MUSCAT, SEPT 3
The Ministry of Economy (MoE), in cooperation with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), held a workshop yesterday, September 3, 2024, on ‘Renewable Energy and the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises: Challenges and Opportunities.’
The workshop was held under the auspices of Dr Nasser bin Rashid al Maawali, Under-Secretary of the MoE, and attended by a number of Under-Secretaries, along with a select group of experts, specialists, and representatives from government entities and SMEs.
The workshop saw participation from various SME owners and representatives. It featured a comprehensive programme where everyone engaged in group sessions focused on SME case studies. The workshop aims to enhance cooperation between relevant government and private entities by exchanging ideas and perspectives among participants and providing practical solutions to overcome the challenges faced by SMEs in this field.
The workshop opened with a welcoming speech delivered by Shaikh Humaid al Saadi, Director General of Economic Sectors at the MoE. He emphasised the significant role SMEs play in supporting the national economy, noting that these enterprises form the backbone of the economy. He also highlighted that supporting SMEs in adopting renewable energy solutions is a crucial step toward achieving sustainable development goals and net-zero emissions by 2050.
Eng Saeed al Hosni, CEO and Founder of Voltech, speaking to the Observer, commented: “We see a promising future in these fields with many opportunities for investment. The challenges in this sector are constant, with technological advancements happening rapidly. However, we believe that every challenge brings with it new and important opportunities. We always strive to leverage these positive opportunities to achieve sustainable growth and success in our business.”
During the workshop, several working papers were presented in cooperation with the National Net-Zero Programme, the Authority for Public Services Regulation, and Nafath Renewable Energy LLC. These papers covered topics such as incentives and facilities for the use of renewable energy, aligning sustainable SMEs with the energy transition, and showcasing success stories of SMEs in renewable energy projects.
The workshop included a discussion session on the challenges faced by institutions using renewable energy and those operating in the sector, as well as proposed solutions and initiatives.
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