The Organization of American States (OAS) successfully concluded the 2024 edition of the VIII Inter-American Dialogue of High-Level MSME Authorities and Conference on March 13-14 at the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. The two-day conference, themed “Expanding International Market Opportunities for MSMEs,” focused on empowering Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) through digitalization, internationalization, and e-commerce, with a special emphasis on the inclusion of women-led businesses.
The conference brought together a diverse group of policymakers, industry leaders, and MSME representatives from across the Americas to collaborate and share strategies aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of small businesses.
Ms. Lizra Fabien, the Caribbean Project Manager of the OAS Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Project coordinated the participation of 18 WEE delegates from across the Eastern Caribbean to connect new opportunities in the internationalization of their businesses. From this delegation, the Dominican contingent played a significant role in the proceedings, with the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, Mrs Gloria Joseph representing Dominica’s interest at the Dialogue and leading the team that included influential business owners, Mrs. Jodie Dublin-Dangleben, CEO of Jaydees Naturals, and Mrs. Lana Athanaze-Francis, CEO of Éclat Nova Luxuries.
Mrs. Dublin-Dangleben’s participation in the “Exchange of Experiences and Good Practices” panel provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by MSMEs in reaching international markets, detailing the strategies and initiatives that have supported the growth of her business.
The importance of this Conference and Dialogue in fostering international cooperation and providing MSMEs with the tools necessary for success was underscored by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Joseph. She further remarked, “We believe that this conversation will have far reaching effects on policy regulation. We also look forward to further collaboration with the OAS and our sister countries as we seek to implement key priorities that emanated from this conference. ”The OAS and the US Chamber of Commerce are proud to have hosted an event that has laid down a roadmap for MSMEs to expand into international markets. The insights and outcomes of this conference are expected to catalyze the growth and resilience of MSMEs throughout the region.
