Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises to increase competitiveness and specialisation in high-tech industries are the strategic objectives on which the Ministry of Economy and Industry is working. This was stated by Deputy Minister Dimitar Danchev today at the opening of the forum “Opportunities and challenges of the ecological transition for small and medium-sized enterprises, enterprises of the social economy, crafts, liberal professions”.
The advent of digitalization in economies and in public life requires fundamental changes in business models and requires businesses to transform quickly and to protect the environment to a higher degree in order to remain successful, Deputy Minister Danchev said. He said policies and interventions are needed to support businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, in this transition and to create a sustainable and competitive economy that generates jobs and prosperity.
Deputy Minister Danchev presented to the participants in the forum the highlights of the National Strategy for Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises 2021-2027 developed by the Ministry of Economy and Industry. It pays special attention to the priority areas “Environment” and “Digitalization and Skills”, for which measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises are set, such as the introduction of digital technologies for automation and robotization of production processes, better integration into European value chains, in the context of the circular economy, improving resource efficiency and environmental performance, production and distribution of green products.
Businesses face many challenges – low labour productivity, outdated technologies, insufficient digital and technological skills and competences, lack of resources and knowledge in ICT and the green economy. We face the need to work together to overcome disrupted supply chains, high electricity and fuel prices and many other difficulties, Deputy Minister Danchev said. He said that the Ministry of Economy and Industry will continue to be an active partner of business by supporting small and medium enterprises in their efforts to develop and use the transition to a circular economy as an opportunity to grow, attract investment and enter new markets.