Government outlines how it will boost micro to medium sized enterprises

The Government of Samoa is outlining how it will work with the private sector, non-
government organisations and international development partners to boost
enterprise development in Samoa.

The Government is in the process of developing a policy for the development of micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs).

MSMEs are the lifeblood of the ecomomy and this Policy will explain how the
Government intends to work with its partners to support MSMEs, so that we can
create jobs and promote economic growth and innovation.

The Policy will look at the current state of the business enabling environment, any
significant regulatory barriers facing MSMEs and what policy levers the Government
can use to help MSMEs to grow. It will examine the degree to which MSMEs have
access to affordable finance – including commercial bank lending and investment –
and the role of emerging financing mechanisms. The Policy will also look at the role
of business training and advisory support, coaching and networking.
The Policy is being funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme. “New Zealand is
excited to see the development of this Policy,” says HE Dr Trevor Matheson, New
Zealand High Commissioner to Samoa. “It’s the first piece of policy work being
funded under the Private Sector Development Programme (PSDP), which also
provides funding and advisory support to Samoa’s Small Business Enterprise Centre
(SBEC)”, he explains.
A small team of MSME experts were in Samoa last month, holding consultations with
a wide range of actors with an interest in MSME development to gather their views
on what the Policy should cover. Hence, the Ministry is accepting written
submissions from MSMEs, private sector associations and NGOs, to ensure that the
Policy is well informed and responds to the needs of MSMEs in Samoa.
The PSDP is a five year programme implemented by MCIL and SBEC, with advisory
support from Palladium in Australia and Ākina Foundation in New Zealand. Further
policy analysis and development will be funded by the PSDP going forward.

Submissions on the Policy can be sent to muliufi.nickel@mcil.gov.ws before the end
of October. The Policy is expected to be finalised before the end of the year.

Press Release : Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour 

LOABAY NEWSLINE 

 

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