25. Latvia

25.1. SMEs in the national economy

SMEs in Latvia play an important role in the “non-financial business economy”. They contribute to almost 80% of total employment and more than 70% of the value added.

Table ‎25.1. Basic figures of the non-financial business economy of Latvia, 2015

Number of enterprises

Number of persons employed

Value added

Number

Share

Number

Share

(in billion EUR)

Share

Total

103 040

100.0%

613 854

100.0%

10.5

100.0%

SMEs

102 842

99.8%

484 689

79.0%

7.6

72.1%

Micro

96 147

91.4%

193 548

31.5%

2.5

23.3%

Small

7 276

7.1%

147 929

24.1%

2.3

22.3%

Medium-sized

1 419

1.4%

143 212

23.3%

2.8

26.5%

Large

198

0.2%

129 165

21.0%

2.9

27.9%

Note: These are estimates for 2015 produced by DIW Econ, based on 2008-13 figures from the Structural Business Statistics Database (Eurostat). The data cover the non-financial business economy, which includes industry, construction, trade, and services (NACE Rev. 2 sections B to J, L, M and N), but not enterprises in agriculture, forestry or fisheries, or largely non-market service sectors such as education and health. The advantage of using Eurostat data is that the statistics are harmonised and comparable across countries. The disadvantage is that for some countries the data may be different from those published by national authorities.

Source: (European Commission, 2017[1]).

25.2. National policy framework to support SMEs in public procurement

Levelling the public procurement playing field for SMEs is reflected in principles promoted in the public procurement regulations – such as free competition of suppliers and equal and fair treatment. Supporting SMEs, and in particular facilitating their access to public procurement as one of the prime focal points of European Union public policy, is also integrated into Latvia’s legal framework. Furthermore, Latvia devotes efforts to reducing administrative burden for SMEs, especially through wider use of e-procurement.

25.3. Implementation mechanisms

The Procurement Monitoring Bureau provides guidance to contracting authorities and suppliers. It offers methodological assistance and consultations, and organises training for contracting authorities and suppliers of goods, services and works. Workshops organised by the Bureau also cover the use of e-procurement – such as use of the e-certificate system.

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