May 12 2005
A new website will facilitate the work of the Pan-European Business Co-operation Schemes (PES). 4,000 Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) from over 20 different economic sectors are being brought together in 32 matchmaking events at major international trade fairs over the next two years. This will help generate new business opportunities for SMEs from new and old Member States, candidate and neighbouring countries and strengthen both economic and social ties. Small and medium-sized enterprises not only make up much of Europe’s economy, they have a crucial role to play in building bridges across borders within Europe and beyond. The Commission allocated a total of € 6 million to the projects for the period September 2004 to September 2006.
Commission Vice-President Günter Verheugen, responsible for enterprise and industry policy said “SMEs need to be able to find ways of building their business internationally and grasp the opportunities offered by an enlarged Europe. These schemes will help unlock the potential of SMEs to drive growth and jobs.”
Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn added: “This initiative will enable enterprises in the candidate countries to improve their competitive performance and at the same time enterprises from the EU will be able to extend their activities. I warmly welcome this initiative and I wish all participants stimulating contacts and discussions which will hopefully mark the beginning of new and mutually advantageous business relations.”
The supported actions consist of business co-operation and matchmaking events and accompanying activities, such as workshops and coaching activities for SMEs in a number of key economic sectors. Most of the matchmaking events are scheduled in accordance with the calendar of major international specialist or economic trade fairs, providing added value to SMEs and entrepreneurs by increasing the number of contacts, company meetings and business opportunities at the same time and at the same place.
The Pan European Business Co-operation Schemes (PES) have been initiated by the European Parliament two years ago. Supported by the European Commission they are implemented by the Euro Info Centre Network and EURADA (European Association of Regional Development Agencies) and encompass six projects involving more than 100 partners from 30 European countries.
http://europa.eu.int/