Dubai to host MENA-OECD Working Group on SME Policy and Entrepreneurship

Sunday 06 March 2016
Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME

Dubai - MENA Herald: Dubai will play host to a dialogue between the Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development (OECD) and various stakeholders involved in promoting entrepreneurship in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region during 8-9 of March 2016.

The MENA-OECD Working Group on SME Policy and Entrepreneurship, being held under the auspices of Dubai SME, the agency of the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai mandated to promote the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, is aimed to co-ordinate and identify the policy reforms and support required to promote entrepreneurship in view of the potential of this vital sector in job creation and economic development.

Dubai hosting the event reaffirms the regional leadership of Dubai and the UAE in adopting policies and best practices in supporting entrepreneurs and the SME sector.

The Working Group brings together policy-makers from institutions in charge of enterprise policy such as ministers of industry and economy, SME development agencies and investment promotion agencies, as well as representatives of private enterprises to discuss best practices in supporting enterprise growth, access to finance and business development.

Participants will monitor the effectiveness of the existing policy frameworks on SME development in MENA countries, benchmark them against the international best practices and create mechanisms to co-ordinate policies and follow up on their implementation.

Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME remarked: "Dubai SME is proud to be a member of the OECD Working Group on SME Policy and Entrepreneurship since 2010. We have contributed to the Group by way of sharing Dubai SME’s experience in sector development and in implementing entrepreneurship development strategies that strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub. The MENA-OECD Working Group meeting highlights the emirate’s role as a reference for best SME development practices in the region. "

The first day of the meeting will focus on co-operation among the GCC States and OECD across a number of dialogue sessions. The areas of discussion will include comprehensive and effective policies, ways to consolidate the role of enterprises in job creation, economic diversification and competitiveness, and SME development as a driving force for private sector development.

His Excellency Sultan Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy will address the Working Group on the second day. The day’s agenda also includes diverse sessions to review business development services available for SMES across the Middle East and North Africa, the regulatory and legal environment for SME financing, SME access to bank financing, as well as priority areas for future SME development strategies.

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