RIYADH: Potential, a leading business development company, has launched its "SME evolution program" during a workshop in Riyadh.
The launching event was attended by Mohammed Al-Kathiri, undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for Technical Affairs and representatives from each of Potential's local and regional partners including MODON, Saudi Telecom Co. (STC), SAP, Google, Intel, Aramex and Zawya.
"SME Evolution Program" is a leading business development initiative that aims to help Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) increase its 33 percent contribution to the nation's GDP through improving their business efficiency and readiness, to enable them to compete internationally, expand their business, create more jobs, and eventually contribute to the development of the Saudi economy.
The program provides diverse free training sessions to business leaders from the SME sector through a group of business consultants and specialists from various related fields.
Al-Kathiri said: "The Ministry of Trade and Industry recognizes the importance of the small and medium enterprise sector and its role in supporting the national economy and employment. It also supports all the parties, including chambers of commerce and industry through the establishment of the National Center for Small and Medium Enterprises to be under the umbrella of the Ministry."
Mohamed bin Nasser Al-Jasser, vice president of business services in STC, expressed his appreciation to the initiative.
He said: "STC is aware of the challenges facing SMEs in the labor market, and its participation and adoption of the SME evolution program stems from its social responsibility objectives throughout the Kingdom" and he stressed on STC's readiness to support similar programs that are in line with Potential's program, and calls upon all its clients and partners to take this opportunity and participate in the SME Evolution Program."
Abdulaziz Al-Noghaither, general manager of Intel Corporation Saudi Arabia, said: "SMEs are clearly proving to be the modern foundations on which both developed and developing nations are building economic and social progress. These businesses are being used as catalysts to larger projects in cities around the world. Larger companies like Intel have a key role in supporting this sector by helping the organizations find healthy environments in which to grow and thrive, while simultaneously providing technical support and expertise. We are also here to support a new and young generation of businessmen and aid them in honing their skills. Ultimately, we hope to maintain the larger governmental objective of exponentially growing a knowledge-based economy."
Abdulrahman Tarabzouni, regional manager, Google -- Emerging Arabia, said: "SMEs are a crucial part of the ecosystem in the region. We're excited to be part of this initiative as Internet enables SMEs to be easily reached by their local and international customers and suppliers."
Sam Alkharrat, managing director, SAP MENA, said: "The SME Evolution Program is a much-needed initiative that will have a dramatic and hugely positive impact across Saudi Arabia. SMEs are the ultimate creators of sustainable jobs that strengthen communities and serve as a vital contributor to GDP due to their flexibility to innovate and meet market demands. As Saudi Arabia expands its world-class infrastructure and vision, the SME Evolution Program will play a critical role in setting an example across the Arab world by stimulating the development of existing SMEs, begetting new companies through better solutions and providing greater access to markets."
Abdulaziz Al-Nowaiser, national executive manager for Saudi Arabia at Aramex, also highlighted the significance of Potential's initiative in moving SMEs business to a further step of development.
"Aramex is very pleased to partner with the 'SME Evolution Program,' in offering this program in the Kingdom. It is an important initiative that will help Saudi small businesses achieve the next stage in their growth, and our support reflects the core values and entrepreneurial culture of Aramex, which is committed to leveraging resources, knowledge, expertise and networks to nurture the expansion of Saudi SMEs across the region," added Al-Nowaiser.
Gunnar Skoog, CEO, Zawya, added: "From management & financing, to marketing & technology, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the region face many challenges and deserve all the support they can get. Through our partnership with Potential and the SME Evolution Program, Zawya is empowering regional entrepreneurs and SMEs with relevant, valuable and engaging business intelligence they need to start, grow, and expand their business in the Middle East & North Africa."
Shadi Banna, Potential managing partner, expressed his gratitude to the sponsoring companies and partners and stressed on their massive contribution to the success of the program.
He said: "Small and medium enterprises represent around 90 percent of operating Saudi companies, while they only contribute by 25 percent to total employment figures and 33 percent to the GDP, which is relatively modest in comparison to its counterparts in global markets. Through our program, we aim at contributing to the development of the Kingdom's SMEs sector and its performance. This goes in line with the government's ninth development plan aimed at diversifying sources of income in the local economy by supporting the private sector. The program runs for three months, and we are keen on maintaining its successful results achieved in UAE, Qatar, Oman and Lebanon. The program is set to be launched in Turkey after the Kingdom."
The "SME Evolution Program" includes 24 free "webinars" or online interactive training sessions as well as live workshops that are planned across the Kingdom to highlight best practices in business development, expansion and competition.
The program is offered in English and Arabic languages and discusses a wide array of SMEs-related topics including strategy, innovation, leadership, talents, brands, marketing, sales, project management, expansion, financing and investment among others.
© Arab News 2011
