Bahrain Industry and Commerce ministry plans to streamline procedures and make it easy for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to operate in the kingdom, said a report.

Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro confirmed continuous government support to small businesses at the 15th meeting of main committee to co-ordinate and integrate SMEs, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

Representatives from United Nations Organisation for Industrial Development (Unido), InJAz, Ebdaa Bank, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Supreme Council of Women, Bahrain Businesswomen Society, Bahrain Businessmen's Association, Bahrain Small and Medium Enterprises Society, Young Entrepreneurs Society, Supreme Council for Environment and Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Ministry took part.

They also discussed issues and developments related to SMEs sector. During the meeting, Jafcon Consulting Company gave a presentation about the project to develop the capacity of sub-contracting, said the report.

The meeting also reviewed ways of boosting co-ordination among SME stakeholders and members of the main committee on co-ordinating and integrating effective partnerships and exchange information about upcoming projects and initiatives.

Unido gave a presentation on franchising concept for entrepreneurs, highlighting ways to develop enterprises and promote investment.

They also defined the Middle East Franchise Organisation, which was launched in March 2012 in Bahrain, aiming to promote excellence and increase commercial awareness.-TradeArabia News Service