Digitalization combined with globalization is the current megatrend impacting the international business landscape and creates opportunities for new business models (CCSE, 2019). Embracing digital technologies enables speedy internationalization and unlocks new opportunities for SMEs to expand and succeed in foreign markets and to be the engines of inclusive growth.

Beleiving in the need to rethink SMEs development strategies centred on digitalization, BUSINESSMED developed, an intuitive digital tool, called the Business Country Desk (BCD) whose ultimate goal is to stimulate regional economic development and to establish strategic and sustainable networks around the Euro-mediterranean region:

• A Business events-focused tool with Intent-based matchmaking that align with attendees’ goals
• SME-friendly digital tools to reduce the digital skills shortage in the region through ad hoc capacity building and mentoring sessions
• The access to macro-economic information of the country of region, current amendments on the investments and trade regulatory frameworks of the Southern Neighbourhood countries

The online portal shows its relevance, particularly after the outbreak of Covid-19 crisis, in the strive towards building back companies’ resilience, taking into consideration the heavy economic impact of the pandemic hindering competitiveness and business continuity.

Thus, the Business Country Desk represents not only a real catalyst for the commitment of all partners at local, national and regional levels, but also a privileged space for the promotion of talent, internationalisation and the private sector in the Mediterranean region, pinpointing innovation and the sectoral approach as key priorities for the coming years.

In order to promote the BCD among the business delegations joining the CONNEXT 2021, BUSINESSMED, as part of the EBSOMED project, is hosting the BCD Regional Presentation, on December 3rd 2021, in Milan.

The high level panelists will shed light on the role of digitalization as a driver for internationalization, presenting also the BCD platform combining a vibrant marketplace with space for networking and brokerage, as well as interactive sessions on the services offered:

• Point out the key role of digitalisation in boosting companies’ internationalization and inter-regional trade, particularly in times of COVID-19
• Introduce the BCD platform’s purpose and highlight its main features
• Outline the usefulness of the BCD platform for the Euro-Mediterranean business community

Up to 200 pre-booked B2B meetings are expected giving opportunities to talk with representatives from start-ups, corporates, and investors receiving advice on market development and access to foreign markets.