Rules to be amended to support exhibitions, conferences sector: MoCIIP

As part of its efforts to support companies in the exhibitions and conferences sector, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) is working on amending the exhibition management regulations spelt out in Ministerial Decision No 182/2017.

A statement issued by the ministry said, ‘The new amendments will keep pace with the current economic condition in the sultanate. The amendments will provide facilities for companies that organise exhibitions and conferences and encourage them to expand, diversify and attract regional and international exhibitions, conferences and events to the sultanate.’

Further, the statement said, ‘The ministry will consider the views of stakeholders, including the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, exhibitions and conferences firms and the private sector in framing regulations before approval and issuance.’

According to the ministry statement, the amendments will include new formats of exhibitions in line with the current economic and health situations. Among these are virtual exhibitions which are organised on electronic platforms using applications.

It will also simplify procedures of permits for companies organising exhibitions and conferences and reduce the number of days to study applications after submission of all required documents.

‘The ministry is keen to follow up on all the commercial activities in the sultanate and the impact of the current conditions that the sultanate is facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,’ the statement said.

‘The ministry will continue to provide facilities for exhibitions and conferences organising companies to perform their activities.’

The Exhibitions and Conferences Committee of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry held its first meeting of 2021 on February 15 and demanded financial compensation and exemptions in government fees, rents and tax, in addition to discounts from the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre when activities resume.

The committee suggested the exhibitions sector be included for support by the Oman Development Bank and Raffd Fund for loans to SMEs to help these companies organise events.