The International MSME Day is a dedicated day established on the 27th June by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution of 6th April. It is an event jointly organised by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the International Committee of Small Business (ICSB), and the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the United Nations.
The aim of this virtual event was to bring together Ministers and other high-level decision makers to discuss policy measures and capacity-building efforts numerous countries have taken in order to support the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises or MSMEs post COVID-19.
Building a resilient MSME sector is a top priority for all countries as they play a key role in attaining the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, achieving sustainable economic growth and productive employment amongst others.
During his speech, Vice President Vincent Meriton acknowledged the important contributions Seychelles MSMEs have made since they represent more than 98% of the total business population. For this reason, it was imperative for the Seychelles Government to intervene to lessen the negative impacts of COVID-19 on MSMEs.
“The incremental implementation of measures to restore our economy remains necessary. We are slowly opening our borders to the outside world, bearing in mind that the virus has not gone away, and that we must adopt a COVID-19 ready attitude in the new normal.”
“Entrepreneurship in Seychelles embraces the spirit of the recently approved national development strategy, paying particular attention to people at the center of development, innovative economy, and economic transformation, while addressing the SDGs.”
Vice President Vincent Meriton further mentioned that although tourism remains at the forefront as an area for investment, we must now use COVID-19 as an opportunity and the foundation for the future of the private sector and the overall economy. He stated that Seychelles, now more than ever, needs to systematically shape and generate its entrepreneurial landscape against ambitious, yet realistic approaches.
He further expressed his appreciation to UNCTAD for their assistance to develop an Entrepreneurship Policy Framework and to establish their world-renowned capacity-building programme, Empretec, for potential Entrepreneurs. This will be a collaborated effort with key representatives from public, private, academia and non – governmental sectors hence, will inculcating an entrepreneurial value within our people.
Several other representatives from different regions around the world also shared their views and initiatives during panel sessions in order to advance together globally into the new and better normal.
