BAI and CASME Launch New Cooperation on AI-Enabled SMEs at WAIC 2026
Blockchain Alliance International strengthened its engagement with the international SME community during the “AI for SME: Artificial Intelligence Empowering the High-Quality Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises” Forum, organized by the China Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (CASME) on the margins of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. The Forum brought together Chinese and international business leaders, technology companies, experts and partners to explore how artificial intelligence can support the transformation, competitiveness and international development of SMEs. The event formed part of the wider WAIC programme, which concluded in Shanghai on July 20.
BAI Executive President Alexandru Cujba delivered opening remarks, returning to the CASME Forum one year after BAI’s participation in its 2025 edition. He emphasized that the international AI discussion has increasingly moved from whether AI will transform business to the practical question of how its benefits can reach SMEs. Particular attention was given to the emerging role of responsible AI agents – specialized intelligent tools capable of supporting enterprises with market research, exports, regulatory compliance, logistics, investment planning and multilingual communication. BAI stressed that technological capability should advance together with responsibility, transparency, security and a human-centered approach if AI is to contribute effectively to inclusive and sustainable development.
A major outcome of the Forum was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between CASME and BAI on Cooperation in Support of the Global Inclusive Initiative of AI for SMEs. The agreement establishes a three-year framework for cooperation aimed at promoting AI-enabled SMEs through international cooperation, innovation, digital transformation, sustainable development and multistakeholder partnerships. It builds upon CASME’s Global Inclusive Initiative of AI for SMEs and brings together CASME’s extensive SME network and BAI’s international partnerships and engagement with the United Nations and other stakeholders.
The MoU identifies several practical directions for future cooperation. CASME and BAI intend to promote AI applications that can improve business management, international trade, supply chains, manufacturing, regulatory compliance and communication, while also exploring specialized AI agents capable of helping SMEs identify markets, partners, investors and export opportunities. The organizations will seek to organize international forums and capacity-building activities, strengthen exchanges among SME associations, innovation centers, universities and other partners, and explore opportunities for activities connected with the ECOSOC Partnership Forum, Youth Forum, STI Forum, High-Level Political Forum and other relevant UN meetings. The agreement also envisages innovation competitions and recognition programmes for outstanding AI-enabled SMEs, entrepreneurs, youth innovators and sustainable technology companies, with particular attention to SMEs from developing countries.
The signing marked an important new stage in relations between BAI and CASME: moving from participation and exchange toward practical joint activities. During the Forum, the BAI delegation also had an opportunity to meet and exchange views with Mr. Li Zibin, former Deputy Director of China’s National Development and Reform Commission, former Mayor of Shenzhen and former President of CASME. The discussion focused on the prospects for SMEs in a rapidly changing economic and technological environment, the growing importance of innovation and digital transformation, and opportunities for strengthening international cooperation among SMEs. Drawing on Mr. Li’s extensive experience in economic development and support for small and medium-sized enterprises, the exchange provided a valuable perspective on the practical challenges and opportunities facing SMEs in the AI era.
For BAI, the new partnership reflects a broader objective of connecting innovative SMEs and technology providers with international markets, development partners and relevant global platforms. CASME and BAI will now explore initial activities capable of producing tangible results while progressively developing their cooperation. As emphasized in BAI’s opening remarks, the next stage of AI development will depend not only on increasingly powerful technologies, but on how effectively people, institutions and responsible AI agents work together to create opportunities and advance sustainable development.
