Stakeholders call for increasing SMEs access to finance to enhance waste management, green projects

CAIRO - Stakeholders have called for increasing support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) so they can enjoy smoother access to finance, which will greatly enhance waste management and green projects in the Southern Mediterranean Region.

The stakeholders made their call during a working group titled “Renewable Energy, Waste Management and Green Projects” held during the MED Business Days South 2023 on Thursday.

Equally important, is increasing awareness among the public and the various stakeholders on the significance of sorting out waste and recycling, they added.

The participants said that the lack of awareness among the public and the government agencies obstruct the efficient implementation of waste management policies.

“There is a dire need for increased advocacy and awareness,” they said.

Access to green financing remains a major challenge for SMEs in the region, they said, calling for increased collaboration and networking and adoption of best practices.

“Better law enforcement is essential to ensure awareness and guarantee a change in societal behavior,” they said.

They also called for connecting research and development with academia and the labour market.

Stressing the important role media plays in this regard, they stressed on the significance of having access to latest data and information, which are of paramount importance to be able to make informed decisions.

They also called on the media to increase coverage of environmental issues to increase awareness on the importance of the green transition.