Press release
Minister Richmond attends OECD SME and Entrepreneurship Ministerial Meeting
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
Neale Richmond, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail attended the OECD Ministerial Meeting of the Committee on SMEs and Entrepreneurship in Paris this week where strengthening the resilience of SMEs and entrepreneurs, encouraging the green and digital transition, scaling up polices and aiding businesses to navigate the global trade and investment landscape were on the agenda.
The two-day conference focused on issues facing SMEs and entrepreneurs and how national policies can best support them and facilitate their growth.
The ministerial meeting concluded yesterday with the adoption of an OECD Declaration on Enhancing SMEs and Entrepreneurship Policies for Greater Resilience and Successful Green and Digital Transitions.
Minister Richmond said:
"I was delighted to represent Ireland at the OECD and to meet representatives from fellow member states to discuss how we can best support SMEs and entrepreneurs, help them to grow and scale.
"SMEs are the backbone of our economy; they support jobs and families in every city, town and village in the country. Having faced the challenges of Brexit, COVID-19 and rising energy prices, and now navigating the journey of decarbonisation and digitalisation, we are committed to supporting them through both financial supports and mentorship.
"Ireland’s reputation as a good place to do business is a result of our pro-business attitude and this was reflected in my interactions with my OECD colleagues this week."
Event website: OECD SME and Entrepreneurship Ministerial Meeting 2023
OECD SME and Entrepreneurship website: oecd.org/cfe/smes
Declaration: OECD Legal Instruments