Muscat – The session brought together small and medium enterprise (SME) owners, stakeholders, and relevant parties to discuss challenges, explore solutions, and foster a more supportive business environment.

The session aimed to foster stronger partnerships and integration between SMEs and relevant stakeholders, improving the overall business environment and making it more attractive for these enterprises. It also sought to contribute to the development of policies that support entrepreneurs and SMEs, while highlighting the importance of innovation and investment in these key sectors.

Throughout the session, various promising opportunities for SMEs were explored, particularly in the transport, logistics, and IT sectors. Entrepreneurs were encouraged to present innovative ideas that could drive growth in these industries. The session also provided a platform for discussing economic affairs and informing the public about programs, projects, and initiatives that support SMEs.

The session covered four key topics: discussion on the challenges faced by SMEs and potential solutions to enhance the supportive environment for their growth; identifying policies and government initiatives aimed at empowering SMEs and start-ups, with a focus on fostering innovation and investment; reviewing business accelerators and other facilities available to SMEs; and discussion of services and initiatives that help SMEs thrive in the current market.

According to the latest statistics from the Authority, the total number of SMEs registered in the transport and logistics sector reached 31,044 by the end of December 2024. The sector has seen significant growth in various activities, including land transport, where the number of SMEs involved in truck-based transportation of goods, liquids, and equipment reached 14,796. Additionally, 5,512 SMEs operate in the loading and unloading of goods, and 4,776 are involved in goods warehousing.

In the IT sector, the number of SMEs reached 6,355, with notable growth in activities such as computer network development (1,162 SMEs), software design and programming (825 SMEs), and network maintenance (807 SMEs)