Fleming Gulf hosts the 3rd edition of Middle East SME Forum

Small and Medium Sized Enterprises are regarded as an economy's engine of growth and employment. Entrepreneurs in today's world have to strive to be innovative in their new businesses instead of going the traditional way. Governments, associations and various large private companies have this drive to strengthen the economy by boosting the SME sector. Government initiatives towards business start ups, entrepreneurship, education, facilitation and innovation are vital in the development of the region's SME sector

The summit is covering over 20 presentations and will be enriched by 5 panel discussions on a wide range of topics within the scope of SME in Middle East. Presentations, discussions and case studies will touch on the SME ecosystem in the Middle East environment, challenges and opportunities towards business start ups and also best practices and successful stories in the region's SME sector.

Nilanjan Ray, Senior VP and Head: Business Banking - Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) is chairing the summit on day one of this forum. The keynote speech was presented by the honorary speaker Alexander Haex, VP: Business Development - Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi and Sulaf Saleh Al Zubi, CEO of INJAZ - UAE. The first session titled, "Understanding how the SME Ecosystem works in the Middle East", was addressed by Zia Hussain - Cofounder of Entrepreneurs of Arabia.

The risk considerations involved in evaluating SMEs for SME financing were discussed by the Regional Head of Business Banking Division, Mr. Dhiraj Kunwar.

Dr. Adeeb Mahmoud Al Afeefi, Director of Foreign Trade and Export Support - Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, shared Abu Dhabi export success stories to inform how exports can contribute to the growth of SME and economic structure.

Opportunities and challenges in developing a small business were discussed by Abdullah Al Jafalli, GM of SHARAKAH | Fund For Development of Youth Projects.

Five session and 2 panel discussions will be held during the afternoon session followed by the participant's networking reception hosted by Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.

Tomorrow, day two of the summit, will feature industry leading speakers from Mohammad Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development, Vantage Holdings, Standard Chartered Bank, Khoie Group, Hira Industries, Souq.com, DC Pro Engineering, Asharqia Chamber of Young Businessman Executive Council and many more.