Small business representatives will organize a protest meeting against State’s policy

Small business representatives from the R. of Moldova will organize a protest meeting in Chisinau against the repressive policy promoted by the state, chairman of the Small Business Association (AMB), Eugen Roscovanu, vice-president of the Social Democrat Party, told a press conference. According to Roscovanu, amendments to the Law on business patent annulled a range of patented activities, especially in what concerns trade, taxi services, growing and selling flowers. AMB chairman asserts that these amendments have been operated as result of lobbying carried by transnational concerns and large companies. According to his words, although central authorities declare that they have a development strategy for small and midsize business, the state of the field is extremely concerning. “In fact, nothing is being done for the development of small business, and for supporting small and medium-size enterprises. They are all mouth”, Roscovanu said. AMB considers that patent holders will be seriously affected by the given amendment, which could leave about 35,000 persons without earnings. The amendments, in force since recently, stipulate that patent holders will be prohibited starting 2007 selling construction materials, furniture, domestic appliances, and starting 2008 – food products. 40 to 44 thousand persons hold business patents annually in the R. of Moldova of which more than 80% are women.