Crisis, Estonia, Labour-market, Markets and Companies

The prime minister on Tuesday held a video conference with representatives of entrepreneurship organizations to discuss the economic impact of coronavirus, listen to entrepreneurs' feedback on the first package of economic support measures totaling two billion euros and consider additional opportunities for the state to support entrepreneurs, government spokespeople said.

The meeting was also attended by Minister of Foreign Trade and Information Technology Kaimar Karu and Minister of Social Affairs Tanel Kiik.

"Our most important task is to preserve the health of the people of Estonia and to stop the spread of coronavirus. The sooner we achieve this goal, the sooner we can return to business as usual. The consequences of the emergency situation for the economy as a whole are difficult to predict, but the country is doing its utmost to help cope with the difficulties resulting from the crisis," Ratas said.

The prime minister said he is pleased that the economic package has been well received by entrepreneurs. According to him, the state now faces the task of mapping areas that need a sectoral approach, developing additional support measures, including for micro and small enterprises in difficulty, and ensuring that aid reaches all those who really need it.

Representatives of entrepreneurship organizations attending the meeting confirmed that a number of concerns had already been resolved operatively and that the entire private sector is working together to ensure hygiene rules. Persisting high labor taxes in the face of decreasing revenue and the need for additional personal protective equipment were identified as problems.

Participants in the meeting included Arto Aas, head of the Employers' Confederation, Mariann Lugus, secretary general of the Travel and Tourism Association, Nele Peil, CEO of the Estonian Traders Association, Sirje Potisepp, manager of the Estonian Food Industry Association, Heiki Rits, president of the Estonian Association of SMEs, Peter Roose, chairman of the management board of the Estonian Hotel and Restaurant Association, and Vaino Kaldoja, deputy chairman of the management board of the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.