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Bapco, one of Bahrain's biggest companies, has stepped up to the plate to join an initiative by Tamkeen (Labour Fund) to familiarise Bahrain's growing SME sector with modern e-Procurement procedures.
Over 35 suppliers were invited to participate in focus groups facilitated by Ernst & Young for the joint Bapco-Tamkeen effort to ensure that entry barriers are identified and overcome for SMEs.
Bapco's e-Procurement pilot project leader Gary Gribbin outlined the Bapco strategy, emphasising the changes expected within the local market. He explained that Bapco will continue to support the local economy by providing e-Tendering opportunities for local suppliers, but stated that local suppliers must develop the technology, applications, business processes and skills to compete effectively in the e-Business market.
Tamkeen's private sector support manager Dr Mohammed Amin outlined the initiatives currently provided to improve the business opportunities, skills and efficiencies of small and medium suppliers. He explained that Tamkeen's main objectives are to support the private sector which is considered one of the key success factors for enabling the e-Procurement project to achieve its intended targets.
Initial conclusions from the workshop were provided to Bapco and Tamkeen chief executives Abdulkarim Al Sayed and Abdulellah Al Qassimi, respectively, ahead of a full-scale report and action plan.
