GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC):

The second roundtable on the regional strategic plan and coordinating mechanisms for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) got under way in Guyana on Tuesday with a call for more assistance to facilitate their growth in the Caribbean.

Deputy Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General, Ambassador Lolita Applewhaite, said SMEs have contributed significantly to virtually all economies in the world, both developed and developing countries.

"Although the definition of an SME may vary from country to country, World Bank figures indicate that SMEs contribute to as much as three quarters of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and more than 60 per cent of employment. This is contrary to the belief that big business constitutes the main driver of economic activity in developed countries," she said.