2020-2021 Work plan for CETA SME contact points

This work-plan is to be implemented over the next 12 months and will be updated regularly, as appropriate.

Activity items:

1) Exchange SMEs related information, and consider ways to increase trade and investment opportunities under CETA for all EU and Canadian SMEs (point 5. (a) of recommendation)

Objectives:

• To exchange information, lessons learned and best practices.

Implementation plan:

• Develop and share methods and procedures for the collection of data on SME utilization of CETA, the use of indicators, monitoring and evaluation methodologies, and the analysis of SMEs utilization of CETA in Canada and the EU.
• Hold a videoconference with Canadian and EU Chief Economists to discuss data, measurement and indicators on the utilization of CETA by SMEs and initiate discussion on metrics to use to measure success in the implementation of the SME Recommendation
• Explore possibilities for Canadian business organisations to join the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN)
• Explore the possible extension of Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) Global to Canada
• Organize an information session on CETA for SMEs during the 2020 EEN Annual Conference

Deliverable/expected results:

• Successful video conference
• A report outlining methods and procedures for the collection of data on SME utilization of CETA, the use of indicators, monitoring and evaluation methodologies, and the analysis of SMEs utilization of CETA in Canada and the EU.
• Holding discussions on possibilities for Canadian business organisations to join the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) and the possible extension of Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) Global to Canada.

2) Ensuring that the information included in the website is up-to-date and relevant for SMEs, and recommend any additional information that the other Party's SMEs Contact Point may publish on its website (point 5. (b) of recommendation)

Objectives:

• To have accurate and accessible information for SMEs

Implementation plan:

• Periodic check of the relevance of the information provided, notably during the phase-in of the EU “Access2Markets” portal
• Canada and the EU to consult relevant SME associations or business support networks on their information needs on CETA
• Develop a consolidated list of EU and Canadian contacts to provide on our SME websites.

Deliverable/expected results:

• A well organized and useful website for SMEs

3) Encouraging, if appropriate, efforts of other bodies established under CETA to integrate SME-related considerations in their work (point 5. (c) of recommendation)

Objectives:

• To increase understanding and awareness of the importance of SMEs’ participation in trade

Implementation plan:

• Explore the possibility of applying a SME lens to all CETA committee work (reviewing the work plans of each committee and identifying opportunities to integrate SME considerations)
• Reach out to contact points for each substantive Chapter to seek their consideration of issues under their Chapter of particular significance to SMEs; and request each Chapter Committee report back to the Joint Trade Committee on their consideration of SME issues

Deliverable/expected results:

• Improved knowledge on how to integrate SMEs in FTAs
• Summary report outlining the findings of the Joint Trade Committee’s considerations of SME issues

4) Considering any other matter of interest to SMEs under CETA, as appropriate (point 5. (d) of recommendation)

Objective:

• Increase information sharing within targeted industries

Implementation plan:

• Undertake internal research and consultation with industry associations and other agencies/ministries in order to identify up to two sectors annually to focus information sharing activities on and promote CETA to SMEs in these areas. 
• 2020: Digitalization and Sustainability

Deliverable/expected results:

• Increase SME participation in trade within said industries

5) Reporting periodically to the CETA Joint Committee, and make, as appropriate, suggestions for its consideration (point 5. (e) of recommendation)

Objectives:

• To exchange ideas and best practices

Implementation plan:

• Reports to be provided to the CETA Joint Committee

Deliverable/expected results:

• Summary report on activities