Beirut-Baghdad, 18 November 2026 – The Fourth Arab SMEs Summit opened today in Baghdad, bringing together policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, financial institutions, private sector leaders and development partners to advance the growth, resilience and competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the Arab region.
Held under the patronage of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq Ali al-Zaidi, the three-day Summit is organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) in partnership with the Ministry of Planning of the Republic of Iraq and the Central Bank of Iraq. Under the theme “Accelerating Growth and Entrepreneurial Success”, the Summit seeks to translate regional dialogue into practical opportunities for SMEs and entrepreneurs through stronger policies, greater access to finance and markets, investment, innovation and regional cooperation.
[Quote for the Prime Minister]
The Summit aims to connect policy discussions with concrete opportunities for entrepreneurs and SMEs. It will feature high-level ministerial discussions, inspirational entrepreneur stories, investor and opportunities spotlights, policy dialogues, workshops, startup pitching sessions, an SME exhibition and opportunities zone.
[Quote from Minister of Planning]
The programme of the Summit is structured around 10 interconnected workstreams spanning inspirational entrepreneur stories, investment and financing opportunities, interactive workshops, policy dialogue, an SME exhibition and bazaar, an opportunities zone, startup investment and pitching, entrepreneurship awards, B2B matchmaking and coaching, and partner-led events. Together, these activities are designed to move beyond dialogue by connecting SMEs directly with investors, markets, expertise and practical support.
[Quote for ESCWA ES] “SMEs are at the heart of the Arab region’s economic transformation. They create jobs, drive innovation and open new pathways for more diversified and competitive economies,” said ESCWA Executive Secretary Rania Al-Mashat. “At ESCWA, we are working to help turn this entrepreneurial potential into sustainable growth by connecting businesses to finance, markets, technology and partnerships, and by advancing policies that enable them to grow and scale across borders,” she concluded.
The Summit also places particular emphasis on inclusive entrepreneurship, promoting the meaningful participation of youth, women and persons with disabilities and expanding their access to knowledge, networks, finance, markets and entrepreneurship opportunities.
[Quote from President of the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND), Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud]
The fourth ASMEs Summit builds on the momentum of three previous editions, which were held in Amman, Marrakech and Doha. It aims to strengthen regional economic cooperation, expand investment opportunities and entrepreneurs with investors and business support institutions, contribute to a more competitive, inclusive and innovation-driven entrepreneurship ecosystem across the Arab region.
[Quote from Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq Nizar Nasser Hussein]
[Quote from President of the Network of Iraqi Scientists Abroad (NISA), Prof. Mohamed Al-Rubeai]
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About ESCWA:
One of five United Nations regional commissions, ESCWA supports inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in Arab States, and works on enhancing regional integration.
For more information:
- Ms. Maryam Sleiman, Public Information Assistant
📞 +961 81 769 888 | ✉️ [email protected] - Ms. Rania Harb, Public Information Assistant
📞 +961 70 008 879 | ✉️ [email protected]
