MUSCAT -- Nasser bin Khamis al Jashmi, Under-Secretary of Ministry of Oil and Gas, launched the Al Batinah Business Portal yesterday on the sidelines of the Forum on Business and Entrepreneurship Opportunities in Al Batinah North, organised by Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), Sohar Branch.
The portal is an initiative of Jusoor, a joint CSR scheme launched by major industries of Sohar. Developed by the Sohar branch of OCCI, it enables local contractors and suppliers - both SME and large enterprises -- in Al Batinah North Governorate to register for business opportunities. Smart technologies also allow for the intelligent search of specific products and services.
"The launch of Al Batinah Business portal has been made possible by the immense support of Jusoor founding companies (Sohar Aluminium, Orpic and Vale) and stems from our belief in the importance of promoting partnerships with the local community by building strong SMEs,", said Fahd bin Salim al Adi, Executive Manager of Jusoor.
He said the portal enables SMEs and other companies to participate in tenders floated by industries in Al-Batinah North. It also features a comprehensive database that helps entrepreneurs access key market information.
"The Al-Batinah Business Portal helps in the development of a business environment based on mutual trust between the companies, suppliers and governmental agencies, in addition to promoting ties between the industrial companies, the community and the governmental authority," he further added.
Shaikh Mahana bin Saif al Lamki, Governor of North Al Batinah said: "The portal is considered as a link between industrial companies, contractors and existing and prospective suppliers. It also provides some sort of qualification for the suppliers through electronic training programs, the SMEs development programs and the exchange of experiences through seminars. The portal could promote commercial partnerships and attract investments."
Said al Kiyumi, Board Member OCCI, urged SMEs to make the most of the opportunities offered by the portal. The facility will be maintained via a technical office set up at OCCI's Sohar branch, he added.
© Oman Daily Observer 2013
