SME Export Matching Programme By ADDED Empowers Abu Dhabi Businesses To Expand Globally

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has achieved significant milestones with its SME Export Matching Programme. Fourteen participating SMEs anticipate a 44% rise in exports for 2024, reaching AED387 million. Within a year, the programme has linked these businesses to over 800 strategic stakeholders, facilitating connections with international customers and partners.

These SMEs have successfully penetrated key global markets such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt, the US, India, and Canada. Representing 14 diverse sectors like Engineering & Construction, Plastics, Food & AgriTech, and Pharmaceuticals, they showcase the wide-ranging industries contributing to Abu Dhabi's export growth.

The programme prioritises international market access to help local businesses expand operations and diversify revenue streams. This approach strengthens Abu Dhabi's trade ecosystem. It caters to both new and seasoned exporters by providing tailored support to optimise export strategies and raise awareness of available resources within Abu Dhabi's ecosystem.

For new exporters, the programme offers training on crucial topics like market research analysis and export documentation. Experienced participants benefit from International Strategy Workshops (ISWs), which provide one-on-one mentoring to refine strategies and maximise global impact.

The latest workshop titled "Empowering SMEs for International Success" offered insights from government partners and introduced participants to Abu Dhabi's export support services. Key speakers included representatives from the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), ADDED, Abu Dhabi Ports Group (AD Ports), Abu Dhabi Customs, Emirates Development Bank (EDB), Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), and the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX).

Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, Executive Director of the SMEs Sector at ADDED, stated: "We are committed to accelerating Abu Dhabi's growth by supporting our ambitious businesses with essential tools for progress and promising opportunities for expansion. Through the SME Export Matching Programme, we are empowering businesses to establish a strong, sustainable presence in global markets while boosting their competitiveness and reach."

Economic Growth and Workforce Development

Over the past decade, Abu Dhabi's non-oil economy has grown by 59%, creating a supportive environment for local businesses. The Emirate has also seen a 109% increase in skilled talent during this period. This development enables local enterprises to compete globally and expand into international markets seamlessly.

Khalil Fadel Al Mansoori, Director General of ADEX at the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), highlighted ADEX's role in shaping the UAE's economic landscape: "By enabling our local enterprises to expand internationally through our strategic partnerships and initiatives, we will continue to strengthen their global competitiveness so they can step up their contributions to the nation's economic prosperity and resilience and reinforce the UAE's position in the global marketplace."

Small- and medium-sized enterprises make up over 90% of licensed businesses in Abu Dhabi. They employ nearly half of the workforce and contribute 42.8% of the Emirate's non-oil GDP. The SME Export Matching Programme aligns these businesses with international trade standards while helping them seize opportunities from new trade initiatives.

With inputs from WAM