Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Development Cooperation

3 February 2016,Brdo pri Kranju

Programme of Conference

8.30–9.00 / Registration
9.00–9.05 / Welcome address
Darja Bavdaž Kuret, State Secretary
9.05–10.50 / Panel discussion Achieving Sustainable Development through MSMEs: Opportunities and Challenges
The panel will highlight key factors for enhancing MSMEs' engagement in development cooperation, in light of the 2030 Agenda and the new EU strategic framework for strengthening the role of the private sector in achieving inclusive and sustainable growth, and drawing on Slovenian MSMEs' sector competences and circumstances. The panellists will discuss opportunities and challenges of MSMEs' involvement in development cooperation, particularly in multilateral instruments. Potentials and challenges will be discussed and examples of good practices showcased. The recently established Brussels-based Focal Point for private sector engagement in development cooperation will also be presented.
Panellists:
  • Antti Pekka Karhunen, Head, Unit Private Sector Development, Trade, Regional Integration, Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, European Commission
  • Yves Ehlert, Cooperation Officer, Unit Financial Instruments, Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, European Commission
  • Patrick De Smedt, Deputy Head, Unit Enterprise Europe Network and Internationalisation of SMEs, Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, European Commission
  • Eefje Schmid, Head, Trust Funds and Blending Division,European Investment Bank
  • Aleš Verdir, MFA, Brussels-based Focal Point for private sector engagement
Moderated by: Geert Laporte, Deputy Director, European Centre for Development Policy Management
10.50–11.15 / Coffee break
11.15–13.00 / Workshop: European Commission (EC) and European Investment Bank (EIB)
EC and EIB will hold separate presentations of their instruments available to Slovenian MSMEs, with an emphasis on relevant processes, activities and procedures at different stages. Participants will be able to ask questions about the important aspects of participating in EC tenders and calls for proposals, such as the selection criteria and processes, engagement with and in the Framework contract BENEF lists, etc.In addition, the workshop will provide information on Slovenian enterprise's experiences with accessing EU structural funds.
Panellists:
  • Benedetta Dentamaro,Legal Assistant, Unit Legal Affairs, Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, European Commission
  • Simona Bovha Padilla, Head, Technical Assistance Division, European Investment Bank
  • Kristina Kočet Hudrap, Director, Tiko Pro d.o.o.
Moderated by: Jan Dröge, Head of Operations, Schuman Associates
13.00–14.15 / Lunch
14.15–15.15 / Workshop: Slovenia's Bilateral Development Cooperation Instruments
The possibilities and modalities for engaging in Slovenia's bilateral development cooperation instruments will be presented.
Panellists:
  • Gašper Jež,Director, Centre for International Cooperation and Development
  • Roman Rojc,Executive Director, SIDBank
  • Matej Skočir, Head, Department for Internationalisation and Foreign Direct Investments, SPIRIT Slovenia – Public Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for the Promotion of Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Development, Investment and Tourism
Moderated by: Franc But, Ambassador, Head,Department for Bilateral Economic Cooperation I, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia