Page 519 - 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…
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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