Omani Crafts House Platform: Boosting Local SMEs and Handicrafts

The Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED) has established the Omani Crafts House Platform, a digital space for the promotion and selling of locally made crafts and products by artisans and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It aims to maximize market opportunities for vendors by providing a costless means of marketing their products.

The launch ceremony was held under the patronage of Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism who stated that the platform would empower local businesses and help them widen their footprint. The platform ranges from handicrafts, personal care, beauty products, perfumes, incense, fashion and accessories.

One of the primary benefits of the Omani Crafts House Platform is the zero registration fees and no interest on sales transactions which is beneficial for small businesses. The platform is powered by Kushk, a small to medium enterprise incubated by ASMED and it provides easy delivery services with Nool Delivery, another Omani company.

Furthermore, the marketplace offers a specific control panel for vendors to maintain inventory, manage sales and receive payments through an electronic wallet with a variety of payment options. To be eligible, vendors must be registered with ASMED which ensures that all goods are of quality standards and in unique packaging.

Oman’s provision of a free and efficient digital portal is an important step towards supporting local entrepreneurship, preserving traditional crafts and creating economic growth.