Brussels, 13/07/2006 (Agence Europe) - “G8 countries represent the giants of the world economy … but G8 leaders should not forget that the major driving force in each of their countries are SMEs! We urge them to keep this in mind under all chapters of negotiations. If SMEs can benefit from G8 decisions, the global economy will benefit from them too,” said Pierre Simon, President of EUROCHAMBRES, in a press release published ahead of the Summit of the seven most industrialised countries and Russia, which opens in St. Petersburg on 15 July.
EUROCHAMBRES, which represents 2000 Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Europe, draws attention to the following issues: Energy - EUROCHAMBRES says the outflows of energy from Russia should be matched by inflows of EU capital and technology into Russia; additionally, business communities ought to sit at the negotiating table in order to create a favourable and competitive environment for companies; Climate change - Russia and the US have to contribute too to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions; WTO negotiations - those taking part in the Summit should use the occasion to try to unlock the current stalemate; progress made on trade facilitation should be secured “in the interest of SMEs around the globe”; Africa - EUROCHAMBRES welcomes the efforts “to include Africa in the global economy”, insists on good governance and notes that the build up of a “critical mass of entrepreneurs can be the foundation for a stable society”.