Joint media release from Standards Australia and the Hon Kelly O'Dwyer MP, Minister for Small Business, Assistant Treasurer

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are at the forefront of services exports growth and the Australian Government is committed to supporting SMEs to thrive in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

The Australian Government and Standards Australia are bringing together SME representatives, national standards bodies and government officials from APEC economies to share ideas, insights and new perspectives to help promote international standards engagement and greater regulatory coherence in our region.

The growth in international goods and services flows is increasing data and information exchanges and communication across borders. While SMEs are flexible and enterprising in adapting to changes in technology, they can face a number of challenges in accessing global data flows and global value chains.

Reducing barriers to accessing global data flows can help SMEs better connect in the global economy, enabling them to benefit from opportunities in new markets, and support innovative and entrepreneurial activity. For example, harmonising standards for the free flow of data across borders means they do not need to establish a physical presence in other member economies.

The Australian Government and Standards Australia are hosting a workshop in Sydney from 4 to 5 November 2015. Participants and keynote speakers will discuss findings from an Issues Paper on Harmonising Data Flow Standards and develop recommendations for APEC economies by 2016.

The workshop is funded through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s APEC Economic Diplomacy Fund.

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