Business Connect


ictQATAR encourages SMEs to incorporate technology into business

hussein
Hashim Hussein, United Nations

Doha, Qatar (25 May 2008): The Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR) hosted the inaugural Business Connect seminar today, 25th May 2008, for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar.

Held at the Sharq Village and Spa in Doha, Business Connect brought together SME Managers from across Qatar to confer on the latest thinking in information and communication technology (ICT).

ictQATAR's Enterprise Development Manager, Ali Al Khulaifi, said the theme for the kick-off seminar , 'Technology and SMEs in Qatar: Opportunities and Challenges' , allowed participants to openly discuss what factors help and hinder ICT take-up in Qatar.

"Through Business Connect SME Managers have been able to engage with entrepreneurs and ICT professionals to learn how incorporating technology into business processes maximizes productivity, efficiency and competitiveness," Al Khulaifi explained. "Yet, the seminar has also given ictQATAR a chance to hear from participants issues of shared concern and possible strategies for overcoming such difficulties."

In his keynote address, Dr. Hashim S. Hussein, Head of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization - Investment and Technology Promotion Office (UNIDO-ITPO), emphasized the importance of SMEs in global economies and highlighted international programs designed to assist their development.

The seminar's panel discussion covered topics such as, major trends in ICT for SMEs and best practices for integrating technology into business practices.

The panelists from the business, academic and IT fields included:  Jassim Mohd Al-Mansoori, Chairman, iHorizons; Ali Neama, Acting Head of Enterprise Business Development Section, Social Development Center (Tanmia); and Abdul Hakeen Mostafawi, Head of Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking, HSBC Bank Middle East in Qatar.

Business Connect attendees were also shown a video showcasing how staff at Tajine restaurants, in Souq Waqif and Salwa Road, use hand held computers to communicate orders straight from the table to the kitchen. Combined with the point of sale system Tajine managers also use the ICT to track stock and access detailed information about sales.

Managers from SMEs in Qatar consisting of 1 to 99 employees are invited to register for future Business Connect seminars by emailing businessconnect@ict.gov.qa or telephoning 4995426.

Watch the Video: Business Connect 2008







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