An agreement has been signed in Accra to promote entrepren eurship through the establishment of small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries.
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Organisa tion for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which would build on a joint statement of priorities for their partnership signed six years ago.
The MOU was signed at the 12th UNCTAD meeting, which is under the theme: "Addres sing the Opportunities and Challenges of Globalisation for Development."
Both organisations agreed to establish cooperative working relationships on SMEs and entrepreneurship to avoid duplication, capitalise on the respective competencies of both organisations and clarify responsibility for future joint ventures.
Signing on behalf of OECD, Mr Mario Amano, Deputy Secretary General, said: "The role of SMEs and their contribution to economic growth, social cohesion, employment and local development is now recognised by governments worldwide.
"All economies, including most industrialised ones, have the potential to gain from a more dynamic SME sector."
Dr Supachai Panitchpakdi, the UNCTAD Secretary General, said strengthening the competencies of domestic SMEs was vital for developing countries to benefit fully from international trade and investment opportunities and to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.Afriquenligne
