Enhancing MSMEs soft infrastructure & internationalisation in countries facing security, financial, or political transition challenges in the Arab Region within the larger BRI framework
Reference
PDF-SDG-2023-07
Implementing Entity/ies
UNESCWA
Collaborating Partners
ITC, UNCTAD, UNIDO, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), League of Arab States (LAS)
Duration
April 2024 每 March 2027
Location
Regional
Approved Budget
$ 755,169
Description
The Arab region heavily relies on micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which constitute over 90% of businesses and play a crucial role in economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. However, limited support post-COVID-19, due to budget constraints and conflict, has hindered their development. MSMEs face challenges including access to finance, markets, technology, and skilled labor, exacerbated by complex regulations and political instability. These hurdles perpetuate gender disparities and youth unemployment. To foster inclusive growth, collaboration between governments, private sector, and stakeholders is essential, alongside policy reforms promoting MSME resilience and sustainability.
This project focuses on enhancing the potential of MSMEs in the Arab region, particularly in areas afflicted by security, financial, or political transitions. The aim of the project is to improve access, capabilities, and sustainability of MSMEs, while fostering a supportive entrepreneurial environment. This will lead to an enhanced soft infrastructure and internationalization as a way to drive economic growth, resilience, and employment in countries facing transitional challenges. In alignment with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the project promotes trade facilitation and investment, fostering a sound business environment and expanded cooperation.
This project focuses on enhancing the potential of MSMEs in the Arab region, particularly in areas afflicted by security, financial, or political transitions. The aim of the project is to improve access, capabilities, and sustainability of MSMEs, while fostering a supportive entrepreneurial environment. This will lead to an enhanced soft infrastructure and internationalization as a way to drive economic growth, resilience, and employment in countries facing transitional challenges. In alignment with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the project promotes trade facilitation and investment, fostering a sound business environment and expanded cooperation.