Think that SMEs are 99 out of every 100 businesses in Europe, produce 58% of value added and employ two-thirds of all employees. And those benefits have accrued not only to countries with a high concentration of SMEs, such as those in the euro area periphery. Removing the obstacles that have suppressed growth in those economies reverberates across the whole euro area.
It is not only our privilege but also a pleasure to host this event. In fact, financial inclusion and education are increasingly seen as a priority in the international agenda on account of their impact on the promotion of financial stability and economic development.