Euro-Arab Conference to Support SMEs
20-21 Feb Four Seasons Hotel- Damascus 

The Syrian Enterprise & Business Centre (SEBC) is in large measure a European styled Syrian operated and managed business institution with roots stretching back to the first EU programme implemented in Syria after the Barcelona Declaration, namely the Syrian-European Business Centre (1996-2006).

Evolving as a smooth transition from that “Five-A” extremely successful EU programme, SEBC is now the leading organization supporting the Syrian economy by serving as an implementation agency for projects aimed at developing the private sector and the evolution of Syria into market economy. In other words, SEBC is the catalyst institution for private sector development and growth in Syria.

Leading by example and serving as a role model, SEBC adopts innovative styles, bottom up approach and demand driven techniques to achieve its set objectives; these are:

• Increase the Syrian private sector competitiveness in local and international markets
• Assist Syrian private sector enterprises to access international markets
• Enhance the business community through increasing the number of enterprises with high growth potential and evolving capability in addition to providing them with required support
• Promote the positive development of the Syrian organizational and financial frame work to uphold development of private sector enterprises
• Facilitate the establishment of an efficient network of business support institutions

It is SEBC's first project under implementation, started in September 2006 and ends in February 2010, with a total EC funding of Euro 15m.

The principal objective of this Programme is to help SEBC achieve sustainability as a National Institution providing a full range of services to the private sector and the Government.

SSP focuses on six key areas:

• The Efficiency and Competitiveness of SMEs are Improved
• Local Consultancy Business Development Services are Enhanced
• Access to and Choice of Medium and Long-Term Finance for SMEs Facilitated
• Access to Information on Export Market Opportunities Facilitated
• Strengthened SME Support Institution
• Policies to Strengthen and Support the Private Sector Formulated  

For Better Quality Syrian Products – Programme for Strengthening Quality Management, Capabilities and Infrastructures in Syria

"Strengthening Quality Management, Capabilities and Infrastructures in Syria" is an EU-funded programme to be implemented by a consortium lead by Belium-based IBF International Consultancy on behalf of the Ministry of Industry and hosted by the Syrian Enterprise and Business Centre (SEBC).

The 12 million Euro programme, with an implementation period of 4 years, will support Syria to raise its quality legislation and institutions to best international standards. This should result in enhanced quality of Syrian goods and services, better Syrian consumer protection and increased competitiveness of Syrian products in international markets.




 

The overall objective of the project of which this contract will be a part is as follows:
To contribute to the Syrian economic reform programme through the improvement and simplification of the business environment in the country in line with national requirements.
 

The Consultant will provide to the Programme Management Unit (PMU) in particular, and to the Beneficiary in general, efficient technical assistance in the implementation of the programme activities with the effect to achieve the following results:

• Increased institutional capacity to implement and coordinate reform
• Transparent and efficient service delivery 
• Business related procedures harmonised and simplified
• Better quality business related regulation that reflects the needs of the private sector
• Enhanced regulatory environment 

Overall objective
To facilitate and increase Syrian trade flows and allow Syria to take full advantage of globalisation, thereby improving Syria’s macro-economic situation, create jobs and alleviate poverty.
 

Purpose
The purpose of the TEP is to introduce trade related reforms that will progressively bring the Syrian trade related regulatory framework and practices in line with best international standards and to imbed administrative and legislative modalities, procedures and mechanisms necessary for trade liberalisation. This will enhance the Syrian trade regime and facilitate the general trade climate in Syria in order to allow the country to benefit from current and upcoming free trade agreements and contribute to increase the competitiveness of Syria’s trading sectors.

Syria has joined recently the Enterprise Europe Network who offers a “one-stop shop” to meet all the information needs of SMEs and entrepreneurs in Europe and partner countries.

The network services are specifically designed for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) but are also available to all businesses, research centres and Universities across Europe and partner countries. It offers support and advice to businesses across Europe and helps them make the most of the opportunities in the European Union.