Event

World Export Development Forum 2023

    Overview

    At the World Export Development Forum, we talk trade, do business and drive development. It is the ideal setting to shape trade development and connect small businesses to new markets for green and inclusive trade. The theme is Diversify through Green Trade. B2Bs are in ICT, natural fibres and leather. 

    The event is at the Shangri-La, Ulaanbaatar. 

    Date & location
    26–29 June 2023

    Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar

    Contact
    wedf [at] intracen.org

     

    In-Person:

    Shangri-La
    19, Olympic Street 1
    Ulaanbaatar
    14241
    Mongolia

    Programme

    Landlocked Developing Countries and Business Meetings (By Invitation Only)
    Monday 26 June
    09:00 - 09:45
    Inauguration
    Closed-door business consultations bring the private sector voice to the highest levels in government and the United Nations for a Third UN Conference on LLDCs that is set for 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda and will be attended by Heads of State and Government.
    H.E. Ms. Battsetseg Batmunkh
    Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mongolia
    H.E. Rabab Fatima
    Under Secretary General and High Representative, United Nations Office of the High Representative for LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS; Secretary General for the 3rd UN Conference on LLDCs
    H.E. Mr. Bountheung Douangsavanh
    Vice Minister of Industry and Commerce, Lao PDR
    Mr. Tapan Mishra
    UN Resident Coordinator, Mongolia
    Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton
    Executive Director, International Trade Centre (ITC)
    Mr. Ulziisaikhan Ganbold (Master of Ceremonies)
    Director, Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mongolia
    09:45 - 11:00
    Regional Trade Connectivity
    Landlocked countries have only 1% share of global trade. An inclusive supply chain mindset will boost trade. Transport and logistics should focus on trade corridors and borders, with affordable finance for small firms in value chains. Trade facilitation measures must be digital and gender-sensitive.
    Mr. Victor Kiprop (Moderator)
    BBC Africa 
    Mr. Odbayar Erdenetsog
    Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of Mongolia
    Ms. Gladys Mutangadura
    Head of LLDC Unit, UN-OHRLLS
    Ms. Dorothea Lazaro
    Regional Cooperation Specialist, Asian Development Bank
    Mr. Holger Wiefel
    Regional Head, Central Asia & Mongolia, SME Finance & Development, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
    Dr. Mohammad Saeed
    Trade Facilitation Senior Adviser, International Trade Centre
    11:00 - 11:20
    Networking break
    11:20 - 13:00
    Business Voices from Landlocked Developing Countries: Private Sector Consultations 
    Moderated dialogues and Q&A 

    Moderator: Mr. Victor Kiprop, BBC Africa 

    11:20-12:20 Parallel roundtables on business and trade development 

    - Trade infrastructure (Facilitated by CAREC)
    - Regional connectivity (Facilitated by UN-OHRLLS)
    - Trade and finance (Facilitated by EBRD)
    - Inclusive trade facilitation (Facilitated by ITC)

    12:20-13:00 Summaries 

    Rapporteur: 
    Mr. Dulguun Damdin-Od, Executive Director, International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries 

    Closing remarks:
    Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director, International Trade Centre
    Mr. Victor Kiprop (Moderator)
    BBC Africa 
    Mr. Dulguun Damdin-Od (Rapporteur)
    Executive Director, International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries
    Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton
    Executive Director, International Trade Centre (ITC)
    14:00 - 18:00
    Business to Business Meetings
    Sectors: ICT Services, Natural fibres, Leather
    18:00 - 18:30
    Presentation on the China International Fair for Investment and Trade
     Xiamen MICE Industry Promotion Agency
    Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day
    Tuesday 27 June
    09:00 - 10:00
    Official Opening: World Export Development Forum
    The President of Mongolia opens the event with international officials. They outline a forward-looking vision to diversify trade in ways that are green, digital and organic – and bring small businesses into regional and global trade.

    Master of Ceremonies nominated by the Government of Mongolia.
    H.E. Khurelsukh Ukhnaa
    President of Mongolia 
    H.E. Rabab Fatima
    Under Secretary General and High Representative, United Nations Office of the High Representative for LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS; Secretary General for the 3rd UN Conference on LLDCs
    Mr. Claudio Viezzoli
    Managing Director, SME Finance & Development, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development 
    Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton
    Executive Director, International Trade Centre (ITC)
    Ms. Odgerel Oyungerel
    Head, Corporate Affairs, APU Company
    10:00 - 10:30
    Networking break
    10:30 - 12:30
    Paths to Diversification: Business Cases
    Businesses take the spotlight on this International Day for Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. They share inspirational examples of green and digital trade – and reflect on the visions set out earlier in the day.

    GREEN
    - Ms. Shagdarsuren Delgermaa, Chief Operating Officer, Monpellets, Mongolia & Mr. Paul Brough, Agribusiness Manager, Rabobank, New Zealand

    - Ms. Thérèse Sekamana, Founder/CEO, LED Solutions and Green Energy, Rwanda & Ms. Siti Sofiah binti Ramli, Owner, Medic Pets, Malaysia


    DIGITAL
    - Mr. Purevbazar Purevjav, Founder, FIBO Cloud, Mongolia

    - Mr. Anar Chinbaatar, Co-Founder and Chief Vision Officer, ONDO; Founder and President, AND Global, Mongolia & Mr. Satoshi Irie, General Manager, Finance & Leasing Business, Marubeni ASEAN, Japan
    Mr. Georgie Ndirangu (Moderator)
    Head of Pan-African Programme Communications, Mastercard Foundation
    Mr. Davaadalai Batsuuri
    Economic Policy Advisor to the President of Mongolia
    Ms. Shagdarsuren Delgermaa
    Chief Operating Officer, Monpellets, Mongolia
    Mr. Paul Brough
    Agribusiness Manager, Rabobank, New Zealand
    Ms. Thérèse Sekamana
    Chief Executive Officer, LED Solutions and Green Energy, and Chairperson, Private Sector Federation Specialized Cluster, host institution of SheTrades Rwanda Hub
    Ms. Siti Sofiah binti Ramli
    Owner, Medic Pets, Malaysia
    Mr. Purevbazar Purevjav
    Founder, FIBO Cloud, Mongolia
    Mr. Anar Chinbaatar
    Co-Founder and Chief Vision Officer, ONDO; Founder and President, AND Global, Mongolia
    Mr. Satoshi Irie
    General Manager, Finance & Leasing Business, Marubeni ASEAN, Japan
    12:30 - 13:30
    Lunch
    13:45 - 14:45
    In Conversation: Scaling up Youth Entrepreneurship
    Globally, over 40% of people are now under 25. Today’s entrepreneurs are tomorrow’s employers. What do young entrepreneurs need to succeed?

    Video remarks: Ms. Jayathma Wickramanayake, United Nations Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth, United Nations
    Ms. Jayathma Wickramanayake
    United Nations Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth, United Nations
    Mr. Vedant Gandhi
    Former Ecopreneur Winner and Co-Founder, Recycle X, India
    Ms. Neo Mosimane
    Founder, Lebone and Ye! Community Advisor, Botswana
    Mr. Allan Majuru
    Chief Executive Officer, ZimTrade, Zimbabwe
    Ms. Natalie Domeisen (Moderator)
    Programme Lead, World Export Development Forum, ITC
    14:45 - 15:05
    Networking Break
    15:05 - 17:00
    Youth Ecopreneur Awards: Green Pitch Competition
    Young entrepreneurs from around the world pitch their green startups before a panel of judges. Selected from 63 countries, they compete in two categories: Green Business Solutions, and Land Restoration Initiatives.

    Judges:
    - Mr. Andrew Michael Ong, Director, Division for Asia and the Pacific, World Intellectual Property Organization
    - Mr. Allan Majuru, Chief Executive Officer, ZimTrade, Zimbabwe
    - Ms. Paula Padrino Vilela, Programme Manager, Land Restoration, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
    - Mr. Vedant Gandhi, former Ecopreneur award winner; Co-Founder, RecycleX, India
    - Ms. Diana Carballo, Senior Pro Bono Coordinator, Sidley Austin
    Mr. Victor Kiprop (Moderator)
    BBC Africa 
    Ms. Ozaal Zesha (Moderator)
    Ye! Advisor Pakistan and young entrepreneur
    Mr. Chirag M G
    Green Business Finalist, Brown Reed Agri Waste Innovations, India
    Ms. Tamara Gondo
    Green Business Finalist, Liberty Society, Indonesia
    Mr. Abdulrhman Zaki Elhalafawy
    Green Business Finalist, Cupmena, Egypt
    Ms. Oyungerel Munkhbat
    Green Business Finalist, Airee, Mongolia
    Mr. Max Fontaine
    Land Restoration Finalist, Bondy, Madagascar
    Ms. Mawuse Christina Gyisun
    Land Restoration Finalist, Sommalife, Ghana
    Mr. Mashrur Hossain Shurid
    Land Restoration Finalist, iPage, Bangladesh
    Mr. Andrew Michael Ong
    Director, Division for Asia and the Pacific, World Intellectual Property Organization
    Mr. Allan Majuru
    Chief Executive Officer, ZimTrade, Zimbabwe
    Ms. Paula Padrino Vilela
    Programme Manager, Land Restoration, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
    Mr. Vedant Gandhi
    Former Ecopreneur Winner and Co-Founder, Recycle X, India
    Ms. Diana Carballo
    Senior Pro Bono Coordinator, Sidley Austin
    17:30 - 19:00
    Exhibition visit: SMEs at Suhkbaatar Square
    Green, Digital and Inclusive Trade
    Wednesday 28 June
    09:00 - 10:00
    In Conversation: Trade Trends
    At the midway point in the forum, we offer thought leadership on inclusive and sustainable trade in fast-changing times. The impact of artificial intelligence for small firms is a key theme that will be explored.
    Mr. Jose W. Fernandez (Keynote)
    Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Department of State, United States of America
    Mr. Georgie Ndirangu (Moderator)
    Head of Pan-African Programme Communications, Mastercard Foundation
    Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton
    Executive Director, International Trade Centre (ITC)
    Prof. De Kai
    Distinguished Research Scholar, International Computer Science Institute, University of California, Berkeley
    10:00 - 11:20
    Power Digital Transformation with Local Innovation
    The world has embarked on a transformative journey, reshaping business and trade through digital innovation. As technology becomes seamlessly integrated into every facet of our lives, major tech companies are expanding their global reach, and local digital innovators are taking up the challenge to play their part. This panel takes stock of digitalization across geographies and zooms in on the impact of artificial intelligence and other frontier technologies, and what it means for small businesses.
    Mr. Tapan Mishra
    UN Resident Coordinator, Mongolia
    Ms. Celeste Ilagan
    Chief Policy and Regulatory Affairs Officer, IT & Business Process Association, the Philippines
    Ms. Yi Wu
    General Director, HICOOL China
    Mr. Ibrahima Nour Eddine Diagne
    CEO, Gaines 2000, Senegal
    Ms. Byambajargal Ayushjav
    Chairwoman, Faro Group, Mongolia; Director, ICT & Digital Economy Committee, American Chamber of Commerce, Mongolia
    Mr. Martin Labbé (Moderator)
    Tech Sector Development Coordinator, International Trade Centre
    11:20 - 11:40
    Networking break
    11:40 - 13:00
    Towards Green Trade
    As environmental considerations enter global value chains, we must ensure a ‘just transition’ for small suppliers in developing countries.
    Mr. Joseph Murabula
    CEO, Kenya Center for Climate Innovation, Kenya
    Mr. Vu Ba Phu
    Director General, Vietrade
    Mr. YM Raja Badrulnizam Raja Kamalzaman
    Senior Director, Strategic Planning Division, MATRADE
    Mr. Batkhuu Idesh
    Director General, Trade and Economic Cooperation Policy Department, Ministry of Economy and Development, Mongolia
    Ms. Judith Arends
    Managing Director, Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries, the Netherlands 
    H.E. Ms. Axelle Nicaise
    Ambassador/Head of Delegation of the European Union to Mongolia
    Ms. Vanessa Erogbogbo (Moderator)
    Chief, Green and Inclusive Value Chains, International Trade Centre
    13:00 - 14:00
    Lunch
    14:15 - 15:35
    Access to Finance
    From blended financing to impact investment, guarantees, risk sharing, improved data and other resources, we can innovate to support small firms.
    Ms. Hohete-Berhan Arefeaine
    Co-Founder and Executive Board Member, African Fintech Network, Ethiopia
    Mr. Deepesh Patel
    Editorial Director, Trade Finance Global
    Mr. Holger Wiefel
    Regional Head, Central Asia & Mongolia, SME Finance & Development, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
    Dr. Moon-Hwan Kim
    Vice President, Innovation Growth Assistance Division, Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME)
    Ms. Erdenedelger Bavlai
    First Deputy CEO, Khan Bank, Mongolia
    Mr. Robert Skidmore (Moderator)
    Chief, Sector and Enterprise Competitiveness, International Trade Centre 
    15:35 - 15:55
    Networking break
    15:55 - 16:20
    Launch: SheTrades Mongolia Hub
    Ms. Yeruu Dorjderem (Master of Ceremonies)
    Director of Business Academy, Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry
    Ms. Amina J. Mohammed
    Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations
    H.E. Ms. Khurelbaatar Bulgantuya
    Minister of Labour and Social Protection, Mongolia
    Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton
    Executive Director, International Trade Centre (ITC)
    Mr. Duuren Tumenjargal
    Chief Executive Officer, Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry
    16:20 - 17:30
    Women in trade - Connecting Communities, Opening Doors
    Connecting women to international networks helps them access new markets, build skills, find mentors and access finance – especially in tech, the next frontier for women’s empowerment.
    Ms. Baigali Ochkhuu
    Vice-President, Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mongolia
    Ms. Xoliswa Daku
    Chairperson, Board of Directors, Small Enterprise Development Agency, South Africa
    Ms. Thérèse Sekamana
    Chief Executive Officer, LED Solutions and Green Energy, and Chairperson, Private Sector Federation Specialized Cluster, host institution of SheTrades Rwanda Hub
    Ms. Elaine Conkievich
    United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative, Mongolia
    Ms. Opeyemi Abebe
    Head of Trade Competitiveness, Commonwealth Secretariat, United Kingdom
    Ms. Judith Fessehaie (Moderator)
    Head, SheTrades, International Trade Centre
    17:30 - 18:00
    Closing
    Announcement of the winners of the Youth Ecopreneur Awards, as well as the next host country for the World Export Development Forum.
    Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton
    Executive Director, International Trade Centre (ITC)
    Ms. Sibylle Neuhaus (Master of Ceremonies)
    Office of the Executive Director, International Trade Centre
    Mr. Sodbaatar Yangug
    Chief of Staff to the President of Mongolia
    19:00 - 22:00
    Open Air Gala Dinner
    With cultural performance
    Post-Conference Events
    Thursday 29 June
    09:00 - 16:00
    National Export Strategy Workshop
    This workshop is an opportunity to reflect on the insights of the World Export Development Forum discussions and business meetings and ensure they are integrated in the development of a national export strategy, which is expected to be
    launched at the end of 2023.

    Businesses in Mongolia are specially invited to this workshop. It is designed to bring the voice of business to export strategy development. The workshop will explore priority sectors for trade development. It will feature international experts and national government officials will be present.

    Mongolia is developing a national export strategy with the World Bank and the International Trade Centre, with the aim to diversify trade. The focal point in the government is the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Light Industry, and other government ministries are also involved.

    A second day of closed-door discussions will take place among those directly involved in developing the strategy.
    10:00 - 14:00
    Nomadic Festival Excursion
    International participants will meet a nomadic family, hear Mongolian folk songs, have an introduction to herding, milking and distillation of dairy alcohol. Archery, felt-making and rides in yak and camel-drawn carts are also part of the experience.

    Buses leave the Shangri-La at 10:00 and return at 14:00. The programme includes a traditional Mongolian lunch.

    Photos

    B2B Meetings

    When  Monday, 26 June - 14:30-18:30 Ulaanbaatar time

    Where Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar

    The B2B meetings provide a platform for businesses operating in the ICT, Natural Fibres, or Leather sectors to engage in one-on-one discussions, explore market opportunities, establish partnerships, and negotiate deals. You will be able to enhance your business network, increase your brand visibility, and showcase your goods and services. The B2B meetings will be facilitated and scheduled by the WEDF organizers, based on your company profile and business interests. 

    Details 

    Monday, 26 June - B2B Meetings will be scheduled automatically based on your company preferences and business interests.

    27-29 June - You will have the opportunity to schedule your own B2B meetings during dedicated time slots, which are indicated in the Conference Programme. The B2B Networking Platform will allow you to choose companies, time, and place of the meeting. You can integrate your personal B2B agenda into your calendar using the B2B Networking Platform.

    Find instructions on how to build your personal meeting schedule between 27-29 June here.

    Youth Ecopreneur Awards

    The Youth Ecopreneur Awards drew global attention as seven finalists competed in two categories: Green Business Solutions and Land Restoration Initiatives.

    The second category was a new addition, developed with the UN Convention to Combat Desertification’s G20 Global Land Initiative.

    Oyungerel Munkhbat of Airee, Mongolia won the Green Business Solutions award.

    Mashrur Hossain Shurid of iPage, Bangladesh emerged victorious in the Land Restoration Initiative.

    Chirag MG of Sunbird Straws went home with the People’s Choice Award, chosen by electronic votes from those at the conference as well as those watching online.

    The two winners of each category were awarded $5,000 each and access to the Google for Startups Accelerator programme. All finalists gained access to intellectual property training programmes from the World Intellectual Property Organization, pitch training from Google and the International Trade Centre, video training from the International Trade Centre, and pro-bono legal services from Sidley Austin until they graduate from SME status.

    Practical Information and Resources

    Note: Please check for biweekly updates on visas, hotels, flights and tourism packages 

    Participation in WEDF 2023 and business development meetings are free of charge and subject to confirmation by the organizers. Participants are responsible for their travel and accommodation costs. 

    WEDF, including its related events, takes place from Monday, 26 June through Thursday, 29 June. The Official Opening will be in the morning of 27 June. The Official Closing will be in the afternoon of 28 June. 


    Before the official opening, on Monday 26 June, related events include the launch of a SheTrades Hub for Mongolia, an LLDC Private Sector Preparatory Meeting, and Business Clinics. 

    After the closing, on Thursday 29 June, there will be a capacity-building day, dedicated to organic certification, quality management system, market linkages and e-commerce training. 

    The event takes place in English. Simultaneous interpretation from and into Mongolian will be offered for WEDF plenary sessions. 

    Mongolia: business development 

    Mongolia's commitment to diversifying into non-traditional export areas, as well as its young population, present exciting opportunities for businesses looking to expand into new markets. Mongolia positions itself as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. 

    The country has demonstrated its commitment to developing its non-mining sectors, with a particular focus on agribusiness, prioritizing pine nuts and services, as well as tourism and ICT. Particularly, Mongolia supports women entrepreneurs and youth businesses. 

    Entry requirements for Mongolia 

    Mongolia allows many countries to travel to its country without a visa. For a full list of visa-exempt countries and length of permitted stays, click here.

    For countries which are not on this list and hence require a visa, Mongolian immigration authorities have guaranteed visa-on-arrival for all registered WEDF participants. The registration process will collect your passport and other basic information, which will be provided to the Mongolia Department of Immigration. You will then receive a signed and stamped letter from the Department confirming your eligibility for visa-on-arrival, so that you can depart from your port of origin without complication. 

    Accommodation and meals 

    Participants are expected to make their own accommodation arrangements. 

    The hotels below are examples for participants to consider. 

    During the conference, lunch and coffee/tea breaks are offered on 27 and 28 June. Dinner is also offered on 27 June. 

    Travel to Mongolia 

    Chinggis Khaan International Airport is 52 km south of the country’s capital, Ulaanbaatar. Opened in 2021, it is Mongolia’s largest airport. Four shuttle buses connect travelers to the capital. Among the airlines offering the most frequent travel to Mongolia are: 

    • Mongolian Airlines 

    • Turkish Airlines 

    • Qatar Airways 

    • Air China 

    • Hunnu Air 

    • Korean Air 

    • Air Busan 

    • Tway Air 

    • Asiana Airlines 

    To obtain preferential flight rates to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on Mongolian Airlines, please contact Ms. Ts. Azzaya at Tapatrip LLC:

    Email: azzaya [at] tapatrip.com

    Phone: +976 8515 4444

    Language 

    While Mongolian is the official language, there are two additional languages that are widely spoken in Mongolia, namely Chinese and Russian. 

    Currency 

    The local currency in Mongolia is the Tughrik. ATM machines are available in major hotels and at the Chinggis Khan International Airport (on its second floor). We recommend that participants also bring US dollars. The official daily foreign exchange rates can be explored at the Central Bank of Mongolia. 

    Credit cards 

    Credit cards can be used at upmarket shops, major hotels and many restaurants in the capital. For small businesses and markets, and outside of the capital, local currency is required. 

    Tourist packages 

    Five sightseeing tours are available for WEDF participants after the conference. Brochures with detailed information and pricing can be found here at the bottom of the page.

    All tours are available for a fee and must be reserved by the delegate directly with the tour operator. A 10% discount can be applied to four of the five packages for WEDF participants. The discount can not be applied to the "Wild Wild South-Gobi Tour" package.

    Commitment to common challenges

    The International Trade Centre evaluates host country requests for their commitment, geopolitical significance and the possibility to be a springboard for longer-term impact in the country, the region and beyond.

    Mongolia is:

    • Geopolitically important for its strategic location between Europe and Asia, and firmly committed to multilateralism.
    • A thought leader on issues facing landlocked nations, through its International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries.
    • A global leader on battling deforestation through its ‘1 billion trees by 2030’ initiative.
    • Open for new business and investment outside of the traditional mining sector, with potential in services as well as value-added agribusiness.
    • An emerging actor in technology-enabled trade to overcome landlocked challenges through digital services, software innovation development and fintech.
    • Host to a vibrant small business sector, including an educated workforce of women and youth-led firms.

    Mongolia’s commitment to hosting the World Export Development Forum comes from the highest levels in the country and the private sector, including the Office of the President, the Parliament, key ministries and the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

    Many institutions in the international development community are committed to supporting the path to diversify exports in Mongolia, the region and beyond. They, too, see the World Export Development Forum as a catalyst to shift awareness and action to make trade sustainable, green and inclusive. They see in this event the opportunity to:

    • Feed into global discussions on common trade challenges.
    • Hear new perspectives on making trade more inclusive for women and youth.
    • Share expertise with a very targeted, relevant network.
    • Work together on solutions that are replicable and adaptable to many contexts.
    • Discover business opportunities and gain awareness on capacity-building needs.

    Through WEDF 2023, Mongolia signals its intent to carve out a cutting-edge, inclusive and practical trade development path. This path resonates with ITC’s strategic approach to trade development and those of its partner institutions.

    Past events

    Launch event for the World Export Development Forum 2023

    Geneva

    15 February 2023
    World Export Development Forum (WEDF) 2019
    African Union headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    18–22 November 2019