The Ninth Arab and Regional Guarantee Programs Forum launched today in Riyadh, marking a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing regional financial cooperation and small business development. The prestigious event, hosted by the Small and Medium Enterprises Loan Guarantee Program (Kafalah), has attracted over 250 experts and representatives from 28 countries and international organizations.
Context and Background
The forum represents a crucial platform for dialogue on financial guarantee mechanisms in the Arab world, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions for business financing. Under the leadership of Kafalah CEO and Board Member Homam Hashem, the program has emerged as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to enhance SME access to financing.
Strategic Discussions and Expertise
This year’s forum features specialized dialogue sessions focusing on cutting-edge trends and contemporary policies in guarantees and financing. Industry experts are examining successful models and best practices that can strengthen the regional financial ecosystem and promote sustainable economic growth.
The diverse international participation underscores the forum’s significance as a premier Arab platform for financial innovation and integration, facilitating knowledge exchange between local and international financial institutions.
Regional Impact and Cooperation
The gathering of financial experts from 28 countries demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s growing influence as a regional hub for economic cooperation and financial innovation. The forum serves as a catalyst for developing new partnerships and exploring collaborative opportunities in guarantee programs across the Arab world.
Participants are addressing critical challenges facing SMEs in accessing finance, while exploring innovative solutions that can be implemented across different markets.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The forum directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives of diversifying the economy and enhancing the role of SMEs in national development. By facilitating dialogue on financial guarantees and SME support, the event contributes to the Kingdom’s goal of increasing SME contribution to GDP from 20% to 35% by 2030, while positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading financial center in the Middle East.