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.
Led by the Chinese and Indian giants, emerging markets have seen demand for consumer goods and capital goods rise exponentially over the past few years.
In 2020, the economies of these emerging powers accounted for nearly 65% of global wealth, presenting tremendous opportunities for Swiss SMEs seeking new markets. This is all the more true given that, since the start of the new academic year, these companies have been able to benefit from the support of the CCIG and its export programmes!
Are you looking to expand your business internationally, particularly into 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.
Introduction to the Export+ and Export++ programmes
Since 18 September 2020, Swiss SMEs wishing to start or expand 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).
These two institutions jointly offer two services:
- Export+, a preliminary study to prepare an export project;
- Export++, a range of financial, commercial, legal and logistics services accessible via a digital platform.
NB: Whilst the Export+ service is already available, the Export++ service 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 a dozen junior advisers who are in their third year of a bachelor’s degree in the Department of International Business Management and are currently specialising at the prestigious HEG business school.
The Export+ and Export++ programmes offered by the CCIG in collaboration with HEG therefore represent an excellent opportunity for Swiss SMEs wishing to expand their export business into growing markets, whilst 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
Introduced to help Swiss small and medium-sized enterprises recover from the economic damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, these two support programmes offered by the CCIG are primarily designed to simplify exporting to markets that may appear difficult to access.
Geographical distance, language barriers, legal complexities… There is no shortage of obstacles that can nip Swiss SMEs’ export ambitions in the bud. However, receiving the right advice at the right time, being able to rely on experienced professionals and having access to the most relevant tools can make all the difference.
Rather than merely providing one-off support to offer the Geneva economy a temporary alternative, this programme is designed to enable Swiss SMEs to establish long-term, 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 forms part of a wider range of initiatives offered by the CCIG to support SMEs.
More specifically, this new support service effectively extends the access to the Market Analysis Tools portal developed by the International Trade Centre, to which CCIG membership provides access.
One of the most comprehensive in the world, this database enables Swiss SMEs to identify the best export and import opportunities, track changes in market share in the country in question, familiarise themselves with local requirements and, ultimately, make the best possible decisions.
Setting an appropriate selling price, assessing the potential of the relevant market, or understanding the applicable free trade agreements and rules of origin are just some of the options available to users of this programme.
All in all, these two support schemes therefore offer Swiss SMEs the best chance of success in their international expansion plans, enabling them to take full advantage of the strong growth in particularly dynamic economic regions.
Managing payments with emerging economies
Paying a supplier in a foreign currency (just as receiving a payment from a customer based in an emerging market) can quickly become complex and costly.
The specific characteristics of the local banking system, the volatility of the currencies in question, and the varying regulations governing the monitoring of financial flows and the fight against money laundering are all obstacles that can slow down your transfers and increase the fees charged by generalist financial intermediaries.
When paying your customers or suppliers based in emerging markets, it is therefore best to use a professional currency exchange service to benefit from a reliable, efficient, competitive and, above all, transparent service!
Chinese yuan, Mexican peso, South African rand… b-sharpe offers 20 currencies for your international transfers, helping you optimise your cash flow and complete your SWIFT or SEPA payments within 24 hours.
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