TradeConnect, GlobalLinker’s flagship cross border trade and learning meetup for SMEs is back! The second edition of this highly anticipated SME event is to be held in Singapore from 12 -14 November 2019, hosted alongside the Singapore Fintech Festival.

What is TradeConnect?

TradeConnect in Singapore brings business owners from Philippines, India and different ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries and industries together to interact with each other, explore cross border business opportunities, listen in on expert sessions and knowledge series, and understand how cross border trade can be made easier.

TradeConnect is a one of its kind event that focuses on connecting SMEs in the ASEAN region. The event presents SMEs with myriad opportunities to expand their business beyond geographical boundaries. What’s more, participants get an opportunity to attend the Singapore Fintech Festival, the largest fintech festival in the world.

Also read: My Singapore Tradeconnect 2018 Experience: Global SME Meetup

Why TradeConnect?

In most Asian countries, SMEs are the backbone of their national economies. In Philippines, SMEs make up 99.6% of all registered businesses and employ over 70 percent of the working population. India alone is home to around 65 million SMEs, which contribute to 11% of GDP, 45% of total manufacturing output and provide employment opportunities to more than 100 million people. Similarly, SMEs are at the heart of Singapore’s economy. They make up 99% of all enterprises, employ two-thirds of the workforce, and account for about half of Singapore’s GDP.

However, running a small business comes with tons of challenges and is often an isolating experience. Entrepreneurs may feel that they are alone struggling against all sorts of odds, whereas the reality is that small business owners around the world face similar challenges. Networking with other business owners can be a source of learning, inspiration and exploring business synergies. While networking locally is essential, business today is often done on a national or global scale. For future sustainability, SMEs need more business. TradeConnect brings SMEs from different countries together and bring them unprecedented global exposure and networking opportunities. Here is why you should attend TradeConnect.

Also read: Flying to Singapore with a purpose: My experience at TradeConnect

• New Global Connections

TradeConnect brings SMEs from different countries (primarily ASEAN), different industries and different disciplines together under one roof. This is your chance to rendezvous with ambitious entrepreneurs and business owners from across the globe. Who knows, you could even find you next business partner or client there!

• Actionable Knowledge

Besides your fellow attendees, our expert speakers and dignitaries will give you the knowledge to supersize your business growth. The 13th of November is packed with multiple speaker & panel sessions on the future of SME growth in this connected world, so there's plenty of learning to go around.

• Inside Access to Singapore Fintech Festival

TradeConnect is hosted inside the world's biggest fintech festival. You will leave TradeConnect with an even bigger vision for your business, inspired to take your business to the next level!

Overall, TradeConnect allows you to take a step back from your day to day work and look at your opportunities and challenges in new ways from a new perspective. You'll also leave making some great lifelong friends. 

Highlights from last year’s TradeConnect event in Singapore

Last year’s event saw over 75 business owners from India, Philippines and Singapore meet and discuss cross border trade opportunities and attend expert sessions on digitisation and business growth. Speaker line up included Dr. Ajay Sahai, Director General & CEO, Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), Edwin Bautista, President & COO of Union Bank of the Philippines, Serene HO Fung Ying Director, Singapore Customs Networked Trade Platform Office and many more dignitaries, experts, innovators and industry titans. Special access to Prime Minister Modi’s electrifying address at the Singapore Fintech Festival was a highlight for participants. SME delegates took back some key learnings to reinvigorate their business journey as well as established meaningful business connections.

Here are some glimpses from last year’s TradeConnect event held in Singapore.

How can I be part of TradeConnect?

Want to be part of TradeConnect? We are extending an invite to you! Through UnionBank's partnership with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)  and GlobalLinker, we're offering a TradeConnect and SFF All-Access pass at 440 USD, inclusive of the following:

• 3 Day SFF Conference Pass from 11-13 Nov (all day dining at venue)
• TradeConnect Conference Pass 12-13 Nov
• 3 Day / 2 Night stay at 4 Star Hotel

Email sff.sg@travelctm.com to register or you can visit here to directly register today!

See you in Singapore!