DUSHANBE, June 22, 2015, Asia-Plus — The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and US agency for small business are holding today the sector development event for export-oriented companies working in agribusiness and manufacturing on effective exporting. The seminar is being conducted in Khujand, the capital of Sughd province.
According to the EBRD Resident Office in Dushanbe, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development with the support of the US SME Special Fund, has launched a series of sector development seminars targeted at agribusiness enterprises in Central Asia. The first seminar was launched in Shymkent (Kazakhstan), the second was conducted in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) and the third is being conducted in Khujand.
This important business event reportedly transfers knowledge on export of food products, provides a toolkit to help small and medium-sized enterprises access highly competitive markets. A number of the successful case studies from EBRD country of operation were used to show how to achieve success in export.
The key speaker, Mr. Jim Krigbaum, expert on export promotion, has shared best practices in the agribusiness sector through real case studies from Kazakhstan and abroad. This industry expertise was also delivered via a quick business clinic approach, where challenges are demonstrated through real examples, showing how the right know-how to be vital to accessing to two highly competitive markets – the USA and Japan.
The seminar has reportedly gathered producers of dry fruits, flour, sausages, pasta, milk production and others, providing a much needed platform for discussion between businesses and experienced consultants on export promotion.
During the seminar special focus has been given to learning the tools and approaches used to find appropriate foreign market niches, how to find and interpret market data and develop export strategies to increase competitiveness.
In close coordination with EBRD bankers, the seminar offered a platform for businesses across all sub-sectors to meet and discuss opportunities for direct financing, its benefits, requirements and risks.
Richard Jones, Head of EBRD Resident Office in Tajikistan noted: “EBRD is a long standing player in development of businesses in Tajikistan. Through our various financing and know how products we have supported more than 500 enterprises in just the last three years, and we plan to do even more in future. Many companies, especially in Sughd province, have strong export potential, and could export their products to neighboring markets and be competitive.”
CIS markets are highly competitive and are saturated by both local and imported produce of various origins. In addition, in many cases these markets are quite price sensitive, giving little to no margin to play with the price. Not many of local companies know how to operate on such difficult markets as well as don’t know how to start exporting goods. The list of impediments can be continued by insufficient or lack of export orientation skills, and inability to differentiate themselves from competitors, lack of knowledge on where and how to find and assess data and analyze trends.
The event has helped share information and knowledge for successful exporting of Tajik goods abroad.
