MUSCAT: To extend support for craft sector and to enhance its sustainability, the last date to apply for support to craft institutions and establishments (which have obtained a home production) business licence as a craft activity) has been extended, and the last date for registration now is August 20.
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority called on craftsmen and craft institutions to submit a request for support via the link posted on its Twitter account. The support will be based on the needs and requirements of craftsmen or the craft organisation in terms of machinery, equipment and supplies.
This came after the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion issued a Ministerial Decision No 473/2022 regulating the practice of household businesses, which include 16 types including handicrafts. Statistics issued by the ministry showed that the number of those registered for home businesses stood at 9,092 in various activities.
Qais bin Rashid al Tobi of the authority said previously there were 19 training programmes in various handicraft industries, divided into technical educational programmes for craft and commercial marketing. He said that the number of craftspersons registered in the Sultanate of Oman stood at 23,000.
The support aims to provide assistance including tools and equipment, raw materials, training, participation in exhibitions, setting up of a workshop, repair and maintenance, packaging and marketing.
The committee considers the applicant for support within a period of time not exceeding 30 days from the date of the application. And there is no fee for application.
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