Brussels, 20/09/2004 (Agence Europe) - In a press release, UEAPME, the European association representing crafts and SME employers, praises the Commission's decision to include micro enterprises in the rural development fund proposal for 2007-2013. The fund proposal will allow micro enterprises in rural areas to fully play their role of growth agents in less industrialised areas of the EU: "The historic divide between agriculture and other economic drivers is closing. For the first time there is the acknowledgement that micro enterprises and SMEs have a vital role to play in rural development in the EU", said Hans-Werner Muller, Secretary-General of UEAPME.
'Market towns and surrounding rural economic activity are an essential part of agricultural entrepreneurship, offering jobs and opening new markets for producers and products. With this decision,' comments the UEAPME in its press release, 'trade in rural areas will be promoted and the overall standard of living in the countryside and nearby villages is likely to be increased.'