Brussels, 12/11/2012 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament has called on the EU to encourage European SMEs to get involved on global markets, by giving them additional access to capital and protecting them against unfair competition from third countries.
A resolution by Jan Zahradil (ECR, Czech Republic) adopted on 7 November by the “international trade” committee of the European Parliament cited the lack of funding, unfair competition from third countries and the lack of information as the main reasons why just 13% of European SMEs are active internationally. The resolution suggests a new Community instrument for import/export granting additional aid to SMEs through export credit institutions. On the basis of best national practice, this instrument may include soft or fixed-interest loans, short-term operational capital and refinancing opportunities, financing through equity investment, export guarantees, but also professional insurance arrangements, particularly export credit insurance to counter exchange-rate risks.
The resolution also calls on the Commission to help SMEs on the international markets by improving market access, fighting non-tariff barriers, dumping and intellectual property rights violations. Lastly, it calls for a regular update of information for SMEs on EU funding options and business opportunities abroad. (EH/transl.fl)