In the first event of its kind, a speed dating between small and large companies took place at the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce on Sunday the 6th of December. Within two hours, 320 introductions were made between Large companies and smaller suppliers trying to get business from them. Each corporate was assigned its own ‘Majlis’ – (an Arabic style seating area for social gatherings) in a semi-formal arrangement, wherein the SME’s had ten minutes to pitch their product or service and discuss opportunities.
Mr. Mohammed Almoayyed, Chairman of the SME Committee: “The SME Majlis is the brainchild of our Committee, in the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). We decided that we wanted to do something different and beneficial for small and medium companies instead of bombarding them with lectures and training courses as per the norm. This event is our reaction to what the SME’s have been demanding of us: More access to the market, and more business. I would like to thank the entire committee, and especially Hamed Fakhro for his hard work in making this event
a success.”
Hamed Fakhro, Vice Chairman added: “Due to the event’s success, this will be the first of an annual tradition, where large companies can give back to the community by doing more business with local firms, as well as explore what new innovations are out there. Most importantly we want to bolster and develop the growth of local Bahraini firms using our local large players to do so. It’s basic economics; if we support local growth then we help create jobs. Personal financial stability ultimately assists in securing economic and political stability and security for our country. ”
They both added: “We would like to extend our warmest thanks to the large enterprises who gave their valuable time to be part of our initiative, and we look forward to having this event again next year on a larger scale. We would also like to thank the Chairman of the BCCI Mr. Khalid Almoayyed for his patronage of this event and his continued support”