Improving SME Access to Public Procurement

This guide focuses on the role of government programmes in public procurement to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in becoming better exporters. The guide identifies and explains advantages and disadvantages of public procurement programmes; looks at criteria used for determining eligibility for SME status in various countries; and examines programmes used by selected countries to assist SMEs in a procurement context. It also gives guidance on the implementation of public procurement programmes designed to assist SMEs.