MUSCAT, Oct 22 (KUNA) -- The fourth Arab-German family business forum kicked off on Saturday, held under the theme "Owner and Responsibility; Investing in the Next Generation," due to last for three days.

The forum is organized by Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), in collaboration with German's International Institute for Family Enterprises (IIFE).

The first day of the gathering focuses on the theme called "the Owners Day", which will discuss issues related to family companies, leadership, governance, sustainability and planning of business fields for the future generations.

In the second day, it will focus on the topic, "The Wise Investor Day", which talks about family businesses in terms of macroeconomics, representatives of the family companies, sovereign wealth funds, in addition to investors discussing related issues of sustainable development.

OCCI chairman Khalil bin Abdullah al-Khunji said that the meeting will converse on experiences of the prominent speakers through lectures on issues related to family companies, the workshops and the round-table discussions, as well as direct side talks and presenting working papers.

He added that it will also promote Oman as a tourist, investment center and contribute to investment partnerships among the family companies taking part in the event.

The forum is supported by a number of governmental organizations, Tourism Ministry, Scientific Research Council, with sponsorship by Omani, Arab and international family companies, al-Khunji noted.

Khunji pointed out that the Oman has a number of high-status family companies, which is why the OCCI wanted to hold the forum here.

The participants in the gathering are Arab, German and international family companies and 15 Arab and foreign countries' speakers, he added.

The opening ceremony was attended by a number of ministers, governmental officials, representatives of family business in Arab countries and Germany, in addition to representatives off countries from Europe and the Middle East.