It must be a brrporating all sectors of societyeneurial energies of all our peoe for all, especially the poor. The directions for such a mo wide-ranging consultations. Many oave been part of them. The government feels strongly about these initiatives, for several reasons. Firstly, the development of the small, medium and micro-enterprises sector is critical to the social and economic development of this country.
Small enterprises are an integral part of any healthy economy.
They enhance competitiveness of the kind which our economy sorely needs. They help to mobilise the savings from communities for productive purposes. Secondly, the development of this sector will assist in the economic empowerment of those previously excluded. This does not, of course, mean that small business is the only domain of empowerment. Nor does it mean that business opportunities and support are only for one sector of our society.