The Shoura (Consultative) Council is currently deliberating the establishment of a supreme body which will serve as the umbrella agency to oversee the development of the small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Saudi Gazette reported. The Council of Saudi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CSCCI), with the support of the Saudi Credit Bank, has proposed to the Shoura Council the establishment of a dedicated agency, to be called Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, as the highest government agency to look into the needs of Saudi small businessmen, said Fahd Aslimey, Deputy Secretary General of the CSCCI. The Third National SMEs Forum opened here Saturday at the Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss national strategies and policies in promoting SMEs. It was formally inaugurated by Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Bin Abdul-aziz, the Governor of the Eastern Province. The three-day forum is being attended by delegates and speakers from the Gulf region and other counties. The Shoura Council is discussing the proposal in earnest, knowing the need for such body. "We are following it up because there is urgency to synchronize all development efforts to support the growth of small- and medium-enterprises, "Aslimey said. --MORE 1120 Local Time 0820 GMT
