Volume 1 Cedric - revised luca Final - RUIG-GIAN

Major constraints to SME creation and development besides rampant insecurity havealso been recognized. The unreliable supply of production inputs including basic utilitiessuch as power, water, and infrastructure facilities, and the lack of a legal framework toprotect property rights and smooth governmental mechanisms regulating businessactivities, are the most salient elements. The lack of suitable and efficient businessdevelopment services and commercial credit lines are also hindering private sectordevelopment.A presentation of entrepreneurial experiences that proved capable of coping with thecurrent situation, in the segments of activity considered most attractive and promising, isalso provided.The study reaches a number of conclusions and recommendations to strengthen therole of small entrepreneurs in a complex crisis situation as a key resource to short-termincome generation and longer-term development. These recommendations are embracedwithin an overall strategy aiming at SME growth and development providing for theestablishment of an "SME National Agency", as one-stop-shop for programmes andpolicies at national, regional and local levels. The proposed agency should institute supportpolicies and programmes which would foster enterprise creation and development within afavourable economic environment.47