Algiers, 06/12/2006 (Agence Europe) - Three-quarters of Algerian SMEs engaged in the levelling process, i.e. around 550 in all, have benefited from the direct aid programme for SME/SMI initiated by the European Commission (EDPME), it was announced on Tuesday 5 December by the Algerian government in a report presented during a meeting on the levelling of SME-SMI, experience gained and prospects. According to reports by the national press agency, the remaining quarter has had to withdraw after undergoing an assessment based on data provided by the Minister for SME and the Craft Industry. The levelling actions concerned 41 firms. The EDPME programme was established on the basis of a convention between Algerian and the EU. (fb)