On 4 November the MED MSMEs Programme organized a hybrid roundtable in Beirut to introduce focus Digital Transformation (DT) and the best ways to develop SMEs exports.  DT is defined as the process of changing the way things are done using digital technology to allow applying new forms of innovation to have faster and cheaper transactions with application in the automation of procedures, streamlining export clearances, business remodelling, and country branding.

The framework for DT is based on three pillars: Governance and policy framework, business environment, and services and tools. Hence, emphasis is on the need to upgrade countries export strategies to focus on digital transformation to build new products, new services, new distribution channels and the need for government agencies to follow. Presentations included case studies from over 12 countries to illustrate rewarding digital transformation in different applications including: improvement of policy coordination, simplification of export procedures, logistics tracking, access to information and market researches and the Global Trade Helpdesk (GTH) aimed at simplifying market research for companies