1 October 2015

Muscat - Many of Oman's leading stone and marble producers are exhibiting this week at the Marmomacc International Trade Fair for Stone, Design and Technology in Verona, Italy.

Led by Ithraa, Oman's inward investment and export promotion authority, 5 local firms will join stone and marble industry exhibitors from over 145 countries for the four-day international trade fair.

Remarking on the importance of the Verona exhibition to local stone and marble producers, Mrs. Nasima Al Balushi, Ithraa's Director General for Export Development said: "In 2014, Marmomacc attracted 1,502 exhibitors and over 65,000 visitors from 145 countries. It's this kind of high-profile international exposure and business networking that appeals to the participating Omani firms. Indeed, we've had a pavilion at Marmomacc for several years and it's an event that's always delivered strong commercial returns for colleagues."

Mr. Christopher Vaz, General Manager of Services & Trade Marble LLC (FZC) remarked: "We've attended Marmomacc in the past and it's helped build international awareness of our product range and brand. Moreover, it's connected us with interior designers, consultants, project owners, trade merchants as well as dealers from around the world. We believe it's a trade show that delivers strong results and helps us grow and strengthen our market share."

Oman has significant deposits of gypsum, limestone, marble, laterite, chromite and kaolin, and the mining and mineral sector has experienced robust growth over the past few years. A key driver is the domestic construction sector, which despite current crude oil prices, shows no sign of slowing. Many in the business community expect the sector to remain strong particularly given the government's economic diversification plans as well as the fast growing middle class which is driving the sultanate's housing sector.

Mr. Esaam Al Qaffaf, General Manager of Hamood Al-Rashidi & Bros Ltd, commented: "Given the volume of exhibitors and trade visitors at the Verona show we're able to meet target groups and establish trade connections. The show is the ideal platform to present our product range and secure new business. We're excited about our participation."

Omani companies exhibiting at Marmomacc include Hamood Al Rashidi & Bros Trad.Co. LLC, Gulf Stone Company S.A.O.G, Services & Trade Marble and Mining L.L.C, Al Shanfari Marble Company L.L.C. and Al Nasr Trading & Cont. Co.

Mrs. Al Balushi explained: "Business at Marmomacc is brisk and from past experience I fully expect our pavilion to be very busy. Omani stone and marble companies attend the show because they want to display their products, meet buyers, architects, distributors and designers. Their objective is clear, get the company's name and product known and penetrate new markets, on that front, Marmomacc delivers in every respect."

-Ends-

Press Release 2015