UNCLAS MUSCAT 000036
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON, BEXP, PGOV, MU
SUBJECT: HELPING ENTREPRENEURS: OMAN ANOUNCES 2010 SME CONFERENCE
1. (U) As a matter of policy the Government of Oman sees Small and
Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as an essential factor in driving the
country's development and providing employment. In this regard,
the GoO regularly and positively highlights growth in private
sector hiring versus the public sector.
2. (U) In an effort to advance the role of SMEs in Oman, the Oman
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) formally announced January
17 a SME conference and exhibition to be held from February 16-18
under the joint auspices of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
(MOCI), OCCI, and conference and exhibition organizers Envent and
Trefoil.
3. (U) The conference themed "Financial opportunities and
challenges for SMEs" is aimed at addressing the financial
opportunities and challenges of SMEs in Oman with discussions and
workshops addressing some of the key hurdles facing this business
sector. Oman's SMEs have encountered long-standing difficulties in
getting financing, which is hampering the sustainable development
of the country. The conference's objective is to organize
government, financial institutions and other enterprises to improve
financing opportunities for SMEs.
4. (U) The 2010 edition of the SME conference and exhibition will
also bring together more than 100 government representatives,
business leaders, academics and professionals to explore the
development of small and medium entrepreneurship, best practices in
corporate governance and the economic environment for the next
generation of entrepreneurs. Eminent regional and international
speakers will identify the key issues in finance, current and
future opportunities for SMEs, workshops and expert panel
discussions will focus on creating an entrepreneurial culture in
the region and address funding gaps.
5. (U) COMMENT: A U.S. Small Business Administration
representative will be attending the conference. SBA Associate
Administrator Perry Picket will deliver a keynote speech during the
opening of the conference. The SME Conference will come on the
heels of the planned signing of a Memorandum of Understanding
between the SBA and the SME directorate of MOCI on February 14.
END COMMENT.
Schmierer