There seems to be no doubt about the impact of the pandemic the COVID-19 on the sector of micro, small and medium enterprises. Not only because of its size but also because of the fragility of the microenterprises, it is expected that the sector has undergone important changes, both in its size and in its members and activities. There are important questions pending valid answers about the reality of the sector MSMEs after the COVID-19.
How many companies are formed today, after the COVID-19the population of the MSMEs? We really don’t know, because the last statistically reliable national survey on the subject was conducted in 2013.
What impact has the COVID-19 on the mortality and/or development of micro and small businesses? We do not have recent figures in this regard.
After COVID-19What sectors of micro and small business activity have increased their business and which have been negatively affected by the pandemic? For sure, we can only theorize, since the subject has not been investigated in depth.
What does the “map” of the micro and small business sector look like now? You go to know.
How many are they, where are they and what do they do? No recent idea.
It is obvious that we need updated information for a better development of support policies for the sector MSMEs. With more recent information, both the public and private sectors will be in a better position to target the actions to be carried out, whether in public programs or in the different actions of the private sector.
It is not advisable to have measures or programs based on a perception from the desk that may be biased by particular interests or that describe a reality that matches the beliefs or expectations of those who formulate them. Only a good amount of information taken in the field, which contrasts with reality and is statistically valid, is the right input to get an idea of the reality of the sector. MSMEs in the present and then proceed to action.
Statistical validity is caused by the efficient conjunction of many parameters: the selection of the sample and its amount, the representativeness of the sample with respect to the universe to be studied, the correct formulation of the questions to be applied, the validity of the questionnaires applied, as well as the experience of the interviewer, and even the time of year in which the sample is taken, among others. However, the press is full of information about the sector, stating all kinds of data taken, in the best of cases, from: a) a small sample, almost always without statistical significance, or b) from a desired scenario, without confrontation with reality.
The importance that micro and small businesses are recognized today comes from having been able to count on constant information that reveals their dynamic nature and driving force of the economy, as well as the role they play for the social and political stability of Dominican society.
It is urgent to carry out a valid survey, at the national level, to know the current reality of the sector MSMEs. And it is not only important to investigate those that are now open, whether they are new or pre-existing. Also, it is important to quantify those that closed and the reasons for the closures, to learn lessons from failures. We urge the authorities and the private sector to maximize their executions by having recent, meaningful and valid information.
