Oman’s Innovation Park Muscat (IPM) has signed a collaboration agreement with Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC) with the aim of further encouraging the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The agreement between IPM and Zubair SEC details the areas of collaboration whereas Zubair SEC will extend advisory services to applicants of the IPM’s incubators and provide them with guidance on how to prepare business plans and provide counselling on management, commercial and financial planning aspects, said a statement from the company.

The deal was signed at The Research Council of Oman (TRC) and was attended by Dr Hilal Al Hinai, secretary general of TRC; Khalid Muhammad al Zubair, managing director of The Zubair Corporation; and executive representatives from TRC, IPM, The Zubair Corporation and Zubair SEC, it said.

Innovation Park Muscat, a project of national significance, is a TRC initiative designed to create a facilitating environment for researchers, scientists, start-ups, SMEs and multinationals.

It aims to augment Oman’s economic, entrepreneurial and knowledge base by supporting the growth of innovative and research-driven domestic and international companies in areas that include energy, health science, water and environment and food and biotechnology.

Zubair SEC, a flagship social impact initiative by The Zubair Corporation, has more than 450 members who have access to comprehensive services including advisory, capacity building, networking opportunities, and business development support.