Two new strategic partners for Intilaaqah Oman

The program, which provides support and guidance for local entrepreneurs, would complete 15 years of operation by early next year.

Intilaaqah has enjoyed the support of many organizations throughout these years. These organizations have contributed towards Intilaaqah success of training more than 6,500 Omanis in various business fields.

On Sunday 21 June, 2009, during the press conference of launching Intilaaqah Young Entrepreneur Award for 2009, two more organizations joined Intilaaqah as strategic partners they are Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Sohar Aluminum. Both organizations are renowned for their active role of promoting a culture of entrepreneurs.

Commenting at the event, Sabah AbdulAmeer from OCCI said,

"We are delighted to join Intilaaqah's list of strategic partners. Indeed Intilaaqah is one of the leading programs when it comes to supporting small enterprises. Our objectives are aligned and we believe that we can capitalize on the existing relation to work towards supporting more entrepreneurs across the Sultanate."

Dr. Hilal Al Hinai, GM, Commercial and Corporate Affairs at Sohar Aluminium said "Intilaaqah personifies Sohar Aluminium's business practice of supporting and developing entrepreneurs in ways which make lasting contributions to the Sultanate of Oman. To date 25% of Sohar Aluminium's total spend has been spent on the local market, 68% of our staff complement are local Omani citizens, we support downstream businesses by providing them with liquid aluminium at competitive process and encourage businesses in the region to enter into service contracts."

Aside from training courses offered free of charge for Omanis who wish to start their own business, Intilaaqah also offers continuous guidance and support for young entrepreneurs. Moreover, successful entrepreneurs are recognized and promoted as success stories during the annual Intilaaqah Awards. Indeed, promoting entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs is essential for the development of a diversified economy."

"We are delighted that OCCI and Sohar Aluminium have joined us. The partnership we establish with these organizations and others enable us to cater our services for the communities where these organizations operate. OCCI has been very helpful and supportive of Intilaaqah, in fact a number of courses are conducted in OCCI premises. Sohar Aluminium on the other hand, believes in the value of creating smaller business in AlBatinah region and we are delighted to provide training to those who would like to take that option."

Many other organizations have been very supportive to Intilaaqah including Sultan Qaboos University, Knowledge Oasis Muscat, Sanad Program, Oman International Bank, Bank Muscat and Oman Air."