Muscat – Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) launched the ‘Tamkeen’ initiative on Tuesday to enhance the participation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in government procurement, as part of wider efforts to support local content and private sector growth. The initiative is being implemented in cooperation with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up […]
Muscat – Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) launched the ‘Tamkeen’ initiative on Tuesday to enhance the participation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in government procurement, as part of wider efforts to support local content and private sector growth.
The initiative is being implemented in cooperation with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, the Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority, and the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development. It follows a developmental workshop focused on OCCI’s strategic directions to improve the business environment, support economic diversification and enhance partnerships across the governorates.
Tamkeen will deliver two training programmes in 2025 and 2026 across several governorates. The programmes aim to prepare SMEs to benefit from the 10% share allocated to them in government procurement and tenders, enabling stronger participation in national projects and supporting business growth.
Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas, Chairman of OCCI, said the initiative reflects the chamber’s focus on empowering the private sector and improving its readiness to compete. He said effective SME participation in public procurement has become central to business growth and sustainability.
Rawas said OCCI considers capacity building for entrepreneurs and SMEs an investment in the national economy. He added that the training is designed to address challenges faced by companies entering the tendering market and to improve bid quality through practical skills aligned with recognised standards.
He encouraged business owners to continue upgrading administrative and technical capabilities and to make better use of digital platforms in line with evolving market requirements.
Ghazi bin Said al Hamar, officer in charge of implementing Tamkeen at OCCI, said the initiative seeks to increase SME utilisation of the 10% procurement allocation through coordination with relevant authorities. The programme supports national industries, improves SME integration into supply chains and promotes sustainable investment.
According to Hamar, expected outcomes include improved readiness to compete for tenders, higher participation within the SME quota, stronger local content contribution and better bid success rates, alongside closer links between entrepreneurs and support institutions.
During the launch, Khalid bin Juma al Shukaili of the Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority spoke about the Esnad platform, an electronic system for managing government tenders. He said the platform improves efficiency, transparency and accuracy across tender processes and supports SMEs through dedicated procurement policies.
According to Shukaili, more than 5,000 SMEs are registered on Esnad. He urged companies to keep their profiles updated.
Social Impact Leader award for Oman’s veteran blood donor
Direct flights to Abha boost Oman–Saudi tourism ties
ITHCA facilitates Omani tech startups entry into Saudi Arabia
Savills, Visit Oman and Hospiria launch short-stay rentals in Oman
33 foreign archaeological teams to explore Oman’s heritage in 2025-26
Muscat Municipality issues health guidelines for honey sellers