Bapco has joined an initiative by Tamkeen (Labour Fund) to familiarise Bahrain's growing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector with modern e-procurement procedures.

More than 35 suppliers were invited to participate in focus groups facilitated by Ernst & Young for the joint Bapco-Tamkeen effort to ensure that entry barriers are identified and overcome for SMEs.

Bapco's e-procurement pilot project leader Gary Gribbin outlined the Bapco strategy, emphasising the changes expected within the local market.

He said that Bapco will continue to support the local economy by providing e-tendering opportunities for local suppliers, but added that local suppliers must develop the technology, applications, business processes and skills to compete effectively in the e-business market.

Tamkeen's private sector support manager Dr Mohammed Amin outlined the initiatives currently provided to improve business opportunities, skills and efficiencies of small and medium suppliers.

He said that Tamkeen's main objectives are to support the private sector which is considered one of the key success factors for enabling the e-procurement project to achieve its intended targets.

The effort to ensure that SMEs are integrated into Bahrain's growing e-market place circuit is of key importance at Tamkeen and is closely monitored by the executive team who are currently investigating and consulting with the various stakeholders the potential of this project.

Suppliers have identified the need for information and communication technology and business assessment, upskilling of procurement staff and changes in procurement policies and strategies in the big organisations in order for SMEs to benefit from e-procurement.

Bapco chief executive Abdulkarim Al Sayed expressed his commitment to the project, saying that Bapco was always deeply aware of its commitment to the national economy and fully understood that SMEs played a vital part in the future development and prosperity of the kingdom.-TradeArabia News Service