MINSK, 19 November (BelTA) – The share of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is projected to reach 50% in Belarus' GDP by 2030, Belarus First Deputy Economy Minister Aleksandr Chervyakov said as he took part in the 9th International Entrepreneurship Forum on 19 November, BelTA has learned.
SMEs have a huge potential much of which is still untapped, Aleksandr Chervyakov noted. At present, SMEs account for a fourth of Belarus'gross added value and a half of export, and employ a third of workforce.
In developed countries the share of SMEs in the GDP equals 70%, or even 90%, Aleksandr Chervyakov added. “We have a huge potential and there is room for improvement,” he believes. “The national sustainable development strategy includes the aim to raise the share of SMEs up to 50% of the GDP by 2030,” he added.
According to Aleksandr Chervyakov, it will take a lot of effort to achieve this aim. Belarus is set to perform two main tasks. “First of all we need to create a favorable and stable business environment for entrepreneurs in order to reduce institutional risks,” he said. “The second task is to provide state assistance to SMEs in order to decrease their expenses that are especially high during the launch of a business, its establishment in the market, expansion, and introduction of innovations,” Aleksandr Chervyakov said.
He noted that participants of the forum will discuss a lot of challenges. It is important that these discussions involve representatives of government agencies, business, and society. “This is a good example of a successful dialogue between the public and private sectors. Such a dialogue helps come up with ideas, dispel doubts, and arrive at understanding. This will help us join efforts to make your work [work of entrepreneurs] more effective, and make our country richer and more appealing,” Aleksandr Chervyakov added.
