THE "STRATEGIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMES" CONFERENCE / OKAN YURTSEVER, GARANTI LEASING: "SMEs will contribute more and more to the GDP in the coming years"

Reporter: How would you describe the SME market at the current time?

Okan Yurtsever: The SME sector is very important for the economy, in Romania, as well as in the other European countries. There is an increasingly clear involvement from the authorities, as well as banks and NFIs - in supporting small and medium enterprises.

Reporter: What does the SME sector mean for Garanti Leasing?

Okan Yurtsever: In Europe, leasing is an important instrument used by SMEs. Besides, it is the only way they can get short term financing. In Romania, the leasing market is still developing, but we are doing everything we can to contribute to the development and the stimulation of the domestic business sector.

This year, we have signed loan agreements with the European Fund for South-Eastern Europe (EFSE), with Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) and with the IFC, member of the World Bank Group, amounting to a total of 21.5 million Euros. Those agreements have been and are intended for the financing of local SMEs. We have faith that things will not stop there. We will continue to facilitate the access of small and medium enterprises to financing. This has been one of our priorities in 2014 and will continue to be so in 2015.

Reporter: How do you think the contribution of the SME segment to the GDP will evolve in the coming years?

Okan Yurtsever: It is very possible that the SME segment will have an increasing contribution to the GDP, and the market will become increasingly dynamic.

Reporter: How would you describe the support the state has granted that segment?

Okan Yurtsever: The support provided by the government to the SME sector, through projects and dedicated financing, is a good sign and we hope that it will continue to be so in the future.

Reporter: What are the areas that are the most attractive to Romanian entrepreneurs?

Okan Yurtsever: Every sector provides opportunities, depending on the market specifics and the macroeconomic context. For example, in 2011, we have financed many SMEs that operate in construction, tourism, automotive spare parts, agriculture, renewable energy. In 2012, we have diversified our operations focusing on transports and logistics. In 2013, we have focused on the agricultural sector, because it was a year with very good harvests and many farmers have needed financing to buy farming equipment. Approximately 10% of our activity is dedicated to the agricultural sector. It is also important to mention that we have been among the first financial institutions in Romania that have financed the real estate sector after the crisis. There is potential in plenty of areas. What is important for every entrepreneur is to choose the right financing partner in order to complete their ambitious projects.

Reporter: What are the main opportunities for entrepreneurs?

Okan Yurtsever: Ten years ago, there were no financing programs nor the possibility of accessing European grants. Now aside from this opportunity, the lenders' offers are increasingly varied.

Reporter: Thank you!