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US-Oman Forum ends on high note
Delegates from 45 Omani and 25 US companies participate, hold B2B meets - By Ali Ahmed al Riyami - MUSCAT – Following the initial signing of an agreement between the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and the National US-Arab Chamber of Commerce for the formation of an Oman-US Business Council, the two-day US Oman Economic Forum ended at the Crowne Plaza Muscat yesterday.
Delegates from 45 Omani and 25 US companies, the Ministries of Health, Higher Education and Transport and Communications and Port of Sohar, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), Oman Shipping Company, Public Authority for Electricity and Water and the Supreme Committee for Town Planning, took part in the forum jointly organised by the OCCI, American Embassy Muscat and Iskan Oman Investment Company.
With the endorsed US-Oman Free Trade Agreement having already come into force on January 1, 2009, Omani businessmen have a greater opportunity to capitalise globally into new overseas markets, as well as attract investors and business partners. In this respect, the event proved to be a good opportunity for the participants to network and gain information in face-to-face, business to business (B2B) meetings.
Some of the participants and organisers at the event gave their comments to the Observer about the forum: Hamood al Bahlani, Head of Aviation Business, Ali Al Aufy Trading Company LLC, noted that the forum is a way in which the US and Oman can develop an economic interest and, as an organisation that has been operating for 22 years, they can look at opportunities in various areas including new technology and the aviation industry.
He said the forum has given them various opportunities to meet and discuss with other companies. He pointed out that the US delegates are looking for potential investments here and at the same time are seeking Omani companies to invest in the US.
US-Oman Forum ends on high note
Delegates from 45 Omani and 25 US companies participate, hold B2B meets - By Ali Ahmed al Riyami - MUSCAT – Following the initial signing of an agreement between the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and the National US-Arab Chamber of Commerce for the formation of an Oman-US Business Council, the two-day US Oman Economic Forum ended at the Crowne Plaza Muscat yesterday.
Delegates from 45 Omani and 25 US companies, the Ministries of Health, Higher Education and Transport and Communications and Port of Sohar, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), Oman Shipping Company, Public Authority for Electricity and Water and the Supreme Committee for Town Planning, took part in the forum jointly organised by the OCCI, American Embassy Muscat and Iskan Oman Investment Company.
With the endorsed US-Oman Free Trade Agreement having already come into force on January 1, 2009, Omani businessmen have a greater opportunity to capitalise globally into new overseas markets, as well as attract investors and business partners. In this respect, the event proved to be a good opportunity for the participants to network and gain information in face-to-face, business to business (B2B) meetings.
Some of the participants and organisers at the event gave their comments to the Observer about the forum: Hamood al Bahlani, Head of Aviation Business, Ali Al Aufy Trading Company LLC, noted that the forum is a way in which the US and Oman can develop an economic interest and, as an organisation that has been operating for 22 years, they can look at opportunities in various areas including new technology and the aviation industry.
He said the forum has given them various opportunities to meet and discuss with other companies. He pointed out that the US delegates are looking for potential investments here and at the same time are seeking Omani companies to invest in the US.
Tony Ward, General Manager – Real Estate and Business Development, Yahya Real Estate LLC, said they wanted to explore the level of interest shown by American companies in terms of partnerships, joint ventures and start-ups, adding that they are interested in exploring further business relationships with some of the US companies they have met.
Commenting on the property development projects here, he said there is tremendous potential and a good future for this in Oman, especially with coastal areas being almost completely undeveloped. He added, what he likes most about the way the government has tackled development is that they have not gone for mass development, but rather preserved the country’s natural beauty, especially its mountain areas.
This type of measured development is what is needed and will foster greater potential in tourism, industry and further infrastructure developments. Qudsiya bint Sultan al Busaidi, Senior Marketing Executive, Iskan Oman Investment Company, noted that the idea of the forum is to simplify and facilitate business dealings and ventures between Omani and US companies. They provide information on relevant rules and regulations and the commercial laws of both countries.
She said that the preceding seminar had focused on the economic challenges and on solutions to overcome them. Hopefully, the outcome of the forum will be to encourage more business between the two countries, encourage ventures in new fields and offer more opportunities, she added. Salim al Jahwari, Political Economic Analyst, Embassy of the USA, Muscat, commented on how the forum has succeeded in bringing together delegates from different sectors of the economy and allowed them to interact with their counterparts.
As a first step, he continued, it has provided a good learning experience and has been beneficial to all of the participants. From this initial personal introduction, follow-ups can take place and develop into mutually beneficial ventures, he added.
http://www.main.omanobserver.om/node/43212
