Muscat, May 8th 2013

The Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (PAIPED) spearheaded the Sultanate of Oman's recent trade delegation to the 8th World Chambers Congress in Doha as 15 leading government organisations and private sector companies exhibited their industrial capabilities to over 2,000 participants representing 143 regional and international authorities.

Under the theme of 'Opportunities for All', the Congress attracted chamber of commerce representatives and business leaders from across the world to discuss and promote international trade. The Omani Pavilion was the largest visiting exhibition area with 432m2 and showcased Oman-made products and introduced national manufacturers and contractors to an audience of international suppliers and distributors.

Faris bin Nasser Al Farsi, PAIPED's Director General of Investment Promotion praised the business opportunities created by the Congress: "Bringing together decision makers and influential business people in Doha offered PAIPED and the exhibiting Omani organisations a marvelous opportunity to engage and network with a range of public and private sector personnel. Indeed, the successful B-2-B networking sessions we held on the pavilion have resulted in Omani companies forging working ties with international firms." 

Among the Omani organizations exhibiting at the Congress were the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), as the new industrial hub aims to drive the future of Omani industry and encourage inward investment.

Saleh Hamood Al Hasani - Investor Specialist at SEZAD, said: "This PAIPED-driven event gave the SEZAD team a platform to demonstrate Duqm's industrial capabilities, its significant logistical advantages as well as financial incentives available to international investors. As the project grows in stature, we are looking to partner with leading companies and create a diverse and influential site - one that competes with the best in the world. Through matchmaking events and international trade fairs, like the one held in Doha, we are able to reach new audiences and make important business connections. These events are invaluable."

Moosa Jaffer Al Moosawai from the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), remarked: "Our previous success in promoting Omani products at a regional level has led us to explore overseas trade opportunities, make business connections and penetrate new markets. Our presence in Qatar has been incredibly beneficial and the importance of the Congress is mirrored by the size of the Omani delegation, which was the largest of all participating exhibitors. We firmly believe in the excellence of Omani products and will continue to promote our manufacturing sector and the unique advantages the Sultanate offers the international business community, particularly those with an eye on the developing markets of the Middle East, Asia and Africa."

PAIPED is capitalizing on Oman's competitive business edge and trade agreements to attract and win inward investment as well as facilitate and promote the export of Omani non-oil products and services. Al Faris commented: "Oman's non-oil exports rose by 16.4 per cent in the first 10 months of 2012 to RO2.85bn compared to RO2.45bn during the same period in 2011. And re-exports grew by 32.7 per cent to RO 2.42bn from RO1.82bn in the corresponding period of 2011. These are highly encouraging figures and clearly demonstrate the continued international demand for Omani products. These are trade figures we should be proud of."

-Ends-

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© Press Release 2013