CAREC Institute Co-Organizes Academic Session at Asia SME Monitor 2025 Launch in Baku

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) organized the launch seminar for the Asia Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (ASM) Monitor 2025 Edition on November 12-13, 2025, in Baku, Azerbaijan. The seminar focused on the theme “Global Uncertainty, Trade, and Private Sector Businesses in Asia and the Pacific.” It brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the current global environment.

Dr. Ghulam Samad, Chief of the Research Division at the CAREC Institute, participated in the seminar and contributed to the discussions. On the first day, Dr. Samad delivered a presentation on “How Governments Can Respond to Increased Global Uncertainty for Designing Effective MSME Development Strategies.” His presentation explored several key issues, including the digitalization of businesses, the green transformation of MSMEs, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) transitions, and the roles of women, youth, and MSMEs in global value chains.

On the second day, the CAREC Institute, in partnership with ADB, co-organized an academic session focused on the thematic study “Challenging Global Trade Environment and Private Sector Businesses in Developing Asia.” Dr. Samad moderated the session on “International Trade for MSMEs” and participated as a discussant in the session on “MSME Trade Policies and Assessments.” He also delivered the closing remarks for the session, underscoring the importance of evidence-based policymaking and regional cooperation to promote economic integration across CAREC countries.

The seminar facilitated meaningful discussions on MSME resilience, global trade policies, and strategies for navigating economic uncertainties in developing Asia.