The paper introduces and elucidates Okada's approach of the local power for economic reproduction. It uses the approach as a tool to analyze the role and contribution of SMEs in the local economy of the Philippines. Under the approach, the local power for economic reproduction is the power that determines the scale and quality of economic reproduction. It strengthens when the funds locally generated are used and circulated within the locality.

The paper points out the country's propensity of using imported means of production that has led to chronic trade deficit. Due to the chronic trade deficit, the country has faced numerous balance of payments crises. The government has responded to the crises by actively using external debt and foreign direct investment. However, external debts and foreign direct investments are attendant with local funds outflow for debt servicing and for profit remittance. The paper argues that these weaken the local power for economic reproduction.

This article will examine the potential of the Belgian social restaurants as a type of social enterprise for poverty reduction. A case study will be analyzed according to five factors relevant to poverty reduction using interview and survey data. It shows how the most direct contribution lies in social employment, while creating more indirect opportunities to counter social inclusion.

Considering the contribution of entrepreneurship to economic development in Laos through small and medium enterprises, the paper addresses the relationship between entrepreneurial human and social capital, and successful entrepreneurship – business turnover and job creation. The analysis applies data extracted from the Enterprise Survey 2009 conducted by GIZ. The study finds that human and social capital enhances successful entrepreneurship in SMEs. The impact of entrepreneur's education on business success is largely limited to a relatively small firm size. The implementation of government policies needs an extensive improvement, if the government aims to achieve its target in promoting SME development. The findings pertain to the importance of government commitment and human resource development in the context of Laos.