The head of the Government thanked the President of Armenia for his visit and emphasized positive dynamics of the good-neighborly relations between the countries throughout many years.

EBA Georgia and Armenia are brokering business between the countries and with Europe.

If you have questions, message us.

@EBAGeorgia @EBAArmenia

On December 22, at the end of the meeting, A.G. Lukashenko with entrepreneurs outside the plan on the proposal of the President was made by the Chairman of the Supreme Coordination Council Vladimir Karyagin who said:

"I note that the year 2017 is really the year of a radical change in the development of the business environment. The preconditions for significant improvement of business by domestic entrepreneurs are created. It is good that these developments were based on the Presidential Directive No. 4, previously adopted in 2010. Well, that it was possible to defend it, because they were willing to cancel this document. The new quality of the development of the dialogue between business and government is characterized by openness, joint development and discussion of projects.

All documents adopted in 2017 are developed and finalized in cooperation with the Business Community. Entrepreneurs and officials often evaluate the work done in the business climate differently. Some officials, especially the old school, believe that if the decree or some normative act is adopted, then all work has already been done. Entrepreneurs sitting in this room think differently. In their opinion, if this normative act allows them to increase the number of jobs, produce more products, realize it and pay salaries to their employees, then this is the criterion for evaluating this document. And today one more important criterion of an estimation - time spent. The whole world is struggling to reduce the cost of goods and services. That's why we need to refine these documents to details, to their practical application, so we have to do a tremendous job.

The President mentioned the rating of our country. Yes, we achieved something. But no country is standing still. Now all countries are working to change the conditions for doing business, all are straining. Here is an example of Hungary, where today a wonderful business climate has been created in terms of taxes. Yesterday (December 21, 2017), US President Trump celebrated the victory, because his tax reform, which American entrepreneurs dreamed for more than 60 years, found support in the Congress. A wonderful business climate has been created in Georgia, which 8 million tourists visited this year, and 300 hydroelectric stations are under construction. We need to continue to work, because we need to be leaders.

It is not always openly stated what is being done in these countries. We must think about the competitiveness of the country and the competitiveness of each company. An important element in this is the image of the country. About all that we are doing now to improve the business climate, as a rule, do not know abroad. Although we work perfectly with the Foreign Ministry and positively assess its work and the work of diplomatic services. But we need to bring information together to our partners in many countries of the world. That is why, Alexander Grigorievich, I personally invite you together with the government on February 28 to the assembly of business circles.

Last year, the Assembly was attended by 98 representatives of 56 state bodies of all branches of power. Our foreign guests, in particular, the representative of the American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that he first saw what is really happening, that he could not even imagine such a level of dialogue between business and government. We then started this work in the Working Groups on improving the business climate. Representatives of financial institutions of other countries, whom we invited, saw the dialogue unfold. Therefore, it is very important that people come to us, we are going to specifically invite many associations to take part, so that they personally see, draw conclusions and disseminate this information. This will seriously affect the positive image of our country.

A very important issue that was not raised in today's meeting is the issue of fairness, fair trial and judicial protection. Earlier, at the trial of Kamenkov, we were confident in the possibility of protecting the enterprise. Today, after the reunification of the Supreme and Supreme Economic Court, many cases are delayed, they are repeatedly transferred, but the main thing is that they are not read. Nobody understands the essence of entrepreneurs' appeal. Since you are an olbudsman - I say this only because - we need to review the judicial system. Two days ago I sent a letter to the Chairman of the Supreme Court Valentin Olegovich Sukalo asking me to accept me, I would like to work out these issues. There are a number of complicated cases that even appeal to the General Prosecutor's Office, but they all come back without proper consideration

Alexander Grigorevich, you called the present here in the hall a lot of money. No, all sitting in the room - hard workers. The interests of these people are inseparable from the interests of the people. We recently conducted another study of the Business Optimism Index. According to its results, 59% of entrepreneurs from all existing problems put second low purchasing power of the population on the second place. This means that we are most interested in making people work harder with their labor. 500 dollars, a thousand, two thousand - this means that a person will invest money in an apartment, education, health ... We are in the same boat with the state and the people. Sitting here people want such changes and work for this every day. I ask that you accept me on a number of significant issues for the development of business and the economy of the country. "

 The President instructed the competent persons to consider which of the issues relate to his competence, and which can be resolved at other, lower levels.

http://rce.by/index.php/all-news/6263-vstrecha-prezidenta-s-predprinimatelyami-polnaya-statya

December 22, 2017 at 11.00 in the Palace of the Republic held the first such format meeting of the President of the Republic of Belarus A.G. Lukashenko with entrepreneurs. This event was also attended by government members and more than 250 representatives of the Business community from different regions of Belarus and representing various sectors of the economy.

At the beginning of the hour the President spoke. In his speech, the head of state touched upon many issues. In particular, the development of entrepreneurship in rural areas, pricing, the increase in the activity of IT technology, etc. But the main question was whether the legislative changes that were carried out in 2017 were optimal (the decree "On the Development of the Digital Economy" was signed the day before).

According to the planned program, the first was Zhanna Tarasevich, the director of the business union of entrepreneurs and employers to them. Professor M.S. Kunyavsky. She raised the problems of property, the need to change the tax code, the unequal criterion of licensing doctors of the 1st and 2nd categories in private and public medicine, as well as the illegality of imposing penalties.

Andrei Smolyar, the head of the transport enterprise, the chairman of the board of directors of Intertransavto, in his speech raised a number of problems in the field of transport and logistics: aligning the conditions with neighboring countries.

Viktor Lemeshevsky, the director of the PAK Group of Companies, issued a number of proposals on increasing the competitiveness of Belarusian enterprises and their work in competitive markets.

Andrey Serikov, co-founder of the Markformelle Group of Companies, raised the problem of standardization and, in particular, the high cost and slowness of standards (for shoelaces, accessories, etc.).

Valeria Kritsunova, the head of the "Rest in the village" association, spoke with questions on the development of agroecotourism and the creation of an industry of tourism in the country.

Andrey Zayats, director of Raduga-Svet Trading House, expressed his opinion that even in the current legislation, it is necessary to simplify. He also thanked for simplifying the business in the catering industry.

Immediately after the speeches, the President gave specific instructions to the competent persons: the administration of the Administration, branches and departments.

In conclusion of the meeting outside the plan, the President gave the floor to the Chairman of the Supreme Coordination Council Vladimir Karyagin. Here are the main theses of his speech: on the fair judicial system, the fundamental changes in the climate of the business environment, the dialogue between business and government, etc.

Newsletter 43 explains how we can use the RPP to develop joint projects and get sponsor help.

New Year 2018 is a great opportunity to implement your Project Idea, find partners and sponsors interested not only in the region but also in Europe.

May the New Year begin on a prosperous note!

December 14, 2017, the session of the Supreme Coordination Council of the SPE "Republican Confederation of Entrepreneurship" was held. The results of 2017 are being summed up, plans for the first half of 2018 are being discussed.

The European Business Association is giving a lecture on Leadership to the business students at the International Black Sea University.

Many leading European companies are members of the EBA Georgia and the requirements of innovation, strength and modern communications are essential in the modern European market.

Copies of the lecture are available on request.

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Support for SME is now huge and EU Ambassador believes it will be the most potenially impactful current initiative.

EBA Georgia agrees that the Small and Medium Size Business Sector is underdeveloped and crucial to Georgia's future.

EBA Georgia supports businesses wanting to trade with Europe.

To know more visit www.eba.ge

Deputy Minister Giorgi Cherkezishvili and Enterprise Georgia / აწარმოე საქართველოში Deputy Director Zviad Kvlividze met today with Prospero's Books CEO Tako Johnson and European Business Association Georgia CEO David Lee at the Ministry to discuss the first Georgian franchise into Europe.

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This Newsletter explains what the RPP is, how we can use the RPP to improve the business climate. We also will tell you about the companies that support and endorce the RPP and explain what it means to support and endorce the RPP.

Finally, we inform you about the opportunity to introduce you and your company by filling out the Form.

PS. Contributions accepted: your ideas, suggestions and news are needed! We all benefit from the experiences and ideas of one another. Please send your feedback to newsletter@ppd-network.org

Social Strategic Researches and Analytical Investigations Public Union (Azerbaijan) was established in 2000 and was registered by the Ministry of Justice. The main objectives of SSRAIPU are to support SMEs and municipalities in the regions and doing researches in this field. For supporting development of SMEs SSRAIPU cooperates with government and parliament for adopting efficient laws, local NGOs and embassies. SSRRAIPU participates in the EaP CSF from 2011 and is a member of WG 2- Economic Integration. During 2013 and 2014 Ilgar Huseynli, the president of SSRAIPU, was coordinator of Eastern Partnership Countries Civil Society Platform of Azerbaijan. SSRAIPU is also a member of international coalition- EITI. From 2012 to 2016 Ilgar Huseynli was a Council member of EITI Azerbaijan NGO Coalition.

• Organized activities for enhancing capacities of SMEs in the field of anti-corruption;

• Held seminars and round-table discussions in Azerbaijan for BSOs on “Communication” and “Membership” activities within the framework of East Invest 2 project which was managed in all Eastern Partnership Countries and financed by the EU in April and July of 2016;

• Organized “SME Academy” in 2016 with the support of the EU on enhancing skills and knowledge of SMEs about EU market;

• Working on researches on detecting problems of SMEs in the regions of Azerbaijan and preparing package of offers for government

• Local partner of “Benefitting from EU open market: SMEs practical guide to DCFTA” funded by EaP CSF within the framework of Re-granting schema and Handbook was prepared.
  E-mail: ssraipu@gmail.com

Take the opportunity to become a participant of the final start-up event of the year - "STARTAP OF THE YEAR 2017", which will be held on December 16 in the business center "Victoria" at the address: 59, Pobediteley Avenue, Minsk. The organizer of the event is Startup Technologies.

The event will include master classes, panel discussions with startups, business angels, representatives of venture funds and startup market experts.

In addition, you will be able to present your product to a wide audience and advertise it, make new acquaintances and establish contacts, get good advice and share your ideas, and you will have an opportunity to get investments. The culmination of the event is the international battle of start-ups, which will determine the best in this field. The winner of the contest will have the opportunity to participate in the nearest winter set for an accelerated program outside the competition and a ticket to New York.

Details on the site of the event http://startupbelarus.by

Non-governmental organization "Eurointegration and economic development" public unit (EED PU) was officially registered in Latvia on December 4, 2017.

EED PU is based on integrity and common interests of its members and operates in accordance with its Statute, the legislation of Republic of Latvia as well as international agreement of the Eastern Partnership initiative. The organization’s name reflects its objectives- development of Latvian economy as well as promotion of European values and stimulation of Eastern partnership countries' orientation toward Europe.

EED PU will operate in Latvia in accordance with the following priorities:

1) European integration of the Eastern partnership countries,

2) cooperation and support to the Latvian innovative and R&D enterprises,

3) raising public awareness on the socio-economic role of SME's in Latvia,

4) strengthening the role of the civil society in Latvia.

EED PU will conduct national and international projects and researches, prepare publications, analytical reviews on situation on innovative enterprises, organize seminars, conferences and other events that will result in:

1) development of partnership relations between innovative and R&D enterprises at the national and international level,

2) stimulation of cooperation between enterprises, government, science and research and other institutions,

3) promotion in capacities, technical competences of members of civil society to engage in the constructive dialogue with government organizations at the local and national level.

Co-founder and president of the EED PU Dr. oec. Svetlana Jesilevska is author of the number of scientific publications dedicated to methodological aspects of statistics on innovations and problems of development of innovative enterprises in Latvia.

Svetlana Jesiļevska President of the “Eurointegration and economic development” public unit

Contact: euroedpu@gmail.com

December 9, 2017 will be held the second competition of local private initiatives. This event is part of the international technical assistance project "Development of rural areas in the Republic of Belarus: enhancing the role of rural entrepreneurship in the Republic of Belarus by creating and launching a rural business incubator in Komarovo." The competition is financed by the European Union.

The first event of this kind was held on September 30 this year in the village of Komarovo. Here were presented 12 projects, which were presented by graduates of the first set of the school of rural business. To evaluate the presented works, the Regulations on the competition of local private initiatives, developed earlier, were approved. The membership of the qualification commission included members of the Project Board of Trustees and representatives of the Minsk Regional Executive Committee.

The European Business Association Georgia initiated a round table for members on 20th October 2017 at G4G’s offices in Tbilisi. The event was moderated by David Lee, CEO of the European Business Association and over 60 people attended including industry, government and the diplomatic community. Over 300 comments were received on social media prior to the event.

Presentations

George Chogovadze – Head of Georgian National Tourism Agency presented the data on the market and the KPI performance of the current digital marketing campaigns. David Lee congratulated the Agency on a record year and for the excellent work performed. Natalia Kvachantiradze of the Georgian Tourism Association reviewed standards of service and challenges in the market. In particular we must provide more training and requires systemization and certification. Different products are needed, for example medical and eco tourism.

Shalva Alaverdashvili Founder of Georgian Hotel Federation focused on the need to update the official web sites more frequently and to involve the private sector more effectively. Publicis gave a highly detailed presentation on why digital marketing is so important to the travel industry. Detailed data and the best practice in segmentation were explained concluding with suggestions for next steps required to attract European tourists.

BTL had two speakers discussing the tourism sector and made proposals concerning future development, in particular with reference to business tourism and MICE. The focus on business tourism extended the original concept for discussion.

TBSC gave a comprehensive presentation concerning the advantages of “Experience Tourism” with concrete examples of how this concept could be developed and promoted in Georgia. The possibilities are many and Georgia has many advantages, but tourism product should come first.

Irina Saks, the Vice-Chair of EBA Georgian completed the presentation stage with a detailed comparison of the Georgian strategy compared with Iceland and Amsterdam and made recommendations how to further improve the user experience of the digital marketing of Georgia’s tourism sector.

Over one hour of open discussion followed the presentations. Many people spoke but Service was a common theme. The Ambassador of Austria, H.E. Arad Benko, spoke about the problems with taxis, which as the first impression for tourists coming out of the airport is frequently a problem. He noted that hotel service should be improved, for example the practice of payment for mini-bars can cause offence. Whist the country’s mountains and countryside are wonderful but the tourism sector has many areas that require improvement.

Ioulia Sauthier, Cheffe du Service Economique à Tbilissi, at the French Embassy made an important point in the need to initiate a second wave of child friendly services with a much greater focus on service.

Thomas Schroll, the Attache at the Department for Economics and Development Cooperation at the German Embassy made a very important point, “European tourists want to get the feeling that they are being cared for by their Georgian hosts.” Georgia must consider how it is perceived, not just how it is presented.

Jacques Fleury made the point that very few people in Europe know about Georgia and suggested that the Government and Private sector promote a single slogan for the country “The Cradle of Wine”.

Conclusions

Despite a record year much remains to be done. In particular the service level must be improved, “Experience Tourism”, Agro Tourism and medical tourism present opportunity. The digital marketing of Georgia requires further development

Next Steps

EBA Georgia will arrange a larger meeting with the relevant actors to develop these themes. EBA will continue to use social media to promote Georgia as a tourist destination and collect input on its development.

Contact: mariam.kuchuloria@eba.ge

On the occasion of the Eastern Partnership summit, EU leaders met with their six Eastern partners — Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine — to agree on the future priorities of their partnership.

Together they discussed how to strengthen cooperation and achieve stronger economy, governance, connectivity and society.

"We want to reinforce Eastern Partnership cooperation in a number of specific areas such as small and medium-sized enterprises, digital economy, broadband investments, and investments in transport, energy and infrastructure projects. The list is long. But above all, we want to strengthen links between our citizens and give more support to civil society." President Tusk at the press conference of the Eastern Partnership summit

All leaders agreed on a joint declaration reconfirming their commitment and the high importance they attach to the Eastern Partnership.

In the declaration, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to support the territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of all its partners.

Summit participants called for renewed efforts to promote the peaceful settlement of unresolved conflicts in the region on the basis of international law.

They acknowledged the European aspirations and European choice of partners who signed association agreements with the EU, namely Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine; while recognising the right for other partners to choose the level of ambition they aspire to in their relations with the EU.

"There should be no doubt that our common future lies in the EU's readiness to open up EU policies for our partners. And I can reconfirm that we are ready to do that." President Tusk at the press conference of the Eastern Partnership summit

Leaders also welcomed the '20 deliverables for 2020'. This a framework aiming to improve the lives of citizens across the Eastern partners in the four priority areas of cooperation identified in Riga in 2015. In addition, the joint declaration stressed:

 the importance of good governance

 the need for better and safer transport links

 the importance of energy security

 the need to further support independent media and expose disinformation

 leaders' engagement to foster mobility and empower youth

In the margins of the summit, the EU and Armenia signed a comprehensive and enhanced partnership agreement and they concluded an aviation agreement. In addition, the EU's Trans-European Transport (TEN-T) network was extended to Eastern partners. The next Eastern Partnership summit is foreseen for 2019.

Registration in PADOR is obligatory for all applicants to Call for proposals. (non-state actors, public administration bodies including local authorities).

ABOUT PADOR

The Potential Applicant Data On-Line Registration (PADOR) is an on-line database in which organizations register themselves and update regularly their data.

This data concerns the organization itself, it is not linked to a particular project proposal, and is used by the European Commission for evaluating the operational and financial capacity criteria as well as for checking the eligibility of the organizations that participate in calls for proposals.

PADOR was launched by EuropeAid to: Make it no longer necessary for potential applicants to provide all the mandatory data concerning their organization together with their financing proposal each time they participate in a call. Applicants only need to indicate in their application forms their unique identification number, called EuropeAid ID (PADOR number), which is created after registering in PADOR.

Allow EuropeAid to have a better knowledge of its (potential) partners in development cooperation.

WHO REGISTER IN PADOR

Registration in the database is open, in principle, to all organizations that:

 are active and have capacities in the international development field;

 require financing from EuropeAid, either on the long or short run;

 have officially registered statuses (or equivalent documents) and have their own established -annual accounts; (in this case refer to section 2.2 of the guidelines you refer to identify possible derogations).

 have the ability to speak on behalf of their members.

NOTE: The leading applicant should care of forming a partnership with eligible organizations and ensure their collaboration from the very formulation phase.

WHEN REGISTER IN PADOR, ORGANISATION WILL

 Obtain an identification number (EuropeAid ID/PADOR number), that has to be inserted in the application form.

 Upload information to be taken into consideration by the Evaluation Committee of the Call for proposals they apply for (e.g. administrative and financial data)

 Make their existence known to the European Commission, but also to other organizations through the “search for local partners” tool.

Applicants must be registered in PADOR before the deadline for the submission of Concept Notes (specified in the guidelines of each Call for proposals).

Co-applicants and Affiliated Entities must be registered in PADOR before the deadline for the submission of Full Applications (specified in the guidelines of each Call for proposals). All the steps to follow to be registered in PADOR and get an EuropAid ID are explained in the PADOR help guide for applicant / co-applicant / affiliated entities downloadable form the EuropAid Website. PADOR also has an help desk which can support organisation to register or to recover their ID. The registration has be done once. However applicants should update their PADOR account (respecting the CfP deadline in case you are responding to a specific one).

It is important to remember that the Evaluation Committee in charge of each Call for proposals will only take into account the data that have been updated most recently.

IMPORTANT STEPS THAT ALLOWS THE REGISTRATION

 Registration to ECAS: PADOR is a database of organizations. Nevertheless the management of PADOR data within the organizations is done by individuals, who have to be identified with his/her own access rights. The ECAS (European Commission Authentication Service) registration is your data as an individual, not organization. Your ECAS account allows only for your identification as a user of the profile of your organization, which is in PADOR. Registration at ECAS is necessary to start the registration in PADOR.

 The LEF number: The LEF (Legal Entity File), is a set of financial information that an organization must provide. It contains all the administrative data permitting the organization’s identification (e.g. official name and address of the organization). The LEF must be compiled/updated as main step for registration in PADOR and grant application. If you are the main applicant and you have never signed a contract with the European Commission before, you must send a paper version of the LEF together with your project proposal.

At the meeting of the Working Groups №2 and №5 of the Belarusian National Platform of the Eastern Partnership (WG2 & WG5 meeting CSF EaP BNP), which took place on November 20, 2017 in the business-center of the RCP, coordinator of the PPD-network Natalia Harbuz made a presentation on the creation of an international consortium of the Eastern Partnership countries.

On November 17, 2017, in Republican Confederation of Entrepreneurship (Belarus), Minsk, with the participation of Vladimir Karyagin, Chairman, and Ilgar Huseynli, President of the Social Strategic Researches and Analytical Investigations Public Union (Azerbaijan), International Consortium Workshop was held.

The Skype format has traditionally been used to involve consortium members and experts from other countries.

During the meeting, the participants discussed a wide range of issues on the agenda, including the development of cooperation BMOs and PPD-network, preparations of Database of ideas for future projects on the base of RPP and others.

Finally, the participants recommended registering in PADOR to ensure a possibility to take part in calls of EU projects.

Natalia.harbuz@ppd-network.org

Newly established enterprises are facing diverse challenges in Georgia: fundraising, technical and entrepreneurial skills, customs, technologies, and more than these; they lack contacts and information. And additionally, there is no and ideal business environment and startup ecosystem, where any kind of startup could benefit.

Georgian Startups Association was founded on June 5, 2017 to address these challenges and make business environment friendlier for new enterprises. Georgian Startups Association’s mission is to develop entrepreneurship in Georgia by: Raising the culture of entrepreneurship, and especially, innovative entrepreneurship, among Georgian citizens with an accent to youth; uniting startup businesses to be stronger for overcoming challenges together; Improving business environment by working closely with the main actors of the economic policy.

On November 18, together with the partner company – Start—Business Solutions, Georgian Startups Association is organizing the largest Start-up expo in Georgia, where startup service and products providers will be presented.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Georgianstartups/

Contact Person: Nana Tsertsvadze.

E-mail: nanatsertsvadze1981@gmail.com

At the Trade Panel of the Platform 2: ”Economic Integration and Convergence with EU Policies” the main topics discussed were in relation Market Surveillance as well as reform of systems of technical regulations and setting up related quality infrastructure with special focus on standardization.

Participants from EU and EaP countries provided their input on each session. First, representatives from the European Commission, DG GROW, Lithuania, Sweden, Germany explained the market surveillance in their country and technical cooperation with the countries of the Eastern Partnership. Secondly, the participants from Armenia, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova focused on the national reforms of systems of technical regulations.

Each country provided an update on latest developments in their country with specific focus on market surveillance activities. Countries which have started to implement the Association Agreement (including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area), there are Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, elaborated on the action plans for approximation.

Finally, the participants agreed that it would be advisable to invite representatives of customs authorities in the next 18 Trading Panel to ensure a fruitful and interactive meeting. Special thanks to Katja Modric Skrabalo, Policy Officer, EC, the Panel Coordinator, for invited of the participants from civil society. Civil Society Forum was represented by two members: Mr. Vladimir Karyagin (from Belarus) and Mr. Ilgar Huseynli (from Azerbaijan).

Natalia.harbuz@ppd-network.org

Презентация

Business Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers named after Professor Kouniavski, Estonian Association of SME's (EVEA) and GRTU Malta Chamber of SMEs present the internet platform for exchange of business opportunities. This B2B network is created under East Invest 2 project funded by the European Commission. It is a professional platform to help SMEs find trusted partners in the EU and 6 Eastern Partnership counties: Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Belarus, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The administration of this website is taken care of the Business Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers named after prof. Kouniavski (Belarus) – BSPN.BY

IMC Armenia (Institute of Management Consulting of Armenia) is non-profit organization, which is registered in 2011. The readiness of Armenian consultants meeting international professional standards to promote international best practices in Armenia triggered an active group of local consultants to unite their efforts in developing the Business Development Services market. IMC Armenia has official web site www.imc-armenia.org.

IMC Armenia mission is to promote excellence and ethics in management consulting in Armenia through continuous professional development, international certification, networking and raising value, quality and benefits to local and international clients. One of our primary goals is to obtain membership to the International Council of Management Consulting Institutes (ICMCI), enabling IMC Armenia to deliver the prestigious, internationally recognized Certified Management Consultant (CMC) accreditation.

We, representatives of the business communities of the Eastern Partnership countries, business associations, unions, organizations supporting small and medium-sized businesses, and other interested (hereinafter referred to as the "Parties") intend to contribute:

-strengthening of interregional relations at the level of small and medium-sized enterprises in the countries of the Eastern Partnership, -further development of public-private dialogue in their countries, -implementation of major targeted programs and projects to create a favorable economic environment and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

To implement the tasks set, the Parties plan to establish an international consortium within the established competence.

The purpose of creating a consortium is: establishment of partnership relations and development of long-term, effective and mutually beneficial cooperation of the Consortium participants aimed at implementation and promotion of the Regional position paper "Strengthening Change and Growth". The parties intend to carry out cooperation on the basis of equality and partnership and sign an agreement on the creation of an international consortium. This Memorandum is a framework and does not impose financial and legal obligations on the Parties.

Jobs, Growth, Prosperity with SME focus for Ukraine

Peter Jungen, Cologne and Gunther Fehlinger, Kyiv

Small and medium Enterprises, SMEs are the engine of the European growth model. SMEs are the driver of innovation, fast in adopting new technologies and market and consumer demand. SMEs are committed to their region, employees and customers. Germany and Austria, especially during their reconstruction economic miracle, have cultivated and focused on SME and SME friendly policies and entrepreneurs and their SME Central European and South Eastern Europe has followed this growth model in the last 20 years very successful. Now we recommend this SME growth model for Ukraine.

It has worked in Central Europe and then in South Eastern Europe and will work in Eastern Europe as well. Ukraine is a major country but so is Poland and Romania and their SMEs have now grown to European dimension. This is the very idea. Allow companies to start small, support them and do not choice and pick and decide who will succeed but liberate them and let them grow and turn into global market leaders in particular sectors and niches. The aim is not to protect SMEs and not simple subsidizing small self-employed but to give them freedom for growth, freedom for innovation, freedom to adopt to technology change and digitalization and freedom from excessive and arbitrary taxation or overregulation and freedom from government intervention for friends and family close to power and state authorities.

Yes – SMEs need clear rules, based on European guidelines, implemented evenly and fairly for all. Central to European SME policy is European competition regulation, providing equal access to procurement and public information and avoiding nepotism, clientelism and collusion. The success of European SME policy in the new Central European EU member states has proven its relevance and capacity to initiate growth, jobs and prosperity fostering an emergent middle class of consumer, citizens and voters. And this matters for Ukraine now.

In the Regional Position Paper "Enhance change and growth" on SME Policy the associations from the Eastern Partnership countries took a critical look on the projects in different aspects. Are they relevant, efficient, well designed, well coordinated, well implemented and what could the business community do to improve them. The taxpayers money should be used efficiently.

The recommendations of the Regional Position Paper are a valuable source for project ideas. How to best use donor money to adress the priority issues raised by the business community and how to involve the business community through their representations (business associations) in the process.

Stakeholders of Public Private dialogue met for a first round table on October 25, 2017. Representatives of Business Membership Organizations from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine discussed how to increase the number of associations participating in the implementation of the Regional Position Paper “Enhancing change and growth” on SME policy.

More than 15 organizations joined the Consortium on October 26, 2017 by signing the Memorandum.

Innovative Platform for Transparent Borderless Business” successfully took place on 26-27 October in Tallinn. It showed the achievements of the partnership between the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries form the perspective of businesses and discussed on how to strengthen links between businesses from the EU and EaP countries.

The 565 participants came from different institutions, sectors and professions. Companies and experts from the field of IT and digital economy were the main target group of the event.

The President of the Republic of Estonia, Kersti Kaliulaid opened the Forum together with EU commissioner Johannes Hahn.

On 25-27 October Tallinn hosted the EaP Civil Society Conference and 9th EaP CSF Annual Assembly. The event attracted over 300 attendees, speakers and guests who attended more than 50 sessions of different formats focusing on the issues most topical for the civil society. For the first time this year, the Annual Assembly and the Civil Society Conference – conducted as a side event to the Eastern Partnership Summit on a biennial basis – were merged into one event with a common agenda. It was organised jointly by the EaP CSF and the Estonian Center of Eastern Partnership under the auspices of the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Co-Chair of the EaP CSF Steering Committee Hennadiy Maksak and Jaan Reinhold, Estonia's Ambassador-at-Large for the Eastern Partnership, opened the key EaP civil society event of the year held under the title Tangible Results for People: Envisioning the Eastern Partnership in 2020 and Beyond..

"Constructive engagement of civil society with governments at a grassroots, local, and national level is a vital part of democratic governance building. A vibrant civil society sector is furthermore crucial for private sector development, sustainable economic growth, successful environmental policies, and social innovation. High-quality sector reform dialogue can only be achieved through increased technical expertise and the stronger leadership of civil society organisations," stressed Jaan Reinhold.

The 4th OECD Eurasia week took place this week in Almaty. It was the first week outside of Paris and directly in one of the target countries of the activities.

For the Eastern Partnership countries the SME Policy Index is at the center of their interest and attention. It alows not only to measure progress in one country but also to compare with the situation and progress in the others. There were considerable efforts and improvements made in all 6 countries and the next round of assessments will start soon and this gives the opportunity to business associations to get involved.

After a first round table on October 25, 2017 with representatives of Business Membership Organizations from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine on closer cooperation on the further development of the Regional Position Paper “Enhancing change and growth” on SME policy and the first steps to guarantee the implementation of the recommendations made by the business community the memorandum of understanding was signed by 15 associations on October 26, 2017. The signatories reconfirmed Vladimir Karyagin as the speaker of the consortium and agreed to proceed with the necessary steps to enlarge the group of signatories, propose an efficient structure of the consortium and to coordinate the work of the stakeholders. The members intend to meet again in April 2018 to discuss the work done, approve the structure and hold general elections for all post within the consortium (Speaker, Advisory Board and Management board).

The EaP Business Consortium at the Business Forum in Tallinn - the Unique Opportunity to expand your contacts.

You can be a witness of how the participation in the project East Invest 2 led to the creation of an International Consortium. Learn more about the Consortium, it’s vision, mission, strategy and tasks.

More than 160 business associations and business support organizations of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine expressed their desire to continue cooperation on implementation of the joint projects in collaboration with European Commission and other donors.

Opening Note of our session by Mario Ohoven, President of CEA-PME.

Key Note by Vladimir Karyagin, Chairman of Presidium of the association of legal entities “Republican Confederation of Entrepreneurship”

At the end of session - the signing of the memorandum.

This is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted, to exchange business cards with active business people of the Eastern Partnership countries.

Your participation is important to us!

Registration is mandatory. To Register (26.10.2017) click the link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScbILeuge9ePIwna-0VzUWRISVXeEAxNI5Kiw8bWagKQX_5xQ/viewform

and here (27.10.2017) https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3iVfgBuaHIhh9g_vb2FvbyNU7F1UJa1xi-EhxxgCLv_iJRQ/viewform

Agenda you can find here https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B30g7JT-8wKdd0VWaWhvYlM0MEE

Naum Kats, the head of the company engaged in production consulting, shared his opinion about the Belarusian leaders and the level of their preparation:

"It's no secret that the success of any business largely depends on the ability of managers to transform their thinking into changing business conditions. Unfortunately, with this in our country there are problems. Not because our directors are bad. Most of our senior managers - conscientious and responsible leaders. Many simply do not know how to manage in a different way.

12/10/2017 Regular meeting of the consortium was held in Minsk in the business center at Prospect Zhukov, 44. During the meeting was planned to complete organizational issues to determine the mission of the consortium, the vision, the development of an organizational structure and an action plan.

For the Eastern Partnership countries in the field of Sustainable industrial processes plan grants competitions of the EU.

The budget of the competitions is 200 000 euros.

On October 10, Natalia Garbuz met with Zhanna Tarasevich in the Business Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers named after Professor Kunyavsky. During the meeting, the preparations for the business forum in Tallinn and its program were discussed. Also raised the issue of how to present a RPP to the greatest number of participants.

It was decided to hold a consortium meeting on 12.10.2017 at 18.00 in the RCP.

Naum Kats is a regular participant of East Invest II projects in Belarus. He is a vivid representative of the Belarusian business, combining the experience of the practice-producer and the knowledge of the analyst-expert. He has a Ph.D. in economic sciences, is a deputy chairman of the highest coordinating council of the Republican Confederation of Entrepreneurship, and also has a successful experience of practical business in business for more than 25 years.

On October, 03 was held the meeting at the Republican confederation of entrepreneurs. Vladimir Karyagin, Natallia Harbuz and 2 more representatives of the RCE attended this meeting. There was a discussion of the participation program in the Business Forum in Tallinn.

The participants discussed the possibility of presenting an international consortium to promote the RPP as a successful story of the East Invest 2 project during The 4th Eastern Partnership Business Forum in Tallinn on October 26-27, 2017.

In Kiev on September 23, 2017, a meeting of the BCOs / BMOs representatives from Belarus, Ukraine and Austria was held with a view to discussing further cooperation in the RPP, as well as the creation of an international consortium.

09/21/2017 A meeting of consortium participants was held at the Business Center of the RCP (Zhukov Ave., 44-404, Minsk).

 Three issues were considered at the meeting:

1. Summing up the preparations for the Eastern Partnership Business Forum in Tallinn on 26-27.10.2017, the achievements of the working group, the contribution of the participants of the working group, the ways of development. Discussion of the action plan.

2. Analysis of the results of the mailing to inform the business community of the Republic of Belarus about the possibility of joining the implementation of the provisions of the Regional Position Paper through the Consortium.

3. Participation in the organizational meeting in Kiev on September 22, 2017 of the Belarusian delegation.

Contact person: Katerina Safonova, katerina.safonova@ppd-network.org