兰德-小型企业如何应对COVID-19的影响：土耳其和中东的一项调查结果（英文）-2020.7-19页_440kb

Summary of the Impact of COVID-19 on SMEs in the Middle East and Turkey

Core Content

This document presents the findings of a survey conducted by RAND Europe for the Dutch NGO SPARK, focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Middle East and Turkey. The survey aimed to understand the challenges SMEs face and the type of support they require to survive the crisis. The survey was conducted between 4 May and 21 May 2020, and 171 SME owners participated. The sample is not representative of all SMEs but includes a significant proportion of microbusinesses, women, and migrant entrepreneurs.

Main Findings

Economic Impact of COVID-19

• 79% of respondents reported a negative impact on their business, with over half indicating a large negative impact on all aspects of their company, including finances, demand, and supply chain.
• 61% of respondents believe their businesses would not survive more than four months without support.
• 85% of respondents think their businesses would not survive more than one year without support.
• Young entrepreneurs (18–34 years old) are more likely to report a negative impact than older entrepreneurs.
• 15% of respondents reported positive impacts, with some seeing opportunities to expand domestic demand or introduce new products and services.

Measures Taken to Protect Businesses

• 56% of SMEs have reduced their own salary or scaled back services.
• 47% have taken at least one of the following actions: laid off staff, suspended payments, or reduced staff wages.
• 21% of microbusinesses (less than 5 employees) laid off staff, compared to 40% of businesses with more than 5 employees.
• Female entrepreneurs are less likely to lay off staff, with 21% of female-owned companies doing so compared to 34% of male-owned companies.

Challenges Faced by SMEs

• 97% of respondents reported facing at least one challenge due to the pandemic.
• 67% are experiencing a reduction in domestic demand.
• 50% are struggling to cover staff salaries and other fixed costs.
• Other challenges include government regulations (7%), staff sickness (8%), and tax laws (15%).

Support Needed by SMEs

• All but two firms indicated they would need some form of support to survive.
• 80% of respondents felt they needed financial grants.
• 37% would benefit from access to markets, value chains, or alternative sales channels.
• 87% believe their businesses could grow and expand with financial and technical support.
• Technical assistance and legal support are particularly needed in Turkey, while Jordan sees more demand for financial support.
• Digital skills training and web-based marketing are highlighted as important support areas.
• Female entrepreneurs are more interested in online training than male entrepreneurs.

Key Information

• SMEs are crucial to the economies of the Middle East and Turkey, contributing to 60% of GDP and 70% of employment.
• Over 90% of SMEs in the MENA region are microbusinesses, employing less than 50 people.
• The survey sample is overrepresented with migrants, women, and young entrepreneurs.
• Digital skills and online marketing are seen as critical for adaptation and survival.
• The need for financial support is widespread, with cash grants being the most desired form.
• Uncertainty over economic conditions and government restrictions are significant challenges.

Conclusion

The survey highlights the severe economic impact of the pandemic on SMEs in the Middle East and Turkey, especially on migrant, female, and young entrepreneurs. The findings underscore the urgent need for government and NGO support, including financial assistance, technical training, and legal aid. While some SMEs have found opportunities for growth, the majority are in crisis, and the risk of business closures by the end of 2020 is high. Policymakers and support organizations should consider a comprehensive approach to aid SMEs in navigating the pandemic.