Date: July 26, 2021
In line with enhancing mutual cooperation between both parties, the Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations held a consultative meeting to discuss aspects of their cooperation. The meeting sought to enhance the capabilities of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) active in the fields of agriculture and food industries, entrepreneurship, and administration and finance.
The meeting was attended by HE Nora Ourabah Haddad, FAO representative in Oman and Said Salim Al Sahib, Director of Zubair SEC, alongside the presence of advisors from both parties.
Each entity expressed their satisfaction regarding the level of cooperation that currently exists and the proposed initiatives to enhance food security in the Sultanate. The role played by Zubair SEC to support the directions of the FAO in this regard was also highlighted.
During the session, several key themes were reviewed including topics related to the sustainability of food ecosystems in Oman, methods to strengthen relations and establish channels of communication between various sectors in the fields of agriculture and food industries and working on developing programmes to support the role of small enterprises in the agricultural and fisheries sector.
Commenting on the meeting, HE Nora Ourabah Haddad said, “SMEs active in the food sector, along with associations of farmers and fishermen and other similar entities, are active contributors to the sustainable development of food ecosystems. They are considered vital stakeholders across the value chain in the Sultanate.”
“We consider Zubair SEC as a strategic partner. We continuously and effectively communicate with them on programmes and activities that support small farmers and small enterprises, working together to achieve food security and sustainable development goals. We look forward to furthering partnerships and towards enhancing this fruitful cooperation during the upcoming period,” she added.
From his side, Said Al Sahib said, “Since its establishment, Zubair SEC has aligned itself with the objectives of the Oman Vision and the national strategy for sustainable development. The Center always focuses its efforts to enhance its economic and social impact sustainably. In this context, the importance of food security is a key area that we can work on to enhance the presence of small enterprises within this significant sector.”
“We are proud of our cooperation with FAO to empower small enterprises and small farmers to enhance their performance and increase their contribution to the national GDP. In addition, we work hand-in-hand to discover potential opportunities in the respective sector and identify the challenges facing its workers at every stage of production. This way, we are in line with the Sultanate’s national approach aimed at raising the level of food security and sustainability. We are keen to work with all the stakeholders who were a part of this discussion, to follow up and implement the recommendations that were made during the consultative meeting. Moreover, through the study presented by the Center, we can collectively empower and activate the role of these institutions across various supply chains. We also look forward to the continuation of this robust cooperation between both of our entities, especially within the new programmes and initiatives,” he added.
Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC) is one of the most important initiatives emanating from the strategic vision of the ‘Zubair Corporation’ for its social responsibility, which reflects the corporation’s belief in the importance of small enterprises in advancing the national economy and contributing to sustainable economic and social development. Established in 2013, Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC) is a professional body that capitalises on its high professionalism, diversified offered knowledge, a wide range of accumulated expertise and its own global and local network and strategic partners. The Centre provides a wide range of services which include clinical solution-based advisory, capacity building, networking platforms, business development, and a yearly programme that selects ten winners who receive a financial grant, as well as intensive advisory services, branding, packaging, product stabilization, as well as business development.