More than 100 small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were represented at a two-day seminar aimed at helping them boost exports from Bahrain.

The two-day seminar Empowering SMEs Competitiveness for Globalisation opened at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre yesterday (June 29).

"We have set up this seminar to train these businesses and help expose them to the opportunities in export markets both regionally and internationally," said Dr Sailendra Narain, chief executive officer of Bahrain Development Bank (BDB), which set up the seminar to help local businesses expand into both regional and global markets.

"We are doing this in partnership with the Centre for SME Growth and Development Finance of India and the participation of Geneva-based International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT).

"Bahrain Development Bank understands the needs of SMEs to increase the size of their exports, especially in the midst of the rapid changes experienced around the globe today."

"It is due to these changes, the impact of globalisation and the elimination of barriers and boundaries that the world has become one small village," he said.

"This has contributed to the intense competition recently observed in markets which illustrate the importance of policies and procedures related to export activity."

Speakers at the forum on the opening day included ITC senior trade promotion officer for Arab states Abdeslam Azuz who spoke of his organisations support to SMEs in enlarging global trade and meeting the challenges of foreign markets.

IIFT director K Rangarajan outlined the prospects and threats for SMEs in global markets and the Bahrain Development Bank ran a session of international finance and export credit.

In today's (June 30) session global business information company Dun & Bradstreet will outline how SMEs can receive a DUNS number which is a certification for the company that is key to doing international business.

"SME development in Bahrain reflects the crucial role these businesses play in building our national economy,” said Rangarajan.

"This event also illustrates the importance of combining efforts and building constructive partnerships aiming to support small and medium sized enterprises,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service