Oman’s potential to be showcased at Expo 2020
To prepare for Oman's participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, the Commission General of Oman at the event scheduled to start in October has signed a number of agreements with public and private sector firms to work on a frankincense project initiative and develop Omani products for the global market.
A total of 18 institutions will work on the project in cooperation and coordination with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED), and Oman Trading Platform – Taiseer.
Taiseer will implement the project that will help develop and qualify Omani products for the world markets at Expo 2020 Dubai under the supervision of the Commission General of Oman for the event in cooperation with Oman Investment Authority (OIA) and other relevant government agencies.
“The project is part of the continuous efforts through which we seek to maximise the economic gains from the sultanate’s participation in Expo 2020, the most important of which is the tourist flow to Oman, and its visibility as an investment destination,” said Mohsen bin Khamis al Balushi, adviser at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, and Commissioner General of Oman at Expo 2020.
According to Eng Redha bin Jumah al Saleh, chairman of the Board of Directors of OCCI, supporting and encouraging national products has become imperative “as it is the way to create job opportunities in addition to their contribution to the success of the import substitution policy that means saving foreign currencies”.
Participation in Expo 2020 is considered a long-term investment for the future of Omani products because it will contribute to achieving the goals of Oman Vision 2040 by supporting the tourism sector and local companies, and enhancing the country's reputation as a prominent business destination.
Describing OIA’s role in the context of Omani products on the global stage, Nasser al Harthi, deputy head for operations, informed that the authority endeavours to enable SMEs to expand their markets abroad. “It looks forward to developing the efforts of state-owned companies in order to play a greater role in achieving national priorities and sustainable development, and to support the SMEs sector through various programmes and initiatives.”
On the occasion, Nada Bassam, director general of Taiseer, said, “We have organised several seminars, meetings and visits to productive families, craftsmen, rural and coastal women, and SMEs. The seminars aimed at preparing for participation in the frankincense project, and develop qualitatively and highlight Omani products in line with international standards and specifications for display in the sultanate’s pavilion at Expo 2020.”
A total of 18 institutions will work on the project in cooperation and coordination with ASMED, OCCI and Taiseer