Sezad event for SMEs concludes

Muscat: The 'Rowad Duqm' programme, organised by the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (Sezad) in cooperation with the Tawasul Foundation, a number of government and private bodies operating in the zone, SMEs and entrepreneurs concluded today. The closing ceremony was presided over by Eng. Ahmed bin Ali Akaak, Acting CEO of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm.

This 3-day programme marked as a business platform where around 45 companies, government bodies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) took part and attracted 70 participants from SMEs, entrepreneurs, and employees of companies operating in Sezad.

The programme aimed to create sustainable business opportunities for SMEs and entrepreneurs. It also contributed to establishing partnerships between the participants and corporates operating in the zone. Moreover, during its different sessions, the programme highlighted the most common challenges that face SMEs while establishing their projects, managing their businesses, and providing services to companies in the zone, as well as identifying the SMEs needs and aspirations.

Over the three days, the programme included different two workshops through which the market challenges facing corporates and SMEs alike in developing projects and outsourcing and obtaining business opportunities were discussed. Training sessions were also conducted during which the requirements for establishing and registering SMEs enterprises and marketing their projects and services were highlighted.

 
The first edition of 'Rowad Duqm' programme comes in line with the efforts of Sezad to empower SMEs by providing them various facilities and incentives including a 50 per cent fees reduction for all services provided and allocating 10 per cent of business and project tenders for SMEs. This reflects Sezad’s keenness to enhance the In-Country Value (ICV) and to create a stimulating investment environment.

Besides, it comes as part of its support by providing competitive advantages for entrepreneurs, offering them business opportunities, and eventually leveraging on their opportunities to benefit from the economic growth in Sezad. Furthermore, the zone organised a number of training programmes and workshops in various fields for SMEs and entrepreneurs.

It is worth noting that through its mission, Tawasul Foundation represents a link between economic growth, witnessed by the Special Economic Zone at Duqm and the local community. Tawasul is a non-profit organisation, which was established in 2018 by the (former) Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm – (currently) the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones – in partnership with 6 other corporates. Tawasul aims to plan and implement strategic social initiatives that contribute to the social and economic development of locals through partnership with companies operating in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm.