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New specialist business platform opens up more opportunities for UAE's SME sector

Dubai World Trade Centre 's Newest Show SME Invest Supports Government Initiative to Grow Key Economic Sector-
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - With approximately 200,000 small and medium sized enterprises currently in operation in the UAE, the contribution of this key business sector to the country's economy is significant. According to the government agency Dubai SME, not only does the SME sector generate up to 46 percent of the UAE's GDP, it is also responsible for 86 percent of its total employment. Meeting the needs of these companies and showcasing new business opportunities for both suppliers and procurers, the new SME Invest exhibition taking place in Dubai in March has already generated strong positive response from exhibitors.

Organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre in partnership with Dubai SME, the agency of the Department of Economic Development in Dubai mandated to develop the small and medium enterprises sector, SME Invest 2012 runs from 5 - 7 March at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event offers a platform for SMEs, SME service providers and entrepreneurs to engage directly with procurement heads, specifiers and contract department heads from private and governmental agencies, and to develop lasting business relationships.

"SMEs form the backbone of any developing economy, driving innovation, employment and investment. With the additional strategic directive from the UAE government to actively support this sector, SMEs in the UAE are being fast-tracked to succeed," said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre . "The new SME Invest show has been developed as a dynamic environment to facilitate business, make new contacts, increase knowledge and even source additional investment for their businesses. There is no other platform delivering such a comprehensive and compelling offering."

The inaugural SME Invest Conference in collaboration with Dubai SME takes place on 5 and 6 March, alongside the show, and will be attended by high ranking regional policy makers, C-suite executives and divisional heads of governmental authorities, specialist procurement professionals and private institutions. Designed to provide thought leadership and insights into strategic decision making, the SME Invest Conference will provide the backbone for the event encouraging interaction between senior procurement professionals and influencers and the SME sector.

A number of key features and activities will be introduced at SME Invest to provide essential learning, networking, meeting and development opportunities for both established SME businesses and start-ups.

The Procurement Managers Exchange aims to stimulate and develop the SME sector further by providing SME's with an opportunity to obtain greater penetration in the procurement process in specific industry sectors and especially working with Government organisations.

The Investor Connect sessions will provide established SMEs with a face-to-face opportunity to meet potential investors and partners to gain the financial and professional business support to expand and develop their business.

SME Invest is strictly a trade-only event and is open to business and trade visitors from within the industry only. Complimentary registration for the exhibition is available in advance online. (Persons under the age of 18 will not be permitted). SME Invest is open from 10am - 6pm Monday 5 March to Wednesday, 7 March.

For more information, please visit www.sme-invest.com

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About SME Invest
www.sme-invest.com
The first ever SME Invest is a trade only event being held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 5-7 March 2012. The exhibition is organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre and provides a platform for SMEs, SME service providers and entrepreneurs to engage directly with procurement heads, specifiers and contract department heads from private and governmental agencies, and to develop lasting business relationships.

About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
www.dwtc.com
As the organiser of Gulfood 2012, Gitex Technology Week, Dubai International Motor Show and many others, Dubai World Trade Centre offers more than 32 years' experience delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. Our team organises 18 of the largest and most successful international and regional shows in Middle East, providing an ideal platform for business development in the region.

Our commitment to ongoing innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows, and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors. DWTC works with the leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all exhibitions deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector.

For more information, please contact:
Payal Keswani
Senior Account Executive
Mojo PR
(+971) 50 770 7635
payal@mojo-me.com

Jehad Kamal
PR Manager
Dubai World Trade Centre
+971 4 308 6124
jehad.kamal@dwtc.com

© Press Release 2012