<p>In Kumanovo today, the USAID Project for Microenterprise Access to Public Procurement celebrated the expansion of its Veles center services to cover the Northeast region.  Project staff presented the range of services which will now be available to microenterprises in the region, talked about the impact the project has had on microenterprises in the Vardar and Eastern regions, and encouraged those in attendance to enroll in the program.</p>
<p>“Microenterprises are recognized worldwide as important elements of national economies, contributing significantly to employment expansion and poverty alleviation,” said USAID Mission Director James Stein.  “Though public procurement bids are estimated at roughly $1.2 billion annually, microenterprises traditionally do not participate in them.  We want to change that.”</p>
<p>As the USAID project expands services to the Northeast as well as Southeast regions, it will offer training, everyday technical assistance, and information to 300 microenterprises from 35 municipalities.  In addition, for over 300 local contracting authorities, it will offer concrete measures to reduce the current administrative burdens and other barriers faced disproportionately by microenterprises.</p>
<p>NOTES TO THE EDITORS</p>
<p>The American people, through USAID, have invested more than $500 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID works with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the workforce. These initiatives improve the quality of life and support Macedonia’s transition to a stable and prosperous democracy. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit <a href="http://www.usaid.gov/where-we-work/europe-and-eurasia/macedonia" target="_blank">USAID Macedonia Website</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/USAIDMacedonia" target="_blank">USAID Macedonia Facebook</a> page.</p>
<p>The USAID Project for Microenterprise Access to Public Procurement, implemented by the Center for Civil Communications in partnership with Focus Foundation and EHO, increases awareness of public procurement market opportunities for microenterprises; provides them with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to participate in government contracting; and streamlines cumbersome public procurement administrative procedures.</p>