Oman Drydock to hold business forum for SMEs

MUSCAT, JUNE 10 - With an intention to offer local vendors and suppliers an overview of the company and make them cognizant of the business opportunities available at the drydock, Oman Drydock Company (ODC), a subsidiary of the government-owned holding company Asyad, will be organising a forum for the local SMEs (vendors and suppliers) at the end of this month. This forum intends to boost ODC’s In-Country Value (ICV) contribution by focusing on local supplier and vendor selection thereby developing Oman’s economy.

The objective to the symposium for ODC, one of the world’s largest and most modern ship repair yards, is to present the available business opportunities at ODC and establish strategic relationships with SMEs and private sector companies in a number of areas.

“Over the years ODC has been providing high-value services including ship repair in engineering, fitting, blasting, painting, and procurement, as well as testing and trials. To further augment the company’s service capabilities, we want to build partnerships with SMEs and local companies and introduce them to a wide spectrum of business opportunities available with ODC,” Asyad Group Chief Executive Officer Abdulrahman bin Salim al Hatmi said.

“We strive to support local SMEs and businesses by providing them an opportunity to offer their specialised services to ODC’s esteemed clients in the maritime industry.

ODC’s ICV strategy aims to further reinforce its alliances with the local private sector and encourage further opportunities for local businesses to benefit and grow,” Al Hatmi added.

“In line with the directives of the government, ODC is committed to engaging with and supporting the SMEs and local vendors,” Oman Drydock Company chief executive officer Said bin Homoud al Maawali said. “This forum is aimed at increasing the company’s ICV contribution and strengthening its relationship with the local businesses. Through this engagement with suppliers and vendors, we hope to encourage local companies and SMEs to participate in the overall development of the local economy. Besides, small enterprises can provide important services and products in the supply chain of larger companies.

We want to create opportunities and collaborate with competent SMEs and private sector companies.” He added also that “we are looking for manpower suppliers, painting and blasting capable contractors, mechanical and electrical maintenance contractors, investors for projects ranging from $500,000 to $25 million, Omani entrepreneurs capable of cooperating with international marine services companies, transportation service providers and amp services providers.”