The number of small and middle enterprises (SME) is rising in Moldova. However, this increase is not real. The liquidation of an enterprise is a real nightmare. Hence, there are companies who haven't operating for as much as 10 years, yet they are counted in. The statement was made by Small Business' Association (SBA) president Eugen Roscovanu, on Tuesday, October 16, at the International SME Conference in Moldova. According to Eugen Roscovanu, the business environment favours the monopoly, and enterprises, especially the small ones, are left without support. SME incomes are falling, as are the jobs places they create. The president of the Small Businesses' Association said that the SME Development Strategy till 2020 was approved with a 6-month delay, and that the propositions of companies regarding policy documents are examined superficially. Natalia Gudima, head of a double-layered thermally isolating windows production company, said that, albeit authorities claim that the number of inspections on businesses is falling, the real situation is the exact opposite. Enterprise leaders, instead of minding their businesses, they are forced to go to fiscal authorities, or other control institution, in order to defend the image of their companies. The businesswoman referred to unfair competition on the market, lack of standardization certificates, and confirmation of quality of products and services. Other enterprise leaders said the legislative amendments, aiming at balancing the market, actually increase the burden on businesses. Having attended the opening of the conference, Deputy Premier Valeriu Lazar, Minister of Economy, stated that small and middle enterprises have a special role in changing the economic model, and State institutions must adjust their method of assistance to this sector. “Evidently, beginner enterprises will continue emerging and, having a certain amount of experience, we will know what to propose them, yet it is important for us to have what to propose to enterprises that want to improve their competitiveness, diversify business, conquer new markets”, stated the Deputy Premier. Next year's SME Support Budget will be increased by 50% relative to this year, including a 50% increase in the SME Loan Guarantee Fund (currently the fund has 22 million lei). “We are glad that our intentions are supported by the European Union and World Bank, as well as other foreign donors”, added Valeriu Lazar. Lucia Usurelu, deputy director of a business incubator from Soroca, supported the Deputy Premier when the latter said that the Moldovan SME sector has matured. “Albeit problems exist, the voice of the SME gains power. If you truly want to do something, you can do it”, pointed out Lucia Usurelu. Around 250 businessmen and officials attended the conference.