The Mekong Institute is currently implementing the Regional Learning Program on “Development of SME Clusters and Export Consortia” at the MI Residential Training Center in Khon Kaen, Thailand.  The 4-week learning program started from 4th till 29th July, 2011under the sponsorship of the Thailand International Development Cooperation Agency (TICA).
This program will provide the participants in the field of SME and export promotion with the necessary knowledge and skills to promote cluster development and export consortia.

The 16 participants are either SME entrepreneurs, members of business associations, members of chamber of commerce engaged in regional / international trade, senior and mid-level government officials responsible for enterprises and private sector development from Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam.

Prior to an orientation to the field visits of SME clusters and Export Businesses, the participants will be provided with fundamental knowledge and skills in relevant to concepts of SME clusters and export consortia, SME and clustering approaches, competitiveness of clusters, selecting the EC members, creating and managing EC, EC services and products, financial control in the EC, and others. The participants will be oriented to visits 8 export companies in Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima and Nakhonprathom and trade event at Asia Pacific Business Forum 2011 at UNSCAP in Bangkok.