The recent Global SMEs 2007 (The 8th International Strategic Partnership and Business Networking Trade Fair for SMEs) captured the attention of Malaysian and international Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with ma ny exciting business opportunities from the region and beyond.

The event, held in Kuala Lumpur from 6 to 8 September 2007, was jointly organised by the Small & Medium Enterprise International Co-operation Association of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur Malay Chamber of Commerce , Malaysia South-South Association and Expomal International Sdn Bhd and co-organised by Mutiara Sigma.

A highly successful annual trade fair for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Global SMEs enables regional networking among industries and individual businesses. It has also opened the door for businesses to strengthen their competitiveness and resilience in the global arena.

At Global SMEs 2007, 6 Memorandums Of Understanding (MOUs) were signed between Malaysian businessmen and their counterparts from Vietnam, Taiwan and Sri Lanka to cross-promote SMEs and foster economic co-operation. Every year, the event draws thousands of visitors and exhibitors from around the world. This year was no different. Visitors, comprising SMEs and decision-makers from over 15 countries , flocked to the event.

The trade fair also provided a comprehensive line-up of exhibitors ranging from banking and finance to ICT solutions and the most up-to-date product know-how. It also showcased award-winning SMEs who received the Golden Bull Award 2007. In addition to the trade exhibition , visitors also benefited from a wide range of informative seminars, forums, business matching meetings , workshops and other networking activities. Participants gained invaluable information and were enlightened by the presentations from prominent industry experts throughout the 3-d ay event.

Global SMEs 2007 was driven by a holistic and comprehensive approach to help SMEs harness the most innovative business solutions. The event revolved around 7 well-defined thematic centres designed to facilitate full capacity and capability building. They include:

The anchor events held during Global SMEs 2007 included:

• The 2nd East Asia Small & Medium Enterprise Business Forum 2007
• SME ICT Week 2007 – MIRC Global SME ICT 2007
• Golden Bull Award 2007: Malaysia Outstanding SME Showcase & Award Presentation Dinner
• Japan Innovation & Technology Showcase

Besides these events, other Global SMEs 2007 seminars and conferences popular with visitors were the Invest Vietnam: A Rising Star of Manufacturing Base Conference which highlighted business and investment opportunities in Vietnam and its 9 industrial parks; Taiwan Innovation Pavilion Ð featuring the latest technologies, innovations, medical equipment, turnkey projects and patents from Taiwan; Sri Lanka: A New Trade Destination; and Poland: Opportunities from Europe. All in all , Global SMEs 2007 was a tremendous success for both organisers and visitors alike.