INGEV has expanded its study of HDI-D (Human Development Index-Districts), which aims to measure and monitor human development at the local level, to include metropolitan municipalities. The HDI-D study, this year has broadened with new indexes and data sources, while data collection has kicked off for HDI-Districts and HDI/Metropolitan studies. After a series of studies, a set of indicators have been developed to measure SDGs on metropolitan city level. It will be a new standard to asses city performances via sustainable development goals. Both districts and city results will be released latest on January 2021.

“Strong Cooperatives for Social Solidarity Economy”, was the 3rd topic of ActHuman joint initiative between INGEV & IPM. Beginning with the advisory board meeting held on August 26. Representatives from the general public, municipalities, production and consumption cooperatives, universities, international organizations and non-governmental organizations attended the meeting. The main discussions of the board revolved around increasing the share of cooperatives for value chains in their fields of activity and improving their financial systems along with administrative management capacities, to increase their efficiency. A workshop was also held on October 15 for further comprehensive discussion of a new vision, financial empowerment, public opinion, supportive legislation, social economy network, sustainable ecosystem and a more active value chain. Social policy recommendations report on “Strong Cooperatives for Social Solidarity Economy” will be published and disseminated on December 2020.

INGEV 1^st d-FAIR for Women’s Clothing and Footwear took place on September 12-15 with eager participation from more than 20 countries. Organized to support the business recovery of Syrian SMEs and lend impetus to social cohesion in addition to financial integration, the virtual fair was one of of its kind.

INGEV new perspective has actualized a pioneering practice that allows SMEs to reach out to international markets, as they position their brands, develop products, renew their visibility and adapt to the digital world instead of traditional matchmaking, training and networking activities, which are gradually decreasing amid the pandemic. INGEV also aims to improve the capacity of Syrian vulnerable   SMEs and develop their contribution to local economy, while enabling export through innovative platforms like the virtual fair.

During the event, 800 business cards, amongst which were international buyers, were exchanged with 39 Syrian SME. Meanwhile, the visuals and catalogues produced by INGEV in three languages were visited 2,100 times, presenting an opportunity for new ventures and purchase possibilities.

20 international speakers from UNDP, TÜRKONFED, EBRD, DEİK, Mavi Jeans and Metro Toptan conversed with the exhibitors and guests at the virtual fair about activities in the form of panels. 2,500 people registered for the virtual fair, of which 68% were from abroad. As the virtual fair rolled adverts of SMEs were watched by 12 million people in 20 countries.

Click for Fair Panels:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxrhxRvSJoM&list=PLoRybKHcWWOcSngNw6qY2C0-nbujVesQ_

INGEV marked the 2^nd year of the “Business Development Mentorship” project in cooperation with the EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development). With the kick-off meeting held on September 10, mentors met beneficiaries with whom they will work during 4 months, while the latter were introduced to the services, they will receive throughout the project duration.

Bringing together Syrian SMEs from different sectors and leading mentors who are sectorial experts, the project aims to orient   28 Syrian companies to new business networks. The project also supports Syrian SMEs in developing their marketing, business development and sales capacities. The most important advancement in the second year is that INGEV included female Syrian business owners in the project as mentees.

Another essential step is to feature SMEs’ potential in their respective fields and expand their operations through innovative ideas. INGEV innovative approach within mentorship concentrate on boosting turnover and sales, paving the way for branding, an empowered market positioning, enhancing distribution systems and broadening the ecosystem through new-sales goals.