For its part, the most recent survey of banks conveyed more optimism as far as demand is concerned. There are also signs of an improvement in consumption as it benefits from conducive structural reforms.
Small and medium enterprises in our region, as well as in other parts of the world, have similar features and are confronted by similar problems such as the lack of: •  Finance;  •  entrepreneurial/managerial skills;  •  access to appropriate technology and information systems; and  •  appropriate policy and guidelines.