Private Sector Promotion
Comprising over 99% of business establishments, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in the economy of the Philippines. SME potential for creating jobs is large, yet its growth is hampered by a weak business and investment climate (BIC) -- the multitude of regulations and policies they must comply with; a lack of venue for SMEs to push for changes in government service delivery; and a lack of access to finance and competent business development services. As such, the Private Sector Promotion (SMEDSEP) Program*, a technical cooperation project between the Republic of the Philippines and the Federal Republic of Germany, was conceived to help improve the Philippine BIC for SMEs.
*also referred to as the Small and Medium Enterprise Development for Sustainable Employment Program (SMEDSEP)
