On Trade and Innovation (Transnational Issues 3)

What has Parliamentary Diplomacy got to do with this issue and with the number of other transnational issues?

A lot. Parliaments and governments work hand in hand in the realization of sustainable development goals for the good of humanity and to prepare their citizens to the new era called the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and the usher of the Digital and Green Economy.

I chose to explore on how Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) provide the impetus to trade facilitation and innovative strategies and technology within the region and the global scene. And how they can survive in the 4IR. I found out that ASEAN and its legislative arm, the AIPA have adopted many measures to promote, develop and protect MSMEs. I believe that my parliament just needed to provide a push for a continuous review of the established regulatory regimes, evaluate their relevancy and introduce new measures that would further boost the proliferation of MSMEs in the new era. Thus the substance of my draft resolution.

I learned in my research a new term “humane entrepreneurship” which is a balance between the workers and profit and how this is more achievable among MSMEs. An important concept also this week at RFPD is that inclusion is important. To “improve innovation by integrating gender equality”. The call of women leaders is to “improve the DNA of innovation by inserting equality rights”.

Now having been made aware of this and personally convinced of this, I couched my final draft resolution in that manner. A “new DNA” indeed is necessary in the crafting of parliamentary documents and agreements. There must be balance, inclusivity and a gender equality perspective in every document. I hope my draft resolution will contribute to this end.