§ Mr. GoodladTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking to encourage small and medium businesses in developing countries. [6372]
§ Clare ShortThe Department for International Development is actively promoting micro, small and medium enterprise development to create jobs, especially to improve poor people's access to income earning opportunities. The Department is seeking to develop local capacity to deliver cost effective business development and financial services. We place a particular emphasis on micro-finance. Approved commitments to 190 current projects exceed £95 million.