Page 516 - MOE ENGLISH PR - APRIL 2024

4/25/24, 3:43 PM Ministry of Economy organizes ‘National Forum for SMEs - Government Procurement' forum to help maximize Emirati entrepreneu…
enterprises. These entities utilized digital platforms to present the terms of the tenders and
contracts directly to Emirati entrepreneurs and forum attendees, offering them guidance and
support. Additionally, various initiatives supporting Emirati SME-owners were introduced
during the event. The forum also featured seven diverse dialogue sessions with a total of 26
speakers participating in discussions.

The first session titled ‘Policies, legislation and initiatives to support SMEs' showcased a
number of objectives outlined in Federal Law no. 2 of 2014 concerning SMEs. It emphasized
their role in driving the growth of Emirati SMEs, while also exploring the means to further
cooperation and forge partnerships between relevant government entities. The session was
attended by H.E. Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy; and
H.E. Younis Haji Al Khoori, Undersecretary of Ministry of Finance.
The second session, titled ‘Inspiring stories in the world of government tenders' highlighted a
collection of success stories from owners of national SMEs. Attendees had the opportunity to
hear about the challenges and obstacles that these entrepreneurs encountered while
securing bids and tenders from government entities, along with the strategies they employed
to overcome them. The session highlighted the tools these entrepreneurs relied on to
enhance their prospects of obtaining these tenders.

The third session, titled ‘From legislation to implementation: Policies and practices of
supporting SMEs,' explored the Ministry of Economy's role in supporting Emirati
entrepreneurs. It showcased the action plan developed to achieve the objectives of the
Government Procurements for Local SMEs performance indicator. Additionally, the session
highlighted the Ministry of Finance's role in providing special benefits and financial
exemptions to national SMEs.

The next session titled ‘Enhancing opportunities and possibilities in government procurement'
presented a range of tender and contract opportunities related to government procurement
offered by federal entities and national companies. Emirati entrepreneurs had the chance to
familiarize themselves with these opportunities, thereby improving their readiness to pursue
and potentially secure these contracts. The session raised awareness among entrepreneurs
about the competitive nature of the procurement process and provided insights into the
application process for government tenders. Additionally, attendees received valuable
information about the federal supplier register system and important tips about the registration
process and completing tender documentation effectively.
The fifth session titled ‘Government initiatives to support national SMEs' examined a range of
initiatives provided by federal entities to support projects led by Emirati entrepreneurs. These
include the National Program for SMEs and projects, the Digital Procurement Platform, as
well as the ‘Hawafez' Program and the In-Country Value (ICV) program.
Yet another session, titled ‘How local government entities support national SMEs,' discussed
the support provided by local government entities to SMEs. Participants had the opportunity
to explore government procurement programs in the UAE, along with the latest initiatives,
partnerships, and the outcomes achieved in supporting national projects.
Finally, the last session titled ‘How to become a professional supplier to government agencies'
underscored the significance of establishing strategic relationships between Emirati SMEs
and government officials. The objective was to promote the products and services offered by
their companies and leverage the support services provided by their respective entities. The
discussion emphasized the importance of adhering to government entities' procurements
systems and laws.

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