AIG experts share insight, expertise and knowledge to support growth of Omani SMEs

Muscat, 1 June 2015: American International Group ('AIG' or 'the Company'), one of the world's leading insurance companies, participated in the 7th Small & Medium Enterprises ('SME') Exhibition & Conference in Oman. The AIG team showcased the importance of insurance for the growing Omani SME sector, delivering keynote presentations and practical workshops for attendees.

H.E. Abdullah Bin Salem Al Salmi, Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Market Authority, Oman ('CMA'), inaugurated the conference, while Ahmed Al Mamari, Director General, General Directorate of Insurance Supervision, Capital Market Authority, opened the workshops. Both H.E. Abdullah Bin Salem Al Salmi and Mr. Al Mamari highlighted that SME insurance and risk management is crucial for the development of the country.

A wide range of topics, including the key theme of risk management, were discussed at the conference. With support from the CMA, the event was well attended by leading Omani SMEs, government agencies and corporates, including Bank Muscat, for whom AIG provides non-life insurance products.

Neelmani Bhardwaj, General Manager of AIG Oman, said: "SMEs are the backbone of the Omani economy and effective insurance supports the further growth and development of this crucial sector by enabling them to protect and manage a whole range of business risks. We are proud to contribute to the success of the latest edition of the SME Exhibition & Conference, an excellent platform for sharing knowledge and building relationships between solution providers, SMEs, government agencies and the wider broker community. AIG Oman, together with the CMA and its business partners, is committed to increasing awareness of the benefits of SME insurance in Oman, through similar conferences, training programs and our day-to-day work with the sector."

Leading AIG's team at the event was John Heaney, AIG's Global Chief Underwriting Officer - SME Package, who flew into Oman especially to participate. Mr. Heaney offered insights based on his broad knowledge of SME insurance across global markets to explore critical topics for the local Omani market, including risk management considerations, risk profiles and claim examples.

Other senior members of the AIG team held workshops on topics of interest for attendees:

  • Ayed Innabi, AIG Regional Engineering Manager, Assistant Vice President, Commercial Property Engineering, explained the importance of loss prevention and how SMEs could ensure more effective claims management

  • Melina Argyriou, AIG SME Package Manager MENA, highlighted the importance of comprehensive insurance that can protect core elements of an SME's operations including people, assets and profit

  • Qais Said Al Sahli, senior auditor, CMA discussed the importance of Insurance and shared the initiatives being undertaken by the CMA in supporting the growth of the SME sector

"Insurance for SMEs is not about repair or replacing but about restoring a business to a secure trading environment. AIG understands SME clients require a simple, straightforward and cost effective process when purchasing insurance, so they can focus on their core business. As the recognized market leader across both the Omani market and the wider MENA region, AIG offers exceptional value in terms of coverage, automation, flexibility and claims service. We provide a tailored offering across superior multi-line, pre-underwritten and segmented solutions", concluded Neelmani.

Contact:
Iain Gibson
Finsbury
+971 553 387 748
iain.gibson@finsbury.com

© Press Release 2015