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Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has launched a new strategy designed to aid small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
"As the private sector evolves, so must our role," explained acting chief executive officer Othman Al Rayes.
"Within the framework of Vision 2030, the BCCI has established the SME Committee to better serve the private sector and to maximise its economic contributions to the country; while also helping small and medium enterprises overcome any impediments to this goal," he remarked.
"The BCCI will strive to support all plans, programmes and policies aimed at the development of this sector, and to ensure their successful implementation.
"The chamber will organise frequent consultative meetings and seminars to enhance knowledge and facilitate information exchange. We will also conduct a number of studies and researches to determine areas that require further attention."
Two service centres will be launched to support SMEs. One will be dedicated to training and supporting SMEs as well as individuals and the other will support their export activities, assist them to promote industrial exports and provide local companies with access to new markets, Mr Al Rayes said.
Moreover, an SME support centre will be established under the chamber's strategic plan to diversify and broaden its member services, and services for the various commercial and industrial sectors in the country.
The BCCI will collaborate with a number of key bodies, including the Economic Development Board, the Industry and Commerce Ministry, Tamkeen, and the Bahrain Development Bank.
Mr Al Rayes added that the BCCI would also participate in and organise events that promote SMEs on the local, regional and global levels.
These would include consultative meetings to address pertinent local and global issues like free trade, labour market reform, the impact of globalisation and how to benefit from global economic integration.
