Volume 1 Cedric - revised luca Final - RUIG-GIAN

ConclusionConsidering the actual and potential importance of the sector for growth andemployment and considering the contribution of SMEs, and multi-stakeholder SMEs, tosustainable communitiy dialogue in the country, SME development should figureprominently in the development agenda of the country. Such an objective involves not onlya specific “SME policy”, but also mainstreaming support to the sector within economicpolicies.The remaining obstacles to SME development that can be addressed by governmentpolicy include the lack of relevant institutions and infrastructure, a lack of experience andexpertise needed to successfully operate in a competitive market economy and policyinconsistencies and incoherence as far as their impact on the SME sector. Promotion ofpractices of proper governance, greater accountability in public administration andtransparent rule of law are necessary preconditions. Moreover, the creation of a legal andregulatory environment conductive to entrepreneurship and to the development of SMEsincluding an equitable, transparent, stable and non-discriminatory taxation system andassistance in gaining access to technical, trade and financial infrastructures is anothernecessary feature. 122 The government should also provide technical assistance services onlegal, tax and licensing requirements as well as access to information on market data andtrade and investment opportunity, while pursuing a fair and transparent competition policyand implementing effective anti-corruption measures.122 ‘Promoting Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises. Final Declaration.’ OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, May,2003. www.unece.org/indust/sme/bern.pdf131