Conducting survey, KIIs and FGDs to understand the awareness level of export-oriented SMEs in the context of the LDC graduation of Bangladesh
Project timeline:
Sep, 2022 – Nov, 2022
Partners:
- UNDP
Locations the project served: Nationwide – Data Collection included 203 export-oriented and export-potential SMEs from selected regions and sectors and several 4 FGDs of 4 sectors and 21 KIIs with industry stakeholders.
Project objective:
In the context of the prospective LDC graduation of Bangladesh, the Government of Bangladesh has prepared the Smooth Transition Strategy and a part of this involves understanding the awareness level of the SMEs about the impact of this graduation on the international support measures they can enjoy at present. For this reason, UNDP Bangladesh Research Facility planned to conduct a study on this matter and facilitate the government in generating insights for further actions on this aspect. The major objectives of the study have been:
- To know about the awareness and understanding of the target SMEs, on LDC graduation
- To gather knowledge about the possible impacts of LDC graduation on target SMEs
- To identify the policy and programmatic responses needed to facilitate the target SMEs in being prepared for LDC graduation
Project outcome:
The study successfully assessed the awareness and preparedness of export-oriented and export-potential SMEs regarding Bangladesh’s prospective LDC graduation, identifying critical impacts and areas of concern.
- Low Awareness and Preparedness: The study clearly revealed that most export-oriented and export-potential SMEs are largely unaware of the impending LDC graduation and its potential implications, consequently lacking preparedness to address the challenges and leverage the opportunities.
- Identified Impact Areas: Key areas of concern and opportunity for SMEs were identified, including preferential benefits, international trade relations, government support, inflation, ease of doing business, product quality,product and market diversification, networking, access to information, product pricing, competition, and legal and environmental compliance.
- Competitiveness Concerns Highlighted: The study emphasized that enhancing the competitiveness of Bangladeshi exports post-graduation will necessitate adding more value in terms of quality and meeting market demand, which requires product enhancement, diversification, and compliance with regulations.
- Information and Skill Gaps: It was determined that SMEs require better access to market insights, information on standards, and the knowledge and skills to effectively deal with market changes induced by LDC graduation.
- Need for Supportive Ecosystem: The findings underscore the necessity of creating a business-friendly environment and a robust support ecosystem, alongside initiatives to facilitate affordable access to necessary information and facilities for SMEs to adapt to the post-LDC graduation landscape.
Understanding Impact and Strategic Development:
- Thematic Focus: Our expertise extends to a broad range of digital economy and digital society projects, including e-commerce development, fair work practices, and building robust ICT frameworks.
- Project Analysis and Strategy: We conduct comprehensive studies to analyze project outcomes, identify effective strategies, and inform future development in areas such as digital health and digital education.
- Key Learnings from Field Work: Our direct engagement in various initiatives has provided valuable insights into adapting to challenges like pandemics, implementing alternative approaches, and leveraging technology for wider reach and impact.
Specific Observations and Recommendations:
- Positive Campaign Impact: Campaigns demonstrate a clear positive impact on target groups, indicating high potential for broader positive societal change.
- Effectiveness of Engagement Methods: Hands-on activities like carnivals are highly effective in engaging participants and generating significant responses.
- Strategic Expansion Needs: There’s a clear recommendation for geographical expansion of successful models and increased flexibility in project planning to maximize reach and impact.
- Technological Integration for Outreach: The use of online campaigns and community-based digital researchers (like TEGAs) proves highly effective in spreading awareness and collecting data.
- Importance of Local Engagement: Involving local agents (e.g., Kallyanis) is crucial for overcoming field challenges and ensuring targets are met, especially in adverse conditions.
- Need for Follow-up and Sustainability: The importance of follow-up activities and ensuring the long-term sustainability of project outcomes is recognized for continued positive impact.
- Continuous Improvement through Feedback: Observations from fieldwork provide valuable feedback for improving future campaigns, including suggestions for integrating tangible incentives and expanding activities.
The important skills and knowledge that the entrepreneurs need to acquire in preparation of LDC graduation are as follows:
