Tamkeen as part of its continued public consultations regarding its 2012 Operational Plan, met with the Banking and Finance Sector to share and discuss the plan.
As per the 2012 Operational Plan, BD 107 million has been allocated for Tamkeen’s nearly 180 projects and programmes, with 20 new initiatives slated for launch during the current year. More than 22,000 beneficiaries are expected to benefit from these programmes in 2012 alone.
The outreach initiative comes as part of Tamkeen’s commitment to transparency and closer stakeholder outreach and engagement, in addition to the ongoing support Tamkeen provides for the progress of the private sector businesses and individuals.
The meeting were headed by Tamkeen’s Chief Executive Mahmood Hashem Al-Kooheji and senior Tamkeen management. Following an overview of the 2012 plan, an open discussion period was held for attendees to give their feedback and suggestions.
Key topics discussed included further outreach to the various target audience and developing further specific human capital development programmes for the financial sector.
“Having reviewed the operational plan of Tamkeen for 2012, we found it to be very detailed and comprehensive”, said Robert Ainey, CEO of the Bahrain Association of Banks. “Tamkeen have made great strides in addressing the needs of Bahrainis in the workforce or preparing to enter it and young entrepreneurs to better equip them to succeed in a competitive environment, and we wish them further success”, he added
The ongoing public consultation sessions include sessions with beneficiaries, media channels, service providers, partners, government agencies, and legislative bodies, among others. The sessions will serve as an ideal platform for stakeholders to provide input and create a better understanding of Tamkeen’s objectives, current and upcoming projects, processes, and role as a driver of economic growth and development in accordance with Economic Vision 2030.
Tamkeen has 14 programmes aimed at ensuring adequate and appropriate financial support is extended to the private sector. The programmes range from the Start-up Business Support Scheme to enable Bahraini entrepreneurs turn their innovative ideas into real businesses, including providing pre-seed capital and feasibility study support, to the Enterprise Finance Scheme which offers financing through 10 leading financial institutions to help businesses expand and grow. Other specialised financing programmes include the Women Entrepreneur Support Scheme, ICT Finance Scheme, and Mirco-finance Scheme.