MUSCAT -- Oman's non-oil exports has increased by 25 per cent in the last few months and is poised to grow further according to the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE). "Oman's exports have increased by 25 per cent in the last few months thanks to the efforts of the authorities concerned and we are all set to scale greater heights in the coming months," Hamood Abdullah al Balushi, Director (Omani products), PEIE, told the Observer.
Only 20 per cent of the Omani products are exported while the rest is consumed locally. Oman's exports in 2012 have shot to RO 1,860.70 million, according to the statistics revealed by the National Centre for Statistics and Information last December compared RO 1,846.70 million during November 2012. With the sharpened focus and concerted efforts of the government represented by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (PAIPED) and PEIE, the growth trajectory is all set to rise further, according to him.
He said major products include processed food items as well as other canned foods and locally produced edible oils and beverages. The wide spectrum of exports included live animals, animal products, vegetable products, animal or vegetable fats and oils, prepared edible fats, animal or vegetable waxes, besides prepared foodstuff, beverages, vinegar, tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes, and others. Apart from the GCC customers, the main export partners are China which amount to nearly 30 per cent of total exports, South Korea at roughly 11 per cent and Japan 10.5 per cent. India, the United States and Thailand are other customers of Omani products followed by others.
"Foreign markets are explored through exhibitions and partnering in foreign events across the world. We are constantly looking for foreign customers and are exploring more and more foreign partnerships for advancement of local businesses across the globe. "With this vision, Oman has participated in an exhibition held in Saudi Arabia and its efforts to participate in the Doha Expo is gaining momentum as more and more companies are coming forward to represent at the major expo.
He added that the OCCI, PAIPED and PEIE are in close contact with each other on a regular basis complementing each other on various projects to increase the demand for local products abroad as well as inviting foreign investments into the country.
© Oman Daily Observer 2013
