资源环境科技发展态势分析平台

We take stock of the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the CAREC landlocked economies in terms of their access to finance resulting from demand-side, supply-side and institutional constraints. We identify the cultural, procedural, institutional and regulatory incentives, disincentives and barriers faced by SMEs to access finance, and the reasons for the lack of such access. We also assess the opportunities of SMEs to link with both domestic and global value chains and the potential impact of this on their access to finance. Finally, we propose policy recommendations to improve the access of the SMEs to finance and trade finance, especially in the agri-business sector, in light of best global practices including the program of the People's Republic of China to nurture and support SMEs with regards to effective regulatory frameworks, access to finance (banks, capital markets, start-up finance and non-traditional micro-lending or community lending, risk capital), special programs funded by foreign donor institutions, guarantee schemes, improving skills (entrepreneurial training), encouraging networking among SMEs, and use of information and communication technology.

WORKING PAPER NO: 989