Doha, October 05 (QNA) - As part of efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and support the readiness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to address challenges in the evolving regional and global operating environment, the Qatar Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Saudi Arabia Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, in collaboration with Qatar Development Bank (QDB), held a webinar entitled "Empowering SMEs to Adapt to Regional Changes".

The webinar was held against the backdrop of rapidly evolving regional developments and their impact on supply chains, trade and financial flows. It aimed to highlight key practices, policies and technological solutions at national, regional and international levels that can help SMEs strengthen their operational resilience and ensure business continuity during disruptions.

The workshop covered a number of key areas, including national measures supporting business continuity, mechanisms for regional cooperation to enhance corporate resilience, and the impact of regional developments on the business environment and supply chains. It also showcased supporting technological solutions that can enhance SMEs' preparedness and ability to respond to changing circumstances, including digital payments, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and smart logistics.

The workshop also focused on sharing best practices and practical experiences aimed at enabling SMEs to strengthen their preparedness and enhance their ability to adapt to changing circumstances and crises.

Discussions also explored ways of leveraging technological solutions and regional cooperation frameworks to support business continuity and strengthen operational resilience.

On the occasion, Dr. Abdulaziz Khalid Al Ali, Managing Director of the Qatar Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, emphasised that organising the workshop in collaboration with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Qatar Development Bank reflects the importance of coordinating efforts and sharing expertise to support SMEs in addressing regional developments.

He said: "SMEs represent a fundamental component of the economic ecosystem, and enhancing their ability to adapt to regional changes requires coordinated efforts, knowledge sharing, and the effective use of technological solutions and innovative practices. Through this workshop, we seek to provide a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange on policies, practices and technological solutions that can contribute to strengthening the resilience and business continuity of SMEs."

The workshop forms part of the organisers' efforts to strengthen cooperation and knowledge exchange among government entities, the private sector, experts and specialists, while providing an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with SME resilience. These efforts contribute to strengthening SMEs' preparedness and their ability to adapt to regional and international developments. (QNA)