On October 31, 2023, the Customs Administration of Peru (SUNAT), supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), organized an online forum tailored to support Peruvian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in engaging with cross border e-commerce. This activity resulted from the guidance SUNAT provides to MSMEs to boost their competitiveness, expand their businesses and reach new markets under its flagship programme, "Emprender Exportando."
The World Customs Organization (WCO) led the activity, gathering over 160 participants from public agencies and the private sector, including MSMEs. Throughout the forum, the latest international trends and challenges for integrating MSMEs in the global value chain were reviewed, with insights from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Conference of Latin American & Caribbean Express Companies (CLADEC), Peru Export and Tourism Promotion Commission (PROMPERU), DHL, Amazon, and MSMEs representatives.
The virtual event facilitated the exchange of best practices and lessons learned, drawing from the experiences of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Chilean Customs Administration. Additionally, success stories from Peruvian MSMEs Joyeros Artesanal Yamanik and Warmipura y Compañía were shared to inspire and motivate internationalization efforts, encouraging increased participation in Peru's governmental plans.
In concluding the forum, emphasis was placed on the critical role of streamlined procedures in promoting E-commerce, making international trade more accessible for MSMEs. The need to reduce red tape and enhance efficiency was underscored, emphasizing the urgency for the authorities to embrace digitalization and employ data analytics methods to adapt to dynamic trends.
The WCO, through the SECO-WCO GTFP, congratulated SUNAT for spearheading this initiative, recognizing such activities as crucial springboards for MSMEs to enhance their opportunities in external trade. The forum highlighted SUNAT's commitment to spreading the benefits of the "Emprender Exportando" programme and contributing to the advancement of MSMEs in the international trade landscape.
For more information on the GTFP, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org