Dubai SME sheds light on opportunities in local and international exhibitions

Dubai SME, the agency of the Department of Economic Development (DED) mandated to develop the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, recently organised an awareness seminar in co-operation with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade (MoFT). The seminar was intended to highlight major local and international exhibitions of 2012 for SME members to identify new markets and investment opportunities through such events. 

SME businesses attending the seminar were briefed on potential opportunities across the top five local and international exhibitions scheduled for 2012, including the Canton Fair in China, Hannover Messe in Germany, and SIAL 2012 in France. 

The seminar was part of the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Dubai SME to help SMEs expand their visibility through participation in suitable exhibitions as identified by the ministry. 

Mohammed Nasser Al Zaabi, Director of the Trade Promotion Department at MoFT, said: “The Ministry of Foreign Trade is always looking for ways to help SMEs enhance their role at the local and international levels, in line with the directives of our wise leadership to promote entrepreneurship. Participation in international and local forums and events is an effective channel for communication and business development.” 

“The Ministry’s vision involves strategic assessment of local and international exhibitions and reviewing them on an annual basis to focus on the important ones, ultimately choosing the most suitable ones from them. The current focus of the Ministry is on 15 international events spanning key markets such as South America and West Africa, along with a host of local events,” added Al Zaabi. 

Al Zaabi explained that participation under the umbrella of the MoFT means participating as members of UAE delegations. The Ministry provides moral and material support including discounted fees for participation. Participants will be able to take advantage of investment opportunities and discuss such opportunities with other delegations. 

Osama Almuharam, Manager - Government Procurement Programme (GPP) in Dubai SME, said: “The partnership with MoFT raises the profile of SMEs as it enables exchange of experiences with various players in global trade and local communities. This in turn leads to partnership and cooperation with international companies and understanding of new business activities that suit local market needs.” 

Dubai SME members remarked that participating in international and local fairs will provide added value for entrepreneurs by opening new channels and broadening their customer base, as well by taking them closer to promising markets such as Africa and East Asia.