Manama, Bahrain - Wednesday, 11th January 2012: As part of its ongoing support of private sector enterprises in Bahrain, Tamkeen announced that it has set a target to serve 2,500 more business owners through its flagship Enterprise Development Support Programme.

To this effect, an agreement was signed with KPMG Fakhro on to continue to serve as the Enterprise Development Support Agency for the programme. The agreement was signed by Tamkeen's Chief Executive Mr. Mahmood Al Kooheji and KPMG Fakhro's Managing Partner Mr. Jamal Fakhro at Tamkeen's offices located in Bait Al Tijjar.

As per the agreement, KPMG Fakhro will be tasked with continuing the implementation of the schemes under the Enterprise Development Support Programme, running the day-to-day business and operational activities as well as providing administrative services to benefiting business owners..

Commenting on the agreement, Mr. Al-Kooheji said, "By continuing to identify the best ways in which we can cater to business owners in Bahrain, the Enterprise Development Support Programme's efficiency and productivity enhancing schemes is at the very core of our efforts to position private sector enterprises in Bahrain as key drivers of national economic growth, as outlined by Economic Vision 2030."

Since its inception, Tamkeen's Enterprise Development Support Programme has served over 1,500 business owners and contributed a total of nearly BD 8 million

"KPMG's familiarity with the Enterprise Development Support Programme allows us to continue serving business owners in a smooth and efficient manner. Our focus will be on meeting the set target by continually improving all facets of the programme and further streamlining processes to facilitate access to Tamkeen's valuable and varied Enterprise Development Support schemes,' said Mr. Jamal Fakhro.

Tamkeen's Enterprise Development Support Programmes include: the Business Development Scheme (Istishara) to assist in the strategic planning and determining vision and goals of the organisation, the Technical Assistance Scheme (Techania) to provide support for the purchase of latest enterprise-related tools and equipments,  the Quality Management Systems Scheme (Jawda) to assist in the design and application of world class quality standards , the Growth Assistance Scheme   (Tarweej) to support enterprises' participation in local and international events and exhibitions, and the Marketing Assistance Scheme (Tasweeq) to provide support in the design and implementation of effective marketing and communications strategies.

The Enterprise Development Programme is open to all business owners in Bahrain. More information on the programme can be had by contacting Tamkeen's Enterprise Development Support Agency on 17565393, or via email: edsa@tamkeen.bh.

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About Tamkeen
Tamkeen is a semi-autonomous yet independent authority which formulates strategic and operational plans to use the fees collected by the LMRA in order to enhance the overall prosperity of Bahrain by investing in Bahraini employability, job creation, and social support.

Tamkeen's main objectives are to support Bahrainis to become the employees of choice, and to support high quality private sector job creation and helping the private sector cope with the impact of labour market reform.

To achieve these objectives, Tamkeen will invest in the cost and quality competitiveness of Bahrainis (e.g., reduction of cost of employing Bahrainis relative to expatriates, investment in skill and attitude improvement programmes of Bahrainis) and tackle employment barriers on both employer and new market entrants sides through a combination of financial incentives and capability building; and in supporting the private sector's adjustment to new cost structures by providing access to capital to alleviate short-term cash constraints or improve productivity, and in know-how initiatives that support improvements in productivity and decreased reliance on expatriate labour through spreading management and technical knowledge.

Tamkeen has invested more than BD 140 million in more than 70 projects that targeted more than 50,000 Bahraini nationals and organisations.

The development of programmes is continuing as Tamkeen's strategy to increase the number of beneficiaries on an ongoing basis, which reflects the kingdom's economic development in general.

About the Enterprise Support Development Programme (EDS).   
The Tamkeen Enterprise Development Support Programme was conceived to stimulate the growth of Bahrain's private sector. The Programme provides co-financing to business owners, integrated with consultancy and technical assistance, aiming to improve the productivity and efficiency of Bahrain's enterprises.

The Enterprise Development Support Programme is a set of professional tools designed to benefit those looking to create positive change and improve their businesses, putting enterprises on the fast-track towards a productive and prosperous future.

KPMG Fakhro has been appointed as the agency for the new phase of the Enterprise Development Support Programme.  Established in 1968, KPMG Fakhro has extensive local experience combined with first rate international skills, making it the ideal partner to help fuel the growth of Bahrain's business community in line with Bahrain's Vision 2030.

For more information about our programmes, please call:
Marketing Communication Department
Tamkeen
Telephone:  17383326 / 17383327
Fax: 17382352
e-Mail: support@tamkeen.bh
Website: www.tamkeen.bh
http://www.facebook.com/TamkeenBahrain
http://twitter.com/TamkeenBahrain

© Press Release 2012