations to improve SME access to finance and address regional challenges. The workshop will also compile and disseminate key insights on public financing and financial innovation, ensuring that SMEs can contribute to sustainable and technology-driven economic growth. Registration is by invitation or prior arrangement with ADBI.