Ms. Nott, you spoke of very concrete realities. We have a good idea what reality is like for SMEs.
All my life, I have seen businesses start from nothing and grow. Often, they got their start thanks to public contracts or by meeting a need in the local economy. The first precondition to exporting is to survive.
My question is perhaps for both witnesses. Do you think there's more we can do to keep businesses healthy, so that they may eventually begin exporting?
I am not convinced that they need a hand on their shoulder guiding them. All business leaders dream of exporting their goods and succeeding. However, they must first survive the hostile environment in which their businesses were created.
Ms. Nott, could you elaborate a little on this point?