In the final segment of the programme, we have invited a number of associations connected to small and medium sized enterprises to identify some of the areas that need to be given priority, if SMEs are to play their role in the development and transformation of the economy.
The Central Bank has a deep involvement in small business development – not by actually providing financing ourselves, but in a catalytic way, by encouraging financial institutions to be responsive to the financing needs of SMEs. Recently, the Bank expanded its support for SME development through its National Financial Literacy programme.