National Programme for Craft Industries launched
Muscat: The Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED) on Monday announced the launch of 'Oman Crafts', the National Programme for Craft Industries.
'Oman Crafts' emerges as a strategic system to upgrade the craft industries' sector in the Sultanate of Oman, activate the sector's role in supporting the national economy, empower Omani crafts people and consolidate the presence of the Omani cultural identity in the global arena.
The programme stems from ongoing efforts to implement the goals of Oman Vision 2040, notably by supporting culture-related industries, enhancing the sustainability of handicrafts-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and establish an integrated system for training, marketing and financing of SMEs.
The programme aims to enable the Omani crafts sector to become a global role model on enhancing economic sustainability and attracting national talent. This objective is envisaged to be achieved through the empowerment of Omani craftspeople, supporting innovation in their respective vocations, developing their skills and enhancing integration among entrepreneurship.
The National Programme for Craft Industries seeks to achieve a number of strategic objectives, which include:
- Empowering craftsmen and building national capacities in the field of productivity and innovation
- Improving product quality and developing craft value chains
- Enhancing the competitiveness and local and international marketing of craft products
- Utilizing modern technologies and innovation in developing the crafts sector
- Establishing an integrated infrastructure that includes incubators and specialized business centres
- Developing a legislative and institutional environment that supports craft industries
- Enhancing the sustainability of the craft industries sector and linking it to cultural and tourism identity.
The programme lays emphasis on innovation and technological development, local content governance, product marketing and national identity protection, investment opportunities and economic sustainability.
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