The Sultanate of Oman is continuously striving to enhance its business environment and citizen services, and a recent forum highlighted significant strides in this direction. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) recently hosted the Sanad Services Centres 2nd Forum, a pivotal event underscoring the importance of these centres in Oman’s economic and social development. The forum, held under the auspices of H.E. Dr. Khamis bin Saif Al Jabri and attended by H.E. Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, focused on the past achievements of Sanad Services Centres and charted a course for their future growth and sustainability.
Strengthening Oman’s Service Ecosystem: The Sanad Services Centres Forum
The 2nd Forum served as a national platform to review the journey of Sanad Services Centres across Oman, showcasing their evolution and outlining future strategies for improvement. H.E. Dr. Saleh bin Said Masan, MoCIIP Undersecretary for Commerce and Industry, emphasized the centres’ role in fostering a thriving business landscape and supporting national development goals. He particularly highlighted the crucial investment in Omani youth, recognizing them as the nation’s greatest asset and stressing the MoCIIP’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for their success.
A Pillar for Entrepreneurs and SMEs
Nasra bint Sultan Al Habsi, Director General of Commerce at the MoCIIP, affirmed that Sanad Services Centres are a key component in developing Oman’s trade and services ecosystem. Their pivotal role in streamlining commercial procedures, improving the overall business environment, and providing vital support to entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) was a central theme of the forum. The General Directorate of Commerce is actively working to integrate more closely with Sanad Centres and expand the range of services offered, aiming for increased efficiency and a superior service experience for all beneficiaries. This focus on SMEs aligns with Oman’s broader economic diversification strategy.
Partnerships and Digital Transformation: Key Forum Themes
The forum underscored the critical importance of collaboration between government and private sector entities in enhancing service delivery and improving the experience for those utilizing the centres. This collaborative spirit is directly aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and the nation’s ambitious digital transformation goals. The event showcased a visual presentation detailing the 20-year history of the Sanad Services Centres and their significant national contribution to delivering both government and private services.
New Initiatives and Cooperation Agreements
A key highlight of the forum was the signing of five cooperation programmes with various government and private entities. These agreements are designed to strengthen partnerships and bolster the Sanad Services Centres ecosystem. Simultaneously, four new initiatives were launched, focused on improving service quality and facilitating a more efficient business environment. The forum also recognized the dedication of Sanad Services Centre owners who have continuously operated their centres for the past two decades, acknowledging their long-term commitment.
Towards Strategic Goals and Sustainable Growth
Mohammed bin Salim Al Mashaikhi, Director of the Sanad Services Centres Department at the MoCIIP, emphasized the forum’s role in fostering a spirit of partnership and integration. He stated that the event strengthens the centres’ ability to deliver high-quality services, supports their long-term sustainability, and creates valuable job opportunities for Omani youth. Since their inception in 2006, Sanad Services Centres have significantly expanded their service offerings and now function as a vital link between government entities and the Omani public. Currently, these centres process over 1,000,000 electronic transactions annually, providing approximately 2,350 employment opportunities.
The Voice of Centre Owners
Manar bint Ali bin Rashid Al Kalbani, a Sanad Services Centre owner, highlighted the active role centre owners play in developing services and contributing to new initiatives. Her participation in the recent lab demonstrated the value of practical ideas and testing new solutions to enhance the beneficiary experience. She emphasized the strong partnership between centre owners and the MoCIIP, positioning Sanad Centres as platforms for innovation and excellence in service delivery. This collaborative approach is essential for continued success.
Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Excellence
The launch of initiatives like the On the Job Training Initiative, in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour, demonstrates a commitment to providing over 1,000 job opportunities for Omani youth and equipping them with the skills needed for the modern workforce. The Sanad Service Centres Excellence Award, launched across Oman’s governorates, aims to encourage healthy competition and raise performance standards. The introduction of the Munjiz Card and the Centres Classification Initiative further demonstrate a dedication to improving efficiency and service quality.
In conclusion, the Sanad Services Centres 2nd Forum was a resounding success, reaffirming the vital role these centres play in Oman’s economic and social progress. The event showcased a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainability, paving the way for continued growth and enhanced service delivery. The focus on empowering Omani youth and streamlining business procedures positions Sanad Services Centres as a cornerstone of Oman Vision 2040 and a key driver of the nation’s future prosperity. To learn more about the MoCIIP’s initiatives and the services offered by Sanad Centres, visit their official website.
