Mr. Shraga Brosh, president of the Manufacturers Association said last week at a conference for small and medium-sized businesses that according to study carried out by the Manufacturers Association, small exporters - companies who export less than $3 million of goods per year - experienced a 15% increase in their exports in 2004, bringing the total exports of small exporters to $1.84 billion.
In total, according to Brosh, there were 9,335 businesses that fell into small exporter category last year.
The study also indicated that medium sized exporters - companies who export between $3 million and $5 million worth of goods saw a 15% increase in their exports. There were 3,397 companies in this category which exported in 2004 some $505 million worth of goods.
Brosh noted that although the small and medium-sized exporters comprise 98% of the export community, their total value of exports accounted for only 21% of the country's total exports.
Brosh emphasized that the study clearly indicated that state assistance to the small exporter's community would assist the sector to achieve a much greater volume of exports.
Brosh noted that within five years, if proper government assistance is given, the small exporter's community could reach an export volume of over $5.5 billion.
