Sohar delegation visits Germany to explore business opportunities
Omani and German firms and institutions can work together in education, including vocational training, logistics, healthcare and tourism, said an AHK Oman official
MUSCAT: A business delegation from the Sohar region recently visited Germany, with the German Industry and Commerce Office – AHK Oman – stepping up its efforts to boost economic ties between the two countries.
“Recently, we organised and accompanied a business delegation visit of small and medium enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs together with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) from Sohar to different regions in Germany,” a senior official at AHK Oman told the Times of Oman.
AHK Oman, is part of the German Chamber network that has 130 offices in 90 countries all around the globe. AHK, as it is called in Germany, is the official representation of the German Industry and Commerce in foreign countries.
German expertise
Simone Lisker, head of office and representative of the German Industry in Oman, AHK Oman, explained that AHK is normally always involved if business delegations from Germany come to Oman as it is a government agency and is working closely with government institutions and export business assistance entities in Germany. “We also support and advise Omani delegations or visitors when they visit Germany,” said Lisker.
Commenting on the potential areas for further cooperation between the two countries, she said, “There is potential in many fields of business. Germany is a country that is active in most fields of the economic map. To name just a few, German entrepreneurs are worldwide leading in sectors such as mechanical engineering, automotive and renewable energy technology.”
In addition, Omani and German companies and institutions can work together in areas such as education including vocational training, logistics, healthcare and tourism, in addition to environmental technologies and all infrastructure developments, said Lisker.
The official explained that AHK Oman was established in 2009 as a minor representative office in Muscat and is related to the AHK network of the Lower Gulf Region including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Kuwait.
Regular events
AHK Oman, which is the official focal point for businessmen planning their market entry, organises regular events to provide a platform for German and Omani businessmen to exchange ideas, experiences and information in order to strengthen the relations and to foster the mutual businesses between the two countries, noted Lisker.
Asked about the short-term and long-term plans of AHK Oman to enhance bilateral trade, she said that export initiatives supported by the German government will continue to be an area of focus.
Workshops, symposia and conferences on topics of mutual interest such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, healthcare and education will also be held, said Simone Lisker.
Promotion
“We will certainly lose no opportunity to inform and promote in Germany the diverse business and investment opportunities in Oman through publication of articles in our newsletters, magazines and speaking at various conferences and occasions in Germany,” she added.
Asked if there is any plan to establish a joint business council, Lisker said, “So far, there is no joint business council existing. As far as we know an Omani German Friendship Association was founded here in Oman recently. This association could be a sort of a first step for a joint council.”
Visa facilitation
Commenting on visa facilitation initiatives, she noted that the German Embassy is the only authority that is able to provide and issue visas. “But of course we appreciate it a lot if the process is facilitated and business people and other travellers to Germany can get their visa more conveniently and in a shorter time. Effectiveness is one of the basic elements of successfully doing business and visas are the first step to successful business co-operation,” said the AHK Oman official.
“As far as we can assess the situation, especially during the current peak summer season when both, businessmen and tourists together with persons in need of healthcare, are travelling increasingly at the same time, a bit of a longer waiting time might still probably be unavoidable. We, therefore, always advise our friends and businessmen to plan well enough in advance, especially in this season,” said Lisker.
The German embassy recently introduced a new application form VIDEX which allows for an online completion, aimed at reducing the waiting time during an appointment for visas.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Send us your comments at facebook.com/timesofoman blog.timesofoman.com haveyoursay@timesofoman.com