DUBAI – National institutions’ support to Dubai SME members will help them grow their business, according to participants of a forum held on Sunday.
The forum aimed at enabling SMEs to access contracting opportunities with government departments in the UAE. The Government Procurement Programme (GPP) at Dubai SME, the agency of the Department of Economic Development in Dubai mandated to develop the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector, organised the forum to support national SMEs in procurement and contracting. Representatives of Dubai Municipality, du and Etihad Airways presented details about contracts and procurement procedures and the steps to be followed by national SMEs to win the contracts. Ibtihal Naji, Director of the Government Procurement Programme, said the contribution of government departments in the procurement jobs undertaken by SMEs was remarkably high this year due to their confidence in the services provided by the Dubai SME members. “They proved to be extremely reliable in providing excellence services in line with the standards and requirements of the government departments,” Naji said. “The keen interest of national institutions to interact and support Dubai SME members through contracts and procurements will help them to grow their business. The Government Procurement Programme seeks to widen the role of the government institutions supporting the vital sector,” she said. Ibrahim Yaqob Ali Al Nasser, Director, Contracts and Purchase Department, Dubai Municipality said the department is keen on facilitating and supporting the members of Dubai SME. He also explained that the members of the Dubai SME have the preference and priority to participate in the biddings of municipal tenders and auctions, and enjoy the financial administrative facilities at all stages of dealing with Contract and Procurement Dept. Hence, the value of documentation has been reduced by 50 per cent. They are also exempted from registration and renewal fees, not to mention the primary bank guarantee. Fahad Al Hassawi, chief human resources and shared services officer, du, said: “We are committed to support the growth of Emirati entrepreneurs. Through our participation in the forum we are looking to help members of Dubai SME to identify the opportunities we are able to offer under the Government Procurement Programme, and wanted to familiarise the entrepreneurs with our systems and processes in order to help them achieve success.” Ahmed Alrayyes, Senior Manager Commercial Sourcing, du, represented the company at the forum and shared the company’s experience of being Dubai SME’s partner in the Government Procurement Programme. Adil Al Mulla Etihad Airway’s VP, Procurement and Supply Management, said: “Etihad Airways continuously aims to forge partnerships with government and public institutions that are keen to support emerging local businesses with the aim of strengthening the economy and contributing to the country’s development. —abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com
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