Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprise Growth and Development in the South Asia Region

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Asia have not significantly contributed to sustainable growth and job creation, which are essential to offset deep, persistent poverty. In particular, the Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Northeast India (BBNNI) subregion has few SMEs, and their contribution to the economy is very limited. One of the ways that ADB proposed to address the three main categories of constraints faced by the countries in the BBNNI region was to provide a regional technical assistance to SEDF. SEDF, established in April 2002, is headquartered in Dhaka and is managed on behalf of the contributing donors by the SME Department of the World Bank Group. SEDF would help SMEs in the BBNI region with a mix of programs by working in conjunction with local financial institutions, training institutions, consultants, and government agencies. SEDF would help increase the operational competence of SMEs, improve their management, and raise their productivity. As a result, this would enhance the number, growth rate, and competitiveness of SMEs, thereby contributing to broad-based and sustainable growth resulting in poverty reduction in the BBNNI region.

PROJECT DETAILS

Commitment Date

Funding Type

Country

Sector

Status

Total Cost

24 Feb 2003

Technical Assistance

Regional

Industry and Trade

Closed

$750,000

KEY OUTPUTS

Support undertaking project-related activities to evaluate and prepare SME projects for financing

Strengthen local providers of business development and support services targeted at developing projects and programs for SMEs in selected sectors

Carry out studies and provide advice on issues and reform areas of direct concern to SMEs to improve the enabling environment

FINANCING

$750,000 (Technical Assistance Special Fund)