Latest news with #AuthorityforSmallandMediumEnterprisesDevelopment
Observer
5 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Renewed visual identity to empower entrepreneurship
Muscat, June 1 In order to empower the entrepreneurship sector, the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED) has launched its new visual identity, with the support of Shaikh Suba'a bin Hamdan al Saadi, Secretary-General of the Secretariat-General of National Celebrations. The Authority has emerged as an entity with the goal of supporting and developing the sector, contributing to the achievement of Oman Vision 2040 which aims for a sustainable, knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. Recognising this pivotal role, a modern corporate visual identity was developed to reflect the Authority's vision, mission and core values, portraying it as a supportive and enabling entity for small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs in the Sultanate of Oman. Halima al Zari, Chairperson of ASMED, stated, "We are pleased to launch the new visual identity. This is a testament to the Royal directives to make small and medium enterprises the foundation of the Omani economy. We will continue on this path in collaboration with our partners, embarking on a new journey of giving, belonging and innovation to support entrepreneurs for a prosperous economic future in the Sultanate of Oman and to achieve Oman Vision 2040." It is common for organisations to update their visual identity, with 75 per cent of companies redesigning their brand since 2020 in response to rapid changes in the market and public behaviour. The Authority's visual identity change was necessary to keep up with the fast-paced transformations in the business environment, improve communication with all sectors of the public, enhance digital interaction and support expansion and growth. The Authority mentioned that the identity development process involved a collaborative approach, including research and analysis of global and regional experiences, workshops and seminars, defining the strategy through vision, mission, values, and brand personality, as well as creative design elements such as logo design, colour and font selection and visual identity development.
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Eid habtas boost trade and traditions of Oman
Muscat – Eid al Adha habtas (traditional markets) have opened across several governorates in Oman, with a surge in commercial activity and public participation. These markets, held in the days leading up to the festival, are showcasing the country's deep-rooted cultural, social and commercial practices. In North Sharqiyah, villages are witnessing brisk trade, especially in Ibra, where evening habta gatherings are drawing large crowds. Open markets and consumer tents have become popular venues, creating a festive atmosphere while contributing to local trade. 'Markets in Sinaw are seeing exceptional commercial activity with the launch of the Eid al Adha habta. There's a strong turnout of shoppers and all necessities are readily available, especially in the livestock market, which is buzzing with activity ahead of the festival,' said Salem al Siyabi from the wilayat of Sinaw. For livestock breeders, the season presents a prime opportunity. Ahmed al Balushi from Suwaiq noted that the demands for sheep, cows and camels are high. 'The habta season presents a lucrative opportunity for breeders to sell their livestock through 'Al Munadah', a traditional bidding process that adds excitement to the sales.' Children are also having a noticeable presence at these markets, dressed in traditional Omani attire and enjoying toys, sweets and nuts. 'The habta truly captures the essence of our customs and traditions passed down through generations,' Balushi added. In North Batinah, merchant Abdullah al Wahaibi highlighted that the seventh day of Dhu al Hijjah typically marks the peak of the habta, as residents purchase Eid essentials such as Omani daggers, men's canes and traditional jewellery. 'These events help showcase local products, support small businesses and promote cultural continuity,' he said. In South Batinah, Nakhal Municipality has ramped up activities in villages and tourist areas ahead of Eid. Meanwhile, in Dakhliyah, preparations are under way with a focus on public hygiene, organising habta markets and livestock souqs, and holding traditional events across the governorate. Municipalities across the country are also prioritising health and safety, preparing slaughterhouses and conducting food safety inspections. Food and Health Control and Licensing departments are ensuring that hygiene standards are met in establishments handling food. To support small businesses and entrepreneurs, the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development is holding Eid bazaars and product exhibitions in various governorates, promoting local crafts and productive families during the festive season.
Observer
26-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
'Harf Oman' to empower Omani craftsmen
Muscat: The Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED) announced the launch of the National Crafts Programme 'Harf Oman', one of the strategic national initiatives aimed at advancing the crafts sector in the Sultanate of Oman, enhancing its role in supporting the national economy, empowering Omani craftsmen, and promoting Omani cultural identity at both local and international levels. The programme complements ongoing efforts to achieve the goals of Oman Vision 2040 by supporting cultural and creative industries, enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of small and medium enterprises with a craft-related focus, and creating an integrated system for training, marketing, financing and innovation. Halima bint Rashid al Zariyah, Chairperson of the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED), stated: "The programme will be launched in a three-year initial phase. The programme's focus in the upcoming years will be on promoting self-employment and transforming the crafts sector into a creative economic sector. The next phase will emphasise various aspects, including local and international marketing of Omani craft products, training and engaging young talent in this sector." ASMED aims to advance the crafts sector to become a leading global model that enhances economic sustainability and attracts national talent. This is achieved through a clear mission aimed at empowering Omani craftsmen by supporting creativity, developing skills and enhancing integration with entrepreneurship. The programme includes several strategic objectives, such as empowering craftsmen, building national capacities in production and innovation, improving product quality, developing craft value chains, enhancing competitiveness, utilising modern technologies and innovation, establishing an integrated infrastructure, and developing a legislative and institutional environment that supports craft industries. The programme includes four strategic axes: innovation and technical development, local content governance, product marketing and protecting national identity, and investment opportunities and economic sustainability. These axes focus on utilising modern technologies, artificial intelligence, training programmes, setting technical standards, promoting the use of local resources, creating digital platforms, identifying investment opportunities, encouraging investments, proposing growth policies, and governing local content for crafts and craft industries. The National Crafts Programme will expand the reach of Omani craft products in global markets, provide an enabling environment for artisans through training, financing and technology, enhance the contribution of craft industries to the gross domestic product, link traditional crafts to tourism, education and e-markets, document Omani identity and support its export in a modern format.
Muscat Daily
24-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
ASMED to launch national programme to boost handicrafts sector
Muscat – Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED) will launch a national programme on Monday to support the sultanate's handicraft industry and empower local entrepreneurs. It aims to enhance the sector's contribution to economic diversification and aligns with Vision 2040 objectives. The programme will equip Omani artisans with the skills and tools needed to compete in modern markets while preserving traditional craftsmanship. ASMED is working to unify national efforts to develop the crafts industry under the programme, focusing on technical development, investment opportunities and market access. The goal is to elevate the capabilities of artisans and promote high-quality products that reflect Omani heritage and innovation. As part of its broader efforts, ASMED has also introduced the Riyada Academy, an online training platform designed to equip entrepreneurs and craftsmen with essential business skills. The academy offers courses covering feasibility studies, market analysis, marketing strategies and finance management. It caters to a diverse audience, including students, government and private sector employees, entrepreneurs and retirees looking to develop new skills. The platform is also part of the government's digital transformation efforts, ensuring that Omani businesses remain competitive. ASMED recently issued new regulations to support the crafts sector and identified 20 key crafts, including production of Omani daggers, pottery, leatherwork, palm-frond weaving, gypsum carving, incense preparation, and traditional fishing tools. According to the authority's estimates, more than 23,000 craftsmen are currently engaged in these industries across the sultanate.
Observer
20-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman achieves exceptional progress in GEM report
Muscat, May 20 The Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED) on Tuesday organised a workshop to review the Sultanate of Oman's results in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2024 report. The Sultanate of Oman has achieved exceptional progress in the 2024-2025 GEM report, ranking eighth globally out of 56 countries covered by the report. Sayyid Mazin bin Saif al Busaidy, Deputy Chairman of ASMED, presented a number of themes that the authority has focused on implementing to empower and develop the SME sector, including a number of services and programmes provided to entrepreneurs. He also reviewed the most prominent results achieved by the Authority since its establishment and its efforts to enhance local added value programmes for SMEs by implementing the Enterprise Escalation Programme and the Supplier Development Programme, to increase investment opportunities for SMEs and support them in accessing local and global markets with their services and products. The workshop was titled "Towards Empowering and Sustainable Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises in the Sultanate of Oman". It was attended by representatives of government units and private sector establishments. Qais bin Rashid al Toobi, ASMED Deputy Chairman for Finance and Investment, explained that the workshop includes 15 working papers covering all areas of relevance to the sector of entrepreneurship and SMEs, the legislative environment and future plans in this field. 'ASMED joins hands with all partners — through initiatives, programmes and other events — to achieve partnerships to empower SMEs and the entrepreneurship sector,' said Al Toobi, noting that the Authority offers programmes in financing, investment, capacity building and marketing. The workshop reviewed efforts to motivate SMEs and enhance opportunities for partnerships and integration among the government and private sectors, to help empower SMEs, raise the sector's contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) and augment Oman's rankings in the GEM report. The workshop included papers that explored entrepreneurial ratios and indices, as well as the outcome of GEM report 2024. The workshop also included specialised training sessions to empower the owners of SMEs and help them benefit from non-traditional financing platforms. The workshop dealt with the index of entrepreneurship in vocational education, colleges and universities; and highlighted efforts made to establish business centres in all governorates to empower SMEs and startups; and to support technology-based and innovation-based startups through the Promising Omani Startup Programme. This is a three-spot improvement from Oman's 2023 ranking when it ranked eleventh. This reflects ongoing efforts to enhance the entrepreneurship business environment; and support small and medium enterprises. Dr Abdullah al Shukaili from the University of Nizwa explained the improvement in the results of the sub-indicators of GEM for the Sultanate of Oman for the year 2024, which led to an improvement in the level of entrepreneurship. He also stated that the GEM is an important and reliable resource that assists decision-makers and contributes to improving entrepreneurship outcomes, both qualitatively and quantitatively, worldwide by providing comprehensive indicators and valuable information on entrepreneurship and mechanisms for improving and developing it, contributing to its continuity and sustainability.
