مقاله انگلیسی رایگان در مورد برنامه های ترفیع صادرات و عملکرد صادراتی – امرالد 2017

The 1980s and 1990s saw remarkable increase in trade, associated with an unprecedented wave of trade liberalisation with most countries, developed and developing increasing their trade relative to GDP while exports are seen as an engine of growth for most of these economies (Fan et al., 2015; Subasat, 2002). Exporting is deemed as the most common entry mode into foreign markets and is also a crucial business activity for nations’ economic health, as it significantly contributes to employment, trade balance, economic growth, and higher standard of living (Wei et al., 2014; Lee and Habte-Giorgis, 2004). Due to the complexity and uncertainties of the international business environment and the scarcity of resources, small and medium firms are at a disadvantage if they decide to export (Cavusgil et al, 2014). The uncertainties of exporting and complexity of the exporting process particularly seeking information prevent small businesses from exporting (Martincus & Carballo, 2010). The challenges that small and medium firms face when they become involved in the exporting business are termed by Wilkinson & Brouthers (2006) as “barriers”. In dealing with the challenges that exporting firms face as previously stated, scholars (Pickernell et al., 2016; Martincus & Carballo, 2010) suggest that government are now supporting by way of offering wide range of export promotion programmes to assist smaller firms overcome export barriers as they enter and expand into foreign markets. Martincus & Carballo (2010) identified, export promotion programmes such as trade shows, trade fairs and trade mission as Export promotion programmes by the government to help companies establish business contacts internationally. Export promotion programmes are common components of most countries’ international trade policies. In both developed and developing countries, firms often require help and guidance to identify potential export markets and opportunities. Developed and developing countries across the globe have recorded successes with different export promotion programmes. For example, Spence and Crick (2004) noted that UK firms are used as “Flagships” to increase visibility during Trade missions to serve as role models for smaller firms and provid learning experience for other firms. Armah & Epperson (1997) concluded that investment in Export promotion programmes in USA on the concentrated orange juice from the Europea Union and Japan resulted in increased export performance. Other developing nations such as Malaysia (Ayob, Freixanet 2014); India (Mishra (2011); and Canada (Yannopoulos, 2010) have recorded degrees of success stories where export promotion programmes have improve export performance of SMEs particularly in the manufacturing sector. In relation to Ghana, despite the existence of Export promotion programmes such as national trade fairs, trade shows, trade mission and exhibitions, Export performance of SME are constrained by lack of knowledge, limited international business relationships and limited information sharing and usage (Abor & Quartey, 2010).