Muscat – In a move to bolster SMEs, the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED) will conduct an export training programme called Sadder across three governorates.

Highlighting the programme’s objectives, an official from ASMED said, “Our aim is to enhance SMEs’ global presence, help their growth and boost Omani exports.”

The training sessions are slated for October 1-5 in Dhofar, October 15-19 in Muscat and October 29-November 2 in North Batinah.

Elaborating on ASMED’s commitment, the official said, “We allocated RO114,969 to back 23 SME initiatives till August 2023, which benefited 18 institutions.” This support includes organising exhibitions, conferences, competitions and programmes spanning diverse sectors – industry, health, tourism and startups – with special emphasis on craftsmen.

Additionally, ASMED recently introduced an e-guide – Heraf Oman – highlighting Muscat-based craft businesses and home handicraft licensees, giving Omani crafts local and global access.

Recent statistics indicate the sultanate had over 24,000 craftsmen by 2020, with women accounting for 88% of these. Dhofar led the count with 7,247 craftsmen, followed by North Sharqiyah (5,454), North Batinah (3,534), Dhakhliyah (2,148), Al Wusta (1,534), South Batinah (1,357), South Sharqiyah (1,186), Muscat (608), Dhahirah (482), Musandam (405) and Buraimi (236).