Dubai Computer Group announces key initiatives to address members’ critical concerns on COVID 19 impact

10x Industry

Mita Srinivasan
10x Industry
Published:

Dubai Computer Group announces key initiatives to address members’ critical concerns on COVID 19 impact

New DCG Covid19 Response Team will offer online consultations and access to resources from managing cash flow, to banking to legal as well as the opportunity to upskill remote workers

Dubai Computer Group (DCG) has resolutely worked towards safeguarding the business interest of its members against any detrimental impact faced due to the global lockdown post the outbreak of COVID 19.

The DCG COVID 19 Response Team was formed to address the concerns and action plans to support the members. Dharmendra Sawlani, President of DCG and owner of Smile Computers, Ashish Panjabi, Chief Operating Officer for Jacky's Retail and Board member of DCG, and Suchit Kumar, Vice President of DCG, are managing and co-ordinating the efforts of the group. The DCG COVID 19 Response Team has been working closely with Dubai Chamber of Commerce to highlight the concern of the industry and seek support.

There were several collective actions taken including a letter to the landlords of member companies for rental reduction, deferral and rent holiday and a discussion with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce to see support from DED to address several issues from cash flow to deferment of VAT to access to physical stocks to enable fulfilment of online business. From webinars to online consultations, the group has offered its members other resources from banking to legal as well as the opportunity to upskill remote workers was also part of the remit.

Dharmendra Sawlani pointed out that “sales channels have changed since restrictions on movement in the UAE came into place. Many of our members have had to improve their online presence and work more closely with the various e-commerce channels. This has meant adapting their logistics capabilities and finding innovative ways to continue serving corporate clients.”

Commenting on the government level initiatives for SMEs, Ashish Panjabi added, “The support of the Government bodies has been extraordinary. We’ve engaged closely with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry and they have helped us coordinate with other Government departments where necessary or find us resolutions to challenges we faced. It encourages us to know that we can reach out to them any time of day or week.”