Ministry of Economys National Program for SMEs Organizes SME Expo in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, 08 April 2019: Under the patronage of His Excellency (H.E.) Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of the UAE SME Council, the National Program for Small and Medium Enterprises and Projects at the Ministry of Economy will host the Small and Medium Enterprises Exhibition on April 29-30 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC). The event is being organized in strategic partnership with funding programs for young people, entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the country.

The event aims to provide the necessary support, guidance and advice needed to stimulate the economic growth of the SME sector. The event is part of the Ministry of Economy's strategic efforts to increase the contribution of the SME sector to the national economy, where the current share of the sector to the countrys Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2018 is estimated to be at about 53 per cent. The exhibition will boost national efforts aimed at raising contributions to 60 per cent by 2021, in line with the objectives of the national agenda.

H.E. Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy, stressed that the SME sector is a key pillar in the country's economic vision. These are considered foundations of the national economy, a catalyst for economic diversification and an important source of employment generation in the country. It is also one of the main channels for building a knowledge-based competitive economy, based on innovation and able to benefit from the scientific progress and developments of modern technology. H.E. also pointed out that the UAE has been characterized regionally and globally to quickly build and develop the sector of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In fact, it is now ranked first in the Arab world and seventh globally on the GESI Global Entrepreneurship Index.

H.E. added that the Ministry of Economy, represented by the National Program for Small and Medium Enterprises, and in cooperation with its various partners in the public and private sectors, is committed to continuing its efforts to support and develop this pivotal sector. He also pointed out that the SME exhibition represents a distinct initiative in this path, where the Ministry is keen towards providing a platform for entrepreneurs and SMEs in the UAE to communicate and share ideas, learn best practices and build partnerships that contribute to the

transition of the sector's competitiveness and growth to higher levels.

Dr Adeeb Alafeefi, Director, National Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Projects, said, The SME sector is critical to the countrys economic growth and therefore, a significant component of the UAEs National Agenda 2021. The National Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, under the umbrella of the Ministry of Economy, aims to develop blueprints to provide expertise, technical support as well as training to boost SMEs. The Program aims to empower the small and medium-sized national entrepreneurs, and the SME Expo will provide a platform for these entrepreneurs to meet leading industry experts and collaborate with each other.

The two-day SME Expo will bring leading professionals who will conduct masterclasses, presenting case studies and seminars alongside an interactive exhibition designed exclusively to enhance the SME sectors productivity, competitiveness and profitability. SME Expo will bring together thousands of business owners and decision-makers to build business relationships networks, attend the seminars and meet solution providers that offer unique products and services to help grow their business.

SME Expo will provide industry experts access to over 150 exhibitors from a range of sectors including: Startup Incubator; Government Services; Technology; Education/Training and

Consultant; Office Supply & Furniture; Real Estate Services & Retail; Trade and Business Services; Finance/Insurance & Banks; Legal Services, Accountants & Finance Consultancies; Free Zones & Economic Zones; Marketing & Communication Services; Tourism; Food and Beverages; Health and Wellness; and Logistics.

SME Expos headline sponsorship is provided by National Bank of Fujairah, platinum sponsorship by Emirates Development Bank, gold sponsorship by ADIB and silver sponsorship by Abu Dhabi Global Market and Due

For further information about SME Expo and to register for the seminar and workshops and access to the Interactive Exhibition, visit www.smeexpo.ae