Growth prospects for local vendors outlined
The event outlined upcoming projects and business opportunities for 2018, and raised awareness about the company’s tendering procedures and related issues
Times News Service
SOHAR: To boost its In-Country Value (ICV) contributions, Sohar Aluminium held a two-day “Vendor Symposium” 2018 in Sohar and Muscat.
The event outlined upcoming projects and business opportunities for 2018, and raised awareness about Sohar Aluminium’s tendering procedures and environment, health, and safety requirements. More than 190 local companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) attended.
Jerry Van Alphen, Sohar Aluminium’s Chief Financial Officer, said, “We are very pleased with the tremendous interest our 2018 symposium generated. The discussions and workshops provided us with great insight into what is available in the market and also allowed us to share ideas and best practices on how, together, we can enhance the capacity and capabilities of the local supply chain.”
Local businesses
The symposium helped local businesses across Oman to learn about Sohar Aluminium’s procurement process and the partnership opportunities available. These include supply of machinery spare parts and tools, safety consumables, general hardware items, electrical parts, manpower, consultancy requirements, and hiring of vehicles.
Speaking at the symposium, Hussein Al Habsi, Managing Director of Sohar Technical Services & Trading, one of Sohar Aluminium’s suppliers, said, “Sohar Aluminium promoted Sohar Technical Services & Trading to be a specialised periodic maintenance contract service provider in the market.”
Khalid Matar, Managing Director of Nusail Trading & Contracting, said, “We are glad to have support from Sohar Aluminium for over a decade, forging a strong business relationship.”
Sohar Aluminium will float a number of tenders over the next few years for materials and service contracts. Priority will be given to local service providers and SMEs if they meet technical and commercial requirements.
The company also offered to support local SMEs through its Sohar Aluminium Volunteering Programme, where employees can share their technical skills and knowledge to help SMEs adopt best practices in environment, health, safety, financial feasibility, and business planning.
Sohar Aluminium’s business strategy envisages substantial investment in improving the local and national economy. The company has supported the creation of numerous local SMEs through initial contracts. These companies have become sustainable businesses, adding value to the local economy and bringing welfare to the Al Batinah region. Through its procurement processes, it attempts to always maximise the ICV of all possible expenditures.