Al Meera Consumer Goods Company (Al Meera) has participated in the recently held 2nd Government Procurement & Contracting Conference and Exhibition (Moushtarayat 2017) as part of efforts to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Al Meera said it supports SMEs by providing them “an ideal platform” where they can grow their business and usher in a new wave of opportunities for public-private sector co-operation towards the diversification of the national economy.
In support of Qatar National Vision 2030, Moushtarayat 2017 aims to activate SMEs and the private sector’s contribution to Qatar’s economic diversification by partaking in public tenders and developing experience with big buyers such as large private sector companies and semi-governmental and governmental bodies.
Also, Moushtarayat allows entrepreneurs and SMEs to develop the requisite experience, resources, and professional skill-set to compete successfully in the local market.
As a socially responsible corporate organisation, Al Meera’s participation and support of Moushtarayat stems from its key strategic direction of contributing to social, community, and local business partnerships.
During the event, Al Meera shared its expertise with experienced and aspiring entrepreneurs, and distributed informative brochures to suppliers and SMEs on procedures needed to partner with Al Meera, claim their space on its store shelves, and become a part of its growing supply chain.
Al Meera said it strongly encourages its contractors and suppliers to utilise the services of local companies as part of its procurement policy that emphasises on sourcing goods and services from the local market, and in support of SMEs in the country. Through this strategic approach, Al Meera said it is fully aligned with and contributing to the economic development objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.
In December 2016, Al Meera signed a memorandum of understanding with Qatar Development Bank (QDB), which identified a range of areas for partnership, including supporting emerging local startups in the grocery and consumer goods niche by displaying and marketing their products at Al Meera stores.
The MoU also extends quick-access support to these businesses across a range of facilities, such as finance, and support through advisory services, through QDB. The “first-of-its-kind collaboration” aims to help local brands achieve exposure to global marketplaces and achieve “higher scales of competitiveness.”