Tamkeen builds on EDS success with plans to reach additional 1000 Bahraini enterprises

A tender was announced and Tamkeen appointed KPMG Fakhro as the executing partner agency for the EDS programme's second phase which begins in November this year and over a period of 4 years. The contract was signed on Sunday August 23, 2009 between Tamkeen's Chief Executive Mr. Abdulelah Al Qassimi and KPMG Fakhro's Chairman Mr. Jamal Fakhro.

The EDS enable beneficiaries to take advantage of such programmes as the co-financed Technical Assistance Programme, the Growth Assistance Programme, the Business Development Scheme and a recently-introduced Quality Management Scheme that facilitates quality certification of companies.

'The EDS programme works at many levels to maximize the potential and growth of Bahraini enterprises,' observed Tamkeen Chief Executive Mr. Abdulelah Al Qassimi, 'Whether it is a project to upgrade the technical facilities or overhaul the administrative processes after due consultation with experts; whether it is to draw up a blueprint for improved business or put in place certified quality processes or even support for international exposure through participation in international events, the EDS offers guidance and co-financed support to Bahraini enterprises.'

He added:

'The appointment of KPMG Fakhro as EDS Agency (EDSA) will help us to speed up the to day operational activities involved in administering the EDS programme. As Tamkeen moves to put in place the core strengths for Bahraini enterprises to become active players in our Kingdom's Vision 2030 progress, the partnership of KPMG Fakhro, with its world class administrative capabilities, will undoubtedly help us to give beneficiaries the advantage of a long-term government commitment and a quick turnaround thanks to a private sector approach to managing the programmes.'

The Enterprise Development Support (EDS) is an innovative capacity-building programme from Tamkeen aims at supporting Bahraini enterprises in the private sector.

'KPMG's involvement as EDSA partner will streamline the paperwork and enable smooth access to Tamkeen's different growth and productivity enhancing programmes,' said said Mr. Jamal Fakhro, 'Tamkeen is targeting 1000 beneficiaries in Phase II of the EDSA and KPMG Fakhro will do everything possible to help meet this target. We are keenly aware that Tamkeen's work is crucial to the realizing of the Vision 2030 goals of our leadership and are honoured to be a part of this vital project.'