Dr Hamad Al Hashemi, MD of Economic Zones World’s R&D arm Dubai Institute of Technology (DIT), was recently appointed vice president of the International Network for Small and Medium Enterprises (INSME).

His appointment was made at the 7th INSME Association Annual Meeting held under the theme “Competitiveness, Culture and Cross-Border Collaboration” in Helsinki, Finland recently. Dr Hamad Al Hashemi is one of two serving VPs on the INSME Association Board and the highest ranking Middle Eastern representative.

“SMEs make up 95 per cent of total businesses in Dubai, employ 42 per cent of the work force, and contribute 40 per cent of the emirate's gross domestic product. SME sector offers the most economical use of capital in relation to job creation and provides the strongest growth channel for regional development. Enabling the sector with a productive and innovative environment and appropriate financing is crucial to sustaining long-term economic growth,” Al Hashemi said.

The Rome-based INSME Association is engaged in stimulating trans-national cooperation and public-private partnership in the field of innovation and technology transfer to SMEs.-TradeArabia News Service