Leveraging SME Finance through Value Chains in Landlocked CAREC Countries

Abstract

The objective of this book is to take stock of the challenges faced by SMEs in the CAREC landlocked economies in terms of their access to finance in view of the above-mentioned constraints. This includes identifying cultural, procedural, institutional, and regulatory incentives, disincentives, and barriers faced by SMEs to access finance, and the reasons for the lack of such access. The study also assesses opportunities for SMEs to link with both domestic and global value chains and the potential impact of this on their access to finance. Finally, the study proposes policy recommendations to improve SMEs’ access to finance and trade finance, especially in the agri-business sector, in light of best global practices, including the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) program to nurture and support SMEs. The recommendations address effective regulatory frameworks, access to finance (banks, capital markets, start-up finance, non-traditional micro-lending or community lending, risk capital), special programs funded by foreign donor institutions, guarantee schemes, improving skills (entrepreneurial training), encouraging networking among SMEs, and use of information and communication technology.