Page 523 - MOE ENGLISH PR - APRIL 2024

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.

https://mid-east.info/ministry-of-economy-organizes-national-forum-for-smes-government-
procurement-forum-to-help-maximize-emirati-entrepreneurs-benefit-from-government-tenders/