Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic: best practices to support MSMEs

The MED MSMEs programme responded to the unexpected threat of COVID-19 to the sustainability of MSMEs by creating a “COVID-19 response” database in its 2020 workplan. The database includes overviews of benchmarks and examples of the response by various countries’ public sector in the South MED region and among European member states, and will soon be accessible online through the MED MSMEs platform.

The database will be a valuable and inspirational source of information for decisions-makers, providing them with insights and guidance into best practices, success stories and lessons learned from other regional and European countries when it comes to supporting MSMEs amidst the pandemic. From the mobilisation of the ASMEX and SMAEX in Morocco to cover country risks during COVID-19, to the promotion and utilization of fintech services in Jordan to reduce the COVID-19 spread and boosting the use of digital services; the programme helped to identify and analyse some of the most relevant trends and practices to share with key stakeholders across the eight partner countries.