wasl Asset Management hosted its 2nd gathering of  Meet the Buyer event  – which introduces several opportunities for SMEs to meet with senior members of wasl Procurement Department and existing suppliers. The ‘Meet the Buyer’ event  opens doors to locally based SMEs while providing a fast track introduction to wasl procurement process offering an efficient platform to exchange information and answer all queries on becoming an approved wasl supplier. For the micro seminar forum held at the Emirates Golf Club, wasl took the initiative to invite its long term strategic contractors and consultants to intersperse their expertise with that of the young SME entrepreneurs; broadening their exposure for new opportunities with wasl as well as working directly with well-established wasl suppliers. Building on previous achievements, including winning the Mohammed Bin Rashid’s Young Business Leaders Award for ‘Best Semi-Government Entity Supporting Government Procurement Programs’, wasl designated ‘Meet The Buyer’ as a quarterly event open to all SME  and existing  wasl vendors from widely diverse categories. Head of Procurement at wasl Asset Management, Ahmad Atiq Balhelli, commented: “We are keen to grow our business with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development, and provide them with all support that we could. Through such pro-active events, we actively support locally based companies to ensure that they are better informed about how they can become a part of our supply base to work with wasl and our long-term contractors and service providers.” “We believe in supporting SMEs, as their growth is beneficial for the UAE economy. Through opening our doors and communication channels, we hope to form a productive and long term relationships. Introducing potential new suppliers to our strategic partners is definitely a win-win situation for all parties involved,” he added. Obaid Bin Touq, CEO of Bin Touq Fire Fighting & Safety Equipment Installation,stated: “This has been an opportune and beneficial experience for us to learn, collaborate and grow together. We thank waslfor providing this event that allows us to meet with decision makers and get a closer look into the procurement process.” Jamil Jadallah, Managing Director – Partner, National Engineering Bureau, expressed deep appreciation towards waslfor the initiative and invitation, commenting: “Behind wasl’sacts and activities is a long term vision that is constructive to us all. We are proud to have been a part of this latest event – as one of wasl’s strategic partners - and are enthusiastic about expanding our own network and nourishing other businesses, so that together we enhance the UAE economy.” Albawaba Business