On 6 April 2017, the 74th plenary of the UN General Assembly adopted the resolution to observe June 27 as the Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day or MSME Day. The idea behind the resolution was that MSMEs play a very crucial role in helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals — in particular, promoting innovation, creativity and decent work for all.
The world is seeing the importance of MSMEs more than ever, as they are being impacted the hardest by the economic effects in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and now the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The disruptions we have encountered must not once again throw a spanner in our quest to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth.
MSME Day is focused on MSMEs and their contributions to the global economy. Today, let us commend the MSMEs that have fought and survived through the hardships and show recognition towards the enormous contribution that smaller businesses have made to the global economy. Let this be a motivation to others to rise through the occasion. Our MSMEs must continuously take the necessary steps towards becoming more resilient and ensure that they surpass such challenges.
The Ministry for Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry is placing much emphasis on supporting MSMEs as they play a crucial role in implementing SDG 8. The Ministry is urging for the creation of an enabling business environment to support MSMEs through access to finance, access to new markets and easing the way we do business in Seychelles. Work is being done to support and facilitate entrepreneurship development in the country. With the upcoming implementation of the Entrepreneurship Strategy, developed by the Ministry acting in concert with a local consultant with the support of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), we shall see a transformation in the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Seychelles.
In addition, by the private and public sectors working together, this can help reduce hurdles in entrepreneurs’ journeys and facilitate the regulatory framework within the principles of good governance and in compliance with the country’s rule of law.
On this occasion, I would like to take the opportunity to say thank you to all MSMEs in Seychelles and wish you all a happy MSME Day and to continue with the important contribution you make towards the sustainable development of our beloved country.
