MANAMA: Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro yesterday confirmed continuous government support to small businesses.

“The ministry will streamline procedures and make it easy for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to operate,” Dr Fakhro said as he chaired the 15th meeting of main committee to co-ordinate and integrate SMEs.

Representatives from United Nations Organisation for Industrial Development (Unido), InJAz, Ebdaa Bank, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Supreme Council of Women, Bahrain Businesswomen Society, Bahrain Businessmen’s Association, Bahrain Small and Medium Enterprises Society, Young Entrepreneurs Society, Supreme Council for Environment and Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Ministry.

They also discussed issues and developments related to SMEs sector. During the meeting, Jafcon Consulting Company gave a presentation about the project to develop the capacity of sub-contracting.

The meeting also reviewed ways of boosting co-ordination among SME stakeholders and members of the main committee on co-ordinating and integrating effective partnerships and exchange information about upcoming projects and initiatives.

Unido gave a presentation on franchising concept for entrepreneurs, highlighting ways to develop enterprises and promote investment.

They also defined the Middle East Franchise Organisation, which was launched in March 2012 in Bahrain, aiming to promote excellence and increase commercial awareness.