Small & medium enterprises (SMEs)play an important role in the economiesof most countries in the Asia-Pacificregion not only because of their sheernumber but also the variety of theiractivities.

In part, SMEs contribute tocountryside development, as well as support largeindustries and serve as a breeding ground for innovationand adaptation. SMEs thus can be looked upon as asource of constant renewal in commerce and industryand as a wellspring of competition and dynamism.

Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia & the Pacific (ADFIAP) is the focal point of all development banks and other financial institutions engaged in the financing of development in the Asia-Pacific region. Its mission is to advance sustainable development through its members.

Association of Development Finance Institutions in Malaysia (ADFIM) was established on January 12, 1981 with the following objectives: (a) to promote the establishment of a sound institutional structure for the financing of development in Malaysia; (b) to promote sound practices in the business and profession of development financing and development banking;

The International Trade Centre (ITC) is the joint technical cooperation agency of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) for business aspects of trade development.