Government okays draft of entrepreneurship development strategy

The government on Thursday endorsed a draft strategy for the development of entrepreneurship from 2013 to 2020, with the aim of increasing by 40% the gross added value per employe in micro and small businesses by 2020.
 

Currently, this gross added value per employe in SMEs is EUR 16,366, and our goal is to raise it up to EUR 22,900, the Minister for SMEs, Gordan Maras told the government's meeting.

Another objective is to raise the share of SMEs in GDP from the current 51.6% to 62% through higher investments in research and development and the enhancement of innovations and exports as well as through the development of business networks.

The strategy stipulates an increase in funds available to micro and small businesses so that a total of HRK 13 billion would be put at the disposal of entrepreneurs.

According to Maras, it is planned to draw EUR 2 billion for SME development in Croatia from European Union funds from 2014 to 2020.

Also, it is envisaged to increase the share of SMEs per 1,000 residents from the current 22.4 to 40 by 2020 and to employ a growing number of scientists and researchers in the entrepreneurial sector so that their portion will be 30% as against the current 19%.

The government greenlighted a state guarantee for a syndicated loan in the amount of EUR 250 million to the motorway operator HAC to service its debts.

(Hina)
 

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