DED supports the International SME conference in focusing on creating employment opportunities

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Dr. Golovanov is one of the growing pool of reputed speakers expected to address the forthcoming International Conference and Exhibition for Small and Medium Enterprises (ISMEDubai) to be held in Dubai from January 31 to February 2, 2005. He will be speaking about facilitating innovation and economic growth in Arab countries with special reference to the UNIDO methodology and information tools for business performance management and benchmarking to improve business efficiency.

The conference, which is supported by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) is being organised by Seagull Exhibitions and Conferences Organising. Al Tomooh programme of Emirates Bank and Pepsi Cola are two of the main sponsors of the event.

With just days left to go for the event, ISMEDubai has attracted several international speakers including Dr. Hashim S. Hussein, Head of United Nations Industrial Development Organization - Investment and Technology Promotion Office (UNIDO-ITPO), the Arab Regional Centre for Entrepreneurship and Investment Training (ARCEIT) - Kingdom of Bahrain, Dr. Guriqbal Singh JAIYA, Director of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) Division, WIPO Switzerland and Hany Seif Al Nasr, Managing Director, Social Fund for Development. (SFD) Egypt.

'We have been overwhelmed at the interest that this conference has generated among participants and speakers worldwide,' said Khalid Al Kassim, Deputy Director General, DED. 'Currently, most countries are extending support to SMEs to help build their competencies to operate in the new competitive environment. Such initiatives are becoming increasingly important for creating new jobs in view of shrinking job opportunities in large enterprises and MNCs. We hope this conference will go a long way towards building an enabling environment for SME development thereby generating greater scope for employment,' he added.

'A strong entrepreneurial culture is essential for the future competitiveness of the economy and for generating economic growth,' said Dr. Syd Gilani, Associate Professor of Business Administration, American University in Dubai and another speaker at the conference. 'SMEs can create many jobs within a short period of time by increasing the revenue base and adding to the growth of national income, and may provide substitutes for imported goods. As such, this conference is not only timely but is highly strategic in nature,' he added.

Dr. Hashim Suleiman Hussein Head of (UNIDO-ITPO), Bahrain and a speaker at the conference said: 'The SME International exhibition and conference will provide a platform for entrepreneurs from the region to widen their vision and scope of intra-business relations as well as with the rest of the world. This event will be an excellent opportunity to highlight the importance of developing domestic Investment to access and promote Foreign Direct Investment by linking entrepreneurs from the region with the global network.'

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) occupy a dominant position in almost all economies of the world. More than 99 per cent of enterprises in European countries, USA and Japan are SMEs, contributing to more than 50 per cent of employment. Innovations, new technologies, highest possible performance and efficiency are among the main issues challenging SMEs in Arab countries. The conference is expected to provide participants with an overview of current initiatives, advanced solutions and international experiences and achievements.