Over 30 speakers from around the world are expected to participate in the first Gulf SME Forum to be held in Oman.

The Forum, to be organised on October 23 and 24 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Muscat, will scrutinise issues related to developing Gulf-based start-up and scale-up businesses, the organiser Intevents said.

"The role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is acknowledged to be a vital component in the overall economic development process,'' said David Pender, director, business development, Intevents.

"GCC governments must not only provide incentives for investment in this sector, but also offer business education and training so that SMEs can maximise their growth and earning potential," said Pender.

"Today's Gulf SMEs are tomorrow's large Gulf corporations. They are flexible and are a dynamic source of innovation and provide multiple opportunities for creative thinking entrepreneurs.

"The responsibility for developing SMEs and encouraging entrepreneurship should not rest entirely with government. SME management has to learn that it has to help itself."

The first day of the forum will focus on entrepreneurship, ways of financing SMEs and the initiatives through which the globalisation of SMEs can be facilitated.

On day two, the speakers will explore various Internet and technology issues pertinent to the development of Gulf's scale-ups and start-ups.

A detailed analysis of the skill development needs of managers working in SMEs will also be formulated.

The concluding session will focus on the obstacles that hinder Gulf SMEs.