Omani firms to participate in Verona marble and stone fair

Oman’s leading stone and marble producers will exhibit at Marmomacc, the world’s premier trade fair for the stone and marble industry in Verona, Italy during September 26 – 29, 2018.

Led by Ithraa – Oman’s inward investment and export development agency - five Omani firms will join exhibitors from over 145 countries for the four-day international show.

“With over 1,600 exhibitors drawn from 56 countries, Marmomacc is a major trade show on Ithraa’s annual event calendar, it offers Omani businesses great international exposure and unrivalled opportunities to meet with building trade representatives,” explained Nasima al Balushi, Ithraa’s Director General for Export Development & Acting Director General for Investment Promotion.

Oman has large deposits of gypsum, limestone, marble, laterite, chromite and kaolin, and the mining and mineral sector has seen growth over the past few years. A key market for Oman’s stone and marble sector will be emerging Asia which many expect to enjoy substantial growth over the next decade, including China, India, Indonesia and the Philippines.

“Urbanization and population growth are underpinning this demand,” remarked Nasima. Government spending on infrastructure is also rising. In addition to local construction, the One Belt One Road initiative, Saudi Vision 2030 and $1 trillion US infrastructure are likely to be key drivers supporting demand for Oman’s world-class building materials.

Local companies exhibiting at Marmomacc include: Hamood Al Rashidi & Brothers Trading Company, Gulf Stone Company, Al Shanfari Marble Company, Al Nasr Trading & Contracting Company and Al Ajmi Marble.

Ithraa has organized a national pavilion at Marmomacc for several years – a presence that has proven to deliver solid returns for participating Omani companies.

“Omani stone and marble companies attend the Verona show because they want to display their products and meet international buyers, architects and distributors. They know exactly what they want to achieve, greater brand recognition, widen their network of industry contacts and secure new contracts. It is a busy and exciting event,” commented Ithraa’s Nasima.