ISTANBUL, JUN 27 /DNA/ – The Secretary-General of the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) issued a powerful call to action today on Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day, recognizing the sector as the “backbone of sustainable growth” and unveiling a new Secretariat initiative to pivot the bloc toward high-value, sustainable services.
In a statement commemorating #MSMEDay, the Secretary-General highlighted the staggering global footprint of MSMEs, which account for nearly 90% of businesses and 70% of global employment. Within the D-8’s vast demographic landscape—home to 1.28 billion people—these enterprises are positioned as critical drivers of regional value chains and inclusive development.
“Entrepreneurs are the true architects of our economies,” the Secretary-General stated. “Across the D-8 geography, from Nigeria to Indonesia, MSMEs are not just surviving; they are transforming local communities. They are the conduits through which we will achieve inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economic integration.”
Strategic Framework and Institutional Commitment
The Secretariat reiterated its commitment to the 2015 D-8 SME cooperation framework, emphasizing the operational role of the D-8 SME Centre located in Abuja, Nigeria. The Centre remains a focal point for facilitating South-South partnerships and enhancing technical collaboration with relevant United Nations bodies to provide entrepreneurs with the tools needed to scale and compete globally.
Green and Health: The Future of MSMEs
In a significant move to modernize the bloc’s economic agenda, the D-8 Secretariat is marking this year’s observance by convening a special dual-themed webinar. The virtual event features senior experts from Malaysia and is split into two critical tracks:
- Green MSMEs: Focused on sustainability, exploring how small enterprises can adopt circular economy principles, access green financing, and reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining profitability.
- Medical Tourism: A new frontier for the bloc, aiming to unlock the potential of high-value health services. The session will explore how MSMEs can integrate into the global healthcare value chain, positioning D-8 nations as competitive destinations for medical travel.
The Path Forward
The Secretary-General urged member states and private sector stakeholders to leverage these initiatives to build MSMEs that are “greener, smarter, more resilient, and globally competitive.” The webinar aims to produce actionable insights that will feed into the D-8’s broader strategic roadmap, ensuring that the sector remains at the forefront of economic recovery and long-term development.
The event is expected to draw participants from across the D-8 membership, which includes Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey.
