Business Environment and SME Exports: The case of Chile. USAID Technical Brief no. 2, 2007
| Funding agency(ies) | USAID | |
|---|---|---|
| Date completed | November 2007 | |
| Country(ies) | Chile |
- Description
Authored by: Jorge Daly and Thibaut Muzart of Management Systems International in collaboration with Weidemann Associates, Inc.
The research behind this Technical Brief examined the relationship between the business environment and SME export performance in Chile. This report focuses on issues of firm access and participation in non-traditional export markets and sheds light on which sizes of firms have benefited from Chile¡¦s export boom. The business environment for exporters is described and related to the microeconomic and institutional factors underlying Chile¡¦s export expansion. Answers are sought to the following questions:
- What are the most important economic and institutional elements of the business environment that influence SME export performance?
- Has there been a surge of exports from SMEs and, if so, how significant has it been?
- How effective have been the roles of public, private and civil society institutions in fostering SME exports, and how important has been the role of public-private dialogue?
- What lessons from the Chilean experience can be useful for project design and implementation in other developing countries?
The research reviewed research papers and articles that try to explain Chile¡¦s export performance and in particular the participation of the SME sector. Next, interviews were conducted with specialists in the donor community based in Washington, DC. Third, interviews were conducted by telephone and e-mail with Chilean professionals working in state agencies and with representatives of Chilean exporters and business associations. Research was conducted during the first quarter of 2007.
BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT AND SME EXPORTS: THE CASE OF CHILE