Armenia Advances in “SME Policy Index: Eastern Partner Countries 2016”
Armenia has recorded advance in SME Policy Index according to the report of “SME Policy Index: Eastern Partner Countries 2016”. “Armenpress” reports the improvement is recorded not only against 2012 report, but also compared to the other EaP countries.
The SME Policy Index is a benchmarking tool designed for emerging economies to assess SME policy frameworks and monitor progress in policy implementation over time. The Index has been developed by the OECD in partnership with the European Commission, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the European Training Foundation (ETF) in 2006.
For the Eastern Partner Countries, the assessment framework is structured around the ten principles of the Small Business Act for Europe (SBA), providing a wide-range of pro-enterprise measures to guide the design and implementation of SME policies based on good practices promoted by the EU and the OECD. It is applied to the Eastern Partner Countries for the second time since 2012.
The Index identifies strengths and weaknesses in policy design and implementation, allows for comparison across countries and measures convergence towards good practices and relevant policy standards. It aims to support gov ernments in setting targets for SME policy development and to identify strategic priorities to further improve the business environment. It also helps to engage governments in policy dialogue and exchange good practices within the region and with OECD and EU members.
The purpose of the launch event for the SME Policy Index: Eastern Partner countries 2016 was to present the findings of the Small Business Act for Europe Assessment and discuss key developments and remaining challenges for the business environment – particularly, for SMEs – in EaP countries. It brought together representatives from the OECD, the European Commission, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and European Training Foundation (ETF) as well as key policy stakeholders from the EaP countries.
In the words of the first Deputy Minister of Economy Garegin Melkonyan, Armenia has advanced not only in the 10 directions of the study, but is considered as the forerunner in three of them among the 6 Eastern Partnership countries. Those 3 directions are bankruptcy and second chance for SMEs, Support mechanisms for SMEs and start-ups and innovation.
“The report not only records and assesses the works done, but also indicates the directions that the country should be attentive and solve mentioned problems during the coming years”, the Deputy Minister said.
Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Piotr Świtalski stated that the SME Policy Index is quite useful in terms of understanding if the government of the country has embraced a right path. “Armenia has recorded quite impressive achievements in many directions. Overall, it is on the right path. Another question is if the growth speed corresponds to the expectations of the citizens and the businessmen. But I want to say do not retreat, make clear that there much work to be done but I am convinced that together we can record achievement”, Świtalski said. He also stated the necessity to eliminate monopolies and protect SMEs.
Head of the OECD Eurasia Competitiveness Programme Antonio Somma reconfirmed Armenia’s progress compared to the previous report, adding that they are ready to assist Armenia in major and long-term activities.
