In the context of the evolving global economic crisis, governments of countries are “competing” with each other in the complexity and scale of measures to support the economy and, in particular, small and medium-sized enterprise. The main goal of these measures is, on the one hand, to help businesses to survive in order to prevent from a significant increase in unemployment and a consequent social strain, and, on the other hand, to ensure economic recovery driven by the most efficient enterprises. At the same time, it is important to take into account that the private sector, which currently employs more than 2 million Belarusians, usually responds faster and more extensively to the downturn in the economy firing employees. In this regard, the present policy paper discusses the role and behavior of small and medium–sized enterprise in the period of crises and recessions. The main purpose is to overview and evaluate possible short- and medium-term measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises in Belarus based on international experience.
This Policy Paper is only available in Russian.