Latest news with #QaisbinMohammedalYousef
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Dialogue highlights SMEs role in boosting
MUSCAT, June 17: In a move to strengthen collaboration and integration with key stakeholders, the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED) held its 15th dialogue session focused on enhancing opportunities for SMEs in the retail, construction and manufacturing sectors. The session, attended by Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, brought together SMEs owners and stakeholders from across these sectors. It aligns with ASMED's ongoing efforts to improve the business environment and make it more conducive and attractive to SMEs. The discussion aimed to amplify SMEs contributions by encouraging innovation, improving operational efficiency, fostering public-private partnerships and promoting awareness about SMEs as a vital pillar of the national economy. The minister noted, 'Omani companies should not only focus on the local market. We encourage expansion beyond Oman. The ministry supports entrepreneurs through structured, evidence-based decision-making. Moreover, the Ministry of Labour's mandate to employ Omanis excludes those holding entrepreneurship cards.' Key topics addressed included policies, legislation, licensing and support mechanisms that help SMEs develop creative solutions and form strategic partnerships. The session also opened the floor for questions, enabling business owners to share challenges and suggest viable solutions. Oman is working towards a robust industrial future in line with national aspirations. In the past five years, significant milestones have been achieved in the industrial sector. The government is now focused on enhancing the competitiveness of national products, both locally and internationally. Emphasising the importance of local content, the dialogue reinforced its role in developing economic infrastructure and improving the business ecosystem. This drives productivity, boosts sector efficiency and fosters innovation, contributing to long-term economic and financial stability while promoting balanced and sustainable growth.
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
MoCIIP signs agreements to boost industrial workforce
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) signed a series of strategic agreements for building national capabilities in the Sultanate of Oman's industrial sector. The agreements were inked on Monday in the presence of several high-ranking officials, including Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, and Dr Said bin Mohammed al Saqri, Minister of Economy. The MoUs, with private and public sector organisations, are part of broader efforts to implement the Industrial Strategy 2040. The national strategy is designed to create a knowledge-based, diversified industrial base and increase the contribution of Omani talent to the sector. One of the key initiatives includes the establishment of an industrial training centre in Al Batinah North Governorate through a memorandum of understanding between the ministry, the Governor's Office, and Jindal Steel. The centre will be used to impart specialised training to enhance the employment opportunities for Omani youth. Eng Sami bin Salim al Sahib, Corporate Strategist at Jindal Steel, commented on the occasion, "In alignment with the endeavours towards realising the goals of Oman Vision 2040 and the national Industrial Strategy, a new specialised training centre will be established to aid in capacity building in the industrial sector." The project falls within the third pillar of the strategy — developing national capabilities — and will offer high-level technical training based on industry needs. The centre will be built to the highest standards, and all costs will be incurred by Jindal Steel. Eng Al Sahib added, "In its first phase, the centre will focus on training and qualifying job seekers for employment in the sector. In the second phase, the programme will be expanded to upskilling and professional development of current industrial staff, strengthening the national workforce and long-term industrial development." Another milestone agreement was with Daleel Petroleum to fund the creation of "Tasneea," an e-platform linking industrial procurement and contracts with local manufacturers, fostering local content and improving supply chain efficiencies. Oman Cables Industry also launched its training programmes, as a model for effective industrial training and reaffirming the ministry's emphasis on human capital development. Oman Cables Chief Operating Officer, Mohannad al Lawati, detailed the scope and range of the programmes, saying that, "Over 400 employees have been registered in technical and professional development programmes, while over 33 have been enrolled in leadership training programmes." "A specially designed programme for science and mathematics graduate females has also benefited over 60 with specialist skill development. These programmes serve to bridge the gap between academic study and the practical needs of the labour market," Al Lawati said. For her part, Nasra bint Saif al Habsiyah, Director-General of Commerce, MoCIIP, stated that a cooperation programme has been signed with Al Alamiya Retail Company. The programme involves the provision of 300 opportunities for qualification, training, and employment for the national workforce —100 direct placements with training and 200 training opportunities with future employment. Eng Khalid bin Salim al Qasabi, Director-General of Industry, said, "The agreements will help to build national capacities in the industrial sector by developing qualified local talent, increasing local content, and realising greater added value in the supply chain. These are designed to improve the competitiveness of Omani products and their promotion in foreign markets." Eng Al Qasabi also stated, "The initiative falls under the ministry's general industrial strategy, which includes a package of targeted programmes for improving sector performance, expanding job opportunities for Omanis and coupling national development with the goals of Oman Vision 2040." The ministry reaffirmed its priority for the establishment of an enabling legislative and industrial environment, local and foreign investment promotion, and high value-added industries as its long-term focus for sustainable economic growth.
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
MoCIIP signs agreements to boost industrial sector growth
Muscat – In a major step towards enhancing industrial competitiveness and empowering national talent, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) on Monday signed a series of strategic agreements with key government bodies and private sector partners. The signing ceremony, held under the patronage of H E Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, was attended by H E Dr Said bin Mohammed al Saqri, Minister of Economy; H E Dr Saleh bin Said Masan, Undersecretary for Commerce and Industry; H E Mohammed bin Sulaiman al Kindi, Governor of North Al Batinah; and several senior officials and private sector executives. H E Dr Masan described the agreements as a significant milestone in strengthening Oman's industrial capabilities. He reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to investing in human capital, calling it a cornerstone of a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. 'These agreements support the goals of the Industrial Strategy 2040, which aims to establish a diversified and technology-driven industrial sector,' he said. Among the key agreements was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MoCIIP, the Office of the Governor of North Al Batinah, and Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel to establish a dedicated industrial training center in the governorate. The center will offer specialised training to equip Omani youth with skills tailored to market demands, enhancing their employability in the industrial sector. In another important development, a funding agreement was signed with Daleel Petroleum to support the development of Tasnee, a digital platform designed to connect industrial procurement with local products. The platform aims to improve supply chain efficiency and increase in-country value (ICV) by promoting local sourcing. MoCIIP also announced the launch of new industrial training programmes in partnership with Oman Cables Industry Company. Additionally, a cooperation agreement was signed with Al Alamia for Retail, providing 300 opportunities for training, qualification, and employment. Of these, 100 are direct jobs tied to training programmes, while 200 are training-to-employment opportunities for Omani youth. 'This initiative directly supports our efforts to strengthen national workforce participation and foster economic empowerment,' said Nasra bint Saif al Habsi, Director General of Commerce at MoCIIP. Eng Khalid bin Salim al Qassabi, Director General of Industry at MoCIIP, noted that these initiatives mark a pivotal phase in industrial development. 'Our aim is to align educational outcomes with market requirements by equipping graduates with the technical skills and specialised knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy,' he said. The new agreements reflect Oman's strategic vision of building a resilient, competitive industrial sector based on national competencies and robust public-private partnerships. They also support broader efforts to integrate Omanis into the workforce while advancing innovation and sustainable growth.
Observer
7 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman, Uzbekistan strengthen trade and investment ties
TASHKENT: The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Uzbekistan have pledged to deepen cooperation across a wide range of sectors, following the conclusion of the fifth session of the Omani-Uzbek Joint Committee held in Tashkent. The Omani delegation was led by Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, accompanied by Wafa bint Jabr al Busaidi, Ambassador of Oman to Uzbekistan. Their Uzbek counterparts were headed by Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, along with senior officials from both nations. Discussions during the session focused on expanding collaboration in trade, investment, energy, logistics, agriculture, higher education, tourism, and culture. Both sides also highlighted the growing importance of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable growth. A significant outcome of the meeting was the agreement to enhance cooperation in the air transport sector, including increased operating rights. Both sides expressed interest in strengthening logistical partnerships, particularly by facilitating the re-export of Uzbek products through Omani ports, reinforcing Oman's role as a regional logistics hub. The two countries also agreed to intensify cooperation in scientific research, innovation, and higher education, with a view to supporting knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives. Furthermore, the committee underlined the importance of closer engagement between chambers of commerce and business communities in both countries to boost trade volumes and investment flows. On the sidelines of the committee meeting, Al Yousef held bilateral talks with several senior Uzbek officials, including Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies, and Bakhtiar Odilovich Saidov, Minister of Foreign Affairs. These meetings provided an opportunity to address existing trade challenges and explore new investment prospects. Al Yousef also participated in roundtable discussions involving Omani and Uzbek business leaders, where he promoted Oman as a strategic investment destination. A detailed presentation on the "Invest in Oman" initiative was delivered by Omar al Harthy, Senior Investment Analyst at the Ministry, highlighting the incentives, regulatory reforms, and infrastructure that make Oman attractive to foreign investors. The Omani delegation also conducted a number of field visits, including to the American University of Technology in Tashkent, a subsidiary of Ozman Investment Company, and the Innovation Centre under Uzbekistan's Ministry of Digital Technology. These visits served to identify areas for potential collaboration in education and digital transformation. The delegation visited facilities operated by AKFA Group, a leading Uzbek company involved in industrial manufacturing and education. Meetings were also held with representatives of Uzbek companies specialising in electronic payment systems, e-commerce, and textiles. Adding further significance to the visit, Minister Al Yousef attended the inauguration of the Tashkent branch of the Golden Integration Oil and Gas Company. The launch coincided with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Golden Integration and Oman's Seih Al-Sariyah Company, signalling a new chapter of cooperation in the energy sector. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to updating and activating existing bilateral agreements to reflect emerging priorities and global economic trends. The successful session of the joint committee marks a notable step in strengthening Oman-Uzbekistan ties, paving the way for broader collaboration in the years ahead. — ONA
Observer
11-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
HM's greetings to Uzbek president
TASHKENT: President Dr Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan received Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, in Tashkent, on Wednesday. He conveyed the greetings of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik along with his best wishes to the president of Uzbekistan emphasising the deep fraternal relations between the two friendly countries. The minister also congratulated the president Mirziyoyev on the historic sporting achievement made by the Uzbekistan national football team by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time. — ONA
