20 October 2015
High-level representatives from UN, IFC, ITC & Dubai SME to discuss role of global SMEs

Dubai - The crucial role of SMEs in capturing growth in the global economy will be the spotlight of a roundtable debate which will bring together world-leading experts on the topic. The roundtable will be held as part of the Ministers and Business Leaders Plenary session at Global Trade Development Week (GTDW). H.E. Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy will open GTDW, an annual high-level forum and exhibition held from 27-29th October at Ritz Carlton DIFC, Dubai.

The GTDW roundtable will feature influential figures driving policy initiatives and collective action to foster global growth of SMEs.  Joining Dubai SME are high-level representatives from United Nations, International Trade Corporation, International Finance Cooperation and Dubai SME who will address the 1000 business and government leaders attending GTDW.

"SMEs are essential drivers of growth in emerging economies across the world, accounting for up to 90% of all businesses in these markets. These figures are reflected in Dubai's dynamic economy with SMEs today representing 95% of all registered firms, 42% of the work force and 40% of the emirate's GDP. With Dubai being the host of GTDW, we are keen to share the many initiatives the UAE government has put in place to strengthen the competitiveness of SMEs and enhance sustainable development in various economic sectors". says Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME, the agency of the Department of Economic Development in Dubai mandated to promote the SME sector.  

Titled "Promoting Innovative SMEs as Key Drivers of Innovation and Engines for Global Trade and Growth", the GTDW roundtable will examine macro level issues that impact on the growth of SMEs. The roundtable will also focus on the global solutions to obstacles faced by SMEs such as access to finance and overcoming bureaucratic problems.

"GTDW's six summits cover all key trade and economic development issues and it is absolutely essential that the role of SMEs are emphasized. Explains Andrew Keable, Co-CEO of KW Group the owners and organisers of GTDW." He continues, "To put this into context, according to recent research by A.T. Kearney, the total potential for the GCC is an additional USD 100 Billion to GDP and up to 2 million jobs in the coming years".

The roundtable will be moderated by Fida Chaaban, Editor-In-Chief of Entrepreneur Middle East; the panelists are:

·         Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO, Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment For SMEs Development (Dubai SME)

·         Marcos Vaena, Chief, Enterprise Competitiveness, International Trade Centre (ITC)

·         Matthew Gamser, CEO, SME Finance Forum, International Finance Corporation (IFC)

·         Marc Proksch, Chief, Business And Development, Trade & Investment Division, United Nations ESCAP

Andrew comments, "I'm delighted GTDW has attracted such a high-level line-up for our SME discussion. GTDW is now firmly established as the premier networking and business-generating opportunity for leaders across various sectors of global trade - and we are delighted to be working with the international heavy-weights who will bring unparalled insight on the topic."

-Ends-

For details of the GTDW programmes, visit the event website www.kwglobaltrade.com. For further information and for media accreditation to attend the event, please contact the International PR & Communications Director, Nana Mancell, Email: nanam@kwconfex.com  Tel:  +971 50 956 9277.

About Global Trade Development Week
GTDW 2015 will be held in Ritz Carlton DIFC, UAE from 27th to 29th October. GTDW is a high-level forum and exhibiton for the discussion of international trade and economic development, and is organised under the patronage of H.E. Al Mansoori, Minister of Economy. GTDW will hosting 1000 G&C Level Trade Facilitation, Finance & Development Leaders, 100+ Nations and over 150 Speakers. GTDW gathers government & private sector trade leaders across trade facilitation, customs, development, finance & investment. The ambitious programme of events includes a Ministers & Trade Leaders Plenary, 6 major trade summits, site tours, networking receptions and trade exhibition.

For further information on Global Trade Development Week go to www.kwglobaltrade.com

© Press Release 2015