Webinars EN

BUILDING CAPACITIES FOR IMPROVING GENERAL EXPORT READINESS AND ACCESSING THE EUROPEAN UNION MARKET

The first PROMOVE Comércio webinar series titled “Building Capacities for Improving General Export Readiness and Accessing the European Union Market” comprises five sessions aimed to provide entrepreneurs with relevant information and tools for improving competitiveness, promoting growth, and improving export readiness with a focus on the European Union (EU) market. All five sessions of the series were co-organised with project stakeholders and partners, including the National Directorate for Industry of the Ministry and Industry (DNI), the Institute for the Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (IPEME), the Investment and Export Promotion Agency (APIEX) and the Chamber of Commerce (CCM).

Session I “From Business Development to Export Strategy.”

The webinar explored common aspects related to exports, such as export and business plans and sales channels, and discussed usual challenges when exporting, such as costing, pricing, quality, and certification. In consultation and close collaboration with the National Directorate for Industry, the project will conduct webinars addressing more specific export requirements tailored to the needs of most Mozambican SMEs.

Session II “The Business Model Canvas – strategic tool for innovation, business growth, and exports.”

Most strategic business decisions regarding plans to export or refocus their competitive edge involve innovation. But, often, entrepreneurs find it challenging to convert their ideas from an “in-theory stage” into a realistic “planning stage”. The webinar tackles the application of the business model canvas as a simple, intuitive and flexible tool that helps the entrepreneur better visualise the strategic elements that matter most and have a measurable impact on business growth by creating a value proposition to the customer.

Session III “Export Cost and Price Principles.”

Operations costs are chief in most strategic business decisions regarding export plans or redirecting competitive advantages. However, export decisions can be risky without an accurate calculation of the prices of products and services. This session addressed various aspects of export pricing strategies, cost principles and cost control, which help SMEs visualise the strategic elements in price formatting and final costs when exporting and determining the last market price.

Session IV “How to Implement an Export Market Analysis.”

Export market analysis is essential for companies aiming to sell their products overseas. An export strategy should carefully consider the demand for your company’s products and review and assess the target market, segmentation, and potential market channels. This webinar presented a three-step approach to guide the development of market analysis and discuss critical aspects of market research. In addition, it provided attendees with existing market information tools and explored concrete examples of market analysis in the European Union Market.

Session V “Fundamentals for Developing a Business Plan.”

Creating a solid business plan is the first step toward success in your specific business venture, providing products and services to local, regional, or international markets. Companies´ business plans have at least two primary purposes, communication of your business venture and helping to manage your business based on your principal business- and marketing strategies.  The webinar covers the main aspects of an effective business plan, with a specific focus on the needs and capabilities of an MSME. It provides input on minimum required standards to obtain loans, attracts investors and crucial customers.