The Prospects of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Development in the Conditions of the Customs Unions

Abstract

Abstract. Growth of small and medium-sized business is one of the most important factors of state competitiveness.For
years of independence Kazakhstan reached a macroeconomic stability in local business development, its social sphere
and market economy were provided by the regulatory framework needed for entrepreneurship development of all patterns
of ownership. Small and medium-sized business carries out not only socially responsible role, but also provides
considerable tax revenues for the budget. Small business in European Union countries covers at about 50% of all occupied
population,in the USA it engages – 53%, in Japan – 72%, and 30% of Kazakhstani citizens are engaged in SME
sas well. The international experience convincingly proves that the small and average entrepreneurship easily adapts in
crises, as well as inclines to self-organization and self-development, and due to state policy can provide a rapid social
effect. Small and medium-sized enterprises are drivers of economic development in the European Union, they represent
99% of all businesses. The definition of SMEs is important for access to finance and EU support programs targeted
specifically at these enterprises. The main factors, determining whether an enterprise is a SME, are staff headcount and
either turnover or balance sheet total.