DAMMAM — Minister of Commerce and Investment Dr. Majid Bin Abdullah Al-Qassabi has visited a number of small and medium enterprises in the Eastern Province as part of his ministry's efforts to stimulate and empower the sector. Al-Qassabi praised the efforts of entrepreneurs whose dreams came true by having successful enterprises that would bring welfare to all. He pointed out that there are many pioneering projects in various regions of the Kingdom, which create real opportunities for young men and women. This sector receives all support from the government through the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises, as well as the Social Development Bank, besides various funding programs, Al-Qassabi said. The minister expressed his great admiration for what he had seen and heard of different successful ideas and stories achieved by the young entrepreneurs, and how they develop and promote their thoughts and business. Al-Qassabi visited Innosoft Est. in Al-Khobar, which is a technology solutions provider owned by the Saudi entrepreneur Loua'ay Labani, who established this facility to provide technical solutions for facing the challenges of the business community and local markets. Labani works with young and talented young men and women in the field of technology, marketing and identity building. Labani has been able to obtain funding from the Aramco Entrepreneurship Program (Wa'ed). During a short period, his establishment received a number of awards in innovation and entrepreneurship. Al-Qassabi also visited Parkers & Salt Restaurant, owned by businesswomen Deem and Rand Al-Bassam. They started a mobile restaurant in Dubai, and then they established a successful chain of restaurants with regional expansion. These restaurants are based on providing innovative services. They moved to the Eastern Province and continued their trade activity, taking into consideration new ideas and thoughts by exploiting the open spaces and providing distinctive catering service. The minister then visited the Golden Lens Studio in Dammam, which is considered the first Women's Photography Studio in the Eastern Province, owned by the businesswoman Anwar Al-Muo'men. Anwar started her business with a lens and a single camera, from where she developed her business until she opened the first women's studio in the region. She has got a loan from Prince Sultan Fund for Women's Development. Anwar's project became a big success, so she had got another loan to expand the business. She has now set up a special branch for women in Dammam, as well as another branch for men under her husband's supervision. Anwar's daughter has been awarded the best photographer in the Middle East. This project currently employs more than 30 young men and women. Al-Qassabi was accompanied Undersecretary of the Eastern Province Fahd Bin Mohammed Al-Jubair, deputy governor of the Small and Medium Enterprises Authority, the branch director of the Ministry of Commerce and Investment in the region and a number of officials.
