A recording and essay submitted by Mr. Omar Chedda, Director of the Investment Branch at the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, were highlighted features of this year’s Global Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Finance Forum held from October 26-28, 2020.

Mr. Chedda’s recording “Look into the Crystal Ball: The State of SME Finance 2030”, was aired during the virtual forum on Wednesday October 28, 2020, while his essay entitled “Global Online Marketplace Platforms” was selected to be included in an e-publication that was launched during the three day forum.

The annual conference, is the largest, and most geographically diverse conference on Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) financing hosted globally. 

The event attracts leaders  from commercial banks, development finance institutions, fintech companies, as well as regulators to discuss the state of SMR financing.  It also provides an opportunity for participants to network, share knowledge and best practices and forge meaningful partnerships aimed at promoting the growth of SME’s.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference was held virtually this year and provided for one-on-one networking, a virtual marketplace, exhibition booths, breakout sessions, and panel discussions, as well as the  recognition of the 2020 Global SME Finance Awards winners.   More than 2500 participants from 149 countries and more than 950 institutions joined this year’s virtual forum