The General Secretariat of the Tender Board participated in a dialogue session aimed at enhancing the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through the "Esnad" system for government tenders.

The session addressed four key themes, starting with an introduction to the "Esnad" platform, an electronic system for managing all government tenders and procurement processes. The platform aims to ensure efficiency in tendering, evaluation, and awarding through a systematic and transparent process that guarantees fair competition. Other topics included policies and regulations, promoting local content, and incentives and legislation.

The session also discussed a guidebook for SME owners to familiarize them with the platform and provide comprehensive details on how to register on the "Esnad" platform, which operates under the General Secretariat of the Tender Board.

The session aimed to strengthen the approach of partnership and integration between SMEs and relevant entities, improve the business environment to make it more attractive for SMEs, and contribute to developing supportive policies. It also sought to explore promising opportunities for entrepreneurs and SMEs, encourage innovative ideas to develop various sectors, and inform the public about programs, projects, and initiatives while providing an opportunity to discuss economic-related topics.

H.E. Eng. Badr bin Salem Al-Maamari, Secretary-General of the Tender Board, stated that the session highlights the vital role of SMEs in the national economy and the importance of simplified mechanisms for obtaining contracts and tenders through the electronic "Esnad" system. He emphasized that the platform serves as a key driver of growth and development for SMEs, creating a competitive and fair business environment, fostering innovation, and enhancing the capacity of these enterprises to contribute to the national economy.

H.E. Al-Maamari added that contracts and tenders play a crucial role in supporting SMEs by increasing growth and expansion opportunities, enabling access to major projects, and providing new contracts that enhance cash flow. This, in turn, allows SMEs to invest these returns in further expansion and development.

He also noted that the "Esnad" system ensures transparency in operations, with tenders being open and based on objective criteria. Such systems offer SMEs a fair chance to compete with larger companies. The electronic system also has several advantages, such as saving time and effort in preparing and submitting bids, reducing operational costs, and leveraging modern technologies to ensure speed and efficiency in completing tasks.

H.E. Al-Maamari commended the wise leadership's commitment to ensuring that SMEs receive their fair share of government projects and tenders, guaranteeing their sustainability, development, and expansion. This contributes to economic diversification, the creation of new job opportunities, and advancing development by enhancing the productive and service sectors in society.