MUSCAT : Launched at the Chamber’s headquarters in Muscat in cooperation with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, the Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority, and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, the initiative will roll out two structured training programmes across the Sultanate during 2025 and 2026. The programme is designed to help SMEs effectively benefit from the 10 per cent allocation reserved for them in government procurement, boosting their participation in national projects and supporting business growth and expansion.

Speaking at the launch, H.E. Faisal bin Abdullah Al Rawas, Chairman of OCCI’s Board of Directors, said the initiative marks a key step in empowering the private sector and enhancing its competitiveness amid a rapidly evolving business environment. He stressed that greater SME participation in government procurement and national projects is now a cornerstone for sustainable growth, adding that the Chamber is investing directly in the future of the national economy by building the capabilities of business owners.

His Excellency Al Rawas noted that the training programmes are designed to address real challenges faced by companies entering the tendering market, offering practical, best-practice-based experience to help SMEs submit stronger and more competitive bids. He added that the collaboration between the Chamber and supporting authorities represents a model partnership between the public and private sectors, enhancing transparency, widening access to opportunities, and supporting Vision 2040 goals related to economic diversification and local content.

For his part, H.E. Engineer Badr bin Salem Al Maamari, Chairman of the Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority, described “Tamkeen” as a practical example of institutional integration that raises SME readiness for fair and effective competition in government projects. He explained that the Authority’s role focuses on building understanding of tendering mechanisms, registration and classification requirements, and bid preparation in line with best practices, ensuring transparency and enabling SMEs to secure a stronger presence in national projects.

Meanwhile, Zakaria bin Abdullah Al-Saadi, CEO of OCCI, said the initiative is one of the key outcomes of a strategic development workshop held by the Chamber and is anchored on three pillars: improving the business environment, expanding economic diversification, and strengthening partnerships in governorate-level development. He noted that the Chamber, in cooperation with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, launched 14 qualitative initiatives in February this year, supported by detailed implementation plans to ensure measurable impact.

Al-Saadi emphasised that SMEs are not merely contributors to the economy but a primary engine of development, innovation and job creation, as well as a vital component of national supply chains. He said the Chamber is committed to enabling SMEs to enter major national projects with confidence and efficiency, thereby generating added value and supporting sustainable economic growth.

The Chamber also commenced the first Tamkeen training programme on Monday at its Muscat headquarters, featuring working papers on preparing bids for government purchases and tenders and on company registration and classification via the Esnad platform. The programme will continue across all governorates, starting with South Al Batinah on December 17 and concluding in North Al Batinah on January 8.

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