SMEs: Key information on the CCIG’s Export+ and Export++ programmes
The Export+ and Export++ programmes run by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services (CCIG) support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their export activities to emerging markets.
• Emerging markets, led by China and India, already accounted for nearly 65% of global wealth in 2020 — a major opportunity for Swiss SMEs.
• The CCIG and HEG Geneva offer Export+ (preliminary study) and Export++ (financial, legal and logistics services) to support SMEs entering these markets.
• Launched in response to the Covid-19 crisis, these programmes provide access to senior experts and specialist junior advisors in international trade.
Led by the Chinese and Indian giants, demand for consumer and capital goods in emerging markets has been rising exponentially for several years now.
In 2020, the economies of these rising powers accounted for nearly 65% of global wealth, offering tremendous opportunities for Swiss SMEs seeking new markets. This is all the more true since, as of this autumn, these companies have been able to benefit from the support of the CCIG and its Export programmes!
Looking to grow your business internationally, particularly in emerging markets? Here is a summary of what you need to know about the Export+ and Export++ programmes set up by the CCIG for SMEs.
Introducing the Export+ and Export++ programmes
Since 18 September 2020, Swiss SMEs looking to start or grow their exports to emerging markets have been receiving support from the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services (CCIG) and the Geneva School of Business Administration (HEG).
Together, these two institutions offer two services:
- Export+, a preliminary study to help prepare an export project;
- Export++, a range of financial, commercial, legal and logistics services accessible via a digital platform.
NB: While the Export+ service is already available, Export++ will be launched in the first quarter of 2021.
As part of these services, SMEs are supported by two senior experts in international trade and emerging markets, as well as around a dozen junior advisers in their third year of a bachelor’s degree in the International Business Management department, who are currently specialising at the prestigious HEG business school.
The Export+ and Export++ programmes, offered by the CCIG in partnership with HEG, therefore represent a great opportunity for Swiss SMEs looking to grow their export business in growing markets while benefiting from expert support.
Good to know: companies wishing to take advantage of these programmes can contact Philippe Régnier, senior emerging markets expert.
The origins of the Export+ and Export++ programmes
Launched to help small and medium-sized Swiss enterprises bounce back from the economic damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, these two support programmes offered by the CCIG are designed above all to simplify exporting to markets that may appear difficult to access.
Geographical distance, language barriers, legal complexity… there is no shortage of obstacles that can nip the export ambitions of Swiss SMEs in the bud. Yet the right advice at the right time, the ability to rely on experienced professionals and access to the most relevant tools can make all the difference.
Rather than a one-off boost offering the Geneva economy a temporary substitute, this programme is intended to enable Swiss SMEs to build lasting, profitable business relationships with their foreign partners.
An extension of the CCIG’s “Market Analysis” service
Far from being an isolated initiative, the launch of the Export+ and Export++ programmes is part of a wider range of initiatives offered by the CCIG to support SMEs.
More specifically, this new support offering extends, in a way, access to the Market Analysis Tools portal developed by the International Trade Centre, which CCIG membership grants access to.
Among the most extensive in the world, this database enables Swiss SMEs to identify the best export or import opportunities, track how market shares are evolving in the country in question, learn about local requirements, and ultimately make the best possible decisions.
Setting an appropriate selling price, estimating the potential of the market in question, or knowing the applicable free trade agreements and rules of origin are just some of the possibilities available to users of this programme.
Taken together, these two forms of support give Swiss SMEs the best chance of succeeding in their international development ambitions, allowing them to make the most of the strong growth in particularly dynamic economic regions.
Managing payments with emerging countries
Paying a supplier in an exotic currency (just like receiving a payment from a customer based in an emerging country) can quickly become complex and costly.
The specifics of the local banking system, the volatility of the currencies involved, and the various regulations on controlling financial flows and combating money laundering are all obstacles that can slow down your transfers and increase the fees charged by generalist financial intermediaries.
To pay your customers or suppliers based in emerging countries, it is therefore better to turn to a currency exchange professional, so as to benefit from a reliable, efficient, competitive and, above all, transparent service!
Chinese yuan, Mexican peso, South African rand… b-sharpe offers you 20 currencies for your international transfers to optimise your cash flow and complete your SWIFT or SEPA payments within 24 hours.
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