Abstract:
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is an unprecedented health and economic crisis,
affecting the lives and livelihoods of workers, as well as the continued operations of businesses
globally. Micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and their workers, as well as
entrepreneurs and the self-employed, are among the hardest hit. It is imperative that urgent and
decisive action is taken by all stakeholders to combat the economic repercussions of COVID-19
and safeguard the current and future functioning of the global economy.
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the institutional representative of more than
45 million companies in over 100 countries, has launched a campaign to “Save Our SMEs”
to (i) shine a spotlight on the devastating impact of COVID-19 on small businesses and their
employees; (ii) ensure effective policy and fiscal responses at both the international and national
levels; and (iii) provide resources and tools to small businesses to help them navigate the
unprecedented economic shock unfolding before us
