OMAN FORUM 2018 TO FOCUS ON BUILDING NATIONAL TALENT AND CREATING AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR SMEs

Riyada, Takatuf, SME Development Fund and National Training Institute (NTI) have signed up as partners for Oman Forum 2018, a one-of-its-kind platform that will bring together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, to share their expertise on “Creating an enabling environment for SMEs and Building National Talent,” in Crowne Plaza Muscat on December 17.

Oman Forum is an annual Arabic debate organised by the leading Arabic business magazine Alam al-Iktisaad

Wal A’mal (AIWA), published by

United Media Services (UMS). The 2018 edition, will comprise two panel sessions. The first panel session will deliberate on ‘‘Creating an enabling environment for SMEs,” and the second panel on ‘‘Building National TalentStrengthening competencies.’’ The Forum will explore ways to increase credit access and improve SME innovations as they are the catalyst for empowerment and growth. The session on ‘Building National Talent,’ will look at effective training, planning and management to develop and retain Omani talent in the rapidly evolving and fast-growing manufacturing and other sectors. It will also look at developing the skillsets of the local human capital.

Takatuf is the HR Knowledge Partner, while SME Development Fund is the Associate Partner and NTI, the support partner. Times of Oman and Shabiba are the Media partners. The Forum is being held in partnership with Riyada (Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development)

Says Alpana Roy, Executive Vice President, United Media Services, the publisher of AIWA, “Oman Forum’s primary objective during the past six years has been to facilitate a live public discussion on topics concerning Oman’s economy and society. The 2018 edition will look at creating an ecosystem for SME development as economic growth and employment creation are driven by a vibrant spectrum of productive enterprises such as SMEs. Moreover, sustainable human resources development is one of key priorities of the Government. Public and private sector have a critical role in creating job opportunities for locals.”

Eminent panelists including top corporate leaders, policymakers and members of Omani civil society will chart the growth, provide concrete solutions to queries, concerns and issues faced by SMEs and private and public sector initiatives to spur training and development of local human capital.

Alongside the Forum, a special workshop will be conducted by Hilal Al Jadidi, Takatuf Consulting Services Director on “Managing and Attracting Talent in SMEs.” The workshop to be held in partnership with Riyada will address key issues such as attracting and retaining talent, training and development and filling skill gaps.