MLSD Minister meets the Chairman of the Founding Committee of the World Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises Organizations
22-08-2020
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met in his office with the Chairman of the founding committee of the International Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Federation, Abdulnabi bin Abdullah Al Shoala, in the presence of the Federation’s General Coordinator, Dr Abdul Hassan Hassan Al Dairi. The meeting reviewed the measures underway to establish the Federation, whose membership brings together experts and global leaders of SME organisations dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship and the SME sector worldwide. Humaidan examined the Federation’s plans and programmes, which aim to convey the voices and aspirations of entrepreneurs and SME owners to countries and decision‑makers, learn from successful international practices, and help create an environment conducive to SME growth around the world. He praised the establishment of the Federation, noting that it will advance national efforts to strengthen the role of SMEs as vital components of economic activity and generators of additional job opportunities. Humaidan recalled that Bahrain was chosen as the Federation’s headquarters during the third conference of the founding committee, held last July, owing to the Kingdom’s strategic location, flexible economic policies and supportive free‑market laws, especially those that encourage entrepreneurship and the SME sector, alongside Bahrain’s distinguished international reputation. The Minister affirmed the readiness of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development—through cooperation with relevant official and civil entities—to support initiatives that develop the SME sector and create more decent job opportunities for national human resources. He emphasised the government’s commitment to fostering this vital sector and overcoming any obstacles it faces to ensure the growth and sustainability of the national economy. Al Shoala expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s support of the Federation’s founding committee, noting that such backing will help the Federation achieve its objectives. He added that Humaidan’s endorsement reflects a clear understanding of the Federation’s potential to enhance the contribution of SMEs to economic and commercial growth locally and globally, to provide quality job opportunities, and to attract young people to entrepreneurship and non‑traditional career paths.