[Index]
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
– Drivers of Economic Development in
the Republic of Serbia (Serbia and Montenegro)
The Serbian National Conference on Small and
Medium-sized Enterprises entitled “SMEs
– Drivers of Economic Development”
was held on 30 November 2004 in Belgrade by
the Government of the Republic of Serbia (Serbia
and Montenegro) with a key-note presentation
from the UNECE and participation of the donor
community within the framework of the European
Agency for Reconstruction.
H.E. Mr. Predrag Bubalo,
Minister for Economy, in his opening statement
emphasized, that “the number of
active enterprises increased about 10%, from
the period of democratic changes in 2000 and
all through to the end of 2003, which could
appreciably affect economic growth and development”.
He further emphasized that “the
main goal of the proposed measures is to overcome
barriers to the growth and development of
the SMEs. This set of proposed measures is
for the purpose of the more efficient operation
of an enterprise during its life-span: from
its foundation, through growth and development,
to its closing.
Nevertheless, in 2005,
the first year of implementation of the Action
Plan, the priority is given to:
- Individuals and enterprises starting
business
- Conditions for their financial resources.”
Ambassador Jose Lloveras,
Head of the EC Delegation to Serbia and Montenegro,
highlighted the Western Balkan process in
which Serbia also joined the European Charter
on SMEs.
Antal Szabó, Regional
Adviser on Entrepreneurship and SMEs of the
UNECE, made a presentation on “The Importance
of SMEs in Transition Economies and in the
Process of European Integration” providing
advice on how to create an enabling business
friendly environment using the UNECE integrated
approach of SME development. He highlighted
the importance of Government policy and showed
examples of business support infrastructure.
He also summarized the lessons to be learnt
from other transition economies that have
completed the transition process and, through
entrepreneurship development adaptation of
the acquis communautaire, are already members
of the enlarged EU.
At present 62,250 SMEs employ
32.4% of the totally employed in the Republic
of Serbia and create 46.6% of the GDP. The
Index of SME Development is relatively low,
however, near the same level as in Bulgaria
and Romania. Apart from incorporated SMEs,
there are also around 200,000 independent
entrepreneurs, mainly traders. The previous
Government set very ambitious targets for
development of SMEs and reduction of poverty
by increasing the total number of SMEs (single
proprietors and limited liability companies)
from 270,000 to 400,000 and by creating over
one million net new jobs. However, given the
lack of government programme, financial and
human resources, these targets seem very ambitious
and difficult to achieve. The UNECE will provide
technical assistance within its Regional Advisory
Services Programme in the formulation of a
National SME Development Action Plan from
2005-2006 including setting up business incubators,
strengthening business services institutions
by the creation of quality management systems
and by establishing micro-credit facilities
based on non-financial intermediaries.
For further information, please contact:
Mr. Antal Szabó
Regional Adviser on Entrepreneurship and
SMEs
United Nations Economic Commission for
Europe
Palais des Nations, Bureau 440
CH - 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
Phone: + 41(0)22 917 24 71
Telefax: + 41(0)22 917 01 78
E-mail: [email protected]
Ref: ECE/IREEDD/04/N04