A third group of member States are at the start of the process, having taken only the initial steps, which hopefully will develop into a viable SME environment. These differences both stimulate and encourage the exchange of experience and know-how, which it is hoped, member countries will take advantage of. As the new economic architecture unfolds in the BSEC region, there is a need to accelerate both the pace and scope of privatization in the transition economies. As the transition accelerates it is destined to increase the number and the role of SMEs due to the strong correlation between transformation to a market economy and the development of the private sector. Transition to a market economy is not simply an act of privatization but rather a comprehensive reform process during which Governments concentrate their efforts on privatization.
Equal emphasis needs to be given to SMEs at the early stages of economic transition.
There is no single most effective system for the development of SMEs . It is a continuous process and requires commitment at the national level with a partnership between the public and private sectors. The former will assume the role of facilitator and promoter from which environment the SMEs as the private sector will deliver its critical role. SME development requires an integrated approach . It is obvious that only sustained cooperation and interaction at these three levels will yield the desired results.